Pandora – Book One
New Beginning
Chapter 7
"We're ready," Buck told Jake after getting thumbs up from Abby and Kyle who were manning the in-take and out-let hoses.
"I hope the noise this thing makes doesn't startle any of my people," Jake replied looking back to where Neytiri stood with her mother and twenty other clan members.
"The bigger issue may be seeing immediate results. It's going to take several days to drain all of the water. I hope no one is looking for instant results."
"Good point Buck. If…no make that when people are starting to wonder if this is going to work, I'll take a few them down to where they can see the flow from the out-let hose."
"We were lucky that there was a natural ravine close by that leads downhill, away from the Well of Souls to use as a channel for the discharge flow. On the flight out I was worried that the Well might be the lowest spot in the whole damn area. That would have been a really big problem."
"Fire it up. The sooner we start pumping, the sooner we'll be finished," Jake ordered.
When Buck hit the starter and the pump groaned and came to life, Jake noticed that Ralu was holding hands with Norm. Both had mud caked on their legs up to their knees. From the expressions on their faces it was obvious that they were having fun helping with the in-take hose. Ralu jumped and let out a squeal when the in-take hose snapped stiff as water began flowing through it.
"Suction and pressure are normal," Buck said loudly over the pump's whine, causing Jake to turn his attention back to the pump. "As long as we don't rupture any gaskets or seals we should be good for the next twenty-four hours. After that we will need to refuel the beast."
"I'm going to go take a few of our people to show them the out-let. It will show them right from the start that water is being drained."
"Warn them not to get too close to the out-let. The pressure of the water being discharged could drill a hole right through you."
"Will do." With a quick glance to where Norm and Ralu stood looking into the water, Jake headed up the short incline to stand beside Mo'at.
"The pump makes a lot of noise," Jake said when Mo'at looked at him, an unspoken question on her face. "It's going to take several hours, say mid-day, before you can easily see that the water level is dropping."
"The stick that Norm placed in the water, is it to show that the water is going down?" Mo'at asked pointing to the yellow surveyor's level sticking up out of the water, two meters from water's edge.
"Yes, but it also allows the avatars to determine how fast the water is dropping. This will tell them how long it will be before the water is completely drained."
"It is difficult for me, for most of us, to understand how a thing that just sits there making noise can move so much water. If we had seen such a sight before we came to know of the Sky People we would have been very frightened of something not a part of our world. When we look past our anger and fear, we can see that the Sky People have things that can be very helpful."
"Not everything about the Sky People is bad," Jake began. "They have many useful machines such as this, Machines that help, not hurt or destroy."
"Let us hope that this machine only helps," Mo'at concluded.
"If you will come with me I'll show you the water being pumped from the Well of Souls. Seeing how much is flowing away will give you a better idea of how much water the pump is actually moving. Just looking at the water in the Well of Souls, it's hard to see anything happening."
Sensing that some of those around her where a little disturbed by the lack of any visible change, Mo'at felt that Jake's request was a good thing to do. Knowing that if she showed optimism for what was being accomplished her people would feel some themselves. Those that saw with their own eyes could tell the others what was happening. The work of gathering food and getting back into a normal routine would go more smoothly if her people had real hope that their sacred place would be saved. Motioning for those gathered around her to come, Mo'at followed Jake and Neytiri as they lead them down a short path following the thick brown root that the Sky People called hose.
Even before they reached the end of the out-let hose, the sound of water being discharged over-powered everything else around them. Neytiri gasped when the end of the hose came into view and she could see a jet of water shooting down the shallow ravine. Kyle and Judy were standing near the jet watching the water shoot out straight as an arrow for thirty meters before it hit the ground churning into a foaming swirling mass as it disappeared down the ravine.
"From here you can get a better idea of how much water is being sucked out by the pump," Jake shouted over the roar of the water exiting the discharge hose. From the amazed looks of everyone's face, Jake assumed they hadn't realized or expected to see anything quite like this. They were very used to seeing great waterfalls and rapidly running rivers, but those were just part of the wonder that was Eywa. This was something altogether different. As his people began to talk excitedly among each other, smiles spreading across their faces, Jake felt optimistic that maybe life would finally start to get better for his people.
"I know I shouldn't be surprised," Neytiri said rather loudly, "but I am. I didn't expect the water to be coming out so fast."
"Don't get too excited. Even at this rate it's going to take three days to completely drain all of the water away from the Mother Tree."
"I think everyone should see this. It will give them real hope that the Mother Tree is going to be saved."
"Anyone who wishes to come watch is welcome. They will just have to be careful not to stumble into the water's path. It would be like getting shot with an arrow. The force of the water close to the end of the hose could kill a person. Since Kyle and Judy speak very little Na'vi, you should warn anyone who wants to come here to be careful."
"Neynat has learned some English. I will send her here to warn our people of the danger."
"Hey, Kyle," Jake called out. "Got a minute?"
"Hi Neytiri," Kyle said as he and Judy stepped over to where she was standing with Jake.
"Neytiri is going to send Neynat, a young girl, to stay with you so that she can warn her people about the danger of getting too close to the discharge stream. She speaks a little English."
"That's great," Judy replied. "It will give Kyle and me a chance to learn some more Na'vi. It would be better all-around if we could speak the language more fluently. That is if Neynat doesn't mind teaching us?"
"She would like that very much," Neytiri answered. The obvious connection between these two avatars had her thoughts drifting back to the discussion she and Karen had been having. A quick glance at the middle of Judy's belly that was visible between the two pieces of Sky People clothes she was wearing didn't show any of the telltale signs that she was carrying a child or had ever carried one.
"Once everyone has seen this you can come back. No need to stay here the whole time." Jake said to Kyle and Judy.
"That works for us. We'll want to check on the hose from time to time, just to make sure it is aimed the way we want. No sense in damaging any more than necessary."
Kyle's obvious care for the surrounding forest didn't go unnoticed by Neytiri. If only all the Sky People had felt the same way things might have been different.
Turning to Mo'at and the others standing close by Jake asked, "Does anyone have any questions?"
"I did not expect so much water to come so quickly," one of the older Na'vi craftsmen said.
