ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

400)~  Laughter was muffled in the humid air beneath the rain forest canopy on the path to the  Omatikaya Kelutral.  Zina was humming the Hunters marching song to herself.  Twiti enjoyed watching the swish of her tail as Zina strode ahead.  They were both carrying the huge fish between them.  It still had some convulsive movement of its own tail and it saddened Twiti to think that she ruined its peaceful existence.  It's big, unseeing eyes were staring at the passing trees.  Twiti was grateful that she could't see its eyes.  She had caught many fish in her lifetime, but she never thought to thank it for its sacrifice before.  It seemed more, well, PERSONAL, this time. The pole was digging into her shoulder and she was grateful when a voice came to her ear.
   "Oeru tsun srung sivi tsapayoanghu!"  I can help you with that fish. "Au!  Fìpayoang lu ku'up na Pxepxi!"   Wow this fish is as heavy as Pxepxi!  "Oeru syaw Narate Shepard ulte fìtutan lu oeyä muntxatan, syaw Tsye'itan."  Tsye'itan grinned his greeting as he walked past.  He was trying to persuade Zina to let him help. 
   "Ma Zina!  Tung oeru srung sivi."  Allow me to help.  I did not catch a thing.  The least you could do is allow me and my spouse to help carry this."  The fish was indeed quite heavy, even without it entrails.  But she recognized the opportnity to spare her partner.  Twiti,  smaller, even in her Na'vi body, always did her best to match Zina in her abilities.  Zina dropped back and rubbed Twiti's shoulder, which bore a red mark.
  Pxepxi's ears had pricked forward at the mention of her name.  She had become familiar with Narate after "The Misyon", the mission in which the conscripts were rescued.  Narate  was famous for her killing shot of the RDA Colonel.  "Ma Narate.  Fyape nga lu omum pefya ku'up oe lu?"  How do you know how heavy I am?  Narate laughed.  "Oe ke omum! Oe terìng 'en, nì'aw."  I don't know. I'm only giving a guess. FÌpayoang lu teng tsawlhì na ngaru. This fish is the same size as you!"  Pxepxi only laughed and joined the treetop travellers.  Ateyo was following Txominik, Stefano, sì Lusi Herwi as they vaulted and bounced from branch to branch.  Wade and Alekxsi traded places with Kofi and Pxepxi, who raced to the highest branches.
   From their vantage point they could see the big Samson helicopter as it approached from the direction of Blue Heart Gate.  "Zera'u lefngapa ikran! "  The metal ikran is coming!  All those who worked at Blue Heart Gate groaned inwardly.  Shift change. And no one had eaten yet!  Only Colonel Schroeder and Pxati Fenwick emerged from the craft.  Major Tai dropped from the trees near the clearing and intercepted his path.
   "Playing bus driver, eh, Colonel?" She slapped him on the back good naturedly.
   "Yep!  But only on this leg!  You get to fly the return trip.  Pxati and I need some time away from the Base.  Oh, but we came bearing gifts.  Go check out the Samson," laughed Hans Schroeder.
   "I will, I'm sure.  But let's get something to eat, shall we!?" Tai was imagining the flavors of roasted fish, and wasn't so eager to return to the Sawtute Place.  However, Txominik followed his nose  to the open cargo door.  "Do I smell COFFEE? Oh! How wonderful! Despite knowing how excruciatingly painful it would be, a part of me wants to bathe in it!"
   "Coffee!" exclaimed nearly everyone who had ever lived in human tokx.
   "oh kofi," said Neytiri flatly, as she arrived near Jake's side.  Jake gave her a wry sidewise smile, while Norm looked away with a guilty expression on his face.*
   "Kofi?" asked Pxepxi and Kofi. 
   "No, not you, Kofi. Coffee. Let me explain it to you..." but Jake was interrupted by a jab in his ribs from Neytiri.
   "Lu näer asom ayhumonä, txantxur sì nìhawg. It's a hot drink of the humans', very strong and bad."  Hissed Neytiri.  Kofi had a puzzled expression on his face.  These were two very different reactions to the same substance.  He was curious.
   "Za'u ma eylan,Yom ko. Oel ngati peng aygaru!" Come, friends, let's eat.  I will tell it to you all." laughed Jake as he escorted the group to into the kelutral.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5666948/1/Never-give-a-Na-vi-coffee

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

401)~No one chose to use paper cups for the coffee that was provided.  Not when two fisted Na'vi sized aysngal were available from the kelutral!  The urn was soon emptied.  Narate and Tsye'itan were giggling and laughing like they were punch drunk.  The pilots and crew  from Tai's Hidden Base discovered that they no longer desired the mild stimulant.  Neither did the former Avatars who had spent time acclimating to the Na'vi lifestyle.
  "No thank you.  I value my adrenal glands, which are performing quite well," laughed Alyara Arati in fairly good English.  Norm smiled at her over his coffee, which he was timidly sipping.
  However, Scott Comstock and Alex Gomez Gordon were gulping down copious amounts saying,  "Oeru sunu kofi!  This is the only consolation for our need to return to Blue Heart Gate."
  "Oeru sunu Kofi, nìteng!" said Pxepxi wrapping her arms around Kofi for comic effect.
   "New oel mivay' kofiti mì tsngal."  He exclaimed.  I want to try a cup of coffee!
  "Kehe!" remarked Neytiri. "I don't recommend it!"
  Kofi turned to Ka'alani, pleading, "Rutxe Ma Sa'nu. Tsunslu oel niväk 'itit srak?!"   Please Momma. Only a sip?!
  " 'Awlo nì'aw. Once only,"  replied Ka'alani with a cautious look at the others.
  He was offered a sip from a cup of strong, black coffee.  The expression on his face brought everyone laughter.  He started sweating profusely and feeling very agitated.  "Auwe! " he exclaimed in his mother's Hawaiian tongue.  "Ftxìvä' lu!"  It tastes bad!" He finished in Na'vi and English.  There was no question.  "Oe new spivä mì kilvan!" I need to jumping in river!"  He turned heel and ran for the water with Pxepxi in close pursuit.
  "Great show, even before breakfast!" exclaimed Tai.
  Ka'alani gave Tai a withering glance and followed the youngsters back to the river.  "Pxoe txivätaw. We three will return."  But she was already grinning at the situation.
  Tai watched pxetxìm, three behinds, dissappear down the trail.  She  turned to Colonel Hans Schroeder and  Pxati Fenwick.  Ateyo brought them each a thick filet of roasted fish with some roasted fkxen (vegetables) skewered on a stick.
   "Tse, peupxare lolu ftu mipa ISV?." asked Tai between bites.
   "Um? What message was from the new ISV?" guessed Hans.  "Funny you should ask!  We got a message three days ago from a group on the ISV calling themselves the Undersea Renegades."
  "Undersea Renegades, huh." said Tai as she motioned for Taifa' to come and hear.  "Who are these Undersea Renegades?"
  Colonel Schroeder rubbed his hands together, and glanced at Pxati and Alex Gomez Gordon, who had received the message.  "They are a group of six Marine Biologists who were the last humans to get off Earth.  And two of them, being trained astronauts,  hijacked a space plane and left the Earth as it was coming apart at the seams.  They inserted the space plane into high Earth Orbit and were met by an ISV Shuttle, from the last ISV which  also had been absconded from the RDA.  That ISV was waiting for them."
 Pxati picked up the story. " For the three months previous to the Renegades hurried departure from Earth, they had managed to steal and load sixty gestation tanks and the ENTIRE DNA LIBRARY that was stored on the Moon. They each have Avatars in gestation and a team to monitor their development."
  Everyone had been listening to this tale, and  then Max grinned knowingly at  his protogee, Virenda Hansraj.  Their eyes lit up to think they might still be involved with the Avatar program.
  "The individual who sent the transmission was a Major Sharon West, one of the two astronaut-trained renegades.  She informed me that they had just left the Oort Cloud"
 She then told me two things:
  "The first thing:  This particlar ISV has been hot rodded and will make the journey eight months quicker.  But the most interesting thing is what she left us with: Colonel Joseph Hill is the Commander of the ISV, and knowing the great love that these six marine biologists had for Terran Oceans, all of them received DNA from Eyktan Atumopin and Tsahik Lamu'ite, at His Orders."
  Taifa looked at Tai and Pxati and Hans.  "THIS is going to get interesting!  Maybe they can join our future Ocean Clan?!"
  "Over Atumopin's DEAD BODY!  You KNOW she will fight us for them!" laughted Tai.
Taifa' continued, "Unless of course, we don't tell her."  
  "OH SURE!" exclaimed Max.  "Just wait until she sees their purple tinted skin!  She will recognize her own KIDS!  or herself! AND fight you tooth and nail for them.  I wanna sell tickets to THIS fight!"

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

402) Four years had passed. Once again, the Olo'Zongsteng Alor was visiting the Omatikaya Kelutral.
"Tse, Ma Tai. Holpaype ayorfan ziva'u?" asked Mo'at from her comfortable tree throne.  "What number orphans will come?"  She arched an eyebrow towards Tai, who was wiping crumbs of food from herself.
   "There are forty-six. We just received an 'upxare, a Message from the ISV.  They will arrive in  the Season of Blazing Hot Sun." She looked at Mo'at with concern. Was she becoming impatient with intruders? "Tsìvofu!" She glanced at Ateyo, who was pleased that Tai had learned to count in Na'vi.  "Livu nìnan to oe pamlltxe ye'krr." There are less than I said before."
  Mo'at nodded patiently.  "They are as many as a clan.  Slä, Srak nga plltxe furia ayforu reypay  Atumopin? But you say they are of Atumopin's blood? Not Omatikaya! Slä ayfo zene nivume ayoengeyä ayfya'o.  They must learn our ways."  The look in Mo'ats eye was troubled. "But there are so many!"
    " 'Efu mawey teya sivi ngeyä txelan, Ma Sa'nok.  May your heart be filled with calmness, Mother." reassured Neytiri. "You have trained many new sahik!  Each will be responsible for teaching ayhapitu mipa." new members.  Neytiri studied her mother's face.  She seemed a bit worn to her.  "Mawey livu, Ma Sa'nok." Ayzìma'uyu nivume niltsan.  Newcomers will learn well."  Neytiri got nods of gratitude from Alyara Arati, Alekxsi and Weyt, and even Ateyo.  "These Newcomers will be of Na'vi blood as well as humona reypay.  They all wish to to be like JakeSully."  She gave a sidelong glance and a wicked smile to Jake Sully, who squirmed in his seat and looked NOT as an Olo'eyktan! 
   "Perhaps we can give them proper names!  They always give themselves a title or a description." Observed Alyara Arati, as she nestled into Norm's arms.
   "Or they name themselves Jake Sully or Neytiri te Tskaha!" giggled Mendllzong, as he embraced Mo'at.  "Or Mo'at."  He refrained from kissing her at this moment, though.
   "No one has named themselves Norman!" groused Norm.
   "Or Max."  observed Max.
   "What are you complaining about?" asked Jake Sully.  "You have your own Mini Max!"
   "Oeru ke syaw Mini Max!  Syaw Virenda!"  I am not called Mini Max.  I am called Virenda!"  The young medical tech seated next to Max, defended himself, but was pleased to have been mentioned by the great Toruk Makto.
   "But that brings up another point:" All laughter subsided when Jake Sully spoke.  "We also have about twenty people whom we rescued from that RDA base four years ago.  We have already  added them to our clans. They just can't leave Blue Heart Gate until they receive their own uniltrantokx.  Their lungs cannot breathe the thin air that the plants-in-the-masks  give off."
     "Srak ayhumonru ayuniltìrantokx sneyä?"  Yes/No, These humans have DreamWalker Bodies for themselves?"  asked Eyktan Ikxeru.
   "Srane.  The Horse Clan claimed the Ones whom they had rescued!" interjected Max. "They have been visiting their new brothers often.  There has been a constant encampment at Spuwina 'Awm, Old Camp, these past four years.  Our rescued people have learned to speak a lot of Na'vi while they have been recuperating, zereyko. They are anxious to get their Avatars so that they can learn to ride Pa'li.  They visit their Blue Selves everyday!"
   "What about that  RDA guy we captured when he was relieving himself?" asked Sänon.   It was a story related many times around aylltxep, communal fires.
   "He was not well-liked by the others, who had been captives of the RDA." explained Narate Shepherd.  "One day he escaped from Blue Heart Gate.  We found his body one mile from the gate.  It looked as though he had been attacked by a pack of hungry aynantang."
   "It is sad that anyone should die so violently," mentioned Neytiri as she recalled her rescue of Jake Sully.  But even Mo'at looked relieved that Eywa had eliminated their need to deal with an RDA tsawtute.
   "Ma Mo'at!" spoke Tai.  "It was mentioned that the new Ones should be given Na'vi names.  I am interested to know who would be naming the new people.  Their Eyktan sì tsahik? or the person from whom their relpay, blood, was formed?"
   Mo'at closed her eyes for a long time. Some thought she might have fallen asleep.  Everyone seemed to hold their breath until she opened her menari and spoke.
  "Sa'sem, mother and father, usually name their own child.  When the child matures, po (he or she)undergoes a rite of passage, and learns their true name.  This is done through visions and by speaking with the ancestors at the Tree of Voices.  So initially, the Na'vi from whom comes the relpay,  blood, would name the new Na'vi.  Ewya and the ancestors would reveal their true names when they become One of the People.  My guess, though, is that Eywa will meet the desires of your hearts and provide you each with an opportunity to earn their title.  Tai Tai Ao has now been given the title,  Niri Tawä!  This has just been revealed to  me when I had my eyes closed.  She is a possession of the sky!  tswayonyu!" Mo'at's eyes locked into Tai's.  Eventually she smiled grimly.  "I am assured that alahe sahik, other  tsahiks,  will be conducting the naming ceremonies.  Four years ago, when Eywa released you from your ayhumontokx, were you not given your new names?  I will leave it to other tsahik to determine from Eywa, whether you have each earned the names you have."
   "My guess is that you have NOT earned the name Toruk Makto, OR JakeSully!" laughed the one and only true Jake Sully.
   "Ma Mo'at," asked Tai carefully, "Are you troubled by our presence?"
   "Kehe, ma Tai!" exclaimed Mo'at.  "But it is important to me that the Na'vi traditions are kept and passed along.  Will these new peple be willing to unlearn their human ways? They seem unwilling to leave such things as Coffee and the coldness of Blue Heart Gate."  Some of the Comm Techs looked around nervously.  They loved their excursions into the tropic bush, but they certainly appreciated the comfort of their air conditioned environment. 
   Patxi Fenwick spoke.   "Ma Mo'at.  We all chose to stay on Pandora, mì Eywa Eveng.  We love the Na'vi people.  We wish to live peaceably among you.  This is our home now.  Are we so many that you fear we will become sawtute?"  She tried to ask without feeling defensive, and spoke carefully in Na'vi.
   "Ma Nawma Mo'at."  Alekxsi rose up.  "Oeru lu 'ite oeyä, Sylwanin.  Teya seiyi nìprrte fwa oel nerume Way ayfizayu ayngaru."  I am your daughter, Sylwanin.  It fills me with pleasure to be learning the songs of our ancestors.  I will gladly teach what I learn to the newcomers."
   "Ma 'Ite.  It saddens me to think you will be leaving our olo'. I suppose that is every mother's sadness.  But it also my joy to think that you will be tsahik of your own olo' !  Among the Na'vi, one remains within one clan.  But if Sylwanin had survived, she and Neytiri would each have a clan.  It is only right that you would lead a clan with Ma Weyt.  His blood is that of Tsu'tey's.  So it makes sense. "
   "Ma Tsahik Mo'at.  Then please tell me, if it is the Na'vi way for one to stay with the clan to which they are born, why is it a good idea for those of us of Olo'Zongsteng Alor blood to leave what we feel is our clan to form our own, by the Eastern Sea?  I only wish to learn."
   "Ma Tai," replied Mo'at.  "When a herd grows too large, it will naturally split up.  The second strongest male and female will take a number with them and form a new herd.  Among the Na'vi, it is not uncommon to form new clans in this manner.  The clans are strengthened by their family ties."
   "In the practical  sense, Ma Tai, the groups must split up and move away so that they do not over-hunt in that area." reminded Eyktan Ikxeru.  "Though you might set up an olo' near the Eastern Sea, we will travel back and forth to help you establish yourselves, and also, to help you learn our traditions."
   "Ma Ikxeru, it is true that I am a leader of men.  Oe lamu, sì lu mi, eyktan wempongu.  Slä, Oe mllte. Oe zene nivume fya'o le Na'vi ni'ul, ni'ul."  I was and I am still,  leader of a war party.  But I agree!  I must learn the ways of the Na'vi more, and more. I have left the ways of the sawtute behind me. I am ready."
   "Just don't leave out the Fire Knife Dance!" interjected Ikxeru, much to the amusement of those gathered.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

