This chapter is rated T for Zhao being an old man, sexual referances, and once scene of bloody violence. Enjoy!!

009

THE SHADOW

"Absolutely not. The DNIDAMs stay here. Your request is denied Colonel Zhao,"

Zhao scowled darkly as he tugged uncomfortably at his shirt collar.

Luxembourg had always been too cold for his liking, the land locked country seemingly under a constant curtain of grey cloud every time he visited.

Why The Führer had decided to set up most of his major weapons development in this miserable little nation was beyond him.

But here it was, and here, specifically at the research base of Lodonia, was what Zhao needed.

"Colonel Dolgey, I ask that you reconsider my request," The large man tried his best to smile, something the stouter officer wasn't buying as he steeped his fingers atop his office's large oak desk, "I know from personal experience what the DNIDAMs are capable of. They are the most adapt, the most strongest, and the most loyal DNIs created to date. My sources know you have since moved on to trying to incorporate their talents into a detachable Neurological Interface. Lodonia is squandering their talents using them as mere security guards,"

"They come under my command as disposable units, and I intend to keep it that way," the older man smirked, "And if I want them guarding the gates of Lodonia rather then gathering rust at New Gibraltar, then that's exactly what they're going to do,"

"But Colonel, my search for the Avatar is…"

"Of no concern to me," Zhao felt an eye twitch as Dolgey rose dangerously. He didn't like being interrupted, "As far as I'm concerned, this entire Avatar affair is nothing more then a vanity project dreamt up to earn you some extra points with the Führer. If you want to send your flagship halfway across the word chasing ghosts, that's your problem, but I won't squander my own resources just to inflate your ego!

"But Colonel…"

"But nothing. Situation resolved. The DNIDAMs will remain here, and if you even think about taking this to a higher authority…"

"Colonel Dolgey?"

"WHAT!?" the old soldier turned to face the uneasy lieutenant that suddenly replaced the map behind his desk, "I mean…yes what is it?"

"I have an open communication from the Sovereignty Sir, Major Artirius Meridiano needs to speak to Colonel Zhao. He says it's urgent,"

Dolgey gave his supposed comrade a dark look, Zhao merely cocking his head to one side with a sly smile. Artirius may not be in his good books right now, but he did still have wonderful timing.

"Fine, fine, put him through," the elder Colonel slumped back into his seat as he glared at the larger man, "But this had better be good,"

The lieutenant nodded as he looked down at the console in front of him, the blinded face of Zhao's right hand appearing moments later.

"Heil Sozin," The Major snapped off a salute, even though the camera was focused in too close to see, "I apologise for interrupting Colonels, but I have a urgent Communiqué from Berlin. Apparently it was routed to New Gibraltar, and then to Sovereignty when it was discovered you weren't there,"

"You're not exactly on my good side right now Meridiano," Zhao scowled darkly at the screen, although a small pang of glee crossed his mind at the look of irritation embedded in Dolgey's wrinkled face, "This had better be important if it couldn't wait for me to return to New Gibraltar.

"I would say it is fairly urgent sir," The Major glanced down at a unseen card, a strange thing to do for a blind man, "To Colonel Takanori Zhao, head of G.U.N. Forces at the Base of New Gibraltar, From the Head of State, Führer Julius Sozin, Berlin.

For your sterling efforts in the capture of the Ranger Unit known as Avatar and it's pilot, As of 1207 hundred hours on December 22nd, 2045, local time, you will hereby be granted the rank of General, with all the privileges therein. It is my hope that with this rank, you will be able to overcome any obstacles that have since stood in your way in the capture of our most difficult and evasive foe, and clear the path for eventual victory in this war.

With regards, Julius Sozin,"

"So, I've been promoted to General have I?" Zhao smiled at the look of horror that crossed Dolgey's face, "Well isn't that fortunate," he looked up at his bemused Major, "Artirius, you've just wormed your way back onto my good side congratulations. And as for you Colonel," the old man sunk deep into his chair as the newly promoted General leered over him, "That little request I made earlier…it is now and order,"

"Char…Charlotte…Char,"

"How's he doing?"

Katara didn't look over her shoulder as she placed the newly dampened cloth over Alistair's forehead, her brother casting worried glances between the officer and his sister as he ducked into the boy's bedroom.

"He's burning up," she sighed heavily as she pushed Aang's sweat ridden hair out of his face, "For a guy with no internal thermometer, he's certainty sweating like he's in the middle of the outback. Any sign of Forge?"

"Nope. She definitely wasn't in the Avatar, but…"Sokka sighed heavily, "I think something might of happened to her,"

"What makes you say that?"

"Charlotte Kyoshi," the elder sibling handed his sister a small electronic pad, "Illegitimate daughter of Nami Kyoshi and the reason the good Professor left Japan in the first place. According to her profile her parents didn't approve of their unborn granddaughter, and the father just didn't want to know. The sad thing is that poor little Charlotte was stillborn, but still named after a nurse that helped give birth to her. Fortunately for Kyoshi however, she was contacted by Professor Richard Roku with the promise of giving her daughter new life, by sealing her essence in something called…a Avatarium Crystal,"

"Essence? Like her soul?"

"I don't know. I was only able to get her profile. I don't have the clearance for anything else," Sokka shrugged while Katara read through the information before her, "But what I can tell you is that Charlotte's occupation according to her profile was Monitor of Installation Zero Six. Charlatan Forge is…or was…Nami Kyoshi's daughter,"

"And you're saying because we can't fire, and because Alistair's calling for Charlotte…" Katara felt her heart break at the thought of loosing the bazaar little monitor, "Oh no,"

"Something obviously happened to Forge on Atlantic," Sokka sighed as he sat down beside his sister on the edge of Alistair's bunk, "Until Al wakes up, we have no idea what happened, or where to go from here,"

"So…where are we now?"

"I don't know exactly, but it's somewhere near the southern tip of Africa," he laughed shakily as he rubbed the back of his neck, "I never realised how much I relied on Al and Forge's navigation skills until now,"

Katara didn't have the heart to even scowl at him. She just patted him gingerly on the shoulder, before rising up and heading out of the room.

"So what now?" Sokka ambled lazily behind her as she scrambled up to the cockpit, "You wanna head home? I'm sure Gran Gran could whip up something that would get him sobered up,"

"He's not drunk Sokka," Katara frowned as she brought up the holographic map, "He's just sick. We need medicine. Something beyond what we find laying around in Sydney's hospitals. Here," she pointed to a large red dot near the very southern tip of the African Continent, "There's a settlement about fifty klicks south of here. Map says…New Gibraltar,"

"New Gibraltar?" Sokka felt his elbow slip from the doorway as Katara headed for the Launch Bay, "As in the G.U.N. base New Gibraltar? The largest G.U.N. installation in the Pacific Basin?"

