"Damn good ginseng tea!" Dale paused with his tea cup in midair and leaned forward. "Iroh, do you ever get the feeling that this universe is lacking an essential caffeinated beverage?"
Iroh smiled and gave a vague gesture somewhere between yes and no. They had made it through the rest of the market and back to the ship for tea but his new companion was proving extremely eccentric.
Suddenly the door to Iroh's room flew open and Zuko marched in.
"Why is the ship still docked? It's past midday! How do you expect us to track down the Avatar if we aren't MOVING?"
If the entrance of a disfigured and beponytailed teenager surprised Dale he hid it well.
"You two are looking for someone?" he asked.
Zuko turned to look at the stranger in the room and then back at his uncle.
"This is my ship! You had no right to invite anyone else on board!"
"Special Agent Dale Cooper," said Dale. "I think I could be of use to you."
"GET OFF MY SHIP!" shouted Zuko, fire flaring from his palms.
"Now now," said Dale, standing to his feet. "You can always shoot later. Talk first."
"Listen to the man Prince Zuko," Iroh cautioned.
Zuko ground his teeth. "WELL? What do you have to say for yourself?"
Dale took one last sip of his tea and set it down before turning to properly face Zuko.
"Following a dream I had three years ago, I have become deeply moved by the plight of the Southern Water tribe people, and have been filled with a desire to help them."
"You think that's going to convince me? My nation is at war with the southern water tribe!"
A burst of flames shot within inches of Dale's face.
"Prince Zuko!" said Iroh. "Let the man finish. He is my guest here."
Dale straightened his jacket and continued, "I also awoke from the same dream realizing that I had subconsciously gained knowledge of a new form of bending, involving mind-body coordination operating hand-in-hand with the deepest level of intuition."
"Oh really? Let's see a demonstration of this new bending form then!" said Zuko.
Dale smiled. "You said you were looking for someone, correct? Give me a week on your vessel and I promise I can lead you to him."
Zuko laughed. "I'm not looking for just someone. My adversary is more cunning and stealthy than any person you've ever met. I have one of the fastest war ships the Fire Nation has ever built and I can't keep up with him. What makes you think you can?"
Dale smiled. "Because I won't take you to where this guy's been. I'll take you to where he is."
"Nephew," Iroh interrupted, "Maybe we should give this man a chance. It's not like you have many other options."
Zuko looked at his uncle, then turned to look at Dale again. "You have one week."
Dale grinned. "I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange."