[Sokka is about to interject the moment that Valdis refers to him as a mere teenager, and he even raises a finger into the air, but he backs down the moment she offers a compliment to chase it down.]

Well, okay, infrastructure is good, I won't deny that one. But, we have to have a structure first before we can build support for it. And the palace... well, if no one else is going to own it, we might as well take it. Besides, there might be something left in there still worthwhile. And if nothing else, it means we're not going to be stuck here in Anton's debt.

As for a leader, well... I'm just the idea guy here. I mean, I know I've got the looks and the charm and all, but I've tried being the front guy for an invasion before. That... didn't exactly go well. I'm better suited at being the power behind the throne.