As the Zaofu airship landed in the middle of the courtyard, Lin saw all the activity in the fortress. The walking machines were stomping around the perimeter, the stormtroopers were patrolling alongside the EUA soldiers, the screaming fighter craft flew above, and one of the large, dagger-shaped grey ships landed on an enlarged landing area. As their airship landed, they were greeted by Opal.
"I didn't know you were coming, Mom," she said while hugging Suyin.
"It was a bit spur of the moment," Lin said to her niece. "After their 'shield' was taken down, Malina headed for Republic City, and we decided to come here, upon hearing the good doctor's stories about the Empire. And to see Korra, Mako, and your siblings."
"And I have stayed out of the world for too long," Toph told her granddaughter. "It's time I involve myself again."
"Okay, but there's something you should know," Opal told her aunt. "Asami Sato was badly injured and the doctors are looking at her now. Also, her father is here." That surprised Lin, as she didn't think Asami would so quickly forgive Hiroshi, but after hearing that he was waiting outside the operating room, Lin asked to see Korra. As they walked into the base, Lin looked to the right, seeing one row of Imperials teaching Kuvira's soldiers how to use their energy weapons, blasters she thought they were called. Su looked to the left and saw main door of a star destroyer open with a massive number of stormtroopers exiting with their equipment and vehicles. Looking forward, the sisters saw the two flags flying above, neither the traditional Earth Kingdom banner. One was of Kuvira's army, a grey metal cross in a field of green, and the other was one neither sister had seen before: a red banner with a white circle in the middle and a cog-like image in black. Seeing the cog on several Imperial crates and vehicles, they realized this was the flag of the Galactic Empire, feeling a sense of dread as they continued inside.
"Do you trust Vader?" Suyin asked her daughter. After briefly hesitating, Opal answered.
"I believe that Darth Vader is fighting for a better world, in his view," she answered. "But I also remember his thoughts on Avatar Aang."
"What do you mean?" Toph asked, thinking of her fallen friend and Earthbending student.
"Vader said many people like Aang had opposed him in his life," Opal answered. "Because 'they thought practicality is the same as villainy' as he put it. He considered it practical to destroy two planets to cripple a Hutt clan while hiding his involvement from the Hutts as a whole. And to stop them from restarting in the future. That level of commitment is scary but under the circumstances, I'm not sure if there's an alternative." After saying that, they were approached by an officer with a cape accompanied by a duo of black-armored stormtroopers. Lin could feel this man's arrogance through her seismic sense, and on his face was an inquisitive look akin to a predator trying to decide what to think of the people in front of him.
"Greetings from the Empire," he stated. "I am Director Krennic, and the first senior officer to benefit from the Avatar's friendship. You must be the Beifong sisters and their mother, Toph."
"Indeed," the elder matriarch replied, feeling reminded of the various Fire Nation officers she fought in her youth. "Can you point us to my grandchildren?"
"General Kuvira and Colonel Baatar will be joining Colonel Korra and Major Mako, soon," Krennic answered, emphasizing the ranks the Avatar and her friends held. "They will be done with their work, shortly."
"You said that you 'benefitted' from Korra's friendship," Su noted. "What did you mean by that?"
"While Force Sensitivity is well known in the galaxy, it is far less common than on this world, while 'bending the elements' is virtually unheard of," Krennic answered. "After I was injured in battle against savage primitives, Korra applied her healing water to me. And I became a Firebender." He conjured a small fireball in his hand to demonstrate. "Now, I am among thousands of Imperial Benders that Avatar Korra has created, trained by her and Mako. Kuvira has been a wonderful instructor for the Earthbenders in our ranks, as well." Toph and her daughters were rather shocked by this. Bending was uncommon in the wider galaxy? And Korra and Mako had taught it to these people? One of whom seemed far too much like the people Toph had fought in her youth.
