ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

Started by Ateyo Te Syaksyuk, January 10, 2012, 01:55:03 PM

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#380
380)~  "I can see figures walking up to the mouth of the cave from here."  He told them.  Mostly what he saw was visible only to the infrared spectrum available to Na'vi eyes.
  Tai asked him.  "Has anyone come out?"
  "Kehe! They look at the rain, shake their heads, and turn around again."
  Tai then heard the voice of her mechanic Peter Barilla.  "Strike Eagle.  This is Sky Warrior.  We are skids up.  Will be on station in fifteen."
  Tai looked at Jake and Ikxeru and said, "Show Time!"
  Jake grinned and explained to Ikxeru, "Alakxsi ko eko. Yer'in!"  Ready to attack, Soon.  Rolkxu turned and motioned.  All his warriors had mounted up, and sat tensely as the rain pounded their heads.  Dimly, a blue figure was seen at the base of the antenna.
  "I have set eykx-tsplo-sìf.  Hiding now. Stand By."  The blue figure moved away from the explosives. "Alakxsi!" he reported when he was a safe distance away.
  "EKO!" shouted JakeSully.  And at that moment, a lightning bolt ripped across the sky and struck the antenna.  The explosion was as deafening as the thunderclap.  The antenna shuddered. groaned. twisted. and collapsed as the steel screamed.
 "Oe lu kxuke"  I am unharmed, reported Kxetsaw. "Oel tswayon alu txal ne ramit." I fly to the back of the mountain.  He was flying toward the air vent. Simultaneous with his report, Tai was telling Ateyo, "EKO! EKO! SET!"
  "Awnga eko set!  EEIIYA!"
  "Peng ngal oeti fyape eko salew."  Tell me how the attack proceeds."
  "Oe Mllte! ALAKSI?! SET! EKO!"
  Tai didn't realize that she was holding her breathe.
  Ateyo had divided her team, and positioned them above and behind the four positions of AMP suits.    Four attacks occured simultaneously.  
  Alekxsi, swooped over the top of the dugout in which the first AMP suit was positioned.  But he had already started out of his dugout.  The Lefngapa Tute reacted blindly swatting at the meikran as they menaced him.    Her Ipuyu dodged the swinging arm and Alekxsi landed her Pixie Dust squarely upon the canopy.  The AMP suit took another swing and threw himself off balance.  The strange metal feet could not maintain a firm grip on the slippery mud.  Over it went, tumbling down the mountain side.  Striking rocks and trees all the way to the bottom.  Alekxsi and Wade gave chase,  At the bottom, next to the AMP suit, was a mangled plexiglass canopy.  The AMP driver had been ejected on the way down.  His lifeless body was found in a hideous mess, somewhere upslope.
  Aud and Misyal had dropped into the mouth of the small bunker, lobing Pixie Dust as they made their entrance.  The AMP suit stood as disabled, with its arms hanging limply at it's side.   The canopy hissed as it was opened,  and  two ikrans and two riders returned the hiss.  Slowly, cautiously, two empty hands emerged from the beneath the canopy.  The tsawtute, with his face mask intact, waited fearfully for the canopy to raise hydrolically.  One of the Blue People shouted, "TÌNg TsENg FU KERKUP!"  The other one shouted in English, "SURRENDER OR DIE!"  Aud grinned sideways at Misyal.  The attack was so efficient that it was now anticlimactic.  Misyal, an Avatar familiar to Aud and Narate, simply said, "Ma Ateyo!  Moel tìspame'e 'aw tsatute. Tse, ngal yìm poti." 'Bind him' suggested, Misyal.  Aud was glad to oblige.
  Sänon and Hanakaw swooped past the entrance of the tiny bunker, lobbing their gourds and shells of Unobtanium Dust.  "Hey! The top was open! No one was in it!"  Shouted Hanakaw, excitedly. The two attackers returned, perhaps brashly, although with arrows drawn.  But they were in no danger of being attacked.  They had caught the AMP suit driver with his pants down.  Literally.  In his ill-timed attempt to relieve himself, he had the crap scared out of him.  Two ikrans were screaming at the empty  AMP suit, but two giant blue people were pointing arrows at him.  "Don't shoot!  I'm unarmed!"
  "You don't deserve mercy!" stated Sänon flatly, without ever dropping her aim.  Hanakaw, grinned at her proudly.  She was fluent in Ìnglìsì. He had loved since the day he met her eight years ago.  He had been among the Avatars who fought alongside and remained with the Na'vi.  She had claimed him as her own.  And he never had complained!
  "But we will grant mercy to you," said Hanakaw.  " Pull up your pants.  Our banshees are laughing a you!"
 The fourth Amp suit was not an amusing event.  As Ateyo and Twiti sped past the entrance to the bunker, the AMP suit opened fire.  He got off three shots.  The first two went zinging past Ateyo, but the third one elicited a scream.  Atanvi wheeled around so quickly, that Ateyo nearly dropped the explosive device that she had immediately grabbed.  Through the corner of her eye, she could see Bronco hit the ground with an awkward Thud.  With a sickening feeling in her stomach, she ordered Atanvi to fly straight up into the air.  Tai had taught her that the AMP suits could not fire straight up.  She and Atanvi climbed, did a wing-over and plummeted down directly at the AMP suit.  Ateyo had a contact grenade in her hand. She pitched it furiously past Atanvi's head, having Atanvi pull away from the ensuing blast.  She knew that she had made a direct hit on her target.  She had no time to gloat.  They turned to find Twiti next to her beloved Bronco, crying her eyes out.  Bronco was writhing in pain with a hole in his wing as big as her fist.
  "Mawey, ma oeyä tsmuke.  Vronko not dead. Pxronko not to die.  Him's got a hole in him wing.  You being O.K?  You staying here with Vronko.  Me find others and tell Tai Vronkoteri. About Vronko with hole in him wing.  Ulte peng alu awngeyä Liri'el. She make well ikran!  You staying here, Tam? OK?" Ateyo saw that Bronco and Twiti were calming each other.  She flew to the other positions after calling for progress reports.
 As Tai, and the assembled ayeyktan  rushed to their mounts from the creat of the ridge, they heard Ateyo's excited voice in their head sets.
  "Ma Tai! Ma Tai!  Mune tsawtute lu kerkup. Mune tsawtute lu tìspe'e, slä Vronko lu kxuk.
 "Ma Ateyo!"  returned Tai's voice.  "I copy.  Two humans are dead.  Two humans are captured.  And Bronco is hurt.  Is Twiti OK?"
 "Twiti lu kxuke. Not hurt.  Bronco gots hole in wing. Send Liri'el for make zeyko!" cause healing.
  "Kehe.  Liri'el must come later.  Can you finish the mission? Over."  Ateyo wasn't expecting this.  She wanted to stay and protect Twiti.  "Can Bronco fly?" said Tai's voice in her ear.  Zina's voice was almost in a panic.  "Ma Twiti!  To you is injury?"
 "Kehe.  I'm not hurt.  We will make it back to your location.  But you go and kick some RDA ASS!"  She had used the phrase so often that it didn't need translation.
  "Srane ma Yawnetu.  Oe ngaru tätxaw." I will return for you. said Zina.
 "Ma Twiti!  You just became a prisoner guard.  Ngaru lu skow swizaw?" asked Tai, as she mounted Pìwopx Srewyu.
 "Yes!   I have a bow and arrow, some unused ordinance and two AMP suits, outfitted for battle."
  "Hold them there.  We have a visit to pay.  Thanks for making it safe for us.  We are going in, Strike Eagle Out."
   Tai and Jake Sully nodded at Rolkxu.  He raised his arm and shouted "EKO! EKO! EKO!" as his fa'li aymaktoyu flanked the pxeyktan and Narate.  The riders swarmed down the face of the ridge in the eerie semi darkness.  Thunder rumbled and heavy raindrops fell anew.
  As per their erlier arrangement, onCe the ayfa'li were half way down the ridge, Rolkxu's voice came on saying, "NEFÄ! NEFÄ!" UPWARD! UPWARD!  and JakeSully and Tai repeated the charge command.
  Almost in unison, ayikran spUng into the air, over the crestof the ridge and orbitted the area immediately in front of the rebel base, flying high cover.   At the same time, the Scorpions and Samsons came screaming over the ridge, parking line abreast and lobbed eighty smoke grenades and twenty tear gas rounds right through their hangar door.  Once the canisters came through the doorway, they bounced on the concrete travelling deep into the recesses of the compound.  
  Within moments, several dozen dazed, staggering, and confused people emerged into the rain which washed the smoke and tear gas out of the air.  They were immediately surrounded by Rolkxu's samsiyu, arrows drawn, saying in English, "Surrender or Die. No harm to you if SURRENDER."  All weapons immediately dropped to the concrete as hands were raised.
  Very quickly, to get those who had surrendered out of the line of fire, Na'vi picked them up like toys, and placed them behind riders on various fa'li.  They then immediately rode them up to safety on the other side of the ridge.
  Shortly there after, gunfire came out of the smoke, wounding three Na'vi, who were immediately placed on their mounts that took them to safety.  "Fall back!" shouted Rolkxu.  Tai and JakeSully immediatey dived from above, dodging gunfire to wave off the Fa'li riders.  Tai came across the aircraft radios, saying, "Light them up! Destroy the place!  Narate!  Kill anyone who walks out of there!"
  Just as the rockets left the tubes of the aircraft, a huge lone figure of a man, carrying a machine gun ran out from the smoke and pointed his weapon at Jake and his mount.  He never got the chance to pull the trigger, as a fifty caliber bullet tore through his chest, taking out his heart and three ribs as it exited his back.  An instant later his body was blown partway up the ridge by the shockwave of the explosions inside the RDA base.
  As the aysamsiyu and their ayikran crested the ridge, Tai said on the radios, "As soon as it is safe, I want his body on a chopper.  We want to identify him."


Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

381)~ Ateyo and her team, minus Bronco and Twiti, were flying toward the back of the ridge.
"Ma Kxatsaw! Srak ngal tse'a ayhumanit holifwo ftu tseng RDA?" Do you see humans escaping from the RDA Place?
   "Kehe, Ma 'Teyo.  The opening that was in the back has been covered.  I will circle away."
   "Remeber, ma Kxetsaw.  Do not approach the front of the of the cave.  The fighting will be there.  We must wait to rescue the ayhuman."
  "Ma Tai.  Ma Tai.  The opening at the back of ram,  of mountain, is cover over.  Kea ayhuman fìtseng. No humons here.  Where us going now? Over."
  "Do not approach the cave! Rä'ä za'u asìm slär! TXANA HRRAP! Big danger. Over."
   "Ma Kxetsaw.  I'awn zong alìm. Stay safe far away."  Ateyo and Tai were grateful that they had rehearsed  positions of cover.  Atanvi carried her higher.  By human standards, they were yet two miles from the face of the cave.  She could see Kxetsaw flying from around the back side of the mountain.  Her team remained circling above, watching the events unfold from aloft.  Wade  was the first to point out the ayhunsips, the gunships approaching low through the canyon beneath them.  The gunships hovered abreast, facing the cave mouth.  They watched as the smoke canisters were lobbed into the cave.  Ayhumon could be seen scurrying out.  They could see Tai and Jake dive from above, waving off the fali sì ayikran aymaktoyu.  And Tai's voice saying, "Light them up! Destroy the place!  Narate!  Kill anyone who walks out of there!"
   Even in the gloomy light and from that distance, a large human figure with an equally large gun emerged in pursuit of the others. And drew down upon Jake Sully.  Almost immediately, he was stopped in his tracks, a bloody eruption from his back. Simultaneously, rockets  exploded within the cave complex, launching the lifeless figure of the RDA pursurer halfway up the ravine.
   "Ma Narate! Target was eliminated.  Were you affected by the blast?" asked Tai.
   "Negative.  Didn't even singe my eyebrows.  Copy. Target eliminated."  Narate experienced an aftershock of adrenaline rush.  She was satisfied with her result, but it always affected her to know that she had eliminated a life.  She reminded herself that he was ready to pull the trigger on his escapees and on  JakeSully.  She sighed and let the rain the rain wash away her vestiges of remorse.  It was ugly.  But someone had to do it.   
   "Ma Ateyo. Ma Ateyo.  Bring your team down here." said Tai over the strike net.
   As the aysamsiyu and their ayikran crested the ridge, Tai said on the radios, "As soon as it is safe, I want his body on a chopper.  We want to identify him."
   Tai's voice said, "Ma Daniels! Are you piloting the medevac Samson? Over."
   "Affirmative."  We estimate by the blast that we are five minutes out. Over."
   "Txansan!  We have need of at least one ikran that might need medical attention. About three clicks from our position. Do you have visual?" said Tai.
   "Scanning three clicks to the south.  I have visual on one ikran. Affirmative. Requesting permission to descend and render aid.  Over."
  "Affirmative.  Captain Henderson and Lt. Bruce Wade. Proceed to my station. And land in the clearing.  Do you have visual? Over."
   "Aye Major. No need to pop smoke. Arrival in one minute. Over."
    "Strike Eagle.  This is Dragon Rider. Inbound. Ten minutes out. We have a full hospital aboard.  Requesting that you transfer your medical team to us. Over."
   The timing was nearly perfect.  "Dragon Rider.  This is Captain Daniels.  We are currently located three clicks from your destination with our medical team.  We will rondezvous at Tai's position.  We will follow you in."
   "Dragon Rider. This is Strike Eagle.  Be advised we have Three injuries of Na'vi.  One serious injury involving  sucking chest wounds. One injury involving gunshot to hip.  One injury  involving gunshot wound to the left humerous. Causing compound fracture and arterial bleeding. Be advised. The arm wound had been tournicated and splinted, and the hip wound was a through and through, high on the pelvis. We have compression bandage on that."
   "Copy that.  We have two surgeons and two nurses  aboard, But having Liri'el aboard would make everything run smoother.  Don't worry Major, they are in very good hands."
   Although Rolkxu heard the exchange, his comprehension of Ìnglìsì was not good.  His concern was evident.
"Ma Tai? Pefayluta po plltxe?" What words did he say?
"Ma Rolkxu. Poel plltxe SAN, "Srung sivi yer'in.  Liri'el za'u nìteng. SÌK" He said, QUOTE Help is soon.  Liri'el comes as well."
   The medical team was well equipped to deal with injuries to Na'vi, Avatar, and Human alike.  Liri'el had even developed "New Skin" product for ayikran.  They found Twiti under cover of a shallow cave.  Before her were two prisoners, bound.  Her ikran had signalled them by flying, or rather struggling upward.  But now it's huge head was resting on her lap.  Liri'el and Lesley Savage were applying the adhesive skin grafts to either side of his injured wing.  Twiti was wincing at the symbiotic pain she was experiencing as Bronco had his wing debrided. 
   By this time, Zina had shown up to comfort Twiti.  She had agreed with Liri'el, that Bronco should fly without a rider on account of his injury, and Twiti was relieved that Zina was by her side, lending her strength and support.
   Zina listened carefully as Lrir'el spoke.  "Awnga zene kivä fa metxivak ne Taiyä klltseng, set.  Za'u nìteng." We must go by means of Medivac to Tai's position. You come as well, Liri'el  urged the stern samsiyu.  She explained in Na'vi, " The medical team needs to transfer to the Dragon, which is on the horizon just now. Let's all fly to where Tai, Ateyo and the other Samsiyu are."
    "That is an excellent suggestion.  I am just grateful to Ewya that Twiti is unharmed."  Zina was more solicitous than usual.  Twiti felt a surge of hope for their relationship as Zina said, "Za'u, ma hona Renten.  Moeyä meikran tsun nivong!" come my adorable Fan Lizard.  Our two ikran can follow.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#382
382)~The giant Dragon ship Hospital and the Medevac Samson hovered while Captain Henderson and Lt. Bruce Wade left the muddy landing zone.  Those two choppers left to  scan the battlefield for wounded or dead.  The Vrrtep who had fired upon escaping prisoners and JakeSully was found downslope from Narate Shepard's position.  Another victim was found at the bottom of the ravine.  It was an escapee, who had been shot in the back.  They returned to the landing field with two body bags, and set down in the mud next to the Hospital ship and the Medevac.  It amazed Henderson and Wade to see the skeletal humons come rushing toward their ships when they landed.  With the last of their energy, they strained to see who was aboard in the body bags.
  It was difficult to keep the conscripts from expressing their extreme displeasure at the corpse of the hated RDA Colonel.  "That's the one, Jake.  That's the one who captured us and tried to make his do his bidding.  OH!  And that's Bill! Ah, Bill you lasted this long! You almost tasted freedom until THIS ONE shot you in the back!"  Ted Demaria was furious. He had emphasized the words THIS ONE with a punch to the corpse of the RDA Colonel.  
  But JakeSully put him  in charge of subduing his old bunk mates, who were of the opinion that the body should be turned over to them.  "I know it is frustrating not to have their revenge, but there are more important things to do now, " said Jake.  The captives were eventually distracted by the promise of food and water.
  The emaciated conscripts were gathered under the edge of the forest.  It was not an ideal place to encamp, but they were simply too weak to travel even as far as Rolkxu's clearing from the previous night.  JakeSully appointed Sänon and Hanakaw to care for the ayhumon.  Each humon was brought sprigs of the plant that produced oxygen, and fresh water to drink,  although they each had already received sprigs.  Some wept realizing that if they had know of the oxygen producing plant, none would have feared escaping.  Small bits of fresh fruit were offered, and though Liri'el cautioned them to eat slowly, the hungry people were quick to decimate any food that was offered.  But her attentions were needed in the transport hospital.  Ateyo managed to start a small campfire by persuading Atanvi to provide cover using his wings.  For most of the captives, this was a novel experience, having never been this close to a banshee before.
  One of the medics, Lesley Savage, came  running  through the mud from the belly of the hospital ship and spoke with Sänon and Hanakaw.   "We have three Na'vi in the operating room.  We can take eight of your worse cases and rush them to the medical facility at Blue Heart Gate."  Hanakaw and Sänon selected the eight ayhumon, and eight Na'vi aysamsiyu to carry them to the Dragon where they were immediately hooked to IVs with saline and glucose.  
  Twiti had sought out Tai  when she got off the chopper.  The two AMP suit drivers had yet to be dealt with.  "Major Tai, those two are very talkative if you give them half a chance.  You need to ask them about RDA Avatars in the cave."  
   "Good work, soldier. "  said Tai, but unlike military personnel she pulled Twiti in an embrace.  "Thank Eywa that you and Ateyo are all right!"  But already, flashbacks of Ateyo's nightmare were occurring to her memory.  The bombed out bunker, the  smoke filled air, the blue glow from a gestation tank, and a voice saying, "You are the little brat that caused all of this!"  She shook her head to clear the memory.  "I've got to have a little talk with these two guys. Go bring Jake and Ikxeru and Rolkxu, would you please?"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#383
383)~ Tai took  Ateyo into an embrace.  "I'm so glad that you and Twiti did not get injured, but we still have some work to do, ma hona muntxate.   I would like the aysahik to be present for this lawk.  Can you bring Lamu'ite? And Alekxsi?"  A quick kiss and she was on her way, stepping through mud puddles in search of Lamu'ite and Alexandra.
  The two prisoners were seated nervously  in Captain Henderson's samson.  Their hands were still bound behind their backs.  Alekxsi and Wade were standing guard near them, with arrows knocked and at the ready, though not drawn back.  Tai climbed into the opened cargo door.
  "Ma Alekxsi!  Oel ngati kameie!  I didn't know that you were already here! I just sent Ateyo to go find you!"  said Tai.
  Alekxsi and Wade exchanged their greetings with Tai,  as Jake, Neytiri, and the other ayeyktan joined them, holding large flat leaves as umbrellas.  They were soon followed by Eyktan Atumopin and Tsahik Lamu'ite.  Raindrops were beading off Atumopin's war paint, which covered a good portion of her torso.  
They were making their greetings when Ateyo arrived breathessly.  "Ma Tai! I not finding Tsahik Alekxsi!"  but as she turned she exclaimed,   "ROLUN!  I finding you!"  Tai gave her a hand up, and they all crowded into the Samson.
  Tai stalked up to the prisoners at the back of the samson.  "O.K. you two, listen up.  There is nothing left of your base but rubble.  All of the conscripts who were held against their will, but one, have been rescued.  That ONE was shot in the back by your commander, shortly before HE had his heart blown out his back.  Whether you live or die, will be determined in the next five minutes. Do NOT play with us. You have no military secrets of any consequence to protect anymore.  Your commander was in his human tokx when he was killed.  His three underlings are probably buried under quite a few tons of concrete and rock, and we are getting ready to be very sure that the conrete and rock are their tomb, and NOT sanctuary.
  "Well, I ain't gonna shed no tears for that son of a b****. I only wish I had been there to see to him get plugged." said the one with the name Contreras stencilled on his shirt.
  "Damn,  I wish I had pulled the trigger." agreed the fellow named Gilroy.  "So he wasn't in his Avatar? That surprises me!  He got off on being ten feet tall."
  JakeSully looked each man squarely in the eye.  "What do you know of this Avatar program?  How many Avatars were there? How many link chambers? Were there any gestation tanks?"
  "I don't know, man.  I did everything I could to avoid him.  And he put us AMP suit drivers on foot patrol to guard his precious dungeon.  I never went down there." said Contreras.
  "I did," said Gilroy.  "There were eight link chambers but only four Avatars; the Colonel, who had promoted himself when Quaritch didn't make it, and three majors."
  "Three malicious sons of b****es.  I hope they were killed too." groused Contreras.
  "Where are the link chambers located?" asked Tai.
  "On the very bottom, eight floors down.  But the Avatar quarters are on the fourth floor." offered Contreras.  
  "So if you four AMP suits were supposed to be guarding the link chambers, what were you doing five miles from the mouth of the cave?" inquired Tai.
  Gilroy was more than happy to keep talking. "The Colonel, he was getting more and more nervous.  He was expecting to be attacked by the Na'vi at any time.  And when he heard the Shuttles landing and taking off a while back, he was expecting  more RDA, but he didn't know whether that would be good or bad.  He had twice as many Grunts as he did eight yeers ago, but he started killing them off if ever they started complaining.  Truth is, there were not enough supplies for forty men, and HE never went hungry.  He tried to send them out hunting  by twos."
  "They never came back though." said Contreras.  "And neither did the electrician guys who were supposed to fix the comm towers."
  "But speaking of food," interrupted Gilroy, "can we have something to eat and to drink.  I'm kinda hungry and I'm feeling weak."
  "Not too fast, Sunshine." said Tai.  "You didn't tell us if there were any gestation tanks."
  "I would tell you, if I knew what the hell a crustacean tank was," complained Gilroy with a straight face, apparently unaware of the gaff.
  "A tank with blue liquid where they grow the Avatars," informed Jake.  He would have found the Crustacean remark humorous, but for the circumstances.
  "Yeah, there was four of them Aquariums.  I saw them once, but they was empty."  Gilroy had no idea how uninformed his comment sounded.
   Tai got up and walked forward, leaned over to the instrument panel and flipped On the main D.C. buses.  "I have 900 pounds of fuel to spare and still fly this back to Blue Heart Gate."
  "Whoa. Whoa, Whoa. Tai are you talking about torching that place?  There are three or four Avatars in there!"  Jake was still trying to process the information.
 "Ma Tai! Srak, AVATAR ral uniltirantokx?  Srak, Tsatsengru lu tsìng ayuniltirantokx."  AVATAR means DreamWalkerBody? That place has four DeamWalkers?" asked Eyktan Ikxeru, incredulously.
  "Ma Tai! Srak, ayngaru zene zivong ayuniltìrantokx nìteng."  We must rescue the Avatars as well." stated Lamu'ite.
  "Kehe!  Rä'ä  zong!"  said JakeSully.  We mustn't save!  Ayforu lu aytirea tìkawng! To these are evil spirits.  
  "These four humans are the ones who kept these people captive, and killed them ruthlessly!" argued Tai.  "Do you really think they are to be trusted? They are murderers!  Their blue bodies are slaves to their evil spirits.  They truly are demons."
  "Ma Tai?  Are you Eywa to determine who should live and who should die?" asked Tsahik Alekxsi.
  "Kehe.  I am not Eywa.  But I am a defender of the People.  We risked many lives to defend these ayhumon.  Should I then rescue their oppressors as well? These people have had eight years to decide to live in harmony with the Na'vi and Ewyaeveng, but they have chosen to enslave and murder instead."
  Gilroy added, "I don't know if I get a vote, but I say, 'Torch 'Em.  They never showed mercy, they should not receive mercy."
 Neytiri muttered aloud to herself, yet loudly enough that Tai could hear, "I wish I had my mother here to ask."
  "We can do this."  said Tai, and she walked forward again, and leaned over to the instrument panel and flipped On the DC circuit breakers for the radio stack.  Keying the mike she said, "Looking Glass, this is Strike Eagle. Over."
  "Strike Eagle, Looking Glass. I read you Five by Five. Over."
  "Looking Glass.  Can you patch me through to Blue Heart Gate? Over."
  It didn't take long to achieve signal at the Blue Heart Gate Communications Tower.  But it did take a short while to send Deborah Webb to cross the compound and go to the Spuwina 'Awm to find Mo'at.  During this time lag, it was decided to feed the captives as a reward for their cooperation.
   Ateyo saw a young man passing by outside of the chopper doorway.  
"Za'u ma tsmukan.  "Fyape fko syaw ngar? what are you called?"
"Oe lu Eyk'itan Te Ramtsyìp Kxayl'itan."  He stood at the ready, leaf umbrella held overhead. By his title, he was the son of a leader, named Kxayl, from  hill clan.  Ateyo searched her mind for a Hill Clan or anyone named Kxayl.  She would have to ask later.  
  "Ma Eyk'itan, ayngaru zene yom mespe'etit set." Leader's Son, we need to feed two captives now.   "Srak, tsun ngal zamunge u'ot?"  Yes/no you can bring something?  
  "Srane!"  The young man turned and trotted off to the ylltxep, communal fire at the edge of the woods.
  In the meantime, Mo'at had been roused and brought to the  Comm Tower at Blue Heart Gate, with Mendllzong at her side.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

