Pandora: The Final Solution

I gratefully acknowledge one of the foremost creative geniuses of our times, James Cameron, for conceiving the lush moon Pandora and the "noble savages," the Na'vi, that inhabit it. This story uses the characters and setting he created for his movie, Avatar. I have not received any money for my work based on Avatar. If I could get paid by the hour for these stories, I would retire and spend all my time dancing and writing in comfort.

Chapter 26: Mo'at – Breakfast with Jake & Neytiri

As Mo'at, Jake, and Neytiri walk into the common area where food is served, they see it is crowded and chaotic. Mo'at thinks, "This place is so busy, it will take too much time." The cooks are putting out traveling food as fast as they can make it, and it disappears almost immediately, taken by the warriors preparing to leave. Before they get to the lines for a normal breakfast, three elder Omatikaya working in this outdoor cafeteria run out to them, carrying the favorite fare of their leaders.

Mo'at looks to the woman in the lead, Pe'tsil, thinking "I hope they are too busy to talk. They could talk all morning if we encourage them." She nods and says, "I See you, ma friends. Our clan leader and I have much to discuss before the clan meeting, and you bringing breakfast to us now really helps us and the whole clan. Thank you for serving us this morning, this is very thoughtful."

Pe'tsil replies, "I See you, ma leaders. We knew you had a busy day planned before hearing about the warriors going out again. When we saw you talking to the Plains clans, we put together your meals so you would not have to wait. There is a quiet spot to eat over here, where you can talk and not be bothered by everyone running in and out."

They walk to a tree that is out of the way, with smooth ground and nice sitting stones beneath, sunny enough to be warm and shady enough to be comfortable in the mountain air. The servers hand the leaders their breakfasts, and Mo'at and Neytiri sit down and immediately start eating.

Jake looks to the two older men following Pe'tsil and says, "Lrrkxi, Mayotx, I'm glad to see you two now. I have called for a clan meeting at mid-morning, but I may have to miss it. There are many things to discuss, but the most important is searching for a new home. I know both of you have been hunters for many years. I'm wondering, have you covered all of our clan's territories?"

The men look at each other and break into wide smiles. Mayotx answers, "Yes, I've hunted everywhere, even in some open lands beyond our boundaries."

Lrrkxi replies, "I've haven't gone out that far in many years, but I've been in all the best hunting grounds and the lands in between. I stay out of the places where hunting rarely succeeds, but have been through them when necessary."

Jake continues, "Good. Both of you are elders, and I want you to lead the effort to pick a new home for our clan. The first time I visited the old schoolhouse, I remember flying past several tall trees, all close together."

Lrrkxi asks, "The Sisters?"

Mayotx turns toward Lrrkxi and answers, "Yes, from where the tawtute live, those trees have to be the Sisters. I've slept in every one of them."

Lrrkxi faces Mayotx and continues, "You would. There is a hunting camp in the one nearest the place where three rivers join together to make a fourth. I've stayed there many times. It is about a day's hunting from Hometree. I'd head out that way, and if I was successful, I'd take my kill straight back to Hometree. If not, I'd get to that tree at about dusk, get a fish from the river and eat it, stay in the tree overnight, and hunt on the return trip the next day. There are many nights when no hunter is sleeping in that tree, but it gets the most use. Any of the Sisters would make a good home for the clan..."

"...well, there is that tree out beyond Standing Rock..."

"...that area is very dangerous, full of nantang packs, and it's too close to the boundary..."

"...like that tree near the rapids in the south river, I've seen it flooded, and it's surrounded by sharp rocks..."

"...who cares about sharp rocks, both are too far from our best hunting grounds..."

"...well, Hometree was the center of our territories, and now it is gone. Any new home tree will not be in the center, and some good hunting grounds will be much farther away..."

"...that means some new trails will be needed, and other trails will get less use..."

"...new trails will be made, and they are badly needed, most trails around Hometree smell really bad..."

"...what do you care about stinky trails, you use aerial trails most of the time..."

"...except when I have a heavy kill, too heavy for some branches." Mayotx turns to Jake, waving his arms while he speaks. "When I first learned about hunting, many, many years ago, I was taught to do everything possible to keep from leaving my scent behind. I usually take different trails in and out of an area. I always find some fwampop before relieving myself. I use different places to blood, butcher, and eat my kills. Many young hunters these days are much too careless."

