[color=bfbfbf][sub][table= //////= POST DESIGN v1=\\\\\\][row][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/rsAd9IX.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/row][row][cell][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/IMH6YK7.png[/img][/sup]

[color=2e2c2c]_______________________________[sub]........[/sub][/color]
[/cell][cell][color=white][center][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/DHKvx27.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][center][color=2e2c2c]Evening   ·   An LSF Collaboration[/color]Evening   ·   An LSF Collaboration[/center][/sub][/center][/color][quote][color=2e2c2c]____________________________________________________________________________.[/color]
[color=9f9f9f][sub][sub][u][b][color=bca346]Exit   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
[color=bca346]”Why thank you.”[/color] Vyska said to the boy as she took a small crumb cake from the plate, thankful for the distraction and the interruption. Although she’d secretly hoped both men beat each other into the ground, she knew the commotion wasn’t going to have a good effect on the rest of the attendees. Tensions were already high. She didn’t need someone else escalating things and further muddying the water she was treading.

After taking the cake, she turned to Lana and flashed her a greeting smile. [color=bca346]”And it is nice to see you, Lana.”[/color]

[color=white]”Quite. Ever the ray of sunshine you are.”[/color] Lani commented. There was minimal effort to hide the disdain, however, when the boy offered her the plate, she smiled and took one of the sweets. [color=white]”And you, Xu. Here to ruin my fun as always?”[/color] 

Kaye took one as well and thanked them both.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=ea9999]Katakuri   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
When the young boy approached him and offered a small dessert plate to him, Soran offered a faint smile, [color=9e0039]"I appreciate the offer, but I have to kindly reject,"[/color] he ruffled the young boy’s hair. Glancing over to Tao Xu, Director of the Republic Security Force – [i]what an entrance…[/i] he thought in the slight remembrance of the director using such an authoritative voice. 
He let his eyes wander over to the other figure, Miss Cheng, who was dressed beautifully. Most people that were attending this event were dressed pleasantly. Some more than others. Soran did not let his eyes stay on the woman or the Director too long, since he was not extremely interested in tonight's whole ordeal. He didn’t know exactly what was going down tonight, he had a slight idea, but he was realizing things kept getting more and more interesting. It was odd that An Tamura was still in such a high ranking position in the Moon company. Tensions were already high. He tried to talk himself out of coming, but he knew that the LSF would chew him out. Soran barely realized that he grabbed the full glass of champagne as a waitress walked by with a full platter of beautiful crystal glasses. Taking a sip was the realization that he had himself another drink. Sighing into the rim of the cup, [color=9e0039]"[i]I hope this night starts to speed up,[/i]"[/color] whispering as he took a sip before sitting down. He wondered if there was anything to read around here to keep him busy, a gazeta or something.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=a4c2f4]Fiber   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
When it came to fighting, Xiaoxu’s mind went to what he knew best: the law. He had figured out his legal strategy before he had even made his first threat, his mind was firing off dates and cases like a machine gun, checking everything to make sure he couldn’t be charged for assault for the acting of kicking Kata’s ass. The doctrine of mutual combat, which holds that combat between two consenting adults and causes no collateral damage is not a crime and thus not triable as assault, dates back to earth kingdom customary law but was formally codified during the era of Yangchen when the Earth Kingdom moved to adopt a legal system inspired by the Fire Nation’s Code of Szeto, which also had statutes that recognize mutual combat. This remained on the books for several centuries, and was implicitly part of the law during the founding of the United Republic of Nations in Republic Year 1, but ambiguities remained particularly due overlap with a Fire Nation colonial statute that was also in place, until Mushi v. Korra was decided by Republic Superior court in Republic Year 60. The framework of the three part test involving mutuality, intentionality, and avoidance of  collateral harm has been upheld through numerous cases over the years and was formally included in law during the criminal code reform of Republic Year 137 that followed the restoration of the monarchy and constitutional reforms; subsequent statues have carved out exceptions for scenarios involving pre-arranged fights, commercial or criminal enterprise, demonstration or use of techniques banned for national security purposes, but none of those would apply in this case. After all of that, it occurred to Xiaoxu that he should actually think about how to fight. The only thing he could call on were the fight scenes from Nuktuk: Blood on the Ice, the blockbuster mover that revived an old franchise with a darker edge and a storyline approved by the government. His violent fantasies ended abruptly when Tao Xu entered the scene and shut down their would-be fight, after that the only thing that raced into Xiaoxu’s head were the RSF’s incredibly broad powers to detain and punish individual deemed to be damaging to state affairs; he’d even helped write some of those statutes that Tao could employ.