384)~As Deborah Webb ran to find Mo'at, Melvin came back to the Comm Tower for the umpteenth time.  The radio operator gestured him in and immediately handed him the mike.
   The Radio Operator was saying, "Melvin, It's Major Tai on the radio!  We've got her!"
   "Major Tai!  Major Tai!  Are you all right?"
   "Melvin. Calm down!  None of the Avatars are wounded!  We are fine.  The only wounded should have arrived by now.  Do you copy?"
   "Well, Major, none of you are all right here.  Your human bodies are all dead!  All of your human bodies died at the same time about two hours ago.  I thought we had lost all the Avatars.  I've called the other bases and link chambers at the other clans.  None of the telemetry has been working because of the storm, but visuals indicated something was wrong.  But we didn't want to break link because we couldn't risk knocking you cold during the battle."
   "Melvin! Calm down!  The battle is over, all the hostages are safe except for one KIA. And the wounded should have arrived at Blue Heart.  Check that. Over."
  "O.K., yes, yes!  Affirmative! A Medevac arrived fifteen minutes ago with wounded and some very sickly humons.  YES!  The med team just confirmed. YES! um. Over!"
   "Breathe Melvin.  I'm sorry we scared you, but we are all Alive and Breathing.  Has Mo'at arrived?" 
  "Um, yes.  Mo'at has just walked in. Over."
   "O.K. Melvin.  Here's what I want you to do: Get up on the Guard Channel, using another radio and tell all the other link chambers that apparently, Eywa has decided to bless all of the Avatars beyond our wildest dreams.  We are now each One of the People.  Go spread the news on the Guard Channel and give Mo'at the mike. Over."
   The radio tech at Blue Heart, having overheard the conversation, had already set up the Guard Channel frequency and handed the mike to Melvin.  Meanwhile, Patxi Fenwick accompanied Mo'at and made her comfortable at  a different radio console. 
   Miles away, Tai had motioned Neytiri to the microphone and reminded her to push the switch when she spoke.  Neytiri spoke with her mother for a long while, both of them speaking through pent up tears of consternation. 
   "Ma 'Ite!  We were all sitting beneath the Tree of Voices near Spuwina 'Awm.  We could not hear the Battle, we could not hear the words, but we  listened only to the Great Mother.  We could experience the pain of the Mother.  But at one point, the pain lifted, ma 'Ite.  It lifted from our hearts and we knew in that moment that the Kawnga Sawtute ( Bad SkyPeople) had been removed from our land!  We all felt a wonderful surge of relief, and joy.  Ulte Ngeyä Nawma Sa'nok plltxe mì ayoenga ayte'lan, SAN: RÄ'Ä  TxOPU:SÌK "
( The Great Mother spoke to our hearts and said, QUOTE  do Not Fear UNQUOTE.)
  "Ma Sa'nu," said Neytiri, "Ma Sanu. Is this true that all the Kawnga Sawtute are dead? Even the ones in the cave?"
   "Srane, ma 'Ite!  When we shared tsaheylu with the Great Mother we experienced an absense of the Evil that had been among us."
   Neytiri was deeply touched by Mo'ats words.  She handed the mike to Tai, but already had withdrawn her eyes and was deep in thought.
   "Ma Mo'at.  Oe lu Tai.  Ngeyä ayli'uta lu atanvi mi oeyä tirea." (Your words are rays of light in my spirit."
   "Ma Tai!  Aynga tiyätxaw set?" Will you all return now?"
  "Ma Mo'at! Awnga zene hahaw fìtxon, slä awngal tse'a ngati trray srekamtrr! We must all sleep but we will see you tomorrow before noon."
   " The children have been fearful! As have we all. We will all be happy to see you safe again."
   "Ma Mo'at, rutxe plltxe ne ma oeyä sa'nok SAN: Oel tse'a ngati trray.:SÌK!" (Please tell my Mother, that I will see her tomorrow." said Tai referring to Tsahik Meykir.)
   "Ma Tai!  Oel ka ulte plltxe frapo fmawn asiltsan pxiset!" (I will go and tell everyone right now!)"Ma Neytiri! Txon lefpom!"
  Tai keyed the mike and let everyone present shout Txon Lefpom.  Patricia Fenwick's voice was heard on the mike. 
   "Good work, Tai, Jake, Neytiri ulte nìwotx aysamsiyu.  I am taking Mo'at and Mendllzong back to Spuwina 'Awm, now.  Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Over!"
   "It will be good for us all to return!  This is Strike Eagle. Out."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

385)~  The forest was enveloped in Syuratan, the wondrous gentle glow of light emitted from every plant in the forest.  The clouds had lifted and followed the storm west.  The ayhumon were sleeping peacefully in the three Samsons and Na'vi and Avatars were claiming sleeping places among the branches.  Twiti and Zina were nearby, Wade and Alexsi were bundled together, Sänon and Hanakaw were also.
"Lu kosman futa moel tsun hivahaw awsìtseng fìtxon!" It is wonderful that we both can sleep together tonight! whispered Ateyo. 
   "Slä moel hahaw 'awsìteng fratxon,  oeyä Yawnetu!"  But we sleep together every night, my Beloved! exclaimed Tai.  They were together, in the treetops.  Ateyo had found an eanaean plant to use as a hahawa-rìk, sleep leaf, and meikran were happy to have them nearby.
   "Kehe, oeyä muntxate.  Moe hahaw 'awsiteng krratsyìp fratxon ni'aw.  Mawkrr OE hahaw ulte nga kiva tsengo," pouted Ateyo.  'No, my wife. We two sleep together every night  only for a little while.  Afterwards, I sleep and you go somewhere.'  Ateyo had her arms around Tai like she would never let her go.  Tai's head was on Ateyo's shoulder.  It was the only time she felt entirely at ease. She wrapped her kxetse around Ateyo's thigh and felt their tails entwine.  Tai had to agree, it was a wonderful experience to know that they would sleep together BOTH AS NA'VI for the first time in there lives.  It truly seemed as though she were entering a new phase of life. 
   Tai petted and stroked the beautiful skin next to hers.    Even tsaheylu took on a different meaning.  She felt and heard a low rumbling purr from Ateyo and said "Prrknntrrkrr?"  Literally it meant daytime smoke pleasure, but it was commonly understood to represent desire. 
   "Nìlun! Srane, ma Tai!" Of course! Yes Tai. "But maybe we shouldn't Shake the Branches tonight.  I feel exhausted,"
   "Mllte oe, ma 'Teyo,"murmured Tai.  I agree. "But Someone, should stir the Kava when we get home!"
   They giggled together as they fell asleep.  Sometime later, Tai was awakened by Ateyo poking her insistently.  She pried open one eyelid and asked, "What's the matter?" she wasn't awake enough to translate her words.
  "Kea tìkin.  It is nothing.  I only wanted to see if you were still here!"
  Tai only smiled and offered her tswin once again.  "Tsaheyl siviei ko." Let's join our minds. "Fìya'o ngal oeti tsun kameie frakrr!"  In this manner you can perceive me all the time!
  Ateyo giggled.  It was impossible to remain linked together once they fell asleep.  But that would suffice.  "Tam Tam," she murmured.  And Tai drifted off listening to Ateyo's heart beating;   Tam Tam   Tam Tam  Tam Tam.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

386)~ (minor alterations)

