Reciprocity

Chapter 3

The following week passes by with a quiet steadiness. For the most part, the people were relaxed. Jake had wanted to get back into the swing of things; however, it seemed Tonowari had his clan going pretty easy. Only the warriors intensified their work. Training the young also became more common.

Tuk didn't seem to realize this wasn't normal for the Metkayina. And with many refugees choosing to move nearer, crowding had become more of an issue along the beaches.

All the while Jake and his family built up a new routine.

In the early mornings Spider, Jake, and Kiri would scavenge the ship. Moving not just things for Spider but any usable equipment to the beach. Once they wrapped things up, it was time to head back for breakfast.

Usually with Neytiri and Tuk finishing their meals, while Lo'ak maintains the weapons. The rest of the day would be spent together. Mostly escaping to the forest, the Suli's always had an out from all the hustle. On this larger island there was plenty to be explored.

Long before eclipse, Jake would leave Spider and Kiri to watch after Tuk. Neytiri tended to stay near the village at this time but went out to hunt for dinner once she was confident everyone was safe. Jake and Lo'ak would round up some spare folks to retrieve the morning's bounty.

However, today would interrupt that peace. Jake barely had enough time to let Tonowari know the scientists were close. And unlike before they had to transport a shack all the way out here. Growling under his breath, Jake jumped on Bob to direct his people away from the village. Not too far down the beach, just in the sightline of their hut. With the shack properly installed only a few remained.

Namely being Norm and Max. Now that they were here, Spider could have a break from the masks. Jake would have the chance to personally check in on the progress made. So after assuring everyone there was no threat, no danger, Jake went to see how things were going.

The last thing he expected to find inside was Spider hissing up a storm, Max in the corner as Norm made a sudden move forward.

The man wouldn't hurt Spider, Jake knows this. But he was blinded by a surge of protectiveness. Jumping into action.

He tackled Norm, snarled loud enough nothing else could be heard. There's no hesitation in his brutality.

Only when Lo'ak and Neytiri grab him does he stop. They're screaming for him, and he suddenly realizes his family have also come. Norm lays beneath him battered, arms now shielding his face.

"Dad, you have to stop," Kiri cries. "Please Dad."

"MaJake?" Neytiri eases her hold. "Are you with us?"

"I am," Jake forcing himself back, glancing around.

Lo'ak is beside him, glaring down. Tuk is clung to Kiri, both with Spider. The boy, he's fine. Physically he's completely okay. But the panic in his eyes has Jake bowing his head as he sees his bloodied knuckles.

"What has happened?" Neytiri hisses to the scientists. "What did you do?"

"Neytiri, it's not their fault," Jake immediately interrupts, watching the baffled pair try to look as non-threatening as possible.

"Uh, you sure about that?" Norm huffed. "That seemed pretty personal to me."

"Yeah, sorry about that," Jake mumbled. "Guess I've been on edge."

"So, are we good?" Norm asks.

"I owe you a better apology than that," Jake scoffs.

"MaJake, what angered you?"