403)~ Pxepxi sat cross-legged on the moss as the embers died down.  It was the night of her Coming of Age Ceremony, and this was the part she was most uncertain about.  She was  in the Women's hut.  All the sahik were seated with her.  She could hear the murmuring and soft laughter of the other women of her clan, encircling the hut.  All the women of the NEW Olo' and aysahik from most every clan, had accompanied her into the na'ring, the sparkling rainforest.
   The morning began with her own shock and dismay.  She had risen only to find her tewng covered with blood.  Of course, Tsahik Meykir and Ateyo had warned her this would happen.  She  didn't think that she was dying, or anything.  Only her childhood had ended.  No one had mentioned the sadness and loss of that realization. 
   Today she was a woman.  She had gathered the softest clumps of moss that she could find.  Tsahik Meykir and Meykir'ite had accompanied her and helped her gather enormous quantities of moss.   "Don't look dismayed, Ma Pxepxi!  It isn't all just for you!  All women will come into season at the same time.  It seems that Eywa has planned it this way."
   They laughed together and sang a song about womanhood, about coming of age, about motherhood and babies and becoming an extension of Eywa, creator of life.  All this because of a spot of blood?  She felt uncomfortable inside her own skin.  She had looked forward to escaping to the women's hut.  She had envied all the women who gathered there each month.  Every olo' had it's own hut.  She had helped to build a few of them herself, and wondered when she would be invited to join them.  Ka'alani and Twiti were joking about the price of admission, "Leave your red tewng at the door."
   Earlier, under the Tree of Voices, near their new Kelutral,  aysahik had brought her into the center.  "Eywa 'ie oe, Eywa 'ie oe," they chanted.  I lose myself in Eywa.  The other women had gathered too.  With ayswin connected to the Mother, they all sang and chanted that song about womanhood.  Tsahik Alekxsi was lost in Eywa.  She was bent so far backwards that  Pxepxi feared she might topple over, or even float.  Her own Sa'nu seemed to be suspended by a cord of light.  Maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her, though Ateyo's eyes never really closed.  They seemed to shine from beneath her eyelids.  It had seemed unsettling to see her Mother in this manner.  She rarely saw her mother as Tsahik!  But now Ateyo seemed  to be imbued with a power before unrecognized.
   But Ateyo was the first one to approach her after that.  Her cool hands held her face. They gazed deeply to each others eyes, and Ateyo murmured. "Oel ngati kameie, Tute'e Mipa!" I SEE you, new woman!  One by one, each tsahik approached and welcomed her to this mysterious new clan of Mothers!  They emerged from beneath the Tree of Voices, singing the song about Womanhood, and walked together towards the Women's Hut. 
   It was a dome created of bent saplings and covered by the huge leaves that Ateyo had always "flown" down on, while playing as Syaksyuk.  It made Pxepxi smile to think of this.  Perhaps she too would play Syaksyuk and deliver toys to children!  Hehaka Sapa, who was now acting Tsahik of the Pa'li Clan, Txìkx Txìkx Txìpxen, had proclaimed it as a Sweat Lodge, similar to that of her own ancient people of 'Rrta, the Lakota. Tai and Ka'alani, plus Twiti and Zina,  had remained to tend the special fire.  Rocks were heated in a deep fire pit;  one rock for each day of a Woman's cycle.  Other women from the new olo' had gathered around the fire.
     But Tai had set down her hot-stone-moving-implement and gathered Pxepxi into her arms for  a great hug. "Oel ngati kamiei, Mipa Tute'e!"  And Pxepxi had thought that Twiti might crush her bones, her hug was so strong!  She had proceeded along the welcoming line and was escorted into the dark confines of the hut, which floor was cover in a thick bed of moss.  She was seated across from the doorway with a shallow pit before her.  Ateyo and Meykir'ite, flanked her.  As her eyes adjusted to the absolute darkness, she noticed that Tsahik Meykir  had ordered four stones to be brought in.  Tai and Twiti herded them out of the fire pit and scooted them along by means of long forked sticks and the rib bones of some creature. These were pushed carefully into the shallow depression before Pxepxi. Tsahik Meykir brushed off the ashes with a brush made of fragent herbs.   The rocks glowed red, and the smoke curled upward in an eerie and beautiful fashion. 
   A huge sea shell filled with water was then carefully pushed into the into the doorway.  With her herbal brush, Tsahik Meykir sprinkled water onto the red hot stones.  They sizzled and popped, and sang a soft high pitch tune as the water dancing into steam.
   Tsahìk Meykir spoke words of instruction to the young woman.
Fya'o nemfa atan leram vawm
Fya'o eo nga leram ne'ìm kivä
Fya'o aswey leram ngim
Tìtxur angay leram meyp
Tìyawn anawm leram luke tìftxavang
Tìtxantslusam anawm leram nì'eveng.
The path into light seems dark,
the path forward seems to go back,
the direct path seems long,
true power seems weak...
the greatest love seems indifferent,
the greatest wisdom seems childish.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Learn Na'vi, proverbs thread « Reply #340 on: April 29, 2012, 06:48:02 pm »

    "We have crawled into the prrnenkelku, womb of the Mother."  Pxepxi had realized that the word meant Baby House, and smiled to think of all the her pregnant aysmuke these past four and a half years.  Was the womb this hot and stuffy for all prrnen?  She wondered if Avatars felt this cozy in their gestation tanks.  "Today your womb has ripened. So when Kofi plants his seed next time,  you will probably become with child!"  All the women giggled, from within and without the hut.  It was common knowledge that these two had been exploring the joys of coupling.  Pxepxi flushed red, grateful that no one could see her.  But hands from outside the hut were patting and poking her.  Twiti and Tai from the sound of it.
   Tsahik Meykir raised her voice.  "I need eight more rocks in here!"  Everyone suppressed a giggle as Twiti and Tai scrambled back to their positions at the fire.
   Meykir had then addressed the other aysahik.  This ceremony should be done for  every "New" Woman in your clans.  You need only have all Tsahik present when the Mipa Tute'e is the daughter of a tsahik.
   "Do you have any questions of any of the aysahik, ma Pxepxi?"
   "Srane Ma Tsahik!"  Pxepxi blurted.  "What if I do not want to be with child?"
   Everyone burst out laughing as if it wasn't a serious question.  "Then you must cross your legs instead of your fingers!" laughed Ka'alani from outside the hut. "You would have to stop muntxate sereiyi Kofihu."  You would have to stop enjoying mating with Kofi.  There followed a lively discussion about sexual desire. 
   Six more rocks were brought in.  All the women were sharing their secrets. The  meaning of PrrKxenTrrKrr was revealed.  All those trilled RRR's referred to the "vibrating tongue" and the pleasures which that might express. Or convey.  Suddenly, it made sense to Pxepxi why Mo'at always struck Ateyo with a cooking tool when she mentioned that word!
   "As Tsahik, you and the Eyktan, whom we shall presume Kofi, should raise a child to become the next Tsahik.  Therefore, I have Meykir'ite!    You will notice that I have no other children.  And you will notice, also, that Eyktan Ikxeru has Other Interests."  Suddenly, it also became clear why Eyktan Ikxeru disappeared from time to time with a particular young man. 
   "You might also notice, Ma 'Ite, that sometimes, a daughter is not necessarily of your own blood."  Pxepxi nodded at her mother.  The rattle of beads revealed her surprise.  Pxepxi had been adopted, and even Ateyo had been adopted.  Neither of them had come from the line of Aysahik. 
   Meykir wondered if that would be a good tradition or not.  "That is unusal as well.  But as times change, we must change as well.  We, each and all, will need to be flexible, as our two peoples merge.  These Ceremonies will help us to realize that we are connected to each other and to the Great Mother, Nawma Sa'nok.  All Uniltìrantokx come from the blood of Na'vi."  Tsahik Meykir wondered what the future would hold for this group of Aysahik.  She hoped that they could all teach the new comers the love and balance for Eywa Eveng."
   She then had straightened her back and slapped her knees.  "Bring the last of the Rocks!"  The last were dutifully heaped in front of Pxepxi.  "Rutxe, bring in the Kava!"  Ka'alani stooped into the doorway bearing a large bowl fashioned from a seashell.  The bowl was circulated and each Tsahik pronounced words of blessings and advice.  The kava made of the coconut flavored root that Ka'alani had discovered near Iknimaya place.  It was sweet and strong. Pxepxi felt an immediate head rush.  It was the first food she had tasted all day. "You can open the Womb now!"  Tsahik Meykir laughed at her own joke.  The skin was flapped open over the top of the hut.  The bowl was passed around and every woman waiting outside of the hut, got a sip.  Some Kava was splashed on embers, and the last was poured over the heap of hot stones in front of Pxepxi.
   "Our part is done here.  Let's all go for a swim!"
Pxepxi had been grateful that the long ceremony was over.  She was grateful that she was allowed to go for a swim with the others before she did her long vigil.  Both Eyktan Atumopin, of the Eastern Sea, and Zina, Twiti's muntxate, advised her that they two had not been allowed that privalege.  She enjoyed her cold soak until the messenger had arrived. She had head the Words Upxare and EY ES VI.  A message had been received again from the ISV!
   Now she was sitting alone in the hut.  It had been raked out, the old moss burned and a new layer added to the floor.  Many of the leaves had been removed from the hut to allow the steam to escape, but were now replaced.  Sa'nu Tai had left hurriedly.  Pxepxi could hear the rotor blades slapping through the thick jungle air.  Tai had gone,probably to Blue Heart Gate. "Think about being a woman" had said Tsahik Meykir.  "Think about  how you will serve the olo'," had said Tsahik Alyara Arati.  "Think about how you will serve the Mother," had said Tsahik Alekxsi.  Pxepxi had collected her hugs and had heard most of the women walk away.  "I brought you a litle gourd of Kava, for your long night.  It will give you visions.  Don't be frightened by them.  But tell us in the morning." Ateyo gave Pxepxi a long embrace.  It had been 12 years she she had taken in Pxepxi as one of the ayorfan of the Omatikaya Kelutral.  Her daughter had become a woman!  Ateyo placed the gourd into Pxepxi's hands.  "Txo tsunslu ngal niväk 'itit srak?" If it's possible take only small sips. OK?"  And Ateyo was gone, but probably not far.  Pxepxi was left alone with her thoughts. 

