[IC] The Last Avatar

[Exit]

T H E L A S T A V A T A R
-inspired by the nickelodeon television series-

Book 1: Control

The Republic.

The heart of the world. What was once the great capital of the Earth Nation is now the only home left for mankind. Now a populace of men and women who lack the gift to bend the four elements as the last great conflict drove them to extinction. There was a war… perhaps the final war and left in it's wake was a peace that was once thought impossible to attain and a desolated world no one could save.

At first there was an anger and a hatred that hung over everyone like a cloud. The sins of The Republic could be seen wherever one looked. Beautiful lush lands were turned to desserts. Lakes dried up. The destruction of war was most prominent around what was once the major capitals of the world. Capital City of the Fire Nation, Harbor city of the Southern Water Tribes though in this case much of the entire landscape in the south had been destroyed. It’s Northern counterpart suffered considerably less as The Republic sought to harvest spirit energy from the spirit portal situated nearby. The last to be demolished were the air temples, their diplomacy working to simply postpone their eventual extinction… the second in their people’s history. Surviving the war were the already uninhabited lands between the nations and Ba Sing Se.

Walls of rusted steel and crumbling earth that tower a hundred meters into the air. The main gate is now exactly that, a gate worked by levers and chains and pulleys. It keeps the elements at bay while keeping those citizens inside safe. The Second wall is made up almost entirely of steel and iron and separates the middle class and business class from the lower working class. Between the first and second walls are the factories and farms that sustain the rest of Ba Sing Se and the people that run them for a meager wage. The second and first walls house those that run the city on streams of data. Much of this land is dotted with clusters of the tallest skyscrapers, most reaching well beyond the height of the walls themselves and kissing the clouds above. Between these are the smaller businesses and homes. Schools, Universities, hospitals. Beyond that and the last wall is the upper class. A few more businesses dot the land here though much of this inhabited by those of the political affinity or those that own the businesses on the other side of the wall. Finally, at the heart lies the Palace, the King’s men and-

A man in a suit and tie. His clean face was contorted into an expression of confusion and frustration as he stared into the glass in front of him. His reflection stared back. Olive green eyes. Chiseled facial features cut into the lightly tanned complexion of a middle aged man. His dark brown hair, usually an untamable mess, was combed gently to the side so as to promote his professional nature. He was slightly thin and stood just under six feet.

”I don’t understand why this is an issue.”

Beyond the window lay the city spread out before him. The expansively empty lush lands of the inner walls. The tips of skyscrapers beyond them and the faded black smoke of the working class in the far distance. Even from where he stood they still seemed ominous… a fire burning that was meant for him.

”Coffee sir?” A female voice interrupted deep contemplation. A woman waited nearby, standing slightly shorter than himself and clad in her own armor of civility.

”Thank you but no.” He shook his head and motioned at the only other man in the room.

”And for you?”

Another suite and tie, this one adorned with a peculiar pin affixed to his breast. He had his legs crossed and his hands busy. One with fingers fidgeting with the ring attached to the same and the other tugging at the seams of his coat. His eyes met the woman’s and he held her gaze for a moment gauging her beauty. Sufficient… he thought. It was a wonder to him that she hadn’t yet pressed her charm on the King himself… or perhaps she had.

’Yes. Thank you. And bring me the cream and sugar if you would.”

”Of course Mr. Sutler” She flashed a smile meant for business and the exited the room, closing the door softly behind her. He looked upon the King once again.

”It is an issue and you understand why.” He stood from the chair and made his way over to the window. The thing was the size of the room, encompassing all of one wall and giving the viewer quite the spectacular panoramic. ”All those people out there. The truth that we’ve seeded is all they believe in and that’s how we maintain order. You know that.”

”Yes but if we mean to expand. If we mean for our people to grow we need something more than a lie. Than fear. All they’ve ever known are the walls. All they’ve ever known is death. I understand to the fullest extent but I still believe this to be a viable option.” Olive green eyes continued to stare over his world. He saw something beautiful yet very ugly at the same time.

”You start on that path and you begin to feed them something other than the ‘truth’.”

”You’re going to say something along the lines of… hope.” He turned to meet the somewhat colder eyes of the man next to him. Sutler nodded. He pressed an elbow against the glass and leaned against it, giving the King his full attention.

”You give them any sense of the world before, of that hope and it all spins out of control. A bit of truth in our history. Let’s start with that. Now…” He shrugged, playing up the next step as nothing more than trivial. ”Now you have to give them a moment to remember that truth. That moment turns into a movement, that movement turns into a day. That day turns into a hundred and soon that hundred turns into a thousand. A force to rise against us… over a bit of truth.”

”People grow from their mistakes. My grandfather did the same.”