Xiaoxu took a deep breath, and changed his tone of voice. He really did hate Kata, but now wasn’t the time to show, he had to put on an act like he was listening. There was still a chance for him to get a snipe in at An. He gave a full, formal bow and said [color=white]“I apologize, Commander Xu. I don’t know what got into me. I’d truly hate for there to be another criminal at the table, I think having Miss Tamura is enough for us. If she objects, I’m sure she’ll have a good explanation for why she shot a RSF security bot while running from officers, or where exactly Chu went when authorities lost track of her just as she was running on a route that could take her to An’s apartment, or why exactly An’s access card was used in the tunnels during that very eventful afternoon. Don’t take my word for it, you all can look it up, case number 1529519, request the recor-“[/color]

Zhen interrupted him. [color=white]“That’s enough. Is this really why we came here? I hope we can have some more productive discussions, I’m sorry about this, Commander Xu. I’m happy to see you here, Mrs. Cheng, I think we can all learn from your example and how you never stop finding ways to help the people of the city.”[/color] She had slipped back quietly, around the time Tao Xu had restored order. She didn’t know the exact events that had transpired in her absence, but even thinking about them made her embarrassed. Zhen Xiaoxu returned to their seats, both looking like they wished they could turn invisible.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=bca346]Exit   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
That man knew a lot. Way more than he should and it was obvious now why. Vyska hadn’t taken the time to check to see who An’s case was being passed to. It’d only been a day and her and An had a lot more to discuss than something she still figured could be easily handled. Now, it was clear that Xiaoxu had gotten the case and suddenly she was having a headache. This absurdity of his obnoxious ranting was driving her up a wall and the poise of calm and strength her family had hammered into her was waning.

[color=white]”No please, don’t stop now. The man has already ruined one bit of fun for me. I’m not about to pass up on a good story. And trust, An. Believe me when I tell you that I too would like to shoot one of his roobutts. Complete buzzkills the lot of them.”[/color] She glanced up at Tao. [color=white]”Did it feel good?”[/color]

[color=bca346]”She will not be discussing the details of the case… at the palace.”[/color] Vyska glanced from Lani to Xiaoxu. Lani rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. [color=bca346]”Incase everyone has gotten lost, we are not at a hearing and in case you’ve forgotten, [i]Professor Zhang[/i]... innocent until proven guilty. Or did you misplace your law degree on the way here along with your last name? Perhaps we’re a professor short, tonight. I apologize, [i]Zhang[/i].”[/color]

[color=white]”Wouldn’t be the first criminal in this room.”[/color] Another man suddenly appeared standing awfully close to An. He smiled down at her and winked from behind a pair of dark shades. Of course she couldn’t see it but his cheek did move a little. He wore a very clean, tailored black jacket suit that was open at the front, black dress pants and shoes, black gloves and a white button up with the top two buttons undone. Like the suit that looked as if it had been meticulously put together, his hair too had been carefully sculpted and was glistening in the low light of the room. It also didn’t seem to move much at all. [color=white]”But the real crime tonight is having to be seated so far away from a beauty like you… Miss Tamura.”[/color] One hand found the back of her seat and the other flourished in front of him as he introduced himself. [color=white]”Yuri Zolta at your… humble service.”[/color]

[color=bca346]”Yuri. Please don’t touch her chair.”[/color]
[sub][sub][u][b][color=d5a6bd]canaryrose   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
While Vyska was embarrassed and a bit frustrated, An was shaking with rage and mortification. Her face turned a mottled red, a vein bulging in her neck. She bit her lip to keep herself from screaming. How [i]dare[/i] he? How did he even know this? It hadn’t been reported, it wasn’t known. Her embarrassment didn’t need to be screamed to the world. She felt the gazes of everyone at the table, looking at her like she was either a rabid animal or an amusing curiosity, and wanted to punch someone in the face. She didn’t comment, instead letting Vyska talk as she looked away, her anger and indignancy turning to tears welling up in her eyes. She was pretty sure that if she opened her mouth, she'd either start sobbing or screaming obscenities.  [color=bcc7cc][i]Do NOT cry.[/i][/color] For perhaps the billionth time that night, she wished Chu was sitting next to her. If only so she could have a hand to hold or a stalwart defender other than an ultra-rich blonde 8 years her junior. But Chu was the whole reason everyone was looking at her like this. She was the reason An was a criminal.

