1
6 years later
"I just honestly cannot believe that you are here Evelyn", Grace said as she pulled out several items from the Na'vi. Evelyn sighed, rolling her eyes as she leaned against the wall of Graces office. While they had worked together on Earth, that was such a long time ago and both women had changed.
"Yes", Evelyn said drolly, "Lucky, lucky me". She watched as Grace moved from one item to the other, examining each of the closely, furiously taking down notes as she went. Still obsessed with her work, Evelyn thought, looking out the office window to the pods for the Avatar controllers.
"So what's it like Grace?", Evelyn asked, turning to gaze out the window as a controller prepared to link with their Avatar. "You know, seeing through someone else's eyes?", she turned back to Grace who had stopped her examinations to look out the window.
"At first, it's a very confusing experience", she moved away from the table and made her way over to Evelyn. "After a while, it just feels like you are in your own body and there is that touch of disappointment when you wake up to return to this", she motioned around her office and glanced down at Evelyn, offering her a thin smile.
"The line between what is real and what you experience in that body must get blurred", Evelyn said, more to herself than to Grace. The very idea seemed abhorrent to Grace and she cast a cool look at Evelyn, "There is no way that would ever happen Evelyn", she said curtly. "Everyone who drives an Avatar goes through a rigorous series of tests and psychological analysis before they are even accepted into the programme". She moved away from Evelyn, returning her attention back to the items laid out before her.
Evelyn glanced over her shoulder at Grace and sighed deeply, "I didn't come here to have a chit chat Grace", she turned and strode over to the desk, not at all surprised when Grace didn't look up. "I've been told that you have requested my assistance on a few things and just thought you should know, I haven't done squat scientific work for years". Grace nodded, her attention still fixed downwards and Evelyn knew that she was intentionally trying to avoid eye contact.
"I know. You're the poster child for SecOps, world famous back on Earth", she looked up and removed her glasses, leaning over the desk towards Evelyn. "That does not dispute the fact that you're a gifted scientist and I could use your input on a few things".
"Your research is what helped me create the Avatar programme and", Grace paused, her eyes moving up and down Evelyns small frame, "You have a somewhat unique view to offer us regarding the Na'vi people and their genetics". Evelyn smiled thinly, And here it comes, she thought coolly. She wants to use me as a bloody lab rat.
"If by that you mean I have a mix of Na'vi and human DNA and it would great to study me, you can go to hell", Evelyn placed her hands on the desk, leaning forward so her face was right in front of Graces'. "If of course you mean that my research into the subject could be of great benefit, then that's fine, more than happy to help you out", she pulled away and moved over to the door, shoving the massive pane of glass open as she glanced back to Grace. "Doctor 'Augustine, as long as Colonel Quaritch okays it, I am at your disposal", Evelyn moved through the door and made her way out of the science lab.
I am not a lab rat', she thought angrily. 'That old crone can take a flying leap before I am willingly help her'.
2
Evelyn looked at the jungle that lay beyond the confines of Hells Gate, desperate to get out amongst that wild and vibrant place. They had been at Pandora for 2 days and she was finding the facility almost claustrophobic. "You gonna bust through that damn window or what?", Miles asked firmly from behind her, resting those strong arms on her shoulders. "Tomorrow Evelyn. You just need to wait until tomorrow", he said, giving her a reassuring squeeze.
Evelyn tapped on the window, "I swear that if I close my eyes I can almost hear that place talking to me, enticing me to come and explore".
Miles let out a quiet laugh and turned Evelyn to face him, "You've got one hell of an imagination woman!", he smiled, pulling her closer to him.
"That I do Colonel Sir", she said, running her small hand down his back as she stared into those deep blue eyes.
"That's just one of the things I love about you", Miles leaned forward and kissed Evelyns forehead. "And that's why I want to be with you for the rest of my life", he took a step back and brushed his hand through her short hair. "Marry me Evelyn", Miles said quickly, making Evelyn giggle.
"Is that an order Colonel?", she smiled, taking a step towards him and placing her hand on his muscular chest.
"Only if it has to be Major. Only if it has to be".