”And your father learned from those same mistakes and gave you all of this.” He paused for a moment, nodding at the city spread out before the both of them. ”Don’t let their lessons go to waste.” Sutler pushed away from the window and began to tug at his coat once more. ”Don’t push for your propositions. We don’t need convicted criminals and benders working for us and we don’t need a time to remember the war. The world itself is reminder enough.”

”I-”

”Mr. Sutler. Your coffee.” The woman returned with tray in hand and a steaming mug in tow.

”Ahh. Thank you Clarice.” He began. ”Set it there please.”

The drink was placed on a desk along with a small vial of cream and another of sugar. ”Will that be all?”

”That will be all.” Sutler replied, watching the woman straighten herself from behind. He flashed her a smile when she turned to look at him only to receive a cross look. She paused for a moment and then took her leave of the room.

”I won’t”

Sutler glanced at his King once more, pouring sugar and milk into coffee as he did so. ”You won’t what?”

”I won’t push for the props.”

”Good.” He finished mixing the cup and then placed it on the desk. ”You look tired Wu. Drink up.”

Sutler bowed, scooped up his briefcase and walked out of the room. Clarice was waiting outside.

”Shame really.” She replied upon seeing him. ”He was doing so well.”

”He was... for a long time but people change. Inform Cypher of the change of plans… and prep her.”

”Of course.”

[WanderBug]

Clack Clack Clack

Hunched over in his chair, Rooke typed away incessantly at his computer, the only light illuminating the dark room he had been in for the past 5 hours. He leaned back in his chair and brushed away a stray lock that fell carelessly in his line of sight. His half empty coffee cup, cold to the touch, sat next to him as he removed his glasses. He exhaled heavily and pinched his nose, rubbing the corners of his eyes.

Taking a cursory look at the screen, he went over the document one last time. His eyes raked over the title, “Conformity in Action: An In-Depth Analysis on the Recent History of Synergy, Bending, and The Republic”, the subtitles, the content. With a tired, nonsensical mutter, he pressed down on the enter key decisively and shut his laptop, moving to place it inside his bag.

He checked his watch. 2:20 AM.

He turned on his heel and exited his office into the main laboratory. There were no lights to shut off; moonlight leaking in from the rooftop windows gleamed off the metal and glass of the objects in the room, making them seem eerily impersonal. Leaving the building, he located his car under the light of a flickering lamp and sped away.

It wasn’t a surprise that the lights were on when he arrived home. He pushed past the gate and approached the front door, unlocked upon his arrival. Rookie shrugged off his coat and lay his bag near the hanger before entering the kitchen.

“Still up? You should be resting,” he said lightly, with a small smile.

An elderly woman, who sat at the table with a stack of papers in one hand and a hot mug of tea in the other, grinned at him before saying, ”You know I’ve got the energy and heart of any person your age."

“Yes, you do, and it astounds me everyday.” He grabbed a porcelain cup from the cabinets and poured Jasmine tea into it, watching the steam coil and rise, “I finished the revisions today—just submitted it your favorite journal."

She closed her eyes and nodded sagely, “Good to hear. I do love ’Science of The Republic’. Despite the damnable title, it’s a good source." She motioned to the chair next to her and said, ”Come here and stop hunching your back—you look like you’re 50."

Rooke smiled and sat down, cupping the warm cup with both hands. His reflection looked back at him, and he realized how haggard he looked; crow’s feet, droopy eyes, and frayed hair stared back at him.

They sat in relative silence, before his grandma reached out a wrinkled hand to grasp his own.

“Rooke,” she said softly, “This is killing you. I know you, and I know The Republic—they're twisting your work."

He barked out a laugh and shook his head, ”Killing me? That’s a bit of an exaggeration. I understand what you’re saying, but there is nowhere else I would have the resources and reputation that I have now.”

Rooke downed the last of his tea, ignoring the burning sensation that crawled through his throat and rested in his stomach. He looked his grandmother in the eye and gave her hand a tight squeeze, and said, ”I know you worry, but I enjoy what I do. Do I agree with the way the government utilizes all of my work? No. But that's a mistake I won’t make again."

She eyed him tiredly and responded, ”We’ve been through this; as long as you work for them, you perpetuate what you don’t believe in. It’s no longer a matter of personal ideology."

He bit back a retort and smoothed his hair back before standing to leave. He moved to kiss his grandmother on the forehead and stopped at the doorway; "Tomorrow I’ll be focusing on Constructive Synergy Tech again. I won’t let his vision waste away. Goodnight Gran.” He smiled softly turned away; Shadows emphasizing the lines on his face and his smile dropped into a tired frown. With half lidded eyes, Rooke sluggishly climbed the steps to his room, before collapsing on the bed and towards the relief of sleep.

[McHaggis]

.