Then, a man entered her space from behind. She turned in her chair to face him, still looking upset. [i]Yuri Zolta[/i]. A mobster, about as greasy as they came, and he was right in her space, his hand hovering just millimeters from her back. He smelled strongly of cologne. She felt trapped.

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. An stood from her seat suddenly, shaking. [color=bcc7cc]“You’re not even remotely my type. I’m also nothing like you. Excuse me.”[/color] She made to squeeze past him, visibly distressed.

He grabbed her hand suddenly, bringing it to his lips. And then, just like that, An shoved him about as hard as she could muster, putting both hands on his chest and pushing him away from her. [color=bcc7cc]“Keep your hands off of me!”[/color] she practically shouted, shrilly, and then realized what she had done. She blushed a deep red and made to leave… but not before grabbing her wine glass and upending it over Xiaoxu’s head as she walked away. It dripped onto his white suit, staining it red.

[color=bcc7cc]“Whoops. Go fuck yourself.”[/color] She left the table.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=ea9999]Katakuri   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
Katakuri Soran would be lying if he said he didn’t feel for An, she was the center of attention at her table. Zhen’s husband was spewing nonsense – maybe not nonsense – Xiaoxu was barfing words to make everyones else leave him and onto something else. He was good at making such scenes, [i]why does anyone invite him to these things?[/i] Glancing over to Zhen, he could read the embarrassment on her face. 

Rolling his eyes, he decided the best option was to stay out of it or try to. If he kept throwing the hook over to Xiaoxu, they would definitely get into a physical arrangement. Everyone at the Moon, Tamura, Lun, and others at the table seemed to be odd with tension. Everything that happened tonight was building up more and more tension. A pin seemed to be stabbed into the sore of tonight's conversations, Yuri Zolta was trying his best to compli– flirt? Flirt with An Tamura, and Katakuri couldn’t tell if the man was flat out stupid or never heard of the famous stickball player, Chu Hua Yuan. Maybe Soran had a very small, very annoying 4-year old that would tell him [i]all[/i] about the stickball players, especially her favorite ones. [i]If a 4-year old can catch on that An and Chu Hua swing a certain way…through a television screen. Does this man live under a rock?[/i] He never noticed before, but he was starting to consider that most people who attend these events have no common sense or life outside of themselves.

Taking another sip of the champagne, he hated the taste of it, but it was his only drink. Looking over his shoulder, he was trying to mind his own business, though he was too interested in what was happening around him. Nothing else was interesting. He looked right in time for An’s small, yet very understandable outburst towards the mobster. Chuckling at the scene unfolding, he covered his mouth and looked away, attempting to hide the laugh that was trying to escape his body from seeing Xiaoxu drenched in wine.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=d9ead3]dreamingflowers   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
Lana exchanged pleasantries when she was addressed , remaining aware of the lingering tension. Things seemed to come to a head when a glass of wine was promptly emptied on one of the guests. An Tamura, the woman she knew only by name and reputation stormed off. While Lana did not in any way support what Xiaoxu claimed, nor thought this to be the right time and place, she handed him one of the silk napkins as a sign of good will. 

Chey watched the events unfold with wide eyes, all the while stuffing his face with snacks like he was watching his favorite cartoon. He spotted Tao Xu and tapped on Lana’s shoulder.

[color=white]“Is that the police? Are they going to be arrested?”[/color]

Lana smiled and shook her head. 
[color=d9ead3]“Not exactly. I’ll explain it to you later.”[/color]
[sub][sub][u][b][color=bca346]Exit   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
[color=white]”Although they [i]should[/i] be arrested.”[/color] Varrick swung around the second table, completely avoiding the first and sat down near Lana leaving a seat between them empty. [color=white]”Mrs. Cheng. Mr. Katakuri.”[/color] He said to the others already seated, giving them both a simple nod in greeting. [color=white]”And who might this be?”[/color] He smiled at the child in Lana’s lap.

The ambient song came to an end in soft, scattered applause and Jie was ushered off the stage. Another person took their place, walking up to the mic and tapping it gently to get everyone’s attention once more. [color=white]”If we can have everyone please take their seats.”[/color]

Vyska stood, gave Xiaoxu another look of disapproval and left the table as well, following after An.