Lrrkxi says, "I had the same teachers you had. I learned that hunting is very dangerous at best. I always try to use trails and places that are known to be safe, certainly safer than traipsing around hardly used trails in distant areas. Most hunters try to find fwampop when they need to go, but sometimes they're harder to find than the game."

Jake puts his hands up and says, "Sounds like you two are ideal for this job. Talk to all the hunters, especially those who have been to these trees lately. Decide on four to eight good choices, and then we'll discuss them and visit the best candidates before agreeing on our new home."

The two elders nod their heads in agreement. Lrrkxi says, "We are happy to take this assignment, Olo'eyktan."

Mayotx continues, "Yes, and we'll discuss it with all the hunters we see here."

Pe'tsil shakes her head, looking to Jake and says "Now you've done it, I'll have to listen to them prattle on for days."

Jake laughs, and says, "You're job, besides feeding everyone here, is keeping them focused on picking good candidates for our new home."

"Cooking and serving is easy, compared to that. I'll do what I can, but no promises. Their mates were never able to control their 'discussions,' I don't think I can do better." She laughs, but the two men look at each other, puzzled. Jake does his best to keep a straight face.

Mo'at saves the situation by looking to the three servers and sincerely saying, "Thank you for serving us this morning. You brought my favorites, and Neytiri's, too. I will see all three of you later this morning at the clan meeting. May Eywa be with you."

The three say their goodbyes, and trot back into the bustling food preparation area.

After a brief period of silence caused by their eating, Mo'at looks to Jake and says, "You did well to put those two in charge of identifying trees for our new home. What else do you have in mind for this meeting?"

Jake answers, "Finding a new home is the most important. I guess the next most important is reorganizing the clan. We've lost so many over the past few days. Each work group should get together to discuss how to start over, beginning with picking their own leader. Once that is done, they must discuss what is needed to get started, and what help they need from other groups."

"I was thinking the same things. Good. There are a couple of groups that will find these discussions difficult, though."

"I know. Maybe we should have them decide what they can, and have another clan meeting where each group tells the whole clan their decisions, for approval by the clan. If they can't decide on an issue or leader, the clan can decide."

Neytiri says, "By clan, you mean everyone?"

Jake smiles and nods his head. "Unless it becomes a problem, I'll let anyone speak. But your mother and I should have the final say, and we should call on the elders when we can. I don't want to decide everything myself. These groups know what must be done better than I do. I want everyone to have a say and do their part."

Neytiri looks at Jake with a frown. "Where do I fit in?"

Jake says, "The three of us will have to ask around to see how things are going before that clan meeting, and discuss what we learn. You are in the best position to find the troublesome issues. Maybe you can head off some problems before the full clan meeting. It would be best not to air our dirty laundry in public."

Mo'at thinks, "What is he saying?" She looks to Neytiri who is also looking lost.

Jake sees the confusion he has caused, and says, "So I guess that got lost in translation. Forget about smelly loincloths. What I mean is that we should try to get the problems fixed before the meeting. We don't want to embarrass any group in front of the entire clan, we want all groups feeling good about their decisions. Neytiri, you know everyone in the clan. You need to ask around, find any problems you can, and help getting them resolved. If you need me or your mother, just ask. But if either of us asks around, we may not get the full story because of our positions in the clan. Understand?"

Neytiri nods her head, and says, "I think you gave me the toughest job."

Jake looks into her eyes, smiles, and replies, "Yes, but I know you can do it, my love."

She smiles back and says in English, "Are you sweet-talking me?"

He smiles and replies in English. "Yes, I am."

Mo'at hears this playful banter and thinks "Good, they seem to have overcome the worst of their hurting each other." She looks to Jake and asks, "What are your plans for today?"

"Well, I need to finish this big meal now, this could be a long day if things go south." Jake sees confused looks on the faces of the two women, and knows he has made another translation problem. "Sorry, what I meant is I better eat enough to last all day if things go badly at Hell's Gate. After I take care of this body, I'll go down into the Well of Souls and talk to Norm and Max. Need to break them out of the hospital so they can help me with Hell's Gate. Then I'll pop out of the link and use my human body to talk to the leader in space and give him permission to land. After that, Neytiri and I will take Norm and Max to Hell's Gate on my toruk. When we get there, we'll get everything ready and deal with whatever comes. Oh, yeah, I forgot the most important thing, meet with the leadership from all other clans. Guess I'll do that just before we leave. I must contact the Venture Star soon, or risk an unplanned landing or worse."

"You have much to do."