[cunfuzzler]

The buzzing sound of hair clippers filled the room as Yara stared in the mirror, carefully shaving the left side of her head. She started at the strip by her temple, cutting down until she noticed a long hair drop. Instantly Yara noticed a folly she had made, a mistake she made every time she shaved her head on her own. Her shirt was still on, she muttered some words of frustration under her breath and continued. She leaned her head over the sink further now to minimize the damage as she worked her way up the side of her head until she started seeing long hairs fall once more. Finally she set down the clippers and examined her work intently, it was satisfactory, her roots weren't showing yet, and when she ran her hand across the shaved section of her head and felt the soft prickly sensation of freshly shaven hair.

Pleased with her work she smiled, but the feeling was short-lived as it was quickly followed by a sigh as she pulled her shirt over her head. Within a few moments she was standing in the bathroom in her bra and pants, swinging her shirt against the counter, thankful that there was no outside observers to watch her actions, she paused for a moment to look around and make sure that was the case upon thinking about it. After she finished smacking the hair off her shirt to a satisfactory degree, it was finally time for the final step in what was probably the most annoying part of her life, the rinse. Normally that meant another shower, but as of late she had been getting pretty damn good at getting it all off in the sink. She moved adeptly so the water swept away the hair remaining on her and dripped off before roaming down far enough to be a bother, it was a skill she was rather proud of, though she doubted many appreciated it.

With that tedious, boring, and all around horrible task that noone cares about completed it was time to go out and... Well honestly just wander. She crept out of a house that by all rights would more accurately be described as a mansion, black nail polish covering freshly manicured nails, cheap practical clothes, and driving a decade old car. Her defense mechanisms against the outside world. certainly better than having a bodyguard like her uncle.

It had been a few weeks since her last venture outside of the house. There was really no need, she could get anything she wanted there. But actually meeting and speaking to people in person was necessary sometimes. So here she was driving watching as the freshly mowed pristine lawns and gated driveways were replaced by cracked sidewalks and barred windows. She parked outside a pawn shop and left the car unlocked. She thought that if someone felt the need to steal her car, they obviously needed it more than her.

And so she began walking, there was always something going on in this part of the city. The sound of distant sirens, the smell of tire shops, and broken catalytic converters, she probably only enjoyed it because she had never actually experienced it. But still it was something she loved. She just closed her eyes and took it all in as she walked down the streets. Something would come to her, as long as she believed it would.

[CLIW]

The night shift was always dreadful, and the only reason Konkiri ever agreed to work at those hours was because the factory threatened to drop him if he refused to. Though his job paid pathetically little, it was a higher wage than the majority of other available jobs in the city, and if he were to quit he wasn't sure that he would be able to find a replacement that was as stable. He never complained, then, when he was worked overtime with nothing extra or forced to watch a coworker fired because they'd asked for a little more protection against the industrial chemicals used often in the factory. The truth was that there were hardly any safety measures for the lowly laborers, and the higher-ups rarely took any action on it because they had a constant flow of both money and desperately poor folk searching for work.

With his muscles aching, then, he stepped into the morning light and tore off the flimsy paper mask he wore to protect him from dust, metal particles, and toxic gas (his boss talked about these things like they were respirators). Though the air just outside the factory wasn't exactly safe, he drank in a good deep breath of the relatively-clean air and smiled simply because, until the next shift, he had escaped. Now to get some scenery that wasn't just conveyer belts and vats of smelly fluid that smelled like ammonia. With a little shuffle of exhaustion to his gait, he made a beeline for the convenience store located a few blocks off.

The smell of coffee inside nearly made him drool. Whatever hours he worked, he had a considerable addiction to caffeine in any form. Caffeine tablets, despite being known to cause heart attacks because of how concentrated they were, were one of his favorites not only because they woke him up but also because they made Konkiri work at what felt like the speed of light. Coworkers commented often, things like "Are you high?" and "Mind if I have whatever you've got?" but whenever the tablets came out, he received looks that had You've got three years to live, tops written all over them.

Quickly he paid for a paper cup of disgusting coffee and a new supply of caffeine tablets, and left the half-asleep cashier to his job. They saw each other often, but never really spoke. They both knew that the other was just doing what was needed to make it through another day.

Now, sipping at the hot coffee that for some reason reminded him of asphalt, he shuffled down a street impatient for the stuff to take its effect. He was quite aware that he needed a good solid eight hours of sleep, but he never could sleep during the day. Luckily he had tonight off as there was a new supply of gullible workers starting the regular night shift. He wouldn't be going in until tomorrow. The thought made him dizzy with relief.

[Exit]

Cypher - Upper Ring

”After three days of delay, tensions concerning the Northern Harvesting Plant has risen. Complications with machinery have persisted despite on site engineers best efforts and after a long and grueling eight hour inspection yesterday, the plant has been officially shut down. Generators within the walls of the city will sustain power usage for the next several months while the Council decide what to do. Worst case scenario, when our synergy tanks run out, the city is prepared to revert back to nuclear if need be until the issues at the plant can be resolved. This comes after several months of pressure from the city as poverty has risen sharply within the lower ring forcing…”

Buzz

Cypher blinked, flipped his wrist and stared at his upturned arm. A sequence of words appeared across the black band pressed into his skin.

