EXT NORTHERN METROPOLIS AIRSTRIP - AFTERNOON
Paya pulls out a helmet from his cockpit as Makami walks up with a blue ice pop painting her lips and tongue blue. The other air benders laugh and walk by them both, gearing up for the flight back.
MAKAMI
(to the benders)
Thanks for the ice pop - rest that shoulder when we get back!
She looks over just in time to catch a helmet from Paya.
PAYA
(sternly)
Get in, we need to get back before Sozen's Comet.
MAKAMI
Can I finish this?
PAYA
You've got thirty seconds.
Makami makes the fatal error of putting the whole thing in her mouth at once, immediately moaning in pain and holding her temples. Paya grips the ladder into the cockpit tightly and rolls his eyes.
PAYA
(sighing)
This cannot be happening to our world...
Makami spits out the popsicle stick and shakes her head.
MAKAMI
Ah, better! And what's happening to our world, exactly?
PAYA
You are, Avatar.
He climbs the ladder.
PAYA
(angrily)
Another piece of foolish youth thinking she's more important than she actually is.
MAKAMI
Excuse me? I did solve two international incidents in one day that you and yours couldn't.
PAYA
(groaning)
Oh, we changed the language in the contract when we sent it back to them! Meelo tipped you off so you would owe us, and I knew we had squeezed Inca for all the gold we possibly could!
MAKAMI
(hurt)
You...lied and manipulated the whole thing?
PAYA
(sharply)
Yeah, we did. Just like we were going to do with Brindauk until you decided to end the stand-off!
He slams himself down into the seat.
MAKAMI
Solving the problem should be the point of your entire service package.
PAYA
I don't care what your judgements of me are, Makami. Hate me or not, I and my people helped save the world from problems big and small while you were still in history class. Now, we're due - long overdue - for our civilization to evolve.
Makami looks down, letting the weight of his words slice across her skin.
PAYA
Just more proof that the world doesn't need another indecisive, brash leader.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
Maybe not.
Paya glances to the rearview mirror as she climbs into the seat, smiling bitterly at him.
MAKAMI
(quietly)
But at least I do it with a clean conscience.
PAYA
Not forever.
He turns to face her in the chair.
PAYA
Not if you want the world to be a better place.
He turns back and the engines start, Makami left in deep thought as the benders begin to roar.
CUT TO:
INT SECRET BASEMENT
Alrund has Voso's head pushed against the wall harshly with one hand. She looks on with teeth bared and eyes wide. Grigsy is in the background ,playing with a piece of leather hanging from his armor.
ALRUND
Time to wake up, boy. You think you're...
Her voice fades out as another overtakes Voso's hearing.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(warbled)
This coward lays all of her troubles at your feet. She, who calls you her dog, her servant - her traitor. She and her sister have unpaid debts spewing from their false smiles. You owe her no more mercy, Voso.
She quickly readjusts her grip on his chin and holds his face to look at her.
ALRUND
(threateningly)
Look at me, or my guardsman will force your eyes open.
FUU-KI (O.S.)
(warbled)
Use your ability, boy - give her what she deserves!
ALRUND
(quickly)
Don't think for a second that I won't-
VOSO
Stop talking.
Her voice dies in her throat while her eyes widen in shock.
VOSO
(quietly)
Make up an excuse to get me out of here.
Alrund's hands move quickly to free him and help him up. Grigsy looks shocked with his hands tightening around his whips, standing awkwardly from his chair.
ALRUND
He's coming with me. That's my excuse.
Voso shakes his head as they walk past the boy, Voso's hand never leaving her shoulder.
GRIGSY
Yes...ma'am.
She opens the door, bringing them both to the hallway.
INT UNDERGROUND STONE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Voso looks left and right while she stares ahead into the wall. He finally leans forward, close to her ear.
VOSO
(whispering)
You've underestimated me, Counselor. Now, I'm going to stop this entire country from ever going to war again. Take me to your weapons.
Alrund hesitates for only a second before turning and leading him down the dark hallway.