As Korra rejoiced in reuniting with Tenzin and his family, laughing at how frustrated he was that Ikki had two crushes, the door opened with Bolin helping Asami into the room. She was wearing one of the officer uniforms of the Imperials, no doubt replacing her own ravaged and blood-stained jacket and pants. While Bolin was on her right, Hiroshi was on her left, to the surprise of Tenzin and his family. Korra and Mako congratulated their friend on designing wingsuits for the Airbenders, to which she smiled back.
"Hi, everyone," Asami said, taking a few steps on her own, clutching her side briefly in pain. "Korra and Mako saved me in Republic City, as well as many others."
"And it's great news!" Bolin said. "After over a year, Team Avatar is back! Time for a group hug!" He then hugged Mako and Korra along with Asami, as the other three laughed as he lifted the three of them up. The rest of the people there smiled at the sight.
"Careful, Bolin, I'm still sore," Asami said, and with that the Earthbender relaxed his hold. Lin, who'd just walked through the door, couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"It's good to see the two of you back," she said, catching Korra and Mako's attention.
"Chief, I didn't know you were here," Mako said.
"We only came just now," Toph stated, surprising most of the people there. Tenzin hadn't even known Toph Beifong was alive, as she had gone into seclusion over a decade earlier.
"Still think things stay the same no matter what?" Korra challenged the elder Earthbender, surprising most of the people there. Unlike Toph's daughters, they hadn't known Korra had met Toph beforehand.
"Not everything stays the same," Toph conceded. "Nor does everything change." At that moment, Krennic walked up to Asami and introduced himself, specifying he was a scientist and engineer.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Director Krennic," she said.
"Indeed," he replied. "Perhaps I can educate you on the science of the wider galaxy."
"He's a brilliant teacher," a new voice entered the room. It was Baatar, following Kuvira. Kuvira looked at Suyin and was about to speak, but the Zaofu matriarch had rushed forward to her son and adopted daughter before either could say anything.
"I'm relieved you came out of that abduction safe," Su said, looking at her eldest son. He wasn't wearing his glasses and he'd shaved off his short beard. His hair was also longer. Then, she noticed something off about him. Realizing her attention, Baatar took off his right glove, revealing the prosthetic beneath. "Why didn't you tell me?" his mother asked in shock as she ran her fingers over the cold metal.
"I had just learned alien life existed, and the only way to protect our world from it," he said. "That was in addition to my...feelings toward you, Mom. I needed to manage it myself."
"I'm...sorry for how I hurt the two of you," a regretful Suyin said. "I didn't realize how the two of you felt alienated. I did what I thought was best and protected both of you. If I hurt the two of you, I'm-" she was interrupted by Kuvira, with a tight hug, tears coming from her own shut eyes. She was soon joined by Baatar.
"I'm here now, Su," Kuvira smiled. "I'll work with you to fix the Earth Nation, and our family." Su was surprised by that last part. "Opal showed me the letter you got the day I left." At that, Suyin smiled and hugged the young woman she'd officially adopted. Opal smiled at the sight of her sister and brother starting to repair things with their mother. The rest of the people present were also happy at the sight of a family putting itself back together. Then, Toph decided to bring up the ostrich-horse in the room.
"So, can I ask how my grandson and his girlfriend came to embrace the man who killed their grandfather and appears to be a bloodthirsty warlord for an authoritarian government?" the elder Earthbender asked. As Baatar exited the hug, he looked at his grandmother with surprise and a hint of contempt.
"Before Korra told us, I didn't think you were still alive," he stated bluntly. "After all, you were nowhere to be seen when either the world or your family have been endangered the last few years. I never saw you at Zaofu, either, unlike other people my parents love."
"We could have met when Korra sent me to Zaofu," Toph replied, an edge of anger at his taunt.
"We could have, but I had an important mission," he replied. "There was a man named Kazdan Paratus. A genius and a master of the Force, once. Now he was alone in a junkyard, living inside a replica of his old home made out of garbage, deluding himself into thinking he was still living those glory days, attacking anyone who came close for fun. I guess it was the only way he could convince himself to live that long. After all, the reason he was there was because he abandoned his people when they needed him."
