Although the voyage had not gone as smoothly as they had expected, they had fortunately avoided encountering a full Fire Nation fleet and successfully reached Azulon Bay within the planned time.
In the darkness, Hakoda addressed everyone:
"With this, we've successfully completed the first step of our plan. Thank you all for your hard work along the way! But the hardest part is still ahead, so I hope no one lets their guard down."
"It's five in the morning now. According to General Iroh's intelligence, it takes three hours to get from Azulon Bay to the Interior without incident, so we'll begin our operation at eight thirty sharp. Get some good rest over the next three hours and build up your strength."
"That's all. Dismissed."
He had dismissed them, but there was really nowhere to go. Everyone stayed where they were to rest, lay down on the spot to sleep for a while, or chatted with their companions as quietly as possible. Occasionally, the faint clink of their equipment broke the silence.
Zuko and Mai dozed against each other, and the others were resting too. Katara quietly came over and sat beside Aang.
"Are you still thinking about that question?"
"Yes."
Aang gave a subdued reply, and Katara continued softly:
"I've actually wanted to ask you for a while. Why are you so determined not to kill Ozai?"
"Because that's what my Air Nomad masters taught me. It goes against the Air Nomads' beliefs."
Aang finally turned to look at her.
"More importantly, I'm the Avatar. I can't just snuff someone out because I don't like them. That would only lead to even worse consequences."
Katara started to speak, then stopped, because she truly could not understand the responsibilities the Avatar had to shoulder.
After some thought, she said:
"In