The sun was up, the clouds were sparse and the breeze light as the Crimson Raiders sailed the Earth Kingdom waters. After the battle with the pirates things had quietened down, especially for the officers in charge. Tadashi and Aki were busy writing reports about the battle, a consequence of running an organisation backed by both the royal and noble factions of the Fire Nation. Of course for some more than others the day was more than boring. Sikumi sighed in frustration for the seventeenth time that day. She had cleaned the deck enough times that her arms felt like lead, yet one particular stain refused to go away. As a form of punishment for acting well beyond her station and 'officially' letting the Avatar escape she was made to swab the deck alone. Fortunately for her, waterbending sped up the process, enabling her to finish up most of the work in a mere two hours. However there was still one plate of metal that refused to get clean no matter how much water she threw at it, eventually making her give up.

That day she had been bested by a mere dirty spot.

"I hate writing reports…" Tadashi moaned, shielding his eyes from the sun as he stepped onto the deck.

Although too bright to look at, the suns energy embraced him and reinvigorated his body, allowing him to exhale in satisfaction. Moments later Aki did the same too, stretching as if she had been abstained from sunlight for too long.

"I'm glad you guys are enjoying the sun..." grumbled Sikumi, who wiped her brow in frustration.

"Punishment is punishment." Aki said before grinning, "Not to mention it'll help with your bending and stamina."

Tadashi chuckled at Sikumi's exasperated look, earning a glare from the waterbender and a raised brow from Aki.

"Don't think you're getting off so easy too, you'll finish off all my reports by the end of the day."

"What!?" Tadashi stumbled backwards in surprise, "You can't be serious?"

"Of course I'm serious, I have other matters to attend to anyway." She spoke before walking off.

Tadashi could only moan before going back into the ship, despite the vengeful grin Sikumi gave him. It wasn't until late in the afternoon that Tadashi finished the last report, the unsteady rocking of the ship prolonging everything and one sticky incident making him have to start over again. By then Sikumi had resorted to help the crew with their day to day tasks, in fact to the crew who all preferred land she had a masterful taste for sailing, quickly becoming a favourite among the crew members.

"Incoming report!" one of the men shouted, spotting the Fire Nation bird as it flew towards the ship.

Tadashi groaned, shaking his head and walking back inside.

"I'll take it….." Sikumi started saying before noticing Aki standing nearby, "Or not."

Aki, ignoring Sikumi, received the bird and took the message from its pouch giving the bird to another crew member so that they could feed it and prepare another message to send back. Sikumi watched as Aki quickly read the message, her eyes scanning the lines of writing quickly and deciphering the jumbled characters on the page. The captain could see the sense of curiosity in waterbenders eyes as well as those that were around curious as to what she would do with the message.

Sikumi was naturally curious about new things and information constantly coming in certainly curbed her curiosity, however the crew members were interested for another reason. The report came with the official seal of the Fire Lord, this usually meant that the team were given orders to complete. Aki sighed for a moment before chuckling slightly.

"Alright boys!" she called out, "Orders in from the brass, we're heading inland to subdue an Earth Kingdom rebellion!"

The crew grew even more curious as they started murmuring to themselves about the new job, having rarely been to land since becoming the Crimson Raiders.

"Is that all?" Everyone went silent as Tadashi approached Aki, looking somewhat fatigued.

"No, afterwards we need to report to the Pohuai Stronghold and rendezvous with Colonel Shinu." Aki explained.

"Isn't that where the Yuyan archers are based?" Someone asked aloud.

"Who are they?" Sikumi asked.

"Only the best archers in the world!" Tadashi exclaimed, "They are also the only special operations group apart of us that are used for stealth missions."

"Oh? I didn't know you were such a fan of them?" Aki smirked.

"What? I don't know if I can be considered a fan but I certainly appreciate what they do, in fact I have a report that their former leader joined the rough rhino's some time ago."

"They are really good archers then?" Sikumi asked, "So why are we needed then?"

"The Yuyan archers are only good in certain scenarios. Hunting singular targets, assassinations and sabotage. What sets us apart from them is that we don't specialise in a particular area but cover a wide set of operation types, not only that but the methods we use are unorthodox but more effective against unknowing opponents." Aki explained with a prideful smile.

