Chapter 12 – Nathan's Stratagem
I had begun the brief with words intended to cultivate courage and esprit de corps among the group. My efforts were not wasted. As I started to describe the Dark Miner in detail, it was clear that everyone was interested in one thing: accomplishing the mission. For the Na'vi, it was in defense of their home. For the humans, I suspected more of a combination of honor and vengeance for their lost comrades. I certainly understood both sides.
I asked Niysia and Wokan to translate to the few Na'vi who didn't speak English, "The operation you're about to take part in has three objectives and each will be carried out by a specific team. Objective one, temporarily blind the Dark Miner's sensors and ability to use its unmanned aerial vehicles to observe the battle space." I looked over to Wokan, "Wokan, I'd like you to lead the aerial attack." He nodded.
I continued, "For some time now, we've had eyes on the Human's patrol patterns around Dark Miner and they've grown complacent. Objective two; ambush one of their patrols, and kill all but two of the humans that are sent out to rescue them." I turned to Colonel Quaritch, "Colonel, you'll be in command of the overall battle space. Ina't will lead the Na'vi, and Captain Wong the sniper team. You and Sam will serve as command and control to coordinate our ground and air attacks and eventual withdrawal." The Colonel nodded.
After a moment to gauge the plan's reception, I continued, "Objective three will use the chaos caused by the first engagement to enable a small group of Na'vi to infiltrate the ship for a short firefight aimed at freeing the prisoners. At least, that is what we want the enemy to think. We will fail at that task, but in the process we will leave them a gift." I pointed to my holo pad attached to the projector. I will personally lead the infiltration team."
Niysia started to speak, but Quaritch beat her to it. "That's a little gutsy for a mission commander, don't you think?"
I replied, "Everything leads up to our efforts inside the ship. I know the program and where it has to go in order to work. If all goes well, the plan will relieve the adversary of their remaining big bombs. At least that's the idea." The Colonel seemed unnerved by the answer, but accepted it.
My eyes scanned the faces all around me. There was concern in virtually every face. "This must be done. It won't be easy, and I doubt all of us will return from it. However, we must be successful or risk the enemy destroying more of our homes, or even worse, the Tree of Souls itself could be targeted. I wont allow them to hold that kind of power over us. I tell you right now that my life and your lives are worth this risk!"
There was a calm silence as I waited to see if my words would be challenged. They were not. Finally, Colonel Quaritch said, "Chief, we're listening. Finish the brief, if you don't mind." Everyone slowly nodded. I stretched and straightened my shoulders, took a deep breath, and continued.
"Wokan, you'll take six Ikrans and attack in two waves. The first three will hit these three points." I pointed them out on the 3-D schematic. "You'll use the sticky resin balls from the Dandetiger Tree on these instrument arrays. The substance is not only sticky, but flammable as well. So your follow-up wave will come in with fire arrows to set the resin ablaze. That should shut them down and leave the ship blinded." Wokan nodded and said, "I can make that happen."
I paused a moment, "We recovered four working sniper rifles and camouflage shrouds from the shuttle wreck. Captain Wong, I understand you are a qualified sniper?" She replied, "Yes, sir. I hold an expert rating." I said, "Good. Pick your other three shooters. The rest of the humans will remain in the rear for support if needed." She nodded.
Colonel Quaritch asked, "Nathan, aren't you going to use any of the AMP suites or Recon-Spheres?" I said, "Not for this fight. Perception of the battle space is as important as the conditions of the battle. The more outgunned and outnumbered we appear the more likely they will come out to play without the proper mindset. When they make that mistake, our perceived incompetence will reform into a deadly kill zone as we close the trap with our archers and snipers."
Quaritch grinned as I explained it. "Sounds like a shooting gallery, I get it. You want them to come out overconfident and unprepared. Very clever strategy, Nathan." I said, "Thank you, Colonel. As for the equipment, I prefer to hold it back since it's a finite resource. I can't promise this will be the only battle, but the less they know about our strength, the better for us."
I continued with the briefing, "Ina't will lead the Na'vi ground attack ahead of the sniper positions. We managed to recover nine vests of body armor. The Na'vi who will be most exposed will wear them as well as my infiltration team. Now this one is going to be strange, so listen up. Sam tossed me a GS-221 .30 cal machine gun. I held it up, "This weapon has been adjusted to malfunction after three shots. You want to know why?" I tossed the gun to Ina't. "I want the enemy to believe we are primitive and simple minded bugs for them to squash at their convenience." Ina't held up the gun with a confused look on her face. I nodded, "Yes, I want you to look confused at first, it's all a ploy to draw them out. Once that is done, I want you to follow my orders. Kill all but two of the humans that come out to fight you and then withdraw to our rendezvous coordinates with the prisoners."
