Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction ❯ Avatar: Dream Walkers ❯ 1:3 Knowing When to Quit ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: apollyonangel 
"Max calling Weather Sataion-51."
"He isn't there Max they found him 2 days ago..."
Anime/Manga: Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Fantasy / Adventure / Action | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.09.2010 | Updated On: 02.09.2010 | Pages: 7 | Words: 7.3K | Visits: 262 | Status: Work In Progress
"Max calling Weather Sataion-51."
"He isn't there Max they found him 2 days ago..."
Anime/Manga: Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Romance / Fantasy / Adventure / Action | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.09.2010 | Updated On: 02.09.2010 | Pages: 7 | Words: 7.3K | Visits: 262 | Status: Work In Progress
The hunt was going so well then something had startled him. His sudden
movement startled his pack mate, Adam. The man missed his mark, hitting the
prey on the side. Adam barked at him upset, then took off in a dash after the
wounded creature.
For a moment he stood there confused. His brother had never given chase to a
creature before. Then he too gave chase it was exciting. As they dashed along
Buck looked to brother, his face filled with excitement to. He was enjoying the
chase. They jumped over a fallen tree and suddenly Buck didn't hear his partner
anymore. He turned and looked back. Buck ran back to find a hole in the ground,
forgetting about the injured prey. He looked into the abyss just in time to see his
brother's face.
Buck watched helpless to protect him and the expression on Adam's face
frightened him. No fight was left in him. It was clear he was going to let himself
die. Buck whined in protest. It was not right! His pack mate was stronger than
that. How could he just let himself die?
He had to look away; the sound that came next told him that his pack, his
brother was dead. Another sound caught his attention. The viperwolf turned his
head and stared at the fallen prey. It must have been trying to make its way back
to its herd. The creature lay near the edge of the hole. The kill felt so hollow now.
All of Buck's efforts became focused on moving. It was as if a force compelled him
to move.
Slowly, Buck brought himself to the edge of opening to see Adam. The view was
shaded for a moment a floating rock covered Adam. Gradually, the rock moved
away revealing his brother's lifeless body on the ground.
Buck perked up when he spotted movement. His brother's chest slowly rose up
and down. His tail moved in excitement as he let out a yelp.
The All Mother was watching out for him. Yet, he was still down there and Buck
could not reach him. Suddenly, the cave illuminated and for a moment Buck could
hear the song of the Great Mother.
A shiver ran down Buck's spine. He turned and watched as two forest walkers
appeared. They first noticed the downed prey, then Buck. There scent was
familiar to the viperwolf. They were not the forest walkers but the plain walkers
that Adam had traded with. Buck wasn't comfortable being close to any creature
except Adam and those of his species. He slowly backed up and whined giving a
quick glance toward the cave entrance.
Buck watch as the two hunters muttered words and seem to marvel as they
looked below, at Adam. Both nodded. Buck let out a sigh of relief. They were
going to help his pack mate.
[*-*] The Times They Are A-Changin' ^ Bob Dylan [*-*]
MICRO MAFIA STUDIOS presents
- Dream Walker -
- 1:3 Knowing When to Quit -
With inspired by AVATAR created by James Cameron
Additional inspiration by AVATAR: The Video Game
Written by Apollyon
Edited by Calaeris
Most characters created by James Cameron
Suvi and Adam created by Apollyon
Other characters property of their respected owners.
© 2009 Micro Mafia Studios Ltd.
Dr. Ramir Alda sat down on his bunk, it had been a tiring day. From what he
could tell the transfer worked flawlessly, especially for something he had only
theorized. It had been a `Hail Mary' one, that to his relief, paid off. Though
without her being up and around he would still have to wait till they arrived to
find out her mental state. The Capitan had been very specific that his ship was no
place for an Avatar especially one that might have a few mental problems due to
their previous condition.
From what he could tell after Suvi was sedated she was fine. Kaoko had
confirmed that the body was fully functional and there were no issues. Even her
brain pattern appeared fine. During the transfer he had thought for a brief
moment that he had lost her.
There seemed to be a few minutes that both Suvi and the Avatar had not logical
brain patterns. His screen had given him the equivalent of a flat line. Then Suvi's
human body went into a coma and it was no more. He had prepared himself for
the inevitable.
Dr. Alda looked at the readings he was getting, reciting the statistics in his mind
over and over. A weary smile flooded his face as Avatar Suvi gasped for breath,
her eyes shot open only to be sedated and put back to sleep. He really hated to
do that but Smith was adamant about it.
He smiled it had worked and she was alive. Not just alive; her logic patterns were
great. They had been deteriorating but now they were back to where they should
have been. She would pull through physically, but mentally was still to be
determined. At least for the first time in a very long Dr. Ramir Alda had hope.
"Whats happen Doc?" beamed a smiling Kaoko Maharishi as she walked in, a
silver looking juice box in both hands. She playfully tossed one to him as she sat
down. "Congratulations are in order, I would think," she said punching a straw
into her silver packet and holding it so the good doctor could join in the toast. He
followed suite punching a hole in his silver drink and toasting with her.
"To good fortune," she said smiling.
"And good luck," he added with a tired smile. Kaoko noted how his once well
groomed beard was not as well kempt as it was when she first met him. He had
had a rough time over the past year. The thought trailed off, she had been in cryo
for the whole time but he had stayed vigilante over Suvi the whole time. She
smiled; he really did care about the young woman.
"So, now that Suvi is safe, and in cryo, you think you might join suite? You could
really use a good nights rest, Ramir. Maybe more."
"You're right," he nodded, agreeing with her as he took a sip. "I'll hold off on
going into cryo though. Not big on the idea. I can manage the rest of the trip,
especially now that Suvi is doing better. With her sleeping soundly in cryo, I can
sleep a little better myself."
"Do you know what happened there when you thought you lost her?" Alda nodded
his head recalling the moment. He had said he had lost her consciousness for a
total of 38 seconds; there was no active brain activity in Suvi or her avatar. Kaoko
had never seen a grown man look so terrified.
"I never had the chance to try the process out. But as best as I can tell there is a
delay between the time a subject's consciousness moves from one body to the
other." She looked at him a little funny.
"So its kinda like transferring data from a computer to another computer? I mean
I know how the system works for driving an Avatar, but this is drastically
different. By the way, when we get there I would like to talk to you about
returning that willow to..." she trailed off noticing that the good doctor was not
listening.
His eyes were closed. He had fallen asleep sitting up. She let out a small giggle as
she moved the good doctor to a more comfortable sleeping position and for the
first time in a long time, sleep he did.
^-^
Jake had become a great Olo'eyktan, and he was a great father, but the idea of
arranging the marriage of his son was something he was just not very
comfortable with. He had told Neytiri of his feelings on the subject, arguing who
was he to tell his son who he should love? After all, if she had done what was
expected of her, the two of them would not have ended up together.
At present he was adorned in their regal garments. His mind though was
wondering a bit. Early in the day two hunters from the O'Tai clan had come, and
with them a battered Adam. He looked bad. Jake wished he could have been the
one to show the hunters to Hells Gate but he had left that to Norm and Ninat. He
had to get his mind back in the moment, he had a responsibility to fulfill.
Jake wasn't scared of meeting her or the young princess of the Tapani. The Tapani
were one of the first tribes that had interaction with the sky people. As a result
they were very reluctant to trust them, even those left behind to some extent,
more so they were tolerated.
Neytiri herself had never met the First Voice, but Mo'at had met her just after the
war. She said she was a very strong willed female and at first she had shun her
gift from Eywa. She could not understand how she was given such a gift, but
eventually she found her place. Jake knew what that was like. Well if he could
deal with the mother in-law then he could deal with the First Voice. The meeting
was just that, a meeting for Ralu and A'Luha. That was the name of the princess
of the tribe, A'Luha.