"That's the one,"

"That's crazy!" Sokka determinately continued the conversation as the two siblings barged into the Launch Bay on different levels, "The place is crawling with G.U.N. soldiers, and you just know your blind boyfriend put your name on their most wanted list,"

"One: Artirius is not my boyfriend," Katara's face flushed several shades of scarlet as she slid down the ladder to the deck, "Two, New Gibraltar is a big place. It's not like I'm gonna waltz in there with the Avatar and start blasting everything in sight until I get what I want!"

"Wait…you're not even going to take a Ranger?" Sokka just gawked at his sister as she ran over to a nearby deployment console, "Not even the Fortitude? Think of how you could sneak in with that thing!"

"I'll just take one of the RTVs," as if responding to her voice, one of the sleek onyx motorcycles slid out smoothly from it's deployment rack, "It's fast and reliable, and will get me there and back without loosing to much time. You meanwhile can make sure Alistair's as comfortable as possible. And if I find so much as a curly moustache or dorky glasses drawn on his face," Sokka felt a trickle of sweat run down his face as his darling sister glared daggers across the Bay, "You're gonna wish we'd left you behind on Atlantic. Clear?"

"Crystal Ma'am," her elder brother smiled shakily, before becoming serious once more, "Will you at least wear the G.U.N. uniform? I mean at least you'll blend in a bit better,"

"Sokka, it's like a hundred degrees out there! Besides, what's wrong with what I'm wearing now?"

"Have you seen yourself in a vest and hot pants?" He scowled as he placed his fists on his hips, "I have enough trouble keeping Al and Artie's hands off you, the last thing I need to contend with his half the Nationalist Armed Forces!"

"You know, I'd hit you, but I have better things to do right now," Katara tried to look intimidating, only for a small smirk to cross her face at the thought of Sokka valiantly trying to chase a thousand strong G.U.N. uniformed men, plus one Black Core officer with nothing but his bare fists, "I think I'll be gone a day maximum. That will give me enough time to search the city and find someone who might be able to help,"

"And then what?" A bewildered brother followed his sister back towards the cab, "We just bring him here?"

"We just give him…or her…Alistair's symptoms, they can whip up some kind of medication, and we all go on with our merry lives,"

"And what am I going to be doing while your on this little field trip?"

"Looking after Alistair," Sokka nearly ran into her as she whipped around suddenly outside the bunk rooms, waving a threatening finger under his nose, "And if I find so much as a curly moustache or crooked glasses drawn on his face, you're gonna know what it means to walk a desert to truly know it's size. Understand?"

Her brother snapped off a shaky salute, "Aye Aye Ma'am,"

"Good," Katara sighed as she entered the darkened room once more, settling down on the edge of Alistair's bunk as she removed the lukewarm cloth from his forehead and dipped it in the cool basin of water beside her, "Just keep him safe alright? He shouldn't get any worse but still…"

"I'll take good care off him sis," She felt her shoulders slump slighter at her brother's firm grip on them, "You better head out. I'll go make sure the bike's ready,"

She nodded quietly as he left, kneeling down beside her sick friend as he struggled against the thin sheets, a thin sheen of cold sweat covering his face.

"You stay here Alistair," gently he cupped his cheek, the distraught officer's movements slowly slightly as she whispered quietly into his ear, "Let me save you this time,"

"Char…Char…"
It hurt her to see him like this. He looked so venerable and helpless. She wanted to help him…

She would help him.

"I really hate this man,"

"He's only doing his job My Nephew,"

Zuko scowled darkly as the shadow of the Sovereignty fell across Bismarck's prow the sun framing one of the immense cannons almost perfectly as the mighty vessel drew up along side it's smaller counterpart.

"Summoning me like a dog to it's Master! Damn!!" Iroh jumped as Zuko's fist hit against the Island balcony's rail, his eyes narrowing to slits as a familiar looking Major, flanked on both sides by armed guards, made his way down the gangplank and across the Launch Deck, "Who does he think he is? What does he want anyway?"

"Perhaps a sorting game of Chess?" his Uncle cast a hopeful smile his nephew's way, only for it to disappear in an instant at the dark glare that was sent his way, "Or maybe not,"

"Most definitely not," had Zuko's fingers tightened so hard around the railing at the sound of the newest voice in the conversation, he would of sworn the wooden beam would have splintered, "Alas General, my business here is far more…serious,"

"Major Meridiano," The Captain's voice was low and dark as he turned to face the solemn officer, "Always a…pleasure. Why did you want to meet? Would you like me to paint a target on the side of my ship?"

"Hold your tongue Zuzu," Iroh winched at the twitch that made it's way into Zuko's eye at the sound of one of his less favourable nicknames, Artirius' voice hard and cold as the soldiers at his side tensed at the Captain's tightened fists, "Unless you want me to cut it out for you, you'll shut up and listen to what I have to say. I didn't catch up with you to listen to your sarcasm,"

"Really?" Sozin gritted his teeth angrily, barely containing the urge to strangle the younger man before him, "So what, prey tell, is the point of this little meeting?"

"Information…and advice," Meridiano folded his arms across his chest carefully, "I thought you should know Zhao has been promoted to General. He's now the most powerful man in these waters…and isn't to be trifled with,"

"Zhao has been promoted?" Iroh tried to break the heavy tension that had smothered the balcony, "Well, good for him,"

"But not good for you," the former General flinched at the harsh tone in the Major's voice, "Zhao's hunt for the Avatar has been given the highest priority by the Führer himself. Any information pertaining to it or it's Courier must be reported to the General,"

"Is that what you're here for?" Zuko placed a threatening hand on his pistol, Meridiano's men bringing their rifles up to bear at the motion, "To force the last scraps of information from me? Sorry to disappoint you, but I know about as much about the Avatar as you do,"

Artirius indicated to his men to stand down, "I'm not your enemy here Zuko. I realise how important you think capturing the Avatar is to you…"

"I don't think, I know," The Captain scowled darkly, "My father sent me out into the world with nothing but my Uncle for guidance and a fifty year old wreck full of malfunctioning Rangers and perverted crewmembers. It is my duty to retrieve the Avatar and return it to my father. My honour is at stake!"

"You just don't get it, do you?" Zuko felt a chill run down his spin as Artirius' face contorted into a look of anger and frustration, his teeth bared like an animal on the verge of attacking, "When will you get it through you're thick skull that you can't just take another person's honour away just like that! Only you can disgrace yourself, and what you did…" He took a deep steadying breath, "What you did back then…was the most honourable thing I have ever seen,"

"What I did was the most foolish thing I've ever done," Sozin turned his head away sulkily, "My Father was right to exile me,"

"You're father is a powerful…and dangerous man. But you were right to stand up against him to protect those weaker then yourself. There is no dishonour in that, no matter what your father says,"

"Tell that to the Führer,"

"I knew you would say that. Which is why I'm going to give you this advice. If you head directly east from the southern most tip of New Guinea, you'll eventually hit a small island out in the South Pacific, far enough out and small enough that you'd have to know it was there to find it. It's uninhabited, but there's plenty of resources, and it's location keeps it relatively warm throughout the year. As a friend, or at the very least a comrade, I want you to take your ship…and stay there until Summer's End,"

"You…you want me to run?" Zuko felt the anger boil up in his throat once more, "Hide like a mouse from a cat like a coward?"