"There is one thing I need to discuss before these meetings." Jake glances towards Neytiri and then looks back at Mo'at. "I've heard rumors that some in the clan are looking to join other clans."

"I have heard that."

"Let me know who is looking, and maybe I can think of a way to talk them out of it."

"I have been thinking about that, too. We may not be able to prevent losing a few, but we cannot let our clan fall apart completely."

"Does that happen?"

"Yes. Clans split when they get too large, and merge when they get too small. Sometimes, when the problems are too great or too many, they break apart and scatter to many different clans. That is what I fear, having so many clans together now."

"So, what if I say something at the council meeting like you can't take anyone from Toruk Makto's clan?"

"That would be very bad."

"Really? That's how it would be handled on Earth. What happens here?"

"Clans with such clan leaders have not lasted very long. The leader serves the clan, not the clan serves the leader. As an individual picks the occupation that provides the most pleasure, so must an individual pick the clan that is the most suitable. The prospective new member and the clan leader, tsahík, elders, and leader of the affected work group have many discussions to decide whether a good match exists. It is much like picking a mate." Jake and Neytiri look at each other, shocked. Mo'at thinks, "Why this reaction?" but continues without pause. "The clan leader and tsahík must make the best clan they can, and that keeps the clan together and feeling protected. That is why you and Neytiri, with my help, must lead the reorganization of the clan. You must show the clan that you know how to make the best clan you can with the members you have, so they and their families can survive and thrive."

"I can see that. I'll need help from both of you, I've never made a clan before. Is there any chance that we might get members of other clans asking to join us?"

"That is true. Has anyone asked you about joining the Omatikaya?"

"No, not directly, but some young warriors have asked me a lot of questions. Word has gotten around about my fight with Tsu'tey the morning the Tree of Voices was destroyed. Tsu'tey jumped me with a knife, and I stopped him. It was all reflex on my part, my training in what is called close quarters or hand-to-hand combat. Guess it was the first time anyone put Tsu'tey down so quickly. It was over so fast, it was a blur for everyone, including me. The young warriors want me to teach them these techniques. I told them I don't have time now, and they see that this morning with the landing coming up. But now I'm wondering, if I decide to teach this, I could put out the word I'll teach this way of fighting to my Omatikaya warriors first, and maybe they would ask to join us. But I have to be careful, I don't the clan leaders thinking I'm taking their best warriors."

"Do you want to teach these techniques?"

Jake looks conflicted. "I don't know. I passed my tests on close quarters combat, but I'm no expert, certainly no instructor. But someday the Na'vi will have to fight soldiers that know it. If I don't teach hand-to-hand to the Na'vi, more Na'vi will die in the next war. There are so many disciplines on Earth, but I can only teach what I remember. I'll have the folks at Hell's Gate look for field manuals and tutorials on the subject. Can't believe I have to become a sensei now." Once again, Mo'at and Neytiri are giving him odd looks. "Sensei means karyu, teacher, only it applies to a teacher of what is called 'martial arts' in English. Comes from a language on the other side of Earth from where I lived." Jake looks to Mo'at. "Is there any way you can ask Eywa if it is allowed for me to teach this skill? I don't want to teach anything from Earth that goes against Eywa."

"Some believe that Eywa speaks directly to us tsahìks, the same way that the ancestors speak to us. That is not true. Ewya speaks to no one. Usually, some old memory or new thought will come to mind, and then I must figure out how that applies to the matter at hand. Eywa never talks directly to me or anyone else. I will ask. Maybe you should ask Her yourself, and let me know of any dreams or feelings you have after you ask. She did help you the last time you asked for your help."

"Yes, She did. But I had no chance to dream or have any feelings because we flew into battle just after asking."

Neytiri adds, "And I interfered, I got to Jake while he was still bonded, and he stopped the bond too quickly."

"Give yourself plenty of time when you ask Her about teaching these 'martial arts.' I will ask, too."

"Thanks. I don't have time this morning, but I'll do that after I get back."

There is another brief silence while they eat.

Jake looks to Mo'at and asks, "How do you feel about running the clan meeting by yourself today? Neytiri and I should leave as soon as we can. We need to get to Hell's Gate and prepare for the Valkyrie."

"I can handle the meeting, but you should oversee the reorganization of the warriors, and Neytiri should oversee the reorganization of the hunters. I could handle the entire clan, but you two really need to handle those groups."

Neytiri asks, "Should I be involved with the hunters, since I'm going to take over from you?"