Jake made his way down to the lowest level of Hometree. The place was lively
with everyone going about their daily lives. He began to look about, scanning the
crowed for Ralu. He wondered if he had ran off with the other children Neytiri
wouldn't be pleased.
She had Ralu promise to make himself available for the day. Jake soon found Ralu
with several other children. They were just outside of Hometree pointing out into
the forest. At first Jake didn't notice then he saw it, a nantang. It was probably
the one that followed Adam around.
The children didn't notice Jake as the nantang came into the clearing as if he was
looking for something. After a moment he seemed to find it, he turned looking in
the direction of Hells Gate then took off.
Some of the children giggled as the watched the nantang, it was odd for them to
come this close to Hometree. They didn't realize that this one was on a mission.
The children began to run off to play, the excitement of the nantang gone. Ralu
was about to run with the rest until Jake stopped him.
"Come on Ralu," Jakes words stopped the boy in his tracks. He turned to his
father giving him a pleading look. He would rather play than meet his intended
mate and Jake knew it. "That look will not work Ralu."
"Father," he pleaded but knew it was in vain. "Is this A'Luha really going to be my
mate one day?" he asked, looking to his father.
"She is."
"But I don't want to be with someone I don't know. Were you and mother paired
as well?" Ralu always put on a good face but he was smart like Tommy, Jake's
brother, always planning his next move, or in this case question.
"Well, no. Your mother was promised to another. I was her student at first, but we
grew closer," Jake thought back to his time training with Neytiri. "It wasn't
expected."
"But you and mother chose each other, even though she was promised to
someone else," Ralu seemed to be staring Jake down now. Jakes thoughts falling
back to his talk with Neytiri. "Could I not do the same?"
As a father he wanted his son to be happy, but as the leader of the Omaticaya he
had to do what was right for the clan. So he did the next best thing.
"Someday you may have to do something that others will see as wrong but," he
said. The two walked to the base of the spiral leading to the higher levels of
Hometree he kneelt down to level with Ralu. "As long as you are true to your
heart you can't go wrong. I know, because I have you and your mother and our
people," he said, standing. His son's face lighting up with a smile.
"They have arrived." Both Jake and Ralu looked to see Mo'at walking to them, her
usual solemn look on her face. The two nodded to each other and ascended the
spire. It was time for Ralu to meet his destiny.
^_^_^
It was going on late afternoon. The sky was like a painting in an art gallery,
the many colored hues spreading across the horizon. Despite having lived on
Pandora for a few years now, Max Patel still found it breath taking. There are
many dangers on Pandora, and one of the subtlest is that you may come to love
it too much. He smiled, remembering what Grace once said.
Life for Max had become routine. He had an order that he did things; Norm had
called it a rut. Max didn't really feel like he was in a rut he had lots to do, prep
the avatar links, and check on his now maturing avatar. It only had about another
year and a half left, two at the max.
Max thought hard trying to justify his previous frame of mind. He wouldn't admit
it, but maybe Norm was a little right. Then again Norm was lucky. He was training
to become a full Na'Vi warrior. He made it sound easy, despite the many screw
ups that he had. Max was sure that he would change his bodies when the time
was right.
Currently, Max was waiting on some of the avatars drivers to get back. He was
worried about Adam. He had tried to contact Adam at the weather station but got
no response. Normally, this wouldn't have troubled Max, but the guy had
promised him a rematch and never showed. Max tried to reason with himself
about it, but days later still nothing.
His train of thought was interrupted when he herded a link shutting down. He
glanced over to a monitor, it was Norm. He was earlier than usual. Max pushed
the thought from his mind, hitting up the communicator once more to try and
reach the weather station.
"This is Hells Gate, calling Weather Station-51..." he was cut off as Norm's link
opened and Norm sat up gathering himself, then immediately called out to Max.
"Max!" Norm said getting his attention. Max looked for the console to Norm his
face was very serious. "You can stop calling him, he isn't there. They found his
body about two days ago," Norm said. The look on Norm's face told Max all he
needed to know.
"So what happened?" Max asked as he and Norm rushed down the hall to the
empty infirmary. After Norm composed himself he had explained to Max that a
member of the O'Tai Clan had shown up carrying and semiconscious Adam.
"The warrior that found him was from a clan called the O'Tai and a hunting party
found him the day before yesterday. They were out on a hunt and found a
downed hexapede. He said he recognized the arrow as one his clan had crafted. It
seems Adam, on occasion, traded with the O'Tai," he explained as he and Max
entered the infirmary.
"Ok, so was he attacked by something?"
"No, they found him below ground. They guessed he had chased after the
hexapede then fell into a underground cave. Probably too busy to look where he
was going, idiot." The two paused as they reached the airlock and dawned their
exopacks.
"So why not just bring him here? I mean if they were trying to get him help."
Norm shrugged.
"They weren't very comfortable coming to the "sky people's" camp and knew that
we were," we, referring to the Omaticaya. "I thought it would be better if I were
here to help. They'll be arriving soon. Jake would have come but he had
something to attend to today."
They didn't have long to wait, at the far end of the runway three Direhorses came
into view from beyond the vine covered fence of Hells Gate.
The base had seen better days but it stood up to the times pretty well. The jungle
was still working to reclaim the base but that would take a few years. Max and
Norm met the O'Tai riders, and there Omaticaya guide Ninat. Max noticed Norm's
face turned a light shade of red when he saw Ninat was with them. This was one
of only a few time she had seen him in his real body.
When the riders reached them, one got off of his Direhorse. Placing a small
backpack and crossbow on the ground then helped to get Adam from the other
rider. A few mumbles and groans came from Adam. There was a bandage on his
left shoulder and blood was seeping through but it may be worse than it looked,
only time would tell.
Norm thanked the hunters for bringing him. They seemed to be very amused by
Norm. He guessed they had never met a dreamwalker's true body. Norm didn't
have time to talk. He threw Adam's pack over his shoulder, giving Ninat one last
smile before helping Max wheel the stretcher inside.
Ninat watched him leave, she grinned knowing how much it embarrassed him to
see her in his sky walker body. She would be sure to tease him about it later
tonight.
^_^_^_^
"Whooo hoooo!"
The yell was heard for miles and was accompanied by another less mature and
shrilled scream. The sounds echoing off the floating mountains. The voice and
scream came from a lone ikran that at present was in a death dive.
On the beasts back road a female Na'Vi, her demeanor one of confidence. A much
younger female wrapped her arms firmly around the older Na'vi's waist, holding
on for dear life. Her childish voice begging for the older to bring the beast out of
the death dive.
"Ableryder, I must insist that you stop this!" She shreeked to Ryder. Her grip
tightening around the pilot as the ikran made another quick turn avoiding another
obstacle. The grin on the pilot's face brightened as she internally laughed, finding
the protests of the young Tipani Princess humorous.
"Lighten up, princess," she said with a light hearted laugh. She realized she really
was scaring the girl and quickly leveled out her faithful ikran. "We're almost there
any way," she stated. She mentally kicked herself. She had to remember she had
a passenger, she couldn't just let go as usual.
The princess's eyes had been closed tight as was her grip to Ryder. Once they
leveled out Ryder looked over her shoulder at her protester, she was grinning.
I cannot believe that the All Mother would make someone like this her First Voice,
the princess thought to herself.
"I didn't scare you too much did I, Little Bit?" Saying Ryder looked back and saw
A'Luha grimacing. Ryder only said the name to pick at A'Luha. It was not a name
she liked but Ryder would call her that to get a rise out of the little princess. She
use to think it was cute but now that she was older she didn't seem to enjoy it as
much.
