Chapter 21 – Reconciled Loss

Several minutes later…

Niysia had seen the whole thing from the window of the lab. She watched two missiles fly up from the forest. One of the aircraft was hit almost immediately and exploded in midair, while the second tried to evade the missile as it followed close behind but the aircraft couldn't maneuver among the vast floating mountains above the flux zone. Instead of escaping, the second aircraft flew into the side of a mountain. The missile still followed the aircraft into the mountainside and exploded on impact. She was amazed at how fast it all happened and how utterly brilliant the explosions were to watch. She'd never seen the human's weapons chase a target like that before. The missiles flew like a Toruk chasing its prey. A "last shadow" full of beauty for a second and then death, yes, very much like a Toruk, she thought.

She recalled for a moment the stories Nathan told of the wars on his home world. If what she'd just seen was an example of human-on-human warfare, his stories of thousands of humans with these weapons fighting one another at the same time was a frightening thought. As the hum of the mainframe receded, Niysia turned her attention back to Nathan.

The visor lifted on the MAC's helmet and it took me a few moments to focus on my surroundings. My eyes were fatigued from the enormous amount of sensory input provided by the HUD. However a smile quickly overtook my fatigued visage. I sat down on the edge of the avatar chamber and focused on Niysia. We just stared at one another for a moment until we both broke out giggling. I said, "I can really see you."

She replied, "and I see you, my love."

I pulled the MAC off my head and sat it down. I embraced Niysia, took her hand, and we walked out to greet the others. Just as we stepped out, we heard the cry of Ikrans in the distance. From the south, several Ikrans approached led by Jake and Neytiri. A few moments later they landed just outside the camp. I made the comment to Niysia, "It looks like Jake brought us some help." She smiled and took off running to greet them. I, on the other hand, was still weary from using the MAC so I lumbered along slowly regaining my strength.

Along the way to meet Jake and the others, Sam joined me. He said, "That was a nice piece of work, Nathan." I nodded as we walked.

Finally, I replied, "Thanks, Sam. Sucks to be them, good to be us, I suppose. I designated the Man-O-Wars as Able and Baker. I left Able in the forest set for air defense just in case they try a conventional strike before we can move out."

Sam nodded "Good idea it seems there's no end to it."

Just before we reached Jake and Neytiri I stopped abruptly and looked at Sam. "No, Sam. There is an end to it and we're almost there."

Sam looked at me as if I were speaking Greek. With a frustrated tone I continued, "There aren't any other plans; no more rabbits to pull out of my hat. I've done all I can to stop them with the resources I have. A stalemate was the best-case scenario from the beginning and I'm not even sure we achieved that. So now we wait, we hide, we live our lives the best we can." Sam slowly nodded as Jake walked up.

"I see you, brother," Jake said as he reached out and placed his right hand on my shoulder.

I replied, "and I see you, brother, I'm glad you're here."

Jake said, "I heard some of what you were saying as I walked up. As I understand it, you've destroyed the remaining thermobaric weapons and shot down two of their aircraft." I nodded.

Jake grinned and paused for a moment as if he expected me to elaborate, but I didn't. Finally he continued, "I understand. Our people are preparing the wounded for travel. I need to see someone and then I'll be ready to depart as well. I've asked Wokan to ensure the humans make it to the caves safely." I nodded in agreement.

Sam said, "Caves?"

Jake replied, "We're leading your people to a group of caves that are well camouflaged by the forest not too far from here. I think it'll be a good place for your people to live and large enough to provide shelter for your machines as well."

Sam said, "We appreciate it, Jake. We can use all the help we can get, because some of us aren't done fighting yet."

I shot Sam a sharp glare but didn't reply. Jake waited a few seconds and when I didn't interject, he began to explain the caves to Sam.

I listened to Sam discuss the layout of the caves with Jake, I noticed Corporal Dawson and Colonel Quaritch approaching us, both of their faces appeared very serious.