"The pump is very strong. It can shoot a lot of water quickly. Just like a warrior's bow can shoot larger arrows than a child's bow. Think of the pump as a very large and powerful bow, the water its arrows. Kind of like that."
"I understand what you mean," the craftsmen replied. "This is very good. Our mother's tree will be saved."
"Yes, let's hope so," Jake answered as he waited for any other comments or questions.
"We need to return to the gathering area," Mo'at began when no one else spoke. "It is time to send out hunting parties. Others will need to gather wood for fire. All are hungry and must be seen to."
"I'll be there just as soon as I check on Norm and the others," Jake replied.
"You and Neytiri should remain here. There are enough people to send for food and for wood. Our people need to know that their leader's first concern is our sacred place of prayer. The place where we feel closest to Eywa. If you are needed, I will send someone."
Since Jake wanted to stay with the other avatars he didn't protest Mo'at's suggestion, which felt more like an order. Knowing that she was very good at reading the moods and needs of their people he voiced his agreement.
"I will find Neynat and send her to you," Mo'at said to Neytiri just before she led the others back towards the gathering area.
"Your mother is one very strong woman," Judy said after Mo'at had disappeared from view. "I mean that in the best possible way."
"Yes she is, and thank you. She has had more that her share of grief to deal with. She and my father were very close. I don't know if I could do as well if anything happened to Jake."
"Same here," Judy replied solemnly.
"This ravine is going to be pretty much toasted after we finish draining the Well of Souls," Kyle said into the silence that followed Judy's echoing of Neytiri's thoughts.
"It will grow back soon enough," Jake answered. "It's not like the water is polluted with chemicals. The ground won't be contaminated for the next hundred years."
"All the same, I'll like to check downstream just to make sure we're not creating a bigger problem that we'll have to solve. Perhaps you could have one of your bodyguards come with us," Kyle gestured towards where Tey'bar and Ell'a'u stood overlooking the ravine. "Seeing as they have weapons and we don't."
Kyle's comment about Tey'bar and Ell'a'u reminded Jake that they were always watching his back. He found it both amusing and comforting at the same time. He couldn't ask for two more dedicated friends. A fact that he had told both of them in the shelter the night the storm started.
"Tey'bar," Jake called out. "Come with Kyle and me, we want to make sure the water is doing as little damage as possible."
When Tey'bar jogged over to where he was standing, Jake recognized the second bow looped over Tey'bar's shoulder as his own. Glancing back at Ell'a'u Jake saw that see too had a second bow. No doubt about who the owner was. Ey'tu'kan's bow was highly distinctive. Unslinging Jake's bow Tey'bar handed it to him along with two of the four arrows he as carrying.
"When are you going to teach me how to shoot one of those?" Kyle asked, indicating the bow Jake slung over his shoulder.
"Whenever you want. Didn't realize you were interested."
"Seems like something I should know how to do, seeing as it goes with the body," Kyle replied flashing a good natured grin at Jake.
"We won't be gone long." Jake informed Neytiri as he let Tey'bar lead the way down the ravine.
For a minute Neytiri and Judy stood silent after watching their men disappeared from sight. Judy finally broke the silence as her curiosity got the better of her. "Is there something wrong with my tummy?"
"What is tummy?"
"My belly," Judy gestured placing her hands over her exposed skin.
"No, why do you ask?"
"You were staring at it a couple of minutes ago. I thought maybe something about it was unexpected."
So much for thinking that her glance had gone unnoticed, Neytiri thought to herself. Since shyness had never been one of her traits, Neytiri just asked what was on her mind. The concept of being embarrassed over one's body was not a concept that Neytiri would have understood. Only the act of mating was private. Pretty much everything else was done in the open.
"Since it appeared obvious that you and Kyle are life-mates, I was wondering if you have had a baby."
"A baby!" Judy chocked over the words. "No, no babies. I'm not even sure if I would want one even if I could have one. Being in this body only part time it wouldn't see right or practical to have a child."
The absurdity of her question struck Neytiri when she thought about the fact that Judy was an avatar, a dream walker. Why the idea of Judy having a child from her Na'vi body had ever occurred to her she couldn't say. It just seemed as if she had babies on her mind a lot lately.
"Since Kyle and I will most likely never follow in Jake's footsteps, if we wanted a child it would have to be human. Because that's not going to happen, I don't give babies a lot of thought."
"Because you are sterile." When Judy just stared at her Neytiri added, "Karen told me about how all humans that come here are sterile and cannot have children."
"Oh, well, yes that is true. I'm sure she also added that it is a good thing we can't have children. Hell's Gate isn't the place to raise a child. People only come here for two reasons. Either they have nowhere else to go or, they are like me and the other avatars. We want to learn everything about Pandora. Living in a place like Hell's Gate is a small price to pay for the opportunity to study Pandora up close and personal. There is very little nature left to study on Earth, so for those of us the wish to study botany, biology or the other life sciences, Pandora's the only game in town. Having an avatar body and getting to know you and your people is just icing on the cake."
Neytiri felt as though she only understood half of what Judy had said. Most of the words she had heard at Grace's school, but the meaning she got from Judy didn't make sense to her. A nagging sensation that she was missing something vital continued to tug at her.
"What is icing?" Neytiri asked, since it was associated with cake, a word she did understand.
"Icing is a sweet layer you spread over cake," Judy began. "'Icing on the cake' is a human expression that means getting something more than what you expected in the first place. In our case, it means that getting to know you and your people was a nice addition over and above the science we came here to learn. Does that make sense?"
"Yes, I understand what you mean when you explain it that way."
"Human languages are full of expressions that don't have the same meaning as the words in them. We call them idioms or figures of speech."
"This is very confusing. Why not say what you mean? Why say something that means something different?"
"If you don't grow up in an environment it's hard to understand all its customs and knowledge people take for granted. Think of these expressions as a shorter way to convey a longer meaning."
"I see what you are trying to tell me," Neytiri began. "But it seems unnecessary to have these expressions."
"Well you've got me there," Judy replied, laughing lightly. "Unnecessary they are. But I doubt they will ever go away."
Before Neytiri could ask anything more Jake returned with Kyle and Tey'bar.
"Only minimal damage is being done towards the bottom of the ravine," Jake announced.