Needed at the palace. K.

Cypher watched the luminescent outlines of letters slide slowly to the right and disappear. When there was nothing else, he dropped his arm back into his lap and continued to stare into the screen in front of him. The news anchor was still rattling on about the same issues, her face remaining unchanged and the urgency in her voice near unconvincing.

”Driver.” He finally said.

”Sir?” The reply came from the other side of the screen, the figure obscured behind the tinted glass separating the two of them.

”Palace please.”

“Change of plans?” Came a second reply. The soft voice drew his attention to the woman seated next to him. The sound was hard to resist. “Thought you had the day off?”

“Apparently I never have a day off.”

Soup Kitchen - Lower Ring
-Exit and McHaggis collaboration-

“Well well… if it ain’t my favorite soup boy… and delivery boy... And what the hell’d you do to that arm?” An elderly but no less jovial man pushed his way down the line, empty bowl in hand. Despite the pair of pots filled to the brim with stew, and the protests from his rather empty stomach, his eyes remained glued to the sling around the man’s arm. His own limb took over instinctively in an act of self preservation, pushing the bowl over the divider in search of a generous serving.

A matted head of black hair framed with the first hints of silver. A hard face with soft lines slowly etching their way into his skin. A nose that was jutted only just so and a smooth chin. Golden eyes locked with Jun’s. “Broken?” He asked to which he received a toothy grin in reply.

“Yessir!” Jun took the bowl and ladled soup into it – a juggling act of scalding liquid that was difficult to watch. “Broke it when I jumped off a building. It’s nasty swollen,” he said with a laugh. “Turns out I wasn’t quite as retired as I thought.”

The man shared a conspiratory wink before reaching up to the shelves above his head and pulling down a complementary roll to add it to the tray. It wobbled as he slid it back over. “How’s life, Etsel?”

“Life?...”

Etsel pulled the tray closer to himself fighting the urge to sneak a bit of bread while contemplating an odd question. Life was well… was a struggle in more ways than one. Etsel was simply Etsel and in Ba Sing Se that didn’t count for much. His days were filled with the musings of trinkets that nobody cared about and his attempts to pawn them off for scraps.

It was this very occupation that lead him to the soup kitchen that day in search of a means to gain him a fortune. Something that could have transformed a life of struggle into one of riches… relatively. But then… well his “means” broke an arm.

“...Well.” He continued, his face scrunched in thought. “Life could be better… you know when you consider all things.” He looked around the room. “But besides that, I came here really to talk to you. I had… had something lined up for me… something well... look. I need your help. Still need it despite the…” His eyes darted toward the arm and then back again. “When you get a chance, come find me?”

Jun’s eyes followed to the arm cradled against his chest, gnawing on his lower lip and looking as if he was deciding something massive, life-shattering; as if the fate of the world was at stake. Eventually he nodded, running his good hand through his hair and leaving a wet stain of red soup there.

“Mia! Can you take over for ten minutes? I need to get some fresh air, sort out my lungs!” Without waiting for permisison, he turned back to the Etsel, peeling off his plastic glove and then his pinstriped apron. Much more quietly, almost desperately, he said, “If it’s illegal… I can’t know it’s illegal, right? It needs to be for a good cause.”

Perhaps Etsel’s fortune counted as a ‘good cause’ and that was why Jun was willing to go through the effort of at least listening. It was more than most would be willing to do. Ba Sing Se was a dog-eat-dog world.

And then Jun was smiling again, though it rang slightly hollow, like it was taking more effort to maintain than before. “Bring your soup outside, around the back of the kitchen – I won’t have very long.” He took off and disappeared around the corner in the space of one breath, leaving an empty space of tarnished industrial countertop and off-white linoleum.

Etsel followed as instructed, bowl of soup stuffed halfway down his throat and bread crumbs tumbling from his lips. When Jun stopped around the corner, Etsel downed the last gulp and wiped his mouth clean before he began, placing the empty bowl down on the ground beside him.

“Now I know you’ve said you’re retired… were retired… no longer delivering anything of any kind but this… Let me start by saying that no, it’s nothing illegal. I know we’ve had our past… trust issues and all with some of the things I’ve given you but this is straight. I promise.” Etsel began dusting himself off the dirt and crumbs that managed to stick themselves to his tattered jeans. “It’s a piece of jewelry, or so the guy says. Worth a lot but not in his hands. It’s… history or some such nonsense. I just know that’s it’s important. The man is asking for coin which I have and I would get it myself…” He paused for a moment as he thought about what he was going to say next.

“Just a necklace…”

“Yes. Thing is, the guy is on the other side of the wall. Middle ring.” Etsel looked at Jun. “Normally this isn’t a problem for you… You would just do what you do best but you’re not at your best right now.” He finished motioning at the cradled arm with a nod of his chin.

