One Week Later
The ship began to fade from their view and everyone breathed a sigh of relief as it vanished into the upper atmosphere. Soon it would liaise with the vessel waiting in space and then, those on board would begin their long journey back to Earth. Thomas stared up at the sky and smiled to himself. He had been initially nervous at making the decision to stay here. Pandora was so wild and unforgiving, it would be a difficult place to live in. But he had always felt a deep connection with this world and the idea of leaving it behind had made him uneasy. Thomas had been sure that no-one would allow him to remain here and had been more than surprised when Jake and the others had agreed.
It seemed he had more than proven his loyalty to them and they now trusted him.
"Do you really know what you're doing soldier?", Miles' strong voice snapped Thomas' attention away from his thoughts and the young Captain turned to face him. Those blue eyes were filled with absolute strength and Thomas knew that if anyone could survive this place, it would be Miles. He was just too determined and that would see him through many of the hazards that this world threw in his direction.
"Honestly Colonel, no. But I know I have to stay". He furrowed his brow and glanced over at Evelyn, who was deep in conversation with Jake. "How about you Colonel Quaritch? Are you certain of what you two are doing?".
Miles turned around and smiled as he watched Evelyn, her small hands waving around as she spoke to Jake. "Hell yes", he sighed. "I know it will be because I will have her at my side. Together, nothing will stand in our way".
Two Weeks Later
The chopper hummed into life and Evelyn quickly glanced over her shoulder, making sure that Miles was happy to take off. He beamed at her from inside the cockpit and gave her two thumbs up.
"Let's get the hell out of here", his voice crackled over the radio. Evelyn smiled and nodded, before turning back to face Jake.
"You asked why I didn't just release the virus Jake. At the Tree of Souls, you asked me and", she paused and looked down at the ground. "I didn't tell you the whole truth".
"I figured as much", Jake shrugged, "But you yourself admitted that's what you do".
"Jake", Evelyn turned her face back up and Jake was struck by the tenderness reflected in her green eyes. "I saw her. At the tree". She let out a loud sigh, "I saw Eywa and she showed me what would happen if the virus were released. It was horrible Jake. So much death and pain, I just couldn't do it".
She reached out and placed her hand on top of his, "We can't ever let it happen. Leave us alone and we will do the same for you. Let us live our lives in peace Jake. Make sure your people know and understand what will happen if either of us are harmed". Evelyn quickly glanced back at the chopper, "If any of the Na'vi ever harm him, I will not hesitate in releasing the virus".
"We've already sent word out to all the tribes Evelyn. No-one will go near your new home. I swear it".
"Good", Evelyn said brightly as she spun around and walked towards the chopper. "Because if anyone did, I wouldn't just release the virus, I'd have to come back and kill you".
She leapt into the chopper and quickly slide the door shut, as it rose up from the ground. Jake watched as it soared into the sky and headed out towards the Hallelujah Mountains. Never again would he see Evelyn or Miles. They had all sworn to staying clear of each other and Jake was more than happy with the arrangement. Finally, he and his people could truly start rebuilding their home.
Two Months Later
"You said he'd never find us!", Evelyn exclaimed as she ran out from the outpost with Miles following closely behind. The massive Thanator standing in the clearing scuffed its feet on the ground and released a loud grumble. "My little Stonewall", Evelyn cried out as she ran her hand over the beasts snout. Stonewall let out a gentle huff and nuzzled against Evelyns shoulder.
"Hey there big boy!", Miles strode over and gave Stonewall a firm slap on the neck. "Seems she was right, you really are smarter than you look".
"Ignore him my special wee man", Evelyn grinned. "Daddy's in a stink mood".
"Excuse me?", Miles raised an eyebrow and moved over to Evelyn. "I am not".
"Daddy lost his bet. He said you wouldn't find your way to us. Yes he did". She turned to face Miles and let out a gentle laugh, "Silly Daddy".
"Thanks", Miles shrugged. "But you can see where I was coming from? This place is pretty far away from Hells Gate, it just seemed like a stretch for him to ever be able to find us". He looked past the low lying ridge that sat above the Outpost and shook his head. Only a few klicks away were the Hallelujah Moutains and not much further past them, sat Hells Gate.
It had been Evelyns decision to come here. She had thought that an Outpost where horticulture was being studied would be perfect. A lifetime worth of supplies, including exopacks and weapons, had been stored here. A sophisticated surveillance system had been set up, ensuring that no-one could ever approach undetected. Along with the fact that there was an abundance of wildlife and fresh water, it was the perfect place to call home. Here they would be safe, far from any Na'vi tribes or the prying eyes of those satellites high above Pandora.
"I most certainly can Miles Quaritch", Evelyn moved towards Miles and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling her body in close to his. "You should know by now though, I am always right".
"You sure are", Miles hugged her tightly. "What would I ever do without you?".
"Fall to pieces", Evelyn nestled her head into his strong chest. "Lucky for you, I'm never going anywhere".
"So I have to put up with you until the day I die?", he murmured.
"Forever and ever", Evelyn sighed.
"Perfect", Miles leaned down and kissed the top of Evelyns head. "That'll be absolutely perfect".