1
1 year later
It had been almost a week since the rescue attempt and the memory of that day was still fresh in Miles' mind. Everything had been going well, nearly all of the hostages were out and his team had all gathered at the rendezvous point nearby. Everyone that was, except for Evelyn. Something had distracted her and the last Miles had seen her had run back into the building, ignoring his bellowing orders to return to the group. Miles had pulled his radio out, cursing her sudden disobedience, "Get out now Tanning or I swear I will come in there and drag you out!", he yelled down the radio.
"Negative sir", she replied quickly, "I heard something Sir".
Miles hissed, turning those wild blue eyes towards the front door, "HEARD SOMETHING!", he roared. "I don't care if you heard the voice of God, get the hell out of there!". Miles waited for a reply, refusing to take his eyes from the main entrance into the building. For what seemed like an eternity nothing happened, no reply came, and Miles could feel his anger slowly building. That was until he saw that familiar figure running from the building, a small bundle held tightly against her chest as she moved.
"GET DOWN!", Evelyn screamed, "THE WHOLE PLACE IS WIRED!".
A loud rumbling sound resonated through the air and Evelyn threw herself to the ground, wrapping her body around the small bundle in her arms. Miles watched in horror as a wave of fire erupted from the building, that surging wall of flames sweeping over Evelyn as she lay on the ground. He and his men fell to the ground, each of them pulling down the several rescued hostages as they went down. "Masks!", Miles yelled as several more explosions shook the ground beneath them. He had learnt an incredibly long time ago, that where there were scientists, there was bound to be chemical or biological weapons.
Slowly that terrible sound subsided and Miles had leapt to his feet, running over to where Evelyn had fallen. In the silence after the explosions one sound rang out, that of a crying child and as Miles approached Evelyn he realised that it was coming from her location. He leant down, his concern instantly peeking as he saw the splatter of blood on his fallen Captains uniform. Carefully Miles had moved her, taking in a deep breath as he saw the baby that Evelyn was still desperately clinging to. He pulled the small infant from her arms and handed it to his Lieutenant, "Take care of this", he said, returning his attention back to Evelyn.
"Evelyn", he said gently, running his hands over her body to check for wounds. That familiar wetness under has palm sent a shiver of concern over him and Miles hissed as he saw the blood on his hands. It was clear the worst of the injuries were on her back. Evelyn gasped for breath, trying to speak as she looked up at Miles, those normally strong green eyes filled with terror. Miles went to remove his mask, but Evelyns firm and sudden grip on his arm stopped him.
"Gas", she whimpered, sending a new wave of concern over the normally reserved Major.
In an instant Miles had scooped Evelyn up in his strong arms, running back towards where his team and the hostages were waiting. "Get a chopper in here asap for immediate evac", he looked down at Evelyn, the light in those eyes slowly dimming away, "And tell them if they don't get here in time, they'll have me to deal with!".
Miles stood in the hospital corridor, those cool, blue eyes fixed on the still form that lay in the room before him. Every now and then a beeping sound would break through the silence, followed by the sound of the artificial respirator moving. Several Doctors stood beside the bed, their hushed voices and concerned looks reflecting the seriousness of the patients injuries.
One of them turned around and motioned for Miles to come inside, "You say she has no next of kin?", he asked quietly. Miles nodded, all of Evelyns family had died years ago, either through natural causes of some conflict in a distant country. "Very well", the Doctor flicked through the records on his hand held device, "And you are Colonel Quaritch?". Once again Miles nodded, "The only one I know of", he said firmly, flicking his eyes down at Evelyn. Never seen her so damn quiet, he thought. Funny, I've always wanted her to be a little more subdued but this, he stared at her, hoping that at any moment she would leap from the bed and walk out of the hospital.
"Well, you are down as the go to person sir", the Doctor looked over at his colleagues, each of them giving him a reassuring nod. "The gas and explosion has done a great deal of damage to her organs and, in all honesty, there isn't much that we can do. At least, not here".
Miles turned and gave him a questioning look, "What do you mean, not here?", he ordered, taking a step towards the Doctor. The young man, clearly intimidated, took a step backwards, "There is a Scientific Research facility in New York that is studying Na'vi genetics and its uses in medicine". He paused and glanced over at Evelyn, "We sent them Captain Tannings records and they believe that they are able to help her".
Miles walked over to Evelyns bed, still unable to believe that the once vibrant and strong willed woman was now fighting for her life. "She's as good as dead if they do nothing?", he asked, brushing the hair from her face. "Sir, the Captains best hope is that facility. It's a long shot, after all, she will be the first to receive the medical treatment they have been working on, but", he paused, moving to the other side of the bed, "She will die without it". Miles closed his eyes, cursing the fact that Evelyn had put him in such a difficult position. "Do it", he said firmly, turning to face the Doctor. "But if it all goes south and she ends up suffering", he leaned in closer to the Doctor, fixing his blue eyes on the man, "You'd better run for your damn life".