Yuri, who had nearly fallen on his ass, recovered quickly with a sheepish smile playing under his shades. He fixed his jacket and dusted himself off. [color=white]”Looks like I’m a little rusty. I’ve never had [i]two[/i] women storm off on me before.”[/color] He pausd. [color=white]”Actually, that’s a lie.”[/color] He then flashed another smile at the table and when his eyes found Tao, he finger-gunned him. [color=white]”Don’t worry, officer. I’ll be on my best behavior from here on out.”[/color] He said before moving to the other table and taking a seat next to Varrick.

[color=white]”Maybe this table isn’t so bad.”[/color] Lani commented. [color=white]”Everyone is usually so tightly wound up like a spring. It’s nice to see people let loose once in a while.”[/color]
[sub][sub][u][b][color=ea9999]Katakuri   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
Giving the other man a faint smile, [color=9e0039]"Mr.Varrick"[/color] he politely greeted the other in the same way. Varrick was usually a pleasant individual or someone that he could withstand. Most people in the Gala were not people that Soran could personally stand or professionally tolerate — there were a few he could not tolerate in any situation, Xiaoxu. That man was annoying… 

This second man was as annoying, in a different way, and he sighed. Rolling his eyes at Yuri Zolta’s comment. [color=9e0039]"Yuri Zolta, [i]I have met a box of rocks smarter than you…[/i]"[/color] Soran’s tone was half-heartedly said with an underlying tone of coldness. Was this man serious? He found a second person that he couldn’t tolerate in most situations. He wondered if Xiaoxu and Yuri would become best friends, they were made for each other. 

Katakuri glanced at Lani when she commented about the second table being better. Shrugging his shoulders, he truly did not have an answer for her, [color=9e0039]"Everything is subjective at this point."[/color] Soran chuckled at his comment while taking another sip from his champagne glass.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=bca346]Exit   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
[color=white]”I’d very much like to meet those rocks.”[/color] Yuri flashed Kata a smile and waved down one of the servers. [color=white]”How’s the Soran family business these days?”[/color]
[sub][sub][u][b][color=ea9999]Katakuri   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
The eldest children of the Soran looked at Yuri, trying to figure out if he was jokingly saying his words or if he was being serious – he hoped the man wasn’t being serious. His brows furrowed at the thought, [i]I am surrounded by idiots…[/i], and he let his gaze fall to the table with that thought. 
Yuri pulled him out of the thought and mid-life crisis that he began to have under the realization that he had to be here all night long. All night. With people. With people who were like Xiaoxu… people like Yuri Zolta… those people. Shifting out of his thoughts and having a neutral expression, he sighed, [color=9e0039]"The Soran family business is currently doing very well. Our stocks increased by 5% annually and our SEO and marketing strategies have given a roadway to install a handful of more institutes in the middle ring. Along with those advancements, we have been able to improve modernization and automation for the majority of the middle ring."[/color] taking a breather for a moment. He remembered what his younger sister has been doing, [color=9e0039]"Aisonu Soran has been improving our growth by investing in paid search marketing and creating a banking app with crypto currency markers to effectively create a mobile presence in the banking world. The Soran family company has been going through a lot of advancements that are benefiting everyone,"[/color] he informed the other man, doubting that he would understand any of this.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=gold]FunnyGuy   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
Despite the attention Commander Xu received, he kept his replies subtle. Tao hadn't even taken a seat, choosing to stand for now with arms crossed at his chest. He gave a head nod here, a smirk there. Zuri Zolta had naturally earned a scowl of course. Tao wouldn't voice it but he was much more concerned with what Gala had to offer than playing enforcer for [I]these[/I] types. That, and he was being pinged on his comms headgear. Before he took the transmission, his eyes found Lana. [I][color=gold]Another bout between us. As always when it comes to advising the king.[/color][/I] He touched his head piece and walked away from the table. 

[Color=gold]“Commander Xu. Report.”[/color] His face remained neutral as he listened in until his eyes widened and reflexively looked at Katakuri. [Color=gold]“Well, I have Katakuri Soran here with me at the Gala as I speak. I will deliver the news to him. Out.”[/color] Tao nodded to himself a few times. [Color=gold][I]He and I both needed this news…[/I][/Color] He strode over to Katakuri, giving him a single nod before discreetly pointing over to a space where others could not easily pry.