I interrupted Jake and Sam, "Excuse me gentlemen, but I think they need to speak with me." I pointed at Dawson and Quaritch. Both Jake and Sam acknowledged me and continued their conversation.

As I walked up to them, the young Corporal immediately said, "It's Captain Wong sir, she's awake and has requested to speak with you." I glanced at the Colonel but he kept silent. I replied, "Of course," as I walked off toward the camouflaged medical tent where Captain Wong was resting.

I hadn't gone but a few steps before I turned back to Colonel Quaritch, "You all right Colonel?"

He slowly nodded, "Not really, but I'll get over it."

I replied, "What are you talking about?"

He said with a somber tone, "Go speak to Wong, she'll explain it to you."

I paused for a second, "I'll do that now; also check with Sam. He's getting the details on the caves. We need to get everyone out of here as soon as possible." The Colonel nodded. I walked off following Corporal Dawson.

I stepped into the tent. Captain Luli Wong lay on a makeshift cot made from a large tree leaf. Her body appeared fragile and was slightly bloated in her mid section. It was a clear sign of internal bleeding, which under normal circumstances would be easily remedied. Unfortunately, those medical miracles were a long way from Pandora. Wong was slowly bleeding to death on the inside and there was nothing we could do but make her comfortable and she knew it.

I knelt down next to her and gently took her right hand and gave her all of my attention. She turned her head slightly in my direction and faintly said, "Sir, it's been a privilege to serve with you."

I replied, "The same here Luli you're going to be all right, just hang in there."

She smiled and said, "With all due respect, sir, you're a tactical genius but a shitty lair." She chuckled and coughed up a little blood. I took a rag and gently wiped the blood from her lips.

We sat there for a few moments until she said, "I know Jake has arrived, I overheard a couple of the Na'vi talking about him."

I said, "That's right. He arrived a little while ago, not long after we shot down the aircraft."

She grinned, "I would have liked to have seen the look on those bastards faces when they saw our SAMs chasing them."

I replied, "It was impressive. The oddest thing was that Quaritch hadn't been briefed on the Mark III capabilities yet, so he was just as surprised as the bad guys."

She smiled again, "Oops."

I said, "Is there anything you need? Can we make you more comfortable?"

She replied, "Not really. The painkillers Dawson gave me are doing a fine job." She faintly smiled and looked passed me for a moment and then her eyes suddenly came back to me. She continued, "Sir, I know I'm dying and I know it's only a matter of time and that's something you don't have right now."

I replied, "Captain, I make time for my soldiers."

She said, "I know you would, sir. I can't properly convey the level of respect I have for you and the Omaticaya. You've done everything you could to complete the mission." She coughed again as my face turned somber.

I replied, "My orders were clear Captain, and I've tried to follow them to the best of my ability."

She grinned, "I know you have, and so did Nigel." Surprise overtook the somber appearance in my face as I started to speak, but Luli cut me off. "Military Intelligence requires 'Two-Person-Integrity' sir. Major Zuberi and I were a team." There was a short pause as she tried to compose her words.

I said, "I had no idea. Nigel never had the chance to tell me, or brief the others."

She replied, "We were going to brief the Colonel and his staff on the next phase of the mission once the base was secure. You saw how that turned out." A tear rolled down her cheek.

I said, "It's okay. We've done all we can for Pandora. We have to try and carry on the best we can under the circumstances."

She replied, "You've done the count the same as I have. You know the Vigilance isn't coming. If it was, it'd be here by now and you know that without her, the Black Jack will remain over Pandora until they have what they came for."

I found myself staring at the ground searching for words. The words I'd kept so deeply hidden and secret that even now it was hard to voice them. Finally I replied in a low voice, "Your assessment is correct. I have done the math, many times. I've tried to convince myself that she was recalled for some reason but I can't help but wonder if her fate was the same as my space station and her crew's blood are on my hands." I closed my eyes and looked away as if to hide my self imposed guilt from Luli's view.