Mo'at answers, "You have been a hunter for some time, you know the abilities of the senior hunters the best. All you have to do is get them together to decide who will be the leader, and then help that person do the rest."

Jake is moving his head in agreement. "I agree. I'll do the same with the warriors. I'll pick my deputy, who will work it from there with my help. That would really help us if you could take that meeting on by yourself. Tell everyone present that Neytiri and I will do our parts after this encounter is over. Most warriors and hunters will be with us and not at the meeting. Tell the clan it makes sense that we'll work those reorganizations when the warriors and hunters aren't tied up protecting the clan."

"That is good, and I'll tell them you have appointed Lrrkxi and Mayotx to identify our next Hometree, and they should talk to those two if they have any suggestions or preferences."

"Finding a new home is a very rare thing for a clan to do, I'm guessing. Is that true?"

"Yes. The Omatikaya have always lived in Hometree. One of the First Songs tells of Eywa bringing the first Na'vi together to live in Hometree as the first clan, the Omatikaya."

"And I wish Eywa would lead us to our new Hometree now. That would be easier than finding it for ourselves."

"Yes, but Eywa always has a way of making us work very hard for what we need. If She gives us everything without having to work much, we would not be so happy with what we have."

"Yeah, I can see that. But does the clan expect Eywa to show us to our new home? And what would Eywa do to show it to us? Did the First Songs explain that?"

"Those are all good questions, ma 'itan. I will ask the singers, and ask Eywa."

"Good. Let us know if there is anything more we must do. Until then, we'll keep on this path. Guess you'll have a ceremony to bless our new home when we do pick one."

"Yes. The tree receives a blessing followed by a party that lasts all day and night. When it is over, the hard work to make the tree into our home begins."

"That's what I was expecting. Our clan is in need of a party now."

The conversation pauses briefly while they continue eating.

Mo'at looks to Jake again and says, "You also did well with Akwey. He seems very impressed with you. He always frustrated Eytukan with his incessant questions."

"Eytukan had trouble with him?"

"Yes. Those two were always so competitive in so many ways. Try not to get that way with him."

"Wow. Never knew. But that's good to know. Guess Neytiri did the most to help."

Once again, the women turn to him with confused looks, but this time it is not a translation issue.

Neytiri asks, "What did I do?"

"Remember after the healing ceremony for Grace, after my speech to the clan, I grabbed your hand and we ran and jumped onto my toruk. I had no plan, no idea where to go. We got airborne, and I asked you which way to go. You said we should go either to the pa'li clans on the plains or to the ikran clans on the eastern shore. Traveling by pa'li always takes longer than ikran, so I decided to go there first, to give them a head start. I asked where on the plains. You said you knew just the place to start, and gave me directions to Akwey's clan. His was the first clan we visited. He was very happy that we turned to him first. That made him a strong ally, and all other Plains clans joined in when they heard Akwey was with us. You also steered me to the strongest leader of the ikran clans on the Eastern shore. She brought all of those clans into our cause. He led the ground forces and she led the air forces, freeing us up to take on the biggest aircraft." Jake turns to Neytiri and says, "That's all thanks to you, my lovely mate."

She asks in English, "Is this more sweet-talk?"

He answers in English, "Yes, it is."

"You may continue sweet-talking me." Neytiri turns her head towards her mother and smiles. Jake leans over and kisses the back of her ear. She shudders in delight.

Mo'at thinks, "Thank Eywa. They seem over their differences." She continues aloud, "Sounds like Akwey is about to turn his clan over to his son."

Jake sits down again. "Yes, it does. I'm hoping he can help us in his retirement. He's been a great help so far."

"Yes. He is highly regarded by many clan leaders. You see how the leaders of the Plains clans follow him around. He can be very helpful. Do what you can to keep him happy."

"Roger that."

Once again, Mo'at is thinking, "What did he say?"

This time Neytiri translates for her mother, "That means he agrees with you. I've heard that phrase many times before. My lovely skawng of a mate has trouble just saying yes."

There is a brief pause while all three of them eat.

Jake looks at the clear plastic cup Mo'at put on the ground beside her, and asks "I've been meaning to ask you, how did you get that cup?"

"Before nightfall yesterday, I made tsaheylu with the sacred tree and meditated on the day, mainly our discussion. As I was leaving the tree, Normspellman offered a place for me to sleep within the avatar tent, and I accepted, since you two were in my cave. Before going to sleep, I talked with Toktor Kari and Ketiking. Toktor Kari gave me these things, putting my name on them, and Ketiking showed me how to use them. I took them with me as a reminder because they said you have healers that only work on mouths."

