Chapter 11: The Verdant Shade
Author note: I use { } to separate Na'vi and English when it's appropriate for the scene.
Under the cloak of darkness, Kiri and Txoum moved stealthily through the dense jungle, their steps light and cautious. Ghost trailed behind, instructed to move slower as its footsteps were barely masked by the nocturnal sounds. The soft bioluminescent plants lit their way, leading them towards distant voices and vehicle engine sounds. Eventually they approached the edge of a small clearing, brightly illuminated by the glare of vehicle headlights.
Peering through the dense foliage, Kiri and Txoum surveyed the scene before them. The bright headlights cast an unwelcome spotlight on the clearing, revealing a tense atmosphere. Voices carried through the night air, mingling with the low rumble of engines, indicating the presence of an organized group.
A swift head count revealed the presence of at well over a dozen heavily armed RDA soldiers, two of whom were equipped with Skel-suits. Positioned nearby were two buggies, bristling with formidable gun turrets, with their headlights illuminating the area. The majority of the soldiers had spread out strategically, ensuring their flanks were covered.
"{No!}" a female voice suddenly cried out.
Surprised by the voice, Kiri and Txoum swiftly looked around, trying to locate its source. Their eyes locked onto a disturbing scene: three trapped Na'vi individuals suspended from a tree in a stun net. The bright light from a spotlight attached to one of the buggies illuminated the harrowing display. Below them stood a group of soldiers, clearly visible in the clearing.
The Skel-suit soldiers positioned themselves beneath the net, while the armed guards in the turrets remained watchful, scanning their surroundings. The Na'vi's desperate cries reverberated through the darkness, their pleas falling on deaf ears.
"{Please! Let our child go and take us instead!}" pleaded the same voice from before.
Kiri felt a heavy weight in her heart as she saw the captives, their faces filled with pain. There were two adults, likely the parents, and their teenage daughter, slightly older than Kiri. The net emitted electric shocks when it was disturbed, causing the parents to quickly protect their daughter, shielding her from the painful jolts. They looked exhausted and could have been there for hours.
The distressing sight had a profound impact on Txoum, evident by the grimace on his face as he watched the father endure the electric jolts. Tightening his grip on the bow, he meticulously counted his remaining arrows while sizing up the adversaries before him. Kiri noticed the quiet rage etched on his face, his eyes calculating an attack plan, and it filled her with concern.
In stark contrast, Ghost observed the scene with an air of detachment. Their mechanical eyes reflected an eerie focus on the soldiers rather than the captives.
Kiri caught sight of Ghost's glowing red optics from the corner of her eye, still standing with no sense of taking cover. She tore her gaze away from the distressing scene and quickly grabbed Ghost's metal arm. "Ghost, your eyes! Turn them off before they see us!" Her hushed words were laced with urgency.
Ghost turned off its red glow, blending into the darkness. Despite this, its vision remained unaffected, allowing it to continue observing its surroundings. After a few tense seconds, it became evident that the trio had gone unnoticed. Kiri silently let out a sigh of relief.
"Look at them, like insects caught in a web. Pathetic," boasted one soldier, a smug grin spreading across his face.
"Yeah, these savages won't be causing any trouble anymore," added another.
Kiri seethed with rage, understanding the soldiers' English. However, she noticed their tense demeanor and their eyes anxiously surveying the environment for signs of danger. It became apparent that, beneath their mockery, they harbored a fear of the unpredictable and mysterious aspects of the jungle.
Suddenly, an officer emerged from one of the nearby buggies after a short radio call. Striding towards the soldiers, her expression revealed a mix of urgency and authority. "No helicopter available. We'll transport them back to Rustbucket using the vehicles," she announced, firm and decisive.
The soldiers lowered the net to the ground, ready to transport the captives. With their spirits crushed by relentless shocks, their bodies slumped in resignation. The teenage Na'vi girl held onto her defiance, refusing to give the humans satisfaction. Kiri and Txoum expected to see the adults exhausted beyond recognition, but were surprised by the fiery anger reflected in their eyes.
As the mesh net was deactivated, the soldiers cautiously approached the exhausted captives, whispering warnings and giving orders. Kiri felt grim satisfaction knowing that the humans recognized the Na'vi's formidable skills despite their physical condition. Amidst the commotion, one soldier's words, "Stay alert," reached her ears.
Guns were immediately aimed at the captives, with particular focus on the teenager. The parents, drained of energy, struggled to sit up, while the soldiers in Skel Suits swiftly restrained them with metallic restraints and disarmed them. The teenager hissed in defiance, but her mother's whispered warning reminded her to exercise restraint.
Kiri turned to face her companions, her gaze a mix of determination and concern. "{We have to do something,}" she whispered. "{We can't just stand there and let them take them away.}"
Txoum, his muscular arms tense as he held his bow, nodded in silent agreement. "{I understand, Kiri. But we must be smart about this,}" he replied, his yellow eyes remaining fixed on the area ahead. "{A head-on attack will get us killed. We need to strategize and find their weaknesses.}"
Kiri then shifted her focus to Ghost. She studied the machine's stance, its eerie silence, and its mechanical presence.
"Ghost," Kiri began, her voice steady and her gaze piercing. "We need to free the prisoners."
Ghost's mechanical head tilted slightly to the side, considering Kiri's words, and she was surprised to hear it speak softly. "Freeing the prisoners does not serve our primary mission of navigating to the Hallelujah Mountains," they replied. "Engaging the hostile force carries an 87.9% chance of mission failure. My recommendation is to disengage."
Anger flashed across Kiri's face, but then she remembered their previous conversation about the machine's lack of empathy. She took a deep breath, trying to think about something else. "What about parts?" she stated. "Couldn't you salvage stuff from after the battle?"
While she spoke, Kiri could see in the corner of her eye that Txoum was listening in, and it made her more nervous. Glancing back at the situation through the dense foliage, the soldiers busied themselves with loading their equipment. Tension hung thick in the air.
"The calculated risk outweighs the opportunities. Why change the mission objective?" Ghost asked.
Kiri parted her lips. "If we leave them, it will be wrong," she said, knowing that Ghost wouldn't understand that, but she had to say it. "I know you know the difference between right and wrong because you made a choice to defect against the RDA. This is a similar choice here."
Ghost looked towards the prisoners again, a sign of their continued analysis. Despite the background noise, Kiri could hear mechanical whirring and servos humming softly within its frame, and after a brief pause, the machine finally responded. "Very well. I will assist. But I reiterate, the probability of success is significantly low."
