Taking Control of a Town <Earth Kingdom>

[pengon]

Quiet town. A few merchants and peasants in the streets. At see, nothing much to worry.

“Lieutenant Pyo, take your soldiers and cover the town area searching for strategical spots. Private Shun will lead us to Major Bora Gan's battalion headquarter. When you are done get back and we will schedule patrols for the surroundings.”

Lieutenant Pyo left the caravan as soon as Captain Sai finished his orders. Sai was leading a part of the Earth Kingdom's elite troops, mainly the reconnaissance division, that always was subordinated to him. In addition, some earthbenders and archers. Being part of the elite troops, almost all of them were pretty capable officers, a very good team to work with. Sai came to Kei Lan under the orders of the Earth Kingdom's army headquarters. He was to assemble the Thunderfist Battalion, scattered in a fight with the Fire Nation Army and set them back in Kei Lan to wait for their leader, major Bora Gan, to come back from the northern lands, precisely, the northern Water Tribe.

As good as his division and abilities were that was not going to be an easy mission though. They were scattered through the continent and Sai's troops aren't the most numerous one, what they made for in quality they were lacking in quantity. Kei Lan wasn't only the best place to start, it was the only one to do so. Sai marched across the streets on top of his ostrich-horses. All of his team was mounted.

“Private Iayuiko, search for the mayor of the town and deliver this to him, tell him to issue an order to assemble the local guard in the town's square in 2 hours.” Sai said while delivering papers with the army's seal on it to Iayuiko.

“Privates Zuk-He and Jungkio, try to assemble the biggest part of the town's citizens in the main square, we will make an official pronouncement in 2 hours. Private Shun, lead the way to the Thunderfist Battalion's HQ.”

As so, Sai entered the town of Kei Lan, set to take control of the city as long as needed to safely regroup the battalion of Major Bora Gan.

[pengon]

Two armor clad guards were standing in the front of a big, to the city standards, building.

“Over there, sir” said private Shun.

Sai came closer, still mounted on his ostrich-horse. One of the guards stepped forward.

“May I help you?” The guard in a harsh voice.

Sai stood a few seconds peering deeply into that soldier's eyes, with a serious expression. The soldier behaved bravely and didn't let his eyes scape of the gaze of the new-come captain. A shiver crossed his spine though. That man's eyes were frightening.

“I'm Sai, third Captain of Earth Kingdom's elite troops. I come bearing orders of the Earth Kingdom's army headquarter. I'm, officially, to take provisional control of the platoon known as “Thunderfist Battalion” till the return of the original leader, Major Bora Gan, or till I receive new orders from the army's HQ.”

The soldier, taking out his heavy helmet, slightly bowed his head toward Sai. “Most men are scattered around the continent milord, there are but a few inside this building.”

“I'm aware.” Sai, with his resounding voice “My mission is to settle military protection over Kei Lan and assemble the Thunderfist Battalion before the return of your Major. My troops are to settle in this building and act from here. We will course through the surrounding in search of these lost men. The members of the Thunderfist Battalion already present here are to join my troops under my orders, while I'm in control of the platoon. If you are not the higher rank around then lead me to him.”

“As you wish, milord.” The soldier, right before turning his back and opening the heavy gate of the Thunderfist Batalion HQ. There was, indeed, very few soldiers inside. Sai came to know that there were more of them in the ward, recovering from their recent fight against Fire Nation troops, lead by the princess of that country herself.

His troops quickly settled in the habitations of Sai's new base of operations. From there, he would start acting to regroup the Thunderfist Battalion and, perhaps, give chase on the nearby lands, chasing Fire Nation troops.

[pengon]

Tall and up on his mount, Sai could be seen and heard from everyone on the crowd. All of them were looking at him and, his eyes were rolling through person, no one challenged his defiant look when in direct line with those green intimidating eyes. The mayor of the town, with an unsatisfied face was at his left, lieutenant Koa, of the Thunderfist Battalion was at his right.

“Citizens of Kei Lan, I'll be quick in my speech. I'm captain Sai, third captain of Earth Kingdom's Elite Troops. All the soldiers brought by me are from the elite troops, as well. During provisional time we will take care of the military affairs of the town. Security now does not concern to your mayor anymore, but to us, as we long as we make ourselves present. Commercial and political affairs are still your own but may be under approval of me and/or my council. There will be routine patrols, day and night, and citizens are to be questioned by soldiers if the officers so deem it appropriated. These are orders of the defense minister of the Earth Kingdom. Our mission here is to protect the town while gathering military prowess.”

Sai looked to the local guards, some ten or so spear dwelling soldiers, perhaps the occasional earthbender “The local guard is to report directly to us, instead of the town's hall. In my absence, will answer Lieutenant Pyo, of my division. In his absence, will answer Lieutenant Koa, from the Thunderfist Battalion. Also, there is something that came to my knowledge. Seems that levels of criminality involving thefts and robbery are pretty high around here. Anyone found committing such crimes, among other crimes, will be severely punished by my force and may not be locked in the local prison but sent elsewhere, as decided by me or my platoon. Be warned. That is all, any doubts, speak with private Shun and private Zhang, standing over there.”

Sai's voice was, naturally, loud enough to make everyone in the square able to hear it. However, his thoughts were turned to something else then the cities affairs. The mayor, that was unpleased with actions came near Sai to discuss the power taken out of the hall's hands. Sai needed just to stare at him. “Will you go against official orders of the Earth Kingdom's defense minister, mayor? If no, then go take care of your affairs. I have things to take care of.” Sai turned his head “Lieutenant Koa, follow me. I need you to give me informations about the area where the other soldiers are supposed be hidden.”. Sai, definitely, was not going to stay in Kei Lan. The sub-commanders of his troops were to stay and give protection to the integrity of the Thunderfist Battalion, but not Sai. Sai was going to take back those lost sheeps... and perhaps, if lucky, hunt some wolves.

(Sai leaves to: Gathering the Last Pieces of the Shattered Jar)