"No. I want you to live," The Major spoke with such sincerity the Captain found it hard not to believe him, "I remember what you were like before your exile Zuko. Admittedly, you were never the cheeriest of humans, especially after what happened to your mother, but seeing you here…you've changed, become obsessive due to your father's own arrogance. I want you to go to that island and stay there, because I know that if you continue down your current path…it will end in your death. This world…it's changing Zuko, and by next year's Summer's End, humanity will be on a whole new path. I would prefer it that you would be there to see it,"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Each of Zuko's words was laced with venom, "But I don't need your pity, or your advice. I will capture the Avatar before Zhao. I will regain my honour in my father's eyes, and you, of all people, will not stand in my way on the path to achieving that goal with your talk of change and death,"

The Major sighed, letting his shoulders sag slightly, "Then I have run out of things to say. If you will not listen, then I will not stop you from throwing your life away," he indicated to his soldiers, who bowed to him before making their way back inside, "I'm returning to New Gibraltar. I'm tired of sailing these oceans, especially when the Courier has gone off the map. Perhaps General Zhao has had more luck,"

He turned to follow his men back towards the Bridge, only to halt mid-turn as something occurred to him.

"I will add this though," he turned to face the tense Captain once more, "You don't like me Zuko. I don't have to see to know that much. I know I haven't done much to earn your friendship, be it recently, or back in Berlin…and I know you have no reason to trust me. But if you believe any one thing I say, then let it be this," Sozin froze as Artirius held out a hand, "I hope you find what you're looking for,"

Zuko looked down at the hand for a full minute, before hesitantly taking it with a shake.

And for the first time in three years, Zachariah Sozin found himself feeling something other then hatred or irritation towards the young Major:

Respect.

New Gibraltar.

Neither the simple utopia of Kyoshi, nor the high tech fortress of New York, it was simply a small collection of pale buildings along dust ridden roads surrounding the military G.U.N. base, a large dirty white wall making sure all officials within knew everyone that came in and out of their 'fair' city.

And judging by the guards on either side of the open gate, it was not many people either way.

Standing at twelve feet tall, both machines were limber and gaunt, their hands ending in four clawed fingers and thumb, with no identifiable entry hatch across it's chest.

Bringing the RTV slowly up to the nearby vehicle storage tank at the side of the gate, Katara felt a wave of uneasiness overcome her, all the time acutely aware of the single blood red eyes following her every move, each set into the thin V-shaped slice in the almost humanoid head set into a small niche at the top of it's body, giving it the appearance of somewhere wearing an incredibly high collared shirt.

As she slowly approached, she felt her eyes narrow at the sight of the symbol of G.U.N. emblazed on the mechas' right hand shoulders, several block capitals on their left sending strange shivers down her spine:

D.N.I.D.A.M.

"Halt," The tanned girl was shook from her thoughts as a skeletal hand pushed her back from the entrance to the dusty city beyond, "State you business for your journey to New Gibraltar,"

The voice was high and mechanical, nothing like those of the officers that guarded New York. There was something distantly familiar about it, and yet at the same time frightening.

"My…My name is…Charlotte," she tried to smile shakily, but failed miserably under the machine's crimson gaze, "I've come from a nearby village. You see my…my friend is sick, and we don't have the medication to…"

"What is your intention?"

"I just need to find some medicine for my friend," the feeling that things were not going as smoothly as she had hoped continued to grow in the depths of her mind, "I won't be long I promise. Let me just find a doctor and…"

"Access granted," Katara blinked as the large suit settled back into it's original guarding position, "The nearest doctor's surgery with Pharmacy requirements is located in the Main Street. Take a left at the Main Gate, and continue on for three blocks, then turn right. If you reach the Military Base, you have gone too far. Thank you for visiting New Gibraltar, and we hope you have a pleasant stay,"

"Oh…well…thanks," She smiled awkwardly as she passed through the large arch into the deserted streets beyond, "I'll just…beyond my way then,"
The DNIDAM didn't reply. It just continued to stare ahead, as though their conversation had never happened.

As she began to walk briskly down the route she had been directed however, Katara couldn't help but feel something was very, very wrong.

IDENTITY CONFIRMED.

NAME: KATARA AGURA

AGE (TO NEAREST YEAR): EIGHTEEN

CHARGES: SUSPECTED RANGER PILOT AND/OR MECHANIC, STEALING A G.U.N. RANGER UNIT, POSSIBLE AFFILIATION WITH THE COURIER OF THE AVATAR.

TO BE APPREHENDED AT ALL COSTS!!

"So, Artirius' little friend turns up in my lowly harbour," Zhao stared calmly at the image of the awkward looking girl on the Command Centre's big screen, blowing a ring of light grey smoke around her pert features as he tapped his cigarette into his Command Chair's ashtray, "How long until the good Major returns home?"

"At last call, Sovereignty was recorded at making best speed for New Gibraltar sir. Estimated time of arrival: One hour,"

"Excellent," The General took another drag of his cigarette as he lent back in his chair, "Have one of the DNIDAMs follow her for now. Let's see what she does…"

His quarters were dark, but he didn't care.

Seated at his desk, Zuko cradled his head in his hands, amber eyes staring at the lamp through his fingers as his mind filled with thoughts of despair and hopelessness.

"What am I going to do?" he asked no one in particular, "Zhao has pulled all my options beyond my reach…there must be something I can do…"

"Zuko?" The Captain looked up as his Uncle peeked around the open door cautiously, "Is everything alright? You've been locked in your quarters since the Major left. The men are worried,"

"I don't care," Sozin sighed bitterly as he rested his elbows on his desk, "It doesn't matter anymore,"

"It matters to you," Iroh stepped fully into the darkness of the room, "You mustn't give up Zuko. You can still find the Avatar before Zhao if you put your mind to it,"

"And how exactly should I do that, General?" the elderly man winced slightly at the harsh tone of his nephew's voice, "With Zhao's resources it's just a matter of time before he captures the Avatar," Zuko sighed bitterly as he cast his gaze back down into his hands, My honour, my right, my nation…I'm about to lose them all,"

"So you don't know anything that would help?" Katara stared desperately into the aging eyes of the grey haired woman before her, "Anything at all?"

