A New Mission: Ash to Fire

Storm, Part 2

Back in the Omatikaya High Camp—It was the morning of the day Jake and his forces were preparing for their bomb raid, but things had become complicated on account of the approaching storm. Mountain Ikran could fly in the rain and wind mostly fine, but from the height they were planning to fly and drop their ordnance for their safety, the winds may not allow the bombs to hit their direct targets and they could damage other structures, potentially the one where Kiri and Spider were being held. Jake briefly considered delaying the attack, but he couldn't wait to demonstrate an advantage any longer.

Jake and his forces were doing well all things considered. They had stockpiled an incredible stolen armory, they even had a Kestrel at their disposal leftover from one of the outlying sites they attacked, though it was damaged, and they'd need to repair it if they wanted to use it. Kiri being held hostage was truly the greatest blow to his war efforts.

For their planned attack, Max had also indicated that flying lower may potentially be safer anyway, where they wouldn't be detected by radar or fired upon by the aerial defenses while in the city's limits. But they couldn't start off flying low as those defense turrets on the outer walls of the base would tear them to shreds. Max also believed that any electricity in the storm could lightly screw with their systems.

Jake gathered Neytiri, the warriors, and the scientists to discuss adjustments to the mission in the war room tent of the High Camp, the grainy Bridghead hologram in front of them.

"Alright. We're gonna fly in from various directions. Here. Here. Here. And here. Staggered. In groups of no more than two to three. Ikran fly high over Bridgehead all the time, we've seen it, and they don't draw any fire. We can also use the construction blimps as cover. If you see one, fly over it. We have to ensure that we look natural from above. So stay high on your Ikrans, don't look like riders. Once over this part of the city—" Jake gestured to the hangar and the airfield. "—We dive straight, drop the bombs, and head out over the water, flying low. Don't linger. Try to hit any gunships that you see."

Jake looked to the gathered combatants, nervous confidence in his eyes. Neytiri had an intense expression. This was going to be a major blow to the RDA, she knew it. Bridgehead City was not constructed with the assumption that Na'vi forces would acquire means to bomb the city. They had done such a week and a half ago, which no doubt caused Bridgehead to rethink their defenses, but Jake knew that such overhauls took time. And with their supply chain cut-offs and limited resources, as well as their low morale and inability to construct new major structures he believed they still had the high ground.

Bridgehead needed to be cautious in what they expended. And Jake's lack of communication even though they had his daughter would keep them on edge. It was strategy. He hated it—his baby girl being in there among those monsters and him being silent about it. But it was strategy.

Tarsem then looked at Jake and stated, "I am honored to fly with you, Toruk Makto. We will once again show the Sky People that this land belongs to us."

Jake reached out to the new Omatikaya Olo'eyktan, both firmly gripping one another's forearms.

The war party finished their planning discussion. Jake then headed to his Ikran, resting on the edge of the cliff at the entrance to the High Camp, Neytiri joining him. He grabbed a chunk of yerik meat from the Ikran feeding area and gave it to his mount who made a content chitter and nestled his head into his companion of over fifteen years. Jake, patting his Ikran looked out the opening to their High Camp, at the forest below, shaded by the storm clouds. Neytiri was holding Jake's arm, anticipating the bombing raid that was in just a few hours at eclipse.

Jake then sighed and said, "Neytiri."

She looked at him with concern in her eyes given the tone of his voice.