"From what I could tell most of the ground in this area is composed of loosely connected porous rock," Kyle added, geology being one of his specialties. "Water is being absorbed fairly quickly. Why that isn't true for the Well of Souls is puzzling. It might have something to do with centuries of growth around the Mother Tree. Her root system may have trapped silt and clay turning the area into a watertight bowl."
All heads turned when Neynat came into view and started towards them. Her face a beacon of eagerness as she bounded up to Neytiri.
"Your mother said I should come here. That you would tell me what to do."
"Thanks for coming so quickly. The water coming out of the hose is very dangerous. When our people come to see, as I'm sure some will do, warn them to stay back. Most will figure this out on their own. A few may be foolish enough to try and get a closer look. I asked for you because you speak some English. Kyle and Judy will be here with you. Perhaps you can help each other with our languages."
"Yes, I can do that."
After quick introductions Neytiri continued, "When Kyle and Judy return, come with them. I do not want you to stay here by yourself. Understood?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Tey'bar, you and Ell'a'u stay here until they return. Neytiri and I will be fine. We both have our bows. I don't think anyone is going to attack us today. Everyone seems quiet and content at the moment."
"Yes we will do that," Tey'bar answered. Jake could see that he was going to argue but decided against it. He would make a good Marine Jake mused. He could follow orders even when he disagreed with them.
"If you want me to send someone to watch over the hose, have Ell'a'u come find me and I'll arrange for someone to take your place."
"Got it," Kyle replied as he and Judy settled into a comfortable sitting position, gesturing at Neynat to have a seat in front of them.
[xxxxx]
When Jake and Neytiri returned to the pump they found Buck checking the operational readouts. A quick glance towards the in-take float had Jake doing a double-take. Norm and Ralu were in the water trying to pull the float further from shore as Abby pushed more hose into the water. When Ralu let out a high pitched squeal that could easily shatter glass, Neytiri saw her daughter in an intense water fight with Norm. Since Norm was only using his one good arm, Ralu was getting the best of him. Admitting defeat Norm threw up his hands in surrender. Quick as a starving banshee Ralu was on him, shoving his head under water while she laughed herself silly. The laughter abruptly ended when her body disappeared beneath the water's surface as if shot from a bow. When neither Norm nor Ralu surfaced immediately both Jake and Neytiri broke for the water's edge. They had only taken a few steps when both Norm and Ralu surfaced and started laughing as they took up splashing once again.
"They are having the time of their lives," Karen said from behind them. She had been watching Norm and Ralu's water horseplay for the past ten minutes. Having become bored just sitting in the Samson she had ventured out to see what Norm was up to. Buck had pointed out where Norm and Ralu were playing at the water's edge.
"We didn't see you," Neytiri said when both she and Jake turned around at the sound of Karen's voice.
"I'm short, at least by Na'vi standards, so I'm easy to miss."
"How long have they been at it?" Jake asked pointing at Norm and Ralu.
"At least ten minutes, that's when I walked over to see what Norm was up to. From the looks of it, they have been playing for some time." Karen couldn't begin to describe her feelings while watching Norm and the little girl play together. She had never heard him laugh in his avatar body. He looked and sounded so happy it almost broke her heart. Both with joy and sorrow.
"Let's go rescue Norm from our little water demon," Jake suggested to Neytiri. "You should come too," he added to Karen.
Karen knew that Jake and Neytiri walked slower than they normally would for her benefit. Jake yelled at his daughter when his feet were ankle deep. "Ralu, stop beating up on that crippled old man. You're going to drown him."
"He's doing just fine," Ralu called back after she sent another small wave of water splashing into Norm's face.
"Help, she's drowning me," Norm called out, doing his best to impersonate the drowning victim he pretended to be.
"He's just pretending," Karen said to Neytiri when she though Neytiri was going to take Norm seriously.
"I know. But he should be taking it easy. That knife wound was deep. I don't want it to open up again."
"Lately I've been more worried about his mental state," Karen began. "Getting shot and stabbed, plus adding my fears have taken away his joy of linking with his avatar. This time with Ralu is just what he needs most right now."
"Hi Karen." Norm called out having just noticed her.
"Hi there yourself," Karen answered back, adding a friendly wave.
Exhausted more than he cared to admit Norm made his way back to dry land, Ralu effortlessly keeping pace with him. God, to be young again, Norm thought to himself—or at least whole. Even through the exhaustion he could feel that his muscles were looser, more relaxed than they had been all day. Holding out his hand for Ralu they walked the last few meters to the edge of the water.
"I see you and Ralu have been having a good time," Karen said as he gently squeezed the water from his queue.
"The best," Norm replied, gazing affectionately down at Ralu.
Norm had removed his shirt and shoes, but his shorts were thoroughly soaked which made walking somewhat awkward.
"My but you're a tall one," Karen remarked when Norm walked over to stand near her.
"You can be tall too," Norm added just before he lifted her off the ground so that they were face to face.
"Put me down you idiot," Karen shrieked as she punched his shoulders; more laughter in her voice than anger. "You're getting me all wet."
"You look good all wet," Norm commented, easily holding her at arm's length in front of him.
Jake's survival instincts kicked into hyper awareness as time seemed to stand still. Having heard the sound of death whistling past his head many times, Jake instinctively turned towards the sound of an arrow in flight. When time started to flow, everything seemed to happen all at once.
The arrow he had sensed, shot by close to his right side, penetrating into Karen's back and out through her chest, its bloody tip logged against one of Norm's ribs. At the same instant the air was filled with the war cries of a dozen Na'vi. Running on pure adrenaline Jake and Neytiri nocked arrows while searching for targets. Sparing the quickest glance, Jake saw that Abby had knocked Ralu to the ground and was shielding her with her own body. In absolute shock Norm collapsed to his knees still holding Karen at arm's length as his eyes locked onto hers which were just beginning to fill with pain.
When a second arrow whizzed past Jake he targeted the shooter and let loose his own arrow. The arrow landed with deadly accuracy as the Na'vi died from a kill shot to the heart. The twang from Neytiri's bow downed a second assassin that had been closing in from the side. Nocking their last arrows Jake and Neytiri took out two more would be assassins as the attackers arrows landed in the water behind them. When ZaeZae leapt up on the fallen arch and drew back her bow, both Jake and Neytiri drew their knives separating to try to distract ZaeZae with who she should kill first.
