Snippet #2577902

Sotaro looked over the tank before him with a roving eye. He had not said a word throughout the entire inspection, and his expression was indecipherable.

“The air intake has been cleared,” he asked.

“Yes, sir,” answered the metalworker in Earth greens beside him.

“And the track has been entirely replaced,” Sotaro added, more as a statement than question. He could see very well that it had been, but was trying to make a point.

“Yes,” said the worker again. He did not sound particularly enthusiastic. He had seen for himself what those tanks could do.

“Good,” answered Sotaro with a small (and not entirely insincere) smile. “I expected nothing less from the forges of Yu Dao.”

With that, the Fire Nation Captain placed a heavy coin purse into the metal worker’s hands.

“If I find that the metal doesn't hold up to the legendary standards your forefathers are known for, you’ll hear about it,” he added, then dismissed the man in his usual military fasion. “Dismissed.”

Some habits were hard to break, and Sotaro had already turned his mind to the task at hand. Facing the line of uniformed and armored men alongside the heavy tanks, he addressed them. Those in front stood shoulder to shoulder in standard formation, while those further back stood beside their trebuchets and Komodo Rhinos.

“You have all served with great courage and conviction to take this city for the glory of our Nation. While stationed here, none under my watch have abused their power. I could not ask for better troops. Today I ask you to do it again. By order from the Fire Lord, we march on one of the great cities of the Earth Kingdom. He and I both trust that courage and skill still have a place in war. If you do at Omashu what you did at Yu Dao, we will be enjoying drink and rest before the moon is out!”

“HAI,” came the ringing response or the soldiers.

These were the sorts of words he used to keep morale up in what looked like was going to be a long fight. He may not have understood Sozin’s reasoning for using such overwhelming force on the Air Temples, but he understood that it was absolutely foolish to act with the same bloodthirsty vengeance when he was taking Yu Dao. Why burn a city to cinders if you’re going to occupy it? Especially if it famed for its metallurgy?

So on his part, Sotaro tried to keep needless bloodshed to a minimum, and meant it when he said that he was proud of his soldiers for showing restraint and some semblance of Fire Nation honor when dealing with the citizens of Yu Dao. Yes, he had to make some difficult decisions in the beginning, but eventually the Earth Kingdom residents got used to his presence. There had even been some level of integration. Sotaro hoped that the next governor would have the clarity to continue that.

“Mount your rides,” commanded Sotaro as he took his station at the foremost tank.

“March formation!”

Then, a short pause after everyone was ready, he gave the final order. “Onward!”

On Captain Yuan’s command, the Fire Nation battalion marched forward towards Omashu.

*-*-*-*

Mei Rong entered the inner council chamber dressed in her usual naval uniform. Her gray-streaked black hair was tied in a bun as severe has her weathered features.

“My Lord,” she said to Sozin in greeting as she bowed from the waist.

The other advisers were already at their places and nodded in acknowledgement of the noble lady’s presence. Sozin was seated at the head of a low table, and Mei wasted no time taking her seat on the right side closest to him.

"Forgive my lateness, Lord," said Mei calmly. "There have been reports of raids on our agents off the southern Earth Kingdom shores. Our troops coming in to Omashu are fully intact, and have not been affected by these . . . hijackers."