Undercurrent Protocols
After the confrontation that night, you and Kuvira reverted to your loyal superior-subordinate relationship as if nothing had happened.
You devoted yourself to the collaboration with the Fire Nation.
The energy pipeline would inevitably pass through Gaoling, which was poised to become a major energy-economic province. Any visionary leader would agree—if Guan opposed it, he would prove himself shortsighted.
Though Guan still dominated Gaoling, his era of absolute control was over. The moment Kuvira fell into a coma, you detected his ambition and began planting agents there. Now, two deputies loomed behind him, poised to seize power. Coincidentally, one of them was your protégé. Whether Guan could retain his position depended entirely on himself.
You entered Gaoling with engineers in a grand spectacle. Officials, at your request, had already spread news of the energy cooperation project through the streets. Those attuned to opportunity sought ways to join the project—even as laborers—knowing the wages for such a multinational venture would be substantial.
Waving at the crowds from your car, you wondered if desperation might drive Guan to reckless action.
“On behalf of Gaoling, welcome,” Guan said cordially outside the government building—a facade he maintained until the doors closed.
“How theatrical, *Madam Vice President*,” he sneered, shedding his pretense.
“Naturally,” you replied, feigning a smile and ignoring his mocking title. Your eyes openly assessed the room’s layout and guards. “Commander Guan seems quite meticulous about security.”
Guan scoffed. “I don’t coddle foreigners on my soil like some spineless fools.”
You narrowed your eyes, voice icy. “Shall I interpret this as your opposition to the diplomatic project?”
Guan’s defiance hardened. Amused by his stubbornness, you patted his epaulette.
“Relax, Commander. I’m here with good news—for you too.”
Confusion flickered in his eyes as your secretary handed him a document.
“For your military merits in reunifying the Earth Empire and its provinces,” you read aloud, “President Kuvira deems a talent like you too vast for Gaoling. You are hereby promoted to *Commander of the Pan-Continental Military Exercises*.”
*Since when does Kuvira flatter so lavishly?* you mused. Meanwhile, Kuvira sneezed three times in her distant office.
“The Earth Empire embraces openness, yet foreign threats persist. Who better to lead this 18-month anti-piracy campaign than our illustrious Commander?” You handed the document to Guan—now *Commander* Guan—whose face darkened.
You initiated applause, and bewildered officials echoed congratulations. Guan scrutinized every page: the “promotion” included a multinational escort force, ostensibly for his protection.
“Excel in this role, Commander, and the world will hail you as a peacemaker.”
His core troops would be dispersed among foreign battalions—a glorified exile. When Guan departed, Kuvira replaced him with the deputy untouched by your influence, leaving your pawn to follow Guan meekly.
Rumors swirled of a rift between you and Kuvira, even claims she sought to suppress you.
---
**Later, in Kuvira’s office:**
While Kuvira dined, you rifled through her office, searching fruitlessly.
“Tired?” Kuvira’s voice came from behind as she offered a water glass.
You drained it in one gulp.
“…That was my cup.”
“I know.”
Kuvira studied you—less a rabid hound now, more a cunning fox. “What are you *really* after?”
“A pen I’ve misplaced.”
“Liar.” She hauled you up. “If I catch you scheming, I’ll banish you to the border.”
You grinned. “Just preparing your birthday gift.”
*Nine months early.* Kuvira’s eyes narrowed.
---
**One month before Kuvira’s birthday:**
The Earth-Fire Nation energy project thrived. Guan’s “peacemaker” reputation grew as the military exercises entered their final month. You requested a two-week medical leave to Antarctica, claiming treatment—a cover for delivering Kuvira’s “gift” personally.
On your tenth day in Antarctica, Korra received a Fire Nation soldier’s leaked report: Guan planned to test new spirit energy weapons on water tribes. Attached were his coordinates—heading south toward Antarctica.
Though Korra had ignored the exercises after initial anti-piracy successes, this report demanded action.
*Knock knock.*
“Enter.”
“President, the Avatar is here. She seems… hostile,” the secretary warned.
Kuvira raised an eyebrow. Since their last meeting in Republic City, they’d signed spirit cannon treaties. Korra’s visit meant trouble.
“Let her in.”
Korra stormed in, tension crackling. “You sanctioned Guan’s spirit weapon tests?” She slammed the report on Kuvira’s desk.
Kuvira skimmed it. “You rage over an anonymous tip?”
“It’s from Fire Nation troops!”
“Odd they’d bypass their king to contact you.” Kuvira kept her suspicion unspoken. Still, she contacted the Fire Lord to halt the exercises.
“We’ll comply,” the Fire commander replied, “but Guan’s forces split from ours days ago to flank a pirate base. They’re nearing Antarctica now.”
Kuvira’s secretary entered urgently: “We’ve lost contact with Guan. Signals are down.”
Disaster loomed.