Chapter 13: Whispers of the Verdant Shade
Author note: I use { } to separate Na'vi and English when it's appropriate for the scene.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Verdant Shade jungle burst into life at twilight, its lush foliage glowing with an ethereal light. Kael, Nari, Sylra, Ghost, Txoum, and Kiri assembled at sundown, embarking on their journey into the heart of the jungle. Pandora's wild beauty enveloped them, captivating their senses with its vibrant hues and enchanting sounds.
The dense forest surrounded them, with towering trees forming a canopy above that blocked out the last rays of sunlight. Bright, bioluminescent flora covered every surface, lending the jungle an otherworldly glow. Small, winged creatures known as Utral Tskxe, or "Lumisprites'' in English, flitted around, leaving behind sparkling trails reminiscent of twinkling stars.
As they traversed the jungle, they heard the haunting calls of large, feline creatures known as Tsyal Numea, meaning "Moonstriders," gracefully moving across the rocky terrain. These majestic animals, with their glowing fur patterns and luminous eyes, added to the mystical ambiance of the jungle. The verdant landscape was a labyrinth of twisting trees, vines, and glowing leaves rustling in the gentle breeze.
Guided by Erona's instructions from their earlier meeting, the group navigated towards the distant RDA camp, its prominent features barely visible through the dense foliage. Nari and Kael led the party, maintaining a vigilant watch over their surroundings and keeping a close eye on Ghost, whose repaired leg didn't hinder his pace. Despite the sentinel's conspicuous presence, Txoum and Sylra walked at the rear, engaged in quiet conversation that blended with the jungle's symphony.
Amidst the captivating landscape, Kiri found herself lost in contemplation, her thoughts consumed by recent events and lingering uncertainties. Memories of Spider resurfaced as she moved through the jungle, his absence weighing heavily on her mind. The faded cast on her arm bore his signature, a reminder of their shared adventures and the unanswered questions surrounding his fate.
{"Kiri, a moment?"} Kael's sudden call jolted Kiri from her thoughts. Startled from her reverie by Kael's voice, Kiri hurried to the front of the group, where he and Nari stopped and awaited her. She could tell that they wanted to have a serious conversation, but what?
"{Y-you wanted to see me?}" Kiri stammered nervously, clearing her throat, and almost slipping into the habit of addressing him as "sir" like she did her father. Behind her, she noticed Sylra and Txoum casting curious glances in her direction. Sensing Kiri's apprehension, Nari offered her a reassuring smile, silently reassuring her that everything would be okay.
"{Kiri,}" Kael began, his tone softer than usual yet probing. They continued walking as they spoke, the forest engulfing them in its tranquil embrace. "{I wanted to ask about your father.}"
Kiri did not expect that. "{W-what did you want to know about?}" she asked. Kael's eyes met hers with a warm look that reminded Kiri of her stepfather. "{What happened to him?}"
Taking a deep breath, Kiri recounted in her mind the battle that drove her people out, her voice tinged with sorrow. "{The sky people attacked our home, and we lost,}" she explained. "{My father told me to escape at the last minute, and after that, I don't know what happened to him. The sky people burned all of the remaining bodies.}"
Nari and Kael visibly recoiled at the mention of the burning bodies. Behind Kiri, she could hear Sylra make an audible, choked gasp. "{They wouldn't even allow them to join our ancestors,}" Nari managed to say, her voice on the edge of anger and sorrow. Kiri noticed a tear forming in the corner of Nari's eye, but the mother's gaze remained distant. Kael remained silent, but Kiri could hear his fingers tightening around his bow.
Sensing Kiri's distress, Nari redirected her focus. "{Kiri, I'm deeply sorry for what you've endured,}" Nari said gently yet firmly. "{You've shown remarkable strength.}"
Kiri looked away. "{I, um, am not that strong,}" she said, tugging on her backstrap strings as she looked down. "{I am kind of useless. I wouldn't have made it this far without Txoum and Ghost.}"
Nari placed a comforting hand on Kiri's shoulder, her eyes reflecting understanding and empathy. "{You're not useless, Kiri,}" she said softly. "{You've endured so much, and you're still standing strong. That's more than most could say.}"
Kiri nodded, still feeling a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. She endured much, and half of the outcomes from their encounters seemed purely due to Eywa's guidance or Txoum and Ghost. If it were not for them, she would not be alive.
