Avatar: Macai's Journey

Chapter 28: A New Start

The 31st company is waiting outside of the beachhead of the Capital. Macai slowly steps toward his docked ship, when he sees Aiya waiting for him with a feather pen and a notepad. Macai smiles, "Aiya, how are things going?"

Aiya grins back, "They are going well, commander."

Macai asks, "What is the difference with my new title? Typically a commander has a fleet under their control. Even new commanders usually lead a small fleet."

Aiya responds, "You now have authority to direct other ships. I have been informed that several vessels will report to you. However, you will not lead a standard fleet. Admiral Kei has stated that you will periodically lead a small fleet of destroyers, much like the Prompt Adjudicator. As well as light cruisers and corvettes."

Destroyers are slightly smaller and faster cruisers that are used for quick attacks. Light cruisers are usually reserved for smaller battles or to support larger ships in battles. In this case, Macai's fleet would typically fight in smaller battles. While the Prompt Adjudicator is about 60 meters wide and 250 meters long; the average light cruiser is 40 meters wide and 180 meters long. Most Fire Nation corvettes are 20 meters wide and 80 meters long.

Unlike the Prompt Adjudicator, most Fire Nation destroyers and cruisers alike lack the Prompt Adjudicator's range and advanced telescope. The PA also has advanced engines that allow it to move faster than most destroyers and even light cruisers. However, many of the corvettes move faster than the Prompt Adjudicator.

Aiya: "In most cases, the other vessels will go on their own separate missions. In some cases, a captain will direct a small local fleet that will report to you on a smaller mission. Since our ship will usually be able to hold its own without assistance."

The average light cruiser is led by a second lieutenant with a first lieutenant as second-in-command. While the average corvette is led by a second lieutenant. Captain's typically command destroyers.

Aiya continues, "While several captains will be under your authority, you will have one personal captain who will serve with you and your crew at the Prompt Adjudicator. You know Hazo doesn't really count since he's more of an advisor."

Macai: "I know exactly who to choose." The next day, Macai is in the conference room of the Prompt Adjudicator on the stage. Several of his crew members are waiting for an announcement. Macai: "I have now chosen the captain of this vessel and my new right-hand man." Kett smiles, Kanna stares ahead with dreamy eyes, and Asad rests his right hand on his chin.

Macai steps aside and Rosh steps on the stage. Macai: "I present to you, Captain Rosh! My friend who has recently graduated from the Capital." The audience claps and Kett becomes red. Macai and Rosh step down the stage. Macai moves to greet his cronies. Macai walks toward Dade, Kanna, and Samira.

Macai: "I knew Rosh had been working hard at the Capital and I've been waiting for him to graduate. I knew he would make an excellent captain."

Kett confronts Macai, "Don't you think it would be better to pick someone with more experience?"

Macai counters, "I didn't have much experience when I was chosen as a captain and you went along with it."

Kett: "Yeah, but you had advanced training."

Rosh answers, "So did I."

Kett glances at Rosh, "Perhaps, but it would make more sense to choose someone who he has been working with on the battlefield. Who is used to his leadership style. All you've done is train at the Capital."

Rosh darts his eyes at Kett, "I know Macai very well, better than you."

Kett glares at Rosh, "I know him as an officer, not just a friend."