"That's true. We call them dentists."

"There are many in our clan who have problems with their teeth."

"I'll ask Max if anyone is willing to work on Na'vi teeth. My avatar hasn't been here long enough to need one, so I haven't seen a dentist yet. But, knowing the avatar program, there's bound to be doctors here specializing in avatar dentistry. If they're available, the big question is whether they can travel to the clan, or if those needing help must travel to Hell's Gate. Guess it depends on what tools they have. Don't know if they have portable X-ray machines. And those wouldn't work here, because of the flux around the well."

"There are some older members that have pain in their mouths most every day. Any relief will be much appreciated, by them and by the healers."

"This is another thing that is common on Earth and unknown here. Don't know if it would be a problem, but some Na'vi healers could be taught to do simple cleanings and procedures. They would need some tools, though."

"I will meditate on this to see if Eywa approves of Na'vi learning from human healers, and using their tools. It is clear the tawtute healers have more skills and knowledge than Na'vi healers."

"I think it is because there is much more technology used by Earth healers. Na'vi healers know much more about using plants and animals for healing."

After a lull in the conversation while the three continue eating, Jake asks, "Did they say anything else of interest?"

"Toktor Kari said some disturbing things that made me dream about my past first bonding ceremonies and All-Mother classes. A first bonding ceremony is given individually when a baby is ready. Every season or so, when there are enough young children to make it necessary, I give them their first All-Mother class, introducing them to Eywa. I have given this class so many times, I have lost count, and now they all run together. Not only have these memories come during tsaheylu with the sacred tree today, I dreamed of these classes all night while I slept. I feel that Ewya is scolding me severely, but we have discussed so many different things lately, I'm not certain which issue is the problem or how these classes fit in. Only time will tell if Eywa will be more specific."

Jake looks up from his food and asks "So, what are these classes?"

Mo'at is shocked and dismayed. She thinks, "Jake should know these things, now that he is the clan leader." Mo'at asks Neytiri sternly "You have not told your mate about the first bonding ceremony or the All-Mother class?"

Neytiri, still in the glow of her mating with Jake last night, does not let her mother's challenging way upset her wonderful mood. "No, you are his tsahìk, that is your responsibility. I taught him basic skills and hunting, including much about Eywa beyond the All-Mother class."

Jake puts his hands up and says, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause problems between you two, especially on such a busy day. I know I have much to learn."

Mo'at looks to Jake and says, "You are correct. It seems you have much to learn. I know Neytiri was not teaching you to be clan leader. Now that you are, we must teach you more than you have learned so far."

"I do what I can, but I don't always remember those things I don't have to think about or do very often. Start from the beginning."

Neytiri looks to Jake and says "That first morning you were in Hometree, I told you about tsaheylu with pa'li. You had not done it before, but did not seem like it was totally new."

"Well, Tsu'tey and his patrol were on pa'li that night they caught me. I remember they were bonded to their pa'li, and how Tsu'tey broke his bond when he jumped off to talk to you. I thought it was odd because Grace said something that made me think bonding was just for mating. When you started describing tsaheylu that morning, I just went along with your instructions without questioning anything. Remember, I didn't want to say or do anything that might get me kicked out or worse."

Mo'at looks at Jake and asks, "So, you know nothing of the first bonding ceremony or the All Mother class?"

"Well, some of the hunters with new babies talked about first bonding ceremonies with their families and friends, but I've never been to one."

"What did Neytiri teach you about Eywa?" Mo'at notices that Jake is fidgeting and thinks, "He went into battle calmer than this."

Jake looks to his mate. "She said many things about Eywa. I was trying hard to fit in, and concentrated on the more physical parts of her teachings. Only later did I see how Eywa fits into everyday life."

Mo'at is feeling dismayed. She thinks, "Neytiri has called him skawng many times in the past. Maybe he has just forgotten." She looks to Jake with an unhappy face. "Clearly, you have bonded with my daughter. I have seen you bonded with pa'li, ikran, and toruk. Tell me about all other bondings, especially with sacred trees or any other plants or animals."

Jake looks like he would rather crawl through a minefield. "I have bonded with no other animals. On the night we first mated, we were in the Tree of Voices. I bonded with it briefly and heard many voices and children laughing, but nothing distinct. She said that tree had the voices of the ancestors, but since I am not from here, none of my ancestors would be in that tree. That was my first and only time there. It was destroyed the next morning."