"{Kiri, was it you who caused the roots to emerge during our-}" Kael hesitated at what he was about to say. "{Our capture? I thought my eyes were deceiving me at first.}"
Kiri hesitated, her gaze briefly flickering away, before meeting Kael directly. "{Yes,}" she admitted. "{It was me.}"
Nari drew in a slow breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and admiration. "{Your connection with Eywa is strong, Kiri,}" she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of genuine respect. "{You possess a gift, one that should be honored and nurtured.}"
Kael nodded thoughtfully, a hint of wonder playing across his features. "{How did you come to possess such abilities?}" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Kiri shrugged, a faint smile touching her lips at Nari's compliment. "{I wish I had a clear answer,}" she confessed. "{It's as if Eywa guides me, granting me the power to protect those I care about.}"
Nari's expression softened, her gaze filled with compassion. "{Embrace your gift, Kiri,}" she said. "{It is a rare and precious thing.}"
Kiri's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she absorbed Nari's words, a sense of validation washing over her. "{Thank you,}" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Suddenly, the memories of all those who jeered at her and called her strange seemed so far away and small. "{I'll do my best to honor it.}"
"{Where is your clan now?}" Kael asked next.
Kiri looked back at him. "{They're hiding in the mountains, seeking refuge,}" she replied. "{That is where Txoum and I were heading before we found you.}"
Kael's expression softened as he regarded Kiri. "{After all of this, I'll help you get home, Kiri,}" he promised solemnly. Kiri could feel his words carrying the weight of his honor. "{You saved my family's life, and I won't forget that.}"I swear to my honor and Eywa."}"
Nari nodded in agreement. "{I pledge the same,}" she added, her voice filled with sincerity.}
Kiri felt a swell of gratitude as she took in their words. "{Uh, thank you both,}" she said, "{but I really don't want-}"
Before Kiri could finish, the sound of movement ahead abruptly cut short their conversation. Nari swiftly pushed Kiri to safety as the group's hunters quietly took position and readied their bows. Txoum looked especially eager, armed with a new bow and quiver borrowed from the Taravan.
Ghost, however, stood out in the open and stared towards the source of the disturbance, which hadn't noticed them yet.
Kael nodded to Nari, who nodded back, understanding their plan. With practiced ease, Kael moved towards their left, blending into the bushes. Kiri strained to see the source of the noise, while Nari motioned for her and Sylra to crouch low. As Kael gently lowered the brush to get a better look, suddenly a faint light illuminated a body of sleek, dark purple skin with vibrant blue stripes. It was a creature of imposing size, accentuated by six powerful legs and menacing twin antlers.
Kiri's heart raced as she saw the strange but mesmerizing creature.
Kael and Nari exchanged a knowing glance. With a nod, they both started making strange, guttural sounds, imitating the calls of a predator and blending in with the ambient sounds of the forest. The creature, startled by the unexpected noise, turned its attention towards the source of the noise, its ears twitching in confusion. It finally locked eyes with Ghost, believing it was the predator, and sensing danger, emitted a low growl and took a few steps back.
Ghost merely locked eyes with the creature as if analyzing it. The group held their breath as Kael and Nari continued their imitations, their calls growing louder and more menacing.
Following a tense moment, the creature appeared to recognize its numerical and tactical disadvantages. With a final wary glance at Ghost, it turned and darted away into the depths of the forest, disappearing out of sight. The group let out a collective sigh of relief, the tension dissipating as the danger passed.
Ghost remained still, its gaze fixed on the spot where the creature had disappeared. With the threat gone, it lowered its sniper rifle, blending back into its normal posture as if nothing had happened. Kiri couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at Ghost's calm demeanor despite facing down a much larger opponent.
Txoum turned to Sylra with a puzzled expression. "{What was that?}"
"{That was a Vakari,"} Sylra replied with a heavy sigh of relief. "{We call them forest guardians. They can be quite grumpy.}"
"{We should keep moving,}" Kael said, already looking forward. "{We still have much ground to cover.}"
After Kiri's heart stopped pounding, she turned to Kael and Nari. "{Do you need to discuss anything further?}"
Kael shook his head. "{No,}" he replied plainly, "{but tell your metal friend that standing and provoking the Vakari was not a wise decision.}"
Kiri nodded, sensing that Kael was hiding more displeasure than he expressed. Her gaze shifted to Ghost. "Next time, take cover," she chided gently.