"To add onto that, we developed a more efficient system of information gathering and decision making that far surpasses what anyone could accomplish in the royal courts and meeting rooms." Tadashi said.

"Wow…..and it's all you right? That's what I remember hearing before that you started it all?" Sikumi asked, wondering how such a young boy could come up with so many ideas.

Tadashi chuckled, hiding a small blush but quickly brought himself under control and sighed.

"I wish that were true but I only thought of a few ideas. The information stuff was all the idea of another person back at base, our success rate is due to Aki and her well-disciplined team and well….the only thing I brought was the backing of the royal and noble factions and a some of the techniques we use." Tadashi looked out to the sea with a nostalgic look.

"Hmm, it's times like this that I remember you're a Prince." Aki said, some of the crew nodding in agreement.

"What?" Tadashi's eyes widened in embarrassment.

"I mean that although you're still young you possess a point of view that seems quite mature. Without you we'd all be on the front lines somewhere, getting slaughtered in a pointless battle."

Tadashi gave everyone a troubled look, his mind imagining the bodies of Aki and the rest of the crew crushed by earth, sliced by metal blades and torn by wild fangs. With that in mind he resolved himself once more and spoke out.

"I won't let something like that happen, I can promise you all that. But first we have a rebellion to subdue!"

The crew roared in approval and went back to their tasks, their spirits lifted and the mode generally content. It was only Sikumi who felt a bundle of emotions that responded half-heartedly.

"I don't understand why we need to help the Earth Kingdom?" Sikumi asked quietly.

"Politics," Aki, who heard, answered. "When the Fire Nation wins the war we don't want the people to hate us not to mention you can't govern a land with no one to govern."

"That may be true but I've heard stories about how ruthless the Fire Nation can be." Sikumi retorted.

"Are we ruthless?" Tadashi asked.

"Of course, the way you took out those pirates was horrifying but at the same time you saved me, I guess you aren't that bad." She smiled nonchalantly.

"It's not that simple." Aki said, "You see the brass wants us to stomp the Rebellion as it may prevent extractions for metal ores from a nearby mine that we control. Collateral damage is unimportant to them and they are only concerned about what they need to win the war. However the Security Council, comprised of myself, Director Tadashi, Assistant Director Naoko and Operations Coordinator Hideki decided that we needed to plan for the future in a different way to the Royal and Noble Factions."

Sikumi nodded, although it was a lot to take in she had heard all those names before and could piece together just how politically troubled a group like the Fire Nation might be.

"Also it's worth mentioning that not all Fire Nation squads are bad. Some captains were just born angry and when they have power-hungry generals commanding them things can get ugly." Tadashi explained with a pained look on his face.

"I'm guessing you want to change that?" Sikumi asked to which Tadashi nodded profusely.

"It really isn't as easy as I hoped it'd be. To put it in simple terms everyone takes their orders from the top, the Fire Lord. The Fire Lord has complete control over a majority of the army, navy and any special divisions such as ours. The Noble faction represent the war council, it's their families that are controlling the armies on a day-to-day agenda so it's commonplace for soldiers to be ordered for…..other duties in order to benefit their commanding officers."

Sikumi nodded attentively as she listened.

"Of course they can't openly oppose the Fire Lord who the people follow blindly so instead support him to gain favour and more power. There are some nobles that genuinely support the royal faction and others that are on more neutral terms, however it's not easy to ascertain who they are. That's where we come in. Because I was freshly appointed, having proposed the idea myself, and because the Security Council has one other Noble member within it we receive amble support from both sides with the promise that we remain unbiased."

"But in reality that's not true." Aki added.

"Of course not," Tadashi agreed, "I want the Fire Nation to prosper but to do that I can't openly oppose father and the corrupt nobles at the same time which is why we need powerful allies, like the Avatar."

"The only problem is that the Avatar is currently just a master airbender with little to no experience with the other elements so it's way too early to approach him." Aki explained.

"You say Master like that's no big deal…." Sikumi looked at the two nervously.

"Nowadays the title of Master can be given to anyone. I've met chumps that couldn't take out an angry mother Turtle Duck if their life depended on it. The way I see it is that only people experienced like General Iroh can accurately call someone a Master in their craft."