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

404)~Pxati Fenwick and her assistant Deborah Webb met the entourage with Na'vi sized shower clogs and bathrobes.  "Kaltxì, Ma Nawma Eyktan Jake Sully!" He and the others allowed themselves to be robed near the entrance way to the Control Room. 
   "Kaltxì ma Nawma Pxati!" he exclaimed.  As always, he was trying to deflect adultation.  It was years before he got people to stop addressing him as Toruk Makto.  "Aypenìri irayo seiyi oe!"  For these clothes, I thank you dearly!"  The air conditioned building was quite a contrast to the tropical, humid air of Pandora. The Na'vi sized bathrobes were provided, which was actually too large on Kofi's 'ewanä shoulders.  He was aware that he was included in the pongu, for the reasons that Pxepxi would be occupied with her privacy all night, and also because he was becoming a young man, an adult, and needed to be included in adult responsibilities.
  "Right this way!"  Pxati said excitedly.  "We received their last transmission  two days ago.                They are reportedly traveling at about half light speed.  They are four months out, inbound.  We are standing by for their next transmission, but I imagine we need to reply first! "
   "Kaltxì!  Ma Eyktan Jake Sully!"  Colonel Schroeder was uncharacteristically talkative.  He greeted all the eyktans who had come.  Aysahik, after all, were attending vigil for Pxepxi Coming of Age Ceremony.   "Ma Tai!  I see that you brought the entire squad of Schroeder's Raiders, with you!  He had wondered how so many Na'vi could be stuffed into the Samson!     "Would you like to hear the entire transmission?"   
   "Yes, Sir! Nìlun! That's why I brought everyone!"
   Schroeder then nodded at Alex Gomez Gordon, who flipped a tiny switch, and the speakers came to life.
   "Blue Heart Gate, this is the inbound ISV.  We are four months out, inbound.  We would have arrived one month earlier, but our on board instrumentation picked up some strange data from the next planet out from the planet that you orbit.  Tomorrow we are sending down an away team, which I will be commanding, to the surface of that planet . The team will be on the planet's surface  for a total of sixty hours.  The clock starting when we touch down.  As soon as we return to the ISV we will give you a briefing on what we found, but we want the briefing to be attended by critical personnel only.  There may be sensitive data that I will need to transmit.  So my next transmission will be Eyes Only.  Expect a transmission from me in 72 to 80 hours.  Major West. Out."
   The ateyktan looked to Norm and JakeSully to frame the information in terms of seasons and sunrises.  "Ma JakeSully!" said Eyktan Ikxeru,  "What means 'next planet out'?"
   JakeSully was relieved to remember that each Eyktan who had studied with Grace Augustine, knew something of astronomy.  Jake reminded the ayeyktan that Eywa had created many children, planets and moons.  Tai reminded Eyktan Ikxeru of the visions that Ateyo had shared; Visions of Eywa'eveng na rum, kip sanhì. Pandora, Eywa's Child, like a ball among the stars. 
   Sìkot Komstokx and Kirby, Nìma Kìrvi, now in their tall Na'vi bodies, unfolded themselves from their chairs and  brought up a holographic image on the smaller holographic table.  He and Shy Kìrvi had foreseen the possible use for it.
   "Ma Sempu!" asked Kofi in a hoarse whisper.  "Does this mean that Pxepxi is right?  That there are other moons and planets and other Na'vi?" 
   "Kxawm. tìtsunslu." Perhaps.  It is a possibility."  Taifa smiled down at his young man, who still looked boyish in his over sized robe.
   "We don't know if any Na'vi, or any living creatures are on that planet," cautioned Tai.  We need to wait, for three or four sunrises. And then Major Sharon West will tell us what they found.  But it is for EYES ONLY.  Aynari Ni'aw."
   "Oeru menari!" I have two eyes! stated Kofi, hopefully.
   "Ral ayeyktanä aynari nì'aw!" Means Eyktan's eyes only!"  She saw Kofi's face fall when he realized he would be excluded.  "Slä, KRRA nga sleyku eyktan, ngaru za'u nìprrte'!"   Kofi nodded and turned the words over in his mind.  Tai's Na'vi wasn't always perfect, but he grew hopeful to know that she had said, 'WHEN you become eyktan you can come happily.' 
   "Slä ma Kofi," said Taifa to his son.  "Nga zene pänutìng KEA peng ngeyä muntxate. Not yet."  You must promise NOT to tell your spouse.  Not yet." 
   "Tsranten 'u tsnì ngal omum, kkra 'awn fnu ulte krra pivlltäe!" It is an important thing to know when to remain silent and when to speak.  This is such an occasion!  Your silence on this matter will reflect well on you as a future eyktan, " said Ikxeru.
   "Oeru tslolam."  I understand, said the young man. "And I promise not to mention this to Pxepxi until you all say that I may."  Kofi found himself slapped on the back good naturedly by ayeyktan.  He sensed that he was being measured in their eyes.
    Kofi felt a chill run down his spine.  His father had acknowledged Pxepxi as his wife!  He wondered how much Taifa' was aware of, and flushed red.  And twice he was spoken of as a future eyktan.  He had only vaguely considered this at all.  It was at this moment that he realized he was no longer considered a child.  His head was spinning.
   Taifa' was noticing the overwhelmed expression on Kofi's face.   He exchanged glances with Jake and Ikxeru and got a silent affirmation by means of a slight nod.  So Jake addressed the others, "This is all very interesting, but it is so cold and dry in here,  Kxawm, awnga tsun wrrpa lawk nìtut. Perhaps we can continue our discussion outside."  Kofi missed the fact that everyone was moving for his benefit.  Numbly, he watched as the ayeyktan thanked Pxati, Hans and the techs, Alex and Kirvi, for their assistance.
   Kofi  gladly surrendered his riduculously large garment, and nudged his shower shoes in line with those of the other eyektan.  It was good to be outside and breathing the familiar air!  He hadn't realized until now that his lungs were burning from the air of that place.  It made him wonder about the air on other planets and moons.  He wondered if the ayhumon ayhetuwong, aliens, also felt a burning in their lungs.  What will the newcomers be like?  A thought suddenly occured to him.
   "Ma  Jake.  Srak, these newcomers have ayuniltìrantokx?  Are they related to us, then?"
   "I can answer that!" said Pxati gleefully.  "In a previous 'upare, message, they revealed which clan they are related to.  There are six who are, or were,  Marine Biologists.  Aytutel fwa ftìa txampay ulte ayswira sì fayoang txampayru 'Rrtayä.  People who study the ocean and the creatures and fish of Earth's Oceans.  Therefore, these six are of the blood of Eyktan Atumopin si Tsahik Lamu'ite!"
  At this, Eyktan Atumopin vaulted into the air from her seated position.  "Txampayä hetuong? Ocean aliens. "They are MINE!"

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

405) "Piak seiyi prrku!" Open the womb, announced Meykir.  Twiti threw back the ta'leng, the skin which covered the doorway.  The first rays of morning light shot through the little hut, illumunating the New Woman within.  "Crawl out, Ma Pxepxi.  Fngivä snu ulte tätaw."  You may relieve yourself and return.  While she was gone,  Twiti quickly raked out the old moss and replaced it with new.
  Pxepxi went about her business and returned to find half the aysahik had already entered.  The rest waited for her return so that she could resume her illuminated place.  There was no speaking, no one wanted to disturb the visions which she had experienced.  Yet Twiti and Ateyo gave her warm smiles of encouragement.  (They had also sneaked tiny bits of nourishment to help her maintain her stamina through her vigil.)
   Pxepxi followed Ateyo  and Meykir'ite followed Pxepxi.  Soon all the sahik were seated around the pit.  Pxepxi had not noticed that the pit had been emptied of stones.     "Rutxe, vol aytskxe." 'Please eight more rocks,' called Meykir.  Twiti used a long bone tool to push the first one into the hut.  Meykir pushed it with another bone tool until it was before Pxepxi once again.  One by one, the rocks were added to the pit, sizzling and popping as they touched the water.  Through the steam and thin sunlight, the familiar faces of aysahik seemed wrapped in mystery and awe. 
   "Ma Pxepxi." said Meykir.  "You began your journey into this world from within silence and isolation.  And you have begun this journey into womanhood in the same manner.  "Tell us the visions you had last night."
   Pxepxi squirmed.  "At first I just listened to the pounding of the surf on the shore below."  She wondered if there was something momentous she would have to reveal.   "Ma Alekxsi has told me that the sound is similar to that of our blood, rushing within us.  So I listened and paid attention to my breathing, as Ma Alyara had taught me."  Alyara was from the Olo'Omatikaya and wondered how long ago she had taught the technique to Ateyo's daughter.  She was impressed that the child had remembered.  Pxepxi continued;
   "Before you all left last night, Meykir put all the water in the stones, but not on top.  The stones on the bottom were standing in water, but the stones on top of the pile glowed red.  Then I offered rocks some of my Kava.  It boiled and grew thick and spattered upward!  It seemed to roar and to shake.  I kept staring at it, though it made me afraid.  It seemed to me that it was an island surrounded by an ocean.  The Kava kept boiling, more and more, and it made me think of the Way we had learned: Ram Atxepa Mìtxampay.  Mountain of Fire in the Big Water."
   Pxepxi heard muffled sounds of startled cries from aysahik when they had heard this.  And she paused in her telling.
   "Go on, Ma Pxepxi," urged Meykir.  She had had a dream last night of the Fiery mountain.  It was very vivid.  The chorus of gasps made her wonder if lahea sahik, the other aysahik,  were those of recognition. 
  "The Way kept occuring to me.   I kept singing it and singing it until I got the words right. I think I know the opening words now.

Za'u oeyä Na'viya
Oel ayngaru peng Wayt Na'viyä
'Awlie ftawmenkrr
Mì hrr aysempulä sysempul
Txampayka alìm
Eywa'eveng lamu nìwäte
Ram txepä a mìtampay
Ram txepä a mìtampay
Pesul zivong awneyä Na'viyä ftu
Ram txepä mìtxampay"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Come my people            
I will tell the Ancient Story of our People   
Once long ago               
In the time of our fathers' fathers      
Far across the Sea            
Eywa 'Eveng was disagreeable         
Mountain of Fire in Ocean         
Mountain of Fire in the Ocean         
Who will save our People from the      
Mountain of Fire in the Ocean      
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   
   Nìwotx aysahik joined in the singing.  But stopped only with the opening stanza, eager to listen to the Vision of Pxepxi.
"I don't know if I was seeing the Fiery Mountain of Old or if I was seeing something in the future.  I was sad at first for people I don't know, but there was a sadness also as sharp as if I was in saheylu with One who was suffering.  And  I experienced terror, like I've never known.  Tse, I am very relieved to see that all is well here, because it seemed to me that the world was coming apart as I sat HERE.  I felt very hopeless and lost, like I did after... after I lost my mother at the Omatikaya Kelutral."
   At this point, Pxepxi stopped speaking and burst into tears.  The weeping reached the ears of Twiti. Wordlessly, she leaned against the hut, hoping that she was back to back with Pxepxi.  Twiti didn't want to interrupt the telling, but it broke her heart to hear her niece weeping, and  yet not being able comfort her in her arms.  Twiti hugged herself and listened for the sobbing to stop. She could hear murmured voices of conversation being exchanged.
   The first to speak was Tsahik Alekxsi.  "My Pxepxi.  I had the same dream last night.  But it seemed more than a dream.  It was very long and detailed, like I was watching the entire event unfold.  But I remember flying and rescuing and bringing survivors to the Well of Souls.  But I too am confused as to whether this was an Ancient Memory or  not."  Tsahik Lamu'ite of the Eastern Sea said, "I too experienced this dream.  The waves where crashing higher and higher.  I was afraid for the safety of the People."  Neytiri and Tsahik Alyara concurred. 
   "This could be Srese'a!" a prophesy, exclaimed Neytiri.  We must ask Nawma Sa'nok to be sure"
Lamu'ite replied, "Mllte oe! I agree.  Otherwise, Atumopin will have Scouting Parties flying over the Great Water from now until the end of time!"
   "That could be a wise strategy, if we all agree that Pxepxi's vision was a prophesy." said Neytiri grimly. 
   "Ma Twiti, zamunge vol aytskxe ni'ul!"  Meykir spoke to the shadow on the hut behind Pxepxi.  Twiti scrambled to the fire ring in front of the hut.  As she pulled out a hot stone, a tear sizzled on it's surface.  Just at that exact moment, she heard the slap of the rotor wings of the approaching Samson.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

406)  Narate Shepard and Tsutey'itan set the twins on the ta'leng in front of them, as they joined the circle of Na'vi at the ylltxep of the new clan.  The two toddlers were amusing themselves by means of catching the meketse, two tails, of their parents.  Misyal, Aud, and Virenda brought the mevi food and joined the group gathering around the llytxep.
   "How much longer do you think they will be in that hut?" asked Misyal of no one in particular.
  Eyktan Ikxeru answered, "That depends on how involved Pxepxi's spiritual vision is."
   "And how hungry Pxepxi has become!" laughed Jake.  He had accompanied Neytiri on this journey simply because Neytiri was here for Pxepxi.
    "We can't start without Tai and Taifa and Kofi!  We are soaia, family!  They need to be here and Pxepxi is probably waiting in the hut for their arrival!" said Ka'alani, her eyes glittering with anticipation.
At about that time, the slap of rotor blades was heard approaching.
   "Hail, hail, the gang's all here," laughed Norm.  Almost everyone ran out to meet the Samson.  Tai had landed it far from the hut, on the other side of their mipa kelutral.   "We are waiting on you, Cuz!" called out Eyktan Ikxeru.  As people were finding their seats, a blast from a conch shell sounded.  Everyone became quiet and turned their eyes to the trail-head from where the  aysahik approached.  Their voices could be heard, though muffled through the dense foliage of the na'ring, the rain forest. They entered and continued singing and encircled the ylltxep with a dance step.  They came full circle and finished their song under a small pavillion which had been built for the occasion. 
   Ateyo had made an elaborate crown of feathers for her daughter, and placed it on her head with great pomp.  "Oeyä Na'vi! Ma frapo! FÌtrr ayoeng kaltxì si awnga mipa tute'e, Pxepxi!  Today we wecome our new woman, Pxepxi!"  A great cheer went up from everyone.
   Pxepxi stood self-consciously, beaming a huge smile. She knew she was expected to speak.  "Leuiaìri, oe irayo seiyi!" For this honor, I thank you. "Oe pänutìng pivlltxe oeyä äie frapohu".  I promise to tell you all my spiritual vision. "Slä 'efu ohakx atxan."  But I am very hungry. " 'Awve, YOM KO." First, LET'S EAT!
   Everyone was pleased at the wisdom of her decision.
   "Tsngan lu fwang atxan, Ma Pxepxi!"  The meat is very rich, Pxepxi," warned Tsahik Meykir.  "Yom ngal fkxenit, 'awve." Eat fruit/vegetables first. "Ulte rä'ä yom ngal nìwin!" And don't eat too fast.  Pxepxi was NOT given the opportunity to eat too fast because people kept interrupting her to give her presents.  Ka'alani began by placing a lei around her neck.  Many others did likewise.  She almost could not see to eat for all the flowers.  She was presented with a new bib necklace from Kofi.  "Oel ngop fìfkxile ngaru." I made this bib necklace for you.  He was in awe of this young woman before him.  He could hardly bring forth the words, his mouth was so dry.  His steli, gift, was made from the shells and driftwood he had found near their new home.  As he fastened it around her neck and behind her shoulders, he whispered, "Oel ngati larmom!" I have missed you! " Pxeytrr larmu anulkrr oeyä tìrey!" These were the longest three days of my life! 
   Pxepxi had amassed wonderful treasures for her dowery.  Ampxer Elyot of Blue Heart Gate had presented Pxepxi with one of her famous flint knives.  Wade and Alekxsi gave her a collection of obsidian, some decorative, some as cutters and scrapers.  Tsahik Hehaka Sapa had come from the kilns of the Dark Lake Clan with two matching cups filled with ceramic beads she had made.  The cups had been decorated by Tovi with fayoang swimming around the edges.  Tompa  'Ivong had come from the Eastern Sea with a back strap loom he had constructed of driftwood and fibers.  The pilots of Schroeder's Raiders brought sawtute items such as a magnifying glass, needles, spools of thread, and Pxati sent a pair of Hawaiian print shorts with a tail hole cut out.  Her friends from many clans made many items for personal ornamentation, and various items of clothing, pen, for everyday use and ayta'leng, skins.
   "Ma Pxepxi! Ngaru lamu aie. Rutxe. Peng ayngaru pe'u tsam'e sì kamame," said Tsahik Meykir. You had a spiritual vision.  Please tell us all what thing you saw and Saw with your heart.  Pxepxi waited for others to draw closer and told of the Kava boiling on the stones and spewing up thick red fire, she described the vision of the spono, the island which was inundated with water from below and fire from above.  She spoke of her personal terror, and a sense of urgency and wondered aloud whether she was seeing from the past or seeing into the future.  Sahik alahe, other tsahiks, concurred that they had also experienced similar visions and were convinced that this was a srese'a premonition of a future event because of the urgency they each experienced. 
   "We should send out ikran watchmen, far out to sea to search for this island of fire." stated Eyktan Atumopin. 
   "Ma Atumopin!" said Major Tai.  "Would not the sky be darkened?  Would we not see the seas become wild?"
   Neytiri spoke and everyone fell quiet.  "I suggest that we seek the Voice of the Mother at the Tree of Voices later today or tomorrow morning."
   Jake was concerned on a pragmatic level.  "Aren't there instruments on Kapteyn Shiralta's ISV that could show us where this volcanic eruption has occured or will occur?"
   Colonel Schroeder replied, "When I return to Blue Heart Gate, I will ask Pxati to set up a relay from the ISV, and ask them to scan Pandora, Eywa'eveng, for thermal variations in the ocean.  We can tell you how far away this island is from this shoreline."
   Ateyo and Norm translated about the Look Far in the Star Ship above.  It was a fact that most Na'vi had already forgotten about.  Schroeder continued.  "Pxati has been in communication with a Second ISV.  It is about four months out.  Zera'u nemfa zisikrr atxana som. Coming within the season of Much Hot. They will also watch with their Look Fars to see where the Spono a Txep is located.   The late morning was filled with conjecture and speculation.  Atumopin was suggesting sorties flying out over the water.  "If there are people and islands out there, we can find them before hand.  They got there somehow, either with big canoes or  ayikran apxa." Big ikrans.
   Aysahik decided to meet at the Tree of Voices in the morning, so Pxepxi and Kofi stole away to find snomo, a personal space for themselves.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

