Intangible

4: Terkup

The mines were emptying and profits were dropping. The RDA was growing desperate. They had depleted two unobtainium mines in the past couple years and they needed a new one. 

Kip was learning from the Omatikaya as an outsider. I knew they didn't trust us fully, but I was still disappointed to hear it. He wanted to immerse himself in the culture. 

Sylwanin was spending more and more time outside of the clan. She told me it was to avoid Re'kxutu. To her, he was scary and looming. Like a ghost, he gloomed and was silent. I felt bad for her so I allowed it. Not only that but we had become friends in the past two weeks. I enjoyed teaching and learning from them. Everyday I had questions from bright curious faces. It gave me a joy I never thought I'd experience.

And then the following week brought disaster.

The RDA was hurting the Li'ona clan by taking more and more of their land. The Omatikaya were outraged but had done nothing. Sylwanin and other young hunters however, did do something. She had become so enraged by the destruction of another clan, that she rallied several others to help get revenge. Re'kxutu included. 

"Ean! Grace! Sylwanin, Re'kxutu and some warriors have attacked the metal beasts, they took Kip with them! They're on their way back, we need help!" Tsu'tey cried. I grabbed anyone I could and hid them before I heard the AMP suits. I could only save 4 out of the 12 children from harm.

"Grace! Ean! Help us!" I heard the pitiful cries of the soon to be departed as the bullets ripped through the school building. A bullet whizzed past my head and took a chunk of my ear. I was lucky. I wish I wasn't. The screams of those I couldn't save echoed through the room. I heard my brother screaming from outside. A second scream from him not too far away after the assault had ended. I had heard my brother die twice. 

Sylwanin was dead. Re'kxutu was injured. Tsu'tey was mostly unharmed. He blamed me and Grace for not being fast enough. I blamed myself for the death of every child killed that day. 

I was lucky to not be fired, but I never saw it that way. Children were dead because of the RDA. 

After that, I hardly did anything except what Grace told me to. We sent my brother's remains home to be burned and given to dad. His avatar was buried with those children. To the clan, he was worth the same as another clans member. To me, he was worth the world. I was so angry and sad. I hated every second of being in those concrete walls. So, I was often in my avatar body. But while that body gained strength, I was getting weaker.

----------2 years later----------

A new shipment, more chores. Or so I thought. No chores and the thundering footsteps of the incoming marines. 

"Great, just fucking fantastic." I seethed. 

I heard a speech from the grey man. Asshole. I went to the biolab to wait for Grace. Without Grace, I wouldn't have a place here. They began unloading amniotic tanks for more avatars. I was excited to see new faces. I've seen almost every scientist here. 

"Hey welcome!" I heard Max ring out. 

"New people?" I asked after pushing myself and my chair over into their direction.

"Yeah, this is Jake Sully and Norm Spellman." 

I shook hands with both of them before they started taking a look at their avatars.

"Norm is the one Grace talks about. He looks friendly." I said to Max.

"Yeah, I heard a little about him too, his grades surpassed yours."

"Well, grades aren't equal experience."

"True." 

I went looking for Grace after that and Max lead them to where Jake and Norm would record their first logs. I haven't updated mine in a while. 

"Ugh... Who's got my goddamn cigarette?" Grace stood up, "Guys! What's wrong with this picture?" She called out before being handed her pack and her coat. Grace had grown over the past two years. Grown tired, angry, and grumpy. Mature and less happy. Her once vivid red hair was turning grey and her body was starting to age. I saw Norm and the former marine walking in with Max to meet Grace. Mumbling about how exited Norm was.

"Grace, I'd like you to meet Norm Spellman and Jake Sully." Max announced. Grace looked to me, "You didn't mention we had visitors." She looked confused.

"I lost track of time." I chuckled.

"Anyway, Norm, I hear good things about you. How's your Na'vi?" She asked.

"'Awvea ultxari ohengeyä, Nawma Sa'nok lrrtok siveiyi.[May the great mother smile upon our first meeting.]" He looked to me and Grace while speaking. I hadn't realized he was talking to us both.

"Not bad. You still sound a bit too formal, though. What do you think Eyo?" Grace asked.

"I think he's doing well, it could be better. Maybe I can give some pointers." 

"I studied for five years but there is much to learn." He said embarrassed. 

"Uhm, uh Grace? This is Jake Sully." 

"Ma'am." The wheel-chair bound marine stuck out his hand.

"Yeah, yeah. I know who you are, and I don't need you. I need your brother." She said, "You know, the PHD who trained for three years for this mission?" Jake look like he'd been punched in the mouth.

"He's dead." He blurted out, the wounds were still fresh, "I know it's a big inconvenience for everyone." He seethed. Grace exhaled disbelief.

"How much lab training have you had?" She asked loudly.

"I dissected a frog once." He said stupidly.

Grace turned and looked at me. 

"You see? You see? They're just pissing on us without even the courtesy of calling it rain. I'm going to Selfridge." 

"Wait Grace, I don't think it's a good idea."

"No E, this is such bullshit."

"I know, you know I know, but please hear me out." She ignored me and went onto argue with her co-worker as I looked on.

"Max, I'm taking a break."

"Alright, I'll take care of these two."

--------------------

I had linked with my avatar an hour before now. Jake had run about now that he had legs, and Norm marveled at his new body. Grace gave us a rundown of tomorrows mission and she hoped that we would meet them. For the past two years we had done missions like this to initiate contact, but this time it feels different.