1
"Your trainer is a woman that needs no introduction", Miles said firmly as he strode up and down the training arena on the grounds of Hells Gate. "For those of you who have been living in a hole for last decade, I give to you, Major Evelyn Quaritch". Jake watched in awe through the mask he wore as Evelyn made her way to the centre of the arena.
"She's not wearing a mask", he gasped, turning up to face Trudy who was standing behind him. The Captain released a quiet laugh, "They don't call her The Breather for nothing Jake!", she smiled. Jake turned his attention back to the Major, still trying to comprehend exactly what he was seeing.
He had seen many images of Evelyn, but seeing her in person was a somewhat awe-inspiring experience. Jake watched as she drew her sword from it's hilt and gently spun it over her head, throwing it in the air and catching it with an ease and grace that Jake had never seen before.
"Colonel Quaritch told you that Pandora will kill you. Well, he was not exaggerating people". Evelyn pointed out towards the jungle that lay beyond Hells Gate, "Death awaits you on this hostile and unforgiving world. It does not discriminate. Na'vi or Human, she will do all she can to end your miserable lives".
She motioned down to a large man standing next to Jake, "Get up here solider", she ordered firmly. The tall man approached the training area, giving everyone a confident wave as he made his way over to Evelyn. It was clear to everyone that he thought his size would be a huge advantage against the small woman.
"Wait for it", Trudy whispered, smiling gently. In one swift movement Evelyn grabbed the large mans hand and flung him to the ground, her sword now pressed firmly against his thick neck. "Rule number one", Evelyn yelled out, not taking her gaze from the fallen soldier, "Never underestimate your opponent". She pulled her blade away and motioned for the man to rise.
Evelyn replaced her sword back into its sheath and watched as the man scurried from the arena. "I will not tolerate arrogance here!", she hissed, striding up and down the arena. "If I smell even a hint of it, I will wipe the floor with your asses! Do you understand?!", Evelyn set her fierce green eyes on the crowd before her and sighed. "Arrogance will only get you killed people. Don't ever forget that". She gazed down at those before her and Jake could see the fire in those brilliant green eyes, "The lessons I will give you will help you live when you go out there. Pay attention and you just may survive your time here. Maybe".
Jake listened intently as she described everything that the new arrivals would learn in her classes. "Um Trudy, I thought her surname was Tanning". Trudy let out a gentle laugh and slapped Jake on the back, "Yeah, it was. Right up until she married the Colonel". Jake turned his attention to Miles who stood near the stage watching every movement Evelyn made. "I know, I know", Trudy sighed, "The age thing. He's easily 23 years older than her".
Jake looked back at the stage and shook his head, "How the hell did he manage to nab her?". The Captain leaned down, placing her face next to Jakes, "Damned if I know, but Major Quaritch is one of the few people who could kick the Colonels butt".
Jake half nodded, his attention still fixed on Evelyn as she demonstrated the basics of sword handling. "She's amazing", he sighed, "I mean, I'd hate to come across her in a dark alley". Trudy laughed again and placed her hand on Jakes shoulder, "True. I bet that's what the Na'vi warriors said after she creamed a couple of them in a fight".
Jake gave Trudy a shocked look, "She fought and won a fight with the natives?". The Captain smiled broadly and turned her attention back up to Evelyn, "If you think that's awesome, wait til you get a load of her Thanator!".
2
Evelyn stood at the entrance to the control room, her cool green eyes fixed firmly on the young solider as he relayed his intelligence to Miles and the others. The holographic image of Home-Tree appeared on the viewer and he began to eagerly describe the structure that lay within the massive trunk. Miles had taken an instant shine to the young man and Evelyn could see why. He may have been confined to a wheel-chair but had a strong heart and was a quick thinker. Everything that Miles deemed important in all his troops.
Despite all of that, there was something about Jake Sully that filled Evelyn with concern. That strong heart could easily lead the young man astray and Evelyn felt for sure that his time with the Na'vi could sway him to their cause. This was one person she would have to keep a close eye on.
Parker sighed, leaning back into the chair in his office. He knew that the Major and Colonel would not receive this request well and had prepared himself for the onslaught that would come.
"The Major is my 2IC Selfridge! She trains the newest troops and constantly serves as advisor for any advances we make on the Na'vi".
Parker raised his hand in protest, "You can yell at me all you want Colonel, I have no choice. The orders have come from the Government themselves and they insist that Major Quaritch leave on the next available shuttle".
Evelyn placed her hand on Miles arm, squeezing tightly as she gave him a reassuring look, "And they didn't say why I have to leave? Just that I'd only be gone for 2 years, at the most". Parker nodded, glad that at least Evelyn had decided not to blame him.
"That's all they've said. It seems you are to liaise with a ship that is about a year out and then return". Evelyn shrugged and turned to face Miles, "If this has come from the Government you know I can't say no", she stated firmly. "And it's only two years. That'll fly by".
Miles sighed, "Fine. But if it's any longer than that, I'm coming after you".
3
"Do me a favour", Evelyn whispered as she wrapped her arms around Miles' strong body, "Well, do me two favours".
Miles pulled her in close and brushed her hair from her face, "Anything you want Evelyn", he said tenderly. "Look after Stonewall while I'm gone", she said, turning her gaze out towards the jungle. "I know he's a Thanator, but he's a bit of a diva".
Miles smiled broadly and nodded, "Rest assured, the deadly predator will be taken care of". Evelyn sighed and closed her eyes, "Miles, this situation with the Na'vi is escalating. Watch yourself. And", she paused and looked into his brilliant blue eyes. "Watch Sully. Something just doesn't feel right about him Miles".
Miles furrowed his brow, "It has been a while since I heard from him". He gave Evelyn a reassuring smile, "Don't you worry, I will watch Sully and kick the Na'vis' butts". Miles leaned forward and kissed Evelyns cheek, "When you get back everything will be better. Just wait and see".