Shadows and Embers

Old Friends-Return to Omashu

(Azula)

It had been three days since the failed attempt to capture Zuko, Azula sat in the ship's study, growing increasingly frustrated with the delay. They could not depart without sending prior word to the mainland, she found it extremely inefficient that every step they took had to be approved by their father first. What was the point of him sending her if he was going to micromanage everything. Soza had suggested they asked for executive power to make decisions for the rest of the mission, and they were now awaiting word from the Fire Lord. A knock at the doored pulled Azula out of her thoughts. Soza granted the Lo and Li entrance and asks, "what is it".
"A letter arrived from the Fire Lord, he has accepted your request for autonomy," said Li. Azula looks up, "Excellent, are the preparations for our departure complete,"
This time Lo responds "yes, Princess Azula, when would you like to leave".
Smirking Azula responds, "first thing tomorrow morning, Soza has something planned for this evening".
"Yes, have the guards and soldiers assemble on the main deck around teatime, I think they all need to see this," says Soza. Lo and Li look at each other, nod then bow and take their leave.
"Soza, as much as I absolutely would love to see whatever, punishment you have planned for that imbicile, do you not think we should leave as soon as possible".
"No, absolutely not, he needs to be made an example of or everyone will think we tolerate incompetence. What if word were to get back to father that we let him off scot free".
"I'm not saying don't punish him, I just mean he isn't worth this whole elaborate demonstration, we could still just go with my plan of throwing him into the sea, I trust the sharks will show even less mercy than you".
"Oh no Zula, it could take ages for sharks to get him," she says grinning, "I want to hear him scream, I want the last thing he sees to be my face, to see the look on his when he realizes just how serious we were about ending anyone who got in the way of our mission, where's the fun in letting animals do that for you".
"Alright, fine you're right a good demonstration would probably go a long way, in keeping the rest of the rest of them loyal, go ahead".
Soza says goodbye, before leaving to set up her demonstration.

 
(Soza)

Soza walks into the brig flanked by two guards, it's dark, damp and the air is stale. The smell of urine and vomit permanently lingering despite multiple open (barred) windows facing the ocean.
She stalks down the row of cells dragging her finger across the bars as she passes, the sound echos through the room. When she reaches the captain, she's taken aback by how horrible he looks, he was never a looker but at least he was well groomed. His pathetic appearance nearly makes her pity him and call the whole thing off-nearly. His cell was small with a toilet in the corner and an iron chair and chains on the opposite end, a little window even allowed for sunlight at very specific moments of the day, he really shouldn't look this bad his cell conditions were more than reasonable.
"Captain how are you; you look... well," she says.
The captain looks up at her before he jerks towards the ground violently, Soza initially thinks he's going to be sick, before realizing he was bowing.
"Princess Soza, p- please, forgive me I did not mean to. I- It was a s- slip of the tongue, please dd- don't kill me, I am truly sorry".
For a moment Soza looks at him in disgust before schooling her face, "Oh captain, why do you think I'm here, there royal family is merciful and just, my sister and I are willing to forgive you, in fact we won't mention any of this to the Fire Lord".
"R-really, thank you Princess,"
"Of course, captain, you've served the royal family and your country loyally for years, how could we not forgive you, like you said it was an accident, it could have happened to anyone, needless to say, before we let you get back to work you need to do something for me first".
The captain gets up and puts one arm behind his back, hand balled up in a fist the other straight across his forehead, and hurriedly says, "Anything Princess Soza, whatever you ask of me I will do, to earn your forgiveness".
Soza smiles at his display of subservience, relishing in the power she holds over him. "Good, captain. I want all the soldiers and guards on the main deck at teatime. You will address them and apologize for your incompetence. You will admit your failure and acknowledge that it will not be tolerated in our mission."
The captain nods frantically, his desperation evident. "Yes, Princess Soza, I will do as you command. I promise to make amends and restore my honour."
Soza's smile widens. "Excellent. Remember, captain, this is your chance to redeem yourself. Don't disappoint me again."
As Soza turns to leave, the captain's voice trembles with gratitude. "Thank you, Princess Soza. I won't let you down."
With a final nod, Soza exits the brig, leaving the captain to contemplate his fate. She knows that his public humiliation will serve as a warning to others and reinforce their authority. Soza revels in the feeling of control and power, relishing the fear she instills in those around her.
Meanwhile, Azula awaits Soza's return in the ship's study, her impatience growing. When Soza finally walks in, Azula raises an eyebrow. "Took you long enough. Is everything set for this evening?"
Soza smirks, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Oh, it's all set. The captain will 'address' the soldiers and guards at teatime. It's going to be quite the spectacle."
Azula's lips curl into an identical smirk. "Good. Let's make sure they never forget what happens when they fail us."