Jun took a seat in the dirt, back against one of the empty food crates left outside for the scavengers. “I can carry a necklace. Even if there was... opposition, I could pick up a necklace for you, no probs. But over the wall?”

He let out a low, impressed whistle. “Wouldn’t be a problem normally – I’d scale it, as you well know, if it wasn’t for this arm. Still could, but you’ll probably be wanting a sure thing rather than a dead courier.” Jun waved that thought off with a shrug and a dismissive hand gesture, brows furrowing. Clearly troubled. “So.the only way in is officially, and I don’t even have a birth certificate, far as I’m aware. If they ask, I’m screwed.”

It was true. Crossing the checkpoint from the lower ring into any of the rings above it was nearly as impossible as it was centuries ago. One had to provide proper documentation which few had in the slums and on top of that, there was a fee. Belongings were thoroughly searched and during times of heightened security, backgrounds were checked with a simple scan of one’s thumbprint. More importantly, there were devices in place to pick up a bender should one ever attempt to cross. Etsel knew all of this but the circumstances he found himself prevented precaution.

“That’s the other thing… one of the reasons why I turn to you for this kind of stuff.” Etsel began again, pacing back and forth. “I could get you papers if you absolutely needed them. I mean I know a guy… but it’s… it’s complicated. It would take a while to get them and by then my seller might have already pawned the thing to someone else.” He stopped pacing and turned to look at Jun again. The man was sitting now and was himself deep in thought. “I need it… soon or... You asked me how life is. Truth is it can go in one of two ways: Either I get this done and live with something to my name… or I don’t.”

A short silence followed, one that lasted until Jun sighed wearily. “What is it with me and not being able to deny doing… this for people?” He picked at the soup-stained fabric of his sling. “But yeah, I getcha… I’ll try it without papers – I’ve done madder things than that in the past. Can’t promise anything, though, you got me?”

He stood up, brushing off the dust from his trousers and frowning. The act made him look older, closer to his real age rather than the boyishness he often presented. “It’s the same deal as always, Etsel. Give me an address and a deadline. If I’m even ten minutes late back, it’s free, and you should probably hire another delivery boy.” With a glance at the sun’s position in the sky, he hurried up. “I can do it today. Probably, at least. Don’t want you to live in poverty for longer than you have to, yeah?.”

“Yeah… By tonight. Tonight is perfect. And… Thank you.”

[Meridian]

"He's gonna smell you coming from a mile away, he will."

"Why don't we get a purse?"

"Well you do it then, why don't you?"

"You do it, standing there with your big mouth. See how someone likes you walking around with their money."

"It's a sight better than walking up to Hokey's cart, is all I'm saying!"

"We're not stealing anyone's purse!" Jingfei piped up finally, looking at the ring of boys that were her friends, family and coworkers all in one. Big, shaggy haired Dom, wiry Lever, Scrap, Rat- his name spoke volumes- and Feather. They were all huddled together in one of the particularly awful alleys, planning- or at least trying to plan their next 'shopping trip'. Dom was leaning against the wall, moody as usual with his arms folded. Lever and Rat sat on an empty crate, and Jingfei, Scrap and Feather were all jostling for space on the mouldy mattress that was pushed to the far end of the alley. They all looked at her, eyebrows raised and waiting for her say on the matter. Jingfei's brow furrowed, her eyes focused on a rat that ran across the alley. "We'll do Hokey. Me and Scrap'll get a couple of pears or somethin', an' pickpocketing is a right stupid idea, Lever." She said finally, shooting the green eyed boy a look. "Not like anyone this side of the wall has anything worth swiping, anyway."

Residents of the lowest ring of Ba Sing Se, everyone in that circle was living on the barest minimum with only a few lucky ones in their district like Hokey the vendor living anything close to a comfortable life. Jingfei recalled seeing members of the Republic police force traipsing through their decrepit part of town a few days ago. They'd been so well fed she'd thought they were unhealthy, unused as she was to seeing anyone without jutting collarbones.

"Well, go do it then," Dom said dismissively.

"We're going, jeez, not like you ever get any of the food," Scrap grumbled, rising from the mattress and dusting himself off with cloth bound hands. It was true. Dom, slow as he was, was possibly one of the worst they could choose to steal food. He was big and lumbering, attracting attention wherever he went. But he was also strong and intimidating for a half-starved teen, and sometimes the group found that useful. The only worse person was Feather, who was unnaturally clumsy and slow. Jingfei got to her feet as well, straightening her tunic. The pair of them left the group without any fanfare and stepped out into the bright streets of their distric, blending in seamlessly with the other ragged people who were out and about. Hokey's stall was a few blocks away, one that they'd successfully used a few times. It was rare enough that he hadn't done much to protect his goods, and they only tried him when they were desperate.

