"You're right that's probably his motive, but you're underestimating how shameless politicians like Tarrlok can be and the little tricks they pull. "Jin set the invitation down on the table." "Want me to tell you what's going to happen? Pure speculation, of course."
"Fine, enlighten me!" Korra crossed her arms, leaning back against her chair.
"The beginning will be to make you drop your guard: a warm welcome, offering you a drink, introducing you to some people—things like that." Jin picked up his glass and finished what was left in it. "Once he sees you're more relaxed, that's when he'll make his move."
"You mean he'll attack me?"
"No, worse." Jin narrowed his eyes. "He'll lead you to the reporters without you even realizing it."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
Spirits help her, her social sense was even worse than he'd thought!
"And then they'll start asking you questions: 'What do you think about the Equalists?' 'Do you believe their threat to innocent citizens is serious?' 'Why haven't you joined the task force to capture Amon, as is the Avatar's duty?' 'Have you given up?'" Jin paused. "See what's happening?" He traced a circle in the air with his hand. "Moral manipulation, guided questions meant to trigger specific reactions. You'll start out surprised and confused by the reporters, you'll answer uncertainly, then Tarrlok will probably have one of his pawns press you about joining the task force. And no matter what you answer, they'll move on to provoking you—either to make you look bad and cowardly, or to get what he wants: you joining the task force to 'prove your courage.'"
Korra froze. She hadn't thought it could get that bad—and the worst part was, knowing herself, she could end up reacting exactly like that.
"Oh, and the task force would eat up your time, keeping you from getting stronger and making you skip training with the Fire Ferrets, just to name one thing." Jin went on. "After a few operations, your confidence would shoot up, and I wouldn't be surprised if you ended up challenging Amon to a one-on-one duel."
"Okay, okay, you're the voice of experience." She wasn't sure that was what would happen, but she could understand it wasn't in her favor, in any way, shape, or form. "Can you give me some advice? Even Tenzin's not sure what I should do."
"It's actually simple." Jin shrugged. "Don't go to the party. Tarrlok organized it without telling you, and now, just because he sends you a last-minute invitation, what, you're supposed to go so he doesn't look bad?" He waved his hand dismissively. "Don't play his game. You don't even have to send a rejection—just don't show up, and that's that."
"That would be…"
"Smart." Jin finished for her. "Tell me, do you want to finish your Avatar training, or do you want to dive into politics unprepared? Because they won't even leave your bones intact, I guarantee it." He warned. "Besides, even if you did join Tarrlok's task force, it wouldn't make any difference."
"Excuse me?!" Korra stood up, hands on her hips. "I think I'd do an excellent job!"
"Korra, tell me—what's the point of catching one or two dozen Equalists when there are hundreds in the city, and the real problem isn't them?"
Korra fell silent and sat down again, pouting and crossing her arms.
"Couldn't I just do that duel thing with Amon?"
"Korra, you're so innocent."
"Hey!" Her cheeks flushed red.
"I don't mean it like that." Jin rolled his eyes. "Tell me, if you publicly declare the duel, do you really think Amon would show up?"
"Yes, he would." Korra thought for a moment before answering. "If he didn't, it'd be like what you said about me with the reporters—people would think he's scared."
"Good, you're improving. Six out of ten." Jin clapped.
"What am I missing?" Korra reviewed what they'd said; nothing seemed off to her.
"You're making the same mistake as with Tarrlok, just from the other side of the fence." Jin explained. "This time you declare it's a one-on-one duel, but what's stopping Amon from showing up with a bunch of chi blockers?" He noticed Korra's eyes widen as she realized his point. "Honor? Integrity? The moment Amon claims he's 'neutralized' the Avatar herself, he'll be unstoppable. Who cares if he didn't fight fair?"
Jin knew that in reality, Amon wouldn't kill her—he'd let her go to traumatize her and send a message. And if Korra suffered that fate, every bender in the city and the nations would lose their minds; the Equalists wouldn't last a month. It would be a total extermination of anyone who sympathized with their cause.
Korra felt ice in her veins. That was an outcome she definitely didn't want to experience. She really was far too naïve...
"Yeah, I think I'll skip Tarrlok's party." She made up her mind instantly. "I'd rather focus on training. But… how do I stop him from pestering me about Amon and the task force?" She mused aloud, turning toward Jin.
Jin pretended not to notice as he took another snack. He'd just given her half the plot and wasn't sure how far he should go.
End Amon and Tarrlok before the Pro-bending Championship ends?
He still remembered how Amon demanded the Arena be shut down as a threat—which, thankfully, didn't happen thanks to his niece's intervention (because the Council was going to do it)—but he'd still end up acting against the championship winners anyway.
Hmm…
Nope. He wasn't going to let his niece and her teammates be humiliated in front of the whole city.
Congratulations, Amon—you've just earned yourself a beating.
…
When the hell am I going to be able to go to Zaofu?!