Ghost simply stared back at Kiri without saying a word. Despite having stared into their red eyes many times, Kiri gulped a bit in hesitation and lowered her eyes.
Kael and Nari gave a quick double-check for any other dangers before gesturing for the group to continue. As they continued deeper into the jungle, the overhead canopy seemed to thicken, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Luminescent plants cast a soft, ethereal glow, while the nocturnal symphony of creatures added to the enigmatic ambiance.
With each step, the undergrowth grew denser, the roots and vines forming a tangled labyrinth that tested their progress. The air was heavy with the scent of foliage and damp earth, punctuated by the rhythmic chirping of unseen insects.
Suddenly, the group stumbled upon a haunting scene that brought them to a standstill. Destroyed Samson helicopters and battered amp suits lay scattered amidst the undergrowth, their once imposing forms now reclaimed by nature's grasp, covered in vines and moss. The scene was a somber reminder of the war over a decade ago.
Kiri noticed the Taravan standing still, their expressions clearly troubled by bitter memories stirred by the sight before them. Kiri and Txoum could only guess what had happened here and cautiously stepped forward. "{What happened here?}" Kiri whispered.
Sylra joined them, her bow tightly held against her chest. "{These are the remnants of the clash between the Sky People and our clan, long before my time,}" she explained solemnly. "{This is where Erona's father met his end.}"
"{And many others..." Kael added with a heavy sigh, kneeling down to feel the soil. "{I fought here and lost my brother.}"
Nari kneeled down with Kael, placing a hand on his shoulder, mumbling short phrases of comfort that Kiri could not quite make out.
"{I'm sorry,}" Kiri murmured, her voice heavy with sorrow. Txoum remained silent, his gaze fixed on the scene before them, triggering memories of the battle they had narrowly escaped just days earlier.
Meanwhile, Ghost moved forward in deliberate steps, the sound of its heavy footfalls echoing amidst the rusted remnants. It traversed over the mangled door of a Samson helicopter, its red optics piercing through the darkness as it scanned the horizon and surroundings. Something caught its attention, prompting it to swiftly advance into the debris field and disappear from sight.
The group exchanged puzzled glances, and Kael and Nari turned to Kiri for guidance. "{What's it up to now?}" Kael made no effort to hide his annoyance at Ghost's blatant disrespect for the scenery.
Kiri blinked, adjusting her backpack straps, sensing Kael's frustration. "{Um, I'm not entirely certain. Perhaps we should follow,}" she suggested cautiously.
"{It could be a trap,}" Kael scoffed, his skepticism apparent. Nari remained silent, scanning for signs of danger. In the distance, the clatter of metal objects echoed, potentially alerting nearby threats.
"{I'm pretty sure it would've attacked us by now,}" Txoum remarked dryly, earning a gentle elbow from Sylra, who shook her head.
Suppressing his urge to chastise Txoum, Kael took a deep breath and began to make his way toward the noise, with Nari trailing closely behind. The younger members exchanged uncertain looks before following. As they rounded the corner behind a rusted-out vehicle, Kiri observed Kael and Nari standing vigilantly, watching Ghost intently.
Ghost, not far from them, knelt down and dug through debris, determined to uncover its contents. Grasping a sizable black container buried under the rubble, it used its hydraulic arm. Despite its battered state, Ghost's mechanical strength shone through as it emitted a loud hydraulic noise while extracting the case. Surprisingly, despite over a decade of entrapment, the black case emerged unscathed from the wreckage.
Kael grimaced at the sound. "{It'll wake up the whole forest. Does it want the sky people to find us?}" he said, exasperated.
Kiri approached Ghost and asked, "What have you found?"
Ghost carefully opened the case to reveal a high-caliber sniper rifle with a large scope and two magazines, each holding ten rounds. Despite the surrounding wreckage, both the weapon and its ammunition remained in impeccable condition. "RDA Viperhawk Mark II," the machine announced, its voice slightly distorted.