Her indecision of who to kill first ended when a second attacker jumped up on the arch beside her. In an instant shorter that the time between heartbeats four arrows flew. Both ZaeZae and her fellow attacker flew backwards off the fallen arch, arrow shafts sticking out of their hearts. In disbelief Neytiri watched as Tey'bar and Ell'a'u raced out onto the arch, arrows nocked, searching for other attackers. The arrow aimed at her had missed by less than a hand's width. Glancing at Jake her heart all but stopped. He was on his knees, his right hand gripping the shaft of the arrow protruding from his right side. When is head turned and their eyes locked she could see the sheer amazement he was feeling from having found an arrow lodged in his chest.
"Jake!" Neytiri screamed, hysteria reverberating through her voice.
Catching Jake before he fell face first and landed on the arrow in his chest, Neytiri twisted his body so that she could lay him out on his back. Movement to her right caught her vision where Abby was lifting Karen out of Norm's arms as he continued to stare straight ahead. Laying a gasping Karen on her side Abby jumped up to see how badly Norm was wounded.
"I have him," Ralu demanded, nearly knocking Abby over as Ralu jumped in front of Norm to probe the bleeding wound in his chest.
Sensing that Norm's wound was not deep or life threatening, Abby turned her attention back to Karen just as Buck arrived. Within seconds they were surrounded by a dozen Na'vi, all of whom were forming a human shield around them. The wall of Na'vi opened briefly to admit Kyle and Judy.
"Jake…Jake…can you hear me? Look at me Jake," Neytiri cried her eyes beginning to blur with tears.
"Keep talking to him Neytiri," Judy demanded. "He hears you. Don't let him slip away. He's past waking up in his human body. We need to keep him focused on us, on the here and now."
"Jake, look at me." Neytiri demanded. "Look at me. That's it. Don't you dare leave me."
"Hurt's like hell," Jake said weakly, a small trickle of blood escaping from the side of his mouth.
"Don't try to talk," Judy said as she tried to get a better idea of depth of the wound.
"Are all arrowheads the same length?" Judy snapped at Neytiri.
"Mostly. From the size of what is still showing I would guess that the tip is about half way through him." Looking intently at the arrowhead sticking out of the wound so that she could answer Judy's question had left her ready to retch.
"The wound is not bleeding heavily," Judy commented. "I think the arrow missed any major blood vessels. The arrowhead has definitely pieced his right lung."
"Jake, you can survive this," Neytiri continued, trying to bolster both his and her own confidences.
"Kyle, get me a pair of cutters. I want to clip off this shaft." Judy demanded.
While Neytiri held Jake's hand she glanced back to see Norm sitting with Karen's head resting in his lap. She knew that Karen could not possible survive having a Na'vi arrowhead pierce clean through her chest. The anguish, misery and shock on Norm's face told her he knew this to be true as well. Ralu was standing at Norm's side, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. Turning from misery she could do nothing for, Neytiri focused her attention on Jake.
When Tey'bar entered their protected circle Neytiri looked up.
"All of the attackers are dead or have fled into the forest." The sound of disgust softened ever so slightly when he looked down at Jake. "Everyone is shocked and shamed by the actions of our former brothers and sisters. You are safe. No one will get through to harm you."
"Thank you Tey'bar."
"Jake is going to live. I will not accept anything less."
"No, neither will I," Neytiri added as she continued to squeeze Jake's hand in her own.
"Where do you want me to cut?" Kyle asked when he returned with a small bolt cutter.
"About three inches above the arrowhead. It will give Max something to grab onto when he extracts the arrowhead."
"We need to get him back to the avatar infirmary as quickly as possible," Judy said as she stripped off her shirt to wrap it around the arrowhead.
"How's Karen?" Judy asked looking up at Kyle.
When he just shook his head she knew there nothing that could be done.
[xxxxx]
"Karen, can you hear me?" Norm's voice broke on every word.
"Yes," she replied weakly.
"I'm so sorry this happened."
"Norm…remember that old story I used to cry over…It's true…Love means never having…having to say you're sorry. I will always love…you…"
When Karen's chest failed to rise and her eye's turned lifeless, Norm turned his face into Ralu's comforting embrace and wept.
[xxxxx]
"We need to get Jake back to the infirmary if we are going to save him," Judy said quietly as she placed her hand on Neytiri's arm. "Unless you have a treatment for this kind of wound we should start back now."
"No, we do not have anything that will cure a punctured lung. Get him into your flying machine. I will inform mother where we are going."
"Hurry, time is not on Jake's side." Judy added as Neytiri sprang to her feet.
"I'll tell Buck to bring Karen's body," Kyle said as he stood. "Abby can help Norm. There's a stretcher in the Samson, I get it and be right back."
Kyle quickly cut the shaft of the arrow piercing Karen's chest before he sprinted off to get the stretcher from the Samson.
"What the frick is going on?" Rocky demanded as he stuck his head out when Kyle detached the stretcher from the rear bulkhead.
"Jake's has an arrow in his lung. Wind her up. We need to get him back as fast as this tub of shit will fly."
Without waiting for a response Kyle raced back to where Jake was laying. Before he and Judy could move Jake onto the stretcher several Na'vi knelt down to help them.
Another pair of Na'vi stood ready to lift the stretcher the instant Jake was on it.
"Mother will see to everything while we are gone," Neytiri said as she entered into the protective circle.
Within minutes Jake's stretcher was secured to the deck in the middle of the open compartment. Abby and Buck had buckled Norm into one of the seats across from Neytiri. Ralu was seated between Jake and Norm, her arms wrapped firmly around Norm's good arm.
"We are going to stay here," Buck told Neytiri. "I strapped Karen's body in the front. Rocky's not thrilled, but it's better for Norm not to have to stare at it all the way back to Hell's Gate."
"You're sure you want to stay?"
"Yes, were sure. Tey'bar and Ell'a'u assured us that we would be safe. Besides, the Samson will be quicker with less weight onboard."
"You can trust them. They are young, but they are also very brave."
"I don't think anyone's young anymore. I have a satellite communicator. We will stay in touch."
As Buck watched the Samson disappear over the treetops he was sure that what he had said to Neytiri was true. No one was young anymore.