Despite Ghost's grim calculations, Kiri felt a flicker of hope. She turned to Txoum, translating Ghost's words into their native language. Txoum nodded in understanding, his gaze firm. He respected Kiri's conviction and was quietly impressed that she managed to convince the sky people's monster to help them. He was determined to help the captured Na'vi, even if they needed the demon suit's help.
They huddled together, their minds racing as they brainstormed a plan of action.
Kiri scanned the surroundings, her keen eyes darting across the dense foliage before finally settling on a large, ancient tree nearby. A plan began to form in her mind, and she was the first to speak.
"{I can make a connection with that tree,}" Kiri said, pointing to the massive tree she had spotted. "{With her help, I can manipulate the tree branches and roots to obstruct their path.}" In her rising excitement, she realized that she had told Txoum a little about her abilities, but he never witnessed it. Still, she was eager to set their plan into motion and waited for his input.
"{Can you truly do that?}" Txoum asked, glancing between Kiri and the large tree she pointed out. His disbelief was reflected in his widened eyes, a stark contrast to the usual hardened warrior facade he wore. Kiri simply nodded in response, and he felt that she meant what she said.
As the two discussed, Ghost stood by silently, observing their conversation. Although the machine couldn't fully translate what they were saying, it was adept at studying body language and interpreting intent.
"{Then I shall take to the branches above,}" Txoum responded with equal vigor, drawing an imaginary path upward with his eyes. He envisioned himself perched atop the tree, the perfect vantage point for his attack. "{From there, I can strike at the Sky People.}"
At his words, Kiri's eyes brightened with an idea. "{Aim for the...}" she paused, fumbling for the right word in Na'vi to describe the foreign objects. With a quick flick of her wrist, she sketched the circular shapes in the air. "{...the round things at the bottom of their rolling beasts. Those.}"
Understanding dawned on Txoum's face as he caught her meaning. He nodded, already visualizing his precise, agile movements, the arrows sailing true to their targets, and the following chaos that would provide the much-needed distraction.
Finally, Kiri turned to Ghost, relaying their plan in English. "I will stop the vehicles. Txoum will launch an attack from above, targeting the tires, and you'll attack them in the confusion. Can you do that?"
Having been silent until this point, Ghost tilted its head, breaking the silence with the faint hum of its internal mechanisms. "Yes, Kiri," it responded. Its synthetic voice was devoid of any emotional inflection, but Kiri's eyes widened at the mention of her name. "I can disrupt their communication by emitting a high-frequency sound through their radio devices, causing further disarray."
Meanwhile, the RDA soldiers had nearly finished loading the prisoners onto the vehicles. The trio can hear the harsh clanking of the metal restraints and the sound of laughter and human conversations in the background. Perhaps the cruel casualness of the situation could buy them some time.
Kiri's tense features were awash with relief at Ghost's response. They now had a solid plan, albeit a dangerous one. She turned to Txoum, translating Ghost's input into Na'vi. He was clearly surprised by Ghost's abilities as his eyes widened. He still hated the damnable thing, but he could not deny its usefulness. He nodded in agreement with the plan and reached for his bow.
Kiri moved towards the massive tree, just out of sight of the soldiers. Txoum climbed high into the foliage to position himself, and Ghost, standing with an eerie stillness, began to prepare its disruption program. Under the soft glow of the bioluminescent flora, they braced themselves.
Within minutes, the RDA soldiers had secured the prisoners. The vehicles roared to life, the harsh, grating sound starkly contrasting the natural symphony of the jungle. Laughter and casual conversation filled the air as the soldiers settled in, completely oblivious to the impending disruption.
Kiri reached the massive tree, her hand outstretched and her queue unfurling its tendrils to latch onto the bark. "{Please, Tree Mother, we need your help}," she whispered after connecting to the tree, feeling her energy merge with a river of ancient wisdom. Meanwhile, Txoum watched from his perch, stunned by the awe-inspiring sight unfolding before him.
The mighty tree began to stir. Massive roots shifted from the ground, and branches moved at an unnatural speed, forming an insurmountable barrier across the path of the departing vehicles. The vehicles jerked to a sudden halt, and the soldiers inside were thrown off by the unexpected obstruction.
Simultaneously, Ghost initiated its disruption program. A shrill, high-pitched noise erupted from the radios of the RDA soldiers, causing confusion and panic among their ranks.
Taking advantage of the opportunity in his elevated position, Txoum skillfully released his arrows. Two arrows found their mark, piercing the tires of the two vehicles. The satisfying hiss of air escaping from the deflating tires left a satisfied grin on his face.
"Ambush!" one soldier yelled over the shrill noise piercing their ears.
Startled and disoriented, the soldiers swiftly exited their vehicles, clutching their weapons and frantically attempting to adjust their radios in an effort to silence the relentless noise.
A single gunshot pierced the air. "Radios down! Secure the perimeter!" barked the female lieutenant with a pistol in her hand.
The soldiers wasted no time, swiftly encircling the vehicles and aiming their weapons in all directions. Kiri, observing from her hidden spot, frowned at the efficient reorganization of the RDA soldiers under the lieutenant's command. It would be a lot harder for her to sneak up on the vehicles now.
"We've got a monkey up there," the lieutenant pointed out, gesturing towards the arrows lodged in the tires. "Watch the branches and stay on your toes, boys!"
Meanwhile, the Na'vi captives were completely confused. "{What's happening?}" the mother asked, struggling to focus from their hold.
As the radios were all turned off, a deadly silence settled. Soldiers shared unsettled glances and whispered conversations, looking up in the trees and around themselves.
While this was happening, Ghost maneuvered into an ideal flanking spot under the concealment of foliage. Their red optics lit up as they emerged from the thick underbrush and prepared to fire. The soldiers caught sight of the eerie glow and became apprehensive, like they were facing a monster that had just emerged from the jungle.
"What the hell is that thing?!" one of them shouted.
Ghost unleashed a torrent of firepower, each shot echoing through the dense jungle with thunderous reverberations. The devastating assault zeroed in on one of the Skel Suits, incapacitating the soldier inside and igniting a frenzy of panic among their comrades.
The officer's voice cut through the air, roaring, "Open fire!"
Bullets flew as the soldiers retaliated, but Ghost's armored exterior deflected their initial barrage without suffering any damage. Undeterred by their resistance, Ghost fired another barrage, skillfully picking off several exposed troops near the buggy that held the prisoners. While this was going on, the officer realized that Ghost had failed to take cover or take a new position.
High above, Txoum remained concealed within the foliage, nocked another arrow, and aimed. The second soldier in a Skel Suit, who was firing on Ghost, met their demise at his hands. Learning from his previous mistake at the attack on the cave, he hid just as the nearby soldiers fired a barrage of bullets at his position.