Kiri's eyes fixed on the imposing firearm, marveling at its size and the sheer power it represented. The rounds were noticeably larger than those of her father's guns, thick as her fingers, and undoubtedly lethal. "That's a big gun," she said in awe.
Nari and Kael shared concerned looks, their faces reflecting a blend of unease and contempt as they eyed the weapon. "{The Tskxey si lentsyu,}" Nari whispered, her voice tinged with fear and disgust, translating to "loud death bringer" in their tongue.
While the group watched, Ghost deftly manipulated the gun with its single functioning arm, skillfully loading a magazine and racking back the bolt with precision. As it lifted the weapon with its handle, the machine rose to its feet, poised and ready to depart.
Observing Kael and Nari's disapproving glances at Ghost handling the weapon, Kiri commented awkwardly, "{Well, at least it's on our side.}" Their unchanged expressions only made her feel slightly embarrassed. Her tail twitched nervously.
Ghost's voice startled Kiri once more as it spoke up. "We are 4.11 kilometers away from our destination," it announced. "I recommend we continue."
"{What did it say?}" Nari asked Kiri.
"{It suggests we should proceed,}" Kiri replied, attempting to mask her nervousness.
"{Then let us move forward.}" Kael interjected, clearing his throat and addressing the group. "{There may be traps ahead. Stay vigilant.}"
When Kael said that, Kiri noticed that Sylra's expression fell a little. Confused, she tried to make eye contact with Sylra, but had to keep going forward.
As the group resumed their journey, Nari and Kael once again took the lead, with Ghost trailing behind them. They adjusted their pace, mindful that Ghost couldn't keep up with the natural speed of Na'vi. The jungle seemed to swallow them as they moved, the dense foliage enveloping them in its bioluminescent embrace.
Time passed in a blur as they navigated through the labyrinthine pathways of the jungle, always vigilant for signs of danger or hidden traps. The constant rustling of leaves and the occasional call of nocturnal wildlife kept them on edge, but they pressed on, determined to reach their destination.
Eventually, they found themselves walking alongside a gentle river, its waters sparkling in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. The soothing sound of running water provided a brief respite from the tension that had gripped them since they entered the jungle.
Kiri trailed behind Ghost, her thoughts consumed by the upcoming mission and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Her fingers absentmindedly played with her mother's necklace as she looked at the water, almost imagining those "spider frogs" from the swamp jumping out and surrounding her.
Noticing Kiri's unusual silence, Txoum fell into step beside her, his presence pulling her out of her thoughts. "You've been quiet, Kiri," he observed, his tone laced with concern.
Kiri glanced up at Txoum. "{Just a lot going on in my head,}" she sighed, her gaze drifting back to Ghost ahead of them.
Txoum nodded empathetically. "{It's been a tough week,}" he acknowledged, offering reassurance. "{But remember, you're not going through it alone.}"
Sylra, walking close behind Txoum, added her support. "{Txoum told me about everything,}" she said with a frown. "{I'm here for you too, ready to lend an ear or help in any way I can.}"
Kiri smiled gratefully. "{Thanks, both of you,}" she said, before suddenly remembering something. "{Sylra, when your father said about avoiding traps, why did you look troubled?}" she asked.
Sylra blinked and made an awkward laugh. Her tail drooped. "{Oh, that. Well, it's still hard to forget about what happened a few days ago—getting caught and all. I know Father wasn't talking about me specifically, but the memory is still fresh.}"
"{That wasn't your fault,}" Txoum asserted gently. "{The sky people are clever and ruthless. Anyone could have fallen into their traps.}" Kiri nodded as well.
Sylra sighed, shaking her head. "{No, I was not careful enough. I truly believe that things would have been dire if you two did not show up.}"
Kiri felt guilty for bringing up such a painful topic, wishing she was more tactful about it.
To her surprise, Sylra suddenly perked up. "{But I've been thinking about this for a while. I know I have lots to learn, so I've been keeping an eye out for the traps. We should be okay.}"
"{What sort of traps might we run into ahead?}" Txoum asked.
Sylra nodded, her expression serious. "{Well, we might come across the stinging net traps and spike pits,}" she explained, her eyes drifting down to the net-shaped burn mark still visible on her arm. "{We've been finding them along hunting trails and near watering holes. That's why we're going a different route.}"
Hearing this, Txoum and Kiri shared uneasy glances before their gazes swiftly swept over the surroundings. The dense canopy made it darker than they were accustomed to, but the jungle's bioluminescence and their sharp night vision still provided some visibility.