[xxxxxxxxxx]
"Hell's Gate tower, this is Samson One, come-in, over." Rocky kept his eyes averted from Karen's body strapped into the seat next to him. Thirty minutes ago she had still been alive, laughing as she told him not to worry. She was just going to go and stand by the pump so she could watch Norm. Nothing bad was going to happen to her. Now she was dead. Exactly how that had happened he didn't know. Buck and the other avatars hadn't been long on the details. Because Jake's life might depend on getting to Hell's Gate as quickly as possible, he focused on that single task.
"Hell's Gate tower, come-in, over." Rocky repeated.
"Rocky, this is Zoe, over."
"Is Gary there?"
"No, he stepped out a short time ago. He should be back soon. What's wrong?" Zoe had heard Rocky's first call. As Gary was out of the room, she had quickly hurried over to his console to take the second call. The stress in Rocky's normally calm voice had given her adrenaline a quick kick.
"Jake has an arrow in his chest, right lung…I think. We are bringing him in for surgery. Have Max, Susan and Ron standing by to receive him as soon as we land. I'll land in the avatar training area. ETA thirty-five minutes."
"Jesus Rocky, how did that happen?"
"I don't exactly know. Some of the Omaticaya turned hostile and attacked."
"Is everyone else okay?"
"Yeah," Rocky lied. He didn't see any value in upsetting Zoe or the others with the news of Karen's death until he landed.
"Norm is on board, but Buck and the other avatars stayed behind."
"I'll alert Max immediately."
"Just make sure they're ready with the gurney when we arrive. Rocky out." He knew that he was abrupt with Zoe, but he felt his throat closing up on him. Getting out what he did had left his throat knotted and aching.
[xxxxx]
"Gary, hurry," Zoe beckoned when he walked into the Ops Center.
"What's happened?" Gary demanded when he heard the urgency in Zoe's voice.
"Rocky just radioed in that Jake has been wounded. He has an arrow in his chest. Rocky said they will be landing in the avatar training area in just under thirty-five minutes. He wants Max and his team ready to meet them. Buck and the other avatars stayed behind."
"Why the hell did they do that?"
"I don't know, he didn't say."
"Stay here. I'm going to go down to the lab. It will take four of us to move Jake from the Samson to a gurney." Gary said as he turned and rushed out through the door.
The trip down to the bio lab and adjoining prep room took him less than two minutes. Even though Rocky would not be landing for another thirty minutes, Gary wanted as much time to prepare for Jake's arrival as possible. Bursting through the bio lab doors he nearly ran right over Susan. The PVC she was looking at flew out of her hands and skidded across the floor as she let out a startled scream.
"Shit Gary, you need to watch where you're going," Susan barked angrily.
"I'm sorry. I was in a hurry, but that's no excuse. Where's Max?"
"In the prep room studying the new clone? Why? Is something wrong?" After picking up the PVC she took a good look at his face. Something was definitely not right.
"Rocky is on his way here. Jake has been wounded." Gary went on to tell all that Zoe had told him.
"Damn it, this is not good," Susan exclaimed as she headed for the inner air lock between the bio lab and the prep room.
"Are you equipped to perform this kind of surgery?" Gary asked as he followed Susan to the airlock door.
"Crap," Susan said as she stopped dead in her tracks. "I can't leave the avatar drivers unattended. Can you stay here with them?"
"I can, but I'm not sure what to do if anything goes wrong."
"The computers monitor everything. If any red lights start flashing call me through the intercom."
"I should go out with the gurney. Jake weights a good two-fifty, maybe more. It's going to take some muscle to get him out of the Samson and onto a gurney. Come back and take over here while I help get Jake into the prep room, then we'll swap back."
"That sounds like it should work. Can you patch the prep room in with Rocky? We need to get Jake's vitals and general conditions as quickly as possible."
"Yes, that won't be a problem. Go. I'll call you when I have Rocky patched in."
As soon as Susan stepped into the inside airlock Gary sat down at the bio lab's main console.
"Zoe?" Gary called, touching the icon on the heads-up screen for the Ops Center.
"Yes, I'm here," Zoe responded, her face showing on the video link.
"Susan is filling Max and Ron in on what's happened. I'm going to transfer master control to this terminal. You might as well come down to the lab. Between the two of us we can monitor the avatar drivers and communications with the Samson."
"Be right there."
Even before her image disappeared from the video link Gary was entering instructions to transfer command to the console. When the communications window opened Gary punched the direct link to the Samson.
"Rocky, can you hear me?"
"I hear you fine Gary, ETA is now twenty-two minutes."
"I'm in the bio lab. We are going to run operations from here for the time being. Max and his crew are preparing for your arrival. They are going to want Karen to give them Jake's vitals as soon as I patch you in."
"Gary…Karen's dead. She was killed by…she died during the ruckus that ended with Jake having an arrow in his chest."
The impact of Rocky's words stole the breath from Gary's lungs as surely as if he had been sucker punched in the gut. Fighting off a sudden wave of nausea, Gary fought to loosen the knot that had formed in his throat. He wasn't, couldn't think about the fact that he was the one who suggested that she go along with the avatars. She was beyond his help now. He would grieve for her later. Gary was absolutely certain that if Jake died, all the rest of them would too. Not right away, but steadily over time until there was nothing left of their presence on Pandora.
"You didn't tell Zoe?" Gary asked once he was sure he could speak without losing his breakfast.
"No. She was alone, so I didn't want to upset her."
"That was probably wise. Where is Karen's body?" Gary did everything he could to push the image of Karen's lifeless body to the back of his mind. He didn't want to deal with it until he had to.
"Strapped in the cockpit next to me. Jesus Gary, this so fricking surreal."
"Do you have any idea what happened, what started the whole incident?"
"Not really. Neytiri probably knows. She, Ralu and Norm are with me."
At the mention of Norm's name Gary's heart ache doubled and the gorge in his stomach tried its damnedest to get out. Clamping down on every emotion, Gary tried to get as much information as he could.
"Is Norm wounded?"
"Slightly, mostly he's just in shock from what I could see when the other avatars loaded him into the Samson."
"Do you know why the other avatar's chose to stay, not come back?"