"I'm sorry my dear, but unless you bring your friend here, I can't really prescribe anything," the doctor sighed, "Your description of his symptoms covers about half a dozen different illnesses, and if I give you the wrong medication…well…your friend might just go from bad to worse,"

"I see," Katara bit back a angry retort, her hands clenching under the counter, far from the old woman's eyes, "Well…thanks anyway,"

"Perhaps I could come with you back to your village?" she smiled helpfully, "I could bring a medical kit and…"

"No," the young girl held up a hand in alarm, "I wouldn't want to cause you any more trouble. I'll just have to hope he'll come out of it by himself,"

"Well if you're sure," the doctor sighed as she lent against the counter between them, "I'm sorry my dear, but unless I see the patient myself, I can't really prescribe anything. It's a pity. He sounds really in the rough,"

"You don't know the half of it,"

"Thanks anyway," Katara smiled half heartedly, "I guess I'll just have to hope and pray,"

"I hope he gets better soon Dear," the old woman smiled sadly, "If he gets any worse though, I really think you should call by again. I'll be more then happy to look him over,"

"We'll see," the younger girl merely smiled shakily over her shoulder with a nod, before saying her goodbyes and heading back out into the dusty streets.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"DAMMIT!!"

She slammed her fist hard against the creamy surface of the nearest building she could find the moment she was out of the Doctor's earshot, spasms of pain rushing through her fingers and up her arm at the impact.

"Ow," Katara whimpered pathetically as she cradled her bruised limb, sighing as she kept the shadows of the quiet streets.

Only as she turned into the main street of the city did she realise how quiet.

Not a single person was in sight. Across the wide space before her, not even a stray wondering among the alleyways. It was though the entire population had suddenly got up and left.

And yet…

As she slowly walked through the main street, she could feel at least a hundred pairs of eyes staring at her from first shop windows and the shadows of alleyways.

They definitely knew something she didn't.

"Katara Agura,"

Katara froze as a voice from above called her name, their tone high and mechanical, with something distantly familiar about it, and yet at the same time frightening.

Turning around slowly on the spot, she felt her blood run cold at the sight of the mech silhouetted against the sun.

Standing atop the building at the end of the street, a trio of DNIDAMs stood poised at the very edge of the structure, their skeletal arms folded across their cockpits, three single red eyes staring down upon her.

"Katara Agura," the voice sent chills down her spine as the centre mech's eye flashed dangerously, "You stand accused of crimes against the Führer and the German Unified Nation, including charges of suspected Ranger piloting and Ranger mechanical knowledge, as well as affiliation with G.U.N.'s most wanted criminal, The Courier of the Avatar. You are hereby under arrest. Do not resist,"

"Yeah…never gonna happen!" she smirked devilishly, before taking off back down the high street, "See you later…or not!"

She barely managed to jump clear as the ground where had been standing moments before exploded in a plume of dust and debris, the metallic shriek of mechanical limbs screaming in her ears as the machines sprinted across the rooftops.

Small cratered the path behind her as she ran, blood red bolts of light peppering a nearby building as she darted behind it.

Katara's breathing became hard and laboured as he darted and wove through New Gibraltar's alleyways, the constant clanking of her fearsome attackers above urging her feet to move faster then she had gone in her life.

"Just imagine Sokka's chasing you with his dirty sweaty socks!" She smirked slightly, despite the situation, "Just like back when we were kids. Yeah, come on Katara, you can do it, you can do it you can…"

White hot pain suddenly seared through her body as a laser finally met it's mark, a crimson sticky liquid erupting from her right arm and splattering against her tanned skin as she fell to the baking sands

She screamed, long and loud as blood spilled over her fingers trying to block the wound.

Stars danced across the edge of her vision as tears sprung to her eyes, the pain becoming unbearable as three shadows slowly surrounded her

As darkness slowly clouded her mind, she frowned as another familiar figure joined the fearsome ones surrounding her. A middle aged woman with tanned skin and dark hair, a welcoming smile gracing her features as she held out her hands to the bleeding girl.

The world went black, steel cold hands roughly grabbed her as consciousness slipped from her, and a single word escaped her lips as she finally succumbed to her wound:

"M…Mother,"

He shifted quietly through the night, a mere shadow blending in with the darkness between buildings, his mechanical limbs moving without a sound as he leapt up to the rooftops, his onyx form perched on the very edge as he looked towards the base beyond, a fragile wire mesh fence the only thing dividing the town from the faculties.

"Too easy,"

With the faintest of hisses, the Exo-suit's armour slowly seemed to dissolved into it's surroundings, the barest puff of dirt around his feet giving away an otherwise invisible machine as he jumped clear over the fence, the slightest shimmer in the air his only sign of movement as he sped across the outskirts of the complex towards his goal.

"He won't come sir,"

"And what makes you say that?"

"The DNIDAMs recorded her mentioning a friend in need of medication. After what happened at Atlantic Base, it's safe to assume Lt. Aang is the man she is trying to help. If he's truly sick, then he simply won't be able to spring your trap,"

Katara groaned painfully as the stench of cigarette smoke choked her lungs, one hand subconsciously going to the bandage now tightly wound around her wound as she sat up slowly on the hard wooden bench she had been lain upon…

Only to face to face with solid iron bars.

"So…you're awake," Katara gagged as a puff of smoke flew straight into her face, it's owner smirking quietly as he studied her from the corridor beyond, "Major Meridiano's little friend. I must say Artirius," the giant of a man grinned over at the familiar blinded young man standing behind him, "You have great taste,"

"Who…" the young girl wafted the arid smoke away from her eyes as her captor took another drag of his cigarette, "Who are you?"

"Who am I?" the giant rose an eyebrow at Artirius, "You mean you didn't tell her?"

"I may have mentioned you in passing General," The Major looked off to one side, as though not particularly interested, "I didn't think it was important,"

"Well you thought wrong," The man blew another breath of smoke into the air above, him, turning his cruel gaze on the uneasy girl before him, "I am General Takanori Zhao, head of Pacific and South African Operations, and you my dear…are my prisoner,"

Her eyes widened in realisation, "You that other guy after Alistair!"

"If you mean the Courier, then yes," Zhao smiled eerily, A shiver of uneasiness shooting up Katara's spine, "I don't know how he's evaded the Nation for a hundred years, but with your help, his little game of hide and seek will soon be over,"

"I'll never help you!!"

"I never said you had a choice," The general through the cigarette butt to the floor, "If you'll excuse me, I have the masses to address. The Major will remain here however to keep himself…" something perverted crossed the elder man's face, "occupied,"

For the first time since she had awoken, fear clenched at the young girl's heart as Zhao turned towards the prison exit, stopping only once to mutter something in Meridiano's ear, just loud enough for her to hear.

"Have fun Artirius, but try not to make her scream…too much,"

Takanori Zhao had never had much use for women.

Things such as sexual pleasure and other erotic…activities had never given him much contentment.

It was the people that gave the General a certain pleasure that only women could provide other men of his stature.

A throng of soldiers packed into the expansive courtyard below, all chanting his name as he stepped out of the gloom of New Gibraltar's Command Tower. All falling silent as he took his place on the balcony above their heads, all eyes turning to him as he rose his arms to the masses, his voice booming out across the Base so that every single being with the complex and the city could hear his voice.