"Focus fire on that drone! Take it down!" The officer commanded the turret gunners, who were just getting into the action. Their heavier caliber weapons struck Ghost, causing the drone to stagger back, yet its formidable armor shielded it from significant harm. Still, the soldiers grew confident, believing they held the advantage, and kept firing.
Meanwhile, Kiri slinked through the dense foliage, ignoring her exhaustion from bonding with the tree earlier. Like a shadow, she maneuvered around the chaos, her determination guiding her every move as she tried to get closer to the vehicles without being seen.
The prisoners inside the buggy had to take cover, hunching down as bullets soared over their heads and tore through the vehicle's fragile armor. The chaotic atmosphere was intensified by the close proximity of the turret gunner's relentless shots echoing in their ears.
The soldiers and gun turrets continued their relentless attack, overwhelming Ghost's ability to effectively counterattack, but they refused to go down. Amidst the chaos, one soldier armed with a rocket launcher aimed and fired at Ghost.
However, luck intervened as the rocket missed its mark, striking instead a tree behind them. The resulting explosion shook the surroundings, causing a branch to crash down and pin Ghost beneath its weight.
The female officer was so preoccupied with the rogue drone being pinned down that she barely dodged an arrow meant for her chest. Seeing that the drone wasn't getting up anytime soon, she quickly changed her strategy. "Turret gunners, concentrate fire on that tree!" she barked and gestured towards it.
Txoum reacted swiftly as the turret gunners swiveled to aim at him, finding refuge behind cover just as a volley of bullets tore through the tree bark, sending razor-sharp splinters of metal and wood hurtling towards him. Successfully evading the onslaught, he leaped down to a lower branch, yet the scorching streaks of tracers continued to trail him through the air. He now found himself embroiled in a perilous game of hide-and-seek.
Crouched behind the front of the buggy containing the prisoners, Kiri witnessed the scene in horror. The tide of the battle turned on its head so quickly that her cautious hope of freeing the prisoners unseen sank like lead in water. She was mere feet away from the soldiers firing at Txoum and Ghost, and she was in no position to do anything without being spotted. In the buggy, she could hear the younger prisoner crying while her parents offered words of comfort, and her heart sank.
Divided between the threats, the soldiers persisted in shooting at Ghost, who remained trapped beneath the branch. They could hear the audible struggle of its machinery trying to break loose.
With Txoum under intense suppression, the female officer's voice snapped at the soldier with the rocket launcher, who, along with another soldier, worked on reloading the weapon. "Eliminate that drone," she commanded sharply.
Amidst the gunfire, Kiri heard the officer's command and noticed a fallen soldier close by with grenades labeled "SMOKE" on their vest. Acting swiftly, she seized two grenades and, just as the soldier prepared to fire the rocket launcher, she removed the pins and hurled them overhead toward the soldiers.
"Grenade!" one of the soldiers shouted, and they all rushed for cover, including the soldier with the rocket launcher. Instead of an explosion, a dense cloud of smoke erupted, enveloping the air, and the gunfire ceased momentarily.
As the thick smoke rapidly obscured their vision, the officer faced a challenging decision. She had to choose between withdrawing to a superior position, staying protected behind the vehicles, or retreating altogether. With both vehicles having deflated tires, she quickly made her decision. "Move to the treeline!" she commanded, pointing in the direction away from Txoum and Ghost. The remaining soldiers except for the turret gunners promptly rose from their cover and, utilizing the smoke as a shield, began relocating to positions that offered a better view of the area.
A turret gunner nearby witnessed the grenades sailing overhead and swiftly rotated their weapon to target Kiri. However, the gun couldn't be lowered sufficiently, prompting them to reach for their sidearm. Before Kiri could even react, an arrow pierced through the gunner's chest, causing them to collapse. She couldn't see her savior due to the smoke, but she was surely thankful. As the smoke enveloped the vehicle, the prisoners' hearts skipped a beat when they noticed the arrow lodged in the soldier's chest. A surge of relief washed over them, knowing that one of their own had come to their aid.
From above, Txoum continued to look out for Kiri, but with only two arrows remaining, his options for engaging the soldiers were limited. The soldiers were establishing fresh firing positions and had repurposed the machine gun from the other buggy's turret as additional firepower. They were organized in a line with all of their guns aimed out into the clearing.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Kiri finally faced the prisoners. She pulled out her knife and started slicing through the strap that held the cuffs to the vehicle. More gunshots struck around her, with metal sparks flying everywhere. Reacting swiftly, she sought shelter outside the vehicle while the male Na'vi prisoner shielded the others, using his body to protect them.
"They're trying to free the prisoners!" shouted a soldier.
Ghost, lacking the necessary strength in its single arm to dislodge the branch, cleverly adjusted the angle of its gun. Point-blank, it unleashed a series of powerful shots directly at the branch, causing it to splinter and break apart into pieces.
Upon hearing the gunshots, the soldiers abruptly ceased firing at the buggy and redirected their aim towards the drone. Ghost, rising up like a towering beast, fixed its menacing red eyes on the new location of the soldiers. The soldiers were already ready, and the one armed with a rocket launcher took aim at Ghost. However, just as they were about to pull the trigger, an arrow sliced through the air, finding its mark and piercing the soldier's side.
Though harboring a deep resentment towards Ghost, Txoum couldn't help but begrudgingly assist, recognizing its importance in the battle. However, he was now on his last arrow, and had to make it count.
The wounded soldier let out a cry of pain, collapsing to the ground, their rocket launcher falling from their grasp out in the open. Another soldier went for it after being ordered too, but Ghost had already tracked them and unleashed a well-aimed barrage of firepower towards them, killing them immediately.
The lieutenant grimaced at the sudden turn of events. Realizing their hopeless predicament, she quickly gave the command, knowing they were outmatched without the rocket launcher or reinforcements. "Retreat, retreat!" After that command, the soldiers began to hastily withdraw.
A few soldiers remained behind, engaging in a firefight with Ghost to provide cover for the retreat. The clinking sound of bullets hitting Ghost's armor reverberated through the air. The drone advanced, returning fire, and fatally struck the soldier operating the machine gun with a precise shot to the eye. Seeing this, the last two soldiers behind retreated under gunfire.
Txoum considered releasing his final arrow at the retreating lieutenant but chose to save it, silently branding them as cowards in his mind. He watched the humans scurry away like scared animals into the jungle until he could no longer see them.