"Buck said I would make better time without them. He's right about that. He said not to worry. The renegade's had been killed or driven into the forest. He didn't seem overly concerned about their safety. They did keep both hydras just in case he was wrong."
"All right. We can't do anything for them right now. They're smart. They will survive. Not that it's terribly important, but is the pump working?"
"Yes, they got that going before all hell broke loose."
"Is there any way for me to talk with Neytiri?" He was sure that getting Jake's vital signs would be extremely important. If Norm was in shock he wouldn't be of any use. The girl Ralu was too young. That left Neytiri as the only choice.
"Give me a second; I'll see if I can get her to put on a headset. She's pretty shook up, but I think she's holding together."
"Who's shook up? Karen?" Zoe asked when she entered the bio lab and heard the last of Rocky's transmissions.
"No, Neytiri," Gary answered looking directly at the console. He knew that if he looked at Zoe she would see the grief he was feeling.
"Neytiri's there? We'll I guess she would be. I would be in her place."
"Hello?" Neytiri's anguished voice came through the comm link.
"Neytiri, my name is Gary. We met once when most of the humans were sent back home. Do you remember me?"
"Yes, I think I do."
"I'm going to bring Max and his medical team in. They are going to ask you to tell them what you can about Jake's condition."
"He has arrow in his chest, on his right side."
"Yes, that much we know. What the medical team needs to know is how is Jake's breathing. How fast is his heart beating. Things like that. Do not worry if they ask for information you don't know how to give. Just do the best you can. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
"You should be landing here in less than fifteen minutes. I am going to patch Max in now. Just sit tight."
"Karen shouldn't have any trouble getting Jake's vitals. Why is Neytiri taking them?"
"Max, you are patched in. Neytiri will try to get you what you need," Gary said into the comm link after joining the prep room comm link into the open channel.
Knowing there was no way to put off what he had to do now Gary turned to look at Zoe. It took less than a second for Zoe to read what was showing on his face. Even before he could stand she was shaking her head in denial of what she knew he was going to say. By the time he reached for her, hot, thick tears were streaming down her cheeks. When Gary wrapped her in his arms, for his comfort as well as hers, she began to cry. There were no words that would help either of them so he just continued to hold her as they both suffered through the pain of losing someone that was close to them.
"Neytiri, my name is Max. Can you hear me?"
"Yes Max, I can."
"Is Jake conscious, is he awake?"
"Yes, his eyes are open. He is looking at me."
"Are his pupils, the dark part in the middle of his eyes, larger or smaller than normal?"
"They seem smaller, but only a little."
"Is blood flowing from the wound?"
"No. Judy wrapped some of what she was wearing around the arrowhead."
"Is he having trouble breathing?"
"He has an arrow in lung, of course he is having trouble," Neytiri's voice snapped.
"Yes, I know. Do you hear any liquid noise in his throat? Is he coughing?"
"He coughs a little. Sometimes there is blood."
"Can you feel his heart beating? If so can you tell me is it steady?"
"Yes his heart beat is steady", Neytiri replied after a short pause.
"I am going say start, and then stop. I want you to count the number of times his heart beats. Can you do that?"
"Yes."
"Okay here we go. Start," Max counted off fifteen seconds before saying 'stop'.
"His heart beat twenty times."
"I am going to say start and stop again. Count how many breathes he takes."
"Seven." Neytiri answered after counting his breathing rate.
"If you squeeze his hand does he squeeze back?"
"Yes, but it is not strong."
"Does he know who you are?"
"I think so."
"Tell him to whisper your name, if he can."
"He did so. He also said 'I see you'," Neytiri's voice cracked slightly.
"Okay, just hold on. You will be here shortly."
"Will he live?"
"I can't promise that," Max replied. "We will do everything possible. He is young and healthy so there is a very good chance that he will make a full recovery. The most you can do now is be there for him. Prayers to Eywa couldn't hurt either."
"I have been doing that since the other avatars loaded us into your flying machine."
"Good. Keep doing it. We will be ready for you as soon as you land."
"Do you think the arrow was coated with neurotoxins?" Ron asked Max when he finished speaking to Neytiri.
"No, if it was, Jake would be dead by now."
"Let's get prepped for surgery," Max began as he began giving instructions for what he would need once Jake arrived.
[xxxxx]
"Zoe, there is nothing any of us can say that will make this any easier," Gary began after Zoe had stopped crying. "I don't know how it happened. Rocky wasn't able to tell me much. After he lands Neytiri should be able to tell us more."
"Norm, where is Norm?" Zoe asked suddenly as she stepped back from Gary.
"He is on the Samson. Rocky said the Norm was wounded slightly but he seemed to be shock."
"Shouldn't you get him out of his pod?"
"I don't know. I'm going to ask Max. We'll let him make the call."
"I just can't believe this. Are things ever going to be normal around here again?"
"If I knew what normal was I might be able to answer you. Right now I'd settle for no one else dying."
"Yeah, I'd settle for that too."
"Max, I need you out here in the link room. Can you come out?" Gary waited for Max to answer his page, not sure just how much to tell him until they were face to face.
"Can it wait," Max answered. "We're busy in here setting up for Jake's arrival."
"No, it really can't. It will only take a couple of minutes."
"Be right out," Max answered, frustration clearly audible in his voice.
[xxxxx]
"What is so important that it couldn't wait?" Max demanded as he stepped out of the inner airlock.
"There is no way to make this easy. Karen's dead. Norm is on the Samson with the others. Rocky said that he is in a state of shock."
When Max looked as if he was going to pass out Gary took a single step towards him.
"Give me a second," Max said has he braced a hand against the wall and took several deep breaths.
Drawing himself together, Max walked over to the pod containing Norm's human body and began to examine the readouts from the linker. After double checking the current readouts against the historical data, Max turned back to Gary and Zoe.
"Physiologically Norm's vitals are within normal operating limits. Bringing him out by shutting down the link from this end might do more harm than good. I'll want to check out his avatar once he gets back. That will be easier if he is still linked up. Unless there is a major change we'll leave him linked for now."
"What about the other drivers?" Gary asked.
"I'll check them quickly before I go back in," Max answered.
"I know it won't be easy, but I'll leave it to you to tell Ron and Susan about Karen. Her body is on the Samson."