2
6 months Later
"Talk about role reversals!", Evelyn laughed, "You tell me off for not taking a position on Pandora and now you are doing the same!". She gave Miles a mischievous grin, "So now who is mad?". Miles sighed, clearly Evelyn was feeling like her old self again, that spark of disobedience slowly returning.
"I never said no, Captain. I said it depends on one thing", he leaned back in his chair, setting those blue eyes on the woman that sat opposite him. Miles still felt amazed at how quickly she had recovered, especially given that she had been so close to death.
"Depends on what hot stuff?", she said in jest, toying with one of the buttons on her shirt. Miles leaned forward, resting his elbows on his large desk and wondered if he was making the right decision.
"I said I only wanted the best at my side. That I would go to Pandora if I got to take several of my team with me", he said, furrowing his brow. "I've got three confirmed as coming but there is one more who I have yet to ask. The person who will be my second in command", Miles leaned back into his chair and sighed, "And I sure as hell hope I'm picking the right person".
Evelyn grabbed a pen from his desk, flipping it into the air and catching it, "So who's the sucker you want to go with you Sir?". The Colonel stood up, the movement instantly snapping Evelyns attention back to him, making her stand to attention.
"You are", he replied firmly. "Why?", he sighed, sitting down on the desk in front of her, "You're disobedient, lippy and all too easily distracted by anything scientific". Evelyn seemed insulted by his honesty and she cast him a cool look. "That aside, you are one hell of a soldier Tanning. If I was going to have anyone at my side during battle, it would be you. You're a quick thinker, excellent shot and one of the best swordsmen I have ever seen".
"Thank you Sir", Evelyn said, that cool look dissipating, "In all honesty, I think you do me too much justice".
Miles shook his head, "Like hell I do Captain. You're a bloody good solider and I will need someone like you on Pandora. Someone who I can count on. Someone that the others can look up to".
Evelyns stance relaxed and she looked down at Miles, "Why the hell would anyone look up to me?", she asked softly. It was that side of her that Miles had found most appealing, that lack of arrogance and self-obsession. So many people who were as gifted as she was were full of themselves, certain that they were superior to everyone else. But not Evelyn.
"You have touched the hand of death and lived to tell the tale. You are a one of a kind, scientific, guinea pig who serves as a constant reminder to never loose hope". Miles felt his face redden and averted his eyes down, "There is no-one else like you Captain Evelyn Tanner. That is why I want you". He looked back up, setting a firm gaze on his Captain, "So will you come with us?", he asked smoothly. Evelyn smiled broadly, how could she ever say no to this man. The one person who had ever really accepted her for who she was. "I would be more than honoured to join you in SecOps on Pandora, Colonel Sir!", she said, giving him a quick salute.
Miles rose to his feet, "We head out in six months and you", he looked down at Evelyn, shaking his head, "need to get back into shape! Those injuries have set you back physically so I guess it's up to me to help you get fit!". He strode back to the other side of the desk, "And one other thing Tanning".
"Sir?", Evelyn cocked her head, giving him a questioning gaze.
"The moment we touch down on Pandora you won't be my Captain any more", Miles watched as Evelyns body language changed, her shoulders slumping downwards. Clearly she believed that she was to be assigned to a new team and that idea was not one she relished.
"You will be my Second In Charge. Once we hit dirt on that world, you will be Major Evelyn Tanning".
3
The people gathered in that large hall were brimming with excitement. In just 1 week they would be on their way to Pandora, the one place that so many longed to travel to. They were amongst the privileged few, or at least that is what they had been told, to head to Pandora. Miles stared out at the surging mass of people, eyeing each of them with cautious regard. While many were Scientists or workers for the mine, there were a few new additions for SecOps and their behaviour was a direct reflection on the Colonel himself. He had told them that, while tonight was a celebration of their impending departure and was about having fun, if they did anything untoward he would personally nail them to the wall.
His own personnel would respect him, obeying every order he gave. The scientists were another matter altogether. "I hate scientists", he hissed at Evelyn as she stood by his side, "They always have ulterior motives".
Evelyn cast him a firm and somewhat insulted look, "Excuse me!", she laughed, "I think you forget Colonel that I am a Scientist too!".
Miles turned to face her, shaking his head and smiling, "Not like that lot down there", he pointed to a group of men and women, sitting in the corner of the hall discussing, their impending departure.
Evelyn giggled, placing her hand on Miles' arm and smiling broadly, "Well thanks Sir", she laughed. Miles moved his gaze to her hand, surprised at the unexpected reaction he had to her touch. For the first time ever, he didn't just see her as a Scientist or Military Personnel. For the first time he saw her as a woman, those alluring green eyes filled with so much joy. He gazed down at her womanly figure and realised just how snugly her uniform fitted against body. And then there was her voice, that soft, velvety English accent so gentle and calming. "Um, Colonel", she asked, furrowing her brow, "Do I have something on my butt?". Evelyn tried to turn around, certain that she had some mark on her pants.
