Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 24: Serma's Legacy

Macai is requested to visit Commander Kenshin during his brief R&R (rest and recuperation) time at Sarchanna. It is early morning, and the sky is teal. The sun is faint and light orange. Macai's hair has grown from short to medium length. Macai enters the city's two-story capital building which has light brown walls, light green markings, and two Fire Nation flags mounted on it.

When Macai opens the front door, he notices that the building smells like lemons. Macai crosses through the hallways which have light beige walls, light grey floors, and a light green ceiling. Macai knocks on Kenshin's door and the commander swiftly opens it. Kenshin: "Well, hey. It's my favorite captain."

Macai smiles, "Thanks, Kenshin. You wanted to see me?"

Kenshin sighs, "Indeed, I do. It looks like your next mission is coming sooner than expected."

Macai: "No problem. Are we getting revolts from some locals?"

Kenshin: "Perhaps, but not in the city. Several of our army forces have been picked off in the outskirts, within the swamps."

Macai: "Sounds like guerrillas. It'll be just like when he battled the Purple Burrays. Except easier."

Kenshin: "Hopefully, good hunting." Macai respectfully bows and Kenshin does the same. Macai exits.

Macai meets outside with his marines. Macai: "Team, enemies have been sighted on the outskirts of the city; within the swamps. We don't have any specific details on their position. Code yellow. We are going to move in cautiously, be ready to respond to traps or ambushes."

Kanna smiles, "This is something we can handle. We've been up to a job like this before."

Kett asks, "Who are you sending on this mission?"

Macai: "I got plenty of action last time. So I'll let you take the lead this time Kett."

Kett grins, "That works for me."

Macai: "I'll stay with the ship and naval forces garrisoned on the beachhead. From what I've heard, the most disappearances of friendly units have been on the Eastern outskirts. Which is what the right team would cover. So I want, Kett on that team. Arret, Dade, and Rosier; you will also be on Kett's team. Dade, you're going to be second-in-command of that squad. Rosier, I want you to more so be a guide for them with your experience step in when you have to."

Dade: "Nice, so I get my crack against guerrilla warfare."

Macai: "Since many of us have seen guerrilla warfare, I'm not going all out on this mission. However, I am still going to make some safety precautions and I'm going to try something different. Because I have a feeling that there is something more to this. There will be two spear warriors, two sword warriors, one archer, and three benders in each team."

Kett: "Sounds like you're using a lot of benders on this one. Could be risky for this type of warfare."

Macai: "I know, but I've got a feeling that's the way to go. We've done a few guerrilla warfare drills recently. Prepping for false ambushes and traps. I've not heard of them using traps here, but there has been no trace of the soldiers who disappeared. I'm going to be sending you out quickly because I've heard that most of their attacks have been in the morning. I also plan on deploying three squads this time, but I'll have another three on reserve."

Kanna: "Can I fight this time?"

Macai: "I really risk many of my best warriors too frequently. But I'll allow it this time, but you'll have to sit out the next mission. Kanna, I'll put you on the center team. It may useful to have a fast leader like you in this engagement. You'll be with Sonna, Samira, and Basin. Samira, I want you as second-in-command, you really took the lead on that last mission. If you do well, you might get a promotion."