CHAPTER 001
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PANDORA
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WHEN I OPENED MY EYES AGAIN AFTER ALMOST SIX YEARS, I STARTED TO DOUBT IF I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION.
Coming to a completely foreign planet of which I know almost nothing about was a good idea? I'm not sure.
My body feels strange, far from rested it feels numb. Like I was waking up with the worst hangover of my life.
Floating in zero gravity also feels weird. It's like an empty feeling and I wouldn't know how to describe it better than that.
I looked around the small pod I'm locked in, a dim blue light softly illuminating it's interior. The capsule being opened by a nurse who's floating above me. He inspected my face briefly, then took my arm to feel my pulse. I closed my eyes when a small flashlight was directly pointed at my pupils, irritating me after keeping my eyes closed for so long.
"You good?" He asked, still pointing that light directly to my eyes.
"I'd be better if you get that shit away from my face" I replied with a scratchy voice. My throat and mouth dried from the lack of water or saliva.
"Sorry, it's protocol" he chuckled and then, floated away from me.
While someone announced the symptoms we might experience after our long slumber, we were given permission to get out of the capsules and look for our belongings in order to get on the ship that will take us to the human base on Pandora.
I floated into the air to the small area where the lockers were located, holding onto a railing to keep me still and prevent myself from drifting away. I searched through the names labeled in the lockers until I found mine.
Emma Chase.
I pursed my lips as I read the name, remembering the reason I came here in the first place.
I opened the metal compartment to take out my bag with a few of my belongings. After that, they ordered us to go to another area of the ship where we must wait to board our transport.
[>>>]
I walked down the small ramp with my bag on my back as I watched the soldiers trot their way into the base.
Pandora greeted me with a cloudy and somewhat cold weather as I walked along the asphalt. The metal machines and suits caught my attention seeing how huge they are and how small I suddenly feel in this place. I had never seen such huge machinery in my life, but what really caught my attention weren't the thirty feet high bulldozers that could crush me like a bug. What really caught my attention were the huge mines and the numerous arrows with feathered ends that are stuck in the tires of said machines.
No doubt there was someone in this place who isn't happy with us.
"Watch it!" I jerked back as a soldier walked past me in an AMP suit, his eyes glaring daggers at me for my carelessness.
I didn't say anything and just moved out of his way, waiting for an opening so I could continue my way to my destination.
The interior of the base was huge, although you should expect it when you take into consideration the number of personnel in here. Upon entering, I was greeted by scientists and the military walking from one side to the other like ants in an anthill. Everyone focused solely on their duties and nothing else.
I knew I was supposed to go to a some kind of boardroom to receive the "welcome to hell" speech, but I wasn't sure where that place was, so I was forced to ask.
Once there, I decided to stay at the entrance. Avoiding attracting attention for showing up later than necessary.
In front of me were a large group of scientists and soldiers sitting on metal benches listening attentively to a man in uniform, and judging from the posture of the soldiers behind him, it was someone of high rank and authority in the building.
"You are not in Kansas anymore. You're on Pandora, respect that fact every second of every day" I kept my arms crossed while listening carefully to his words "If there is a hell, you might wanna go there for some R&R after a tour on Pandora. Beyond that fence, every living thing that crawls, flies or squats in the mud wants to kill you and eat your eyes for jujubes" I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his words. He might just be exaggerating to indulge fear in everyone here "We have a humanoid population called the Na'vi. They're fond of arrows dip in a neurotoxin that will stop your heart in one minute and they have bones reinforced with naturally occurring carbon fiber, which makes them very hard to kill" his eyes landed on me when he walked to the end of the line, where a man was seated.
I didn't evade eye contact, but kept quiet as he continued to speak.
"As head of security, it's my job to keep you alive. I will not succeed, not with all of you" he's so dramatic.
One thing I didn't miss from my time in the marines was the debriefs. Emma always thought it illogical for me to join the military. She said that I was too rebellious to follow orders, but when you try to survive in a world with no future and few options, you learn to control some traits of your personality, in my case: Rebelliousness and not liking being told what to do and when to do it. Something my parents really hated.
After an hour or so filled with instructions, the debrief ended and we were finally able to retire to our work or break areas. In my case, I decided to go to the laboratory to see the Avatar and find out what my job would be in this place.
I walked through the corridors at a relaxed pace, observing my surroundings with some curiosity, but also looking for signs or signals that would guide me to the laboratory, which until now has been difficult for me. It couldn't be that hard to find.
"Aquila!" I stopped and looked around with a frown.
I can swear I heard someone yell my name, but I didn't see anyone.
"Aquila!. You're Aquila, right? Emma's sister" a tall, thin, brown haired man appeared next to me. I looked him up and down. His nerdy appearance being what stands out the most among all his qualities.
"And you are?" I looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, waiting for an explanation as to why he knows who I am and who my sister is.
Or rather, was.
"Ah, yeah, sorry" he apologized stumbling over the words "I'm Norm Spellman. I went to Avatar training with your sister" he extended his hand to me and I shook it after a few seconds.
