One
"They what?!", the tall Major roared as he stomped up and down before Thomas.
"Major Banks sir. The Na'vi came to Quartichs aid and pushed us back Sir", Thomas shuffled nervously and tried to hide his nervousness. Major Devon Banks had a formidable reputation, far worse than that of either Colonel Quaritch or Evelyn. His lust for blood was renowned throughout all the military ranks and all those who served under him were terrified of setting a foot wrong. Thomas figured that was why the Major had been sent out to Pandora. That hard arsed attitude would come in handy here and, if those in charge were lucky, Major Banks would die here.
They had clearly underestimated him and those that had arrived on the shuttle at the same time. It was only several days after the teams first deployment that the Na'vi had launched their counterstrike and sent those 'unwelcome' sky-people back to Earth. It seemed that in the confusion they had forgotten about him and his team and they were left behind on this distant world. Thomas knew instantly that Banks would seek revenge on the Na'vi, he just didn't realise to what extent he was willing to go.
Despite his bitter feelings towards the Na'vi, Thomas felt that perhaps Banks was going too far. The idea of completely wiping out a species just seemed so drastic and he thought that such things were a part of human-kinds history, not their future. Only once had he raised his concerns and he learnt quickly to never question his commanding officer. Banks had flown at him in a blind rage, striking the young soldier to the ground and pressing his side-arm into his head. Now, that same rage was boiling away behind Banks' blue eyes and Thomas felt it was only a matter of time before he flew off the handle again.
"Major Sir. I know the Na'vi don't have the ability to treat gun wounds. That means they will have to take Evelyn to Hells Gate, where the remainder of our people are". Thomas flinched as Banks shifted closer towards him, certain that the large man was about to strike out. "Evelyn", he hissed, narrowing his gaze. "Theformidable Evelyn Quaritch", he moved away and Thomas felt a shiver of fear run down his back as he saw a thin smile appear on Banks' face. "Symbol for SecOps and one of a kind Na'vi, human guinea pig".
He let out a quiet laugh and sighed, "I am of course disappointed that my orders were disobeyed and that she was injured". He turned back to face Thomas, "Lucky for you all she's still alive. It'll take more than a bullet to kill her". Banks sneered and Thomas shivered as he saw that all too familiar iciness in his commanders eyes. "Not only is Evelyn Quaritch the only one left who knows the access code to the Science Outpost, she also holds the key to the destruction of the Na'vi". Banks closed his eyes, "If we can get her, then we'll have those blue bastards in the palm of our hands". He opened his eyes and locked them Thomas, "And getting her will be easy. Without that pathetic excuse of a Colonel protecting her, Evelyn will make an easy mark".
"Gather the rest of the team and tell them to head out towards the outpost". Thomas shook his head and gave Banks a confused look, "Sir. If your target is Major Quaritch, shouldn't we head out to Hells Gate?". The Major sneered, "Rest assured Captain, she will head out towards the outpost herself. That'll be why she came back. Clearly our little message got through to our commanders". He cast a spiteful look up towards the sky, "I would have thought they'd welcome the chance to wipe these savages out. Guess I was wrong". He waved his hand towards Thomas, "It doesn't matter what they think now. Go and get the men together. Tell them we head out in 10".
Thomas saluted his commanding officer and turned quickly to return to the rest of the team. 'What are you doing Thomas?', he thought as he motioned to several of the team to approach him. 'Can you really be responsible for the extinction of an entire race?'.
Two
"Bringing her here was a huge risk Jake", Norm sighed as he leaned against the exterior wall of the Med Unit. He gazed nervously as the boundary that surrounded Hells Gate, certain that the other contingent were watching them now. Any moment they would release a torrid of fire in their direction, ending his time on this beautiful world. "Norm, she saved a young Na'vis life. I couldn't just leave her to die out there", he sighed, placing his large hand on his friends shoulder. "And anyway, I want to know what she and her team are doing here", he turned and stared through the thick window behind him. Inside the building Evelyns team sat nervously awaiting their commanding officers recovery.
"They said that some kind of SecOp team had formed a militia and were after a virus", Norm murmured. "That's why they were sent back here. To stop it from being released". Jake turned away from the window to look back out at the world he now called home, "Did they say what the virus would do?".
"Kill all the Na'vi", Evelyns soft voice snapped both mens attention towards the nearby door and they were clearly surprised to see her standing there. She set her green eyes on them, "The virus was created as a contingency plan. A fail safe just in case everything went south here". Evelyn placed her hand on her side and took a deep breath, "Which it did".
"Number one", Norm hissed, moving towards her, "You should be resting, not walking around the base. And number two, why is it there is no record of this virus?". Evelyn let out a gentle laugh and shook her head, "Because you weren't required to know. Only those of us high enough in rank had that information. And secondly". She paused and cast a firm look towards Norm and Jake, "No-one tells me what I can and can't do. Especially not people who betray their own world and people".
While Jake wanted to protest he knew this was not the time or place. Evelyn clearly knew a great deal about the virus and the outpost that it was stored at. She was injured and pushing her too far would only exacerbate her wounds. Jake needed to know everything Evelyn knew so had to handle her with kit gloves. Later, after all of this was dealt with, he would talk to her about what happened after she left. "Colonel, Norm isn't telling you what to do. He's just concerned for your welfare", Jake turned to face her and squatted down to look her in the eyes. "Please, rest up and then we can sort out a plan of attack".
Evelyn narrowed her gaze and grabbed the handle to the door that led back inside, "There is no we on this mission Jake", she spat angrily. "My team and I need only to arm ourselves and then head back into the Jungle. We already have a plan and sure as hell don't need your help!". She yanked the door open and stormed back inside, slamming it violently behind her. Again Jake looked inside and watched as Evelyn strode over to her team. The all quickly rose their feet and saluted her, those broad smiles telling Jake that they respected her a great deal.
"She's just as bad as the Colonel", Norm sighed as he wiped the small veil of dirt from his exopack visor. Jake half nodded, his attention still set on the SecOps team inside. They were now dispersing and he felt certain that Evelyn had sent them out to collect the supplies they needed. "Maybe Norm, but that doesn't change the fact that we need them to succeed in their mission". He turned those large eyes towards his friend, "Because the Na'vi are as good as dead if they don't".