"Baatar Jr, you shouldn't talk like that to your grandmother," Suyin commanded her son at the blatant comparison.
"Talk like what?" he asked. "I'm just being honest. It was on a planet called Raxus Prime, covered in all manner of garbage. I can take you there, if you don't believe me."
"It sounded less like a tale from another planet and more like your opinion of someone," Lin noted to her nephew.
"What, you don't agree?" he asked.
"Once, I probably would have," Lin said. "Then, I got to understand your grandmother better and realized she had her own challenges." Toph smiled at her daughter forgiving her and reiterated her question.
"Well, we had no other way home, for one, so accepting Darth Vader's offer of friendship made more sense than rejecting it," Baatar bluntly stated. "After we left, we learned more about the galaxy as a whole. Afterward, at Avatar Korra's recommendation, we decided further cooperation was needed."
"So, your grandfather, he means nothing to you?" asked Toph.
"I very much admire Councilor Sokka, and I regret he isn't here now," her grandson answered. "But I can't be attached to someone I don't remember." At that, his mother was shocked. "I'm sorry, Mom," he said more compassionately. "I can't remember someone who visited once or twice when I was a few months old. Whenever I said something about him, I was repeating your own stories to make you happy." Suyin was surprised, before nodding in understanding. Toph looked at Kuvira and asked what she thought.
"The first time I was alone with Darth Vader, he told me that a ruler's duty is to his people," the young Metalbender answered. "If he forgets this, he is not a real ruler. Do you disagree?"
"No, Kuvira, and I am proud of you for recognizing that," Su told her daughter. "But some people confuse the meaning of duty."
"And others disguise their own desires as duty," Toph stated.
"Given how often Lord Vader is on the frontlines, or training others like us, I can safely say Vader is aware of his duty," Korra stated. At that, with the Avatar finally saying the name of who killed his father, Tenzin stood up. Cautious of alienating Korra, he didn't shout in anger like she was used to. Instead, he calmly started a conversation.
"Did I ever tell the two of you how Lin and I first met Vader?" he asked Korra and Mako.
"We've heard the story-""But not from me," Tenzin interrupted Korra with a raised hand.
"Nor from me," Lin added.
"You always said that no officer asks another about their experiences that night," Mako noted.
"Well, I'm telling you two now," the police chief replied. "We were enjoying another Day of Peace celebration. Tenzin's entire family was there, Aang only having left to investigate the strange incident at the North Pole."
"Then, Kya awoke very agitated from her meditation," Tenzin continued, looking uncomfortable at reliving the memory. "My sister described it as seeing a shadowy flame inside our father's dojo. The three of us, along with our cousin Lee, went inside."
"When we got to the second floor, I sensed what I thought was someone with a prosthetic leg," Lin continued. "In addition, we heard a strange, pumping sound. As we got closer, we heard a deep, demanding voice from inside Aang's office questioning a strained, normal voice."
"As the four of us entered the room, we saw the White Lotus Sentry that Vader was questioning," continued Tenzin. "Vader was hoisting him off the ground by the neck with single arm. As he heard the answer to his question, Vader seemed annoyed at having to go somewhere else to retrieve what he desired. And with that, Vader rapidly squeezed the sentry's neck until it snapped and tossed him away like a piece of garbage. He then threatened to kill us if we didn't get out of his way. In Lee's case, he succeeded, and would have with us, if my mother hadn't come to our rescue."
"So, what are you trying to say?" asked Kuvira. Several people looked rather shocked at this response. In fact, all four of them seemed to have been thinking about something else when Tenzin and Lin had started talking.
"That Vader doesn't value life and is extremely willing to end it," Tenzin told the Beifong by adoption, somewhat angered by her indifference.
"I believe you," Korra said. "Well, I believe that's what it looked like to you."
"But there's always more than one side to the story," Mako added. "And now, we can ask the other side."