His eyes gazed at me in wonder, running over my face over and over again, making me feel a bit uncomfortable.
"I have something on my face?" he blinked several times and quickly shook his head, taking a step back.
"No, no, sorry. I- It's just, wow" he looked at me in the same way again "You look just like her"
"We were twins, it's very obvious" I crossed my arms and again, he stumbled over his words trying to apologize or clarify what he had meant. I rolled my eyes with a smirk and put my hand on his shoulder, making him shut up "Chill, Porky. It's fine" he looked at me confused by the nickname, but he nodded relieved and left his nervous demeanor behind.
I guess he has never seen The Looney Tunes if he doesn't know who Porky is.
"You were heading to the lab?" he asked after a few seconds of silence. I nodded and he smiled "I'll guide you" and started to walk away.
I sighed and started to follow him around the halls.
Along the way he didn't stop talking about the Avatar Program and how excited he is to be a part of it. It's getting tiring for me to just listen to him talk and talk, but I preferred to keep quiet and just mute him in my head.
Minutes later, we entered an area for scientific personnel only. While he kept talking non-stop, I could only look around me. Being surrounded by so much high technology was strange to me, but as I looked around I could see the reflection of a blue light in the back of the room. It caught my attention so I decided to head there, leaving Norm behind.
In front of me are two amino tanks. Huge and filled with a blue liquid, but that's not surprising. What is surprising are the bodies inside them.
The Avatars.
My mission and purpose on this planet is to pilot the Avatar that was supposed to be for Emma, but with everything that happened I had to be the one to take her place. After all, Avatars cost a fortune to make and the RDA couldn't let all the money they put into creating this body go to waste.
The Avatars are bodies made of Na'vi DNA, the natives of Pandora whom the Colonel described as savages, and human DNA. Making it impossible for another human being who doesn't have the same genetic code as the one with which the Avatar was made to pilot it. Another reason why I was offered the job.
Being identical twins, the only person who could make use of Emma's Avatar is me and the RDA was not going to waste the opportunity to put the body to use. So it wouldn't really matter if I refused to come to Pandora just for the Avatar, I'm sure the RDA would make an offer tempting enough that I couldn't refuse.
Not that I would have. I had nothing better to do back home and to be honest, coming here is rather exciting.
"Hey, welcome. Welcome to Pandora" a short man with brown skin and hair styled in a short afro approached us kindly and offered me his hand in greeting. I took it giving him a smile.
"They got big" Norm commented in a whisper "They fully mature on the flight out" he turned to me and continued looking at what I guess is his Avatar. "The proprioceptive sims seem to work really well".
"Yeah, they got great muscle tone" the afro man commented, then he turned to us with a small smile "It'll take us a few hours to get them decanted but you can take them out tomorrow" then he looked at me "There's yours" he pointed to the tank behind me, next to Norm's Avatar.
Curious, I turned away from them and walked to the other side of the tank to take a look at my Avatar. Seeing her up close I couldn't help but smile.
She's beautiful, just like Emma. Despite being identical twins, Emma always stood out for her elegance and delicacy when moving and expressing herself. She was always very calm and gentle in all aspects, very different from how I am. Looking at her Avatar, I can see how those traits are reflected in her features.
Even though it will be me who is piloting, the Avatar will always be the same as her physically. Reflecting what she was and not what I am.
I placed a hand on the glass of the tank and let a slight wistful smile settle on my lips.
"Looks just like her" I whispered, still lost in the beauty and elegance that her features reflect.
"She looks like you" I turned slightly to make eye contact with Norm, who gave me a gentle smile before looking back at the avatar in the tank "She's your Avatar now, Aquila"
I preferred not to say anything else or deny his words. I didn't need him to understand the different way I see her.
Where they now see me, I can only see her.
[>>>]
"So here I am. In a lab. Who would've thought I'd be in here, huh?"I commented sarcastically towards the camera. "It's really something I'm not familiar with. All these scientific stuff was Emma's world, not mine. Never mine" I chuckled "But I guess life is unpredictable and things happen for a reason, maybe. I basically went from a retired marine to an Avatar pilot. Sounds like a promotion to me," I joked, letting out a sigh.
I'm not finding it easy to make this log. Norm and Max explained to me that it's necessary in order to not go crazy in the next six years and also because the science department likes to hear the discoveries and experiences of the pilots or researchers.
"They didn't explain in detail what I'm I doing here. I mean, yes I understand that I'm the only one that can pilot Emma's Avatar, but most of the Avatar drivers are researchers, botanists or possess some scientific knowledge " I lowered my head and massaged my temples, searching for the words to express what I want to say "I'm just an ex-marine. I don't know anything about plants and animals aside from the fact that they're living beings. I know how to shoot, strategize, fight with bladed weapons. But I doubt those skills contribute in anything to the white coats" I said, resting my head on the palm of my hand and looking at a point on the wall, pondering my situation in this place "They offered me this job because Emma can no longer contribute in anything to them. I think they expect something from me, but I'm not sure what it is" I paused "I'm beginning to think I shouldn' t have accepted their offer, but as always, necessity made me act before thinking" I chuckled sarcastically "I guess I'll just do as they ask and see where it takes me. That's all I can think of right now"
With those last words, I turned off the camera and got up from my desk. I stretched my limbs and walked over to Max and Norm, trying to see what kept them so interested under the microscope.