"No", Miles replied firmly, turning his gaze back to the crowd below.
"So, why were you staring at my", Evelyn stopped mid-sentence and moved in front of Miles, looking up at him with a cheeky grin on her face, "Don't worry Colonel. I'm constantly looking at your ass". Miles looked down at her with a shocked expression and went to respond. "Oh", Evelyn glanced quickly down at the large stage, "It's time for me to do my thing sir". She leaned forward, rising up on her tip toes so her face was closer to Miles', "We can carry on this little chat later".
4
Evelyn moved across the stage with ease and confidence, singing her trade-mark song out to the screaming audience. She had a way of captivating people, drawing them into her world and making them feel like they were a part of it. "She is definitely one hell of an entertainer!", the General said as he and Miles watched from the rear of the hall. "But are you certain she is the one for the job?". He furrowed his brow and turned to face the Colonel, "I've seen her record Quaritch and she can be a bit of a loose canon".
Miles watched as Evelyn ran to the front of the stage, sending a roar of excitement through the crowd. "You asked me who I thought would be the best representative for SecOps, General", he turned to face him and motioned out towards the stage. "Well, there she is! Tanning isn't just one hell of a soldier, she's charismatic and easy to relate to. The fact that she has a scientific background is just an added bonus. Isn't that what you need?". The General shrugged and turned back towards the stage, "Will she do it though Colonel? Do you think that the Captain will go for it?".
Miles shrugged, if there was one thing he knew for sure it was that Evelyn was a strong willed, single minded person. He leaned forward, resting on the railing in front of them, "In all honesty sir, I have no idea".
5
"You want me to what?!", Evelyn exclaimed angrily, striding back and forth in front of Miles' lounge window.
"Calm down Captain", he ordered, slowly making his way over to her. "It's really not that big a deal. You just need to give a blurb about joining SecOps". Evelyn spun around to face him, her expression clearly reflecting the distaste she felt towards the request.
"Well then you do it!", she blurted out, walking over and pressing her finger into his chest. "You be the show-piece for SecOps, because I sure as hell don't want to!". Miles sighed and pointed out towards the window, "I think it's a bit late for refusals, don't you?".
Evelyn turned her head, looking with the utmost disgust at the image that continuously flashed on the massive screen outside. A photo of her from the concert had gone viral and everyone wanted a piece of the now infamous Captain Evelyn Tanning. She held the antique microphone in one hand as her other hand was extended out, as if beckoning you towards her. Evelyn turned back to face Miles and flattened her palm onto his chest, "Why me?", she asked softly.
'Why you?', Miles thought. 'Because you are magnificent woman!' "Look at everything you have been through Evelyn. You are fresh, the face of the new military and those in power know that will serve to boost SecOps dwindling numbers".
Evelyn sighed and shook her head, "Fine", she murmured, turning her face up towards Miles'. "I'll do it, but you should know that I am by no means happy about being in the public eye".
Miles nodded and placed his hand over hers, "In one week we will be gone Evelyn. We will be on our way to Pandora and this hell hole will be far behind us".
Evelyn seemed to become uncomfortable, her eyes flicking around the room as she went to move away. 'No', Miles thought, 'I'm not letting go'. He wrapped his hand around hers and pulled her close to him, placing his free arm around her small waist. "Colonel, what the?", Evelyn gasped, her eyes filled with confusion. Miles released her hand and put his hand on the nap of her neck, "Do you ever shut up?!", he asked firmly. Before she could answer Miles kissed her, pulling her in even tighter against his strong form. He felt her body grow tense, then relax as she gave into the passion that she had kept hidden for so long.
Miles felt Evelyns free hand make its way under his shirt, those soft fingers tracing their way over his firm body. Her touch made him kiss her firmer and Miles' heart beat grew faster, the anticipation of what was to come almost unbearable. Never before had he felt the way he did about a woman and that terrified him. This war hardened man, normally so reserved and strong willed, found himself loosing the one thing he prided himself on. Control. And that both concerned and exhilarated him.
6
Evelyns right hand rests loosely on the old microphone that stands on the stage, a small hand gun held in her left hand as it hangs by her side. Her gaze is fixed downwards and her body is leaning to the left, away from the microphone. Her black uniform shows every contour of her feminine body, the top only serving to accentuate her full bust. Slowly she looks up, those fiery green eyes staring out to some unseen point. Evelyn smiles and tilts her head as she moves her right hand from the microphone. "Pandora", she says softly, "The world that so many of us can only dream about. So filled with life. Just imagine everything you could see and experience if you were lucky enough to go there".
Her smile broadens as she extends her right hand outwards, beckoning everyone towards her, "Well dream no more. Join SecOps for the experience of a life time". She winks and turns her back to the camera, glancing over her shoulder as she walks away, "I'll be waiting for you".
The logo for RDA appears and the video automatically flicks back to the beginning, that now world famous Captain once again appearing on the screen. Despite all her resistance, Evelyn is now a global phenomenon. Almost as famous as the world she now travels to.