"You did not stay bonded for long?"

"No, Tsahìk. We had other things to do that night." Both he and Neytiri blush and their tanhi brighten.

Mo'at suppresses the urge to smile at their reactions. "Did you try to speak to the voices?"

"No. The only time I tried talking is when I bonded to the Tree of Souls and talked to Eywa. You said Eywa talks to no one. She didn't say anything to me. I also bonded with that tree the night after the battle. I was depressed by the heavy losses we had, and my new duties as clan leader. I didn't try talking, just tried to clear my mind like Neytiri told me. I couldn't stop remembering how I had to finish off Tsu'tey and other clan members. Bonding that time did make me feel a little better, less depressed."

"Did you break off the bond yourself, or did you wait until Eywa broke it?"

"Neytiri was standing there looking worried at me..."

"Sounds like you were too quick to break the bond every time you bonded with a sacred tree. It is clear your knowledge of tsaheylu is very limited. When a mother is pregnant long enough, she can get some feelings from the baby, usually only distress and contentment. After the baby is born, its tswin will not work for about 64 days. It is too new and must grow before it can work. After that point, only the mother, and sometimes the father, can bond with the baby. Around the time the baby is one year old, the baby will no longer bond with its parents, and can only bond with a sacred tree or a simple animal, like a pa'li. That is when the first bonding ceremony is held. If the baby can bond with the sacred tree, it will stay in tsaheylu with the tree until Eywa is satisfied and the tswin drops off the frond on its own. Usually the baby will be very happy and full of energy. Some get very rambunctious and difficult to handle. I have never seen this, but sometimes a baby that bonds with the tree will die." Jake looks aghast. "Eywa will kill a baby that is not strong enough to survive. That is what Toktor Kari saw during her training before coming here. She and the others are afraid to bond to a sacred tree, for fear of being killed."

Jake looks down and softly asks, "I didn't know that. So what happens when a baby cannot bond to a sacred tree?"

Mo'at answers quietly, "Then it is the duty of the clan leader to release the spirit of the baby from its body that cannot bond to anything else."

"Just like Tsu'tey?"

Mo'at nods her head, "Just like Tsu'tey."

"I was afraid you'd say that. So it doesn't matter what age, baby to old-timer, well or dying, when a person cannot bond, the clan leader must kill them."

"We say 'release their spirit.' But, yes, that is the duty of the clan leader, to release a spirit that is cut off from Eywa and all other of Her creatures."

"And Doctor Cari and the other avatar drivers won't bond to a sacred tree because they've seen the video where the baby dies?"

"She told me the avatars are forbidden to make tsaheylu with the sacred trees because of that one first bonding ceremony. They do not understand what happened during that ceremony."

"When things settle down, we're going to find out what other misconceptions they have. I didn't get any training before I came out here, so I don't know what the problems might be. I'll ask Norm, he should know."

"That is good. We must have better understanding of each other."

"So what about this All Mother class?"

"It is a class given to young children that are old enough to talk and understand to introduce them to Eywa. It is given about the time as their first classes in keeping themselves safe, to balance the dangers with blessings. Eywa is the mother of all life here on this place we call Eywa's Child, Eywa'eveng. She protects the balance of life by giving new life as needed. We protect the balance of life by taking only what we need to sustain ourselves. Eywa does her part, and we must do ours."

Jake answers, "I would like to hear the whole class, but I don't have time today."

Mo'at visibly stiffens up. "It is decided. You have nothing more important to do today than these ceremonies. They do not take long, they are meant for babies and youngsters that cannot learn much at once. As soon as we are finished here, we will go down to the sacred tree and I will give you your first bonding ceremony and your All-Mother class."

Jake hangs his head, he knows that Mo'at cannot be overruled, no matter how pressed for time he feels. He pushes the last of his breakfast in his mouth and swallows. "I'm done. How about you two?"

The two women stand. Neytiri says, "We're ready."

"To save time, let's take the fast way down to the tree." Jake stands up and yells as he steps out from beneath the tree. Almost immediately there is a loud cry in response, followed by Jake's toruk touching down in the clearing. Jake lets his toruk put its neck onto his shoulder, and he reaches up to stroke its head. Jake moves out from under his toruk and makes the bond. He jumps into place on the toruk's back and says, "All aboard." He reaches down and helps pull Mo'at into place. Next he helps Neytiri up, who sits behind her mother. "Hang on, here we go." The toruk hops into the air, gains altitude with a single flap, and then glides down into the Well of Souls.