Sylra cleared her throat before adding softly, "{These traps aren't just a threat to us; they've been ensnaring wild animals too.}"
Txoum scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "{Sky people are cowards,}" he remarked bitterly.
Sylra nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting Txoum's resentment. "{They rely on metal traps and suits to do their dirty work. They don't even honor the animals they've killed,}" she said.
Kiri noticed Sylra's gaze hardening and couldn't help but sigh in agreement.
The group continued on their path, the jungle closing in around them with its tangled vines and towering trees. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and foliage, punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.
As they walked, Kiri noticed Txoum wincing slightly and frowned in concern. "{Let me check your stitches,}" she said softly, reaching out to gently inspect his wound.
Txoum nodded, showing her his healing stitches. The wound looked better, but Kiri could tell it was still tender. "{It's healing, but be careful,}" she cautioned him. "{It could reopen if you-}"
Before Kiri could finish, Ghost suddenly halted in its tracks with an audible metallic thud, its red optics fixating on something ahead. The noise startled the group, causing them to stop and look towards the machine.
"{What's it doing now?}" Kael asked with annoyance, his hand instinctively reaching for his bow.
Ghost's gaze was fixed on the distant underbrush ahead of the group, its red optics glowing ominously as the machine emitted audible noises.
"{I don't know,}" Kiri replied, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Ghost, what are you-"
Without warning, Ghost raised its new sniper rifle and fired a shot, the thunderous boom echoing through the jungle.
The unexpected blast reverberated through the group, eliciting cries of surprise and alarm.
"{By Eywa, what is it doing?!}" Nari exclaimed, her hand instinctively reaching for her bow.
Kael cursed loudly and immediately scanned the area for threats.
The shot nearly deafened Kiri, who was closest to Ghost, so she instinctively covered her ears.
Sylra looked around frantically, her eyes wide with fear as she fumbled with her bow. "{Is there danger?!}" she asked in a panic.
Ghost remained silent, its mechanical form rigid with alertness as it continued to scan the surrounding area for any further threats.
Txoum, already halfway up a nearby tree, scanned the surrounding area for any signs of threat. "{I see something!}" he called down to the group.
Kael saw what Txoum was looking at as well and gestured for the group to take cover, which they all did except for Ghost and Kiri.
"What's going on?" Kiri cried out, still half-deaf, before Sylra nudged her into safety behind a tree.
In the distance, a sudden flurry of visible sparks erupted from the underbrush, brightly illuminating its position in the dark. Whatever Ghost had fired at had found its mark.
Nari, recognizing the need to investigate, signaled to the others that she would check it out. Kael and Txoum nodded in agreement, ready to cover her as she stealthily maneuvered through the foliage.
As Nari vanished into the underbrush, Kiri felt her hearing gradually return, the ringing in her ears fading. She turned to Sylra, who appeared nervous, and asked, "{What's happening?}"
Sylra looked around anxiously before whispering back, "{I'm not sure, but my mother is checking on it.}"
With her senses almost back to normal, Kiri scanned the group, noting the tension in their faces as they waited anxiously. Kael and Txoum maintained a defensive stance, their eyes sharp and alert as they scanned the area where Nari disappeared. Meanwhile, Ghost remained vigilant and otherwise unperturbed by the ambience.
After Nari's signal, the group cautiously approached, with Kael and Txoum still armed. Kiri shot Ghost a disapproving look, frustrated by its unpredictability. This latest action could jeopardize their mission to find their clan.
Following Nari's lead, the group moved forward, their senses sharp and their guard still up, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they neared, Nari stood by an RDA-logo-bearing turret, its center twisted by Ghost's shot. Concealed under camouflage netting, it posed a deadly threat, easily missed in the dark. Kael eyed it with a blend of awe and disgust. "{Could've walked straight into it,}" he muttered to himself.
