Dreamwalker
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar
Arriving on Pandora
My name is Dawn Light. No, I'm not kidding. It's actually Dawn Light. When I was lying there in the VA hospital with a big hole blown through the middle of my life, I started having these dreams of flying, of being free. Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up. And I did. You don't dream in CRYO, it doesn't feel like nearly six years. It feels like I've been under anathesia and gotten my butt kicked.
I'm a former marine. Normally, I'd be out on Earth fighting to keep the planet safe for my sister, but that plan went out the window when I became paralyzed and my twin sister, Rose, died. Now I'm on my way to Pandora, a planet where my sister was supposed to go, but I'm taking her place.
They can fix a spinal if you've got the money, but not on vet benefits, not in this economy. I became a marine for a lot of reasons. Part of it was for the hardship, to be hammered on the anvil of life. I told myself I can pass any test a woman could pass. Let's get it straight up front; I don't want anyone's pity. I know the world's a cruel place and I accepted that a long time ago.
A week after I lost my legs, Rose's bosses offered me the chance to take her place on Pandora. Needless to say, I accepted out of duty and guilt. Rose and I had been close growing up, especially after our parents died and I made it my job to make sure she was cared for. The egghead and the jarhead. Rosie was the scientist, not me. She was the one who wanted to get shot light years out into space to find answers. Me—I was just another dumb grunt getting sent someplace I was trying not to regret.
Everyone who's met me knows I'm a cripple. It's not hard to not see that when I'm rolling around in a wheelchair. But no one knows that I'm sick and when I say I'm sick, I don't mean some cough and flu, I mean sick. Before taking Rose's place on Pandora, I found out by my private doctor that I have terminal leukemia. I haven't got long, but I intend to use my remaining time to the best of my ability. One life ends, another begins.
I have medicine which I take when the pain becomes too much to bear. I wear long-sleeved clothes and cover-up to hide my bruises. Normally, I would need to inform others of my condition, but the doctor told me it would probably best if I went on with my life, so I intend to keep this quiet.
After sleeping for what felt like an eternity, I start to wake up. I take in a deep breath, watching the puff of air that's as visible as a ball of ice. Suddenly the coffin I am in opens, revealing a large chamber. I really hope we're near Pandora, because I don't like the bright lights in my eyes. There are hundreds of CRYO capsules, opening like drawers. I was floating off the bed, and there were Velcro straps wrapped around my chest. Everyone was waking up and there were medical techs tending to us. One of them floated over to me.
"Are we there yet?" I asked, half-surprised at how hoarse my voice was.
He smiled at me. "We're there, gorgeous. We're there." He undid the straps and I felt myself floating upwards. I lowered myself down by grabbing my chair which was strapped to the floor and buckled myself in. My case was beside me as I'd requested.
CRYO has put my sickness on halt for now, but I know when I get back out there and get back on my pain meds, nothing could prevent my fate.
"Could I have some water?" I asked.
The med nodded and got me a drink before he made an announcement. "People, you've been in CRYO for five years, nine months and twenty-two days. You will be hungry, you will be weak. If you feel nausea, please use the sacks provided for your convenience. The staff thanks you in advance."
I just smiled and then turned my attention to the window. It was so beautiful yet shocking at the same time. The planet was gorgeous with colorful rings and three moons. The one I was going to was Pandora. I grew up hearing about, but I never really imagined I'd be going there.
We eventually got loaded into another ship and then we headed to Pandora, towards the base. The chief crew were stomping down the aisle screaming, "Exopacks on!" Everyone put on their Exopacks, which is breathing gear as the air on Pandora is un-breathable for humans.
"Remember people, you lose your mask, you're unconscious for twenty seconds and dead in four minutes. Let's nobody be dead today, it looks bad on my report. Exopack on, let's go! Go directly to the base, do not stop! Let's go!"
Our duffels were ready in front of us as were breathing masks, we were ready to go. I finally got mine on and then we landed. Everyone grabbed their duffels and ran out except for me. It took me a few minutes to get into my chair and grab my things. When I was finally ready, I headed out.
My dad used to say that there's no such thing as an ex-marine. You may be out, but you never lose the attitude. I ignored the stares and murmurs from the others as I wheeled myself to base. I rolled my eyes when I saw the two men who were eyeing us. Corporal Troopers Lyle Wainfleet and Kyle Pike, they were the colony's private security force.