Suddenly, the ikran landed gracefully on a large branch. She could hear other
ikrans above bellowing to each other, talking about the newcomer no doubt.
Ryder helped her passenger onto the firm surface of the tree, then she followed
giving her ikran a pat before it flew off.
They were greeted by one of the Omaticaya who welcomed them and then
instructed them to follow. A'Luha followed close behind their guide, she was to
caught up in the moment. It was just a meeting for two children to get to know
each other, but she was nervous.
Big B. had explained it as a big deal but what Ryder felt was that it was nothing
more than an elaborate play date. For all her years with the Tipani she was
amused how some things were so easy while others were overly complicated. Oh
well, she thought, at least it will be interesting to meet this Jake Sully. She knew
who he was; every Na'Vi on Pandora knew who he was. He had been the one to
bring the clans together against the RDA and lead them in the Final War.
It had taken a few year to come to war, but in the end the outcome was much
different than she thought. Even with so much destruction, life had found a way
to return to normal and move on. Ryder looked to A'Luha, it was just amazing to
see how much she had grown, she was becoming a woman before her eyes. She
was very strong willed sometimes to a fault. She was proud to be a part of her
life, of her clan's life, even with all that had happened Able Ryder was proud of
herself.
Below, sitting patiently around a fire pit was the Sully's family. Neytiri sat to her
mate's right, she was excited to meet the First Voice. She had heard of her deeds.
Ryder had helped save the Tipani clan as well as many other clans many years
ago. She was not attuned to Eywa as the Tashik of her clan, and the most unlikely
of people to receive a gift. Let alone The First Voice, a gift that was as rare as
Toruk Makto. And yet she received the gift, the First Voice.
Mo'at was waiting to meet their guests. She didn't have to wait much longer as
three figures descended to the commons area where Neytiri and the others sat.
Mo'at greeted the two then led them to sit around the fire pit.
They were all adorned in their most regal garb. Ralu fidgeted. It was clear that he
was bored and allowing his mind to wander. Neytiri looked at Jake and nudged
him. He nodded his head and nudged his son, sitting up straight. Mo'at sat their
guests then took her place at her daughter's side.
As the newcomers sat Neytiri noticed something odd about their guests. It was
not with the young princess but it was The First Voice. She had five digits, like
Jake. It caught her by surprise. Was she a dream walker? The First Voice opened
her mouth to speak but she was cut off by A'Luha. She spoke words of greeting to
which all returned. As was customary, A'Luha quickly introduced herself.
"I am A'Luha daughter of Beyda'amo and Marali of the Tipani Clan. It is with great
pride that I am here today as the future intent of Ralu of the Omaticaya..." Neytiri
found herself still pondering over The First Voice as A'Luha finished her
introduction. She was excited to met such a powerful Na'vi and was surprised that
the woman hadn't offered her services during the Great Battle.
"On behalf of the Tipani clan I would like to thank you for having us, my name is
Able Ryder..." She was cut off mid-sentence by a soft jab in her side. A'Luha
whispering for her to speak Na'Vi, even after so long she still had a habit of
speaking English. She corrected herself and began to speak again. Neytiri was
surprised for a second time, she had to have been an Avatar. How had she not
known the First Voice was an Avatar, had mother known?
Eventually, each had introduced themselves. The conversation moved then to
speaking about the two that were to be a paired. Most of the speaking came from
A'Luha. It was apparent that she believed Ralu to be her mate. Ralu seemed
uncomfortable by the constant remarks that the young princess made toward
him.
Neytiri was sure that it was only manners that kept Jake from covering his ears.
He still liked to keep some secrets and hearing the young princess praise them for
making such a lovely son irked him. Both Neytiri and Mo'at found Jakes
expressions priceless, but neither said anything. She didn't realize how much time
had passed until A'Luha was interrupted by Ableryder.
"Hey, I got an idea," she said in Na'Vi clearly remembering herself. "This whole
thing is about getting to know each other. Ralu, why don't you show A'Luha
around? Let her see where she will one day call home. If that's fine with your
father." The young Na'Vi perked up. He knew it was tradition to `talk' to their
mate-to-be but he really wanted to play.
He turned to his father who nodded for him to go ahead. He stood and took
A'Luha's hand pulling her up. It wasn't that he was very interested that she was
coming along but it was a condition of his freedom. As soon as the two children
ran off Ryder turned to the other adults.
"They'll learn more about each other while just being kids than sitting around with
us," she said, turning back to the couple and Tsahik.. All had a look of wonder on
their face. It was at this moment that Jake for the first time noticed her features.
"I don't mean to imply anything, but would you happen to be an Avatar?" Jake
asked. Ryber chuckled.
"At one time," she said holding her five digit hand up looking at it. "But that was
a life time ago. I was born into the people about ten, eleven years ago."
It was Neytiri that spoke next. "You are the First Voice?"
"Yes, I am the First Voice. I don't seem like the type do I?" Ryder smiled. She
couldn't understand it either, but Eywa worked in mysterious ways. "It didn't start
that way. I look back on it now and wonder what might have happened. The best
part of my life started the day I died, or the day I was born. Depends on how you
look at it."
She had told the story very few times. Most that knew her didn't really care about
before hand, they cared that she was the First Voice of Eywa. She told them of
how she joined the Avater program back in the day. How she saved the Tipani
and Eywa from the horror that Commander Falco would have released.
The three talked for some time about Able Ryder and how Neytiri and Jake meet.
Ryder found it interesting how Jake had chosen to become one of the people.
Neytiri and Ryder both had a good laugh at Jakes expense when she talked about
his training. She was surprised to find out that there were still a fair number of
humans that stayed behind.
She herself had not been able to stay long after the battle so she was in the dark
as for what happened after the battle at the Tree of Souls. She was happy to
know that the Na'Vi understood that not all sky people were bad. Their
conversation was dying down as they were discussing weather talk when Norm
arrived in his Avatar.
He did a bit of a double take, when he noticed the newcomer. He had never seen
this Avatar before, she gave him a salute as he delivered a greeting to everyone.
"Norm Spellman, meet Able Ryder the First Voice of the Tipani clan." Jake said.
The First Voice was an Avatar, he confirmed that when she reached out to shake
her hand and there were five digits present. "Norm is one of those that was
allowed to stay and also a warrior in training. I take it you have some news about
Adam?" Despite the name being a common one, Ryder perked up.
"Yeah, he's still asleep. Max said that he thinks he will be fine. Other than
soreness and some deep gashes, he is good. There were no broken bones but it's
just going to take him time to heal." Jake nodded then smiled apologetically at
Ryder. He knew it was rude to discuss other matters in front of someone who had
no idea what was happening.
"Earlier today one of those that stayed... well got hurt. Norm here, and Max, are
taking care of him at Hells Gate. But it sounds like he's going to be fine," Jake
said.
"Anyone I know?" she asked. It was doubtful that there was anyone she knew left
on Pandora, most should have rotated back home by the time the Final War took
place.
Jake thought about it. She had been here longer than him, for that matter if he
remembered correctly so had Adam.
"Well now that you mention it, you might. He has been on Pandora a while now.
Did you ever know an Adam Greenfield, he was a meteorologist?"
At the mention of the name Ryder slowly nodded. Could it really be him?
"Wow. I would have never thought him of all people would still be here. Any
chance that I could meet him? It would be kinda nice to see an old face," she
asked doing her best to suppress her excitement.
What were the odds that one of the few humans still on Pandora was one that
Ryder had known? She always wondered what might have happened if she was
still human. Would the two be together now? She lost track of everyone she knew
after Falco was killed and she lost all touch with the happenings inside the RDA.
"Sure. We'll go there tomorrow if you and A'Luha are ok with staying the night,"
Jake was surprised and delighted that the First Voice was excited. It was clear
that she had had a relationship with the man at some point, when she was still
human.