"My soldiers, my comrades! For one hundred years, we have been the strongest nation of the world. No one has dared opposed us since our heroic Day of Blood! The New Soviet Union sits behind it's boarders, quaking in their boots. The cowardly United States is pushed further and further back into it's own territory with every passing day. And now as I speak, I tell you now we are one step closer to defeating the greatest foe that has haunted the minds of our fathers and their fathers for so long.

The Avatar! The mightiest of Rangers that has become a legend in it's own right. The machine that has plagued our thoughts, scared our children, and currently wanders the world, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, is now on the cusp of it's own defeat.

For in our very prison, we hold a comrade of the Avatar's pilot; a weak pathetic young girl, a perfect specimen of the rot the Courier surrounds himself with. And I tell you this: by Sunrise tomorrow, she will be broken! And by the end of tomorrow, we shall have the greatest machine known to mankind in our grasp and NO ONE HALL STAND IN OUR WAY!!" A rousing cheer rose up from the courtyard, "This is the year my comrades! This is the year Sozin's Comet spreads it's justice across the world, destroying all those who do not walk our path, and making the world safe for our children, and our children's children! This is the year my solders, that Washington falls, the year that Moscow falls, AND THE YEAR THAT WE, THE GERMAN UNIFIED NATION, RISES ABOVE ALL AND TAKE WHAT IS RIGHTFUL OURS!!"
The thunderous applause, the deafening cheers, the unified chanting of his name.

"Let Artirius have his way with women," Zhao smirked to himself as he held his hands wide to the masses below, "I have something far more invigorating…and far more satisfying,"

"Waltzing right into New Gibraltar with not even a Exo-suit to back you up," Artirius sighed as he leaned his back up against the bars, "You have nerve Miss Katara…and spirit," he turned his head slightly, as though to look at her out of the corner of his eye, "It's something I admire about you,"

"Right now…I kinda wish I had neither," she hugged her knees up to her chin, refusing to meet the Major's gaze, "Just look where it got me,"

"Is he really so sick you would risk capture?"

…

"Yes,"

"I see," Meridiano frowned, as he folded his arms across his chest, turning his gaze to the steel wall opposite, "He can't have been able to handle the pressure. He's not used to it,"

She looked up carefully. "Not used to what?"

"Haven't you seen it? It's really quite hard to miss. Haven't you ever seen the Avatar…with angel's wings?"

Something clenched at Katara's heart as fragmented memories flashed through her mind. The Avatar shining with blinding white light, angels wings erupting from it's ion thrusters as burning beams scored the land around it.

"Yes…I know you've seen it at least once, back on the bed of the Atlantic," Artirius smirked slightly, "Not many people realise it's that power, not the Ranger itself that the Führer fears. On it's own, even by today's standards, Avatar would be considered little more then a grunt type machine, in league with units such as Endurance and Fortitude. But with it the power it possesses…" he smiled over her shoulder at her, revealing an array of pearly white teeth, "Haven't you ever wondered what truly powers that remarkable machine?"

"How do you know so much? What makes you think for even a second I believe a word that comes out of your mouth?"

"I don't expect you to believe me Miss Katara…well, not yet anyway," the Major continued to smile as he turned fully to face, squatting down so he came level with her face across the cell, "But to suffice to say, I know more about the Avatar then even Mr. Aang does. For example, only I know what truly powers that immense machine,"

"And what is this amazing power source Major know-it-all?"

"What else?" if Katara could have seen Artirius' eyes, she would have sworn they would have been glinting, "What else but the last fragments of the universe that preceded this one:" she couldn't help but lean in slightly, her mind reluctantly curious as the Major rose to his full height once more, a un-characteristically triumphant grin adorning his pale face, "Avatarium!"

Then…the entry door exploded.

She screamed in shock as the two slabs of metal were flung from their hinges, dust and debris flying in all directions as Meridiano turned calmly towards the ruined remains.

"You took your time,"

Out of the clouds, a Exo-Suit seemed to materialise before Katara's eyes; a solid black machine, nine feet tall, comprised of overlapping plates to allow easy movement, two pinprick blue eyes peering down from it's stormtrooper-like head as it's wrist mounted blaster clicked back into it's arm.

"I got here as fast as I could," the speech was clearly modulated; a low mechanical tone, completely masking the pilot's voice, "Is he here?"

"No,"

"Then why did you contact me!?" The blaster was out once more, it's miniature barrel aimed firmly at Artirius' forehead.

"Because this girl is his companion,"

There was a lengthy pause, before the arm slowly lowered, the suit's tiny blue eyes turning to regard Katara quietly.

"The Australian girl?"

"Very astute. I'm sure if you were to get Miss Katara out of here alive and in one piece, she'd be more then happy to introduce you to Mr. Aang…providing you don't scare her off with that ugly mug of yours,"

"Watch your tongue Major. If I wanted sarcastic quips, I could of stayed home. An you," Katara blinked as she realised who the mysterious pilot was addressing, "I get you out of here, you take me to The Courier. Seem fair?"

"Yeah…I guess,"

"Then we're in agreement," The young girl felt uneasiness overcome her as the bars to her cell were pulled away, "Miss Katara," The Major held out a hand to her, "It's time for you to go. The guards will be here any minute,"

She gazed stonily at the hand, slowly turning her dark blue eyes up to Artirius' masked ones.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because I know what Zhao is capable of," even through his crimson veil, Katara knew Artirius' eyes were piercing hers, "I've seen a great many terrible things happen in this room. I've seen the strongest of men screaming their surrenders as he pulls their fingers from their sockets. I've seen blood spray across this room as he cleaves entire limbs off with a chain saw. I've seen that man laugh as his victims die in a pool of their own blood and vomit.

I've seen what General Zhao can do…and I don't want to see what he can do to you,"

She paused only for a moment more, before carefully slipping her tanned hand into his paper pale one.

"Here, take this," she felt something pressed into her free hand as she was pulled to her feet, "Give it to Mr. Aang. It's a stimulant. You should see the effects almost immediately,"

Katara looked down at the object curiously, her eyes widening slightly as she recognised the odd shape of a hypoinjector; a roughly pistol shaped object with a barrel that narrowed down to a thin blunt tube, the clear six centimetre cylinder inserted into the rear of the device containing a clear blue liquid.

She looked up at him suddenly.

"Come with us,"

"I can't,"

"Why not?"

"Because you don't just leave the G.U.N. military," She looked over at the Exo-suit clad pilot, the tall man now standing watch by the ruins of the door, "Not unless you're insanely rich or have friends in high places. Omitting those kind of people, there's only two ways to get out of this life: you die, or you get too old to pull the trigger. If you run, they'll hunt you down to the ends of the Earth, and when they catch you…they turn you into a DNIDAM,"

"D…DNIDAM?"