[Color=gold]“Mr. Soran. There is something I must share with you. It is both sensitive and pressing. Please.”[/color][/color][/quote]
[/cell][/row][/table][/sub][/color][color=bfbfbf][sub][table= //////= POST DESIGN v1=\\\\\\][row][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/8Ik73PX.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/row][row][cell][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/SFa7Abg.png[/img][/sup]

[color=2e2c2c]_______________________________[sub]........[/sub][/color]
[/cell][cell][color=white][center][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/DHKvx27.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][center][color=2e2c2c]Evening   ·   Washroom   ·   |@canaryrose][/color]Evening   ·   Washroom   ·   [@canaryrose][/center][/sub][/center][/color][quote][color=2e2c2c]____________________________________________________________________________.[/color]
[color=9f9f9f]Vyska followed after An, out of the main room and down one of the side paths leading away from the dining hall. With the sound of voices, platters and laughter muted behind several layers of walls, she found the halls much more peaceful. The only sound here was that of her boots padding along carpeted floors and the slight hum of electricity from sconced lights. The people were fewer too and less talkative. A simple greeting nod was enough as she passed them to the washroom ahead.

Immediately on the other side of the door, she found An, sitting by herself on one of the couches. Vyska shut the door behind her… and locked it.

[color=bca346]”I could have Jack murder everyone at that table for you.”[/color][/color][/quote]
[/cell][/row][/table][/sub][/color][color=bfbfbf][sub][table= //////= POST DESIGN v1=\\\\\\][row][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/QmxQLor.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/row][row][cell][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/MjRL0JE.png[/img][/sup]

[color=2e2c2c]_______________________________[sub]........[/sub][/color]
[/cell][cell][color=white][center][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/DHKvx27.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][center][color=2e2c2c]Evening   ·   |@Katakuri] & |@FunnyGuy][/color]Evening   ·   [@Katakuri] & [@FunnyGuy][/center][/sub][/center][/color][quote][color=2e2c2c]____________________________________________________________________________.[/color]
[color=9f9f9f][sub][sub][u][b][color=ea9999]Katakuri   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
In between his smart-ass comments and all the tension between everyone, he noticed the signaling from the commander. Raising a brow, [i]did I go too far with that last comment?[/i] Soran thought he might get told to stop his comments since someone would be bound to react badly to them, so he slowly stood up. Walking over to where the commander politely asked him to go without vocalization. 

Standing there, he slipped a hand in his pocket as he looked over to the commander – only a foot or two away from the other man. [color=9e0039]"I thought I was coming over here to get [i]scolded[/i] about my commetering"[/color] Katakuri’s voice was playful, since he was trying to keep himself in a good mood, but he understand that important things could come up at tonight's Gala. He didn’t think that the commander knew about the LSF or knew that he was in it, so he was confused about what sensitive and pressing information that the man needed to tell him. [color=9e0039]"If I am not being scolded for being an idiot. What is happening that needs you to pull me aside?"[/color] Katakuri was trying to think of other things. What could be wrong or important to pull him aside? Neither of his younger sisters were having children or medical issues at this time. Most didn’t know about Chosah. His parents were fine when he left the house. Did someone steal the family car he was using? Is that broken? Money could fix that. His mind was going through all the checkboxes, nothing popped out to him.
[sub][sub][u][b][color=gold]FunnyGuy   [/color][/b][/u][/sub][/sub]
There was a slight drop in Tao's shoulders as he got ready to deliver the news. One was never prepared for something of this matter, especially someone thing like this. Who would be, unless they were involved in some way?  [Color=gold][I]This will crush him, and now of all times is…. It's almost poetic.[/I][/color] He glanced around to again make sure their conversation was private.

[Color=gold]“There's no way to sugarcoat this, so I'll just say it plainly.”[/color] He crossed his arms over his chest. [Color=gold]“Katakuri Soran, your father has been murdered…”[/color] He let his words sink in before delivering the killing blow. [Color=gold]“...and your mother has been taken into custody as a prime suspect. The RSF is doing everything in our power to find out the direct cause and the motive.”[/color] He stopped there. Beating the man over the head with legal terms while he received the shocker of his life wasn't Tao's intention. He was there to inform, to perform his duty. The effect, however, now that was just something extra. The maliciousness wasn't personal. It was quite simply, convenient.[/color][/quote]
[/cell][/row][/table][/sub][/color][color=bfbfbf][sub][table= //////= POST DESIGN v1=\\\\\\][row][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/o47Nku8.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][/row][row][cell][sup][img]https://i.imgur.com/MjRL0JE.png[/img][/sup]

