How does it feel

How does it feel 8

3 am Outskirts of Ba Sing Se

A dark mist covers the sand as shadowy figures move through the night. A future industries airship is parked outside the Cabbage Corp compound. A large stout man walks up to the mansion.

His name is Xao Fong and he is the director of operations for Cabbage Corp. He handles the day to day management of the company's factories and was known to be Lau Gan-Lan Sr.'s right hand, though he was rarely seen. Apparently he now advises the deceased man's son.

Gan-Lan Residence

"Yes, come in Captain Kuvira." The old portly yet well dressed official says as he sits at Lau Gan-Lan Sr.'s desk slowly sipping a glass of water. "You're looking well."

The stern woman stands at parade rest in front of his desk with her chin slightly raised. She clears her throat. "It's… general…now Mr. Fong." She says.

He smirks and raises a curious eyebrow. "Is that so?" He pours himself more water. "May I offer you some water…general?"

She takes in a deep tense breath through her nose. "No thank you."

"Well on to business then. I trust the metal shipments from Zaofu are in order." He says pouring himself more water.

"No, they are not." Kuvira clears her throat again. "As of yesterday, I…am no longer affiliated with Zaofu."

The old man leans back in the chair sipping the water like it's a fine wine. "Oh my, that's troubling." He says sitting the glass on the desk now glaring at Kuvira.

She shifts her weight slightly puffing her chest out a bit. "Suyin Beifong has no interest in world affairs. She cowers behind the walls of Zaofu watching the Earth Kingdom fall apart. I can't let that happen. I plan to create a new stronger Earth Kingdom that is free from the rule of kings and queens. I have over 200 soldiers currently under my command and I have already garnered the support of 3 mineral rich states in the kingdom. I expect that number to increase over time. " She says confidently.

Mr. Fong sits up at the desk and stares into her eyes for a moment then rubs his chin contemplatively before speaking. "What about Varrick?" He asks.

She takes an annoyed breath. "He is still working with Suyin's technical advancement team."

The old man sits back in his chair again. "Not anymore. The merger with Future Industries is secured. Tell him that his research funding will be tripled when he joins you."

Kuvira clears her throat again. "Varrick is…loyal to the Beifong family for allowing him asylum from Republic City." She says remembering her conversation with him when she decided to leave Zaofu. He told her that Bataar and his son were two of the most brilliant minds he'd ever worked with and that he knew a good team when he saw one; telling her that he wouldn't leave for all the money in the world.

The old man laughs at the top of his lungs then stops suddenly. "That man… is nothing but a dog. Loyal to whoever fills his belly with the best treats. Give him my message." Mr. Fong says picking up his glass and taking a sip and looking her in the eye again.

Kuvira swallows hard. "Can I…count on Mr. Gan-Lan's support?"

"In exchange for the protection of his assets…yes you can." The man says filling his glass with more water.

Kuvira frowns. "Apparently, the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree."

The old man smirks as he lifts his glass to her to perform a toast. "No it doesn't. Here's to a… united… Earth Kingdom… General Kuvira."

She nods her head as the old man stands to his feet and stretches his hand toward her. She takes his hand. They both squeeze firmly. Mr. Fong locks eyes with her. "For 'true' freedom." He says.