Wandering Firebender

Sixty Five: Who You Can Trust

"Captain Elio! We're making our approach for Ba Sing Se. You're needed up front." A voice came over the P.A. system inside of the airship.

Elio, who was sitting in his quarters, writing at his desk, lifted his head in surprise. He wasn't sure if it was against regulations, but he didn't have time anyways. He stepped out wearing only his black pants, boots, and the red short-sleeve shirt of his uniform.

He hurried from one side of the floor to the other, opening up the door into the steering bay and stepping inside. The pilot crew inside all turned to face him, doing a quick salute as he entered.

"Captain. We're awaiting orders on where to land." One of them said.

"Where to land?" Elio repeated. He made his way to the front window and looked down. He was able to see the huge city of Ba Sing Se below. It was still some distance away, but they were getting close enough to where he could see all the way across to the furthest border wall.

"Fire Lord Zuko sent a letter ahead of us, but it wouldn't be smart to assume that they know we're coming." Another pilot said. Elio nodded in understanding, taking a breath.

"Alright. Then we should land outside of the walls, near the main path. We don't want to prompt them to attack. We'll land, and I'll step out and try to flag down security." Elio decided.

"Yes, sir. We'll park right along this side of the wall here." One of the other pilots pointed. Elio nodded in approval.

"Alright. Keep a little distance. Let's not set off any alarms." He said with a little chuckle.

Elio took a few steps back and stood by the door, watching as the crew got to work. They announced the landing over the P.A. system. Then they guided the giant airship down for a slow, smooth landing. Once it was on the ground, Elio got ready to make his exit.

"I need like 5 guys with me when I step out. Can you put an announcement out so they can meet me at the loading dock?"

"Yes, captain. 'Attention. All foot soldiers report to the loading dock immediately for departure'."

"Thanks." Elio nodded appreciatively. He was about to step out of the steering room when one of the pilots called out to him.

"Sir. What should the rest of us do?" He asked.

"Uhh...establish a few guard posts around the-the ship so that way no one can try to attack us...rotate through every so often. I'm not sure how long we'll be here." He decided.

"Yes, captain." They all nodded. Elio stood there awkwardly for a moment, trying to think of anything else to say. He couldn't, so he finally just left the room.

He went back to his quarters, got into his full uniform and grabbed his staff before making his way down to the loading dock, where 6 Fire Nation soldiers were lined up and waiting for him. They were all in full armor with their helmets and face coverings on. Elio walked in front of them and looked them over before speaking.

"Does anyone know how to open the door?" He asked cluelessly, glancing at the large door that he had entered through when he boarded the ship. One the soldiers immediately moved forward, using a wheel and lever to open up the door.

"Right here, captain." He said. Elio didn't know who the soldier was right away due to his face covering, but he did recognize the voice.

"Thanks...that you under there, Delun?" Elio asked as the door opened up.

"Yep!" Delun nodded.

"Alright. Great. Let's get going then. Come on now." Elio said, gesturing for the soldiers to follow him out.