A World Of Grey (Legend of Korra)

Chapter 48

Lin steeled herself before stepping up to the podium. A swath of reporters stood below her, jostling for position as they fought to stand closest to the Police Headquarters' steps. She narrowed her eyes against the flare of a dozen flash bulbs, spots clinging to the edge of her vision. Voices melded together into a cacophonous racket and Lin lifted her hand for silence, or at least the closest equivalent. Asking a reporter to keep their mouth shut for more than a minute was tantamount to asking for a miracle.

"Chief Beifong," one blurted out, taking advantage of his fellows' acquiescence, "can you clarify the details of the incident?"

Lin figured it was as good a place as any to start.

"The situation is this," she began, "the Avatar was attacked by a group of equalists early this morning. They intercepted her vehicle whilst she was on her way to make a scheduled address at City Hall."

"Do you think the attack was directly related to Avatar Korra's intent to address the public today?"

"It is too early to tell," Lin said in reply.

"What is the Avatar's current condition?"

"She has been admitted into Republic Central Hospital and is under the best of care."

"How serious are her injuries?"

"I am not a doctor," Lin said plainly. "That is not my judgement to make. However, I can assure you that her treatment will be of the highest quality Republic Central has to offer."

"Can you comment on reports that a man died at the scene of the attack?"

"Those reports are incorrect. You are referring to the Avatar's bodyguard, who unfortunately was severely injured whilst protecting her. He has also been admitted to hospital. His condition at the present moment is critical."

"Why wasn't Avatar Korra provided with a security detail by the police?" a tall woman shouted above her peers.

"The Avatar has always made her own arrangements and we respect her right to do so," Lin answered, eyes already turning away in anticipation of the next question. But the woman was not yet finished.

"Surely if the police were aware of a threat on Avatar Korra's life, they should have taken the appropriate measures to ensure her safety."

Lin reluctantly turned back to the reporter. "Unfortunately, the intent to make an attempt on the Avatar's life was unknown to us."

"A department within the police force was created specifically for the purposes of investigating and combating equalist extremism. How is it possible that it did not in any way have knowledge of this?"

"It is a regrettable circumstance," Lin said, "however I can assure you that we will be focusing all available resources into finding the group responsible for this attack. Ensuring the Avatar's security henceforth is our top priority."

"Are there any further questions?" she called loudly afterwards, refusing to acknowledge the reporter's attempt to continue pressing the issue.

"Chief Beifong! Chief Beifong!"

She narrowed her eyes and sourced the man's persistent voice. He was standing towards the edge of the group, obviously trying to push his way further towards the centre of the throng. He latched onto his opportunity the instant their eyes met.

"I have it from an anonymous source that Avatar Korra was pregnant at the time of the attack. Can you confirm this?"

Lin blinked. She stared at the man with her lips parted for a full second before she caught herself.