章 20: The Martyr's Shadow
Kaiya sat behind her desk, her eyes sharp as she addressed Lina and Rina.
"Lina, Rina," she began, her tone steady and measured, "now that we have dealt with the earthbenders among us, it is crucial to ensure they do not return. Effective immediately, no new Earth Nation citizens will be allowed to enter our town. This policy is essential to preserve peace, order, and stability."
Lina and Rina exchanged worried glances.
"But Captain," Lina began hesitantly, "won't this cause the town's population to drop? How will we keep the economy going?"
"And what about our workforce and resources?" Rina added, her brow furrowed with concern.
Kaiya's gaze remained unwavering as she responded, her tone calm and assured. "I understand your concerns. To counter this, we will enact incentives to make immigrating to our town from the Fire Islands highly attractive. These incentives will draw settlers of Fire Nation heritage who will gradually replace those of Earth Nation descent. Slowly but surely, those loyal to the Fire Nation will become the majority, ensuring our control, stability, and economic prosperity."
With a final, decisive look, Kaiya concluded, "Together, we will build a stronger, more secure community under the Fire Lord's guidance."
Rina, content with the plan, added with a wry smile, "I guess we don't have to worry about earthbenders sneaking in from the Fire Islands."
The door to Kaiya's captain's quarters banged open, sending a gust of wind that rustled the papers on her desk. The lieutenant stormed in, his face a mask of anger. Kaiya looked up, her expression calm and composed, as if she had been expecting him.
"Lieutenant, what an unexpected visit," she greeted him, her voice smooth and unruffled.
Rina and Lina, standing nearby, stepped aside to make way for the fuming officer. The lieutenant's boots thudded heavily against the wooden floor as he advanced, coming to a halt before Kaiya's desk. He slammed his hands down on the polished surface, the impact echoing in the small room.
"You had ONE JOB, Kaiya!" he spat, his voice a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "Just one. To do nothing. And you couldn't even manage that!"
Kaiya's serene demeanor did not waver. She leaned back slightly in her chair, folding her hands in her lap, and looked up at him with an expression of genuine confusion. Her calm eyes met his furious gaze, a slight frown creasing her brow.
"I must admit, I am puzzled by your concern, Lieutenant," she said evenly. "I have eliminated the earthbender threat and made the town a safer place. Surely, that is a commendable achievement. What exactly is it that troubles you?"
The lieutenant's fists clenched tighter, his knuckles turning white against the dark wood of the desk. His breath came in short, sharp bursts as he struggled to control his temper. Kaiya's unflappable composure only seemed to infuriate him further.
The lieutenant's face twisted with frustration. "You've turned the man you executed into a martyr, along with those you sent away in chains. Scouts have reported that there's a rebellion force on its way to the town, organized and motivated by your ruthlessness. They're most likely responding to pleas from the Earth Kingdom citizens sending secret letters."
Kaiya's expression did not change, but a flicker of realization crossed her eyes.
"We don't know their path of travel or their numbers," the lieutenant continued, his voice rising. "But we won't be able to mobilize a proper defense in time. You've made an utter mess of things!"
Kaiya composed herself, rising from her chair with an air of authority. She looked the lieutenant in the eyes and spoke calmly, "Lieutenant, please take a seat."
The lieutenant scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly. "I am your superior officer, Kaiya. You don't get to tell me to take a seat."
Kaiya's expression hardened, her voice steady but firm. "This is my town, Lieutenant. If you wish to continue this conversation, you will take a seat."
For a moment, the lieutenant glared at her, his pride warring with the undeniable authority in her tone. Reluctantly, he sat down, his posture tense as he awaited Kaiya's response.
Kaiya gave a knowing nod to the twins, who responded with the Fire Nation bow before leaving the room. She began to walk around the room as she spoke, not looking at the lieutenant, forcing him to awkwardly stare into the distance or turn his head toward her movements occasionally.
"Lieutenant," Kaiya began, her tone measured, "you've held your position for quite some time now. You are well-versed in the goings-on of many towns and villages." She paused, letting her words hang in the air. "This means you were aware of the earthbenders living in plain sight and chose not to take action." She continued to pace, her gaze never meeting his. "I wonder what the Fire Lord would think of your lack of spine, and what it could mean for your career... or your life."
The lieutenant tensed up, his fists clenching.
Kaiya stopped and turned her back to him, gazing out the window. "I've made this town a safer place," she said, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "And now, it seems, more enemies of the Fire Lord are revealing themselves, ready to be dealt with." She turned to face him, her eyes cold and calculating. "It seems I've killed two birds with one stone. Perhaps it's time to reconsider who the real lieutenant should be."
There was a tense silence before the lieutenant finally spoke.
"Despite the mistakes that were made, you still have to deal with the reality of rebel forces making their way towards the town," he said, trying to reassert control. "What do you think the princess would say about this? How do you think it would affect her reputation if her protégé abandoned the once-quiet town she was assigned to command?" He leaned back slightly, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "You'd be lucky to be scrubbing feet if such a turn of events were to occur."
Kaiya slowly walked towards the lieutenant, standing beside him.
"Being Azula's protégé comes with certain... perks," she said calmly. "Perks that will prove useful in this predicament."
The lieutenant looked up at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
Kaiya's lips curved into a subtle smile. "The princess herself, of course."
The lieutenant raised an eyebrow in bewilderment, unsure of what to make of her statement.
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