407) Pxepxi and Kofi came up the trail from the Tree of Voices, hand in hand.  They each looked bleary eyed, but wore smiles of insane happiness.  They had to endure all the teasing and knowing smiles of their friends and family.  Ateyo and Ka'alani, being the mothers of the couple, urged them to be seated and allow themselves to be served.  "You two look worn out!  You will need to regain your strength! Menga zene yivom! You two must eat!"  Ateyo was proud her daughter, who was now a young woman.  It was not surprising that the two were a mated couple.  They were young, of course, but Tsahik Meykir assured her that they would be around, if and when Ateyo or Ka'alani needed Grand Motherly advise. "Txo fko new ivomum, zene pivawm. One who wants to know, must ask. Without questions you get no answers."  *  Ateyo was always grateful to Meykir, who had raised her as her own.
   "Ma Pxepxi."  Tai Tae Ao caught the young woman by the arm as she passed by. "After you and the other aysahik finish your lawk, you and Kofi will come with me and Taifa and Ateyo to the Blue Heart Gate.  You and Kofi need to see how decisions are made for the good of the People." Pxepxi's eyes sparkled. 
   "Niprrte!" she exclaimed.  She gave Tai a quick embrace and hurried to join the others.
   In the cool misty morning, aysahik made their way to the same Tree of Voices from which Pxepxi and Kofi had just emerged.  The Tree was situated at the top of a narrow canyon which bottom filled with sea water at each incoming tide.  Tai Tae Ao.  Like her Samoan mother's name! Fa'a Samoa!  Kofiyä sempu, Taifa',  lamu 'ong  mì Samoa nìteng!  Koi's father Taifa', was born on Samoa also! She wished Kofi could come with her.  She noticed that Alekxsiyä Weyt had come.  He was the only male tsahik that she had ever met, but she had been assured that  although this was unusual, it was not unheard of. 
   They all ducked into the glowing bower, the tendrils of the Tree of Voices illuminated their faces with a soft pink light.  She smiled to herself to remember how the light enhanced Kofi's muscles.  Her thoughts were interrupted by an elbow, poking her ribs gently.  Ateyo had caught her secret smile, but simply whispered, "Eltu si!"
   Meykir was speaking. "Frapol kame frapeyä unilti - everyone Sees everyone's dream." **
"Ma Pxepxi has shared a troubling äie, spiritual vision.  We are all familiar with the Way: Ram Atxepä Mìtxampay, we must subject ourselves to these memories and to Äie Pxepxiyä and ask Nawma San'ok to reveal whether this is a vision from the past or a vision of the future."
   "Or both," thought Pxepxi.
   "Or both," said Tsahik Meykir.
Pxepxi remembered hearing Tsahik Alekxsi begin to sing the Ancient Way, followed by mokri Tsahik Weytä.  As all the voices joined in she allowed her tswin to connect to a tendril of the Utral Aymokri.  She let the voices wash over her, put soon felt them crash over her.  Far below her, thick black smoke was rising.  The molten lava was spewing upwards, and falling  Ne kllte, toward the ground. 

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

408) Pxepxi was exhilarated to be flying to Blue Heart Gate, albeit behind Ateyo on Atanvi.  She had stopped asking when she would get her own ikran.  Ateyo would always answer, "Krra nga lu alaksi!"  When you re ready.  She was a woman now.  Surely that would be soon!
  At least she could see Kofi's strong back ahead of her,  riding behind Tai on Pxiwopx Srewyu.  Taifa and Ka'alani were on Atanzaw.  A large contingent of Na'vi were flying there, to Blue Heart Gate and to Spuwina 'Awm, the Old Camp.  Tai had told everyone that the newcomers were sending  an 'upxare, a message from another ISV.  Kip aysanhì!  Among the stars!  And Tai had told her that they were stopping at another MOON!  She wondered if she could fly an ikran through those mysterious arches and go to another moon like Ftiapfi said he did.  Well, he said he went SOMEWHERE!  She was so curious about what was OUT THERE!
   Her imagination was running wild.  Her head was filled with Ateyo's images of Ewya'eveng, and floating on the ISV.  She hoped desperately that Tai could arrange a visit for her.  And Kofi!  He seemed to realize she was thinking of him, because he turned in his seat and grinned at her.
    She saw the flash of red hair, somewhere off to her left.  the red hair  of Kapteyn Srralta! the  captain of the ISV that was already encircling Eywa'eveng. The ikran riders of the Red Bird Clan had joined up with their new clan and the Ikran Clan of the Eastern Sea.  Maybe Kapteyn Srralta  would take her UP.  Somehow or another, she was determined to ride on an AI ES VI !
   However, there were a few stops to make on the way to Blue Heart Gate. They stopped at Dark Lake Clan and at their old kelutral, Zongsteng Alor.  As they neared the Kelutral Omatikaya,  she could hear the drums, and the singing calls.  Her heart was pounding like a drum!  She wondered if other Moons were as beautiful as this.
    Their stop at this kelutral was brief.  Everyone rushed upwards to greet the riders as they landed.  But, as with all travelers, their first stop was to go "Behind the Tree."  Jake and Neytiri briefly greeted Mo'at and Mendllzong, but were anxious to get to Blue Heart Gate before nightfall.  Loaded with yerik wraps and drinking gourds filled with water, they were soon launched from the tree tops with shouts of Eywa Ngahu wafting up to their ears.
   They continued their flight into the setting sun.  "Steng Eana Txe'lanìri, stum ayoengil polahem.  As to the Blue Heart Place, we have almost arrived."  Ateyo's voice was almost lost as the wind whipped past.
   "Oel omum, Ma Sanu."  I understand, Momma. "Ngiang, oe rangel fwa renten avawma livu oer"  However,  I wish that I had darker flying goggles.
   Ateyo grinned to herself.  She had offered to make her a set of renten with dark red beetle wings, but Pxepxi had wanted the pretty yellow ones instead.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

409)~   Silhouetted against the setting tsawke were the ugly towers of the Blue Heart Gate.  The only nice thing was the way the windows of the structures reflected  the colors of the setting sun.  "Oeru sunu fwa atan tsawkeyä tìng ayopìn mìaykemyo!" admitted Pxepxi's voice behind Ateyo. To me, I like that the sun gives colors on the vertical structures.
   They circled the Kelutral of Spuwina 'Awm.  To everyone's surprise, the smell of wood smoke rose through the branches.  Someone had already started camp!  They all removed saddles from  their ayikran and watched as they flew to the river to refresh themselves.  As they made their way down the kelutral the words of  "Kaltxì!" greeted their ears.  They were offered refreshments of fkxen and roasted teylu before Pxati escorted them all through the path that lead to Blue Heart Gate.
   Ateyo had almost forgotten how cold the tsawtuteyä steng, the sky people's place,  felt to her skin.    She was grateful when Pxati and that other tute'e, Tebora Wepx, gave them warm, soft things to wrap around themselves.   Pxepxi followed Ateyo along with the entire entourage, clinging tightly to Kofi's hand.  He could tell that she was anxious and wished that they could do tsaheylu right here.  The Bond.  They could reassure each other so easily.  He tried to Tsaheyl Si with his eyes meeting hers.  She cuddled closer to him and matched his stride.  Confidently, he entered the Control Tower with his father, and the Other Ayeyktan.  Pxepxi was amazed by the fact that she could see through these vertical structures.  She had never encountered glass before.  Kofi had noticed her wondering gaze and had tapped on the window to demonstrate his familiarity with glass.  Vaguely she recalled tapping on the face visor of Tovi, with his Long Eyes.  Now she remebered seeing through the front of Tai's lefngapa ikran. the glass windscreen of the Kunsip! It seemed so long ago!
   But there were more amazing things to be seen.  "Atxkxerel atanru." Land image of light, announced Kofi proudly, as if he had discovered it himself, indicating the hologram of Pandora with a sweeping gesture.
   "Eltu si!" hissed Ateyo.  Pay attention!
   Pxati was explaining about the 'upxare, the message from the mipa Ei Es Vi, the New ISV.  She was explaining that the message travels faster than the ISV, and it takes almost an entire day for  message to cross the sky.  JakeSully turned to the Radio Operator, Skot Komstok and asked, " How old is this message, then, Ma Skot?"
  "We received this message an hour ago.  It takes 15 hours for their voices to reach our ears, so it is a total of 16 hours old.  But as they come nearer, the time for transception, of course, will be less."  JakeSully and Norm translated these concepts to the Ayektan and Aysahik who were gathered.  "The message is almost a whole day old." informed Tai to those around her.
   "Then the ISV will be here tomorrow?" blurted out Pxepxi.
   "Kehe!  The message travels much faster than their Starship.  They will be here in  the middle of the hot season.  Maybe sooner, maybe not. But we can listen to the message they have already sent us."
   Ekytan JakeSully nodded to Scott Comstock, who nodded in return and flipped a switch.
     "Blue Heart Gate.  This is the inbound ISV. Major Sharon West, commander of the Insertion Team for the ReConn Mission to the Outer Moon.  We have returned from our mission to investigate the strange readings that we received from the Moon on the next planet out from Pandora. We have found a complete underground RDA base that was manned by 46 personnel.  There was no battle.  Every single person in the underground RDA base was Dead.  From our testing of their bodies, and other information that we recovered, they all died within SECONDS of each other, in an instant. About four years ago." 
   Immediately, Jake, Neytiri, and all the the Na'vi who were once ayhumon exchanged startled glances.  Four years ago, they each realized, was the number of years that had passed since they had detroyed the Hidden RDA Outpost on Pandora.  They also realized that Eywa had simultaneously caused the demise of Evil on Pandora and other adjoining moons.
   The message continued to say, "We have not been able to determine scientifically, what single incident  killed all of these people instantly, and at the same time.  If I may be allowed to interject my belief based on what I saw, and what I experienced leaving 'Rrta, I believe that Eywa killed them all.  Laugh at me if you must, about a quarter of this Ship thinks that I am crazy, but THEY can't explain how these men died.  I will be awaiting your return message and I will reply to it as soon as I receive it.  Or in two days from now, if I receive no message from you.  Major Sharon West. Out."
   Pxepxi was beside herself.  Everyone was staring at the console from whence the voice had come.  Or at each other.  It seemed ages before Norm spoke.  "Ma Jake!  Four years ago was when we defeated that last RDA stronghold!"
   Neytiri interjected.  "Ma Jake!  Remember that we were discussing how to deal with kawnga ayhetuwong? Eywa ceased their existence so that we did not have to kill them to achieve the Balance of Life.  Perhaps, she caused these other RDA to also die."
   The other Ayeyktan seemed to agreed that this could be possible.  "Eywal kamangame ayte'lan RDA-yä." Eywa SAW and was displeased, with the hearts of the alien RDA.  "Kxawm, poel tamerkup ayfot nìwotx fte ngivop meoauniaea."  Perhaps she killed them all in order to create the Balance.
    "It is alarming to learn that the RDA were present on that Moon, from around that Planet." Eyktan Ikxeru was struggling to recall the model of the planetary system that had dangled from the ceiling of the school house where Grace Augustine had taught.  "Perhaps there are RDA yet on other Moons around us.  Perhaps they are growing in number?"
   Others argued that Eywa had certainly set precedent for defending the Balace from  them.  Surely the RDA was now completely destroyed.  Pxepxi only wished to know if other Na'vi were living on these other Planets and Moons.  Being the least experienced Tsahik of the group, she decided not to interrupt the discussion.  But these words came to her mind:
Usomuma tute plltxe, txantslusama tute tìng mikyun.
Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens. ( --LEARN NA'VI, proverbs thread, Reply #340--)