"I'm sure she'll be fine with it. Well she is going to be fine with it," she laughed
sarcastically.
^_^_^_^_^
Max walked back in the infirmary, clearly something was on his mind. The
beds in the room void of life with the exception of one. In it lay a battered and
bruised Adam Greenfield, his arm was in a sling, and his shoulder was bandaged.
He was attached to a few machines, giving various read outs. Max walked in the
room, pulled a few x-rays from a manila envelope, and popped them on a light
board.
The florescent light flickered to life illuminating the internal image of human
bones, none of them seem broken. That was a good but strange thing. Max was
having a hard time and still racking his brain over how dense the bone seemed to
be. He looked to the sleeping Adam. When he and Norm started working on
Adam's arm the gash had been deep, a good inch deep, and the cut was at least
three inched down his arm.
Max figured it had to be shattered just by the looks of it, but he was surprised to
find out that it was unbroken. It wasn't even fractured. As for the rest of the
Adam's problems he had some internal and external bruising, ending his ailments
with a nice head concussion.
He was lucky, if looks were a good indicator of death, Adam would have been the
one to set the standard. Max walked over and looked at the read out on the
monitors. His attention turned back to Adam, he was dreaming again. He
mumbled and talked in his sleep.
There were more than a few time Max and Norm thought he was awake while
patching him up. A knock came from the door. A man with short blond hair
stepped inside. He was clearly in a good move he waved and took up position at
the foot of the bed. Dr. Martin was part of the Avatar team as their resident
psychologist.
"Sooo, how's our guest?" he asked Max, his voice quiet to not disturb Adam. "Still
napping, I see." He finished, walking over to look at the x-rays.
"Not bad, he is doing really well." He walked over to Martin. "Not a single broken
bone. I don't for the life of me know how." Max shook his head, as he turned
away and fetched a needle from a nearby cart. He still wanted to do some blood
work before he turned in for the night.
Most of the Avatar drivers were already in the cafeteria, with the exception of
Norm who had gone to update Jake. Martin continued looking over the x-rays as
Max walked back over to Adam to draw blood.
"Umm Max. I'm not the best with internal medicine, but this x-ray, well the
density if the bone looks familiar." It was odd, Martin could swear he had seen
something similar before. It was the darkness the bone tissue had in contrast to
other x-rays he had seen. He shrugged it off. The man was alive and there really
was no reason for him to fret about the oddness of his bones.
"You're right. I noticed that to but it's not a big deal. It's probably the machine.
I'm surprised it's still working after the lack of use." As Max inserted the needle in
Adams arm he let out a sigh. Adam's eyes darting around franticly in his dream
now, he finished getting enough to run the tests then bandaged the arm.
"You think the old hermit might hang around once he heals up?" Martin asked. He
laughed at himself. It was a silly question to ask. Adam didn't seem to care for
the company of others.
"I can't say," Max said shaking his head. Martin wasn't sure why Max had taken
an interest in Adam. From Martin's view, Adam was just as friendly to Max as he
was to the others.
"Food?" Martin asked, Max thought for moment then nodded following Martin.
The past few year had not been bad. Supply wise Hells Gate was in good
shape. The base had been created to sustain over six hundred people for at least
two years, so keeping the 27 that were left was no big deal. Food wasn't a
problem the only thing that had been a topic of interest was the Exo-Filter
systems. The filters had to be changed every so often to filter out the harmful
toxins in the air.
As Max entered the kitchen, he surveyed the room everyone was talking and
chatting. He looked at his friends and colleagues. They seemed happy with their
lives, but Max wondered if they felt a little hollow like he did. Looking over the
people in the cafeteria just made Max feel down. The whole group had all become
shut ins, and physically it showed. Max hadn't' really noticed till today when he
and Norm were working on Adam. The man was in good physical condition for
someone who had been living alone.
So when Max looked over what had become his family it saddened him. He was
just as guilty. He never worked out or did anything physically tasking. Sure
almost everyone went outside but rarely did they themselves go outside,
choosing instead to venture out in their Avatars.
Sure Norm, Anna, and Cole were training to become part of the Omaticaya, but
Max had even noticed they were starting to look physically worn down. Martin
had spoken to everyone regularly about the need to get more active. He was the
first to notice it. Though he to had not taken his own advice.
Max thought back to one of Jake's video logs. It's like the real world is out there
and this is the dream, he had said. Max held his tray with his dinner on it looking
for a good place to sit.
Finally he decided to sit down by the two Omaticaya in training. They were talking
about their day and how they had gone out on a hunt. Cole had made the kill, it
was his first, and he had been excited. The conversation ended as Max sat down,
everyone focusing on him.
"So is our new guest going to make it?" someone asked. Max nodded toward
them.
"He should be fine. He will probably be awake tomorrow," he answered as he
poked at his meal. Even though it wasn't really bad the food substitutes always
looked horrible.
"I'm surprised he lived this long on his own," Cole chimed in. Max looked up from
his food to him. "I mean, the guy stays out in the bush, and acts like he doesn't
need anyone. Really, how long did he think it was gonna last?" Max shrugged in
response, Cole had always been vocal about humanity intruding into where they
had no business.
"Well, I can't really speak for the man, Cole. But he seemed to have been doing
pretty well on his own. I mean he's been own his own out there for a while." True
he had been own his own for a while and survived. That was what was really
bothering Cole, was that he was able to survive.
He Anna and Norm had been training for some time to be able to survive on their
own, but in the three Avatars. Adam had done it as a normal human. So yes it did
bother Cole, it made him feel as if his struggle to learn as he had was somehow
cheapened.
"Well maybe this is a wakeup call for him, you can't live alone forever, otherwise
you are just surviving. Well it's been fun but I have an early morning." he said
standing. Saying his goodbyes as he did.
Maxes dinner lingered own a little longer Anna retelling the story of how there
hunt went and how good the taste was when they ate there kill. Max stayed till
Anna finished her story, it must have been nice to eat something that was not
processed substitute. Saying his good nights, he wasn't really tired so he decided
to finish Adam's blood work analysis before bed.
^_^_^_^_^_^
At first Ralu was not to keen on the idea of A'Luha. It wasn't that he did not like
her it was the she was embarrassing him. She would introduce herself as his
future mate. His friends giggle and tease him about the situation. None of them
had to worry about a girl following them and claiming to be their mate. It was
embarrassing even though it was short lived once the introductions were made.
The children decided to play their favorite game, toruk spe'e or tag as his father
called it.
It was a simple game were the person who was it played the evil toruk. Whoever
he caught took his place. Ralu found himself having more fun than he realized
even though A'Luhe seemed to only go for him when it was her turn. This did
make more than a few eye turn to Ralu who inwardly sighed. He didn't like
getting extra attention. He got enough from being the son of the Toruk Makto.
A'Luha leaped at Ralu playfully toppling them over. Her face shining brightly as
she was grinning over him.
"I have you, my Ralu," A'Luha smiled. The other children giggling at them as Ralu
blushed. He huffed pushing to get her off of him.
"Get off," he commanded, rolling her to the side. She was starting to get on his
nerves with her clinginess. She had barely been there a day and she was irritating
him. Why was she so sure they were destined to be soul mates? His grandmother
had been given a vision from Ewya that he would mate with a great Tsahik.
It was told that A'Luha was going to become a great Tsahik. Mother, grandmother
and A'Luha all seemed to think that it was the will of Ewya for them to be
together. Ralu, however, did not seem to feel the same. He didn't like that his
future was already decided for him. It wasn't fair to him.
He stood and brushed himself off as A'Luha, still on the ground, held a hand out
for him to help her up. Reaching a hand to hers he pulled her up. A'Luha took
advantage and used the momentum to bring her close to him. She smiled but
Ralu keep his monotone look.