"Yeah…." Tadashi agreed unenthusiastically.

"I understand," Sikumi said, "But if we're fighting Earthbenders…."

Sikumi clutched her arm and nervously looked to Aki.

"Don't worry she said, you don't need to come and the other Earthbenders will stay here too." She replied to Sikumi's unspoken question.

"I think that's a good idea, we don't need anyone causing potential arguments especially with Earthbenders fighting other Earthbenders. We'll be fine anyway!" Tadashi exclaimed.

"What makes you think you're coming?" Aki raised an eyebrow at the younger boy.

"Well…I'm the Director?" Tadashi looked around inconspicuously.

"That may be true but this could be dangerous." She argued.

"More so than the pirates?"

"That was an oversight on my part and it won't happen again, we can't risk you getting injured."

"But there's no point in me training to fight if I never actually use my skills, Zuko gets to fight, it's not fair!"

"Prince Zuko is older and supported by the General. Unfortunately you're much younger and stuck with me." Aki smirked as she saw the deflated look Tadashi tried to pull off but failed.

"Fine," he said, "But if that's the case then I'm meeting up with the Yuyan Archers first!"

Aki paused for a moment. It would mean leaving him in a Neutral Faction base with only a quarter of the team but it was still safer than waiting on the ship or following them into battle.

"Fine, but for the love of Agni please don't start trouble. I still have problems getting the last commander to stop sending me courtship letters." The captain sighed.

"Of course, I've got a new friend to tease," Tadashi said, wrapping one arm around Sikumi, "Jealous?"

"No," Aki scoffed, "and don't cause trouble for her too, we don't want Sikumi running away now?"

Tadashi chuckled as Aki walked off, calling over crew members to start organising materials needed for their mission. Because the stronghold they were going to was near a river large enough for their boat they could sail all the way there and still drop of Aki's team as they made their way towards Yu Dao, where the rebellion was supposedly happening. It took the team a day to reach the base, getting word that the Avatar and his friends had saved the people of a Fire Nation settlement from what the report noted as Teenage Terrorists. The leader of this group known as Jet would be placed on a wanted lists for Special Operations branches and they were ordered to kill on sight if they saw the boy.

"Welcome, Director Tadashi, Prince of the Fire Nation!" High General Shinu called out with an unwavering roar of a welcome.

It was common knowledge that General Shinu disliked high-ranking officers who obtained their positions through blood-lines and money but even the battle-hardened general had to admit that Tadashi was a bigger asset for the military than he initially thought. The news when it first happened had sounded absurd, a young boy immediately commanding a new division with the same power as an Admiral or High General. The sense of anger remained for almost a year until Shinu first heard rumours that someone was shaking down the noble faction, routing out traitors and those that only conspired to help themselves. In fact when he learned that it was Tadashi that had ordered this to happen and not the Fire Lord his image of the boy improved significantly. This only heightened as words of his exploits were shared during council meetings, the smug look on Ozai's face as he claimed all of Tadashi's achievements as his own, confirmed that the boy had indeed done big things during the first two years he left home. That was why he welcomed him with respect.

Tadashi was flanked on either side by the remnants of his crew. They all wore uniforms representing their roles as Special Operations officers, their armour light yet tough and the singular look shared amongst them gave off an unnerving presence, comparable to the masked Firebender helmets that inspired fear.

"Well met General Shinu, I'm sorry my full team isn't here but my Captain is dealing with the rebellion." Tadashi explained, showing the man the lack of people behind him.

Behind him were two Firebenders, two Earthbenders and Sikumi, there was one more Earthbender and a non-bender tending to the ship. However even with their small numbers they were a force to not to be underestimated.

"I understand, the council wanted this rebellion stamped out immediately and the Fire Lord gave the official decree. But forgive my rudeness, let's retire to a place more comfortable where we can talk more freely."

Tadashi nodded to the others so that they knew to stand down. It couldn't be helped that Special Ops required constant confirmation that the area was safe otherwise most of their past missions would have fallen to chaos early on. It was decided that Skikumi would stay with the others and join up with Tadashi later, after Aki had returned from battle.

