Dai Li agent quotes from Avatar: The Last Airbender

Dai Li Agent

There is no War in Ba Sing Se. Here, we are safe. Here, we are free.

Sokka

Why won't you let us talk to the King?! We have information that could defeat the Fire Nation!

Long Feng

The Earth King has no time to get involved in political squabbles and the day-to-day minutia of military activities.

Aang

This could be the most important thing he's ever heard!

Long Feng

What's most important to His Royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversee the rest of the city's resources... including the military.

Katara

So the King is just a figurehead.

He's your puppet!

Long Feng

Oh, no, no! His majesty is an icon, a god to his people. He can't sully his hands with the hourly changes of an endless war.

Sokka

But we found out about a solar eclipse that will leave the Fire Nation defenseless! You could lead an invasion-

Long Feng

[stands up] Enough. I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se, that the war not be mentioned inside these walls. [As he speaks, the Dai Li take Jet to a secret facility] Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic.

Jet

[as the Dai Li strapped him into a chair] You have to believe me! They're Firebenders! They won't stop until they win the war!

Dai Li Agent

[to Jet] Calm down. You're safe now. [a light begins rotating in front of Jet at eye level]

Long Feng

Our economy would be ruined. Our peaceful way of life, our traditions, would disappear.

Dai Li Agent

[to Jet] There's no war in Ba Sing Se.

Jet

What are you talking about?! Where do you think all the refugees come from? You can't hide it! [The Dai Li gag him as the light continues to rotate]

Long Feng

In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia... the last one on Earth.

Dai Li Agent

[to Jet, muffled] There is no war within the walls. Here, we are safe. Here, we are free.

Katara

You can't keep the truth from all these people. They have to know!

Aang

I'll tell them! I'll make sure everyone knows

Long Feng

Until now, you've been treated as our honored guest. But from now on, you will be watched by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anyone, you will be expelled from the city. I understand you've been looking for your bison? It would be quite a shame if you were unable to complete your quest. [Aang glares at him] Now, Joo Dee will show you home.

Come with me, please.

Katara

What happened to Joo Dee?

I'm Joo Dee. I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city.

Dai Li agent

You sent for us, Princess? Is everything all right?

Azula

Actually, everything's not all right. You know how long it took you to get here?

Dai Li agent

Uh, a few minutes, I guess.

Azula

Five, to be precise. In which time an assassin could have snuck in, done away with me and been on his merry way.

Dai Li agent

My apologies, Princess.

Azula

Is this how you plan to treat your new Fire Lord? With tardiness and disloyalty?

Dai Li agent

The Dai Li would never betray you!

Azula

And I'm sure that's just what you told Long Feng before you turned against him and joined me. (pause) You're all banished!

Dai Li agent

But--

Azula

Goodbye! Please send in the next group on your way out.

Azula, we've heard what happened.

Li

Why have you banished all your servants?

And your Dai Li agents?

Li

And the Imperial Firebenders?

Azula

None of them could be trusted. Sooner or later they all would have betrayed me, just like Mai and Ty Lee did.

Azula, we are concerned for you and your well-being.

Azula

My father asked you to come down here and talk to me, didn't he? He thinks I can't handle the responsibility of being Fire Lord. But I will be the greatest leader in Fire Nation history.

I am sure you will, but considering everything that has happened today.

Li

Perhaps it's best if we postpone your coronation.

Azula

(turns around) What?! Which one of you just said that?

Azula

What a shame. There's only one way to settle this. You two must duel each other! I order you to fight an Agni Kai!

But...

We're not Firebenders.

Azula

All right, fine. (points at Li) Lo, you're banished, (points at Lo) Li, you can stay. (walks away)

Li

But I'm Li. So who's banished?

(shrugs)