His mind was reeling with questions. Was she really his destined mate? If he did
not become her mate was he not only disappointing mother and grandmother but
Ewya as well? It was all too much for him to take in, but she would be returning
to the Tipani tonight. At least tomorrow he would not have to worry about
entertaining her.
movement startled his pack mate, Adam. The man missed his mark, hitting the
prey on the side. Adam barked at him upset, then took off in a dash after the
wounded creature.
For a moment he stood there confused. His brother had never given chase to a
creature before. Then he too gave chase it was exciting. As they dashed along
Buck looked to brother, his face filled with excitement to. He was enjoying the
chase. They jumped over a fallen tree and suddenly Buck didn't hear his partner
anymore. He turned and looked back. Buck ran back to find a hole in the ground,
forgetting about the injured prey. He looked into the abyss just in time to see his
brother's face.
Buck watched helpless to protect him and the expression on Adam's face
frightened him. No fight was left in him. It was clear he was going to let himself
die. Buck whined in protest. It was not right! His pack mate was stronger than
that. How could he just let himself die?
He had to look away; the sound that came next told him that his pack, his
brother was dead. Another sound caught his attention. The viperwolf turned his
head and stared at the fallen prey. It must have been trying to make its way back
to its herd. The creature lay near the edge of the hole. The kill felt so hollow now.
All of Buck's efforts became focused on moving. It was as if a force compelled him
to move.
Slowly, Buck brought himself to the edge of opening to see Adam. The view was
shaded for a moment a floating rock covered Adam. Gradually, the rock moved
away revealing his brother's lifeless body on the ground.
Buck perked up when he spotted movement. His brother's chest slowly rose up
and down. His tail moved in excitement as he let out a yelp.
The All Mother was watching out for him. Yet, he was still down there and Buck
could not reach him. Suddenly, the cave illuminated and for a moment Buck could
hear the song of the Great Mother.
A shiver ran down Buck's spine. He turned and watched as two forest walkers
appeared. They first noticed the downed prey, then Buck. There scent was
familiar to the viperwolf. They were not the forest walkers but the plain walkers
that Adam had traded with. Buck wasn't comfortable being close to any creature
except Adam and those of his species. He slowly backed up and whined giving a
quick glance toward the cave entrance.
Buck watch as the two hunters muttered words and seem to marvel as they
looked below, at Adam. Both nodded. Buck let out a sigh of relief. They were
going to help his pack mate.
[*-*] The Times They Are A-Changin' ^ Bob Dylan [*-*]
MICRO MAFIA STUDIOS presents
- Dream Walker -
- 1:3 Knowing When to Quit -
With inspired by AVATAR created by James Cameron
Additional inspiration by AVATAR: The Video Game
Written by Apollyon
Edited by Calaeris
Most characters created by James Cameron
Suvi and Adam created by Apollyon
Other characters property of their respected owners.
© 2009 Micro Mafia Studios Ltd.
Dr. Ramir Alda sat down on his bunk, it had been a tiring day. From what he
could tell the transfer worked flawlessly, especially for something he had only
theorized. It had been a `Hail Mary' one, that to his relief, paid off. Though
without her being up and around he would still have to wait till they arrived to
find out her mental state. The Capitan had been very specific that his ship was no
place for an Avatar especially one that might have a few mental problems due to
their previous condition.
From what he could tell after Suvi was sedated she was fine. Kaoko had
confirmed that the body was fully functional and there were no issues. Even her
brain pattern appeared fine. During the transfer he had thought for a brief
moment that he had lost her.
There seemed to be a few minutes that both Suvi and the Avatar had not logical
brain patterns. His screen had given him the equivalent of a flat line. Then Suvi's
human body went into a coma and it was no more. He had prepared himself for
the inevitable.
Dr. Alda looked at the readings he was getting, reciting the statistics in his mind
over and over. A weary smile flooded his face as Avatar Suvi gasped for breath,
her eyes shot open only to be sedated and put back to sleep. He really hated to
do that but Smith was adamant about it.
He smiled it had worked and she was alive. Not just alive; her logic patterns were
great. They had been deteriorating but now they were back to where they should
have been. She would pull through physically, but mentally was still to be
determined. At least for the first time in a very long Dr. Ramir Alda had hope.
"Whats happen Doc?" beamed a smiling Kaoko Maharishi as she walked in, a
silver looking juice box in both hands. She playfully tossed one to him as she sat
down. "Congratulations are in order, I would think," she said punching a straw
into her silver packet and holding it so the good doctor could join in the toast. He
followed suite punching a hole in his silver drink and toasting with her.
"To good fortune," she said smiling.
"And good luck," he added with a tired smile. Kaoko noted how his once well
groomed beard was not as well kempt as it was when she first met him. He had
had a rough time over the past year. The thought trailed off, she had been in cryo
for the whole time but he had stayed vigilante over Suvi the whole time. She
smiled; he really did care about the young woman.
"So, now that Suvi is safe, and in cryo, you think you might join suite? You could
really use a good nights rest, Ramir. Maybe more."
"You're right," he nodded, agreeing with her as he took a sip. "I'll hold off on
going into cryo though. Not big on the idea. I can manage the rest of the trip,
especially now that Suvi is doing better. With her sleeping soundly in cryo, I can
sleep a little better myself."
"Do you know what happened there when you thought you lost her?" Alda nodded
his head recalling the moment. He had said he had lost her consciousness for a
total of 38 seconds; there was no active brain activity in Suvi or her avatar. Kaoko
had never seen a grown man look so terrified.
"I never had the chance to try the process out. But as best as I can tell there is a
delay between the time a subject's consciousness moves from one body to the
other." She looked at him a little funny.
"So its kinda like transferring data from a computer to another computer? I mean
I know how the system works for driving an Avatar, but this is drastically
different. By the way, when we get there I would like to talk to you about
returning that willow to..." she trailed off noticing that the good doctor was not
listening.
His eyes were closed. He had fallen asleep sitting up. She let out a small giggle as
she moved the good doctor to a more comfortable sleeping position and for the
first time in a long time, sleep he did.
^-^
Jake had become a great Olo'eyktan, and he was a great father, but the idea of
arranging the marriage of his son was something he was just not very
comfortable with. He had told Neytiri of his feelings on the subject, arguing who
was he to tell his son who he should love? After all, if she had done what was
expected of her, the two of them would not have ended up together.
At present he was adorned in their regal garments. His mind though was
wondering a bit. Early in the day two hunters from the O'Tai clan had come, and
with them a battered Adam. He looked bad. Jake wished he could have been the
one to show the hunters to Hells Gate but he had left that to Norm and Ninat. He
had to get his mind back in the moment, he had a responsibility to fulfill.
Jake wasn't scared of meeting her or the young princess of the Tapani. The Tapani
were one of the first tribes that had interaction with the sky people. As a result
they were very reluctant to trust them, even those left behind to some extent,
more so they were tolerated.
Neytiri herself had never met the First Voice, but Mo'at had met her just after the
war. She said she was a very strong willed female and at first she had shun her
gift from Eywa. She could not understand how she was given such a gift, but
eventually she found her place. Jake knew what that was like. Well if he could
deal with the mother in-law then he could deal with the First Voice. The meeting
was just that, a meeting for Ralu and A'Luha. That was the name of the princess
of the tribe, A'Luha.
Jake made his way down to the lowest level of Hometree. The place was lively
with everyone going about their daily lives. He began to look about, scanning the
crowed for Ralu. He wondered if he had ran off with the other children Neytiri
wouldn't be pleased.