396 )~ As she lay with Ateyo burrowed almost underneath her, Tai wondered how many other Newly Na'vi couples had lost sleep.  Each time one of them had to get up to relieve themselves, it was followed by long, wonderous moments of snuggling and stroking each other.  "You didn't think that I was going to just lay here and go to sleep, did you?" giggled Tai.
   Ateyo resonded with a grin, her teeth and her sanhi, sparkling in the moonlight.  Ateyo's ketxse wrapped tightly around Tai's thigh.  It was so delightful to experience each other's presence throughout the night.  They hadn't shared that since the night at the Hidden Base, when Tai was in her Human Tokx.  Her Human Tokx!   Before she drifted off again, Tai experieced a momentary twinge of sorrow.  She imagined that there would be a mass burial tomorrow.  But for now, she couldn't feel more alive.  She only regretted that she had to lay down to sleep!
   It seemed that in the next moment, Tai was being gently, yet insistantly awakened.
   "Wake up Sista! You fella gonna hahaw here all day?  I wanna be with my fafine nìteng, srak!" Tai was grinning before she was awake.  It was funny to hear her cousin speaking his strange admixture of Samoan, Na'vi and English.
  "Eyawr! You are right, ma tsmuk!  Ngeyä Ka'alani perey ngaru.  Your Ka'alani is waiting for you!"
   Taifa'anae pulled both of them to their feet from their hahawa-rik, sleep-leaf.  All the warriors had experienced a severe adrenaline drop and had slept like rocks.  It soon became apparent that the couples, who were nestled contently together, were much harder to rouse than the warriors who were anxious to see their mates.
   Cautiously, Ateyo approached the hahawa-rik of Zina and Twiti.  But as a taronyu, Zina was accustomed to rising early.  It wasn't the frightening experience to awaken her, as Ateyo had feared.  But she was awarded a bone crushing hug from Zina and a heart felt hug from Twiti.  Together, the five joined other Na'vi descending the trees of the forest.  Breakfast was fruit and left overs from the previous evening's meal. 
   Most aymaktoyu chose to fly their ayikran back to the camp near Blue Heart Gate.  However, those who were once Avatars were encouraged to return in lefngapa ayikran.  There were 'other' burial details to attend to once they returned to Blue Heart Gate. The ayhumon were loaded onto the remaining three choppers.
   Ateyo began to recognize the landscape as they neared Blue Heart Gate.  She was the first to announce.  "Oel tse'a Txe'lanit Aean!"
   "Eyawr, ma 'Teyo!  You have good pilot's eyes!  Ngaru lu tswayonyu menari asÌltsan!"  Ateyo  laughed to herself and watched as Tai keyed up the mic.
   "Blue Heart Gate. Strike Eagle.  Bringing home the wempongu and our ayhumon.  Ten minutes out. Inbound, full stop at the refueling bays."
   "Strike Eagle, Blue Heart Base.  You are cleared for immediate expedited approach and touch down at the fuel bays.  Welcome back, Major!"
   As the aircraft were crossing the perimeter fence, Tai's radio came alive again.
   "Strike Eagle, Blue Heart Gate.  The Colonel says. 'Well Done!' to all, and would like to meet you in the Control Room as soon as the ship is tied down.  Do you have any of the Ayeyktan with you? Over."
    "I have all seven with me.  Does the Colonel want to meet us all? Over?"
    "Affirmative!  The Colonel requests that Ateyo and Neytiri translate."
   "Roger!  We should be walking through the door in ten minutes.  Strike Eagle out."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk


387)~ Blue Heart Gate was once known as Hell's Gate, and had been an RDA mercenary base. As such, it was outfitted to house many people.  It was also outfitted to accommodate many casualties.  While the ayhumon were were going through intake procedures, Tai and the other former ayuniltìrantokx were viewing  Schroeder's Raiders, whose ayhumontokx were laid out on "slabs."  At least Colonel Schroeder and the medical team and some of the door gunners and chief mechanics were there, laid out in neat columns and rows. 
   "Peseng lu ngeyä tokx, Ma Tai?"  asked Ateyo into the hushed silence. Where is your body?
   "Tok ayoenge aytokxel mì Tsenget Tìwan. Our bodies are in Hidden Place." Major Tai shook her head and addressed Brandenburg, Barrilla, Rivoir and Schoeder.  Where do you want your bodies to be buried?  Here? At Hidden Base? Or..."
   She didn't have a chance to finish her sentence, because they all said in unison, "Hu  ngeyä 'olo, nìlun!"  With our clan, of course!  All heads swiveled toward Ikxeru. 
   "Nìlun!  Ayoengel zene pawm Tsahik Meykirit ulte alahet, slä tìefumi oeyä, Eywa pamllte, SAN:  SRANE! :SÌK"  Of course. We must ask Tsahik Meykir and the others, but in my feelings, Eywa has said, quote: YES! :unquote.
   The eyktans began to discuss among themselves, and Neytiri was hard-pressed to translate for them all at once. "Ayeyktan saying, SAN: Our ayhumon must be buried soon.  We have only one TEK and many bodies, and few Na'vi are there to help.  It will take three days for the Eastern Sea Clan to return and also the Red Bird Clan.  And two days for the Dark Lake and Zongsteng. They are anxious that their bodies be buried soon " Words like Kerusey- Dead, and tìterkup-death, fahew-which is smell or odor,and kxänäng-which Ateyo translated as  rotten smell of dead ones.
   It suddenly occurred to everyone that the tropical humidity of the Pandoran Rain Forest was not condusive to preservation.
   Tai was quick to solve that problem.  "We have our Lefngapa Ayikran!  We can carry many, and quickly!  Colonel Schroeder what is our fuel situation?"
  Colonel Schroeder looked at Patricia Fenwick.  "Ma Patxi?" She bent down to a keypad and started calling up data.
  "We are fine.  We are fine for six months of normal operations.  By that time, the last ISV will have arrived, probably with more fuel.  We are good to go."
  Colonel Schroeder asked Patxi how her inventory of body bags was holding up.  And Tai wanted to know if CO2 extinguishers were available to keep the body temps low.
   "Better than that Major Tai.  We have dry ice."
   "Ma Tai? What is txray eyss?"  asked Ateyo under her breath.
   "Tskepay." The Na'vi described ice as Stone Water.   "Txana wew tskxepay."  Very cold ice.
   "We can keep any or all of these bodies here in the Cold Room," suggested Patxi. 
   "We can fly choppers out to each 'olo," planned Major Tai, "and commit the ayhumontokx ne kxllte, the Humon Bodies to the ground before the day is done,  and fly back here by evening. Or tomorrow morning."
   Each of the former Avatars lifted their respective human bodies and helped to place them in their body bags. The medical crew of Blue Heart brought out chunks of dry ice, wheeled from a cart.  The vapors rising from the blocks caused Ateyo to exclaim, "Txana wew tskxepay alu Kener."  Very cold ice which is smoke!
   The bodies of all deceased former ayuniltìrantokx were loaded into helicopters and pilots assigned.  By this time, all the Na'vi who had remained at the Spuwina 'Awm had gathered in the green area near the exercise yards and gardens.  Like an arrow, Pxepxi shot across the space and attached herself to Ateyo and then to Tai.  Likewise, Kofi had launched himself into Taifa's arms.
    Ka'alani and Aud were former Avatars yet not warriors.  They had been under the Tree of Voices when the Change had occurred.  The Change was palpable.  They had been ecstatic from that moment.  It was only when they viewed the body bags that it occurred to them that there were some pleasantries that needed to be dealt with.  Patxi and Neytiri explained to all that some burials needed to occur of ayhumontokx, and that these aytute would return in the morning.
   Ayeyktan and aytsahik of each respective clan climbed into their respective choppers.  Ayevenge, the children, however, would not leave their parents' sides, so amid Eywa Ayngahu and promises of speedy returns, the Samsons lifted off and flew away.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

388)~ "Ma Sa'nu, ayoeng terätxaw ne kelku set?" Momma, we are returning home now?" Pxepxi had positioned herself in the jumpseat between, and a little bit behind, the pilot's cockpit, where Tai and Ateyo were sitting.
   "Kehe, Ma 'Ite." responded Ateyo.  "Lesngä'ì ayoeng sivop ne 'olo Eyktan Atumopinä." First we will travel to Red Painted Leader's clan. "Ayoengil zene kllyem ayhumonit feyä."  They must bury their humans.
   Tai turned her head a little to address her daughter.  "Ma Pxepxi!  Eyktan Atumopin plltxe, SAN: 'Aynga miveuanga' txo aynga siyop fìtrr ayoengur srung sivi yllkem oeyä soaia.' :SÌK"
Red Painted Leader says QUOTE: "You would honor us if you woud help us bury our family." UNQUOTE."
   "Ma Pxepxi," continued Tai.  "Taifa' sì Ka'alani sì Oe, Niwotx  'olongokx mì sray a txampayìri sim,"  We were all born near the ocean.
   "Ftu ayspono mì 'Rrta."  ... from islands on Earth, added Ka'alani.
    "Ulte Eyktan Atumopinil vin ayoengit rusey  mì mìpa tsray sin." And Red Painted Na'vi has requested that we live in a new village near them.
   "Tsangay?" Is that true? Krrpe?! WHEN?!?!  Oe tsun za'u, nìteng? Sì Kofi?"  I can come too? And Kofi?"
   "Nilun!  Kxawm ye'rìn.  Of Course! Perhaps soon!" answered Ateyo.
   "Pey!  Rutxe fnu, ma Ìte!"  Wait. Please be quiet, Daughter!" said Tai as she keyed the mike.
   "Hidden Base -- Major Tai.  Ten out to the south.  On direct flight to Eastern Sea.  Be advised.  We will be stopping for fuel, rest and snacks late this afternoon or possibly early tomorrow morning.  Arrival time is dependent upon length of burial detail.  How copy? Over."
   Melvin responded with; "Major Tai, Melvin here!  I copy you five by five.  Please raise us when you are ten out, inbound.  Be advised, you folks are chillin' in the coolers!  Hidden Base. Out."
   On an ikran the flight to the Eastern Sea Clan would have taken half a day.  By Samson, it took less than an hour.  They filled their time wondering aloud how their ayikran would react when they reached Blue Heart Gate and could not find their riders.  Kofi and Pxepxi imagined how life would be, surf riding every morning.  Ka'alani wondered if Alexandra and Wade would join them at this new village by the sea.  Even when they were working as Avatar techs for the RDA, Alekxsi would share her Dream Visions of being a purple-skinned island-Na'vi.  She had enjoyed speaking with Alekxsi and Wade around the llytxep at Spuwina 'Awm.     
   Atumopin was nearly gloating.  She had been teasing Eyktan Ikxeru constantly about acquiring these Ayhumon Islanders for her own clan.  Too bad he wasn't on this journey!  She  got up and exchanged places with Pxepxi.
   "Ma Tai!  You will soon be at our 'Olo. Have you given any thought to starting a mipa tsray near us?"
   "Srane! Awnga nìwotx sunu fìfpìl!" Yes, we all like this idea. "Slä ... omum fwa Eyktan Ikxeru ke sunu fwa!"
   "Haha!  Ikxeru can't keep you all for himself.  Tìefumì oeyä, in my opinion, He must SHARE! "   
   "Slä ma Eyktan, oeyä txe'lan 'efu aku'up.  But, Eyktan, my heart feels heavy. Po lu oeyä sempul.   Oel zene tok rofä oeyä sempulit pa'o, Kefyak?  He is my Father.  I must be at his side, is that not right?"
   Atumopin was almost defensive. "Kxawm, txo nga lu 'evi, fu po leru txana kxoak,   Perhaps if you were a kid, or he would be very old man.  Fa ikran menga lu mawkrr sop ni'aw!" By ikran, you two are only half a day's journey!" 
  Tsahik Lamu'ite came beside her muntxate and laid her hand on Tai's shoulder.  "Ma Tai, rä'ä txopu!  Oeyä muntxate ke new ngeyä sempul! My mate doesn't want to be your Father!  Fìtsap mengaru relpey nìteng.   You two are to each other same blood!  No one can change that! Fya'o mengeyä pxe'olo layu a txur.  In this way, our three clans will be stronger!"
   "Besides," added Taifa', who had been listening quietly, "We are already a separate clan.  We are only going to be relocated near the ocean!
   "Nìlun! Payo'ang zene slele!"   Of course!  A fish must swim!" stated Atumopin.  In her mind, the matter was settled.
   Ateyo was beginning to imagine the ceremony which might take place in the creation of a new village.  She even noticed a smile playing over the lips of her muntxate.
   "I have the village in site, ayikran are on an intercept route! "
  Ateyo was still in the habit of translating:  "Oeyä Tai plltxe SAN: Oe Nari si ngeyä tsray, ulte ayikran za'u nìprrte kxaltì si! SÌK."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