"The solders that guard this city, the Second Generation DNIs: Direct Neurological Interfaced Defence and Assault Mecha," Artirius' features became grave, "The drug you up, plug you in, and seal the hatch. Once you're jacked in, you can't jack out, and you're a mindless slave of G.U.N. for the rest of your life,"

"Just like being a regular soldier, without the paycheck,"

"But we've wasted enough time," Katara squeaked as she found herself being pushed towards the armoured man, "Get her to safety, understand?"

"Yeah, yeah I got it. We better get going. Zhao's speeches only go on for so long,"

"No wait!" she batted away the metallic hand of the Exo-Suit as it tried to pull her away, "Why are you letting me go? There has to be more to this. Why let a prisoner with clear ties to the Courier and the Avatar just…"

She suddenly found herself silenced as the world around her went quiet, her words ding in her throat as she felt Artirius' lips against her own.

Her first kiss was nothing like she expected, just a simple and chaste touching of lips, going no further and not even trying too.

She didn't close her eyes. She wasn't even sure he had closed his own. She just stared up into his crimson blindfold wordlessly, a chill running up her spine as she realised how cold his skin was against her.

"Ugh…I think I'm going to be sick,"

The sounds of the world returned as the moment was broken, a breath catching in her throat as The Major's lips left hers.

"Nothing changes," Artirius' voice was solemn and calm, "Everything is exactly the same as it was moments ago. And the moment you step out of those doors, we stand on opposite sides of the battlefield once more. Now get going,"

She didn't say a word, nor did she struggle as she felt the Exo-Suit's hand on her shoulder, steering her out of the prison into the corridor beyond.

Slowly her limbs began to move of their own accord, breaking herself free of her appointed bodyguard's grasp as she began to run along side him, but not before stealing a last glance over her shoulder at the Major as he watched them go, a part of her mind wondering if Sokka had been right about her state of dress.

Pride.

That's what Zhao felt as he strode purposefully down the corridors of New Gibraltar's Prison Complex.

Pride at what he had accomplished.

That he alone was about to make the greatest capture in the history of G.U.N. He was about to succeed where three successive Führers and one exile had failed. He could see where this could lead. With this victory he could control, manipulate, gain power, and maybe even become Führer himself. Yes…it was only a matter of time before the Sozins were overthrown.

"I want a full transcription of my speech sent to the Führer immediately," He spoke sharply to the Ensign that trotted quickly beside him, "Along with glowing testimonials from all of the ranking officers present, as well as…What is that?"

He held out a arm to stop the soldier's footsteps, his eyes narrowing as he tried to pick out the sounds of fast paced metallic footsteps against stone.

"Perhaps one of DNIDAMs, General?"

"No, the steps are too heavy and far between," Zhao growled deeply as he pulled a pistol from his belt, "What I think we have here is…"

A the last two people Zhao wanted to see rounded the corner, the General's eyes narrowed to slits.

"A Shadow class Exo-Suit,"

"Aw hell,"

A burst of bright red energy speared from the Exo-Suit's wrist blaster, the General and his man sent sprawling as the roof above exploded, the concrete filling the corridor in a matter of moments as the pilot and his escapee fled in the opposite direction.

"Should…should I hold off on sending that speech to the Führer sir?" The Ensign coughed weakly as Zhao picked himself off the floor.

"Forget that!" The young man squeaked in terror as he was yanked to his feet by the front of his uniform, "Sound the alarm! Mobilise all Ranger units!" He threw the poor soldier halfway down the corridor, the young man stumbling as he took off at run to carry out his orders, "AND FIND ME MAJOR MERIDIANO!! I'LL HAVE HIS HEAD FOR THIS!!"

Alarms blaring.

Searchlights slicing through the night.

Rangers stomping between darkened warehouses and hangers.

Such was the chaos New Gibraltar Base found itself in that night.

Katara panted heavily as she felt hard pressed to catch up with her mysterious bodyguard, his wrist blaster spewing crimson blasts of energy across the base as they fled for the surrounding gate.

"Keep up!"she shot the masked man a dark look as a Fortitude rounded the corner of a nearby Hanger, it's mono-eye glowing blood red in the darkness, "Stop stalling!"

"Well I'm sorry for not having Exo-enhanced strength!" she spat angrily a massive shells were spat across the starry heavens from the Ranger's rifle, "I can only run so fast!"

Any retort on her companion's part was lost as the fence before them exploded from the impact of raining shells.

"Let's go!" She cried out in surprise as she found herself thrown onto the Exo-Suit's shoulder, the pilot tearing through the remains of the fence and into the streets beyond, "we can lose them in the city!"

"Now wait a minute!" Katara cringed as her supposed saviour started to bound down alleyways and passageways, her stomach clenching tightly with every jump, the Hypoinjector clutched hard against her chest, "Ugh, never mind,"

"General Zhao. I'm sorry, but I can't track them through the city. Too many heat signatures,"
"Then level the city if you have too! I want the prisoner captured immediately!"

"But sir…destroying New Gibraltar could lead the citizens to defy us! Besides…won't we be killing the prisoners if we start demolishing buildings around her?"

"Ugh…fine, fine. Return to Base, we'll head them off at the Main Gate, it's the only way in or our of the city. We'll head them off there,"

"Yes sir,"

Artirius smiled slightly as he watched the chaos ensue from his perch atop the roof of the Base's South west watch tower, eyes unseen watching the Fortitude as it headed for New Gibraltar's main street to head off Zhao's escapees as he listened to the ensuing conversation on his belt's radio.

"Shouldn't we help them?"

The Major turned his head slightly to regard the Monitor that floated quietly by his head, before turning his gaze back towards the Main Gate.

"They're escaped prisoners. How do you think it would look if I were to help them now?" He shot his companion a comforting smile over his shoulder, "Don't worry yourself. They'll get through alright,"

"How do you know?"

The Major paused only for a moment before replying.

"I just do,"

"They're not following us," Through her sickness, Katara frowned as she watched the Fortitude lift off in blast of blue ion jets, the concrete coloured Ranger returning to the Base beyond, "I've never seen G.U.N. just turn tail and run like that,"
"They're not running,"

"Huh?" the young girl blinked as she felt herself lowered to the ground, confusion filling her eyes as she stared up at her shadowed companion, "What makes you say that?"

"Because they're waiting for us,"

She only had to follow his gaze to see what he meant.

Two Fortitudes.

A dozen DNIDAMS

Innumerable G.U.N. soldiers.

And standing in the centre…one smug looking General.

"I must admit, I am impressed," Zhao smirked triumphantly, taking a great deal of pleasure from the uneasiness that overcame his prisoner and her Shadow clad companion, "I n all my years as head of the Forces at New Gibraltar, no prisoner has ever gotten this far. But now…it is all over. Come quietly and I promise you won't be hurt…too badly,"

"Like Hell!"