She had Ralu promise to make himself available for the day. Jake soon found Ralu
with several other children. They were just outside of Hometree pointing out into
the forest. At first Jake didn't notice then he saw it, a nantang. It was probably
the one that followed Adam around.
The children didn't notice Jake as the nantang came into the clearing as if he was
looking for something. After a moment he seemed to find it, he turned looking in
the direction of Hells Gate then took off.
Some of the children giggled as the watched the nantang, it was odd for them to
come this close to Hometree. They didn't realize that this one was on a mission.
The children began to run off to play, the excitement of the nantang gone. Ralu
was about to run with the rest until Jake stopped him.
"Come on Ralu," Jakes words stopped the boy in his tracks. He turned to his
father giving him a pleading look. He would rather play than meet his intended
mate and Jake knew it. "That look will not work Ralu."
"Father," he pleaded but knew it was in vain. "Is this A'Luha really going to be my
mate one day?" he asked, looking to his father.
"She is."
"But I don't want to be with someone I don't know. Were you and mother paired
as well?" Ralu always put on a good face but he was smart like Tommy, Jake's
brother, always planning his next move, or in this case question.
"Well, no. Your mother was promised to another. I was her student at first, but we
grew closer," Jake thought back to his time training with Neytiri. "It wasn't
expected."
"But you and mother chose each other, even though she was promised to
someone else," Ralu seemed to be staring Jake down now. Jakes thoughts falling
back to his talk with Neytiri. "Could I not do the same?"
As a father he wanted his son to be happy, but as the leader of the Omaticaya he
had to do what was right for the clan. So he did the next best thing.
"Someday you may have to do something that others will see as wrong but," he
said. The two walked to the base of the spiral leading to the higher levels of
Hometree he kneelt down to level with Ralu. "As long as you are true to your
heart you can't go wrong. I know, because I have you and your mother and our
people," he said, standing. His son's face lighting up with a smile.
"They have arrived." Both Jake and Ralu looked to see Mo'at walking to them, her
usual solemn look on her face. The two nodded to each other and ascended the
spire. It was time for Ralu to meet his destiny.
^_^_^
It was going on late afternoon. The sky was like a painting in an art gallery,
the many colored hues spreading across the horizon. Despite having lived on
Pandora for a few years now, Max Patel still found it breath taking. There are
many dangers on Pandora, and one of the subtlest is that you may come to love
it too much. He smiled, remembering what Grace once said.
Life for Max had become routine. He had an order that he did things; Norm had
called it a rut. Max didn't really feel like he was in a rut he had lots to do, prep
the avatar links, and check on his now maturing avatar. It only had about another
year and a half left, two at the max.
Max thought hard trying to justify his previous frame of mind. He wouldn't admit
it, but maybe Norm was a little right. Then again Norm was lucky. He was training
to become a full Na'Vi warrior. He made it sound easy, despite the many screw
ups that he had. Max was sure that he would change his bodies when the time
was right.
Currently, Max was waiting on some of the avatars drivers to get back. He was
worried about Adam. He had tried to contact Adam at the weather station but got
no response. Normally, this wouldn't have troubled Max, but the guy had
promised him a rematch and never showed. Max tried to reason with himself
about it, but days later still nothing.
His train of thought was interrupted when he herded a link shutting down. He
glanced over to a monitor, it was Norm. He was earlier than usual. Max pushed
the thought from his mind, hitting up the communicator once more to try and
reach the weather station.
"This is Hells Gate, calling Weather Station-51..." he was cut off as Norm's link
opened and Norm sat up gathering himself, then immediately called out to Max.
"Max!" Norm said getting his attention. Max looked for the console to Norm his
face was very serious. "You can stop calling him, he isn't there. They found his
body about two days ago," Norm said. The look on Norm's face told Max all he
needed to know.
"So what happened?" Max asked as he and Norm rushed down the hall to the
empty infirmary. After Norm composed himself he had explained to Max that a
member of the O'Tai Clan had shown up carrying and semiconscious Adam.
"The warrior that found him was from a clan called the O'Tai and a hunting party
found him the day before yesterday. They were out on a hunt and found a
downed hexapede. He said he recognized the arrow as one his clan had crafted. It
seems Adam, on occasion, traded with the O'Tai," he explained as he and Max
entered the infirmary.
"Ok, so was he attacked by something?"
"No, they found him below ground. They guessed he had chased after the
hexapede then fell into a underground cave. Probably too busy to look where he
was going, idiot." The two paused as they reached the airlock and dawned their
exopacks.
"So why not just bring him here? I mean if they were trying to get him help."
Norm shrugged.
"They weren't very comfortable coming to the "sky people's" camp and knew that
we were," we, referring to the Omaticaya. "I thought it would be better if I were
here to help. They'll be arriving soon. Jake would have come but he had
something to attend to today."
They didn't have long to wait, at the far end of the runway three Direhorses came
into view from beyond the vine covered fence of Hells Gate.
The base had seen better days but it stood up to the times pretty well. The jungle
was still working to reclaim the base but that would take a few years. Max and
Norm met the O'Tai riders, and there Omaticaya guide Ninat. Max noticed Norm's
face turned a light shade of red when he saw Ninat was with them. This was one
of only a few time she had seen him in his real body.
When the riders reached them, one got off of his Direhorse. Placing a small
backpack and crossbow on the ground then helped to get Adam from the other
rider. A few mumbles and groans came from Adam. There was a bandage on his
left shoulder and blood was seeping through but it may be worse than it looked,
only time would tell.
Norm thanked the hunters for bringing him. They seemed to be very amused by
Norm. He guessed they had never met a dreamwalker's true body. Norm didn't
have time to talk. He threw Adam's pack over his shoulder, giving Ninat one last
smile before helping Max wheel the stretcher inside.
Ninat watched him leave, she grinned knowing how much it embarrassed him to
see her in his sky walker body. She would be sure to tease him about it later
tonight.
^_^_^_^
"Whooo hoooo!"
The yell was heard for miles and was accompanied by another less mature and
shrilled scream. The sounds echoing off the floating mountains. The voice and
scream came from a lone ikran that at present was in a death dive.
On the beasts back road a female Na'Vi, her demeanor one of confidence. A much
younger female wrapped her arms firmly around the older Na'vi's waist, holding
on for dear life. Her childish voice begging for the older to bring the beast out of
the death dive.
"Ableryder, I must insist that you stop this!" She shreeked to Ryder. Her grip
tightening around the pilot as the ikran made another quick turn avoiding another
obstacle. The grin on the pilot's face brightened as she internally laughed, finding
the protests of the young Tipani Princess humorous.
"Lighten up, princess," she said with a light hearted laugh. She realized she really
was scaring the girl and quickly leveled out her faithful ikran. "We're almost there
any way," she stated. She mentally kicked herself. She had to remember she had
a passenger, she couldn't just let go as usual.
The princess's eyes had been closed tight as was her grip to Ryder. Once they
leveled out Ryder looked over her shoulder at her protester, she was grinning.
I cannot believe that the All Mother would make someone like this her First Voice,
the princess thought to herself.
"I didn't scare you too much did I, Little Bit?" Saying Ryder looked back and saw
A'Luha grimacing. Ryder only said the name to pick at A'Luha. It was not a name
she liked but Ryder would call her that to get a rise out of the little princess. She
use to think it was cute but now that she was older she didn't seem to enjoy it as
much.
Suddenly, the ikran landed gracefully on a large branch. She could hear other
ikrans above bellowing to each other, talking about the newcomer no doubt.
Ryder helped her passenger onto the firm surface of the tree, then she followed
giving her ikran a pat before it flew off.
They were greeted by one of the Omaticaya who welcomed them and then
instructed them to follow. A'Luha followed close behind their guide, she was to
caught up in the moment. It was just a meeting for two children to get to know
each other, but she was nervous.