Sylra stayed close to her father, her grip tightening on her own bow. "{What is that?}"
Ghost moved behind the group, scanning the terrain with their sniper rifle ready. Secretly relieved that there was an actual threat, Kiri examined the unfamiliar turret, its concealed gun suggesting a lethal trap meant to kill instead of ensnare, now disabled. As she rose to her feet, she explained to Sylra, "{It's a sky people trap that shoots at you,}" using her hands to imitate a gun firing.
"{Oh,}" Sylra nodded with a frown, understanding the severity of this trap. "{I have not seen a trap like this before.}"
Txoum scoffed under his breath. "{Cowards,}" he muttered in Na'vi. Still, Kiri suspected that he was also glad that Ghost's actions protected the group.
Kael glanced around warily, her bow still ready. "{There might be more of these around,}" she warned.
"{I'll check the area,}" Txoum said, and before Nari could protest, he disappeared into the underbrush.
With a sigh, Nari turned her attention to Kiri. "{Kiri,}" she said. "{I'm thankful your metal friend destroyed the trap, but it should warn us instead of making loud noises.}"
Kiri nodded in understanding and looked towards Ghost. "Next time, can you, uh," she said nervously, swallowing, "warn us instead of just shooting your gun?"
Just like before, Ghost stared back at Kiri without a word, but given that it took cover after her last warning, she assumed it was listening. There was another question that came to her mind. "Are we in any trouble for destroying this thing?"
Ghost's response was swift and precise. Ghost responded, "No, I did not detect an alert message being broadcast." They said, "However, the RDA would have noted its deactivation."
The Na'vi group watched as Ghost and Kiri exchanged their alien language.
Kiri frowned, absorbing this information. "How will they respond?"
Ghost paused for a moment before answering. "I calculate a high probability that the RDA will send scouts to investigate the disturbance," it explained. "They may also set up additional patrols to secure their perimeter if they deem the deactivation suspicious."
Kiri's brow furrowed. "How long do we have if they do?" she asked.
Ghost took a moment to calculate before responding. "Based on previous RDA response times in similar situations and the distance to the camp, I estimate they will deploy a sector sweep within the next twenty-six minutes," it replied matter-of-fact.
Kiri sighed and nodded. "I'll inform the others," she said.
Having concluded the conversation, Kiri turned to address the group, only to notice Txoum's absence. "{We've got a problem,}" she began, pointing at the destroyed turret. "{Ghost says the sky people will come to investigate.}"
The group nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "{Alright, we'll-}" Kael began, but was interrupted by Txoum, who had returned after finding no more turrets.
Txoum gestured towards the treetops. "{We can set up an ambush–}" he began.
"{We're not here to fight the sky people,}" Kael interjected firmly, his authority unmistakable.
"{Erona made it clear,}" Nari added, emphasizing their task. "{We're here to scout out the sky people's camp and find our missing clan members.}"
Kiri observed the exchange between the three, remaining silent. She could clearly sense the mounting pressure within Txoum, and the closure was not alleviating the situation.
Txoum glanced between the adults, muttering under his breath. He seemed eager to voice his thoughts further, but a glance from Kiri stopped him. Dropping the argument, Txoum nodded towards Kael.
Sylra watched the exchange, her gaze shifting between the members of the group, but remained silent. Kiri assumed she would not speak out against her parents.
Ghost remained vigilant and oblivious to the tension, constantly scanning the area for additional threats.
Kael spoke once more. "{We'll adjust our route,}" he declared confidently before looking at Nari. "{Through the ancient paths.}"
With a nod, Nari signaled for the group to follow her through the dense foliage to the right. Suddenly, a winding trail unveiled itself, winding its way into the depths of the Verdant Shade with occasional twists and turns. The trees lining the path displayed weathered markings and symbols, remnants of a bygone era when the Na'vi freely roamed these lands. Kiri marveled at the hidden legacy of something so deeply entrenched in the landscape.
The nocturnal wildlife stirred around them. Strange calls echoed through the trees, and an occasional glimpse of glowing eyes watched them from the undergrowth.
Kiri walked alongside Sylra, her curiosity piqued by the ancient symbols adorning the trees. "{What do these markings mean?}" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Txoum eyed the markings as well.
"{These are symbols of our ancestors,}" Sylra explained, her voice tinged with respect for her elders. "{Each one carries a different meaning—a reminder of our heritage and the wisdom passed down through generations.}"
Kiri nodded, absorbing Sylra's words as they continued their journey through the jungle. The path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of Pandora's wilderness.