The burly vendor's produce wasn't particularly good, but it was cheap and relatively plentiful, which meant he usually had good business.

"You got a coin on ya?" Scrap muttered to Jingfei as they approached.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I've got that and King Wu's crown on my head, don't I?" She said sarcastically. "Alright, you run through the line and push that lady over. Should knock over a few of something." She directed. Scrap nodded and took off, and Jingfei picked up her speed a little bit. Her little idea had worked. The thin woman at the front of the queue had taken a tumble onto Hokey's cart, sending vegetables careening left and right. Scrap had stayed behind, apologizing profusely and keeping Hokey's fury directed on him, and Jingfei quickly scooped up what she could into the pockets of her tunic before disappearing back into the bustling crowd.

---

"Maybe we could try the soup kitchen?" Lever suggested, wiping peach juice off his lips with a look of satisfaction.

"Soup kitchen?" Came Jingfei's reply through a mouthful of an apple, accompanied by a raised eyebrow. "Wossat?"

"They give you free food," he shrugged.

"Are you sure you're not talking about heaven?" Rat said, and Jingfei burst into gasping laughter.

"Well, s'no place like that around." Dom said dismissively.

"We could look for it." Jingfei suggested. "Free food can't be a half bad idea."

[Exit]

Palace - Upper Ring

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Important?”

Koeska nodded. “I know you were watching the news. You’re always watching. How was your date?”

Cypher ran a hand through short bristled hair. “Uuhh. Short. What do you think?” He said flashing her a did you really just ask me that? look.

“Maybe next time then?” She replied in a somewhat playful tone. She watched the comment fall to the wayside and felt him push past her. “Wait.” She grabbed him by the arm but only because she had to.

“What?” Cypher turned to look at her once again only to notice that she’d closed the gap between the both of them until her chest was pressed against his.

“It’s happening.” She began, whispering now. “They changed their mind and had me…” She paused but Cypher already knew what she had to say.

“How much time?”

“By tonight.” She looked up at him. They were unbelievably close to each other now, too close. Cypher raised an eyebrow.

“You need to stop.” He whispered to which she smiled and took a small step back. He continued. “Tonight. I’ll probably be out of the city by then. You going to be okay?”

“I’ll be fine. They’ve already briefed me on the details, probably have a few things to say to you before you’re gone.”

“Yeah… and so will she.”

“Without a doubt.”

---x---

Cypher pushed open the double doors and stepped into a long rectangular room, Koeska following at his heel. Sunlight was filtering through the windows on one side throwing shadows across the floor and highlighting those things most important. Besides the elongated black table in the center and it’s surrounding chairs, there stood scattered about a various intervals, men and women clothed in suits of monotonous color. They were each indisposed off, consumed in personal conversations of near trivial complexity when compared to the looming topic at hand. The rest of the room was rather bland in a sense. Stark white walls adjourned with the portraits of those persons who once held power in the government. The opposite wall held those of the Wu family line. They all looked eerily familiar though there was a look of hidden disdain that increased the farther away one traveled from the first. The last wall was for all intents and purposes a blank monitor. It was black at the moment and would probably stay that way. There was no need for dated technology when one had… this table.

”Ladies. Gentlemen. Find your seats please.”

Talk came to an abrupt halt. The fleeting silence was followed by the clap of heels against stone marble and the scratch of dragging chair legs. It was a short minute the room was comfortable… as comfortable as they could manage.

Wu took over. ”Getting right into it. The plant at our Northern colony. A team has been selected and will be sent out immediately. Arrival projected within one day.”

”Team?” Someone in the room chimed in. It sounded more like an accusation than was probably intended.

”I’m sorry?”

”The solution to our energy crisis couldn’t be more obvious. The plant is at it’s limit. Ba Sing Se runs at nearly five times its capacity from the third century. It’s a miracle that the site didn’t shut down a few decades ago.”

”According to research verified by Dr. Rooke himself our use of Synergy as an energy source is primitive at best.” Wu was countering now in a tone that meandered on boredom. They’d had this conversation before and he knew it was bound to come up again. ”As you all already know Synergy itself is like a balloon. It can be stretched and compressed and stacked. A million balloons could fit into one… a deciding factor into why we voted to keep the one portal open. However we're not even close to scratching the surface of this tech which is why I assigned Rooke as part of the team." He was getting ahead of himself. "I understand the point you want to make but it won’t change anything. We’ve already decided.”

The point? There are, or were, three spirit portals The Southern spirit portal and one in the heart of what was once Republic City. They were both closed and the portal in the north kept open as more of final ditch plan to save a last minute idea. They’d been running off Synergy from the one plant since the war with no problem. The portal was like the open end of a faucet attached to the ocean itself. This faucet fed into a river and the river split into multiple streams that fed the city it’s power. Of course as the city continued to grow, so too did it’s energy needs. Eventually the river ran with water so thin it was as good as dry and they had to constantly force the mouth of the faucet wider to adjust. It was only a matter of time before the plant broke down. The obvious answer was to open another portal… but that came with it’s own risks.