Katara cried out in pain as she was roughly pulled against onyx armour, the cry becoming a pathetic squeak as she found a wrist mounted dagger at her throat.

"Put down your weapons!" The General held up a hand as the sound of weapons priming filled the still night, "We need the girl alive,"

"Well she won't be alive much longer if you don't back off!" The pilot pulled his captive closer to his armoured chest, "She doesn't mean a thing to me, only easy cash. Put the guns down and step away from the Main Gate," Nobody moved, "DO AS I SAY OR YOU LOSE THE ONLY LINK TO THE AVATAR YOU HAVE!!"

The silence was near deafening. Conflict raged through Zhao's features as he stared into the pin-prick eyes of the Exo-Suit, before finally signalling to his men.

"Lower your weapons," his teeth were so tightly shut only the soldiers nearest to him heard his orders, "Open the gate,"

"General?"

"That's an order! She's no good to us dead,"

One by one, the rifles lowered, from the ordinary men , to the Fortitudes above as the orders were passed back.

"Now that's more like it," Katara almost heard the triumph in the pilot's synthesized voice as the large iron gates slowly creaked open, "Now move aside. If I catch any of you following us, it's her blood on your hands, understand?"

No one said a word. They merely did as they were told, parting like the Red Sea until they lined the sides of the street.

Slowly but surly, the Pilot and his captive made their way towards the gate, his pinprick eyes darting from left to right, the blade digging slightly into Katara's neck.

"No one move, understand?" He whipped around quickly upon approaching the gate, "If I see one soldier make a move in this direction, I'll kill her Understand?"

Silence reigned over the city. Not even Zhao made a sound.

Satisfied with their soundless reply, the pilot began to drag Katara backwards across the desert sands towards the horizon.

"Sir?" Zhao didn't take his eyes off the rapidly diminishing form of the Shadow Exo-Suit and his prisoner as a officer tentatively approached his superior, "Why…Why did we let them go?"

"When you've been in the military as long as I have soldier," The General ripped the stunned man's rifle from his hands, giving it in turn to the DNIDAM that had appeared at his left hand shoulder, "You find out that certain situations require…precision. Can you get a clear shot?"

The cyborg held the weapon firmly up to it's eye level, as though it were looking down the scope of a sniper rifle.

"Target confirmed,"

"Good. Knockout the thief. I want to know who hired him,"

"Orders acknowledged,"

There was a brief pause.

A single shell was fired.

The Exo-suit fell down with a satisfying crack.

And then…the sands between them exploded.

There was screaming. Terror. The sound of energy fire screaming through the night as the taste of sand and dirt filled her mouth

But despite this, all Katara could do was stare at the prone form of her unconscious companion, the impact of the bullet having dislodged the face plate, revealing his familiar scarred features for all to see.

Zuko.

He had been knocked unconscious from the bullet, the lights around the innards of the Exo-Suit slowly powering down, pinning a great weight against his body.

For a moment she turned to run. Run as far from him as possibly could. A thousand different emotions raged through her mind. Fear, anger, hate…compassion.

She couldn't just leave him here, not after all he had done to rescue her, even if it was for his own gain.

"But how am I gonna get him out of here?" she turned anxiously back towards New Gibraltar as her sandy shield began to dissipate, "My bike's back at the Main Gate, and there's no way I can lift that heavy Suit by myself,"

As though answering her thoughts, a heavy clang echoed above the chaos that surrounded the city, the young girl jumping in surprise as her RTV dropped in out of nowhere.

"My bike!" Katara blinked in amazement as the machine bobbed slightly on it's suspension, "But how…"

Another scream brought her attention back to the city, fear and amazement clenching her heart at what she saw.

Her first thought was Alistair had come to save her, wings of light shining forth from the Ranger's back as it proceeded to send the soldiers scattering across the desert.

Then she realised how different the machine looked compared to the Avatar. The wings, rather like an angels, seemed to be comprised of tendrils energy being pulled into the machine through an X-shaped array mounted on it's back.

Beams of green energy shot across sky from the twin rifles in each hand as pillars of burning white light erupted from the cannons mounted on it's shoulders.

Fortitudes fell, DNIDAMs were vaporised, and the very foundations of the base itself crumbled under the might of this one machine.

As what little resistance had come in the wake of this sudden attack began to fall, the Ranger slowly turned it's head to gaze at her over it's shoulder, it's eyes flashing yellow, as if sending her a sign.

Get out of here.

Forcing her fear locked legs into motion, Katara decided to take advantage of her mysterious helper's aid, stowing the Hypoinjector in the compartment under the RTV's seat, before heaving with all her might at Zuko's Exo-Suit, managing to haul his armour weighted body of the back of her bike, the suspension groaning under the strain.

As Katara kicked her machine into gear, the light from her saviour's wings suddenly vanished.

She didn't bother turning around to see what happened. As the RTV took off across the African sands, Zhao's cry of anger and despair, heard even over the roar of ion thrusters, was enough to tell her everything.

The warmth of the morning sun.

The smell of the sea.

The calm of the waves

Zuko blinked blearily as he awoke to such senses, a rather present experience considering the hell he had recently been through.

It was only when he tried to sit up did he realise his own predicament.

His own Shadow Exo-Suit was pinning him inside it, his face the only thing open to the elements.

"So…you're awake,"

The Captain nearly wrenched his neck as he snapped it up to meet the eyes of the Australian girl, his supposed captive sitting thoughtfully atop her bizarre motorbike.

"I set your Exo-Suit into a maintenance scan. You'll be stuck here for the best part of an hour, more then enough time for me to get away from you," she sighed sadly as she turned her eyes to the Ocean beyond, "You know, after we escaped you the first time around, I asked Alistair what he thought the worst part about waking up after a Hundred years was. He told me he miss all the friends I used to hang out with. Like before the War, his best friend was a American pilot by the name of Nigel Kuzon," she chuckled slightly, "From the stories he told, it's sounds like they got into a whole mess of trouble. But you now the sad thing? His parents were Jewish, and they were forced to move to the States due to a regime change in their home country when he was just ten years old," she turned back to face the Captain, "He was born in Berlin, just like you. And it just makes me wonder…If the two of you had known each other back then, do you think you would have been friends too?"

Zuko didn't reply. He just turned his head away form her.

"I see. I understand. At least it gives you something to mull over," the girl kicked the bike into life, "Maybe you'll think about it, next time you try to kill my friend,"

Sozin didn't even turn to watch her go. He just kept his eyes on the glistening ocean before him, long after the roar of iron thrusters had been lost to the wind.

"Where have you been Zuko?" Iroh blinked in surprise as his nephew strode across the Bismarck's Launch Deck, away from the life boat that was being pulled up over the side, "You missed music night!" he sighed dreamily as he fell into step with his relative, "Lieutenant Jee sang a stirring love song, and Mr…"

"I'm going to bed," his uncle stopped at the harshness of his nephew's voice, the younger man continuing onward towards the island, "No interruptions, no disturbances,"
"Al…right," the old man sighed as Zuko disappeared into the ship, "What's gotten into that lad recently?"