Big B. had explained it as a big deal but what Ryder felt was that it was nothing
more than an elaborate play date. For all her years with the Tipani she was
amused how some things were so easy while others were overly complicated. Oh
well, she thought, at least it will be interesting to meet this Jake Sully. She knew
who he was; every Na'Vi on Pandora knew who he was. He had been the one to
bring the clans together against the RDA and lead them in the Final War.
It had taken a few year to come to war, but in the end the outcome was much
different than she thought. Even with so much destruction, life had found a way
to return to normal and move on. Ryder looked to A'Luha, it was just amazing to
see how much she had grown, she was becoming a woman before her eyes. She
was very strong willed sometimes to a fault. She was proud to be a part of her
life, of her clan's life, even with all that had happened Able Ryder was proud of
herself.
Below, sitting patiently around a fire pit was the Sully's family. Neytiri sat to her
mate's right, she was excited to meet the First Voice. She had heard of her deeds.
Ryder had helped save the Tipani clan as well as many other clans many years
ago. She was not attuned to Eywa as the Tashik of her clan, and the most unlikely
of people to receive a gift. Let alone The First Voice, a gift that was as rare as
Toruk Makto. And yet she received the gift, the First Voice.
Mo'at was waiting to meet their guests. She didn't have to wait much longer as
three figures descended to the commons area where Neytiri and the others sat.
Mo'at greeted the two then led them to sit around the fire pit.
They were all adorned in their most regal garb. Ralu fidgeted. It was clear that he
was bored and allowing his mind to wander. Neytiri looked at Jake and nudged
him. He nodded his head and nudged his son, sitting up straight. Mo'at sat their
guests then took her place at her daughter's side.
As the newcomers sat Neytiri noticed something odd about their guests. It was
not with the young princess but it was The First Voice. She had five digits, like
Jake. It caught her by surprise. Was she a dream walker? The First Voice opened
her mouth to speak but she was cut off by A'Luha. She spoke words of greeting to
which all returned. As was customary, A'Luha quickly introduced herself.
"I am A'Luha daughter of Beyda'amo and Marali of the Tipani Clan. It is with great
pride that I am here today as the future intent of Ralu of the Omaticaya..." Neytiri
found herself still pondering over The First Voice as A'Luha finished her
introduction. She was excited to met such a powerful Na'vi and was surprised that
the woman hadn't offered her services during the Great Battle.
"On behalf of the Tipani clan I would like to thank you for having us, my name is
Able Ryder..." She was cut off mid-sentence by a soft jab in her side. A'Luha
whispering for her to speak Na'Vi, even after so long she still had a habit of
speaking English. She corrected herself and began to speak again. Neytiri was
surprised for a second time, she had to have been an Avatar. How had she not
known the First Voice was an Avatar, had mother known?
Eventually, each had introduced themselves. The conversation moved then to
speaking about the two that were to be a paired. Most of the speaking came from
A'Luha. It was apparent that she believed Ralu to be her mate. Ralu seemed
uncomfortable by the constant remarks that the young princess made toward
him.
Neytiri was sure that it was only manners that kept Jake from covering his ears.
He still liked to keep some secrets and hearing the young princess praise them for
making such a lovely son irked him. Both Neytiri and Mo'at found Jakes
expressions priceless, but neither said anything. She didn't realize how much time
had passed until A'Luha was interrupted by Ableryder.
"Hey, I got an idea," she said in Na'Vi clearly remembering herself. "This whole
thing is about getting to know each other. Ralu, why don't you show A'Luha
around? Let her see where she will one day call home. If that's fine with your
father." The young Na'Vi perked up. He knew it was tradition to `talk' to their
mate-to-be but he really wanted to play.
He turned to his father who nodded for him to go ahead. He stood and took
A'Luha's hand pulling her up. It wasn't that he was very interested that she was
coming along but it was a condition of his freedom. As soon as the two children
ran off Ryder turned to the other adults.
"They'll learn more about each other while just being kids than sitting around with
us," she said, turning back to the couple and Tsahik.. All had a look of wonder on
their face. It was at this moment that Jake for the first time noticed her features.
"I don't mean to imply anything, but would you happen to be an Avatar?" Jake
asked. Ryber chuckled.
"At one time," she said holding her five digit hand up looking at it. "But that was
a life time ago. I was born into the people about ten, eleven years ago."
It was Neytiri that spoke next. "You are the First Voice?"
"Yes, I am the First Voice. I don't seem like the type do I?" Ryder smiled. She
couldn't understand it either, but Eywa worked in mysterious ways. "It didn't start
that way. I look back on it now and wonder what might have happened. The best
part of my life started the day I died, or the day I was born. Depends on how you
look at it."
She had told the story very few times. Most that knew her didn't really care about
before hand, they cared that she was the First Voice of Eywa. She told them of
how she joined the Avater program back in the day. How she saved the Tipani
and Eywa from the horror that Commander Falco would have released.
The three talked for some time about Able Ryder and how Neytiri and Jake meet.
Ryder found it interesting how Jake had chosen to become one of the people.
Neytiri and Ryder both had a good laugh at Jakes expense when she talked about
his training. She was surprised to find out that there were still a fair number of
humans that stayed behind.
She herself had not been able to stay long after the battle so she was in the dark
as for what happened after the battle at the Tree of Souls. She was happy to
know that the Na'Vi understood that not all sky people were bad. Their
conversation was dying down as they were discussing weather talk when Norm
arrived in his Avatar.
He did a bit of a double take, when he noticed the newcomer. He had never seen
this Avatar before, she gave him a salute as he delivered a greeting to everyone.
"Norm Spellman, meet Able Ryder the First Voice of the Tipani clan." Jake said.
The First Voice was an Avatar, he confirmed that when she reached out to shake
her hand and there were five digits present. "Norm is one of those that was
allowed to stay and also a warrior in training. I take it you have some news about
Adam?" Despite the name being a common one, Ryder perked up.
"Yeah, he's still asleep. Max said that he thinks he will be fine. Other than
soreness and some deep gashes, he is good. There were no broken bones but it's
just going to take him time to heal." Jake nodded then smiled apologetically at
Ryder. He knew it was rude to discuss other matters in front of someone who had
no idea what was happening.
"Earlier today one of those that stayed... well got hurt. Norm here, and Max, are
taking care of him at Hells Gate. But it sounds like he's going to be fine," Jake
said.
"Anyone I know?" she asked. It was doubtful that there was anyone she knew left
on Pandora, most should have rotated back home by the time the Final War took
place.
Jake thought about it. She had been here longer than him, for that matter if he
remembered correctly so had Adam.
"Well now that you mention it, you might. He has been on Pandora a while now.
Did you ever know an Adam Greenfield, he was a meteorologist?"
At the mention of the name Ryder slowly nodded. Could it really be him?
"Wow. I would have never thought him of all people would still be here. Any
chance that I could meet him? It would be kinda nice to see an old face," she
asked doing her best to suppress her excitement.
What were the odds that one of the few humans still on Pandora was one that
Ryder had known? She always wondered what might have happened if she was
still human. Would the two be together now? She lost track of everyone she knew
after Falco was killed and she lost all touch with the happenings inside the RDA.
"Sure. We'll go there tomorrow if you and A'Luha are ok with staying the night,"
Jake was surprised and delighted that the First Voice was excited. It was clear
that she had had a relationship with the man at some point, when she was still
human.
"I'm sure she'll be fine with it. Well she is going to be fine with it," she laughed
sarcastically.
^_^_^_^_^
Max walked back in the infirmary, clearly something was on his mind. The
beds in the room void of life with the exception of one. In it lay a battered and
bruised Adam Greenfield, his arm was in a sling, and his shoulder was bandaged.