Suddenly, Ghost halted again in their tracks, their sensors' whirring as they fixated on a distant point ahead of the group.
"{Hold,}" Sylra called out to her parents, who turned to face her. "{Ghost see's something.}"
Kiri moved next to Ghost. "What is it?" she whispered.
Ghost's red optics remained fixed on a distant point amidst the dense foliage. "Infrared sensor detected," the machine reported in its monotone voice.
Kiri's brows furrowed as she processed the information. She knew vaguely what they were, but not exactly the dangers they presented, and she couldn't see them. "So, what does that mean? Can we turn it off... or...?"
"Not recommended," Ghost replied with calculated precision, its mechanical voice devoid of emotion. "Triggering the sensor or deactivating two base defenses in rapid succession will trigger an alert status increase at the base."
Kiri's mind raced as she considered their options. Disabling the sensor risked alerting the enemy and jeopardizing their mission, but they couldn't continue down the path. It was clear they had to take another step.
"Let me talk with the others and see what we can do," Kiri concluded.
Dr. Thorsen sat behind her computer with its many holographic screens, casting a weary glow over her features. With the newly installed security cameras looming from the room's corners, she felt more like a captive than a scientist. Despite recent developments, she decided to remain dedicated to her task, refusing to buckle under the pressure of the questionable ethics of the corporation. Incompetence, politics, and greed would not outdo her race's survival.
Outside the window, the sprawling city under construction loomed larger with each passing day. The skeletal structures rose from the landscape, a testament to Dr. Thorsen's tireless efforts and the ceaseless work of her construction drones. These towering edifices of steel and concrete would soon house the countless migrants arriving from Earth, drawn by the promise of a new beginning on Pandora.
Despite her exhaustion, Dr. Thorsen remained focused on her task. For hours, she had been tirelessly attempting to locate Ghost 001. She had tried every method at her disposal, from scanning satellite feeds to running complex algorithms to guess its movements, using infrared satellites to try and locate it, and checking dozens of RDA reports, but to no avail. After its last encounter, Ghost 001 had just disappeared from the radar.
Just as Dr. Thorsen was about to concede defeat for the night, a sudden ping from her computer seized her attention. Her heart quickened as she read the ID: "Ghost 001" connected to the RDA communication network. With trembling hands, she initiated a trace on its signal before it could disappear, her mind racing with possibilities.
As the program triangulated the drone's location near Camp Charlie 03, Dr. Thorsen became confused. "Why there?" she muttered to herself, her brow furrowing in perplexity. Despite her bewilderment, she continued to extract as much data as she could from Ghost 001, knowing that time was of the essence.
However, just as she was on the verge of a breakthrough, the connection abruptly severed, leaving Dr. Thorsen cursing in frustration. She pounded her fist on the table, frustration boiling beneath the surface as she grappled with the setback. "Damn!" she cursed, hitting the table.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to review what she could gather. She discovered that the drone had sustained significant combat damage but somehow remained operational with mismatched parts from the available maintenance data. The level of self-maintenance it had performed was far beyond her own designs, suggesting external assistance in its repairs. But who could have aided the drone in its repairs? The Na'vi, with their limited understanding of human technology, seemed like an unlikely ally.
Contemplating her next move, Dr. Thorsen weighed the risks of reporting Ghost 001's presence to the camp. Despite her desire to capture the drone intact for study, she was aware that if it came into contact with the camp's forces, Ghost 001 would undoubtedly face destruction. The camp was also due to receive a troop transfer from one of the reports she read recently, personally sent by the general to hunt down Ghost 001.
After much internal debate, Dr. Thorsen reluctantly reached the decision to report Ghost 001's position, recognizing that this might be her only opportunity to locate it. With a sense of resignation, she picked up the phone next to her station and dialed for General Ardmore's command center, bracing herself for the consequences of her actions.
After a brief discussion, the Na'vi group decided to circumvent the infrared trap, cautiously navigating through the dense underbrush to avoid detection. With Ghost leading the way, they took a circuitous route, winding through the jungle as the machine skillfully found blind spots in the camp's outer perimeter sensors.