The confines of his ship were dark and cool, a welcoming change from the blistering African heat Zuko had been forced to endure for the past few hours.

He was tired, hot and sticky, and so very conflicted.

Upon returning to his quarters, he showered briefly, before curling up under his thin sheets.

For the longest time he gazed quietly at the flag of G.U.N. that was hung behind his desk, before finally letting sleep overcome him, his dreams filled with Zhao, DNIDAMs and a certain Australian girl in a vest and hot pants.

It didn't take long for Katara to find the AVAT, the sight of Sokka tanning himself atop it's roof bringing some amusement to an otherwise troublesome day.

"About time you got back," her brother smirked as he gazed down at her from his makeshift deckchair, "I was starting to get worried. You find what your looking for?"

"I hope so," she sighed as she pulled the hypoinjector from the RTV's compartment, "Can you put away the bike? I'm just going to give Alistair this medication, then I think I'll head to bed. I've…had a rough night,"

"Okay…sure," Sokka frowned as he slid off the side of the giant vehicle, "Hey you alright? Did you have a run-in with G.U.N.? Make any new friends?"

"I saw G.U.N., but it was nothing to be concerned about," she tried to smile at him before she entered the dark confines of the AVAT, "As for new friends…Maybe, I'm just not sure right now,"

Alistair's room was just like she had left it; dark and cool, it's single occupant moaning quietly as he tried to valiantly wake from his nightmares.

"I'm back," she called softly out to him as she knelt beside his bed, "I've found something Alistair. It's going to help you,"

"Char…Char…"

She held back tears, steadying herself as she lent against the bunk, her free hand pushing his sweaty hair out of his eyes as she removed the damp cloth from his forehead.

"Just relax Alistair," she gently eased his head onto one side as she brought the hypoinjector to his neck, "This will only sting for a moment,"

"Char…Char…Cha…"

A small gasp escaped Aang's lips as the clear blue liquid of the container emptied itself into his bloodstream with a gurgle and a hiss, his grey eyes going wide as the injector died with barely a whisper as it's contents was depleted.

For a moment he slumped back on the pillows, his eyes closing as his breathing took a more rhythmic and natural tone.

"Alistair?" a small prick of fear stung at Katara's heart. Had the serum worked? Was it really just poison? "Alistair are you…alright?"

"K…Katara?"

The tears began to fall as her friend's eyes opened weakly, a small smile gracing his lips as he set his grey orbs upon her.

"Hey," his voice was cracked and hoarse, but his smile was genuine, "How we doing?" he frowned slightly as he saw the paths of salty moisture that stain her cheeks, "Katara…are you crying?"

She didn't reply. She just flung herself on top of him, burying her face into the crook of his neck as she wormed her arms around his shoulders.

Alistair lay stunned as she continued to cry into his shoulder, a frown crossing his features as she sobbed softly in his ear.

Slowly, carefully, he eased his arms out form under the covers, settling them comfortably around her slim waist, one hand rubbing small circles across her back.

"It's…it's alright Katara," his voice was stronger now, and she took comfort from it, "I don't know what's going on, but I'm here for you. I'm here now.

I'm here,"

"One prisoner: Escaped. One bounty hunter: un-captured. Half the base: DESTROYED!!" Artirius didn't even flinch as Zhao slammed the clipboard down on his desk with a bang, "AND ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR INCOMPETENCE!!"

The Major arched an eyebrow, "My incompetence…sir?"

"Yes Meridiano. I'll put it bluntly," the General was practically seething as he came round his desk, "This is all your fault. You were weak, you practically let that bounty hunter just walk out of here with my prisoner in tow. What Lady Azura sees in you is beyond me. You have done nothing but fail me ever since you were stationed here. The Avatar has slipped through your grasp, Atlantic Base was completely destroyed…and then there was that Ranger Unit that destroyed our base," with a roar Zhao let loose a punch towards the Major I will not become the laughing stock of G.U.N. for you lack of skill!!"

Artirius still refused to move, even as the fist slide past his head to impact with the wall behind him. When he spoke however, his voice was as cold as ice.

"General Takanori Zhao," the Major calmly batted the fist away from his head, "May I remind you sir that aside from that incident with Captain Sozin, I have shown nothing but loyalty towards you. My failure to capture the Avatar has simply been a series of unfortunate events. And as to you mystery attacker, I hope you are not insinuating that either Eternal or myself had anything to do with it. I was up in the control tower, and Eternal hasn't left the Sovereignty since we made port. We are part of events that we simply cannot control, and neither of us is at fault here,"

The General didn't speak for a full minute, slowly digesting Artirius' words, before a sly smile broke across his face.

"You always could talk yourself out of any situation. It's something you and Lady Azura have in common. As it is however, I do need every able man I have to be on his feet. With this…turn of events as you put it, I am putting foreword a little plan I've been cooking up for quite some time. Something that will secure my favour with the Führer when it succeeds,"

"A plan sir?" Meridiano frowned, an uneasiness starting to creep into the recesses of his mind, "What plan?"

"Oh, just a little excursion I've been planning," Zhao's smile became a full fledged grin as he returned to his desk, settling himself into his leather backed chair as he steeped his fingers, "A little expedition that will insure the Führer can focus of the U.S.A.C. once and for all.

A little mission I like to call: Operation Moscow Dawn!"

Seeing as I'm stirring things up with my giant shipping spoon, I would liek to take this moment to say that as of this particulair moment, there is no concrete ships of any kind for this fic. Although I will admit, Kataang is the flavor of the fic, that doesn't nessisarily mean that's how it's gonna end up in the future.

Speaking of the future, I've decided to take a month off for writing this fic, for which I have several good reasons.

The first reason is that my life is a bit on edge at present. I'm low on cash, and I need to find work. As much as I love writing this, Mike and Bryan don't pay me to rewrite thier plotlines (Not that I wouldn't take them up on it in a second), and life just has to take presidence.

My second reason is I want to see how the grand saga comes to a close. Ever since I started writing this, I've had numourous ideas for plotlines, and where they should go, but some plots involve character death. Before I decide to kill anyone off (If anyone at all), I want to see what thier role is in the final chapters, and generally cement the path I want to take with this and future sequels.

Thirdly, I also want to work on some of my other stories. I know that sort of contridicts my first reason, but this story requires hours of breaking down transprits and watching episodes over and over again, which is something I don't have to do for other fics, and I have to admit, it gets pretty tiring after a while. I'd actually like to work on some origianl fiction. Something I might actually be able to sell to a publisher.

As such, there probably won't be another chapter out until the end of August as a result, but I will finish this, promise.

Alright, see you round and I hope you enjoyed.

Dearing