He was attached to a few machines, giving various read outs. Max walked in the
room, pulled a few x-rays from a manila envelope, and popped them on a light
board.
The florescent light flickered to life illuminating the internal image of human
bones, none of them seem broken. That was a good but strange thing. Max was
having a hard time and still racking his brain over how dense the bone seemed to
be. He looked to the sleeping Adam. When he and Norm started working on
Adam's arm the gash had been deep, a good inch deep, and the cut was at least
three inched down his arm.
Max figured it had to be shattered just by the looks of it, but he was surprised to
find out that it was unbroken. It wasn't even fractured. As for the rest of the
Adam's problems he had some internal and external bruising, ending his ailments
with a nice head concussion.
He was lucky, if looks were a good indicator of death, Adam would have been the
one to set the standard. Max walked over and looked at the read out on the
monitors. His attention turned back to Adam, he was dreaming again. He
mumbled and talked in his sleep.
There were more than a few time Max and Norm thought he was awake while
patching him up. A knock came from the door. A man with short blond hair
stepped inside. He was clearly in a good move he waved and took up position at
the foot of the bed. Dr. Martin was part of the Avatar team as their resident
psychologist.
"Sooo, how's our guest?" he asked Max, his voice quiet to not disturb Adam. "Still
napping, I see." He finished, walking over to look at the x-rays.
"Not bad, he is doing really well." He walked over to Martin. "Not a single broken
bone. I don't for the life of me know how." Max shook his head, as he turned
away and fetched a needle from a nearby cart. He still wanted to do some blood
work before he turned in for the night.
Most of the Avatar drivers were already in the cafeteria, with the exception of
Norm who had gone to update Jake. Martin continued looking over the x-rays as
Max walked back over to Adam to draw blood.
"Umm Max. I'm not the best with internal medicine, but this x-ray, well the
density if the bone looks familiar." It was odd, Martin could swear he had seen
something similar before. It was the darkness the bone tissue had in contrast to
other x-rays he had seen. He shrugged it off. The man was alive and there really
was no reason for him to fret about the oddness of his bones.
"You're right. I noticed that to but it's not a big deal. It's probably the machine.
I'm surprised it's still working after the lack of use." As Max inserted the needle in
Adams arm he let out a sigh. Adam's eyes darting around franticly in his dream
now, he finished getting enough to run the tests then bandaged the arm.
"You think the old hermit might hang around once he heals up?" Martin asked. He
laughed at himself. It was a silly question to ask. Adam didn't seem to care for
the company of others.
"I can't say," Max said shaking his head. Martin wasn't sure why Max had taken
an interest in Adam. From Martin's view, Adam was just as friendly to Max as he
was to the others.
"Food?" Martin asked, Max thought for moment then nodded following Martin.
The past few year had not been bad. Supply wise Hells Gate was in good
shape. The base had been created to sustain over six hundred people for at least
two years, so keeping the 27 that were left was no big deal. Food wasn't a
problem the only thing that had been a topic of interest was the Exo-Filter
systems. The filters had to be changed every so often to filter out the harmful
toxins in the air.
As Max entered the kitchen, he surveyed the room everyone was talking and
chatting. He looked at his friends and colleagues. They seemed happy with their
lives, but Max wondered if they felt a little hollow like he did. Looking over the
people in the cafeteria just made Max feel down. The whole group had all become
shut ins, and physically it showed. Max hadn't' really noticed till today when he
and Norm were working on Adam. The man was in good physical condition for
someone who had been living alone.
So when Max looked over what had become his family it saddened him. He was
just as guilty. He never worked out or did anything physically tasking. Sure
almost everyone went outside but rarely did they themselves go outside,
choosing instead to venture out in their Avatars.
Sure Norm, Anna, and Cole were training to become part of the Omaticaya, but
Max had even noticed they were starting to look physically worn down. Martin
had spoken to everyone regularly about the need to get more active. He was the
first to notice it. Though he to had not taken his own advice.
Max thought back to one of Jake's video logs. It's like the real world is out there
and this is the dream, he had said. Max held his tray with his dinner on it looking
for a good place to sit.
Finally he decided to sit down by the two Omaticaya in training. They were talking
about their day and how they had gone out on a hunt. Cole had made the kill, it
was his first, and he had been excited. The conversation ended as Max sat down,
everyone focusing on him.
"So is our new guest going to make it?" someone asked. Max nodded toward
them.
"He should be fine. He will probably be awake tomorrow," he answered as he
poked at his meal. Even though it wasn't really bad the food substitutes always
looked horrible.
"I'm surprised he lived this long on his own," Cole chimed in. Max looked up from
his food to him. "I mean, the guy stays out in the bush, and acts like he doesn't
need anyone. Really, how long did he think it was gonna last?" Max shrugged in
response, Cole had always been vocal about humanity intruding into where they
had no business.
"Well, I can't really speak for the man, Cole. But he seemed to have been doing
pretty well on his own. I mean he's been own his own out there for a while." True
he had been own his own for a while and survived. That was what was really
bothering Cole, was that he was able to survive.
He Anna and Norm had been training for some time to be able to survive on their
own, but in the three Avatars. Adam had done it as a normal human. So yes it did
bother Cole, it made him feel as if his struggle to learn as he had was somehow
cheapened.
"Well maybe this is a wakeup call for him, you can't live alone forever, otherwise
you are just surviving. Well it's been fun but I have an early morning." he said
standing. Saying his goodbyes as he did.
Maxes dinner lingered own a little longer Anna retelling the story of how there
hunt went and how good the taste was when they ate there kill. Max stayed till
Anna finished her story, it must have been nice to eat something that was not
processed substitute. Saying his good nights, he wasn't really tired so he decided
to finish Adam's blood work analysis before bed.
^_^_^_^_^_^
At first Ralu was not to keen on the idea of A'Luha. It wasn't that he did not like
her it was the she was embarrassing him. She would introduce herself as his
future mate. His friends giggle and tease him about the situation. None of them
had to worry about a girl following them and claiming to be their mate. It was
embarrassing even though it was short lived once the introductions were made.
The children decided to play their favorite game, toruk spe'e or tag as his father
called it.
It was a simple game were the person who was it played the evil toruk. Whoever
he caught took his place. Ralu found himself having more fun than he realized
even though A'Luhe seemed to only go for him when it was her turn. This did
make more than a few eye turn to Ralu who inwardly sighed. He didn't like
getting extra attention. He got enough from being the son of the Toruk Makto.
A'Luha leaped at Ralu playfully toppling them over. Her face shining brightly as
she was grinning over him.
"I have you, my Ralu," A'Luha smiled. The other children giggling at them as Ralu
blushed. He huffed pushing to get her off of him.
"Get off," he commanded, rolling her to the side. She was starting to get on his
nerves with her clinginess. She had barely been there a day and she was irritating
him. Why was she so sure they were destined to be soul mates? His grandmother
had been given a vision from Ewya that he would mate with a great Tsahik.
It was told that A'Luha was going to become a great Tsahik. Mother, grandmother
and A'Luha all seemed to think that it was the will of Ewya for them to be
together. Ralu, however, did not seem to feel the same. He didn't like that his
future was already decided for him. It wasn't fair to him.
He stood and brushed himself off as A'Luha, still on the ground, held a hand out
for him to help her up. Reaching a hand to hers he pulled her up. A'Luha took
advantage and used the momentum to bring her close to him. She smiled but
Ralu keep his monotone look.
His mind was reeling with questions. Was she really his destined mate? If he did
not become her mate was he not only disappointing mother and grandmother but
Ewya as well? It was all too much for him to take in, but she would be returning
to the Tipani tonight. At least tomorrow he would not have to worry about
entertaining her.