A New Mission: Ash to Fire

Fire, Coda

It was the day of Miles' ceremony and found himself jolted awake by his nerves. He wasn't sure why he was nervous. He was already Olo'eyktan and this ceremony was more for tradition. A customary rite of passage and a way to be introduced to all the people he would be leading. Miles leaned up in the bed, his beautiful Zu sleeping on her stomach, again drooling, her ears twitching slightly.

But he just looked at her bare back and sighed. Last night she clearly experienced a nightmare. She was tossing a bit, lightly scrunching her face together, her ears and tail quivering, and letting out light whimpers as she slept. He'd never seen such from her before. Miles just held her close and eventually, the nightmare passed without her waking. He was saddened about the traumatic thoughts that were plaguing her and was hopeful that their visit to Ziye today would help. Miles stretched, gave a big toothy yawn, and scratched his ear. To his surprise, he suddenly felt compelled to visit the radio tower, his ear scratch reminding him of the comms he no longer used.

He looked at his watch. It was pretty damn early, practically dawn. There was no reason to disturb Zu, so he decided to get up, get dressed, and head to the radio tower clearing. Miles quietly left their home, sure to grab his tablet in case there was a message to download. He tried his best to quietly walk in the post-rain village, his feet getting all muddy as they squelched on the ground. It was particularly cool which he found refreshing and it smelled good—this wet rock and vegetation smell. It was Earthy, err, uhh, Pandora-y, he thought.

As he strolled to the clearing, Miles was thinking, worrying that if there was a message, what its contents would be. Colonel, you are now enemy number one for the RDA. Colonel, if you show your face anywhere near Bridgehead you'll be killed on sight. Colonel, we are coming to Dragon's Tail and if you and your people try to stop us, you'll be killed. Miles swallowed, anxious... maybe he shouldn't check it... No. He needs to be a good leader. To be aware of such potential threats. If there was a threatening message he needed to know about it. His big blowout with the RDA was a week ago. Enough time for them to gather themselves and assess their situation and enemies.

Miles made it to the clearing, the visiting clans still fast asleep in their temporary tents. He quietly meandered over to the radio tower, dawn giving rise to early morning. Miles opened up the metal transmission box and took a deep breath. A red light was blinking inducing heart palpitating and ear-dropping fear. There was a message. Moment of truth. He plugged in his tablet and saw that it was a text-based one. Miles just stared at the screen for a moment and swallowed. Please. He begged. Don't take my happiness from me. Miles tapped the message open and began to read it.

"Miles,

Assuming you made it to save Zu in time, which, knowing you, is likely, I have to say that you really stepped in it. I won't pretend to support the violent, murderous rampage you went on. You killed good folks. I wouldn't have expected you of all people to pull what you did. The base is reeling, and everyone is tense and nervous. Ardmore and Stringer are furious, as you can imagine.

But at the same time, I also won't pretend that I don't understand why you did what you did. Your very existence conflicts with the RDA's mission. A great irony considering that we created you. I guess we should have seen something like this coming. Your falling in love with a Na'vi was the first indicator that you as an asset wasn't exactly going to go our way. But you know what? I sincerely wish you and the other two well. I also need you to understand that this is far from over. You three have moved up to join Sully in the eyes of Bridgehead leadership as enemies, you especially. The next Venture Star is nine months out, personnel and supplies coming with it.

I realize I'm engaged in some levels of treachery here with this message, Stringer and Ardmore being very acutely aware of our history, but don't worry about me. I know how to cover my tracks. But understand that I'll never be able to openly support you. I admit I'm too much of a coward and I'd still like a retirement of some sort. The only thing I can assure you of is that, for now, your distance and Bridgehead's general incapacitation will keep you safe. I would still advise great caution in the years to come.