Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 23: Making an Entrance

The Prompt Adjudicator sails at sea yet again. The sky is light blue with a few scattered clouds and the water below is a deep blue color. Macai stands outside near the bridge of the ship and enjoys the view. Several marines stand guard and perform maintenance duties.

Kett walks behind Macai and pats him on the back, "So, what did Hazo tell you this time?"

Macai turns, "I'll give an official update when the time is right."

Kett teases his friend, "Oh come on Macai, what harm would it be to tell me now?"

Macai shrugs his shoulders, "We are going to be deployed to the Earth Kingdom port Sarchanna. It is located outside of a swamp."

Kett nods his head, "So we are annexing the city?"

Macai nods his head, "Yes, expect moderate resistance. They are going to use the environment to their advantage." The next day, Macai is once again standing in the conference room as he prepares to brief his team with Cosal and Ronin beside him.

Macai: "We are going to touch down in Sarchanna early in the morning hopefully, we can catch them off-guard. Make sure that you are all well-rested for the battle ahead."

Dade: "Do you expect any traps or guerrilla warfare?"

Macai answers, "Not as much as what we experienced with the Purple Burrays, however guerrilla warfare will likely be used. Always prepare for the worst."

Kett notices Kanna drawing a picture during the presentation and pokes her in the neck, "Hey, pay attention."

Kanna chirps, "I am paying attention. I am just keeping myself entertained as well. Look, I drew a garden." Kett looks at the drawing and notices several flows of various colors under a bright blue sky.

Kett: "Not bad, but I can do better. We need to have a writing contest at some point."

Kanna grins, "Bring it."

Basin creeps up behind them, "How about a cooking contest? No one can cook like me."

Kanna responds, "I'm not much of a cook. I've still gotta practice."

Kett darts his eyes at Basin, "I'm a beast in the kitchen. Don't embarrass yourself."

Basin: "Looks like that's a challenge."

Dade comments, "Looks like you have quite a few contests coming up, Kett.

Kett replies, "Don't worry, I'll beat you next at whatever contest you prefer."

Dade giggles, "Oh sure, big fella."

Macai points at Dade and Kett, "Hey you two, cut it out. Do you two think I don't see you whispering at each other?! Come on, set an example for our new recruits." Kett sighs.

Dade: "Sorry sir, won't happen again."

Later that day, the shock troopers meet with Macai in the armory. Kett asks, "What's the set-up this time boss?"

Macai: "We're going in hot and hard. I'm going to move the tanks in to cover our forces. We are going to hit their beachhead. It's a relatively small beachhead, so we won't be receiving assistance from any other ships. Our numbers may be roughly even to theirs's but they will have the defensive advantage. The enemy will be built up on a hill at the top of the beachhead, which will make it easier for them to fire down on us."

Dade comments, "Sounds a little terrifying."

Macai: "Our standard troopers will move in first. So that means our sword and spear-wielding troopers. The benders will move in directly behind them. We will be split into several squads as usual. Five squads will advance on the enemy for our first attack wave, then another five squads will move in to reinforce them. Each squad will consist of eight troopers and archers will be at the back of each squad."