[color=2e2c2c]_______________________________[sub]........[/sub][/color]
[/cell][cell][color=white][center][sub][sub][sub][sub][sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/DHKvx27.png[/img][/sub][/sub][/sub][/sub][center][color=2e2c2c]Evening   ·   Dining Hall[/color]Evening   ·   Dining Hall[/center][/sub][/center][/color][quote][color=2e2c2c]____________________________________________________________________________.[/color]
[color=9f9f9f][color=white]”Everyone. We will begin momentarily. Please take your seats.”[/color]

The murmur of the crowd began to die down as everyone found their place in the room. Despite a few recently vacated seats and late arrivals, the entire floor of the dining hall was filled. A full display of the most powerful faces and families in Ba Sing Se.

After a few silent moments, the man on stage stepped to the side allowing the King to take the microphone. The sixth of his name, Wu was an elderly man in his forties with hair just starting to grey and a face that seemed far more weary than it should have been. His darker eyes held the slightest tinge of uncertainty as he looked into the crowd. On him was a long white gown embroidered along the edges with gold and along the front and back with swirling patterns that seemed like branches on a tree. As he walked toward the center of the stage, there was no further announcement or fanfare on his part, although those at the tables did begin to applaud him. He quickly held up his hand.

[color=white]”Please.”[/color] He said softly, although his voice remained strangely commanding. Once everyone had finished settling in and were looking up at him, he continued. [color=white]”I want to thank everyone for being here today during such trying times. I know how disappointing it was to some that the Gala had to be rescheduled but it is truly a joy to see everyone here today. Truly… a joy.”[/color] He looked over the crowd, his weary dark eyes illuminated by the spot of light trained on him.

[color=white]”Just a few days ago, our city suffered a loss unlike any in centuries. The sudden appearance of Benders across every ring of Ba Sing Se introduced chaos, fear… death on a scale unseen since the war. Since then, we’ve worked tirelessly to restore order and recover from the damage inflicted but even as we do and our lives continue moving forward, important questions remain unanswered.”[/color]

[color=white]“Why?”[/color] He paused, looking over the room as if he were asking them directly. [color=white]“Who are we to blame?”[/color] His eyes glanced toward the empty seat that was Vyska’s. At her table, a few faces already looked quite disappointed with the recent turn of events, one of which had a very prominent red stain covering his white clothes.

[color=white]”Some might say it was SynEn, the very power company whose synergy facility was the center of the explosion. Some might say it was the work of terrorists or gangs unhappy with the living conditions in the Lower Ring enacting the first step in their plan. Some might say it was the work of Benders finally rising up and coming out of the shadows in an attempt to take over the city. And while these answers sound… right, they’re not the real answer. They’re ignoring a glaring truth. A truth about the day all of this occurred on.”[/color]

[color=white]”One hundred years ago, we brought an end to the great war. A war that saw the Bending race extinguished. A war that promised a future of peace where we could live without fear of the next great threat to man. And for a hundred years we’ve told you that the world is improving. That there is peace. That we are healing. That is what my forebears promised you and what I have promised in the past. That we are better because of what we did.”[/color]

[color=white]”But that’s not the truth. The truth is, the Lower Ring drowns in its poverty. A third of the population of my city dies in the streets and no one cares. The truth is, our system of power, economy, justice, all hang by a thread that is undone by a single accident. The truth is that my city continues to tear itself apart from disparity. From a rift created by our actions a century ago and that the world outside its walls is dying. That there has not been peace since the war. Not real peace, and if we want real peace, if we want to be safe again and heal from the scars of the past, we must make a change. I must make a change. What we're doing now is only hurting ourselves. We cannot control the destiny of the world and in trying to do so, we only condemn ourselves, our friends and our families. Because of a change that took them that they had no choice in, they have become that which we feared. No longer. I will not stand by and let Ba Sing Se continue to drown itself in ignorance only for it to fall to ruin. I will not follow in the footsteps of my father or his father before him. I won’t allow myself to be controlled as they were only to watch the people I love suffer."[/color]

[color=white]”Tonight, I make changes to law, starting with those persecuting Benders.”[/color][/color][/quote]
[/cell][/row][/table][/sub][/color]