Wu continued, not wanting to allow enough room in the silence for someone to work up the nerve to speak. ”The team as follows: Cypher will lead security detail with a handful of his detachment. His discretion. Rooke will lead his own team of two in the hopes that his research will be expedited and we can start work on compressing Synergy. One of our best engineers will accompany them to head repairs with the team already stationed at the plant. Additional funding for the entire venture from Mr. Sutler.”

”Another reason why we need to rethink this. He is one of the major reasons why this is becoming an issue. It's companies such as his that keep pushing for expansion when we aren’t ready yet. We’re a balloon that’s ready to pop.”

”And he’s helping to fix the problem. Not wasting his breath on the ideas of a future that aren’t certain. The fundamental reason why we are here, scrambling to piece together some semblance of a world in the first place.” He stopped it there when he could have kept going. He could hear himself yelling over his own voice now. Searching the eyes in the room for some further objection, it looked like most of those in attendance had nothing futher to say. ”What’s next?”

”Propositio-” Koeska had begun to read off the next line in the itinerary but she was cut off with a wave of the King’s hand.

”No. Next.”

---x---

Rooke would receive a phone call from an unfamiliar yet urgent female voice. A pair of men would be arriving at his office shortly to explain to him what would unfold in his near future. A task from the King himself, a few days or more away from Ba Sing Se, a chance to explore the possibilities of Synergy more closely than before. Stuff that those above him thought would pique his interest. Details would be explained in full in a due time… all he had to do was wait for their arrival.

[WanderBug]

Rooke swiped his keycard on the black scanner and the expansive white door slid open, revealing a brightly lit lab. People in lab coats buzzed around the room, sharing their discoveries or hunching over their latest piece of work. It was anything but quiet—so different than the lifeless room he saw last night. He strode in, suitcase in one hand, and headed towards the end of the room, where a hallway would lead into his office.

He waved to some of his coworkers and was halfway through the room before a man, his coat slightly undone and a clean beard outlining his broad grin, pulled Rooke by the arm and near an unoccupied, metal table.

“Rooke! I saw the report you published yesterday. Our resident anarchist has done it again!” The man slapped Rooke on the back and continued, “I’m especially pleased that you left in that bit about systemic brainwashing. Good stuff. Also, you look like shit, brother."

Rooke snorted and cocked an eyebrow, “I could say the same about yourself, Archie,” He motioned vaguely at the man’s beard and smiled, “You’ve still got that monstrosity on your face. And I didn’t write anything about ’systemic brainwashing’—people are going to get the wrong idea if you say anything too loudly."

Archie rolled his eyes and replied, “Bullshit. You can call it whatever you like, 'institutional conformity', 'synergetic adaption', or whatever, but I know what you think of The Republic. There’s nothing to hide, Rooke. You’re amongst intellectuals. Friends.” He put his hand on Rooke’s shoulder gently and offered a lopsided grin.

“I know; I’m just not used to—” Rooke waved a hand at everyone in the room, working diligently and freely on their projects,—this."

“Well, you’re here now.” Archie grinned, “And if there’s anything that the STEMS department did right, it was creating the iLab. There’s a lot of freedom here not afforded anywhere else, although most of us went through a lot of shit to get here. Anyway, I just sent out the requests for some modules of synergy—we’ll go over the details later."

They waved each other goodbye, and Rooke resumed his brisk pace to the office. He entered and closed the door sharply and sunk into the chair behind his desk. It was a large room, he noticed, as he took the time to scan his surroundings. He had only been located from this office for a few months—his old workplace was larger, but less private and was farther from home. Here, he had more creative and intellectual license to pursue his projects, with less interference from The Republic, so long as he provided them with the occasional report. He had done enough for them to last a lifetime.

[Exit]

Palace - Upper Ring

”Stay for a moment Cypher.”

Cypher already anticipated having to wait and had remained seated after the meeting came to a close. He watched the men and women slowly clear the room; they gathered uncluttered pads covered in virtual notes and stowed them away in briefcases before taking their leave. When there were only two persons left in the room, Cypher removed himself from the table and made his way over to Wu. The King stood as well although it was slow and seemingly strained.

”I’m sending you North to the plant.” Wu began. He was shuffling through some paperwork in his briefcase, thumbing through pages until he found a glossy letter sized envelope. ”I’m sending you and a handful of your men. You’ll be running security for Dr. Rooke while he conducts research and an engineer begins repairs on the plant.” He finished, handing Cypher the same envelope. ”These are for the doctor. Instructions on what he’s going to do. His eyes only.”

Cypher nodded and took the package, taking note of his wavering grip. Small translucent beads of sweat were forming on Wu’s brow.