389)~  The ayikran which met them in the sky were ridden by the hunters/warriors who had not been on the Rescue Mission.  The ayuniltìrantokx were in fact, the only warriors to accompany Eyktan Atumopin and Tsahik Lamu'ite on this Mission.  Tai set down the Samson gingerly upon the isthmus and was mobbed immediately by eager Na'vi.  "Oel Ngati Kameie" was expressed joyfully over the Three Filipino-former Avatars who had returned. 
   Pendia Campeste, had stayed at the Eastern Sea, to mind the Link Chambers.  It was she who had discovered her three companions, deceased in their coffin-like link chambers.  It was she who had seen to their removal to the cold caves that were hidden near the lagoon.  And it was she who had begged a ride from an Eastern Sea ikran maktoyu, to the radios at Hidden Base.  And although she had confirmed that her friends were still alive, it was a relief to see her pxeylan, her three friends, in the flesh.  Weeping, she threw her arms around their necks.  And even the stern Laria Pxataya had comforting words to say.
   "Tam, tam, ma Tsmuke.  Oeru pfom. Oe lu zo. Tse'a? There, there.  I am healthy.  I am well. See?"
   Everyone crowded around to touch and verify the return of the three.
   "I picked up each of you and put you on a litter.  I even picketx up my own self!  That was very strange!  Then we all carried you down to the caves.  Not the underwater caves, the higher ones.  I wasn't sure of your customs.  When my Grandfather died, they sat him up and put a cigar in his mouth.  And my Grandmother told me that in her region, the people were placed within hollow trees.  But the Na'vi say that we are now of the Eastern Sea Tslan. We must be buried at sea.  But I built a fire so that your spirit would find its way to Heaven."
   All of this came tumbling out from her mouth in a frantic delivery.  Ten Opuntu took her in his arms without thinking twice.  "My Grandfather told me that HIS Grandfather's coffin was suspended by ropes from a cliff side, but you know what?  Our spirits are still alive and well and residing in only THIS body! We should bury these ayhumon bodies because they served us well.  They got us this far!  But we can't send off our Spirits!  These Blue bodies need them! Let's ask Tsahik Lamu'ite."
   Tsahik Lamu'ite and Tsahik Ateyo were actually standing very close.  Lamu'ite pamlltxe alu sìng Filipinoyä Na'vi, Lamu'ite spoke to the four Filipino Na'vi.  "Fpì ayngeyä Aytireairi, oe irayo seiyi furia tìpe'un." For the sake of your spirits, I thank you for this decision.   We will all feel better once the extra bodies are honored!"
   Eyktan Atumopin  was insistent with her suggestion, "Ayoeng zene tìving a txampay awngeyä aysmuke sì aysmukan set."  We must give to the sea our  sisters and brothers now.  Words of agreement and approval were murmured.  And although Pxepxi was very hungry, she took the hands of both Tai and Ateyo in her own and walked along the path that lead down to the lagoon.  Lamu'ite begun a familiar tune.  It wasn't a dirge, but a song honoring fya'o the path, the manner of living.  It was a song about being Na'vi. It acknowledged that all energy is borrowed and must be returned to Nawma' Sa'nok, the Great Mother.  Even as they sung the words, everybody realized how different this ocassion actually was.
   The temperature became cooler as they descended into the narrow inlet. They followed a series of little waterfalls down the cliffside, and at one point, the Filipino ayNa'vi were taken under a waterfall while the others proceeded to the canoes at the bottom.  As they continued their song, they collected flowers from along the path.  Pxepxi was carried upon Tai's shoulders so that she could reach the higher ones.
  The humon bodies were small, of course, compared to Na'vi.  Each was curled in a fetal position, and were easily carried down to the canoes.  Each was laid in a separate canoe.  In this instance, the Na'vi counterpart for each deceased humon climbing into their respective canoes.  All the flowers which had been collected were arranged around the tiny bodies and the people also began to climb in their canoes.
   Tsahik Lamu'ite waited for Tai to set Pxepxi down on her feet.  "As leader Eyktoyu of the WemPongu, leader of the war party, three of these people served with you.  Would you like to say a few words when we get out to sea?"
   "Nìlun. Slä pivllte oe fayluta fpi sìng nìwotx.  Of course. But I will say words for the sake of all four."
   Everyone was given paddles and followed the procession of boats out of the mouth of the lagoon and into open waters.  The boats were carved of hardwood trees and took a lot of energy to propel.  But once they came to speed, their momentum made it easier to paddle the distances.  Etktan Atumopin raised her hand when they had come to a prearranged spot.
"Ftang!  Fìtseng!" Stop here!"
  The canoes wheeled around to form a circle with the bows facing inward.  The meyktan sì mesahik were in the middle  in one canoe.  The burial canoes flanked them, two on each side and extended poles between them so that there was a pontoon outrigger formed of each pair of burial canoes.  Tsahik Lamu'ite stood up gracefully, without swaying the canoe. 
   "We have gathered together in the circle of life.  These four came to join us on our journey.  But we are not sending their spirits to Eywa.  These Ayuniltìrantokx are like the little sea creatures that we see i the tidal pools.  When they out grow their shells, they simply discard them and find a newer bigger shell.  Our ayunilìrantokx have finally outgrown their humona aytokx and we honor them today for the part they played on this journey with us.  Eyktan Tai Tae Ao would like to say some words."
  As Tsahik Lamu'ite reseated herself, Tai rose equally as graceful.  She leaned toward Ateyo and murmured, "It would please me if you would translate for me."  Ateyo nodded.  Tai straightened up and rose her voice, "These four houses, which some call bodies, sheltered four spirits who were searching for a way to walk the right path, while protecting others who did so, from other people who were blinded by greed and by power.  Those vrrtep made every attempt to cause the People to turn their backs on right living and when that failed to kill them,  these people stood in their way.  I honor here, in front of you, not only the three who stood in the heat of battle, but also the fourth, who protected the aytokx of them all, and enabled them to stand and fight.  These bodies brought their spirits here to Eywa 'Eveng, that Eywa might be able to weave the events that lead to them being blessed by BECOMING NA'VI."
   Tai waited for Ateyo to finish translating her last phrase, and stood straight and offered a formal hand salute, saying, "I salute you all."  With that,  the bodies were released into the sea, wrapped in nets woven of long fresh strands of seaweed.  They all watched solemnly as the bodies submerged slowly into the depths.  Then all the canoes pivoted and returned to the lagoon.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

390)~The Mipa Na'vi were escorted up the steep path amid laughter and singing.  They realized that something was afoot when they reached the crest of the cliff overlooking the lagoon.  Tsahik Lamu'ite had allowed the previous songs to die out and called out a chant.
  She had been silently working on the adaptation of the words to their Way which was always sung during the Coming of Age Ceremony.  The 'oloyä hapxìtu,  clan members, all seemed to expect this turn of events.  Indeed, they had already prepared the opin, colors, with which to adorn the NewComers' bodies.  They all guided the New Clan Members down the narrow isthmus where they always said farewell to the Sun.  The song continued incessantly, each line being sung by the tsahik and then repeated by all. 
Eywal ayngaru tolìng txämpayit/Eywa gave us  the sea
Ulte txampayìl tìng awngaru nìwotx fra'ut a awngal kin/And the sea gives us all that we need
Eywal ayngaru tolìng txämpayit/Eywa gave us  the sea
Ulte txampayìl awngeyä aytokxit mol'an nemfa tirea sneyä/And the sea has accepted our bodies Into her spirit
Eywal ayngaru tolìng txämpayit/Eywa gave us  the sea
Ulte txampayìl sleyku awngeyä mipa ayhapxìtu/And the sea produces our new members
   Each of the four former Avatars were brought forth to stand before Eyktan Atumopin sì Tsahik Lamu'ite.  And  were welcomed one by one, into a small circle, which grew and expanded in size as all the Clan Members placed their hands upon their shoulders, or upon the shoulders of those touching the New Clan Members.  A human tapestry was formed of concentric acceptance.
Ayoe kaltxì seiyi ma Txen Opunto na hapxìtu olo'ä/We welcome you Txen Opunto   As part of our clan
Ayoe Kaltxì Seiyi ma  Laria Pxataya na hapxitu olo'ä/We welcome you Laria Pxataya As part of our clan
Ayoe Kaltxì Seiyi ma  Luke Pxen na hapxitu olo'ä/We welcome you Luke Penn   As part of our clan
Ayoe Kaltxì Seiyi Ma  Pentxìa Kampeste na hapxitu olo'ä/We welcome you Pendia Campeste   As part of our clan
Eywal ayngaru tolìng txämpayit/Eywa has given us the sea
Ulte txampayìl teykolätxaw awngeyä Na'vit awngane!/And the sea has returned our Na'vi to us!
  From somewhere, a conch shell was blown.  Drums were pounding.  A joyful shout went up.  Everyone shouted, AYOEL AYNGATI KAMEIE! and swarmed enmasse toward the ylltxep, the communal fire.  Celebration was in the air.  FTXOZÄ LEFPOM!   and tsìng hapxìtu amipa, the four new members were escorted with due pomp and seated in places of honor.
   TaiTaeAo sought out Eyktan Atumopin.  "Ma Eyktan, we would love to stay and celebrate with your new clan members.  However, we also have bodies to be buried at Blue Heart and Olo'Zongsteng Alor.  If we stayed here, we might get too silly to fly.  But we will stay long enough to honor them!"
   "Oel tsolam!  Ka krrpe ayngal lu alaksi.  Slä, awve', za'u"  I understand.  Leave when you are ready.  But first, come."
   Atumopin marched into the center of the festivities and raised her hands.  "Our guests must leave soon, their work is not yet done.  But they wish to honor our newest members."  The Kava was summoned, and four Na'vi youth came up breathlessly, bearing the large kava pot, which was lashed to two poles, on their shoulders.  Tsahik Lamu'ite raised her hands and started to sing the ceremonial Way
Ayoe irayo si, ma Eywa/We thank you, Eywa
furia tsun niväk fìnaerit nìprrte'/that we can drink this potion with pleasure
Ayoel näk tsat nì'o'/that we can drink this potion enjoyably
Ayoel näk tsat nìfya'o ameuianga'/We drink it in an honorable manner
Ayoe irayo si, ma Eywa/We thank you, Eywa

It was certain that less-than-ceremonial drinking would ensue, but Tsahik Lamu'ite nodded toward Atumopin.  Our new mwmbers have shed their athumon shells and ow wear txa'leng aean ni'aw. Blue Skin Only. HUFWA, therefore, I have decided that TaiTaeAo and her olo' will do the honors!"  the Eyktan declared.
    Tai turned to the four new Na'vi saying, "I am greatly honored by this opportunity to help welcome you to your olo', your clan.  But more importantly, to your soaia, your family.  This family is as much your family as the one that claimed the bodies we honored with burial at sea.  Although I have never had the pleasure of dealing with you closely, in my job as a pilot, my life and the lives of my fellow  olo' Hidden Base members, were all in your hands in the battle we just fought to free the captive RDA, and rid Eywa'eveng of the vrrtep who chose their evil path.  And now our path has moved from being aysamsiyu to being aysaronyu.  We will no longer remain at the Tìwana Tsenge.
  "But we will see more of each other in the future!  We have been invited by Eyktan Atumopin to set up our olo' a short distance away, as most of the members of our olo' were born and raised on islands or very close to the sea.  Eyktan Atumopin knew in her heart the love each of us has for the sea, and has allowed us this privilege.  So we will be neighbors and Pendia can feed us Blood Soup!
   "I know that this soaia loves you deeply,  as you are their own.  I know that you continue to serve the People with honor and love. I salute you!
  Tai, Taifa, Ka'alani and Ateyo all helped to lift the communal drinking bowl in a salute. Even Pxepxi and Kofi joined them.  One by one, each four mipa Na'vi were offered a drink, each followed by unceremonial cheering.  Once all four had imbibed, Atumopin indicated that Tai and her olo' should drink.  The four mipa hapxìtu took their places holding the enormous bowl by it's poles.  Lamu'ite and Atumopin then joined in.  And once the bowl had been set on its three legs, Atumopin raised her arms and shouted, FTxOZÄ SEIYI ko!  Again, the conch sounded and the drummers began their kato, their rhythm. The dancing and singing was non-stop, as gifts were presented to the newly established clan members.
   Atumopin walked with Tai and her clan to the Samson.  "We look forward to seeing you soon, Ma Tai.   I know your hearts have been yearning for the ocean.  I know you will be happy here!  Your flat canoes are waiting!"
   "It only took half a second to realize that she was referring to the surfboards that she and Taifa had been constructing.  Laughing, they all climbed into the Samson shouting Eywa Ngahu over the whine of the turbines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
my thanks to Tirea Eana for helping with the lyrics for the burial at sea ceremony, and to
Blue Elf who helped with the lyrics for the Kava Ceremony, which is posted at:
http://forum.learnnavi.org/pamrel-ninavi-niaw/tivang-kava-way/

