Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 26: Incessant Pests

Macai and his forces fortify the city with local Fire Nation army troopers. Citizens are rounded up for identification and the town is put on martial law until the area is fully secured. All citizens are given curfews regarding when they can leave the town. The Earth Kingdom flag is taken down and burned by Fire Nation forces.

Macai is waiting at a temporary office signing several papers, when the Fire Nation Captain Zergo visits him. The office has dark yellow walls, a sand color floor, and a sand-colored ceiling. Captain Zergo: "Well, I must say I am impressed. You did very well in battle. Your unit is the real deal."

Macai nods his head, "That wasn't our hardest battle either. We fought against the Purple Burrays and that was insane. Our first mission was also very difficult for different reasons. To be honest, every mission exhibited a different challenge."

Captain Zergo: "A special guest would like to see you."

Macai asks, "Is it the general?" Zergo exists the room.

"No, but an old friend. One who you don't see enough of." Macai looks and sees Commander Kenshin.

Macai smiles, "It's good to see you again. But I don't know about old friend. It's only been a year you know."

Commander Kenshin: "Something like that, but it has also been an honor. Your company has done a splendid job. I'm more than impressed."

Macai: "Thank you sir, you have supplied my unit with all of the resources needed to be successful. You have also given me an opportunity that many would oppose and I proved myself."

Kenshin responds, "Indeed, I took quite the risk on you. But you proved yourself right and a lot of people wrong. You proved that young guns can be quite capable with the right preparation."

Macai comments, "I get the feeling I won't be the only one. Azula's future looks promising."

Kenshin complements his protege, "It seems you are paving the way for more people like yourself."

Macai: "Well, we have a few stories about capable young warriors. As well as some about young Firelords and what-not. You know how it goes."

Kenshin smiles, "Indeed. I've heard those tales, but people tend to lose faith in them and see them as occasional fantasies. But my tip was not solely social."

Macai: "Of course, why else have you come?"

Kenshin: "I've been informed that the enemies are preparing a counterattack. They retreated to save what they had but, we're hoping that we would drop our guards. Scouts detected a massive team of Earth Kingdom troopers heading our way. They also noticed that we are short of vehicles after the last few battles."

Macai: "So they brought some of their own?"

Kenshin nods, "Indeed, they have brought GFD-86 light assault tanks. These tanks have an anti-infantry design. They are quicker than most tanks and rapidly fire five-foot-long blades at their opponents. They are a new experimental vehicle and they fire about one hundred and twenty shots per minute."

Macai: "That's pretty fast."

Kenshin: "It's unheard of for their kind. A top-of-the-line Earth Kingdom tank."

Macai: "How many do they have?"

Kenshin: "I'm thinking about four of them."

Macai: "How long do you think it will take them to get here?"

Kenshin: "I'm thinking three days, maybe less."

Macai: "I will prepare my men. It's been a pleasure seeing you, Kenshin."