   "Kxawm, oel tsun piveng Matsor Saron West fwa poe keye'ung a fperìl fa'o."  Perhaps I should tell Major Sharon West that she is not crazy to think in this manner," wondered Jake aloud.  A lively discussion ensued, with others suggesting words for his Reply Message. 
   "Ma Tai." pleaded Pxepxi in a polite but hoarse whisper.  "We should ask if there are other Na'vi on those Moons.  Please tell Jake to send that message as well!"
   "Srane, Ma 'Ite.  And I have another idea, nìteng."  Tai caught Jake's eye and gained his permission to speak.  "Ayoengeyä Pxepiru lu Äie.  Our Pxepxi had a Spiritual Vision of Volcanos and destruction.  We should ask if they could scan the surface of Eywa'eveng for magnetic anormalities of seismic disturbances."
   "Peral fayluta, Ma Tai?  What means those words, Tai?"  Ateyo was having a hard time understanding the scientiic terms. 
  "Tse'a äo txampay.  Kivame  Eywa'eveng lu nìwate'e txo."  Look under the ocean to SEE if Pandora is disagreeable." Tai tried to explain quickly.  But she continued to say, "Pxepxi was unclear whether she had a premonition, or had seen something from the past.  More information could be gathered.  Maybe there is a volvanic eruption awaiting to happen out here, somewhere?""
   "We could compare data from our ship as well.  We are already in orbit.  I could transmit a message to my ship, soon." offered Captain Shiralta.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

410)~ It pleased Shiralta to notice the interest that Pxepxi had taken to the conversation.       "Nga lu 'ite te Ateyo te Syaksyuk, kefyak?"  You are the daughter of Ateyo te Syaksyuk. right?
   "Srane!" exclaimed Pxepxi with great enthusiasm.
   "Oe zerok fwa moe pivangko teri oeyä Ei Es Vi!" I remember that we two chatted about my ISV."  Shiralta smiled at the young Na'vi woman.  She was pleased that at least One Na'vi was interested in the wonders of exploration and technology.
   Pxepxi, for once, was tongue-tied.  Not because of shyness, but because she had so many questions to ask.  Now she perceived that she was standing on the brink of an opportunity.  "Srane, Ma Kapteyn Srralta.  Oero lenomum teri ayseng alahe."  Yes, Capain Shiralta.  To me is curiosity about other places."
   "Nìteng Oe omum fwa ngaru lu Äie teri Ram Atexepa Mì Txampay." I also understand that you had a vision about a fiery mountain in the ocean." Captain Shiralta took Pxepxi with her, the few steps toward Ateyo and Tai.
   "Ma Tai sì Ma Ateyo!" said the Red Haired Captain.  "Pxepxi is anxious to know about the capabilites of our Long Range Radar.  With your permission, I would like to take her aboard my ISV, and show her how we we can study the ocean bottom from space that might identify a possible volcanic eruption."
   Ateyo looked at Tai to verify what she suspected that Shiralta had asked.  "We both know how Pxepxi's curiosity has been peaked.  I'm certain that we can work something out.  Ateyo and I will talk it over. But first we need to learn more about the situation on this other moon and other planet.  Once we have resolved these questions, we can talk about oceanography and vulcanism."  Pxepxi didn't understand the last two words, but knew enough Ìnglìsì to realize the positive attitude from Sa'nu Tai. She also recognized the tonal qualities of hestitation.  There was talk of RDA on that other moon.  She hung on to hope and beamed an Irayo to Tai through her eyes.  She grabbed Kofi by the hand and dragged him off to a corner to convey her possible good news.
   The ayeyktan and the aysahik who were present had been pressing Jake with a myriad of questions which they wanted to convey.  Pxati's assistant, Deborah Webb was at an offline computer console, typing out the questions as Jake flung them at her. As the requests finished, Deborah applied the final period with a fluorish and looked up expectantly at JakeSully.  He made some suggestions for the order of the outline.  When satified, she swept the text onto an electronic clipboard and handed it to him.  He read it through while pacing back and forth, and all eyes followed him.
   He raised his voice and addresed the others: "Oeyä smukan sì smuke, these words I will tell to the ayhumon from the mipa ISV:  I will give Kaltxì si and tell them who has heard this message."
   Eyktan Atumopin interrupted him, "Ma Jake, be certain that they know they are of My Blood and that I am here to welcome them, as well."
   "Mawey livu, oeyä tsmuke!  Oel pivlltxe tsali'u!"  reassured Jake.  "Be calm, My Sister.  I will tell these words!"
   "I will assure  Major West that she is not CRAZY.  I will tell her that all the RDA with evil hearts all died four years ago, quite suddenly at a battle at the Outpost.  I will tell of the conscripts who survived, because Eywa deemeed that they had Blue Hearts."
   "Be certain to tell them that we have renamed this place from Hell's Gate to Blue Heart Gate." 
   "Srane, Ma Ateyo! I will tell them that Eywa protects only the Balance," he nodded at Neytiri, who also remembered saying those very words before the Battle for the Well of Souls, twelve years ago..  "But I will tell them also, that Eywa seems to have tipped the balance in our favor, for the sake of Eywa'eveng.
   "Then I will them that the OutPost was utterly destroyed, and that the RDA are no longer upon Eywa'eveng.
   "I will tell them of our concern that RDA could yet be hiding on other moons and other planets, and that we are all uneasy, that they might yet again attack.  We do not understand if ALL RDA personnel are dead, or only the ones involved in these conflicts.
   JakeSully glanced over at Pxepxi, who was shivering from the Air Conditioning or trembling with excitement.  "And I will ask them if they have any evidence of Na'vi on the Moon which they just visited."
   "Will you ask them to look for the fiery mountain under the water?" asked Pxepxi, who simply could not restrain herself.
   "Perhaps.  But most certainly when they get closer to Eywa'eveng, Ma Pxepxi."  He found her questions to be valid and the mark of a scientist.  "Here I am , doing science."  He remembered his own words.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

411)~ The ayeyktan and aysahik requested that the lawk be conducted at the Spuwina 'Awm.  They were experiencing discomfort in the air-conditioned atmosphere of the building, and all were experiencing hunger pangs.  Outside, near the landing field, ayikran were summoned by whistling.  Through the darkness, the ayikrans could be seen approaching from the treetops.  The sea ikrans, of course, gave a startling display of bioluminescent brilliance as they landed. 
   Those who had earlier accompanied the ayektan to Spuwina 'Awm, the Old Camp, had not been idle.  The platinum haired  Aytanin and red haired Lintxa Smitx, and Amber Elyot, the fire keeper, had killed a yerik, and Twiti and her mate had hunted fwampop, which were now roasting over coals.  After everyone had eaten their share, the ayektan reconvened around the fire to make known their concerns for the message that Jake Sully would send in the morning.  Deborah Webb smiled to herself to be working on a modern touch screen by the benefit of firelight.  Eventually, the outline of the message was perfected and everyone chose to sleep.
  The morning sunbeams penetrated the canopy and stabbed Jake in the eye.  Neytiri laughed to see him startled to his feet.  Soon, they had eaten.  Only a few of the ayeyktan returned, preferring to let JakeSully deal with the communication from that cold, cold building.
  Alex Gomez Gordon, Scott Comstock, and "Shy" Kirby, had all relinquished their schedules in order to be present for this momentous occasion.  They had checked and double checked all the related long range communications equipment, and were sitting along their consoles waiting for JakeSully to begin his message.  Scott had reminded him of the protocal for addressing the newcomers.  At a nod, he flipped a switch.
   "Incoming ISV. This is JakeSully.  I have a large contingent of Na'vi Ayektan and Aysahik with me today.  We all wish to extend our welcome and look forward anxiously to your arrival. 
   "To the Undersea Renegades, a special message from the Eastern Sea Ikran O'loeyktan, Atumopin. Poe plltxe SAN" Ayngeyä ketse lu oer!" SÌK.  In other words, Your tails are mine!  She is very excited that lovers of the ocean will be joining us and insists that you join her clan or establish your clan near hers.
   "To Major Sharon West.  Kehe!  Ayoeng ke fpìl fwa nga lu keye'eng.  We don't think you are CRAZY.  You need to know that four years ago we eliminated a remnant RDA outpost.  In the midst of that battle all the RDA commanders dropped dead!  I think Eywa foresaw the damage to Pandora that these types intended. So NO, we don't think that you are crazy.
   "Major West.  You seem to be one of the eyktan aboard this vessel.  We think it best to stay in radio contact in order to transition you to our Home.  I understand that you each have ayuniltìrantokx for yourselves.  I trust that you each are trying them out and becoming familiar with them.  It makes Mo'at nervous to know that there are bodies without spirits floating around!  Yes, she remains, but Neytiri has assumed the role of Tsahik by my side.
   "We have made repairs to the facility and have maintained it's operation.  The manager of this facility is Pxati Fenwick.  She requests a manifest of all cargo which is aboard.  It is suggested that your ayhumantokx remain aboard in orbit, when that time arrives.  The landing field is in good repair for the use of your shuttles.
   "We are now concerned that the RDA has set up bases throughout this region of stars.  We will rely upon your information on the base that you encountered, and trust that you will maintain surveillance on any suspect planets or moons in the Alpha Centuri system.  If we are lucky, Eywa has eliminated any threat."
   "We also request that you scan the surface of Pandora for geothermic anormalities.  Several of our aysahik have had premonitions of a volcano in the sea.  We would appreciate confirmation.  We will send you the radio frequencies of your sister-ship which is in geo-sync.
   "JakeSully. Out."  JakeSully had a look of satisfaction upon his face as he nodded to Scott.  "Ma Skot!  Make sure that the ISV has the frequencies of Captain Shiralta's ISV."  He took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly.  Ayuniltìrantokx would soon be arriving.  He would be responsible for the Balance between all Peoples now.  Would they forever be DreamWalkers?  What does Eywa have in store?
   "How long will it be before they receive this message, Ma Skot?"  asked Jake, as he shook himself from his thoughts. 
   Scott looked to Alex Gomez Gordon for those calculations.   "They have not yet slowed their entry across this quadrant.  They will receive this message in ten hours."
   "Ten hours. Very good."  Jake smirked to himself.  Eyktan Tai had been standing by his side and had observed his expression. 
   "Nothing like radio communications with a starship to make you speak like a Jar Head once again!"

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

412)~Alex Gomez Gordon cracked his knuckles as he sat down at his Comm Console at the Blue Heart Gate Control Room.  He was somewhat jealous that Scott Comstock had been privaleged to intercept the messages from the incoming ISV.  Truth be told, everyone in the Comm Room was anxious and excited and remained, lurking at their stations.  But another transmission was not to be expected for another twenty hours or so.  He wondered if he dared take a nap.  He had just about resigned himself to that eventuality when he heard the distinct squelch signal from an incoming call.
  "Blue Heart Gate, this is Major Sharon West.  I have learned information that may be critical to your knowlege of what went on here.  I will wait half an hour for you to get your key personnel in place, to hear first hand what I have to say.  I am still awaiting your next message.  Major West. Out."
   "I'M ON IT!" called out Kirby as he sprinted out the door.  "Notify Pxati and Hans.  I'll go get the Na'vi," he called over his shoulder.  He was driving toward the perimeter fence in a flat bed transport vehicle, when he spotted a small formation of ikran overhead.  JakeSully, Norm and Major Tai, and a few other ayeyktan were flying toward the Facility.  He turned around the vehicle and met them as they dismounted.  Their timing was excellent.  They had barely entered the Control Room when they heard the crackling of the radio.
"Blue Heart Gate. This is Major Sharon West. Here is what I learned four-and-a-half hours ago.  The facility here was built and staffed four years before the Battle for the Well of Souls. I, as a qualified astronaut, was to fly a ship that had just been built on Earth for the purpose of detecting and quantifying, many different types of "Rare Earth" minerals over the moon we just explored.  I was to come out here, in the next ISV that was scheduled to leave Earth, what turned out to be six months AFTER when the Battle for the Well of Souls occured.  When the RDA vrrtep were sent back to Earth, my services as an astronaut were no longer needed.  So I went to study and get my degrees in Engineering and Marine Biology, which is why I am the Eyktan of the Under Sea Renegades, here on the ISV.
"One of the things that we brought back to the ISV from the moon, were all the computerized records of the Base, including all of the radio logs from this base's inception.  When we walked into the Comm Shack, there was a body at the radio console, with the radio still on.  Apparently Quaritch kept them in the dark about his Battle Plans against the Na'vi.  They only learned about it three days after it happened.  Because of that, I don't think their hearts were evil, at that time.  But the radio traffic that they received from a Colonel at the Hidden RDA Outpost, constantly villifying the Na'vi people, and DEMONIZING Eywa, turned their hearts.  By the time that they all suddenly died in moments, four years and two months ago, there was no traffic about there being ANY Na'vi here.  I think that it is too cold and too oxygen rich for them here.  This moon is a carbon copy of the Earth about 40,000 years ago.  VERY pure air. Humans could easily live here, as long as the dressed like they lived in Upper New England.  We have the fuel reserves to mount a more thorough search of this moon in the daylight, not in a blinding snow storm, and for more than rwo hours, if that is what you would like. 
"If there is anything else that you would like from us, just ask.  If there is anything that we could ask, it would be to be allowed to live in our Ayuniltìrantokx, and to live by the Sea that we could not protect while on Earth from the Greedy Humans, but that we loved so much.  We will turn all of the computer and hard copy data that we recovered from that Moon when we arrive at Blue Heart Gate.  Eywa Ayngahu.  Major West. Out"
   "Srane!" shouted Eyktan Atumopin.  "Feyä ketse lu oer!  Their Tails are MINE!  They KNOW where they belong!" She crossed her arms in a gesture of finality with a very smug and contented look on her face.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

