Rogue Fleet

The scent of burning wood struck his nostrils as he walked across the drawbridge. Everything was in flames from the town square to the granaries–they had destroyed it all. He watched his men shackle the prisoners and lead them aboard the ships.

'Pity.' he thought.

"Commander!" yelled a soldier, "The village leader wishes to speak to you"

'What does that fool want?' wondered the Commander. "Very well bring him here"

Pushing his way through the men crowding the dock the soldier brought forth a thin old man with grayish-white hair. The wrinkles on his pathetic face filled the Commander with disgust.

"Well, I'm listening." he said.

"Commander, we are a peaceful village this attack is completely unprovoked." said the man, pleading with his eyes.

The Commander merely sighed with indifference. He did not pity the man or his rat infested village. He merely pitied the fact that raiding coastal villages was what he had been reduced to doing.

"Soldier take off his shackles." said the Commander.

"Thank you sir! Thank you!" cried the man with tears in his eyes.

"And throw him in the ocean." he finished.

"What?" a look of alarm spread across the man's face.

"You heard me you sack of bones. You're not worth a copper piece or a minute of my time. Throw him into the deep."

"Yes sir!" replied the soldier as he dragged the man away.

"Wait! Please! Please!" screamed the man in desperation. But the Commander simply turned and walked away.

The Commander walked to the conference room aboard his flagship, pondering all the while on what his next move would be. As he entered the semi-lit room the officers stood up and bowed in the traditional manner. The room was set up so that a huge table stood on a ledge and the surrounding generals would have to stand up to peer at it.

"Greetings, Commander Zhang" said one of the younger officers as he bowed politely.

Commander Zhang returned the bow and took his place at the war meeting.

"General Sheng, how are the men?" he asked.

A middle-aged man with graying hair and eyes that were darker than coal stood up. He was weathered by many battles and was by no means a traditional general. He had fought on the front lines all his life and had achieved his position shortly before the Fire Lord's demise.

"Tired, sir. The earth kingdom navy and the fire nation have been chasing us for near three months now." replied Sheng.

"Not to mention the run in we had with the south pole benders." voiced another. Zhang ignored the outburst and continued the meeting.

"Captain Tsao, how are the supplies?"

Captain Tsao was a portly man but by no means weak. His small eyes always seemed sharp and alert. He had led a luxurious life as a fire nation noble and was fighting to restore the old order.

"Not so good Commander. We have enough food and water for two months. Our coal supply, however, is running dangerously low." replied Tsao.

"It appears we'll have to raid a fire nation compound to find fuel for our ships. General Sheng do you know any isolated bases?"

The elderly general looked at the map on the conference table and pondered. Then suddenly, as if he had been hit by lightning, he stood up.

"Yes sir, I think I do."

He walked over to the map located in the center of the table and pointed to a small island southwest of Roku's temple.

"This is Dragon's Tooth island." he said, "There is a small fueling station there. It is relatively isolated and its harbor is large enough to accommodate our ships."

"General, do you think our men are up to it?" asked Zhang as he studied the map.

"Yes sir, with the men we got from the fire lord's royal procession we can easily take that base."

Zhang then glanced at a young man sitting in the corner of the room. He was Colonel Su, leader of their only airship along with several war balloons. Though relatively young, Colonel Su had graduated the naval academy at the top of his class. He was well known for his ingenuity and decisiveness in battle.

"Colonel Su, what do you think of this?" he asked.

"Well quite frankly I think attacking the fire nation directly is asking for trouble. Now that Fire Lord Zuko is in charge it might be dangerous. The Fire Nation has stabilized after the coupe and their army is as strong as ever."

"Are you questioning the potency of my men?" asked General Sheng, with anger in his voice.

"No, I'm only saying that we wouldn't stand a chance against the full brunt of the fire nation army. Don't you remember what happened to Admiral Feng?"

At the mention of Admiral Feng everyone scowled. The rebellious Admiral had foolishly launched a direct attack on the royal palace. Needless to say it ended in disaster. Commander Zhang had quickly taken charge and had managed to save four ships along with what was left of the air fleet.

"Yes Colonel Su, we don't need to be reminded of a certain Admiral's failure. However I agree that we should exercise caution. We need to keep our attacks on a small scale so that we don't attract the attention of the Avatar."

"I agree with you Colonel Su but we still need fuel. What do you suggest we do?" asked General Sheng.

"Simple, Fire Nation ships still carry coal. All we need to do is ambush a few ships and we'll have enough supplies to last us through the seasons."

"But wouldn't that still incite the Fire Lord's wrath?" asked Sheng.

"Yes but if a ship was to say … be lost in a storm with all hands. How can we be held responsible?"

"Brilliant idea Colonel Su. Once again you show your genius." said Zhang.

"You do me a great honor Commander. My idea was second rate at best." replied Colonel Su.

"Don't be so modest, Colonel. You have great potential. I'm surprised you weren't made General." said Zhang, then turning to Sheng he asked "Do we still have the fire nation ledgers for where the fleets usually dock?"

"Yes Commander, here they are" said Colonel Su, giving him the book.

"Ah yes, we're going to be rich indeed"

The Fire Lord's Palace

"What?" screamed Zuko.

"My lord Commander Zhang and his fleet have raided another village."

"Curse him and his fleet! Where's Aang?"

"So sorry my lord, but the avatar is busy stopping a crisis in the Earth Kingdom"

Zuko seethed with rage as he thought of Zhang and his fleet.

"I swear if that man is not captured soon heads will roll!" yelled Zuko and the surrounding fires roared just as loudly.

"Relax Zuko." said Mai as she walked up to him, "You know you're not making things better."

"Sorry about that." said Zuko, and the fires around him died down "I guess I got carried away."

"You think?" she said, and turning to the servant said "Leave us"

"Now what am I going to do?" asked Zuko.

"I have an idea." said Mai as she cupped his face.

"Oh, I like this idea." replied Zuko as they kissed.

…..To be Continued