As they neared Camp Charlie 3, the air grew heavy with tension, anticipation mingling with the sounds of distant machinery and the harsh glare of searchlights slicing through the darkness. The RDA had stripped the once lush jungle surrounding the camp bare, leaving a desolate landscape in its wake.
"{Look at what they've done.}" Kael muttered, his voice heavy with sorrow, as they surveyed the devastation left behind by the bulldozers.
The once vibrant forest lay in ruins, trees felled and uprooted, their branches strewn across the forest floor like fallen soldiers, a grim testament to the relentless expansion of the human presence on Pandora.
"{This is what the sky people do everywhere they go,}" Txoum snarled.
Kiri, Sylra, and Nari exchanged pained glances as they surveyed the destruction. Sylra's eyes widened in horror, her hand covering her mouth in shock. "{It's worse than I imagined,}" she whispered.
Nari clenched her fists. "{We must not let them continue this destruction. We must report this back to Erona}"
Kiri remained silent, taking in the display of cruelty. Without the warm glow of life against the night, the void was like a blackened shadow that reached as far as the edge of destruction.
Ghost, leading the group with its advanced sensors, suddenly halted in its tracks, its mechanical form rigid with alertness. The group expected another trap or ambush and immediately hid, but Ghost remained visible, which caught Kiri off guard.
"What is it, Ghost?" Kiri asked, her mind racing with possibilities.
Ghost's red optics glowed with intensity as it processed the incoming data. "Intruder detected attempting to access my system," it replied, "unknown origin."
"What do you mean?" Kiri asked, her confusion evident.
"I attempted to connect to the RDA's communication network at Camp Charlie 03 to gather data," Ghost explained. "Upon access, an unauthorized breach occurred before I could retrieve any data, but I terminated the connection, though some data was collected from my database."
"Who could have done this?" Kiri asked, her mind racing with possibilities.
"Unknown," Ghost replied. "The source was encrypted."
Kael interjected, his voice tense. "{Are you two done with your discussion?}"
Kiri gestured for the group to hold on. "So what does this all mean?"
"We should proceed cautiously," Ghost replied, "I calculate an 18.35% chance that my location has been compromised."
Kiri sighed, feeling like everything was going wrong. She then looked towards the group of Na'vi. This was definitely going to be hard to translate, so she cleared her throat. "{Ghost says that, uh…,}" she paused. "{That the sky people read their mind, and there's a chance they might know where we are.}"
The others in the group immediately exchanged puzzled looks. "{Is the metal thing psychic now?}" Kael asked half-sarcastically.
"{It surely does not have a connection to Eywa,}" Nari spoke deadpan, taking a bit of offense.
Kiri raised her hands. "{I wish I had a word for it in Eywa's tongue,}" she said, "but I think we should go back."
Kael hissed at that thought. "{We are almost here,}" he insisted, gesturing to the camp in the distance. "{We aren't retreating because this metal thing imagines things in its head.}"
"{You should know that the sky peoples can talk across the lands,}" Txoum added half-sarcastically. "{Amongst many things.}"
Kiri sighed a little, as she felt like somebody had her back. Sylra, however, rolled her eyes at Txoum.
"{Yes, we know that.}" Kael retorted, "{This isn't about us, though. It's about the others who might be missing.}"
Kiri wanted to add more but couldn't form the words, as Kael was right.
"{We can't turn back now,}" Kael insisted, his voice firm with resolve. "{We've come too far to let fear dictate our actions.}"
Sylra shifted nervously, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her bow. "{But what if we're walking into a trap?}" she whispered, her voice laced with apprehension.
Txoum, on the other hand, seemed to relish the prospect of confrontation, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "{Then let them try and fail,}" he declared.
Exasperated at Txoum's eagerness for confrontation, Kiri was about to snap at him before Sylra cut her off.
"{Look!}" Sylra gasped, pointing towards the sky, where a trio of helicopters appeared on the horizon. Their searchlights cut through the darkness like beacons of impending danger.
Ghost was already looking towards the helicopters before the others turned their heads.
"{Kxetse}," Nari hissed, meaning flying machine, her voice filled with contempt.
The group quickly took cover, pressing themselves against the thick trunks of what little surrounding trees remained as the helicopters drew nearer to the camp.
Kiri's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the helicopters in the distance, a sense of foreboding settling over her like a dark cloud.