"Yeah, it definitely won't be easy." Max replied as he moved to the next pod to check on Judy's link.
All three jumped when Buck's voice activated the comm link.
"Hell's Gate, this is Buck. Do you read me?"
"Yes Buck, we read you," Gary answered after scrambling over to the master console. "Are you and the other avatars okay?"
"Yes we're fine, safe and healthy. Has Rocky arrived yet?"
"He should be here shortly?"
"I just wanted to check in with you. You can reach us via sat-link any time. Let us know as soon as you know anything about Jake."
"Okay, we'll do that. Anything you need for us to do?"
"Yeah, pray for Jake, and for Norm. This is going to hit him really hard."
"Will do. I'll call you as soon as Rocky lands and Jake's in surgery."
"Thanks, Buck out."
"I'll take the gurney outside," Gary began. "Neytiri and I should be able carry Jake from the Samson to the outside airlock. After that I can have her help get Norm into the avatar shelter. It will be the best place for them to wait while Jake's in surgery."
"Gary, she isn't going to want to let Jake out of her sight," Zoe added.
"You're right about that. Hopefully she will listen to reason."
"And if she doesn't?"
"I'll play on her sympathy for what happened to Norm. She can't be in surgery. I'll try to make her see that."
"Good luck with that. From what Norm has told us she doesn't care for the word 'no'."
[xxxxx]
Gary spotted the Samson almost as soon as he heard the whine of her rotors. Standing just outside the outer airlock door he watched the Samson head straight for the make-shift basketball court the avatars used for training and play. Timing it so he would reach the Samson just after Rocky cut power to the rotors; Gary sprinted across the court to the side of the aircraft.
"Hi, I'm Gary," He said through his exopack as he greeted Neytiri and Ralu. A quick glance told him that Norm was pretty much out of it. Jake had turned his head at the sound of his voice.
Climbing in, Gary released the clamps holding Jake's stretcher to the deck.
"We need to get Jake inside as quickly as possible. If you will take the end nearest Jake's head I'll take the other end," Gary said as he moved to the opening in the side of the Samson. "Ralu is it? Would you say here and watch after Norm until we can get Jake inside?"
"Yes, I can do that," Ralu answered after looking to her mother for approval.
With Neytiri's help Gary rotated Jake's stretcher and pulled it from the belly of the Samson. The hardest part about carrying Jake's stretcher for Gary was to hold it at shoulder level so Neytiri wouldn't have to walk stooped over. Max had been firm on making sure the stretcher remained level as much as possible. Skirting by the side of the gurney Gary backed into the airlock so that he and Neytiri could set the stretcher atop the gurney.
"The medical team will take Jake inside just as soon as we step outside and close the outer door," Gary said as soon as Jake was settled safely on the gurney. "I know you want to be with him Neytiri. For Jake's sake you can't. Max and his team have been tending to avatars for years. They will do everything they can to make sure that he walks out of here on his own two feet. We will wait close by. As soon as it's possible you and Ralu will be able to see Jake."
Gary wasn't sure what Neytiri said to Jake in Na'vi, but he weakly repeated it back to her. After bushing Jake's lips lightly with her own Neytiri stood and walked back outside. Pausing long enough to squeeze Jake's shoulder, Gary followed her, shutting the outer door behind him.
"Just a short distance from here is a building where the avatars used to sleep," Gary said when he caught up with Neytiri beside the Samson. "It is a good place for you and Ralu to wait. I would be grateful if you could help me get Norm in there as well. He doesn't look like he can make it on his own."
"We will help you. Norm is family to both of our peoples. My heart is heavy that I can do little for him."
"We all feel that way. He and Karen were a big part of our lives."
"Ralu, we need to get Norm to step outside," Neytiri told her daughter after releasing Norm from the harness that held him in place during the flight.
Kneeling Ralu took Norm's face in her hands and gently turned it towards her. "We have to move from this place. You need to stand so we can walk. Mother and I will help you."
With Neytiri and Ralu's gentle prodding they maneuvered Norm out of the Samson to stand on his own. He looked very shaky to Gary's eyes. Slinging her bow and the two new arrows Ell'a'u had given her just before takeoff over her shoulder, Neytiri moved to support Norm's left side while Ralu supported his right as best she could.
"This way," Gary indicated as the moved around the front of the aircraft. While Neytiri and Ralu had been coaxing Norm from the Samson, Rocky told Norm that he was going to take the aircraft back to the hanger deck to refuel. He would see to Karen's body as well.
Once they were a safe distance away, the Samson rose into the air and disappeared over the fence inclosing the training area. The avatar hut was normally a short walk from the basketball court. Norm's zombie like state made the trip twice as long. Neytiri stopped at the base of the steps to the hut and looked around.
"It's not much, but it does have a roof to keep the rain off our heads," Gary began. "In side there is a comm link so that we can talk with the others inside the complex. The medical team will keep us informed on Jake's condition. If it's alright with you I'll wait here at least until Jake is out of surgery. I'm sure you have a lot of questions. I'll try to answer them as best I can."
"We like for you to stay with us," Neytiri answered a bit numbly, which alerted Gary to the fact that she was probably ready to crash from an adrenaline come-down.
"There is food nearby which we can gather when you become hungry. For now let's get Norm inside and on a cot before he collapses."
"Yes, that is good. I do not think he is going to be able to sand much longer."
With considerable difficulty Neytiri and Ralu managed to get Norm up the short flight of steps and into the hut. Lowering him onto the first available cot they both collapsed on the adjacent cot, physically and mentally exhausted.
"Just rest while I let them know inside that we are all safe. I'll try to get an early update on Jake's condition."
"Thank you," Neytiri replied as Ralu snuggled next to her.
Moving over to the comm link used by the avatar technicians Gary called into the lab.
"Norm is resting comfortably," Gary informed Zoe when she answered his call. "Neytiri and Ralu look a little rough around the edges but they will feel better after they get some rest. Can you try to get me an update on how Jake's doing? I promised Neytiri that I would ask."
"Sure. Give me a couple of minutes and I'll call you back."
"Not going anywhere. I'll be right here." It's barely past midday Gary thought to himself. This could turn into a very long day for all of them.