"Now what?" I interrupted, getting their attention.
"Now I'll introduce you to the head of the Avatar Program and your boss" Max said with a small smile while Norm on the other hand, seemed excited.
"I can't believe I'm finally gonna meet her" I frowned at Norm's excitement and the humor behind Max's smile at his fellow co-worker attitude.
"Who's her?" they looked at me as if I grew a second head, but they couldn't blame me.
Until today, I was just another jarhead, not a scientist.
[>>>]
"Grace Augustine is a legend and the head of the Avatar Program"
As we walked through the linkroom entrance, Norm was explaining to me to the best of his enthusiasm about the woman who will be our team leader and boss.
Judging by the emotion that exuded from Norm's voice, it's someone really important that many admire.
"She wrote the book. I mean, literally wrote the book about Pandora's biology" he said looking at me with a glint in his blue eyes.
I wanted to laugh at his excitement, but opted not to and keep listening to whatever information they could give me about the program and this Grace Augustine.
"That's because she likes plants more than people" Max joked, making me smile a little. "There she is, Cinderella back from the ball"
Max walked over to a woman with her back to us talking to another scientist. Hearing Max's voice, she turned around and looked at the three of us, more specifically at Norm.
"Grace, I want you to meet Norm Spellman and Aquila Chase" he pointed to both of us.
Grace looked at us with a bit of boredom, although when she heard Norm's name her demeanor changed from disinterested to interested in less than a second. She looked at him from top to bottom with a cigarette between her lips and when she finished analyzing him, she released the smoke retained in her mouth.
"Norm, I heard good things about you. How's your Na'vi?"
"May the all Mother smile upon our first meeting" I frowned as I heard him speak.
In my ears, I only understood it as strange sounds without meaning and in my opinion, he seemed to speak like the cartoons on TV when they pretended to speak like aliens.
"Very well, you sound a little bit formal though"
But obviously, she understood him perfectly.
"I've studied for five years, but there's still a lot to learn" he continued the conversation, a little more relaxed and calm than before.
I looked between the two of them again and again, trying to make sense of what they were saying, but I know better than anyone it was useless.
"Grace, this is Aquila Chase" Max, God bless him, noticed the way the redhead seemed to brush me aside and got her attention again.
I extended my hand to her to introduce myself, but Grace only gave me an annoyed look.
"Yes I know who you are and I don't need you. I need your sister" I let my hand fall to my side as I listened to her words of disgust and disagreement with my presence in her department "You know, the PhD who trained five years for this mission" she said those words to Max, who only looked at the floor as if it was the most interesting thing at the moment.
"Well she is dead, so you're stuck with me now" I crossed my arms and smirked, which I think made her mad.
"How much lab training do you have?" I pretended to think about it for several seconds, playing with her patience a little.
"Zero" I did the number with my fingers "Dropped science when I was a sophomore" I kept my smirk on my lips, knowing how much my attitude was pissing her off "Not really my thing" I shrugged.
I knew annoying my boss wasn't the best thing to do, but if she was going to treat me as an obstacle or a nuisance, I could keep this attitude until she changed hers. After all, we're stuck with each other for the next six years. She'll have to learn to coexist with me if we are going to make this experience bearable and trouble-free.
"You see? You see?" she turned to Max "They're pissing on us without the courtesy to call it rain" she's obviously mad, not just with me that's for sure "I'm going to Selfridge".
Max was alarmed and immediately tried to stop her to no avail.
"No man, this is bullshit!" she turned away from him and walked to the exit with the attention of most of the personnel on her "I'm gonna kick his corporate butt. He has no business sticking his nose in my department!" and she left.
I clicked my tongue while still keeping my eyes on the door, somewhat impressed by Grace's temperament. Certainly something I didn't expect from a scientist.
"She sure has a short temper" I commented.
Max approached us again with a tired look on his face. No doubt things had not gone as he had hoped.
"Just be here tomorrow at 0800" he asked, then his eyes fell on me "Don't be impertinent" I rolled my eyes.
"If she behaves, I will too" he let out a deep sigh and walked away from us.
Being alone in the middle of the link room and with nothing else to do, I turned to Norm, who still seemed a bit surprised by the situation.
"Wanna grab something to eat? I'm starving" He woke up from his little trance and nodded quickly.
Together we left the room in the direction of the cafeteria for a well-deserved dinner and then a good bath.
Six years without touching the water made me feel dirty.
A/N:
First chapter ready.
Guys, I've been writing this story for a long time and to be honest is one of my favorites out of all the story's about Avatar I've written.
I hope you're liking it so far, I'll be publishing a chapter once a week to give me time to complete the other chapters that aren't finished yet, so please be patient with me.
Hope you like it. Please comment and let me know what you think about Aquila and the story.
Besos y Abrazos 😘.