413)~ Questions tumbled from everyone's mouths at once.  Jake, Norm, Max, and Ateyo did their best to translate the information they had just learned into the form of  answers that could be explained in Na'vi terms.
   Their arrival date was explained in terms of the middle of the hot season. That would be approximately four months.  To demonstrate the concept of sound waves, Tai tapped a clear beaker to demonstrate how the sound caused the water to ripple.  Atumopin insisted that waves in the ocean were the heartbeat of Eywa, though others insisted it was the heartbeat of Eywa'eveng.  Scott, Alex, and Kirby set up an oscilloscope that translated voices into visual waves.  Using a USB cable to demonstrate the position of the ISV against the waves on the screen. That represented the messages going to the ISV, the cable end.
    To explain how the ocean bottom could be measured, Deborah Webb scurried to the Galley and returned with  clear, 24 inches long, serving dish.  Tai sat it next to the beaker and simultaneously Pinged the glass with her fingernails.  She explained that these sound waves could be measured to give a picture of the ocean floor.  Pxepxi and Kofi were fascinated, and offered to Ping the glasses some more.  Tai explained how the sound waves had less distance to travel and their responses would take less time to hear. 
   "But how do they make the picture?" asked Pxepxi.
  "Sound waves are like light waves."  Tai showed them the oscilloscope once again.  "Sort of like this."
   Shiralta could not resist to suggest: "When you and Kofi come to my ISV, I will show you how our tools make the picture.  Oe pänutìng! I promise."  She smiled solicitously at Tai and Ateyo, affirming her end of the agreement.  "But that will be later. Not now."
  "What about this other moon?  Are there Na'vi on it?"  asked Pxepxi.
   "Kehe, ma 'Ite.  It is too cold.  Even colder than inside of this place!" replied Tai.
   "Ma Jake.  Are there more RDA on these moons? Would Eywa have killed EVERY kxawnga txe'lan in the stars?"  Eyktan ikxeru voiced his irrational fear.  After all, Eywa had eliminated the Evil Hearts even on that moon so far away!
   "I don't know Eywa's every thought!  Perhaps the aysahik can discern Her intentions," said Jake.  And then Ateyo's voice reiterated his very thought.
   "The Great Mother killed the Evil Hearts far away on a distant moon.  We must simply ask her to bring only Blue Hearts to Eywa'eveng, Ma Tsmukan!"  Ikxeru smiled at his cousin.  He had always known her to be Ipuyu, the Silly One.  But he was coming to realize the wisdom in her heart, as well."
   "We have all our questions answered. And though we may not fully understand HOW they will help, we know that they are willing to help.  The rest is up to Eywa.  But it is late.  I suggest that we all return to Spuwina 'Awm and get some sleep.  Our message from earlier is still flying toward them.  He turned to Alex Gomez Gordon and requested that he open a channel. 
"Inbound ISV.  This is Jake Sully. We received your last message.  We don't need that you explore that moon any further. We cannot hope to find Evil Hearts any faster than Our Great Mother.  We can only pray that Eywa continues to create the Balance. Continue on your journey to this place.  Ayoe lu perey ayngeyä tìpähem.  We are waiting for your arrival.  Eywa ayngahu.  This is JakeSully. Out."
   He smiled his thanks to the Comm Crew and to Pxati. And Pxati and Hans walked him and his entourage outside to the grassy area near the landing field.

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

414)  White towels were piled in the grass near the landing field that lead across the Blue Heart Gate compound.  Deborah Webb collected towels and called out "Eywa Ayngahu" to the Na'vi who departed by means of ayikran. Pxepxi scrambled onto Atanvi's back behind Ateyo for the short flight.  Pxepxi was very excited about the prospect of flying with Kapteyn Sìrralta in her ISV.  So it surprised Ateyo to hear her daughter ask this question; "Ma Sa'nu? If the RDA ayhumon have no tswin, how does Eywa know their hearts?" 
   "That is a good question, Ma 'Ite.  But it seems to me that Eywa knows all things.  She knows the hearts of all creatures.  We have ayswin so that we can know HER heart, and know how all things are connected."
   Pxepxi was silent as she thought about this.  "So the Kawnga Ayhumon do not know Eywa?"
  "Kehe, Ma 'Ite.  Ma Tai says that they do not seek the Balance, and do not know their Creator.  Greed is their ruler.  They seek only to have more belongings than others, even if it means  that others must suffer or die."
   Pxepxi was, again, silent as she tried to digest the concept.  She had experienced the fear and destruction caused by kawnga ayhumon, as an infant.  But she never understood why it had occurred.  Or what could motivate such destruction.
   "But some ayhumon seek the Balance. Kefyak, Ma Sa'nu?  First, Ma Jake, and then others, like Ma Tai and Ma Sìrralta, kefyak?"
   "Srane, nìlun!"  Yes, of course!
   "Can Eywa change RDA hearts from Evil?"
   "Ke omum oel, Ma Pxepxi. I don't know.  I guess only if they wish to turn away from greed and destruction.  But those who wish to seek the Balance are welcomed among us."
   "Srak, ayzìma'uyuìri lolu nìwotx te'lan aean?"  Will the newcomers all have Blue Hearts?
   It would appear so. "Lu lam ha'," replied Ateyo, momentarily preoccupied as Atanvi communicated the necessity to pay attention.
   As they were circling the kelutral of Spuwina 'Awm,  Pxepxi wondered how any Being could discern the potential for goodness in an evil heart.  The magnitude of that capability was astounding.  Maybe Eywa had learned not to be so trusting since the Well of Souls was attacked.  Pxepxi was glad that she didn't have to examine anyone's heart!
   As they dismounted, Pxepxi said, "Oeru tìprrte fwa Eywa lu hivawnyu ayoengeyä.  I'm glad that Eywa is our protector.  Ateyo only smiled and caressed her head.
   "Ma Tsmuke Ateyo!"  Twiti Castillo had vaulted up the branches to greet her.  Having Ateyo's DNA gave her such an affinity towards her.  She gave Pxepxi a little squeeze, by way of greeting, and watched as Atanvi and Piwopx Srewyu flew off together. 
   "There are seylu in abundance!  Come and eat the sis-ka-vovs that we have made!"  It always filled Ateyo with wonder.  Here was someone of her own blood, yet not a child of mating!  She wasn't sure how Twiti or any Uniltìrantokx was made.   She hated to think of her own conception and how her mother was probably raped by a humon.  Toktor Threadgoode and Toktor Max had each said that it was almost impossible to have occured.  Stum. Almost.  Yet here she was, talking to and loving other beings who were conceived in an almost impossible manner as well. 
   When they reached the ground, she hugged Twiti to her side.  Pxepxi flanked her and the three were walking side by side by side, laughing and giggling. Tai and Zina shrugged at the silliness and joined the line.  The five of them almost drew as much attention as Jake Sully.  Pxepxi got a nudge and an ELTU SÌ, and Jake began relating the new communication from the ISV.  The People were shocked and relieved to know that there were RDA near by, yet that Eywa had eliminated their potential threat.
   Pxepxi had been reminded that the Newcomers would be mapping the ocean floor and looking for VOL KEYNO. AND Kapteyn Sìrralta would take HER up in an ISV to see how pictures were made of waves. Or something.  And Eyktan Atumopin was reminded that the newcomers would be part of her clan.  Pxepxi then realized that the Olo'mipa would be near theirs, and they would no longer be the New Clan by the Eastern Sea. NOW there would be three!
   She had eaten her fill of seylu and fkxen.  She had been listening to all the conversation about the Newcomers.  Kofi was leaning against her, for his assurance or hers, she wasn't quite sure.  He was concerned about the conversation that had begun with Kapteyn Srralta.
   "Ma Ateyo." she had said between bites, "I have checked with Pxati at Blue Heart Gate.  My shuttle will be ready to launch tomorrow morning.  I plan to take it up to My ISV, so that we can start scanning for the Ram Atxepa that Pxepxi saw.  May I have permission to take her up with me, as well?"
  Ateyo had nearly chocked on the teylu she was chewing.  "Trray?!" tomorrow?  Ateyo's head had swiveled from Pxepxi to Tai and back to Kapteyn Srralta.  "If that is what she wants to do, truly, she should go. But,"
Pxepxi waited anxiously for the disclaimer. "But when would you bring her back?"
   "When the other ship arrives, we will spend vola krr, eight days. BUT this time we only want to spend overnight, so that she can see the ship and become familiar with our equipment; our tools that make pictures from sound waves.  We want to wait for the new ship to arrive next season so that we two can make a better picture together.  But I want to see if Pxepxi will like going up in my ISV."
  For Kofi there was a tiny moment of panic.  He must have emitted a tiny sound of panic as well, because Kapteyn Srralta  smiled at him.  "Kxawm, srak, oel ätxäle sivi ngeyä sa'semit nìteng." Perhaps, yes or no, I should ask your parents as well?" 
   Kofi suppressed his immediate reaction, which would have been to jump to his feet and beg permission from his parents.  He composed himself, once her had swallowed his grin and his teylu and said, "Ma Sa'sem, oeru meuia txo menga mivllte fwa SAN Srak, Kofi kivä Pxepxihu, SÌK."  My Parents, to me would be an honor if  you two agreed that QUOTE, Yes, Kofi may go with Pxepxi. UNQUOTE." 
   Ka'alani and Taifa' exchanged looks of startled pleasure.  Kofi was beginning to behave in such a rational and polite manner! They nodded at each other and Taifa' spoke for them both.
   "Txo lu meuiä Kapteynhu, to lu moehu OK!"  If it is proper and fair with the Captain, then it is OK with us!"
   Pxepxi and Kofi exchanged a joyous hug, while Ka'alani exclaimed to Tai, "Hey, Cuz!  Our kids gonna  be kinda Astronaut!" 

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

415)~  Pxepxi spent the night fidgiting in Kofi's arms and awakening him often.  She was simply too excited to sleep.  Eventually sleep came to her weary mind, and morning came much too soon. 
   "Mengaru lu txen?" called Ateyo from her sleep-leaf next to Tai.  Pxepxi no longer played at having a family.  She and Kofi had set up their snomo, the private area, a short pace away from Ateyo and Tai, and Taifa' and Ka'alani, but minus Tanìs, the daughter of Janet Henderson.  "Oe fpolìl fwa nga mi txen, fìrewon, Ma Pxepxi!"  I thought that you would be awake already this morning, Pxepxi!
   Pxepxi staggered forth, with Kofi in tow.  Ateyo handed them each a hot washing cloth.  The warm and the clean scent was refreshing.  But as she took the cloth away from her eyes, she was surprised to see, not the smiling face of Sa'nu Ateyo, but the dazzling smile of Kapteyn Srralta. 
   "Yom ayut, oeyä metsmuk.  Eat something, my two siblings! "Ayoe zene kivä yer'in."  We all must  go soon.  Standing with Srralta were the two shuttle pilots, also from her clan.  Although, they were all in Blue Skin, they were each wearing flight suits.  Ateyo's eyes sparkled as she whispered to Tai, "Zippers!"
   "Srak, moeru lu ayfen pxel ayngeyä?" Yes/No, to us, we two, are clothing like yours?" asked Pxepxi, getting more and more excited at the prospect of adventure.
  "Lu wew nefä ro steng EY ES VI?  'Is it cold at the ISV place?' asked Kofi, remembering the chill of the Blue Heart Gate.
   "Skxakep!"  Probably!  "We will need to find for each of you, a proper flight suit.  "Sì hawnven." And foot protection, she added, thinking of their bare feet.
"Kivä ko set!"  We should go now, said the Red Haired Star Ship Captain, after everyone had finished their morning meal.  She wasn't very surprised when the entire encampment vaulted to the treetops to call their ayikran.  It was, afterall, quite an occasion.  These would be the first two Na'vi to be in space overnight.  And these two would be studying in space as well.
   "Yawo!" was the cry. Air Launch! and in moments, the sky was filled with the multicolored wings of ayikran.  And within a few moments, ayikran were landing in the grassy exercise area of Blue Heart Gate.  Ateyo was the self-appointed director of activities when they landed, warning of the noise and fumes and the blast of wind when the shuttle takes off.
   "Mo'at nìteng kamä nefä ne nari si Ewya'eveng fkip sanhi."  Mo'at also went up to see Pandora from up amog the stars."  informed JakeSully, to ally the misgivings of some.  Most had been present that day and remembered the event.
   "Ayoeng nemfä fìrrpomsìp ko," offered Major Steve Warwick.  Let's go inside this ThunderShip. 
   "Srak ayoeng nìwotx kivä fkip nìteng?" Yes/No we all will go up among also?" asked Tanìs hopefully.  She missed hanging out with Kofi and Pxepxi.  Those two always needed so much privacy now!
   "Tse, Oel fpìl fwa tsat lu niwotx tsun awnga ziva'u nefä ayoehu!" said Stiv Warwìk. "Well,I think that all of you can come with us."
   "Just like the Good Old Days," exclaimed JakeSully to Norm and Max.  They had all arrived on Pandora by means of Shuttles, Thunderships.  Jake remembered the tiny jumpseats that lined the cargo bay.  "We might have to put one cheek on each of two seats, but I think we can all fit!"
   Each ikran rider communicated with his or her ikran, their intention to climb aboard the Shuttle.  Each ikran was pleased to be dismissed.  It would be a good time to go hunting.  Those Na'vi who decided to pass on the experience returned to Spuwina 'Awm. They believed it was foolish to spend time with SkyPeople Things, and would rather hunt, anyway.  There would be hungry people to feed,at any rate.  A few members of the ISV crew would be returning from their Duty Stations on the shuttle's return flight in a few hours.
Kapteyn Srralta, Major Stiv Warwik, and Kapteyn Frits Muellar made certain that everyone was buckled in properly.  Pxepxi and Kofi were escorted forward to the seats directly behind the pilots seats.  Pxepxi glanced back at Ateyo only once.  She was focused ahead!