Figuring it would take Zoe a few minutes to get back to him, Gary walked over to check on Norm. Ralu was sitting cross legged with Norm's head cradled between them. Neytiri was on the side of the adjacent cot holding his hand.
"When was the last time he spoke?" Gary asked as he stood at the foot of Norm's cot.
"He hasn't spoken since Buck and Kyle strapped him into the flying machine," Neytiri answered. She was trying not to think of Jake dying while she sat around helpless to do anything about it.
The woman that Norm loved was dead, and now Norm could not see those around him. All she could see when she looked at Norm was the love in his eyes when had picked Karen up off the ground and held her against him. The shocked disbelief that followed was too painful to let into her mind.
"Norm told me that you are his very favorite Na'vi," Gary said to Ralu. "He told me how you tended to his wound after he was stabbed. He knew he wasn't going to die because you did such a good job fixing him up. Even through all the pain he didn't want to leave his avatar. Not until he was sure you would be okay too."
"I'm sure you have experienced what Norm is experiencing right now," Gary continued when Ralu's eyes began to well up with tears. "You know the terrible grief, the emptiness that fills you when someone you love dies. Just like someone helped you to get past the pain so that you would want to live again, we need to help Norm get past his pain so the he will want to live again. Right now I would bet that you are the best reason for Norm to want to come back to. I think that the more he hears your voice the quicker he will come back. Do you think you can just talk to him, tell him that you miss him, that he should come back so that you can be together again?"
"Yes, I can do that."
"Good, that's good." Turning to Neytiri Gary added, "I know you have suffered terrible losses yourself, but I think that your daughter has the best chance of getting through to Norm. I could tell from the way that he spoke of her, the look in his eyes, that he loves Ralu in the best possible way. I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable. Norm is the kind of person that would give his life to protect a child. What we humans would call a quiet unsung hero."
"Norm almost gave his life to protect my mother. Besides Jake, there is no other that I trust as fully. That may sound strange coming from me, but it is truth. If all Sky People were like those of you that have remained behind we would not have suffered as much as we have."
"We're not perfect Neytiri; we just have more respect for what was here on Pandora before we arrived than those who sent us here. To our way of thinking, humans are guests in your world. We should treat it as such."
The sentiment and honesty she felt from this human, who was no taller than her daughter, touched something in her heart. She could 'see' some of Jake's spirit inside this man. There was obvious strength in his character, and a tenderness and understanding that she would never have believed possible just a short time ago. She was beginning to believe that it was possible that some humans could 'see' just as well as the Na'vi.
When the comm link buzzed, Gary quickly walked over to answer it.
"Hi Zoe, what do you have for us?"
"Max told me to tell you that he thinks Jake will make a full recovery. He will know more in about an hour. After that we will just have to wait and see how fast Jake heals. Neytiri and Ralu should be able to see him in a couple of hours."
"That's great news. I'm sure Neytiri and Ralu will be relieved to hear it."
"How is Norm?"
"About the same. Hopefully we will be able to make some progress on that front as well. I'll get back to you in a while. Call if you have anything further."
"Will do. Be safe."
Walking back to Neytiri and Ralu, they were both looking at him, hope in their eyes.
"Max thinks that Jake is going to recover completely. Since Max is a glass half empty kind of guy, I think you can count on it."
If Neytiri wasn't almost twice his size Gary would have wrapped her up with a big hug because she looked like she needed one. Comforting a ten foot tall amazon warrior was a bit out of his league.
"Zoe told me that you both should be able to see him in a couple of hours. That's about twice as long as it took you to fly here," Gary added when he remembered that the Na'vi didn't have the same concept of time as humans did.
"Why don't you line down and get some rest," Gary suggested when all of the life seemed to drain out of Neytiri. "I'll be right here if anything changes."
"I think that would be good," Neytiri answered as she lowered her head to the pillow on the Na'vi sized cot. "Would you sit with us so that we can talk? It will make the waiting go faster."
"Sure I can do that. Let me find something to sit on."
"There is room here beside me," Neytiri suggested, indicating a space large enough for him to sit cross legged beside her.
For a moment Gary was torn between feeling uncomfortable sitting on the same bed with another man's wife and offending Neytiri when she obviously saw nothing wrong with the closeness. Figuring he was well chaperoned with Ralu sitting ten feet away, looking directly at him, Gary hopped up on the waist high cot and crossed his legs so the he could easily see Neytiri an Ralu at the same time.
"Do you have a woman?" Neytiri asked.
"No, at least not in the way that you mean. Zoe—the person I was speaking with on the comm link—and I are just starting to get to know each other on a more personal level. How far that will progress still remains to be seen."
"You are older than Jake. Is this correct?"
"Yes, by a good ten years if I remember correctly. Why do you ask?"
"I am just trying to know you better. For a long time after my sister was killed I hated all Sky People. Now I realize that not all Sky People are the same. For a while I though Jake was the only one who was different. Now I know that is not true. So I wish to know more about you."
"Well then, ask away. I'll tell you as much as I can."
"You do not have avatar?"
"No, I don't."
"Why did you come here? What reason did you have to come to our world?"
"Good question. Mostly I came because there was nothing for me back on Earth. I had no family. Nothing to stay there for. Pandora sounded like an interesting place to see. And it turns out I was right, Pandora has many interesting places, and people to see."
"When the other Sky People returned to their world, why did you choose to stay?"
"I guess I felt more at home here than I did back on Earth. The food was better too. One of few the things that the RDA did right was feed us well. I don't have an exact answer to your question. I just knew I would be unhappy if I left."
"You felt this way even though you need mask to breathe our air. That you need to live inside where you do not feel the sun and wind on your face."
"Sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? Even with all the hardships and dangers, I would still rather be here."
"The others think as you do?"
"Mostly. We each have our own particular reasons for coming here, staying here. In the end we like it here better than we did on Earth."
"Do you regret coming to help us?"
"No. I deeply regret that Karen was killed, that Jake was shot and that Norm is going to have to live through a really hard time. You are not responsible for what happened."
"Some of my people were."
"Yeah, and some of my people were responsible for the destruction of Hometree and all the people that died there. Bad people can turn up anywhere. In the end we can only be responsible for our own actions."
"What you say is truth."
"Mother, Norm is beginning to wake."
