1
"Sir, there are a hell of a lot of Na'vi out there. Are you certain a full on attack is the wisest plan?". Thomas glanced nervously at Banks and hoped he would change his mind. The idea of heading into the mass of Na'vi was not one that Thomas relished.
"I need Evelyn Quaritch, Captain". Banks motioned to his left, "Look how close she is". Thomas glanced over to the tree of souls, only metres away and let out a loud sigh. Yes, Evelyn was incredibly close, but a Na'vi and Miles Quaritch were with her. Evelyns team were making their way towards her and another Na'vi was with them. They would have to contend with them first and then hope that the other Na'vi were slow to react so they could make a quick and safe escape.
"She's unconscious Captain. We go for her now", Banks shot Thomas a firm look. "Do you and the men have an issue with that?", he hissed.
"No", Thomas sighed, knowing that it was safer to not argue with his commander. "No sir, we do not".
2
"Look", Miles sighed. "Evelyn had this hair brained scheme to save us". He leaned down and carefully placed her at the base of the tree. "Damn crazy woman". Miles brushed a piece of hair away from her face and smiled, "Always gotta do it the hard way, don't you Evelyn".
"What was the plan Quaritch?", Jake asked firmly. "What was Evelyn going to do?".
Miles let out a gentle laugh and rose up, turning around to face the jungle nearby as he did so.
"She", he stopped and pulled his weapon from its holster. "We've got company boy". Jake followed Miles' gaze and let out a loud gasp as he saw several armed men emerging from the jungle.
It seemed that they weren't the only ones who were heading for the Tree of Souls. Once again, this sacred place was going to feel wars wrath.
3
"Get to the Colonel!", Damon ordered the men. "Get to her and provide cover fire!". He watched as each of the team ran towards the massive tree and prepared to head forward himself.
"Lieutenant", Niven hissed as he approached the young soldier. Damon locked his eyes onto Niven and shook his head, "I said move!".
"You're really going to defend them?", the Major stood defiantly before Damon, those cool eyes filled with anger.
"Of course I am you idiot!", Damon spat. "Now move!".
"No", Niven sneered and raised his handgun up towards Damons chest. "Don't think I will Lieutenant".
Damon looked at the weapon in disbelief and went to draw his own, but had reacted too slowly. The sound of a gun going off was deafening and he felt that hot, surging pain hit his chest. Damons legs buckled underneath him and he fell to the ground, gasping desperately for breath. Niven leaned down and fixed his eyes onto Damon as the young Lieutenant fought to live. "Always hated you lot you know". He slowly rose up and shifted his attention towards Banks and his team, "I think it's time I helped the people that deserve it". Damon watched in horror as Niven strode off, firing into the crowd of Na'vi as he moved. He wanted to stop him, to jump up and shot this traitor. But all of Damon's strength was fading and he knew that soon, his life would end.
Please don't let him succeed, he thought as a fog clouded his vision. Please.
4
Did he just kill one of his own?, Thomas thought as he watched Niven walking away from the fallen soldier. God, he did. He killed one of his own. He took a step back and glanced at his fellow soldiers. All were firing at will into the mass of Na'vi around them and many of the indigenous were running around in a blind panic. Even with their arrows, they stood little chance against such a heavily armed contingent of men. What are we doing?, Thomas slowly lowered his weapon. He turned around and cringed as his gaze fell upon Banks. The Major was almost laughing as he shot a young Na'vi. His eyes were wide and filled with excitement. I can't. Thomas looked back at the Na'vi and then over to where Evelyn lay. Not any more. No more.
5
The first of the militia had reached Jake and Miles quickly, and both had to act swiftly to fend them off. Jake had felt certain the Miles would side with them and had been more than surprised to see the tall Colonel strike down one of the soldiers. He had driven his elbow against the front of the mans mask, shattering it to pieces and sending the soldier to the ground. Not even the site of the young man gasping for breath seemed to affect Miles, for he knelt down to pick up his weapon and began to fire at the other militia soldiers heading towards them.
"How many are there?", Jake called out as he pulled an arrow back in his bow.
"This regiment, at least 20". He turned around and gave Jake a wry grin, "Piece of cake blue boy".
"Yeah", Jake sighed. "Easy".
6
Running from a fight was not something that Neytiri had ever done, but Jakes instructions had been clear. The moment there was any trouble she was to lead as many of the Na'vi to safety as possible. Only a short distance from the Tree of Souls was a vast network of caves and Neytiri knew that only the Na'vi could find their way through them. They would provide the shelter and protection needed until the Militia had been vanquished. Keep safe Jake, Neytiti thought as the sound of gunfire continued to ring out through the jungle. Keep yourself safe.