Shinu took Tadashi to a room high up in the base where the two could get a clear view of the entire compound.

"Wow," the young boy said, admiring the landscape, "Quite the view."

"Yes, it is." Shinu agreed wholeheartedly.

"So what's been happening lately?" Tadashi asked.

"We're still pushing towards Ba Sing Se, a new weapon is almost finished to take down the walls. From what I've heard it's a drill of some sort."

Tadashi nodded, having heard about the drill before.

"And what about the Avatar?"

"What about him, from what I've heard he hasn't mastered the four elements yet so he can hardly be considered a threat." Shinu muttered.

"That's somewhat true," Tadashi agreed, "But haven't you even considered that the Fire Nation may need a few more powerful allies?"

Shinu froze, his mind wrapping around what Tadashi was suggesting. He then looked around nervously and gave a sharp nod to the Yuyan Archer that was stationed by the room's door, telling him to leave.

"Please be careful with what you say. You may be the Prince and Director of our Intelligence Division but even that can't protect you from everything." Shinu glared at the younger boy, "And why tell me?"

"You're neutral, not belonging to either the Noble or Royal Factions so I'd value your opinion more so than the other High Generals, not to mention you are the only commoner to attain High-General in a long time from what the record books say." Tadashi explained.

"Thanks, but I don't need your praise." Shinu muttered, feeling somewhat guilty.

"I wasn't trying to persuade you, I only need your opinion." Tadashi retorted. "The Avatar will one day be powerful and if we can win the war minimising casualties than I'm willing to take if for the good of our Nation. If father wins the war…..the people will hate us, they already do…..I've seen it."

Shinu glanced sideways and quietly kissed his teeth in annoyance, knowing what the boy was saying is true.

"Yes, the Fire Nation has done some…..questionable things in the past but it's our duty to protect the Fire Nation's interests." He stated.

"I wholeheartedly agree," Tadashi said, "That's why I plan on forming an Alliance with the Avatar where we can work to building a more stable society for everyone. To make it work we need to start a movement, both within and outside of the Fire Nation. Already there are rumours spreading about the Crimson Raiders, a team of ex-Fire Nation soldiers who rebel against the Fire Lord…now what if that were actually true?"

Shinu stood up in shock.

"Are you telling me to betray the Fire Lord…..no, the Fire Nation?" he asked, his glare slowly becoming malicious.

"What? No!" Tadashi also jumped up, waving his arms for added effect. "Someone will need to handle the treaties, peace talks, decommissioning of Military assets and that person will eventually become the new Fire Lord…me!"

"How long is eventually?" Shinu asked darkly.

"As long as my father acts in the Nation's Interests I can wait patiently, but it's not like I plan to do anything anyway…..he's still my father and I wouldn't dishonour our family that way." Tadashi looked at Shinu with incredibly conviction.

Shinu nodded in approval before speaking.

"I understand and I see where you are coming from, however I can't promise my support on this matter."

"You don't need to, simply act with the Fire Nation's interests at heart and all will be well."

Just then a messenger knocked on the door and ran onto the terrace where the two were talking. He saluted quickly before talking.

"Sir, we've just received word that commander Zhao will be here within the next hour."

"Make preparations for his arrival," Shinu quickly ordered. "It seems that I've become quite popular lately."

Tadashi chuckled dryly before subconsciously gulping, a true anti-royal noble was coming and he hadn't seen it coming. Whether the man brought good news or bad, his presence was unwanted and unnerved Tadashi who thought back to the first dual between the two.

"I hope he still isn't hung-up over that burn I gave him on his neck?" Tadashi murmured loud enough for Shinu to hear.

"Ahh yes, I heard about that," the general confirmed, smirking slightly, "It delayed his initial promotion and must have been an unfortunate blow to the Noble Faction."

"That may be true, but from what I hear he's desperately after the Avatar too." Tadashi explained, referencing both Zuko and himself.

"I see." Shinu pondered, "That may be troublesome indeed. I can't do much for you though, this base is too important to get caught in another royal-noble argument."

"Don't worry, I understand." Tadashi smirked slyly, "I have my own way of dealing with the likes of Zhao anyway."