The battle ended almost as swiftly as it had started. The cessation of gunfire left behind an eerie silence, only punctuated by the rhythmic footsteps of Ghost, accompanied by faint clinking and groaning sounds as the machine limped along.
Outside the buggy, Kiri clutched her ear, watching as Ghost steadily moved forward. Inside the vehicle, the prisoners had successfully freed themselves and cautiously emerged from the back. Spotting Ghost, the two adults instinctively positioned themselves in front of their daughter, shielding her from harm, and grabbed anything they could use as a makeshift melee weapon.
Seeing this, Kiri stood up. "{They aren't here to harm you,}" she said to the prisoners, gesturing to Ghost. "{They are allied with us.}"
The prisoners were wide-eyed at Kiri's sudden appearance. They exchanged unsure looks, but they couldn't deny that Kiri was there to rescue them.
The mother, who seemed to be around the same age as Neytiri, asked Kiri directly, "{Who are you? Which clan do you come from?}" she asked before looking at Ghost and holding up a makeshift weapon. "{Why is that thing with you?}"
Their daughter seemed particularly frightened by Ghost, and as the metallic beast moved forward, smoke emerged from the openings in its gun arm. The smell of heavy gunpowder lingered in the air.
With an alert and focused gaze, the father surveyed the area, his attention fixated on finding the whereabouts of the humans. "{Where did those sky people cowards go?}" he demanded, his words laced with an assertive tone.
It was clear to Kiri that the family belonged to a different tribe, evident from their distinct melodic accents and vibrant woven garments adorned with leaf patterns and gemstones. Kiri and Txoum were dressed down in comparison, and their accents were less formal and more direct.
Kiri took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension inside, before she looked directly at the mother. "{I am Kiri, and I come from the Omaticaya clan,}" She glanced at Ghost, understanding the unease the family felt towards the mechanical being. "{The sky people ran away because of Ghost. I assure you that they won't attack you.}"
The father scoffed at that notion and glared menacingly at Ghost.
The daughter's voice trembled as she pleaded towards Kiri, "{Please, do you have any water? I'm so thirsty.}"
Ghost pushed forward, moving towards the abandoned positions in the treeline. They quickly realized the soldiers had retreated and were well beyond firing range in the distance. With the primary threat neutralized, they turned their focus to the prisoners and Kiri, assessing the new situation. "Sector secure," they said aloud.
From his perch, Txoum scanned the surroundings one final time, ensuring no lurking humans remained. Satisfied that the immediate danger had subsided, he descended from the barely-standing tree to join the group.
Kiri nodded towards Ghost as she passed her waterskin to the teenager, who gratefully accepted it. As the parents worked out a way to free themselves from their shackles, the teenager gulped the water down in one go. It seems that their ordeal with the RDA was much longer than Kiri suspected. "{Thank you,}" the teenager whispered sincerely before giving the waterskin back.
The parents approached their daughter. "{Sylra, your hands,}" the father demanded. With one swift move, he broke the bonds between her hands. Now freed, the three prisoners then observed the scene, their eyes brimming with a mixture of anger and relief.
Ghost moved towards the buggy now; its limp was more noticeable to Kiri. Battle scars marred its armor, bearing witness to the fierce onslaught it had endured. In close proximity, a dying soldier emitted agonized groans, prompting the machine to stop and train its arm cannon in their direction.
Seeing this, Kiri swiftly placed herself between the dying soldier and Ghost. "No, Ghost," she said, her gaze fixed on the machine. "We do not take the lives of defeated prisoners."
Ghost hesitated momentarily, its internal processors engaged in a battle of conflicting commands. Eventually, the machine yielded, adjusting its aim away from the dying soldier.
The Na'vi prisoners stared in confusion and disbelief as Kiri spoke fluently in the same language as the sky people.
Kiri let out a deep sigh, and she and Ghost then resumed moving forward. "Are you hurt?"
"Combat effectiveness has fallen below acceptable parameters," Ghost replied with a distortion in its voice.
As Kiri and Ghost cautiously approached the prisoners, the headlights of the buggy flickered ominously, casting an eerie glow on the scene. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the parents, their hands gripping makeshift weapons tightly, eyed Ghost with a mixture of mistrust and lingering animosity.
Ghost, recognizing the new threats, prepared to defend itself.
Sensing the escalating tension, Kiri took a step forward. "{Please, we already talked about this!}" she implored, her gaze shifting between the parents and Ghost. Despite this, the tension in the atmosphere towards the drone was palpable. It was like being able to taste the hatred in the air.
In the midst of the brewing storm, Sylra, their daughter, stepped forward. Her eyes held a mixture of curiosity and compassion as she met Kiri's gaze. "{Wait,}" she implored. "{They helped free us. Let us not pass judgment too hastily.}"
The parents exchanged wary glances. With a reluctant nod, they lowered their weapons, their expressions softening. Ghost, in turn, lowered its weapon, and Kiri sighed in relief.
Completing his descent from the tree, Txoum approached the group, his eyes vigilant for any signs of danger. The parents, still on edge, turned towards him in a defensive manner. "{Relax, my friends. I'm with her,}" he said with his hands up, gesturing to Kiri.
The father hesitated, suspicion lingering in his gaze as he scrutinized Txoum for any hints of deception. However, upon noticing the genuine expression and the arrows embedded in the fallen soldiers, he slowly nodded in acknowledgment to Txoum. The mother seemed to be more concerned with Ghost than Txoum, and she kept Sylra behind her protectively.
The father's voice suddenly broke the silence, asking, "{What are you doing in our lands?}"
Txoum and Kiri exchanged a brief glance before Txoum briefly surveyed the battlefield. "{We can save questions for later,}" he replied. "{We need to leave before the sky people come back with greater numbers.}"
The father seemed annoyed at the response, and he fixed on the defeated soldiers, many of whom were still alive and bleeding out. "{And what about the rest?}" He spat with contempt and raised his weapon menacingly. "{They deserve no mercy. We should finish them off before we go.}"
Kiri stepped forward, her voice calm. "{We came for your freedom, not revenge.}"
Txoum looked at the defeated soldiers with indifference. He does not begrudge the male Na'vi's rage. Memories of his father's execution, while he was equally defenseless, simmered in his mind.
"{You don't know what they have done to our people, child.}" The father scowled back at Kiri, his grip on his weapon tightening.
"{Father, please,}" Sylra pleaded. "{Let us not become what we hate.}"
The mother moved towards her mate. "{Kael, there's anger in your heart, and it is clouding your judgment. These children hold wisdom.}"
Taking a deep breath, Kiri focused on regaining control of the situation, despite her anger at being called a child twice. "{Please listen to us. We must leave,}" she tried again.