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

416)~Kofi squeezed Pxepxi's hand when he heard  Fritz and Steve talking with the Blue Heart Gate Control Room.  He was very pleased to be wearing his own head set.  The engines rumbled beneath his txìm. Thunder Ship!  He was fascinated by all the lighted buttons and switches.  It reminded him, in an odd way, of the glowing na'ring, the syuratan of the forest.  His fevered eyes met Pxepxi's briefly.  He remembered being allowed to sit with Tai in the cockpit of her Samson.  He heard the voice from Blue Heart Control Room say, "You are cleared for take-off. Eywa ngahu."  He didn't understand any words except Eywa ngahu.  He was thinking that the person should have said, "Eywa AYngahu" but the force of the take-off pressed him down in his seat.  Pxepxi nearly squeezed his fingers from of his hand.  He grinned at her and at their hands.  She was shocked at her own reaction, but laughed at herself, and released her death grip.
  "Shuttle Three. You are clear of our Control Zone. You are cleared for maximum climb to the ISV."  Within seconds, Kofi was shoved further back into his seat as the shuttle accelerated.  His eyes were wide and he hardly blinked, nor breathed!  He stole a glance at Pxepxi and he realized that they both wore huge, stupid grins on their faces.  
  Looking forward from their seats, out the windscreen before the pilots, the sky turned from blue, to dark blue, to purple.  He could see the curve of Eywa'eveng slipping past. And then BLACKNESS.  But blackness illuminated by brilliant little lights, brighter than syuratan na'ringä!  He reached out to point to the stars, but found his hand floating.  Ateyo had described this to him, but it was astonishing to experience it.  He looked at Pxepxi whose astonished expression matched his.
  He heard the pilots talking about Burn Times and Delta V's, whatever THEY were.  He repeated those words to himself.  He would ask the pilots what that meant as soon as he could.  
  Several minutes later, he heard Fritz say, "ISV Docking Control. Shuttle Three. Four hundred miles astearn. Closing at four hundred. We will begin breaking burns at three hundred miles separation."
  "Shuttle Three. ISV Control. We have you on radar. We confirm separation and velocity."
    The two youngsters lost all sense of time as they gazed at the stars.  Without visual references it was difficult to judge movement.  But after a long while, one light sparkled stronger than the others.
  "Nìn, Ma Kofi,  We are going to that star!" sputtered Pxepxi.
  "Kehe, Ma Yawnetu.  Don't you remember tsa'u, that thing,  your Momma made? There are no stars between Eywa'eveng and all the moons."
  "Then are we going to one of the moons?" asked Pxepxi hopefully.
   In their headsets, the voice of Captain Steve Warwick was saying to them, "Mengal tse'a fì'atanit? Do you two see that light?  That is the ISV ahead!"
  "Slä lam tanhi!"  But it seems to be a star!" exclaimed Pxepxi.  "Tsun ayoeng kä alahe txonä tsawke?"  Can we go to another moon?"  It took a while for Fritz Muellar to realize that the phrase for moon was night's sun.  He grinned over his shoulder at the inquisitive child.  
  "Kea fìkrr. Not this time".  He had no idea if he had said that correctly, but continued in Ìnglìsì, "I have a feeling that if I had said, 'Srane', you would have hijacked this ship!"
   In the hold of the shuttle, Na'vi were squirming in their awkward seating.  Twiti leaned over to her half sister and said, "Pe'efu ngaru teri ngeyä 'ite sunu ayu sawtuteyä?"  How do you feel that your daughter likes  things of the Sky People?
 Ateyo grinned quizzically at her half sister.  "Poe lu 'evenge akanu.  She is smart girl. Nìlun poeru lenomum teri ayu nìwotx!  Of course she being curious about all things.  "Why you being surprise?  Even her Mama like tsatute person!" Ateyo grinned at Tai.  "Srak, Ma Tai ronsel fwa poe tsun tswivayon fìrrpomsìp.  Yes/No, Tai wishes she could fly this ThunderShip?!"  It was a statement, more than a question.
  "Srane.  I am not used to being a passenger!"  She wasn't sure how to translate this, but the fact was evident from her longing expression towards the cockpit.  Ateyo had picked up on the unspoken desire.  "Ma Tai liking loud things!"
 "Nìlun!  Oeru sunu nga, ulte nga lu txana wok!" I like you and you are very loud.
  "You fly Ateyo because you can't teach your ikran to make kunsìp sounds!" observed Twiti with a wry smile.  Progressive laughter proceeded along the queue as the joke was translated from person to person.  Apparently, it was common knowledge that Ateyo was quite vociferous in expressing her enjoyment of personal pleasures!  
  The voice of Captain Steve Warwick interrupted the merriment.  Heard from overhead in the 'cabin';  "Ladies and Gentlemen, we will reach our destination within the hour.  Our cabin crew will be delighted to explain what you can expect and may chose to allow weightless exploration of the cabin.  Thank you for flying Galactic Pandora."
  Captain Shiralta did not miss the fact that she had been referred to as a stewardess.  But she tapped Major Tai, good naturedly, on the shoulder, and indicated that she and Ateyo should help explain about weightlessness and allow four Na'vi at a time to experience the sensation.  It occured to Tai, as she floated past Twiti and Ateyo, that the 'air' in the cabin had been recalibrated to mimic Pandoran atmosphere. No one had to wear rebreathers. When she noted the fact to Kapteyn Srralta, she smile and replied,
  "I was concerned about that too.  But Pxati and Hans had already been refitting the Shuttles.  The pilot's seats were a more difficult problem to resolve than than the 'air' supply.  We will see about getting you some stick time on the return flight."
  "This being like swim in water, but more hard!" stated Eyktan Atumopin as the stroked against the non existent water.
  Tsahik Meykir was laughing at her awkard husband.  "Ma Ikxeru sunu fwa talunta po ke tsun eyk nefä tewng peyä !" Ikxeru likes this because he cannot keep his tewng from flying up.  She had long resolved herself to his bawdy nature, and knew that he was indeed, enjoying this opportunity to Flash the underside of his loincloth.  Among the other aysahik and ayeyktan, it was common knowledge that  their  Union was only a formality  of hierarchy, for Ceremonial use only!  Only their daughter, Meykir'ite, seemed embarrassed.  "Sempu!" (Daddy!) she responded in a shocked voice. But was laughing while averting her eyes.
  Each tutan had been allowed time to enjoy weightlessness, and not one had needed to use a Barf Bag.  "I guess jumping from tree to tree might have something to do with it!" remarked Kapteyn Srralta.  "Maybe living on top of Unobtanium deposits affects their perception of gravity?" observed Tai.  But in time, the voice has heard overhead, and all Na'vi were again strapped into their double seats.
  The hatch between the cockpit and the 'cabin' was opened, and the two young astronauts were escorted inside to float along and say their goodbyes to those they loved.  It was to be only an overnight experience, but it would be the first time that the young couple would not be surrounded by their clan.  The fact that they would be in this sawtute place, far above, served to make the occasion truly exotic.  The exhilaration was all over their faces.
  "Don't pester everyone about going to  other moons.  Eltu si fralo fwa pivillte ngaru Kapteyn Srralta," warned Ateyo with a kiss. Pay attention to everything Captain Shiralta tells you.
  "Oe pänutìng, Ma Sanu. I promise, Momma. Pelun tsngawpayvi ngaru?  Why the tear?" a little droplet had formed and was wobbling at the corner of Ateyo's eye.  Pxepxi's finger caught the teardrop as it floated upward. "Srak, lu prrte' fpi ngaru?" Yes/No you are pleased for me?
  "Srane, Ma 'Ite.  I am so proud of you that pride is floating out of my eyes!"