Sam said, "It's a classic Sun Tzu style deception."
I replied, "Indeed and it'll work, especially in this case."
Sam nodded and looked at Colonel Quaritch. He said, "It's a damned cunning plan, and based on what I've heard, I have to agree with Nathan. This will not only work, but it will probably strike fear in the enemy we can use later."
The Colonel nodded, "Nathan, I think we're all convinced. What's the rest of it?"
I glanced at Niysia and grinned, she returned the grin. "I will go in with four other Na'vi commandos. I have the emergency access code to the exterior air lock on the other side of the ship. It's a code that can't be changed because it was hardwired by the manufacturer. There are two code locked doors up one level we'll have to get through before we reach the auxiliary network control room." I pointed to the room in the schematic. "That's where we're really going. Once there, I'll upload a Trojan program to deal with the enemy bombs. Then we get out. If all goes well, they'll believe we were attempting to reach the prisoners and were repelled."
Niysia said, "How do you know the interior doors will open for you?"
I replied, "Good question. I'm basing it on James's memories."
Wokan said, "Nathan how do you know the codes will work even if you remembered them right?"
I said, "All I can do is try them. If they don't work, then I'll resort to plastic explosives." The humans chuckled, while the Na'vi just stared at me. "Trust me. I'll get through them one way or another." Wokan cautiously nodded.
I walked over and the picked up a briefcase size piece of equipment with a few wires hanging loose and handed it to the Colonel. I said, "Sorry I couldn't do better." He took it and started to look it over. I continued, "Sam and I found a damaged portable communications jammer on the shuttle. I managed to get it working again, but the frequency discriminator was fried. Therefore, once it's turned on; everyone, bad guys and good guys alike, will lose their comms."
Mi'niri said, "If we can't communicate, how do we know what's happening to you inside the ship?" I said, "That brings me back to, follow the plan; no matter what. First of all, there will be no English, only Na'vi spoken over the throat mics and hand gestures on the ground. I glared at the Colonel, "The Colonel will speak for the snipers. Once the jammer is turned on, the plan must continue to conclusion."
This time some nodded and others just stared at me. I said, "I know some of you don't understand why we don't just go in with our guns on full throttle. That's because you need to remember the enemy controls not only the air but space as well. Even without their bombs, their ships are still very powerful. I have no doubt we will have to use the big guns sooner rather than later once this battle is over."
I paused a moment to allow all the details to sink in and then continued, "Remember, the goal of this mission is to restore a balance, or perhaps it would be better called a stalemate. We force them to pause and take measure of their position. Their uncertainty will buy us much needed time and the opportunity to keep the enemy on the defense and second-guessing every move they make. Unfortunately, that is the best we can do. The rest is up to Eywa…" then I glanced over at Sam and finished, "and God."
"Are there any other questions about the mission objectives?" There was utter silence in the group of humans and Na'vi. Their faces appeared starkly pale, but determined. Finally Niysia said, "What about the great machines, like the one James' had?
I said, "I was going to talk to you about it later, but I suppose it should be covered now." I walked over and took Niysia's hand and brought her out into the center of the circle. "I've chosen Niysia to operate the MAC during the battle."
Niysia's eyes grew wide and surprised as she turned toward me and said, "What? I will be with you when you enter…"
I interrupted her, "Please let me explain." She made a frustrated hiss mixed with a growl as she paused to let me speak. She stood there with her back to me, and impatiently waited for an explanation.
I swallowed hard and began to explain. "The MAC needed to be reconfigured for long range use and I had to do it myself. Since I'm a Na'vi now, the unit had to be configured for Na'vi brain chemistry and there's only one Na'vi here besides myself that has ever seen a Man-O-War Mark I combat droid, up close." Niysia's facial expression slowly softened as she realized this was a role she couldn't escape.
She turned back to me, "I don't like it, but I understand."
I said, "I want you with me, but I need you to stay behind and use the MAC. Your part is vital to this plan working. The last time you and I faced a Man-O-War we were lucky. This time we'll need more than luck, we need you."
Niysia stared into my eyes and smiled. "You have me, you've always had me." She giggled.
I grinned, "I know." I placed my hands on both sides of her face and pressed our heads together for a moment.
She suddenly pulled away, looked me in the eyes and firmly stated, "Don't get yourself killed in that ship." The group, who had patiently listened, chuckled at her remark. We both grinned and I said, "Yes, Ma'am."
I looked around the group, "Leyra, Aketuan, Mi'niri, and Tzmukan are with me." I stood silent a moment and then loudly stated, "Objective commanders break off and get your people ready. We'll depart at first light. Dismissed."