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

391)~  "Nari si ma Tai! Ayikran!"  Pxepxi, in her enthusiasm, was shouting and pointing out the windscreen of the Samson. 
   "Srane! Tsapum a'awve lu ikran Eyktan Atumopinä, kefyak?!"  Yes!  That first one is Eyktan Atumopin's, isn't that right?"  The six ayikran were heading back to their riders at the Clan of the Eastern Sea.  Tai was pleased to recognize the bronze colored one that belonged to the Clan Leader.
   "Where are they going, Ma Tai?  Pelun ayforu ke lu aymaktoyu? Why don't they have riders?" 
"Ayfo terätaw ne kelku!"  They are returning home.  Ateyo reminded the child that the Avatars had been flying in Lefngapa Ikran since the time they had brought the ayhumon to Tsenge Txe'lan Aean.  Blue Heart Place.  Pxepxi was lost in thought, but Ateyo knew that a hundred ideas were running through her head.  Pxepxi pressed the talk switch at her throat.
   "Ma Sa'nu. Srake, ayoeng  kelku siyi txampxaylok."  Momma. yes/no we will soon live near the sea?"
   "Srane, Lu ngay, Ma 'Ite."  Yes that is true, My Daughter," replied Ateyo. 
   "Sì Twiti, sì Txianna, sì Alekxsi, sì Weyt?" It surprised Ateyo to realize how many Ayuniltìrantokx her daughter knew.  Pxepxi was about to name a few more, but she was distracted by a new thought.  "Ma Sa'nu, tsun zamivunge ne  kelku ayoel mipa tawtuteti, srak??"
   Tai shot a look at her muntxate.  Pxepxi was asking if they could bring home a pet human!  But Ateyo was already answering her,  "Tsatìpawmit zene  Eywa ne 'iveyng Eywal."  That is a question for Ewya to anwer.
   "Slä tsatìfkeytok tsunslu,kefyak?!"  But that situation is possible, isn't that right?"
  Ateyo was at a loss for words.  Gratefully, Pxepxi was distracted by another set of ayikran.   "Nari si, Ma Kofi!  Pxay ikran nÌ'ul!" Look Kofi!  Many more ikran.  Fìpum kerä ne Olo'Yayo Atum, srak?"  Those ones are going to Clan Red Bird. yes/no?
Ka'alani was holding tightly to mekxetse, two tails,  as both kids strained to see.  "Ma Sa'nu, srake ayoeng kelku sìyi lok Olo'Yayo Atum sim." Yes/No we will soon live near Red Bird Clan!
  Ateyo was looking forward to hunting those Red Rirds and using their feathers for ayioi, decorative items of clothing and jewelry.  Surely, the ayeyktan could not claim ALL the feathers for themselves.  Her thoughts were interrupted by Pxepxi's voice sounding through the earphone, "Txantsan!  I can ask Kapteyn Tsìralta to take us to the other moons so that we can meet other Na'vi!"
  Tai and Ateyo exchanged a glance and rolled their eyes.  "Kxawm." Perhaps.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

392)~"Blue Heart Gate. This is Major Tai.  Outer marker. Full stop and fuel!"
   "Oel ngati kameie!"  said Scott Comstock into his communications headpiece.  "We're waiting on you!  Patricia Fenwick said that you two should speak as soon as you come in."  Scott Comstock tried to supress the excitement in his voice.  He himself had been at the console when the incoming message from the newest ISV was received.  However, it was Fenwick's decision, WHEN to share the info.  He would have to wait.  But there were other things to attend to in the mean time.
   Scott was handling  communications  in his Eana Tokx, and the control panel  seemed so small.  He was glad for the Avatar sized headset, though.  He would never need human sized equipment from now on!  He was anxious to get his human tokx buried.  It seemed like such a piece of unfinished business! And every Avatar that he had spoken with agreed. 
   As the rotors of the Samson slowed to a stop, Major Tai looked up to see Colonel Schroeder, who was waiting at the refueling station.
  "Ma Major Tai!" shouted Hans Schroeder.  "Oel ngati kame!"  The Colonel had not gotten used to wearing a tewng, a loincloth, but he had peeled back his own flight suit and was now bare chested.
   Major Tai snapped a salute, yet shrugged her shoulders.  "I guess that's the last time we will be doing this!  We are now Na'vi meysmuk ulte Na'vi metswayonyu." siblings and flyers
  The Colonel grinned and returned the salute and the shrug.  Overhead, the swirling shadows of ayikran flashed across their bodies.  "Ha!  I still have MY Samson!" laughed Hans, indicating his olive drab ikran, which he had named Samson.  "Za'u, Ma Tsmuke Tai.  I don't want to be late to my own funeral!" 
   "Nor mine!" exclaimed Patricia Fenwick as she approached.  "Za'u aynga eylan!  Ayoel zene kivllyem fìtsapit!"  We must bury each other!  Ateyo was delighted by the use of this phrase.  She waited to tackle Pxati until after Pxati and Hans had exchanged a quick kiss. 
   Pxati turned to Tai, "When we are finished with this burial detail, I will need to speak with you!"
   "Aye Aye! er Tam Tam! Ma Pxati!"
   Pxati led the entourage into the cool corridors  of Blue Heart Gate.  Arm in arm, the couples walked to the Avatar chambers and Medical Suite.  They met a small entourage of other Avatars, now Na'vi, who had remained at Blue Heart.  She spoke briefly with them, and then led them to the Cold Room.  Each blue person regarded their inanimate human body, laying  before them.  Pxati cleared her throat:
    "Well, Blue Heart Gate is where THIS body spent all it's time.  I would like my human tokx to be buried here, but..."  Pxati looked worriedly at her Yawnetu.  "I would rather my Blue Body be next to yours, when that time comes.  But let's get this done with."
   Ayuniltìrantokx of Blue Heart Gate who were now Na'vi each gathered their respective ayhumontokx into their arms and formed a strange procession from the backdoor of the Facility.  Across the exercise grounds and past the gardens, people stood quietly, before the open graves which had been dug.  As with Mendelson's grave, each had a sloped walkway descending into it.  All the Na'vi who had remained at the Spuwina 'Awm had gathered around the open graves.  Mo'at and Mendllzong stood side by side.  Even the ayhoakte, the Elder Women, from the various clans were present.  A low, moaning dirge was started, joined solemnly by all who had joined together at the gravesides.  Patricia Fenwick gently lay down her own body. Deborah Webb, her assistant, did likewise.  The Radio Man, Scott Comstock followed suite.  Each of them lay down their bodies and climbed out of the graves, exchanging looks of wonderment.  It finally sunk into their brains.  They had only one spirit and only one body now. And both of those were Na'vi!
   "Oel ngati kameie!" announced Mo'at, and embraced each one in turn.
   "SEYKXEL sì NÌTRAM!" announced Mendllzong, who gave each a bone crushing hug.  "I t'ink dis calls for a celebration! FTxOZÄ KO!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

393)~  "Boy!  I'm glad you're back Major Tai!  We've put life and death on hold until you returned!"  Dr. Norm Spellman threw his blue arm around Major Tai's shoulder and gave her a tight squeeze.
   "Why did you do that?  You could have proceeded without us!"  sputtered Tai.  She was not at all accoustomed to such informality.
   "What? and leave you out of the festivities?  No way!"  continued Norm.  "Our bodies are in  Deep Freeze, but I would be honored if you would attend my funeral tomorrow!"  Norm Spellman sensed Tai's need for formality and decorum. SKEPEK!  formal.  He was reminded of Grace Augustine's words when they first met.  "Aylì'u ngian nì'it skepek lu."  Your words are a bit formal.
   "Funeral? More funeral? wailed Pxepxi.  "I txon't want to ngo to more funeral!"
   "Ma Pxepxi!" consoled Alekxsi, before Ateyo could scold the child.  "I would go to your funeral if YOU died!"  It sounded rather gruesome once past her lips, and Pxepxi snorted and guffawed, and looked at her Auntie Alekxsi like she was out of her mind.
  "Tam, tam, ma Pxepxi!"  apologized Alekxsi when she saw the look of shock and puzzlement on Pxepxi's face.  "Luke ngal tsive'a oeyä tokxit kyllyem, slä meuianga txo za'u nga nìprrte ne oeyä ftozä. Srak nga za'u?"  You do not have to see my body buried.  But I would be honored if you came cheerfully to my celebration! Yes/No you will come?"
  Pxepxi glanced at her sa'nu and Ateyo nodded her approval.  Pxepxi fairly jumped into Alexandra's arms.  Her Wade joined in and so did Ateyo, and Tai, and Ka'alani and Taifa' and Kofi.  "Group hug!" announced an unidentified voice.  It almost seemed like the group affirmation that had been bestowed upon each reborn Na'vi.
   Skillfully, as if previously choreographed, Alekxsi took the hands of Mo'at and Neytiri, who in turn took the hands of Ateyo, and Meykir, and Meykir'ite.  The aysahik who were present formed a ring around the new Na'vi of Blue Heart Gate.  Each new Na'vi was greeted in turn with the words, 'Oel ngati kameie'.  There were many who were not recognized, as they had remained working as technicians and medical personnel WITHIN the AVATAR facility.  But now each were named and announced and welcomed.
   Tai recognized  Scott Comstock, Alex Gomez Gordon and Shy Kirby.  "Oel ngati kamaie!"  She placed her hands on one shoulder of Scott and Alex.  She wished she had three hands to place upon Kirby's, but saw that Alekxsi and Wade had placed their hands upon his shoulders.   Ateyo recognized Narate Shepard.  "Oel ngati kameie!"  The sparkle in her eyes was dazzling.  Misyal and Aud  had worked together to capture a Lefngapa Tutan, an AMP suit.  "Oel ngati kameie!"  And Sänon from the Omatikaya had her Hanakaw, from the Blue Heart Gate.    She recognized these two now.  "Oel ngati kameie!"  There were so many unfamiliar faces.  For a shocking moment, Ateyo thought she saw Dr. Grace.  A tutee with stunning red hair was introduced as Linda Smith.  But Pxepxi had thought she had seen the stunning red haired Starship Captain, and expressed wonderment that now she knew TWO Na'vi with red hair.   She immediately decided that Linda Smith should join them at their new village near the ocean!
   "Oeru sunu nga, Ma Lintxa Smit! Srak nga zene livu za'u ne txampxay mì mipa tsray?"  Linda had not yet heard the plans, but nodded vigorously as she translated the sentence in her head.  Being Na'vi AND living on the beach?  What could be better?!  "Srane! NÌLUN!" was all that she could think to say. But her laughter was answer enough.
  It seemed to JakeSully that everyone had a chance to at least SEE the Na'vi of Blue Heart Gate. "MA FRAPO!  TÌNg MIKYUN!  TÌNg MIKYUN!"  JakeSully easily took command of the situation.
   "In order to celebrate properly, we need to share the KAVA Bowl.  I don't think there is any KAVA here at Blue Heart Gate."  A glance at Pxati Fenwick confirmed his belief.  "Therefore, I suggest that we take this feast to the Omatikaya Kelutral!  We have lots of people to get acquainted with!"  A very large cheer went up.   "Let's break camp and reconvene right here when the sun reaches that outcropping."  Then he added in Ìnglìsì,  "That will give us better than an hour.  Are you with me?"
   "HELL YEAH!" was the enthusiastic response from EVERYBODY.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