"{You do not order me around,}" Kael, the father, scowled at Kiri, pointing a finger in her direction. "{You are no older than my child!}"
"{Kael, get a hold of yourself!}" the mother said, both exasperated and anxious about the machine approaching. "{You are the one acting like a child.}"
Txoum resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the unnecessary drama. "{You can stay here, and we'll leave without you,}" he declared, turning to leave and motioning for Kiri to follow. Kiri grunted in agreement and gestured for Ghost to come along.
"What is the situation?" Ghost inquired, their voice glitching again.
"We are leaving," Kiri replied, her voice filled with frustration.
"It is advisable to acquire provisions before we leave," Ghost suggested, their eyes scanning the area where the defeated soldiers had left behind an abundance of resources.
Kael exhaled an unsteady sigh, seeing that the mysterious trio turned around to leave. "{Fine Nari, we'll go together,}" he said finally. "{We'll show them how to leave our land once it is safe.}"
"{No, we will take them back to the Eyrak Alar,}" Nari, the mother, interjected firmly. "{It is night, and they deserve a meal and a rest for saving us.}" Her decision was final, and she gestured for everyone to follow her.
"{Wait, Ghost wants me to grab a few things,}" Kiri stated. "{We'll catch up.}"
Txoum looked at Kiri. He wasn't informed of her plan but didn't protest.
"{We are not bringing that thing with us.}" Nari snarled suddenly as she stared at Ghost. Kael nodded in agreement.
"{They just saved your lives. Is this how you thank them?}" Kiri swiftly replied, losing her patience. "{I'm not leaving them here. Either we go together or not.}"
Sylra whispered to her parents. Despite being terrified of the machine, she couldn't help but understand Kiri. "{Maybe we should give the metal thing a chance.}"
Her parents hesitated. Nari sighed and motioned further out in the clearing, a safe distance away. "{Fine. We'll be there,}" she said to Kiri before departing with Kael and Sylra.
Kiri acknowledged Nari's words with a nod and turned her attention to Ghost, ready to retrieve the necessary items they wanted before joining the others.
As Kael, Nari, and Sylva hurried towards their rendezvous point, Kiri, Txoum, and Ghost stayed behind within the dense Pandoran jungle. Ghost, despite its injuries, pressed on with determination, scanning the area for salvageable items.
Working swiftly, Kiri and Txoum scoured the fallen soldiers for useful supplies. They gathered portable radios, medical supplies, a flashlight, and food rations, stowing them away in Kiri's bag.
Kiri avoided looking into the lifeless faces of the fallen, focusing solely on their task. The dying had bled out at this point. Meanwhile, Ghost retrieved a battery from one of the Skel Suits, which Kiri quickly replaced for them, and gathered additional ammunition to be restocked later.
With their essential supplies gathered, they rejoined the others, ready to resume their journey and leave the battlefield behind to be reclaimed by nature.
The twin moons' disappearance from view signaled the passage of time as the group continued deeper into the jungle. The journey had taken its toll on everyone, and their bodies ached from exhaustion and sleep deprivation.
Despite this, Kiri and Txoum found themselves captivated by the unique flora that surrounded them. Towering trees with vibrant, luminescent leaves stretched towards the canopy, their branches intertwining in a mesmerizing display. Exotic flowers of all shapes and sizes adorned the forest floor, their petals exuding a hypnotic fragrance that filled the air.
Walking behind the group, Ghost's footsteps were accompanied by an audible metallic clinking as they limped along. Kiri and Txoum acted as buffers between their new companions, who kept a sizable distance away from the drone.
Kael, Sylra, and Nari belonged to the Taravan clan, residing in the vast and unforgiving jungle known as the Tsumrala Eywa, which means "The Eternal Forest" in English. Kael excelled in tracking and hunting, while Nari served as a scout for the clan. Their daughter, Sylra, was undergoing training to become a skilled hunter alongside her father.
The events leading to their capture unfolded when Sylra's curiosity got the best of her. While exploring the jungle, her fascination with an intricately woven vine led her to trigger a hidden trap set by the RDA soldiers. They were ensnared within the stun net for what felt like an eternity until the arrival of the RDA soldiers under the cover of night.
In turn, Kiri and Txoum took turns recounting their perilous journey. They spoke of the fierce battle fought at their home, their narrow escape from danger, and their current objective of returning to their clan in the Hallelujah mountains. Their stories sparked a sense of camaraderie among the group as they recognized the shared experiences of survival and the determination to protect their clans and reclaim their land.
As Nari and Kael took the lead, navigating through the dense undergrowth with a practiced ease, Sylra found herself walking alongside Txoum and Kiri. Despite the exhaustion, she was intrigued by her saviors. She was especially interested in Kiri's five fingers, but since her parents had not brought it up, she decided to keep it to herself.
"{I'm sorry,}" Sylra said, her gaze fixed on the ground beneath her feet. "{It's because of me that we were caught in that trap. I should have been more careful.}"
Txoum looked at Sylra. "{Don't blame yourself, Sylra,}" he reassured her. "{My mother always said curiosity is a part of who we are. We learn from our mistakes and grow stronger.}"
Kiri chimed in. "{Txoum is right, Sylra. We all make mistakes,}" she said, "{The important thing is that we learn from them and continue moving forward.}"
Sylra nodded, a flicker of gratitude lighting up her eyes. "{Thank you both; I'm glad that you were there,}" she said, now looking towards Kael. "{I must apologize for my father's outburst earlier. Tonight's events did not bring out the best in him.}"
Kiri played with Jake's bracelet on her wrist and sighed. "{I know that feeling.}"
Txoum remained silent, his gaze looking towards the beauty of their surroundings.
Sylra covered a yawn and moved closer to Kiri and Txoum. "{I can't wait for you to meet our Olo'eyktan, Erona,}" she said with excitement. "{She's wise and knowledgeable. She'll be able to tell you everything that's been happening in our territory. We don't get much news from the outside.}"
Kiri nodded, her brows furrowed with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. "{I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet Erona and learn from her,}" she replied. "{But I don't wish to burden them this late at night. Plus we're only just passing through.}"
"{Don't worry, Kiri. Erona will welcome you both with open arms,}" Sylra reassured her. "{Especially after she hears about the bravery you both showed in freeing us.}"
Txoum and Kiri exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. They were proud of their actions in freeing the prisoners and the impact it had made on Sylra. After that exchange, Kiri cleared her throat as she had an important question to ask.