Luli reached over and took my hand, "It may have been your plan Nathan, but you weren't the only one responsible for this tragedy. You've stood as the Castle just as you said you would and you've accepted more blame than you deserve. Much of what's transpired was beyond your control the moment you departed for Pandora and deep inside, you must realize that." There was a long pause, "I wasn't there in person, but I heard the words you said that day, when the orders were read and you assumed command of the mission. I heard the conviction in your voice when you took the oath before the general staff." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued, "My only remaining advice if you're willing to accept it…live, love your mate, and fight for Pandora at every opportunity."

I slowly replied, "I will Luli, I'll never give up Pandora." She smiled and squeezed my hand.

There was a moment of silence between us as if we were two old friends about to part for the last time. Eventually she spoke up, "If you don't mind, I'd like to give you and Jake my final request."

I said, "Of course. I'll go get him." I started to stand up only to fill a firm hand come down on my right shoulder and the words, "I'm already here, Nathan." I looked over my shoulder and there stood my friend Jake Sully, and Olo'eyktan.

I swallowed hard, "How long?"

He replied, "Long enough."

I looked back down at Luli. She said, "I'm sorry sir, but I felt that he deserved to know."

I replied, "Indeed he does. I should have told him the whole story before now." I glanced up at Jake.

Jake said, "Luli, what can we do for you?"

She coughed up some more blood and once again I wiped it from her face. Slowly she said, "I've studied Na'vi culture and listened to some of your stories, thanks to Niysia and Wokan. My last request is a simple one." Tears began to flow freely down her cheeks.

I calmly said, "Go ahead."

She continued, "With all due respect for you sir, I came here to protect and learn from the Na'vi. I could never be Na'vi, but now it appears I have an opportunity to die like one, if my request is approved." She turned her stare up toward Jake. Jake's demeanor turned very somber, as he realized what she was asking him for.

Once again she coughed, as her breathing became more difficult. She continued, "I would request that Jake as Olo'eyktan and Toruk Makto be my 'Last Shadow.' I've fought side by side with the Omaticaya, my bones will rest on Pandora, and so I wish to die at the time of my choosing with honor, at your hand, Jake. In doing so, I know I'll be remembered and with that my mission will be finished."

I bolted up in shock as I was taken aback at what she'd just requested. I looked at Jake; I could tell he wasn't sure how to reply.

She said, "Well gentlemen?"

I was the first to speak, "In the British Navy, it's among the oldest of traditions to honor the last wish of a mortally wounded officer."

I looked at Jake and finally he spoke, "Yes Luli, we'll honor your wishes." We both walked out of the tent together to prepare the ceremony.

About ten minutes later, the makeshift tent was removed and both Na'vi and humans alike gathered around Captain Luli Wong. Her body had grown cold despite the warmth of the forest. She lay barely conscious, growing weaker by the minute as the internal injuries she'd suffered during the battle at the Dark Miner took their toll. Like many casualties of war, her luck had ran out when a damaged enemy AMP suit wildly unloaded its ammunition into the base of the tree she was in. Her wounds caused by the long fall and now her departure from this life was close at hand.

The Colonel wasn't happy but he understood. She was already a casualty of this conflict and it was only a matter of time before she left this world. The Colonel noted in his thoughts, that with her loss, there were only seven humans left in his command.

As the ceremony commenced, the Na'vi lined up in formation. Colonel Quaritch and myself stood out in front of them. Sam and the other six remaining humans formed an honor guard detail. They were armed with a mixture of rifles and pistols, but it would serve the purpose. Jake knelt down on Luli's right side; Niysia and Neytiri knelt down at her left. Niysia and Neytiri began a ritual chant.

I called out, "Detail...Attention!" The Na'vi snapped to attention. "Present arms!" The Na'vi, myself included, with both hands presented our bows, strings outward. Colonel Quaritch followed suit with his machine gun. Then Sam called out, "Honor Guard…Attention!"