"Oh, going to bring up that 'hologram' as I hear it's called?" asked Toph.
"No need," Baatar said. "He's already here." At that moment, Darth Vader simply materialized into sight right behind Toph, shocking everyone except his four apostles as the sound of mechanical breathing filled the room. Toph herself tried to maintain a brave front but she was still too afraid to turn around and face him.
"Good work," he complimented his students. "Especially you, Mako."
"Thank you, Master," Mako said to his teacher acknowledging he was first to since the Sith cloaked in the Force. Much of the room was shocked at how Mako addressed his teacher.
"That is the title a Sith Apprentice uses for his teacher," Vader stated to the others in the room as he walked over to his apostles. "As for your story of our first meeting, Councilor Tenzin, I infiltrated your island with the same skill. While I was looking for the crystal, that sentry walked into me. That is when I dropped my cloak and your sister saw what she didn't understand."
"So, that justified breaking his neck when you got what you wanted, since he'd outlived his usefulness?" challenged Lin, also wary of starting a fight.
"That's not what I did," Vader stated. "I could sense you coming, and more importantly, I could sense his feelings. He was too weak to deny my questioning, and he was ashamed of it. He lived to serve the Avatar, who he then betrayed. The only way for him to reclaim his honor was to kill me or die trying. As such, I decided not to give him the chance to attack."
"His name was Turaq," Tenzin said as he stood up. "He was a beloved husband to a paramedic named Lua, who your stormtroopers killed that night, and father to a gifted Waterbender named Tahno." That surprised everyone. Tahno had been orphaned that night? They had never expected to hear that.
"A family he didn't care for," Vader retorted. "His last thoughts were of how disgraceful he'd acted in that moment. Thinking he'd be reviled as the worst traitor in history, and how there was only one way to redeem himself. As for his wife, I gave my troops specific orders to only kill those that were attacking them."
"Well, there you have it," Mako said. "Under the circumstances, I can't say he was unjustified."
"What, so that's it?!" an incredulous Lin asked.
"Darth Vader has been entirely honest with us and what he does in the time we've known him," Korra answered. "He's never hidden any great secret or dismissed our input. Nor has he limited our freedom, keeping us from the world we're supposed to serve. Instead, he actively helped us explore it, so we could learn more about the galaxy."
"Those were mistakes, Korra, and we regret them," Tenzin replied, rubbing his forehead at the reminder of his missteps. "But still, you believe him about how Guardsmen Turaq was a suicidal fanatic?"
"Tenzin, you visited that cage the White Lotus put me in every three to four months, I was there the entire year except holidays and a few excursions with my parents," she told her Airbending teacher. "Whenever they weren't teaching me, they were telling the guards and new recruits how this was the most important thing in the world. And how all of them had to be ready to die to protect or assist me in 'maintaining balance' as they saw it. Frequently, they said similar things when they were teaching me. So yes, I can believe this guy was a wannabe martyr eager to stab Vader in the back."
"Your insight serves you well, Korra," Vader said, turning to Krennic. "The Grand Moff awaits you and the apostles in the holochamber, Director." Looking at Tenzin, Vader stated it was time for him to clear the air with the Beifongs and Tenzin. With that, Vader's apostles and stormtroopers ushered the other people out. Several of them looked rather worried at that but Korra reassured them that the four would rejoin them shortly. After the doors closed behind them, Vader turned to face the two sisters, their mother, and Tenzin.
"Pema, don't worry," Korra said, reassuring the Air Acolyte. "Vader gave his word that they will be fine no matter what happens. And he has never broken his word."
"If you say so," Pema replied, looking worried. Noticing how she was changing the bandage on Rohan's ear, Korra summoned a medical droid to look at the baby.
"Pema, this is 1-4C," Mako explained. "He is a machine built to be a doctor. He has worked as a pediatrician before, and all the children he's helped have benefitted from it. He can help Rohan, but only if you trust him." A reluctant Pema agreed and sat Rohan down in the nearby crib the droid had brought.