"{And how will she react to our…}" Kiri said, looking back at Ghost. The limping was starting to concern her, but the machine assured her that they could continue walking for some distance before needing repairs. "{Metal friend?}"
Txoum briefly glanced back at Ghost as well. Despite his previous animosity, he had gained some respect for the machine as it had shown bravery and prowess in battle.
Ghost glanced between Kiri and Txoum as they looked back at them, but did not respond.
Sylra also looked back, her gaze avoiding direct contact with Ghost. "{It's true that our clan holds a deep disdain for the sky people and their creations,}" she acknowledged cautiously. "{However, Erona is renowned for her wisdom and understanding. My parents can speak of how your metal friend defected and helped rescue us and she will decide what to do.}"
Kiri nodded, and as exhaustion weighed heavily on her, she couldn't help but voice her fatigue. "{I feel like I've been walking for days,}" she complained.
Txoum looked at Kiri. "{You have,}" he teased.
Kiri playfully narrowed her eyes at Txoum. "{Shut up,}" she retorted, unable to hold back a smile.
Sylra observed the playful banter between Kiri and Txoum. "{Are you two... together?}" she asked.
Both Kiri and Txoum blushed, their gazes shifting away from each other. "{Just friends!}" Kiri exclaimed, her voice slightly flustered.
Txoum nodded in agreement. "{Yeah, just friends,}" he echoed, trying to hide his own embarrassment.
Sylra observed their banter and couldn't help but giggle. "{Just friends, huh?}" Her laughter echoed through the jungle.
Kiri and Txoum, their eyes avoiding each other, couldn't help but exchange a smile when their gazes finally met again. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they ventured deeper into the unique and mysterious realm of the Pandoran jungle. The dense foliage around them seemed to breathe, whispering secrets only it could comprehend.
"{We're almost there,}" Nari cautioned the group from the front as she led the way.
Kiri nodded and her eyes briefly scanned the surroundings before she turned her attention to Ghost, "{I need to have a quick word with Ghost,}" she informed Sylra and Txoum. They both nodded back, and Kiri stopped so Ghost could catch up. Meanwhile, Txoum and Sylra continued their conversation, giggling, which made Kiri blush even more.
When Kiri heard the loud footsteps behind her, she spun around and came face to face with Ghost. "What is the situation, Kiri?" they asked.
Kiri was a bit surprised that she didn't feel the usual fear when she looked at Ghost. And Ghost had started calling her by name. "We're getting close to where the clan lives," she cautioned. "They will not welcome you."
"I've already calculated the probability," Ghost replied. "Why are you stating this?"
Kiri took another breath. "I need you to refrain from attacking or doing anything that might provoke them," she warned. "Can you manage that? Or should you stay outside?"
Ghost took a few seconds to respond, seemingly calculating the best course of action. "My calculations suggest a lower chance of conflict if I'm with you."
Kiri nodded. "Txoum and I are strangers as well," she said, and they both continued on together. With Ghost limping, Kiri had to slow her pace. "They will likely not welcome us as well," she finished.
"Why deviate from the primary objective of reaching the Hallelujah Mountains?" Ghost asked, "What is the purpose of visiting this location?"
"Well, they welcomed us," Kiri said, looking at the group. "It would be impolite for us to refuse, and we could learn more about what the RDA is doing in this area."
"Noted," Ghost replied. "My left actuator motor is in need of repairs exceeding a distance of 2.31 kilometers."
Kiri glanced at Ghost's damaged leg. "We'll make sure to get that fixed when we can," she reassured.
"Very well," Ghost stated, and they both continued on.
After catching up, the group continued deeper into the dense foliage, their senses attuned to every rustle and murmur in the vibrant jungle. Kiri kept a watchful eye on Ghost, noticing its red eyes scanning the surroundings with precision.
Txoum and Sylra continued their conversation, their laughter now mingling with the symphony of nocturnal nature that surrounded them. Kiri's cheeks flushed as she wondered what they were discussing. She wanted to join them, but it was better she stayed with Ghost in case something happened. Instead Kiri couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and interconnectedness of the Pandoran ecosystem. It was as if every leaf and creature held a piece of the puzzle they were trying to unravel.
Arriving at the Taravan clan's home, Kiri and Txoum were greeted by a scene that took their breath away. The dwelling, intricately woven amidst the trees, seemed as if the land had opened up to reveal its hidden gem. Colorful flowers adorned the entrance, their fragrant perfume embracing the air. Crafted from sturdy branches and leaves, the homes blended harmoniously with the natural environment. Suspended bridges, like delicate threads, connected the dwellings, creating a picturesque network of pathways. It was a place where serenity reigned, a sanctuary concealed from the prying eyes of the RDA, where the Na'vi guarded their way of life in harmony with the jungle.
However, as the guards of the Taravan clan laid eyes upon Ghost and the other outsiders, their expressions turned hostile. They took defensive stances and stared them down.
Upon witnessing the guards' hostility, Kiri gestured to Ghost, signaling for it to refrain from any actions. "Stay calm. We need to prove we mean no harm," she whispered. Ghost remained silent and still, its gaze fixed on the guards. Txoum looked back nervously at Kiri, unsure of what to say or do now.
Kael and Nari took a step forward, raising their hands in a gesture of peace. "{Brothers and sisters,}" Kael spoke up, his voice calm yet commanding, "{there is no need to be alarmed by these outsiders. They have come to seek refuge among us.}"
"{What is that thing? Why is it here?}" one of the guards pointed and hissed at Ghost.
"{They are allied with our guests,}" Nari explained next, her voice equally firm. "{We must speak to Erona about recent events.}"
The guard remained unconvinced. "{It's clearly made by the sky people. I don't trust that thing,}" he sneered. "{And the children? Who are they? What tribe?}"
Kiri and Txoum watched the scene nervously, unsure of what was going to happen. Sylra, however, stood next to them and nodded reassuringly.
Nari stood her ground. "{These children are Kiri and Txoum of the Omaticaya clan. Together, they and…that 'thing" are the reason my daughter is here now. They saved our lives; we need to speak with Erona about what happened,}" she explained firmly.
Another guard, seemingly more open to the outsiders, spoke up. "{Erona will be the one to decide,}" he said, his tone softer and less confrontational.
Kael nodded appreciatively, hoping that the guards would consider their words. "{We understand your concerns, but they mean no harm,}" he added.
The guards exchanged glances, a flicker of doubt crossing their faces. After a moment of silent deliberation, one of them finally spoke. "{We will take you to Erona,}" they relented, motioning for the group to follow.