"Look at all this fresh meat, whoo!" said Wainfleet.
Fike whistled low when he saw me. "Check it out, man, it's meals on wheels."
"That is just wrong," said Wainfleet. "But, whoo, she's hot."
Having been a marine for a number of years, I was well-built and muscled. Some said I was pretty with my dark hair, green eyes and fine features, but my heart said otherwise. I shook my head when I wheeled past them.
"Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer," I snapped. I didn't like it when men drooled over me or stared at me like I was piece of meat. "What're you staring at?"
"Nothing," said Pike, looking taken aback by my attitude. "Lots of people leave in wheelchairs. It's the first time anyone's showed up in one."
"Well, there's a first time for everything. Excuse me." I smirked when I saw the looks on their faces, like they'd just been told off by their mothers.
Back on earth, these people were Army Dogs, Marines, fighting for freedom. But out here they're just hired guns, taking the money and working for the company.
Despite nearly getting hit by some idiot in a freaking tank, I eventually made it inside. I couldn't help but notice that some of the vehicles had arrows in their tires. At that point, part of me wondered what on earth I had signed up for.
I took off my mask when I got inside and wheeled into the first room I found where Quaritch was talking.
"Ladies and gentleman, you are not in Kansas anymore, you are on Pandora. Respect the fact every second of every day. If there is a Tartarus, you may want to go there for some R&R after a tour on Pandora. Because everything out beyond that fence, every living thing that crawls, flies, squats in the mud wants to kill you and use your eyes as Juju bees. We have an indigenous population of humanoids here called the Na'vi. They're fond of arrows dipped in a neurotoxin which can stop your heart in one minute. And they have bones reinforced with naturally occurring carbon fiber. They are very hard to kill. As head of security, it's my job to keep you all alive. I will not succeed," he paused for effect. "Not with all of you. If you wish to survive, you've got to cultivate a strong mental attitude, you need to follow the procedures, and you've got to obey the rules. Pandora rules. Rule number one…"
I stopped listening at that point. Some people looked like they wanted to go home at this point and I couldn't blame them. Personally, I was a bit nervous, but I wasn't going to chicken out. I was going to stick it out for Rosie and for myself. But seriously, there was nothing an old-school safety brief to put your mind at ease.
After putting my duffel on my bunk, I wheeled over to the lab. Or at least, I tried. The hall was crowded and I could only go so fast without ramming someone in the ankles. I hadn't gone very far when a man ran up to me.
"Excuse me! Excuse me, you're Dawn, right? Rose's sister? Wow, you look just like her," he said.
Of course I look like Rosie, idiot. I'm her twin, even if I am older by twenty minutes. I gave him a warning look before I nodded. I faked a smile and held out my hand which he shook.
"Sorry, I'm Norm. Norm Spellman. I did Avatar training with your sister."
"I know. She mentioned you a few times." I instantly regretted my words. Oh, gall, why did I say that?
Norm's face spilt into a wide grin. "She did? Wow. She was a great girl. She was funny and sweet. It was a big shock to all of us."
"Yeah," I said, trying to not think about Rosie's death.
"So, you're here to take Rose's Avatar?" he asked.
"Yep. That's why I'm here," I replied.
"So, do you want to go check it out?" he asked.
"Sure."
He led me to the Bio-Lab, which was very large and complex with many adjourning rooms and expensive advance technology. A scientist was supervising two tanks. The one closest to us had the sides removed, showing us the contents. Inside was a very large and very blue woman. I saw blood circulating through a synthetic umbilical cord, which was attached to her abdomen. It looked like me, well, Rosie. Except it was cyan blue with a long black braid down its back and had a flat nose and feline ears. What Norm and I were supposed to do was to remotely control these Avatar bodies which are grown from human DNA and mixed with the DNA of the natives.
"Dang, they got big," I murmured.
"Yeah, they mature on the trip out," said Norm. He looked at a scientist, whose nametag read, 'Max.' "So, the proprioceptive Sims worked out pretty well."
"Yeah, they've got great muscle tone," said Max. "It'll take us a few hours to get them decanned, but you guys can take them out tomorrow."