”You’d like me to deliver this to him?”

Wu nodded. ”It’d be best coming from you. You can remind him of his importance to the Republic and of course, he’ll be accompanying you on your journey.”

”Right”

”The both of you leave by tomorrow.”

Dr. Rooke's Office - Upper Ring

Cypher stepped into the room and was followed closely by Koeska, the both of them donning an expensive suit and tie. The air here was thick in a kind of organized chaos. There were people everywhere looking almost like ghosts. Men and women draped in long white lab coats and walking in every direction. Some were looking at their hands, some at the destination, some at each other. Words were being thrown around, terms of science and knowledge, vocabulary of which Cypher didn’t really understand. He knew synergy. He knew conformity. He knew he was there to find a Dr. Rooke and little else.

“Hi.” Cypher interrupted one of the lab coats and flashed them his badge. “I need to see Dr. Rooke.”

[WanderBug]

WanderBug and Exit collaboration

Rooke looked up from the screen of his laptop and watched the muddled shapes approach his door, distorted by the translucent glass. There were a couple knocks the paneled wood before it opened and one of his colleagues peeked in.

“Dr.Rooke, there’s someone here to see you.” There was a irritation laced in his voice--the man obviously had been working on something.

“Right, thank you,” Rooke said, and adjusted his coat before standing to face the door.

“Dr. Rooke.” Cypher stepped inside without so much as an invitation and immediately took stock of the room. Various books were stored along the walls, papers covering the man’s desk. A room not unlike the one he’d expected to find. More importantly, besides the space immediately behind the desk, there wasn't any room for another person to hide. He figured it was clear and motioned for Koeska to follow. When they were both safely inside, he closed the door.

“How are you doing today?” He held out his hand in a formal greeting.

“Cypher--I’m well, thank you.” Rooke shook the offered hand firmly and smiled tightly. The fatigue on his face was apparent, but it wasn’t anything strange for scientists to look tired. He motioned to a couple chairs that stood against the walls near them and said, “Have a seat, you two. I don’t presume you’re just for pleasantries or a simple report?”

He seated himself behind the wooden desk and clasped his hands together, trying to hide the nervous twitch of his leg.

“Delivery..” Cypher replied matter of factly.

Koeska produced a sealed envelope and placed it on Rooke’s desk before taking the seat Rooke had offered. “Don’t open that till tomorrow.”

Rooke stared down at the envelope and picked it up swiftly. He turned it over and traced the emblazoned royal seal with a fingertip, before tucking it away in the drawer of his desk. Taking off his glasses and wiping them with the hem of his coat, he said, “...Thank you for bringing this to me. Is there anything else you needed?”

“Well yeah.” Cypher, surprised at the Doctor’s willingness, remained standing. He figured their meeting would be brief. “We’d need you to be ready to leave for a few days by tomorrow. You’ll be gone for… at the most a week?” He sounded unsure only because he was. He didn’t know how long the trip would be, only that they needed himself and their most prominent scientist in the field of Synergy.

“You’ve heard the news I’m sure of the North Harvesting Plant?”

“Yes, although I can’t say I’ve been up to date with information about it.” Rooke pushed up the rim of his glasses before drumming his fingers on the desk. He laughed lightly before continuing, “Excuse my bluntness, but I suppose I don’t have much of a choice if you’re here to see me; I’ll be ready by then.”

“No. You’re absolutely correct. Orders came from the King himself. He wanted me to remind you of your obligatory commitments in the case that you disagreed but it doesn’t look like that will be necessary.” Edward smiled approvingly. He enjoyed business made easy by both parties. Everybody won… for the most part.

“Just to smooth over some of the smaller details so you understand. You will accompany me along with a few guards, an engineer and a partner of your choosing. We’ll be traveling to the North Harvesting Plant in the hopes that our Engineers can repair it. However your job entails the study of the portal and the Spirit Energy we harvest. The letter goes into further details, things that I can’t discuss even in here.” He paused for a moment, quickly going over what he’d just said in his head. “Everything’s already paid for. Food, water safety, a smaller lab than this but it should work all the same. We’ll have someone pick you up from your house five in the morning. You have any questions?”

“No, that should be all.” Rooke leaned back in his chair and continued, “Everything will be sorted out by then.” He was beginning to feel the start of a migraine, and wanted nothing more than to take a short nap. The sooner they got this conversation with, the better. Talking with the more bureaucratic members of The Republic almost always guaranteed a headache.

“Perfect. Dr. Rooke.” Cypher held out his hand once more. “We’ll be seeing you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

Rooke stood and grasped it firmly, “Pleasure. I’ll see you then.” He sat down as Cypher and his partner left and watched the door shut behind them. He slid open his desk drawer and pulled out the manila envelope, almost dreading the moment when he would have to open it.

“Well…” He murmured, smoothing out the creases on the paper, “I better get ready…”