Avatar: {Hybrid and Alien]

{19}

Back in the outpost inside the gathering room, Asim explained to them the reason why they will go to Hell's Gate.

"It's fair, to give them their belongings back, as we have no need for them. Nor those at Hell's Gate have a need for them." Mikhail said to them. "Plus, it will gain the trust of the natives. Trust that the RDA lost when they destroyed hundreds of acres of forest just for the unobtanium." Emeralda agreed. "Not only that. I found in the archives that these were stolen by the RDA. In a violent manner" Kentaro said as he pointed to a computer monitor that was next to him on the table. "That explains the resentment the Anurai clan have for us humans." Shaka said. "Anurai clan?" Asim echoed, wondering how Shaka knew how to tell them apart. "Yes. The bone crafters. Great and skilled artists in their culture. I also learned of their existence. Well...their recovering existence now that they have showed up." Shaka explained. "Artists...not a bad name" Asim said. "Though, don't be fooled by their artistic nature. They are still one of the fiercest clans out there." Shaka warned them, making everyone nod.

"Now comes the big question; where in Hell's Gate are these sacred artifacts? And how do we know that it hasn't been shipped in the last transport when the RDA were forced to leave?" Emeralda asked, making a good point. "I believe there is one place that we can check and enter. The storage hangar inside the base" Kentaro said, moving towards a monitor and sitting in a chair to start the computer. He reached over to take a usb and insert it in the hard drive, opening files and going over the schematics. The group went over to take a look at it. In the monitor appeared a layout of the entire base, from doors, hangars, routes, waterways, wire connections, generators, perimeter gates, watch points, turrets, maintenance shops, and cargo areas. Kentaro searched for something as he moved the display with his fingers and the control pad before stopping at an area.

"The area is heavily guarded by autonomous turrets that shoot anything that isn't human, and anyone unauthorized. On top of that, the fences and gates are reinforced with steel, barbed wires, and a high voltage current that is constantly flowing across it. We need to get the generators offline that is on the southwest corner of the base to turn off the voltage and the sensors as well as the security cameras. Furthermore, we need to reset it so that they can go offline temporarily, giving us some limited time to enter before the systems start back up again. And we have to do it twice, with the risk of the personnel getting suspicious of the two shutdowns we will make." Kentaro explained as he pointed to the various sectors of the base of Hell's Gate, highlighting the specific areas that they would target to make their break-in. "What if we encounter some personnel on watch duty instead? Do we take them out and knock their lights off?" Mikhail asked. "No. We want to avoid unnecessary violence and casualties. This is a retrieval mission, not an assassination mission." Asim reminded his friend and everyone of the group. "Even if it is that, there will still be personnel in there that will in no doubt be armed with what they were left with. And who is to say that they will believe us if we get caught?" Emerald asked. Asim agreed with her with one part, but he looked back at the layout of the base and moved to take a closer look at it.

Asim examined the layout and the areas that surrounded it, taking in mind the various gaps that there were and how they could be used to their advantage. After careful consideration, he spotted one point that can guarantee a safe entry. "Here. There's a blind spot in this area that is in a landing area. We can use this" Asim said, pointing at part in the screen that showed the camera ranges and the reach they had. Whatever the cameras didn't reach to see made a small path. "Keen eye as always." Mikhail observed with a smile. "So it's settled. Now what we need to do is distribute assignments" Asim said as he straightened up and walked to the middle of the room. "Kentaro, you go with me. Shaka, you are in charge for resetting and shutting down the generators. Mikhail, you provide distraction in case we are spotted. And Emeralda, you provide overwatch, vigilance only." Asim said as he gave the assignments to each of his teammates. Like all the times he had done missions before, his team respected his tactical arrangement even when some were meant for their particular skills. They knew that Asim earned that respect a long time ago, and would continue to listen to their head leader with no doubt. As they knew that he would also respect their decision if they had any doubts or conflicts. For now, the plan seemed favorable to them. Meaning that what was left to do was suit up and prepare.

While the others got their equipment ready, Asim went to get himself a shower and a change of clothes. The patch up of wounds and bruises was unnecessary as they have healed, but because of Kentaro's insistence to check the injuries Asim let him be patched up after the shower. When that was done, he went to the locker and found that his spare suits were there. Asim sighed in relief and smiled as he put on his suit and light armor. After that he went to the weapons locker and pulled out his regular pistol, combat knife, and, thankful that a spare was available, an assault rifle with the triangular-shaped handle he was used to. Strapping his main weapon in his back, Asim headed back to the gathering room. Only to be stopped by the young and familiar voice of Lily.

"Big brother. Where are you and everyone going?" Lily asked, pulling Asim's hand as he turned back to look down at him. "Ah, Lily! I forgot how big you have grown!" He said as he knelt down and hugged her. She giggled and hugged Asim back as she smiled. "Well, we...are going to go to a place where we will get something, which belong to the na'vi." Asim explained, letting go and placing his hands on her shoulders. "The na'vi? The tall blue aliens?" Lily asked, to which Asim nodded. "Yes. Those are the ones." Asim confirmed. "They are scary and mean most of the time. They almost hurt Shaka, Kentaro, Mikhail and Emeralda" she said, looking at him with worry. Asim sighed and looked behind him before looking back at Lily. "It's true. They are scary and mean. But if you don't fight them, they not hurt you. Shaka knows their language, and will speak for us" Asim explained to his adoptive little sister. "If they are not mean and scary...can I be friends with one of them or some?" Lily asked, which made Asim doubt. "I...am not sure. Maybe we can find out some other time. Right now, I need you to stay here inside the outpost. Where it will be safe. Can you do that for me?" Asim asked Lily. She looked at him and nodded, a sweet smile appearing in the toddler's young face. "Okay!" She said, which made Asim smile. "Good. I'll be back as soon as possible" he said as he hugged her one more time before letting go and standing up to leave. Lily watched him go before going to where Asim had told him, making him sigh in relief and go out the door before closing it.

Once outside, he followed his teammates to where they would get on the transport they had in the other side of the outpost.