394)~As the crowd dispersed, Patricia Fenwick lunged through the mob and caught Tai Tae Ao by the elbow. "Ma Tai, I have some important news to convey, before you go ANYWHERE!"
   "Ma Pxati!  I had almost forgotten!  Txoa livu!" Tai sputtered. 
    "Tìran oehu." Pxati indicated with a turn of her head, that they should walk away from the crowd.  Deborah Webb and Hans Schroeder were busy organizing people for departure.    "We had a communication this week from the ISV."
   "I thought Tsralta Tamas was at Red Bird!  You mean her Communications Officer?" wondered Tai aloud.
   "No, I mean the SECOND ISV.  They are six months out.  We thought  they were scheduled to arrive during the rainy season.  It seems though, that this ship was commandeered by ex RDA folks.  So that affected the schedule."  Pxati smiled to herself, amused at her own understatement. "There are 35 souls aboard.  They also have 40 gestation tanks and 40 links! Plus fuel. Plus a SHRIMP FARM!"
   "ALL RIGHT! MORE REBELS!  Six months, eh?  Tse, Red Painted Na'vi has just invited us to start a new village near the ocean, perhaps they could join us?" announced Tai.
   "Really?  It might interest you to know that aboard that vessel are eleven Oceanographers who were doing deep water research when the Earth decided to let go." responded Pxati.
   "Say what?!?"
   "The Earth now resembles Venus.  There were major techtonic plate shifts.  Volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, on a world wide basis.  Earth no longer sustains life." said Pxati glumly.  "This ship was the last one out."
   Tai's response was a low whistle.   "That sounds more like geological catastrophy than a poisoning of the atmosphere.  I guess Ewya said, 'Everyone Out of the Pool'."
   Pxati only grimaced.  "Only you and I know about this. And Hans and our radio man, Scott Comstock.  So use your own best judgment  of who, how, and when to announce their arrival.  And you have that straight from YOUR boss."  She indicated Hans who was now approaching from across the tarmack.
   "OK Boss!" Hans addressed Pxati with a kiss and a grin.  "With the Dragon, I can take everybody who wants a ride, and bring them back. But we will have to ground the Dragon after this.  Ma Yawnetu, YOU get to decide WHO is to be your skeleton crew during this celebration.  We also have a bunch of humans here who are recovering in the medical unit.  So we we can't exactly abandon the post."
   "I'll hand pick a few, but we might want to change shifts in two hours, just so everyone gets a chance to mingle at the Omatikaya Kelutral." said Pxati, her mind already deciding.
   "Well that's good." interjected Tai.  I would like to continue our conversation later this afternoon." said Tai excitedly. And as a side note she added,  "I'll bet that Eyktan Atumopin will be delighted to have a group of oceanographers nearby!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

395)~There was a three hour lag between the arrival of the Dragon and the arrival of the ayikran.  The aysahik and ayhoakte solved that by bringing everyone to the river's edge.  The new Omatikaya Kelutral was situated near a stream which featured a large swimming hole, that was fed by many little waterfalls.
   "Zupa pay!" exclaimed a fellow called Ross Carrol.
  "Kehe!  Fì zupa pay syaw syanan." Explained Ka'alani.  "A series of smaller falls with pools in between."  She illustrated the series of little falls with her arms and hands, and created a  dance.  Before long, she was teaching a dance.  After a swim, she conducted a search for edibles.  She had the children escorting the new Na'vi to keep them safe from dangerous plants.  They were many delectable foods by the water's edge. "Fìspxäm alu FÌ'U lu ftxìlor,  pum alu TSA'u ngati tspang." THIS mushroom is delicious; THAT one will kill you."  She carefully taught.
   They marched through the forest trail to the Omatikaya Kelutral, tewngs, loincloths, held like aprons filled with food.  Mesahik Meykir sì Mo'at graciously displayed the best way to prep the syuve, food.  Some of the other technicians had been reluctant to travel far from the Blue Heart Gate, uneasy at the untamed wilderness.  They spent their time selecting wood for skewers and peeling  vegetables as they introduced themselves.
   "Oe lu Aquiquelas Atouquebail! Slä syaw Lili! Oe new fwa srung sivi  syuvehu."  I am Aquiquelas Atouquebail. But I am called Lili.  I want to help with the food."  Lili longed to cook something REAL instead of those pre-packaged, freeze-dried items that were so disappointing to eat.  And now, without the need to eat behind a respirator mask, she was excited to learn how to cook food appropriate for  Na'vi.
  "Kaltxi seiyi, Ma Lili!  Oe  lu Tsahik Mo'at te Omatikaya Kelutral.  Fì'tute lu Tsahik Meykir te  'Olo Zongsteng Alor sì ngeya 'ite, Meykir'ite," said Mo'at as she introduced the tsahik and her daughter.  Actually, Lili had met Mo'at several times before, both in human tok and ta'lengean, blue skin.  But it was nice to be sitting next to her and just relaxing.
   Txomenik sì Stefano Tira sì Lucy Snowe, whome the called Herwina TÌwan, Hidden Snow. were bouncing off tree limbs and jumping from branch to branch with the younger aysamsiyu of the Omatikaya.  These three often challenged each other to "par cours" events, where they would vault, jump and play upon the rooftops of the buildings at Blue Heart gate.  Of course there were "training" facilities, but they preferred romping in the trees.  They had fewer hours to spend away from the complex since the RDA jerks had been ousted.  And now that the Avatar program was unneeded, perhaps they would never have to return.  They each hoped that Pxati Fenwick would agree.
   Within three hours, though, they spotted the approach of ayikran and called out from their treetop lookouts,     "Aylapo zera'u!" The others are coming!

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

396) "Who want for racing ayikran?" Hanakaw shouted.  Ateyo recognized him as the rider who had caught the Lefngapa Tutan maktoyu with his pants down.  Hanakaw looked to the ayeyktan, flying in front of the formation and they all grinned and nodded their approval.  Ateyo grinned.  Riding on the smallest ikran, she did not like the idea of racing.  But Hanakaw and his muntxate Sänon, eagerly urged on the others.  Ikxeru, Tai and Taifa had the largest pxeikran.  They easily outpaced the group.  Though, JakeSully and Hanakaw and Zina and Twiti were not far behind.  Shouting and laughing and challenges filled the air along with flapping wings.  Little Atanvi cried out mournfully, but flapped all the harder to catch up with the others.  Once at the magnificent kelutral Omatikayaä, ayikran slowed down and started circling.  Ayeyktan were drawing circles in the air with their arms, a recommendation that all slow down before descending.   Pxiwopx Srewyu screamed a greeting to Atanvi as he passed.  Exhilarated, Ateyo and Pxepxi returned the shout, only to have Taifa's Atanzaw cry out as he passed Atanvi and Ateyo.  But the passengers were delighted to be greeting each other.  Kofi and Pxepxi were not the only children whose parents were ikran riders, but were privaledged to be riding with them upon ayikran especially during this race.  They all circled and landed among the huge boughs of the utral.  But the ayikran were uninterested in who had won.  As soon as their passengers were deposited, they were aloft once again, heading upstream for refreshment.
   Mo'at serenely welcomed her daughter and JakeSully.  The joy in her eyes was unmistakable.  She held a special joy for the mipa aysahik, though.  "Alaksi, Alekxsi?" she nearly smiled at the endearment she had bestowed upon Alekxtsantxra, Alexandra.  Some ayhumon names were so difficult!  She looked so much like her dear Silvanan, and her Weyt, Wade, looked so much like Tsu'tey, that it was uncanny.  She smiled at Eywa's knowledge.   She was pleased as well to greet Alyara Arati, who was now mated with Norm.  It was a comfort to her old heart to find the familiar faces around her.                                                           
     Although Ateyo didn't recognize the new faces, she found that her  daughter was well acquainted with a good number of them.  "Fìtute lu oeyä mipa 'eylan.  Syaw Tia Velen!"  This is my new friend.  She is called Aunt Belen. "Ulte fìtute lu Tia Alekxsi, sì Tia Twiti, sì Tia Misyal, sì Tio Txominikx, sì Tio Stefano, sì Tia Ampxer, sì Tia Tami Smit, syaw Aytanin, nìteng."  Pxepxi was proudly introducing all the People she had just met and and all the ones she had become acquainted with while her mesa'nok were saving ayhumon.
   "TIA lu li'u ral sa'semä tsmuke, ulte TIO ral tsmukan sa'semä," informed Pxepxi.  Tia is a word that means sister of your parents, and Tio means brother of your parents.  "Ral Aunt and Unkle!" she announced proudly.  Pxepxi was beside herself with joy.  But Kofi was the one to break the mood by exclaiming, " 'U'oìri fahew fkan unyot!  'Efu ohakx oel!"   (Something smells aromatic! I feel hunger!) He made a pantomime of rubbing his tummy and licking his chops.
  "Ma Ampxer Elyot sì Ma Naomi Ngoren tsolpang 'aw fwampop, lekrrtrr." explained Lili, in her best Na'vi and  presented hot sis-ka-vovs to Jake Sully amd Neytiri.  (Amber Elliot and Naomi Goren have killed one swamp pig earlier this day.)  Neytiri and Jake sat together with Mo'at, and the other clan leaders and aysahik.  Everyone else was content to eat and visit with those across clan lines, and the seating, therefore was fluid.
   When almost everyone had finished eating, one of the techs, a former Avatar and mipa Na'vi, who was called Talìs, opened a strange container and produced an i'en, a stringed instrument.
   As soon as he strummed a few chords, the entirity of the kelutral stopped to listen.  He began without further explanation:

Krr a txon'ong nìmwey päheiem
awnga heyng lok 'awmtxep 'awsiteng.

Txo ngal ngeyä eylanit ke kame,
naerit ke tìng eylanur. tse...
'ì'awn sengro a set terok.
ayhufweru wrrpa lu tìtxur
slä atan si 'awmtxep mi satur,
a leru famtseotu.

ayuk srew utralä ayrìkro
srake 'ia nga taweyk pamtseo   

fìpo a fpìl, san tì'awpo kangay lu,
sìk ye'rìn 'awtu nìtxan layängu.
a leru famtseotu.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
when sunset quietly arrives
we sit together at the campfire

If you don't see your friends,
don't give them a drink. Well...
stay at the places where you are now.
the winds outside are strong
but the campfire still shines
at those who are musicians.

shadows are dancing on the leaves of the tree
are you losing yourself because of music?

If you don't see your friends,
don't give them a drink. Well...
stay at the places where you are now.
the winds outside are strong
but the campfire still shines
at those who are musicians.

He who thinks "individuality is right"
will be alone so much soon.

If you don't see your friends,
don't give them a drink. Well...
stay at the places where you are now.
the winds outside are strong
but the campfire still shines
at those who are musicians.
at those who are musicians.