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

417)~ "Ma Mevi!" Kapteyn Srralta allowed a descent interval before interrupting.  "Set lu krr mengaru ne za'u ulte heyn."  Now It is time for you to come and sit.  We will soon begin our Breaking Burns to slow us down. "Kì'ong atxan. Ye'rin." Much slow, soon. "Nìwotx zene hiveyn."  All must sit.  Pxepxi and Kofi grinned at each other and followed obediantly, waving one last good-bye to their parents.  As Shiralta escorted the two young ones up Forward, Major Tai, JakeSully and the other spacefarers explained to the others about the great slowing down, and what they could expect to experience.
   Almost as soon as the two youngsters were strapped in, the Ones closest to the flight Deck could hear Captain Fritz Muellar and Warwick speaking in a cadence, which they presumed was a countdown.
    Fritz Muellar's voice was saying. "Breaking burn in three...two...one."
   "Ignition." stated Major Warwick as he pressed a button.  Immediately, the muffled roar of engines was heard, and everyone was pressed  toward the cockpit. 
   Major Warwick radioed the ISV stating, "ISV this is inbound shuttle.  Breaking Burn initiated. Fuel burns nominal. Over."
   The ISV returned the radio traffic with, "Inbound shuttle, we have you.  Our telemetry confirms your numbers.
   "Captain Muellar replied, "Our progammed De-Cell will slow us to 300 miles per hour, rate of closure."
   "In bound shuttle. This is ISV.  Your next Programmed Burn will be at one hundred miles separation. Over."
   Muellar replied, "ISV. This is Inbound Shuttle. We copy your Approach Plan. Shuttle Out." Fritz turned to the young couple and made an explanation with his hands. "Fì'u lu ayoeng. Kerä nefa, nefa."  This thing is us going upward, upward.  He held up his fist.  "Fì'u lu ISV.  Set kì'ong nìtxan, fì'u." This is ISV. Now slow much, this.  And he leveled out his Shuttle hand. 
   After a long while Major Warwick turned in his seat to better address the two.  "Nari si, Ma Menga.  Tsat lu Polyphemus.  Ulte tsat lu Eywa'evng, kefyak?"
  "Pa'li-fi-mus lu ayoengä Planet." Stated Pxepxi triumphantly. She had asked Ateyo to explain the "Solar system" more than once! Not to be out-done by his Yawnetu, Kofi added triumphantly, "Pa'li-fi-mus-ru vofu aysawke txonä!" Polyphemus has 14 moons. "
  "Nga lu eyawr!" You are right!  "Tsawke Txonä ral MOON, mì Ìnglìsì."  Sun of the Night means MOON in English.  "Nari si tok tsastseng ulte menga tsun tse'a ayoengä  Eywa'evengä Tsmuke."  Look at that place and you two can see our Eywa'eveng's sister.  The two sighted along his arm from their seats and saw the edge of the next moon rising above the edge of Polyphemus.
  "Srak, tsat Moonur is place where Kapteyn Saron West was being?" asked Kofi in his adolescent voice.  He had surmised this information from overhearing the conversation among the ayektan.
   "Srane! Nga lu eyawr!" exclaimed Major Warwick.  "Hey Fritz, we about know where she has to be on her approach.  Bring up long scan radar and see if we can spot her."  The young man was paying attention.
  "Nari si, Ma oeyä mevi.  Ayoengru Nìn Alìm, Look Far.  Awnga tsun rolun ISVru Major West."  Watch, my Two Kids.  To us is Look-Far.  We can find Major West's ISV."  Fritz pulled over a view screen, and pushed a few buttons.  The radar image jumped in magnification a few times.  "We are looking for a tiny moving blip on this screen." As Fritz was trying to explain the meaning of BLIP, Kofi pointed to the very image on the screen.  "Srak na fi'u?" Yes.No. Like this thing?"
   "Kosman!  Ngaru lu menati asìltsan!"  Wonderful!  You have good eyes!" exclaimed Major Warwick..
    "Au tsat lamu ftue. Slä oe fpamìl fwa po lam nìwin atxan." Oh, that was easy. But I thinking it  appear more fastly." said Kofi, obviously pleased that he had impressed the Major.
  "We show a track of point four light speed," informed Kapteyn Meullar.  "Ayfo lu serop mawl nìwin to atanvi." 
  Kofi and Pxepxi exchanged puzzled glances.  This man could not possibly know what he said! How could they possibly be travelling at half the speed of a ray of light!?
   "Kehe." Insisted Kofi. "Fo serop nìk'ong. They traveling slowly."
   "Kehe. Ke fya'o." No not in this manner."  Fritz made a quick line  across the air with his finger. "Fya'o!" and he jabbed his finger towards Kofi at a near angle. "Lam serop nìk'ong alunta po zera'u ne awnga. It appears to be travelling slowly because it is coming towards us. Slä po lu txana alìm, alìm, alìm. But it is far, far, far away."
   That reminded Pxepxi of a song that Ateyo used to sing to her, but she didn't want to interupt.*
   "It will take four months for that ISV to reach Pandora.  Do you know what a month is?" asked Fritz. 
   "Nìlun!  Of course!  That is how long it takes Eywa'eveng to encircle the Planet."  Pxepxi wanted t show off her knowledge of astronomy, as well.  But didn't miss a chance to voice her curiosity and hopes.  "Layu 'o' sivop ne tsat Moon." It would be fun for travelling to that moon."
    Pxepxi wanted to display the fact that she had learned this new word.  Kapteyn Meullar was going to comment, but he found that young Kofi had interjected.
  "Kehe, Ma Yawnetu!  Nì'awve moe zene nari si Vol Key No." No Beloved.  First we must look for  Volcano." stated Kofi with firmness.
  "Nìlun. Oe pamllte, SAN,'krrO',SÌK."  Of course. I said, QUOTE, 'SOMEtime', UNQUOTE." stated Pxepxi with a pelutant pout.  She had implied, 'in the future', had she not?
    "Fnu, Ma Yawnetu.  Nga lu eyawr, slä oe tamìng oeyä mikyun ayli'u fwa ngeyä Sanu pamllte."  Hush my Beloved.  You are right, but I gave an ear to the words your Mama said.
   The pilots in the seats in front of these two grinned to each other as they translated the little spat, in their minds.  There was another hour of flight before the next Braking Burn was to occur.  They hoped that  they would not be arguing the entire time.  So they did their best to engage them in conversation.  They talked a little of their Mission to locate a volcano from above Pandora. They learned that Pxepxi had learned from Ateyo, to construct  lunar mobiles of the Moons around Polyphemus. And that she and Kofi could name a few of them in words unfamiliar to the pilots.  The two were competing against each other to show off their learning of astronomy.  But Pxepxi had the advantage.  Tai had taught her the words and meanings of time and space of the song she had made up about the lunar  rotations.  She taught the pilots to sing the chorus to MÌN, KÌM, until they were interupted by a warning light.
Trr sì Txon ulte Trr sì Txon   Day and Night, Day and Night
Kerìm. Merìn Kxämlaw taw   Spinning, turning, across the sky
Eywayä tiyawn 'ìveykawn    Ewya's love causes us to remain.
    "Ayoeng zene ftang fìrol.  We must stop this song while I input the Breaking Burns.  Slä, moe kerarìti, moe irayo si oeyä meylan aewan!" But for teaching us two, we thank you my two young friends. 
   Little did they know, that Ateyo and Tai were likewise teaching the song called Spin and Turn, to the other ayeyktan sì aysahik.
~~~~~~~~~
*ALÌM, ALÌM, ALÌM
Far far far above us / ALìM ALìM ALìM IO AYOENG
outside the black of sky/ WRRPA LAYONA TAW
Ewya washed her hair/ EYWAL YAMUR SNEYÄ  NIKRET
Sending droplets of water/ ULTE TSAKRR TUNGZUP  AYFAYÌVA
To sparkle in the darkness/ NA TEPVI MÌ SìVAWM
And she called them stars/ SYAW AYFORU AYSANHÌ
She squeezed her hands together/ POE  MESYOKXIT AWSìTENG
And made two suns in the sky/ NGAMOP MESAWKETI MÌ SAW
She made these wonderous things/ KOSMANA AYFÌ'UTI NÌWOTX
For her pleasure / FPI SNEYÄ TÌPRRTE'
But Eywa makes time to listen/ SLÄ FRAKRR EYWARU LU KRR FTE TIVÌNG MIKYUN
to all hearts who sing of/ NÌWOTX AYTE'LANUR A ROL POEYÄ
wonderful creation/ KOSMANA  TìNGOPTERI

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

418) After the second Braking Sequence had dropped their Approach Speed to 200 miles an hour,  singing continued once again until a light flashed.  Major Warwick made a gesture, calling Fritz's attention to the piloting tasks at hand.  He addressed the two youngsters over his shoulder.
 "Fnu ma evi.  Moe tsun pivlltxe mawkrr!" Quiet kids, we two can speak later. "Buckle up! Yem sneyä!"
 The two grinned at each other when Stiv said 'bind himself', but Fritz was gesturing to his seat belt.  They busied themselves with the task and said "CHECK" displaying a thumbs-up gesture.  The pilots grinned at each other quickly, but Steve started to call out orders in a no-nonsense tone of voice.  Once the fuel burns had been laid into the computer and ISV Approach Control had been contacted, both the pilots slid their Heads-Up Screens in front of them, and turned them on.  Pxepxi and Kofi strained to see the strange colored lights dancing on the clear screens.
  "Burn in three, two, one, ignition.  Fuel flow is on the curve," reported Fritz.
   The radio came to life with a voice from the ISV confirming, "Closing Speed deceleration down to 97 miles an hour, we have you on close scan radar.  Navigation at your discretion. ISV out."
  "Braking burn in three, two, one," murmured Kofi as he tried to memorize the phrase.
  "Fnu!" whispered Pxepxi into her headset.  Indeed, Kofi had forgotten that his voice was directed to the pilots.  They tried to occupy their time by watching the bright blob of light in the distance.  It had grown in size as they approached, but they could not distinguish any features of the ISV.
  Three minutes after the breaking burn was completed, the silence on the Flight Deck was interupted by a female voice.
  "Inbound shuttle. This is Colonel Gabriella Donsdorf, Pilot in Command of the ISV.  We have been warned by Major Sharon West of the Inbound ISV that there is an incoming message in two minutes.  Would you like us to relay it to you?"
  "Affirmative."  Fritz reached up to the touch screen and opened the communications to broadcast into the cabin.  "This is Captain Muellar.  We have just been informed by the ISV that there is an incoming UPXARE, message, from Major Sharon West of the In Bound ISV.  You will be able to hear this message soon."
  There was barely enough time for Major Tai and JakeSully to explain about the message when a female voice was heard from the InterCom:
 "Newest ISV in parking orbit, this is Major Sharon West, Pilot in Command of the inbound ISV, from the now uninhabited planet Earth.  We are inbound at point-four light-speed with the last humans to leave Earth as it became an uninhabitable inferno."
  There was a look of shock on the faces of the former ayhumon in the 'cabin' of the Shuttle, but the message continued.  
  "We received Jake Sully's message and would be honored to assist you in your scans of Pandora.  We have a total of fifty-two souls aboard, with all the nominal job specialties aboard, as well as, a complete Marine Research Team, of which I am a Member.  Please give us a list of the types of scans you would like us to run on Pandora when we arrive in orbit, so that we can 'Hit the Ground' running as we pull into formation with you.  Please give us the separation distance from your ship that you want us to take up Station at.
  "Be advised that we have transponding planetary and atmospheric probes aboard this vessel.  We will be actively monitoring this frequency, as well as the one for Blue Heart Gate, from now on.  Major West. Out."
     "Blue Heart Gate.  This is Major Sharon West, Duty Command Pilot on the inbound ISV.  I will be Burst Transmitting a complete Manifest at the end of this transmission, on this frequency.  Please let me know if you received it in it's entirety.  It will be nine-hundred-twenty-two lines of data, ending with our current propulsion fuel stores as of an hour ago.
  "To answer your earlier comments concerning our ayuniltìrantokx, we are each scheduled to spend 13 hours in our ayuniltìrantokx a day.This is possible because we have 8 more link chambers on board, than there are people to fill them.
  "We would like an answer on protocol so as not to offend our gracious hosts.  Should we wear shorts and shirts, or native aytewng?  We are all quite comfortable in aytewng, but if you would like our first meeting to appear more professional, we can wear the shorts and shirts.  We don't want our first meeting to get off on the wrong foot.
  "Concerning the manifest, you will notice on line 218, that we listed an estimated 600 pounds of shrimp.  We have not gone crazy, we set up a shrimp farm on the Mining Transport.  With the scientific knowledge of the Under Sea Renegades, we had such an efficient shrimp farm operating, that we had a steady supply of shrimp on board the Transport before we docked with the ISV, as well as after."
  Sharon went on to voice a concern of the biologists, though.  "This might be a bad thing, though, in that we don't want to introduce an off-world species of fauna to Pandora.  The results of such an introduction can NOT be anticipated with any certainty.  We are thinking of killing all of the shrimp and having the Mother of All LUAUs on Pandora, enjoying a good meal and at the same time, ensuring that we do NOT cause ANY damage to the ecology of Pandora.  
  "Please tell my Na'vi Mother Atumopin, 'SAN Thank you for accepting me and the other Marine Biologists into her Clan.  We will do our best to learn what the Clan wants to teach us. SÌK.' Major Sharon West. Out."
  In the 'cabin' of the Shuttle there was a brief moment of silence, then everyone wanted to speak at once.  Eyktan Atumopin, of course, had heard her name and she wanted an explanantion.  People had recognized the words ayuniltìrantokx sì aytewng.  Jake was pressed upon for translation.  
  "I will summarize!  
The second ISV has 52 people riding in it.                                                                                         They will help us find out more about ram atxepa mì txampay. Mountain of Fire in the Ocean.               They are each spending a lot of time in their Ayuniltìrantokx.                                                           They brought some shrimp with them, teylu ftu txampay.                                                                     And they want to have a ftxozä,a celebration.                                                                              
Slä, they want to know whether they should wear sawtute clothing or aytewng!"                                      
  A lively discussion ensued as to the advantages of loinclothes over sawtute clothing.  Ateyo voiced her opinion, that with a kxetse, it was difficult to become undressed in time to relief oneself.  But in the end it was decided to send an upxare of "Za'u nìprrte. Yemstokx mì pen alu aynga lu tsayfe. "Come with pleasure. Put on your bodies, clothing which is comfortable.'"
  Srralta suggested that she and Jake could transmit their reply from on board her Aye Ess Vi.  She also suggested they sing until the ThunderShip stopped at the ISV.  But everyone was too excited and chatted about the newcomers and the upcoming ftxozä. The former humans were reminiscing about shrimp.  Ka'alani had focused on the word LUAU and was relating stories of the island feasts that she remembered.
 "Kxawm, ayoeng atxele seiyi Ma Tai sì Ma Taifa'  srivew Srew Tstal Txepä?"  Perhaps we can request Tai and Taifa' if they can dance the Fire Knife Dance."  This created a conversation in which the Eyktan of the Dark Lake Clan, reminded everyone that they too could perform the Fire Knife Dance.  There was laughing and a few fpeio, ceremonial challenges, bandied about, followed by a discussion of whether or not Nifo 'Oti qualified as Na'vi ceremonial weapons.  Someone suggested that Ateyo put on her syaksyuk wings and bring aysteli for the newcomers.  People started offering to make this item or that to be added into her burden basket.  The lively conversation continued for quite some time, until they were all startled to hear the intercom voice overhead:

[Ateyo Te Syaksyuk]

 419) "Ma Frapo.  Oe lu Kapteyn Stiv Warwik. Rutxe, heyn ayngaru. Awnga kä txan kì'ong. Nìwin"  Everybody. This is Captain Steve Warwick.  Please sit you all.  We go more slow. Quickly."
   Everyone thought that was a good joke because they were already seated, and strapped in, and because it was funny to hear fko plltxe Na'vi.  How could they go more slow quickly?  Then the retro rockets fired and they felt, once again, the effect of the Breaking Burn.
   "Na TSAT! Like THAT!" Ateyo shouted. And everyone was giggling and laughing again.
   "ISV Approach Control.  This is the Shuttle.  We show closure rate of 42 miles an hour, at fifty miles separation."
   "Inbound Shuttle, ISV Control, we show the same.  Perform your next burn at 25 miles separation.  ISV out."
   Outside the windscreen, the blob of light started to take on an oblong shape, though neither Pxepxi nor Kofi could distinguish any features of the spacecraft.  Half an hour passed, and Kofi strained to see the tiny flashing objects in the corner of the heads up display.  He didn't recognize the shapes as numbers counting off fuels burns and closure rates.  But he noticed that Fritz and Stiv were both very interested in these flashes.
   "ISV Approach Control.  Inbound Shuttle.  25 miles out, commencing braking burn to 20 miles an hour closure rate."
   "Inbound Shuttle. ISV Approach Control. I copy and confirm."
   Over the next twenty minutes the object continued its apparent growth.  More and more of the Instellar Space Craft could be observed by the sharp eyes of the Na'vi youngsters in the back seat.  Quietly, they were pointing out the various features as it came into view.  They were both leaning forward to such an extent that their meswin, their neural queues, began to float.  With anxious whispers, they carefully gathered their wayward body parts.  Eventually, they heard the voice of Fritz Muellar relaying another message to the ISV.
   "ISV Approach Control.  Inbound Shuttle.  Ten miles Out. Breaking to 10 miles an hour closure."
   "Inbound shuttle.  ISV Approach. Roger that.  Begin your precision burns at one mile separation."
   Within five miles, details of the canisters within huge metal lattice work were now visible on the ISV.  The Two didn't know that these stored the hydrogen for the reactors.  "Those big round tanks hold the water That is a byproduct of the hydrogen cold-fusion that powers the ship,"  said Captain Warwick.  He went on to state, "They use they water for drinking, cooking and other things."
   "Bi pra txuk?"  asked Pxepxi.  He was trying to repeat the word, BYPRODUCT.
   The captain  held up his hand to interrupt the question and attend to piloting the shuttle.
   "Five miles separation, slowing closure rate to seven feet per second." Fritz was communicating with the ISV once again.  They were moving at five miles an hour toward the ISV.  Pxepxi and Kofi were slack-jawed and wide-eyed, looking at the enormity before them.
   There were wide flat surfaces with small shiny shapes sparkling upon them.  The Two did not know that these where solar panels to power the life support systems.  The ones that looked like golden ikran wings were the solar sails that helped the ISV coast through space.  They saw huge arms made of metal lattice work with large pods attached to them.  These pods were slowly rotating on the arms around the girth of the ISV. The Two did not know that they were seeing the Articial Grav Living Quarters of the ISV Crew.
   "Three miles separation," called Fritz's voice. 
   "Nari si, ma Kofi.  Fay'u lam tsyal ikranä!  Fya'o fi'u tswivayon. Look those things appear to be ikran wings.  In this way, this thing flies!"  Captain Warwick tried to describe how they collected energy from photons. "Atan speykule aytsyalur Ay Es Vi."  Light causes the wings to propel the ISV.  He was using rudimentary Na'vi, probably incorrectly, to explain complexities of modern science.  He hoped that Srralta had a better grasp of the language than he!
   "Two miles separation."  Fritz's voice resonated with calmness.
The ship loomed before them, blotting out the stars.  Pxepxi and Kofi were beginning to experience visual overload.  Their heads were swiveling on their necks, and their eyes seemed to be spinning in their heads. 
  "Srak, ayhumon txolula  fì, fì, fì'u?"  Yes/no, humons built this, this, this thing?" asked Kofi.
  "Srane, awngal txamula pxeya Ay Es Vit."  Yes we built three ISV.  "Pxeyve Ay Es Vi lu pivähem ye'rin!"  The third will arrive soon.   "Slä set zene lu fnu, Ma Mevi." But now you Two must be quite.  "Set oe lu tìn." Now I am busy.  "Oe zene lu tìyo." I must be perfect.
   "ISV. Inbound Shuttle. One mile out. Closure rate seven feet per second. Slowing to three feet per second."
   "Inbound shuttle, this is ISV.  I show your closure at two point niner-three feet per second."
The Mevi noticed that the attention of the two pilots was riveted to the clear screens in front of them.  Lines and shapes appeared to be floating on the screen.  Before long, Fritz keyed the mike and said, "ISV. Inbound Shuttle.  Half mile separation. Maintaining closure."  The Shuttle was so close to the ISV that they could only see a small section of it before their eyes. 
   Captain Warwick moved a lever back and Fritz clicked two switches, saying, "Main Drives Off. Power to Thrusters."
   In what seemed a very short time, they heard Captain Steve Warwick say, "Separation one hundred yards. Braking to one point five feet per second. 
Muellar said, "I have the docking triad in sight.  Closure at one foot per second. Separation fifty feet."
   The next thing that they noticed was Fritz counting in words they did not understand.  "Five...Four...Three...Two...One...Contact!" 
   After several moments Captain Warwick said, "We are locked in place. D.C. power switched to external."
   At that point, he pulled out the headset cable from the instrument panel in front of him, got up, floated to a large wheel in the side of the shuttle, plugged the cable into the wall, and spoke too quickly to be understood, but then he started spinning the wheel.