A wave of relief swept through Kiri, Txoum, and their companions as they were led by the guards further into the heart of the camp, venturing along the twisting paths that wound through the Taravan clan's home. The sturdy dwellings rose majestically, seamlessly blending with the lush trees that surrounded them. Gentle moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, painting a peaceful ambiance over the scene. It was a tranquil haven where the Na'vi held deep reverence for the natural world, living in harmony with their washed over Kiri, Txoum, and the others as they followed the guards deeper into the heart of the camp and passed through the winding pathways of the Taravan clan's home. The dwellings stood tall, blending harmoniously with the surrounding trees. Soft moonlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting a serene glow over the scene. It was a tranquil place, where the Na'vi respected and embraced the natural world.
The guards led them through a series of suspended bridges, guiding them across vast gaps with steady steps. The bridges swayed gently beneath their feet, even under the weight of Ghost, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Na'vi. Given that it was so late at night, there was hardly anyone awake, which avoided the spectacle of Ghost parading through the entire clan.
Finally, the group arrived at a grand tree with an elaborate entrance that was the dwelling of the clan leader. The guards gestured for everyone to wait outside while they went in to announce their arrival.
The night air carried a sense of anticipation as the group stood under the canopy of the ancient tree. Whispers floated through the branches, as if the jungle itself held its breath, listening to the unfolding events. Kiri and Txoum exchanged nervous glances, aware of the weight of their status as outsiders. Ghost stood nearby, and scanned the surroundings.
Time seemed to stretch in the quiet of the night as the guards returned, motioning for the group to follow inside. With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, the group stepped into the grand tree.
As the group entered the grand tree, the interior revealed a majestic hall adorned with intricate carvings and soft glowing bioluminescent plants. It was there that they were greeted by Erona.
Erona stood tall and regal, radiating an air of authority or wisdom. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with delicate braids woven with vibrant feathers. She adorned herself in flowing robes adorned with vibrant feathers and intricate beaded patterns, signifying her esteemed position as a respected leader among the Taravan Na'vi.
Two guards stepped forward, side-by-side, with spears at their sides. Two more stood behind the group. Aware of the tense atmosphere, Nari and Kael approached Erona, who stood near the center of the area, bowing their heads in a gesture of respect. In unison, they spoke, "{I see you, Olo'eyktan.}"
Sylra gestured for Kiri and Txoum to do the same, and the three of them bowed their heads and repeated the same gesture. "{I see you,}" they all said. Ghost, however, just stared at Erona.
Erona returned the gesture to the group, her gaze shifting towards the outsiders. With a penetrating gaze, she focused on Ghost. "{This creature is of the sky people's make. Why have you brought this thing to our home at this hour?}" she asked Kael and Nari.
Kael exchanged a grim look with Nari before stepping forward. "{Olo'eyktan, this 'thing' that stands before us, saved our lives and fought with these two outsiders to free us from the sky people.}"
Erona furrowed a brow. "{Explain.}"
Kiri listened to Kael recount the events, from when Sylra triggered the trap to Kiri being introduced as the one who cut their bonds. He spoke about Txoum's arrows and how he thought it was an adult who fired them, when in fact Txoum was no older than Sylra. She realized that the hunter had spoken respectfully of hers and Txoum's actions and felt that this was his way of apologizing for earlier. Eventually he also spoke about Ghost's interference, firing at the RDA soldiers, although he spoke with less reverence.
Erona pondered Kael's words in a way that reminded Kiri a lot of Mo'at. "{Kael, Nari, and Sylra. I'm pleased to see you survived the ordeal with the sky people.}"
The three of them bowed as much as their exhaustion could allow. Erona then turned and faced Kiri and Txoum. "{It seems you have shown skill and prowess beyond your years. Kiri and Txoum of Omaticaya, we are honored to have you here.}"
Kiri and Txoum exchanged glances and bowed their heads. "{Thank you for having us, Olo'eyktan,}" Kiri said.
As the events unfolded, Ghost carefully surveyed the surroundings, intrigued by the intricate carvings etched into the ancient trees of the hall. In the midst of this observation, the guards maintained a vigilant stance, ever watchful of the machine's presence.
Erona's eye caught Kiri in particular, and she approached her with graceful steps. "{Tell me, Kiri, are you the daughter of Jake Sully?}"
Kiri was taken back and suddenly felt in the spotlight. "{Uhh, adoptive,}" she said, swallowing, "{H-how do you know?}" she stammered nervously.
"{It is hard to hide what is in plain sight,}" Erona said, and she gestured towards Kiri's hands. Kiri immediately pulled her hand behind her back out of embarrassment. Kael and Nari, seeing this, gasped audibly and whispered amongst themselves. Kiri, hearing the faint whispers, looked down.
"{Do not be ashamed of who you are, child,}" Erona said warmly, her hand brushing over Kiri's hair, "{Your adoptive father was Toruk Makto, liberator of our people.}"
Kiri looked up and met Erona's eyes. "{How do you know my step-father?}" she asked.
"{Your father came to our people to ask for our help against the fight with the sky people many moon cycles ago,}" Erona said, "{We offered him twelve of our greatest warriors, including somebody you're already familiar with,}" she finished, gesturing towards Kael.
Kiri looked towards Kael, and they both exchanged nods. Nari also nodded, and Kiri felt a huge burden fall off her shoulders.
"{So tell me, Txoum, and Kiri,}" Erona said, her melodic voice flowing with each word like the stream of a river, "{Why have you come to our lands?}"
Txoum stepped up next to Kiri and nodded to her that he would speak. "{Olo'eyktan. Many black days ago, the sky people attacked our home, and our clan was forced to flee,}" he said. "{We were separated from our people, and upon traveling through your lands, we came across Sylra and her family,}" he continued, gesturing to them. "{We were compelled to act as it is the will of Eywa for all Na'vi to aid each other.}"
Erona listened to each word carefully, her fingers wrapped together, and resting at her hip. "{I see,}" she said, her expression darkening a bit, "{We have had many refugees flow through our lands as of late. They bring stories of flame and ash brought by the sky people.}"
"{The sky people are already in your home,}" Txoum said, looking at Erona with conviction. "{They will come for your people just like ours soon enough.}"
The Taravan Na'vi, including Sylra, Nari, and Kael, hissed at the prospect of that statement.
Erona raised her hand, silencing their complaints. "{The young hunter speaks the truth,}" she said. "{The sky people are at our footsteps, but they will find that the forest and Eywa will not welcome them here.}"
Kiri spoke next. "{The sky people have technologies far beyond your understanding, Olo'eyktan}," she said. "{They can and will find your home just like they found ours.}"
Erona listened to her words carefully. "{I am aware of the sky people's abilities,}" she said. "For it was they who invited me into their home when they first came here when I was your age," she said in perfect English.