KRR A TXON'ONG by Talìs
Krr a Txon'ong

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

397)~ "Oeru sunu hapxi alu WRRRRRPA!"  'I like the part which is WRRRRRRPA!', exclaimed Pxepxi.
"Oeru sunu tsat nìteng.  But what is that crazy trilling about?" questioned the red haired Linda Smith.
"Him sing about wind outside,  hufwe wrrpa.  Is make sound like wind outside!" explained Pxepxi triumphantly.  "WRRRRRPA",  with an emphasis on the trill.  She had stopped braiding Linda's hair long enough for the translation. But prattled on.
"Oeru sunu ngeyä nikre atum!" meaning; I like your red hair.  "Oe new tiväftu ioi fa ngeyä nikre! I want to weave ornaments from your red hair!"
"Oh! Hu nikre oeyä?" Oh with my hair? Take some!"
Pxepxi consulted with her mother because Ateyo was used to cutting hair and using it to weave ornaments.  Ateyo wondered whether ketuwongä nikre atun, alien hair red, would be as strong as Na'vi hair; which was made of naturally occuring carbon fiber.  Linda herself was curious.  She had never taken the time to look under a microscope or do an electro spectrogram analysis of her own hair! 
"Oeru sunu mengeyä nikre, nìteng!" Pxepxi boldly approached the two women with shining white hair, Aytanin sì Ampxer Elyot. 
"Oeru meuianga ne tìng nikre oeyä!" offered Aytanin.  "It  woud be an honor to give my hair!"
"Oe nìteng!"  laughed Amber and carefully trimmed a long tress with her flint knife.  She had escaped often from the confines of the Blue Heart Gate and learned as many skills from the Omatikaya as she could.  She had become quite the expert at building fires with her prized flint knife.  She had become known as Txepkemyu, Fire Maker.
   Ateyo and Pxepxi were each visualizing ayioi woven from various colored hair.  Everyone was enthusiastically adding tresses to the pile.  Many of the ones who had been Avatars had retained their hair color, by means of genetic engineering of their Avatar genome.   Some biologists had worried that the hair coloration would set them apart from the Na'vi, but no amount of prejudice had ever been displayed.  And now, in fact, hair color seemed to be a distinct bonding experience.  Ateyo almost bemoaned the fact that yet ANOTHER project had occured to her busy lifestyle.  But she also sensed an enthusuasm for the project.  She and Pxepxi gathered the strands of hair and wrapped them into a bundle of soft tanned hide.
   Pxepxi reclaimed her seat next to Kofi who had been waiting patiently, with his mother 's i'en, Ka'alani's ukulele, sitting on his lap.  "Pxepxi! Oeru ngop pamreltseo fpì nga!" Pxepxi! I created a song for your sake!  "Tìng mikyun!"
Oeru sunu nga, nì'ul 'ul/ I like you more and more
Oeru sunu nìwotx fralo ngateri/ I like everything about you
Ngeyä menariyìri, fkan lam txukx/As for your eyes, they appear deep
Ngeyä ta'lengìri, fkan zir faoi/ as for your skin, it feels smooth
Ngeyä seyriyìri, fkan sur akalin/as for your lips, they taste sweet
Frapo pivllte fwa moe lu 'ewan nìhawg/ everybody says that we two are too young
Slä nga lolu oeyä yawnetu akrrata moe lamu meprrnen
       /but you have been my beloved since we were babies
Tafral nga laya oeyä yawnetu, zusawkrr, ni'ul'ul!
      / Therefore you will be my beloved in future, more and more!
The boy finished his song on a triumphant note, and Pxepxi threw herself into his arms.  Kofi straight armed the instrument to Ka'alani, for safe keeping.
"Ma Ateyo! Kefyak lu mefo 'ewan nìhawng?" 'Ateyo aren't those two too young?' asked Ka'alani incredulously.
"Au! Ke omum. Oh, I don't know.  Pxepxi ke sleyku fyen alu muntxate si.  Pxepxi has not reached the age of sexual maturity. Besides, they are just children!"
"Slä ftu meveng nìftxan sliveyko alahe ayeveng." But from such children come OTHER children!"  said Zina with  reproachful disdain.  Twiti elbowed her muntxate in the ribs, but Zina only returned a wicked grin. 
"Sa'nu!"  Pxepxi was incredulous that her mother would reveal such a personal detail.  Tsahik Meykir and Meykir'ite swooped in to the rescue, "Ma Pxepxi! Trray ayfo pivllte teri pxay'u sa'nokhu ulta nga."   Tomorrow we shall talk of many things with your Mother and you. 
   "What would I know of such things?" Ateyo complained.  "I was raised by aysyaksyuk."
   "Ma Ateyo, that is only half true. " laughed Tsahik Meykir.  "When my sister did not return from the sawtute place, I continued to search for her every day.  I found you very soon after the tragedy."  There was a tense moment when both women recalled the terrors they had each endured.   
   Tsahik Mo'at joined the conversation. "So tomorrow there will be discussion for the women only.  There are many new tsahik and many new Na'vi who would benefit from learning of our ways.  But let's continue to celebrate, Ftxozä ko!"
   The sinnginng and dancing and telling of tales continued on through the night.  Pxepxi cuddled even closer to Kofi, wondering at the mysteries that were to be revealed.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

NOTE: same chapter as yesterday but with correction with the help of Ftiafpi. Irayo seiyi!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

398)~ Kofi and Pxepxi scrambled down from their little nest and joined the ayfeyntu ro ylltep.  adults at the communal fire.  Some of the aysaronyu were comparing notes of something which had everyone's attention.
   Ftiapfi was saying, "Kehe, you have to fly through the exact same spot under the arch and then everything changes. Lu ngay!  Oe tswolayon fìtseng melo!"  It's true!  I've flown there two times."
   "Kehe!"replied Txa'tseku disdainfully.  "Oel fpìl futa oeyä 'eylanur sunu fwa ngop ayvur!  I think our friend likes to create stories."
   "Srake nga lu syeraw oeru vuryu?!"  Ftiafpi was noteably wounded by the accusation. Are you calling me a storyteller?  "Frapol omum futa ayfizayu za'u fìtseng fa tsatsenge!"  Everybody knows that the ancestors came here by means of that place.
   Major Tai's ears pricked forward and her tail lashed with curiosity.  "Are you talking about the stone arches near the Well of Souls?"  She drew arches in the air with her hands because she didn't know the word in Na'vi.
   "Srane! Ma Tai!"  Ftiafpi was greatful to have a sympathic, or at least curious ear.
   "Bah!  Ftiafpi perfers to belief all the children's stories he has heard."   Tsa'tseku continued his harangue.
   "Fnu, Ma Tsa'tseku! Rä'ä lu skxawng! Fko livu txantslusam  a tivìng mikyun aymokri ayfizayuyä!" reprimanded Neytiri.  "Be quite, Tsa'tseku.  Don't be a fool.  A Wise One listens to the Voices of the Ancesters."
   Tsa'tseku made no reply but smirked and walked off scornfully. He hated that Neytiri had alligned herself with Ftiafpi's childish ideas.  Still, she was Tsahik.  He reconsidered momentarity, stopped and addressed her stiffly.  "Oel ngati kame.  I'm going hunting while you all listen to Ftiapfi's stories." And he stalked away from the crowd.
   JakeSully noted the rudeness of the man but turned his attention to Ftiafpi.  "Those arches are formed of the stones that sawtute call Unobtainium.  I was wondering whether they were erected or are naturally formed."
   "Unobtanium?" asked Linda Smith.  "Wouldn't those stones just repel each other?"
   "Not necessarily!"  pitched in Wade, the former RDA geologist.  "The properties of Unobtanium are similar to magnetic energy, but an arched formation would redirect current and attractions in ways we have not explored!  This is amazing!  Has anyone else tried to find the exact spot?"
   Ftiafpi was encouraged.  "There are stories that some have succeeded and not returned.  What I know is that when I passed through, everything looked entirely different.  The first time I went through, it startled me. So I turned around immediately and came through again.  The others said I was gone for the whole morning, but it seemed only a short span of time to me.  The Second time I went through, I traveled farther away from the arch.  Everything looked diffent!  The trees were different, the rock formations, everything.  I returned through the same hole I came from."
   "A hole?" asked Stefano.  His specialty had not involved either geology or metaphysics, but he also found the tale intriguing.
   "I don't know what else to call it.  But it seemed to be a hole.  When I returned, the others thought I had been gone only moments."
    Pxepxi was beside herself.  "Ma Ftiapfi!  Were you visiting the other moons?!?!
  Ftiapfi laughed, but then a sober expression came over his face.  "That's a good question, Ma Pxepxi!  I would say Kehe, but what I saw when I flew through there, and what you see by walking on the ground underneath the arches, are two different places. Certainly."
   "SHEESH!  You fella been through the WORM HOLE!" exclaimed Taifa'nai. It took a long while to explain that concept, and that not too successfully.  But all agreed that the experience was very difficult to describe.  The stories had seemed to come to  conclusion, so before the group dispersed, Twiti asked a question aloud.
   "Srak frapo 'efu 'ohakx? Oel new futa tiviyaron fayoang fa tukru!"  Are you all hungry? I want to hunt fish with a spear."   She was anxious to use the skills that Zina had taught her.   Pxepxi joined them, but took every opportunity to ask Ateyo if they could fly through the Arches to the other Moons.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

399)  "Nari si, Ma Tia Twiti! Oe tsun tspìyang tsapayoang fa tukru! SET!"  Watch Aunt Tweety! I will kill that fish. NOW!"  Pxepxi was showing off.  With one quick motion she skewered her fish as it swam past. 
"Pol tspìyang poti fa 'awa takuk nì'aw!"  She killed it with the first strike only!  Kofi was proud of his young mate's accomplishment.  Pxepxi held up the fish triumphantly.  It was as long as her arm and twice as big around.  She turned to her mother and caught the look of cautionary disapproval.  She amended her victory with a quiet address to the fish itself:
"Oeru txoa livu, ma oeyä tsmukan. Hu nawma sa'nok slivele ngeyä tirea."
Forgive me, my brother. May your spirit swim with the great Mother.
   Pxepxi cocked her head sideways to see if anyone had noticed that she had changed the wording.  Everyone seemed to approve, so she felt relieved.  Kofi was now addressing Tai.  "Ma Tai!  Nga zene spivä pay mì ulte takuk payoang apxa fa tsyokx ngeyä!" Tai! You must jump in the water and kill a fish by means of your hand!  Everyone from Zongsteg Alor laughed as they recalled the bloody battle between Tai and the huge sturgeon-like fish near that clan.  Soon everyone was recounting that event, and the even bigger fish that she beheaded at Dark Lake Clan. 
  "Kehe! Ma Varu'itan lu taronyuyä fayoang sìltsan fralo!"  No, Varu'itan is the best hunter of fish of all time!"  Tai remembered that his catch had been overshadowed by her epic fish battle.  The boy had grown quickly in the half year since that event.  But true to form, he was hauling in a fish nearly his own size.
   "Ma Frapo! Nari si fìpayoang apxa fwa oel tspìmang sluseleya fa tskow-tswisawru!" Look at this big fish!   I just killed a swimming fish with the bow and arrow! "Za'u ulte srung  oeru, rutxe ."  Come help me please!"  His father, Varu, and Tai helped him haul in the monster.  They both remembered the original animosity and distrust that Varu had felt at Tai's arrival.   They grinned at each other and his son as Varu'itan recited the Hunter's Words of Thanks.
   Tweety was determined not to arrive at camp empty-handed.  Everyone fell silent as she nocked her arrow and took careful aim.  "Syeha si nìk'ong, oeyä Yawnetu."  'Breethe slowly, my Beloved.' coached Zina quietly.  The fish swam placidly through the brightly illuminated water.  The arrow was loosed and found it's mark.  Zina let out an ìley, a shout and jumped into the water to help haul in Twiti's fish. It wasn't as large as Varu'itan's fish, but it was quite heavy.     
   "Tspivang oel stum ke poeti.  Payoangìri fkan ur lefpoma,  sì alor.  I almost didn't kill it.  The fish looked so peaceful, and beautiful."  Only Zina could see the tear running down Twiti's face as she recited the Hunter's Words of Thanks. 
  "Tätxaw oengaru ko." suggested Neytiri.  Let us return.  Varu'itan strung the largest one through the gills on a pole.  Kofi and Pxepxi strung their fish likewise and soon everyone was on the trail headed back to Olo'Omatikyaä kelutral.