We stood there in silence as Niysia and Neytiri continued to chant. Finally, I watched as Jake leaned down and whispered some words into Luli's ear. She smiled; he quickly unsheathed and plunged his blade into her heart. It was quick and I hoped, painless.

Jake withdrew his blade, as Luli faded. He reached up and closed her eyes. He laid his blade down on her chest and began to join Niysia and Neytiri as they chanted a rhythmic song to Eywa. I found some of the other Na'vi as well as myself whispering the chant under our breath.

After a few moments the three of them stopped. Chief Bieda called out, "Honor Guard, Ready! Aim! Fire!" As the first volley rang out I recalled my military history. This was an old American custom called the 21-Gun Salute, intended to honor a fallen comrade; my thoughts were interrupted as Chief Bieda sharply cried out. "Ready! Aim! Fire!" The second volley rang out with precision, after a few seconds he called out a third and final time, "Ready! Aim! Fire!" The third and final volley rang out again with perfect precision. Then there were a few moments of silence. Finally Colonel Quaritch called out "Company! Order Arms! He paused for a moment and then he sternly yelled out, "Fallout!" Captain Luli Wong of the Chinese Army Special Forces was dead but her story would live on.

Everyone felt the loss; I could see it in their faces as they slowly returned to their duties. I turned to Quaritch; "Sam has the details on the caves we've found for your new camp." Quaritch nodded. I could tell he wasn't in the mood to talk right now. I nodded and we went our separate ways. The camp was nearly broke down.

I walked over to Niysia and placed my arm around her. She said, "So much loss, when will it stop?" I didn't want to try and answer her question, but I could tell she expected a reply.

I whispered, "Today, I hope." I stared down at Captain Wong's lifeless body. We both stepped back as two humans and two Na'vi picked up her corpse and carried it to the nearby grave already dug in preparation for this moment.

We followed them to the gravesite. We watched them place the body in the ground and Neytiri started to speak a prayer as she held out a Woodsprite. I recalled Woodsprites are the purest of spirits… my thoughts were interrupted when Niysia reached for my hand and pulled me closer. We joined in with Neytiri and the other Na'vi as we recited the burial prayers. Finally, Neytiri released the Woodsprite into the grave, and we covered them both with dirt.

When we returned to the camp I set Able and Baker on self-defense mode. Able would protect the human's new camp, and Baker would protect the Tree of Souls from aerial attack. They might last a few weeks, I thought, but I wasn't sure how long a small group of humans would last either. Time was not an ally for them, with a finite amount of energy left for their machines and in an environment where even the air was poisonous; their options were bleak.

Just before we departed the lab campsite, I approached Jake with the bow he'd given me to use before the battle. I also had Tzmukan's bow draped across my back. I walked up to him and greeted him with the respect due the Olo'eyktan.

Jake said, "Our people are ready to leave. Why are you carrying two bows?"

I looked up at him and said, "Respectfully, I'd like to return your bow. The other's felt Tzmukan would have wanted me to carry his bow and so I reluctantly accepted it. Perhaps it's the best way I can honor his memory."

Jake smiled and nodded as he took his bow back, "I agree. From what I've heard, you've earned it, Tsam Ekytan. Although I have to say running back into a firefight where you were outgunned at least twenty to one wasn't too bright."

My head dropped low as I muttered, "It was my duty and I'll see to it they don't call me that again."

Jake nodded, "I don't think so. It's a title I think you deserve, but we'll talk more about that later." My face took on a distinct frown. Jake firmly placed his hand on my shoulder and continued, "I always knew you S.A.S. types were a little crazier than most."

After a few awkward seconds my frown vanished and I replied, "Coming from a jarhead, I'll take that as a compliment." Jake grinned at me for a few seconds before he just shook his head and started laughing. He put his arm around my shoulders like a brother and we started walking toward the Ikrans. He shouted, "Hell ya, now let's go home!"