"Where are you going?" Meelo asked Korra, noticing she and Mako, along with Kuvira and Baatar, were following Krennic into a room.
"We need to be in this meeting, I'll be right back," Korra reassured them. As she and the others went into the room, the Death Troopers closed the door behind them. And with that, a hologram appeared in front of them.
"Colonel Korra, General Kuvira," Wilhuff Tarkin said, emphasizing Korra's rank as opposed to her title.
"Grand Moff Tarkin," Korra said, giving him a salute as he was technically her superior. She still let her contempt for him seep through, as she hadn't forgotten how he'd deemed Mako expendable once. From what Director Krennic said, it was likely he felt threatened by the Imperial Bending program she was at the center of.
"Unfortunately, I cannot discount the possibility that the VIP prisoners have escaped," he stated. Seeing the confusion of Mako and Korra, Baatar spoke.
"A Rebel faction joined the Besadi attack and went to the Boiling Rock," he explained. "They managed to overpower the White Lotus garrison at the prison itself and land two transport ships."
"So, under the circumstances, I decided to fire on the dormant volcano in that area," Tarkin stated.
"You what?!" Korra exclaimed. Mako and Kuvira were also shocked to hear this.
"Given how, by your own reports, these prisoners were too dangerous to be allowed to escape, and how the White Lotus would likely pose a threat in the future, I concluded it was the best option," Tarkin stated. "Especially as the people we'd be trying to help would attack our troops in confusion. As happened when Lord Vader and Kuvira landed on the planet."
"What about the civilian population?!" Korra asked. "Thousands of Fire Nationals live within twenty to fifty miles of that volcano."
"They had plenty of time to flee the eruption, while the ash cloud is blowing away from the Western Air Temple," the Imperial Governor continued calmly. "Civilian casualties will border on nonexistent. More importantly, one of the transports managed to escape. Our agents are on the lookout for them but nothing yet." Turning to Kuvira, he continued. "I can appreciate making an example out of such terrorists, but you should have kept Zaheer in your own custody before his execution."
"What's done is done," Mako said, restraining his dislike of the Grand Moff. "Where do we go from here?"
"I placed the star destroyers above the world's capitols outside of our control, and delivered the message," Tarkin stated. "They will go the South Pole within one week." Turning to Krennic, he asked how the bases in the Earth Nation were progressing.
"Quickly," Krennic bluntly stated. "And within three months, we will be able to move the Death Star here for the final construction phase."
"If the Emperor approves of that," Tarkin replied, turning to Korra. "I will see you in your father's house, soon. And at the conference, wear your uniforms." And with that, the hologram dissipated. Afterward, they left the room and headed to where 1-4C was caring for Rohan. Bumping into Jinora, Korra hugged the young woman she thought of as a little sister.
"Rohan will be fine," Korra reassured the Airbender. "1-4C will help him get better."
"I know," Jinora said. "You wouldn't have sent that machine if it didn't help." Noticing her discomfort, Korra asked Jinora what was troubling her. "I'm just...a bit surprised by a few things I've seen here."
"I learned some new things, and how to best manage them," Korra answered, lightly rubbing Jinora's forehead, smiling at the sight of the young woman's blue arrow. "I've noticed a few new things here as well."
"I got it a few weeks after you rescued us from Zaheer," she smiled.
"Good thing your dad finally admitted how amazing you are," the Avatar smiled back. "So, how are you and Kai doing?"
"It's great," she smiled. "Dad finally stopped questioning if he loves me. Also, could I ask you for some, uh, advice on what to do with Kai when my dad isn't around?" Korra's cheeks flashed red in embarrassment at Jinora's question. The Airbender had certainly grown up in Korra's absence.
"I long wondered about this day," Suyin said, holding herself straight. "What I would do when facing the man who killed my father. I never thought it would be like this."
"A desire for vengeance is natural," Vader replied. "But the vengeful should take care not to make past mistakes."
"That doesn't sound like an apology," Tenzin stated.
