YOU HAVE ME ~ JAKE SULLY

8

Mo'at and Ninat returned to speaking about Tsahik matters while Mian and I sat in silence, finishing our food.

I finally spoke after a few minutes, "Tsu'Mian, I apologize. It was not my intention to bring about-"

"Please, do not apologize," Mian said, looking into my eyes, "It is not you my anger resides in." He finished. I knew what he meant, he was angry at Nessa. For exactly what? I have no idea.

I nod, "I see. I still-"

"I'm sorry, Jake. May we please speak on this another time? I can tell you everything, I just need my anger to settle." He interrupted, which was slightly frustrating but I recognized that he was putting up a boundary as of now and I needed to respect it. His rank was still higher than mine.

I also noticed he used my actual name, addressing me personally and not by my "military" rank. At least that's how I saw 'Toruk Makto.'

I couldn't even respond with an 'okay' before I heard my earpiece ring. My ears shot up, my men have never rung me this time of night. They know not to. Mo'at must have sensed the change in my demeanor because she looked over at me. Mo'at had a way of knowing, even when I was scarily calm on the outside.

"Sir, I apologize but this is a code 4a."

Fuck. Fuuuuck.

I took in a deep breath, not realizing how quickly I stood up from my chair as soon as he said the code name. I pressed my throat microphone, "Mandatory lockdown, now. No one goes in or out of home tree."

I looked at Mo'at, Ninat, and Tsu'Mian, holding up my hand, "You three need to stay in here. We just initiated a mandatory lockdown. Draw your privacy curtain, and prepare your weapons."

I went to walk out when I heard Tsu'Mian, "I am coming with you."

I turned back around to face him, shaking my head, "No, you need to stay in here. Protect your wife and Mo'at."

I could see the argument between the two happening behind his eyes, so I spoke again, "Please, Mian. You have ranked above me, but I know what I'm talking about. Stay."

He nodded his head, ushering the two women to their room for more separation between them and the front door just in case.

He looked back at me one more time, as if realization struck him in the heart, "Li'Nessa. She is out there." He said, panic building in his eyes.

My throat went dry as I kept my composure. I swallowed hard, so my voice wasn't coarse as I respond to him, "I will find her. Now go."

He looked terrified but he trusted me, nodding his head. I took that as my queue and ran as fast as I could back to my own house while speaking to my lieutenant. "I need half of the men on that base heading in the direction of home tree. Men guarding every possible way out of that base. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I'm here at the base. Heading out soon. Tamai is heading toward home tree now with a group of men."

"Copy."

I respond, rushing into my home and hitting my knees beside my bed, pulling out a rifle and grabbing my military vest. I put the vest on first, making sure I had extra ammo and small grenades stocked in its pockets. I pulled out the blade strapped around my chest, making sure it was sharp before shoving it back in its holster.

I grabbed a pistol from the drawer on my nightstand and shoved it in the back of my 'waistband'. I feel like I've done this routine so many times before, it's become normal. None of this is normal. But, still, I was completely emotionless. My head was focused on one thing and one thing only, keeping the people safe.