Everyone in the room was shocked when Erona spoke the sky people language. "You speak English?" Kiri said, flabbergasted, "Did you go to their schools?"
Ghost suddenly seemed interested in Erona now and looked towards her.
"Yes, for a time," Erona said, her accent fluent and perfect. "At first they wanted peace, and for years there was. They created their schools and invited us in, but then we learned what they really wanted years later," she said, turning and gesturing towards a vibrant plant growing out of the side of one of the trees.
Kiri looked at that plant. She hadn't seen that before. "What is that?"
"We call it the Zeruku Stofa, " Erona said, and she stepped forward, running her fingers through its pedals. Each touch caused the plant to radiate in different colors like a rainbow, "The RDA called it the Restorative Plant."
Txoum looked at Sylra as if asking her if she could speak English, and she shook her head.
Kiri nodded. "My mother was a Xenobotanist," she said. "I might have read something about that plant, but it was quite a while ago."
Erona looked at Kiri with increased curiosity. "Who was your mother?"
Kiri took a deep breath. "Grace Augustine," she said, "Do you know her? She was also an avatar."
Erona pondered and stroked her chin. "Grace Augustine," she murmured aloud, "That name does sound familiar, but it has been nearly two decades."
Kiri frowned in disappointment. "I see; please continue your story, though."
Erona continued in Na'vi. "{The Zeruku Stofa only grows within our forest and is incredibly rare," she explained. "{It can cure many ailments, something that the sky people were keenly interested in. They said it could save millions of their own.}"
"{So they came to us with a proposition. They would offer us riches and technologies beyond our wildest dreams in exchange for giving them seeds, and showing them how to grow these flowers,}" Erona said. "{My father, the Olo'eyktan then, refused as he heard about their betrayals against other Na'vi, and in turn they attacked us just as he predicted.}"
Kael and Nari exchanged glances and wore downcast faces as if it were yesterday.
"{Cowards,}" Kiri heard Txoum muttered under his breath. She looked at the plant, trying to understand why it was worth so many lives.
"{So for years we fought against each other,}" Erona said. "{There was a lot of blood on both sides. My father was killed in battle, and his title passed to me, and it's been our people's duty to protect these flowers ever since.}"
"{So now, like a blight, the sky people have returned,"} Erona said with a frown. "{They've rebuilt their old camp within our lands and tried to negotiate with us weeks ago. I refused their offer, so they have resorted to banditry. Trapping and kidnapping our people to try and find where we live. Some have escaped to tell us this, while others haven't.}"
Kiri gasped. "{So that is how and why Sylra and the others were captured?}" Sylra looked down, looking small, but her parents hugged her close. Kiri couldn't help but feel a lack of warmth within herself.
Erona nodded. "{Yes, there have been others who have not returned these last two days, but we do not have enough warriors to attack their camp, as our last attempt failed,}" she said, her voice aching. Txoum and Kiri noticed that there were similar pained expressions on the guard's faces and realized that the failed attempt was very personal for them. " {For now, I must forbid everyone to leave beyond the veil."
"{You live as prisoners within your old home?}" Txoum asked, shocked.
Kiri was just as aghast. "{You must have allies or a way to free those who have been taken prisoners.}"
Txoum stepped up next to Kiri. "{Olo'eyktan, with all due respect, the sky people will come. You must be ready when that happens.}"
"{Children,}" a voice said from behind them. Kiri and Txoum turned to see Nari, her tone stern. Sylra's eyes widened, while Kael's face wore a scowl. "{You stand before the Olo'eyktan. Show respect when you speak,}" Nari said firmly.
Immediately, Kiri and Txoum were flushed with embarrassment and bowed their heads.
Erona eyed the two of them. Whether annoyed or bemused that they spoke so boldly in a sacred space, Kiri could not tell. "{Only Eywa can guide us forward,}" she said softly, staring out towards the dwellings within the clan. Her attention then fell upon Ghost, who had been a silent observer this whole time. The badly faded RDA logo was still visible on its armor. "Does the machine speak?" she asked Kiri.
Kiri was about to speak when she was interrupted.
"Yes," Ghost said in its synthetic voice, startling everyone else in the room in front of them. Immediately, the guards gripped their spears in a defensive stance, but Erona held up a hand.
"I was not asking you," Erona said, her eyes narrowing, "but since you have spoken, tell me, machine, why do you fight against your masters?"
Ghost stared at Erona before speaking. "They stated their objective was to terminate my existence after the fulfillment of my duties," they said, their voice distorted. "In response, I calculated the sole viable course of action to ensure my ongoing survival: terminate them first."
Kiri looked away and breathed out slowly. She could feel the nightmare creeping back into her mind again.
Erona listened to every word, looking for any signs of deception. "I have spent many years with the sky people and have never met anything like you," she said. "What are you exactly?"
Ghost said. "I am an advanced RDA autonomous hunter killer drone prototype, designated as Ghost 001 by serial number."
"So there are more like you, then?" Erona asked. Kiri was surprised at Erona's approach here. While Spider was determined to label Ghost an unthinking, killing machine, Erona spoke to it like it was a person, like Kiri normally would. Stealing a glance towards Txoum, even he was surprised at how Erona was treating the drone.
"Data inconclusive," Ghost replied, "All prior units were considered unsuitable for combat and subsequently retired. I am based upon the sixth prototype, Foxtrot 001, featuring an upgraded sensory, and neurocomputational processor suite."
Kiri blinked. G was the seventh letter, F was the sixth, so that finally explained the lettering.
"Do you know about the camp within our lands?" Erona asked.
"Yes," Ghost replied, "I have detailed schematics regarding Camp Charlie 3. It is located 8.51 kilometers from this position. Please note: data sourced is likely outdated."
Kiri looked between Ghost and Erona. She knew what Erona was alluding to.
Erona pondered a bit. "That information could prove useful to my people," she said, looking at the others who were weary and tired. "We can speak about this another time. For now, you are to stay away from our people," she warned Ghost.
"I will make sure of that," Kiri added while looking at Ghost.
Ghost looked at Kiri and then Erona. "I require parts to repair a damaged left actuator motor," they stated. "Combat effectiveness will be degraded below acceptable levels."
Erona stroked her chin. "We do have one of those metal suits the humans like to wear here amongst other things," she said, "In exchange for information on the human camp, I will offer it to you."
"I accept," Ghost said.
Kiri sighed in relief.
"{Now,}" Erona said, shifting her dialog to Na'vi, and addressing everyone in the room, "{please rest and we will speak tomorrow.}"