"Before I donned this armor, there were no shortage of people who apologized at having wronged me," the armored swordsman stated. "They kept on doing so, sometimes in the same way. The majority of apologies are meaningless, especially when it's likely you will do the same thing again."
"And what is your past?" challenged Toph. "According to Doc Rylen, you're so shrouded in secrecy no one knows anything about you, despite being the emperor's favorite and greatest underling."
"My past is hidden so that it can't interfere with my work," Vader stated, tapping one of the buttons on his chest panel. "Only the most proven of Imperials can hope to learn. Such as my four Apostles." After a moment of shock, Lin's eyes widened.
"So, that's how you gained their trust?" she asked incredulously. "Telling them supposed secrets only you know?"
"They trust me because I never lie, and because I honor them in ways you haven't," Vader stated, before looking to Tenzin, staring a defiant look at his father's killer. "But you deserve some credit. I didn't think you truly loved them when we met on Yavin. Only as weapons to forge your ideal world and perhaps to kill me. But what I saw when you three reunited with them, the tears of joy, the crying in relief, the understanding, was real. That is why I am so restrained with you now." He then raised his hand in a quick motion before chopping a piece of rock sent his way. Turning around, he looked at Toph Beifong, angry, but pinned in place by an unseen phenomenon. "I will still defend myself, however," Vader stated, motioning his hand and sending Toph crashing into Suyin, who'd been charging his turned back.
Before Tenzin and Lin could do anything, Vader pinned them against the wall with an unseen force. Hooking his lightsaber back to his belt, he grabbed Toph's left shoulder and Su's right shoulder, lifting them into the air. Both briefly struggled, grabbing at his arms, but could do nothing. Vader released Tenzin and Lin from the wall as he dropped the other two to the floor. "I promised them that I wouldn't hurt you, and I haven't," the Sith stated, at which point a forcefield shot out from the walls, keeping all four of them trapped in place.
"So you can stay on their good side," Su angrily muttered to the alien warlord.
"One reason among many," Vader conceded. "I demonstrate my trust in many ways to them, and my past was useful in helping them learn some lessons."
"So, what happens now?" Lin asked. "Korra and Mako join you full time having disgraced themselves in the eyes of the world by joining you?"
"What disgrace?" Vader asked. "My apostles only saved Republic City with my help, and afterward, President Raiko was persuaded to pardon me and my subordinates." Tenzin, Lin, Su, and Toph were all shocked by that revelation, especially given Raiko's stubbornness and tendency to throw his weight around. To say nothing of the political implications. "Co-Chieftain Desna was also unwilling to send more of his people to die for his father's lies," Vader continued. "So, in the eyes of the law, I am innocent. Especially as it would mean war with the Galactic Empire if I was attacked by agents of any of the planet's governments." Releasing them from the forcefield, Vader watched as Tenzin and the Beifongs fell to the floor.
"So, where do we go from here?" Lin asked as she stood back up.
"Various leaders of the world have already been contacted, and have been summoned to meet with Imperial representatives," Vader answered. "My old friend Chief Tonraq has graciously agreed to host the meeting in the South Pole. There, we will discuss the future of your world in the greater galaxy." Vader strode out of the room as the four of them stood back up, shocked by what they'd endured.
So, Kuvira and Baatar have finally reunited with their mother, and Lin with her surrogate son and daughter. Baatar has many problems with his family but he does love them. What he won't do, however, is let a grandparent he's never met criticize his decisions. Vader, of course, has an explanation for why he was justified in murdering someone who didn't pose an active threat. Korra can easily believe it, given her own upbringing. But she's still angry at Tarkin's disregard for life. Also, Jinora is now fifteen in this story, and is getting curious, to Korra's embarrassment.
Next chapter, the Empire is makes its presence known on Elementia. The rescued prisoners are taken to a Rebel fortress, the remaining prisoners are eliminated by Imperial agents, and the world's leaders are summoned to a conference to meet with the Imperial leadership.