"Looks like her," I murmured, softly as I touched the tank.
"No, it looks like you," said Norm. "This is your Avatar now, Dawn."
"Miss Light, would you care to make your video log for today?" asked Max.
"I beg your pardon?" I asked, confused. No one had said anything about video logs.
"The video logs are every person's daily report," Norm explained. "Here, I'll show you. It's easy."
Norm got the equipment up and running and then left me to do my work. I had done video logs before, but not quite so public. But then again, I'd gotten used to a lack of privacy when I joined the marines. I turned my attention to the log and began to speak.
"The idea is that every driver is matched their own Avatar, so their nervous systems are in tune or something, which is why they offered me this gig because I can link with Rose's Avatar, which is insanely expensive. I'm not sure I understand any of this, but I'm doing it anyway. What have I got to lose?"
I logged off and then Norm led me to another room. He said it was the Link Room where I would be connected to my Avatar. Personally, I thought the Psionic Link Units looked like coffins, but that was just me.
"Grace Augustine is a legend. She's the head of the Avatar Program. She wrote the book, and I mean literally wrote the book, on Pandorian botany," said Norm, sounding excited.
"That's because she likes plants better than people," said Max, making me laugh.
Just then, a PLU opened and a redheaded woman in her early fifties with a strong face and fiery personality sat up, popping her neck came out and started yelling, "Who's got my goshdarn cigarette? Guys, what's wrong with this picture?"
I was close to her, so I pulled out a packet from my pocket. I didn't smoke, but I carried around a pack just for the friends I had back on Earth. "Here you go," I said, as I lit it for her.
"Thanks," she said, gruffly.
"And here she is, Cinderella back from the ball. Grace, I'd like you to meet Norm Spellman and Dawn Light."
Grace ignored me. "Norm, I hear good things about you. How's your Na'vi?"
"May the All Mother smile upon our first meeting," he said, in Na'vi.
Grace nodded approvingly, but she still had a criticizing look on her face. "Not bad. You sound a little formal."
"I studied for five years, but there is much to learn," said Norm.
I waited patiently as they ignored me. I was used to this kind of treatment. But it still made me annoyed sometimes. Max was also looking uncomfortable.
"Grace, this is Dawn Light."
"Yeah, yeah, I know who you are," she said, giving me a disapproving look. "And while I appreciate the fresh pack of cigarettes, I don't need you. I need your sister." She looked at Max. "You know, the PhD who trained for three years for this mission."
"My sister's dead. I know it's a big inconvenience to everyone, but there's nothing to be done about it," I said, sharply in perfect Na'vi. This surprised everyone. While Rose had done Avatar training, she'd enlisted my help in learning the language as languages was my main forte. I inwardly smirked at the looks on their faces.
"You speak the language, well that's good," said Grace. "But how much lab training have you had?"
"I studied biology for two years and dissected a frog once," I said. This was the honest truth, but it didn't make her happy.
Grace glared at Max and then stormed off. "You see? You see? They're pissing on us without even the courtesy of calling it rain. I'm going to Selfridge."
"Grace, that's, uh, not a good idea!" Max yelled.
I sighed as Max gave me a pained look.
"Here, tomorrow at 0800. Try to use big words," he said. "Just give her a little time. She'll come around."
Somehow, I doubted that.
With nothing else to do, I went off to my room to unpack.
When I was sure I was alone, I pulled out my medicine syringe. Injecting myself was proving to be difficult as my hands wouldn't stop shaking and the pain was horrible. I let out a frustrated growl and finally managed to inject myself. The shaking and the pain ceased and then I relaxed a little. Honestly, I'd felt the pain tugging at me the minute I'd arrived, but I'd ignored it.
I sighed as I put my medicine and the case away before I hoisted myself into my bed and tried to relax. It had been an interesting day to say the least. Five years of my life were gone just to arrive here, the scientists hated me because I wasn't Rosie, and it seemed like I'd waltzed right into something horrible. But it didn't matter. I would get through this.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the only picture I had of Rose and I playing together as kids. I gently stroked it with affection and smiled sadly.
"You should've been here, Rosie," I whispered. "But I'll make you as proud of me as I was of you, I promise."
I put the picture back and fell asleep.