ATEYO TeSYAKSYUK: TSULFATU

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

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#60
61) The two Samoans re-entered the "hangar," the huge cavern that housed their aircraft, just as two scorpions were lifting off to escort the inbound aircraft.  Ten minutes later Tai officially greeted Colonel Schroeder and about twenty people, who were transferring fuel into the large bladders in the rear of the hangar.  Five technicians were setting up the equipment for the comm-link.  Within an hour, the first images from the InterStellarVehicle were received.
The NEW EARTH Research Company was quick to send greetings and introductions of their personnel. A quick promotional overview was shown relating the purpose and objective of the company.  Their logo was meant to reflect the new change of heart that the new mining company meant to convey. The President of the New Earth Mining consortium, one Dr. Quentin Westfarrel, stressed that their company's aim was to operate on a small scale with minimum invasivness to the planet.  The promotional showed before and after shots of the once massive Amazon Rainforest, and showed the massive barren spot where the Omatikaya Hometree once stood.  It featured also a scathing report on the horrid practices of the once greedy RDA, and the famous footage of the their offices being burnt down and the RDA "criminals" being lead off in chains.  Tai was beginning to tire of the "mea culpas" and promises of "kinder, gentler, mining practices", until the live portion of the communication resumed.
 Patricia Fenwick introduced herself as the new Manager of Operations.  She gave a tour of the new equipment that was ready for transport; three new link chambers, three gestational chambers for growing full avatars and even smaller tanks for nurturing tissue, organs and body parts. The new technicians were introduced for maintaining and operating the new links and chambers. Fenwick claimed that they were not so much a mining consortium, but an extention of the Avatar project, using mining as a means to funding their research. The mining was not to be a means of gaining insane wealth, but an effort to start a colony of Avatars upon this planet.
Forty minutes later, Patricia Fenwick received an excited report from Colonel Schroeder, and Major TaiTaeAo.  Their report revealed that within the hidden base,  were the two remote link sites that had been left behind after the RDA Destruction. They asked if it were possible to get those links repaired as well.  That would make a total of eight links operational between the two remotes.  It was revealed that one Avatar had been retrieved from the battle field which had sustained gunshots in the upper torso and heavy blood loss. But was currently held in suspended animation in a gestation tank at Hell's Gate.  They conveyed their suspicion that the Avatar was of none other than Dr.Norm Spellman and that indeed, Norm's human self was alive and well on Pandora, as well as many of the techs that were formerly employed by RDA.  
They awaited the forty minute response with barely contained enthusiasm.  Henderson, Tai and Schroeder each speculated about the sincerity of the speakers. All personnel who had seen the promotional had thought it to be simplistic and insulting. But there was growing enthusiasm for the presence of an Avatar colony.
"I can't speak for the Na'vi but I, for one, am in favor of seeing a small colony here. I wouldn't mind being ten feet tall, having blue skin and lungs suited for this atmosphere."
"It would be more better for kissing your Sweet Little Na'vi." blurted Taifa'.
"What? Major!  You didn't tell us how intense your interspecies research was going!" Henderson remarked with a knowing smirk on her face. Tai opened her mouth to speak, but Taifa' was in full Cousin gear now:
"Yeah, my sister in law has blue skin!" (not technically his in-law, but Taifa' found it amusing to say so)
"Well, who better to get an avatar than someone who is dating a Na'vi with the blessing their their olo'? Henderson was one of many who had heard of the relationship between Ateyo and Tai, thanks to the Big Samoan!

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#61
62) "Ma Ateyo! Nìn nìwotx oeyä sevina ay'opinit!"
Already, Ateyo was translating in her head the words that the child cried:
Ateyo look at all my pretty colors!
"Loaktsip! (Littlee Loak)Kosman! How wonderful" exclaimed Ateyo. The evi all came and lay down their collection of brilliantly colored blades of grass, and threw themselves down on the cloth that Ateyo had lain in the field. "Tam, tam, evi, OK OK kids, pick up one blade and hold it up. And fold it like so..."
Step by step, she demonstrated the process of building spinning fans toys (on Earth known as pinwheels) They were rather large and clumsy looking, but each child had made one.  
"Lor. Lor. Beautiful, Ma Evi. Va'ru'itan! (Varu's son)Niltsan! (Good) You are building a ring around yours already!" Va'ru's son was the oldest boy of the group.  He was building an annular shroud for his fan.  Ateyo showed him how to attach it to a stick using a sticky resin and thinner blades of grass.
"Srung si oeru, Ma Ateyo! Srung si!" Each child wanted help with various aspects of their pinwheels.
Istaw was a younger boy, but very skillful.  He was helping other children.  Suddenly, Tsunu jumped to her feet. "Nari si, Ma Ateyo! Mune!" (Look, Ateyo, TWO!) The child started running in circles around the group, shouting, "Lefngapa Ikran. Lefngapa Ikran!" (metal Ikran), "Na pum Taiyä! (Like Tai's.)" The child continued running, making helicopter noises.  Soon she was joined by others. Running circles around Ateyo.
"Stop!" cried Va'ru'itan. All ayeveng stopped, some bumping into each other. He had his arms stuck straight out from his sides and he leaned all the way left
"Oe min nixta ftär," he sang. and the evi imitated him. "Oe min nitxa skien" and he turned very hard right.  The children were dancing the ikran flyer dance that she had taught them. But in a much abbreviated version.
"Nefä Nefä" (upwards, upwards) sang all the children holding up their pinwheels."Kxamlä taw aean." into the blue skies, joined Ateyo.  They all danced with their pinwheels.  Ateyo could not have felt prouder of the ayeveng. the children.  She was about to suggest a dip in the river when she heard the rotar slap of Tai's lefngap ikran.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#62
63)~"Kelutral is in sight, Cuz," said Tai over the intercom to Taifa'ana'e, when it came into view. "How much are you going to tell them?" the sargent asked.
"I'd like to get a large group together and tell them it ALL  tonight, but the FIRST thing I want to do after giving Ateyo a big hug, is to CRASH OUT!  That all night discussion with NEW EARTH Mining just wore- me- out."  The big Samoan door gunner nodded his approval as the bird touched down, and she started the shut down procedures.
The multi-colored grasses danced under the wind of the ducted fans of the Samson, as the Na'vi and all the evenge came out from cover. "Oel ngate kameie! Ma Ateyo!" Tai gave the familiar hand gesture as she leapt from her seat. "Ngate Kame Ma Tai!" shouted Ateyo as she leapt for Tai. Immediately,a dozen Na'vi children mobbed around her and Taifa' for a group hug.
"Ma Tai, Ma Tai! Nari si! Look we WE did!" without further provocation the ayeveng grabbed their pinwheels and made a formation and performed their version of the Ikran Flyer dance. By this time the entire tribe had gathered around to greet their Samoan samsiyu (warriors) and enjoyed the performance by the evi. And as they strolled back to the Kelutral, Tai greeted the eyktan Ikxeru and the Tsahik Meykir.
"We are glad to see you safely returned, thanks be to Ewya." The Eyktan gave each a grateful smile. "We thought we might see you later today, or perhaps tomorrow. Do you have news?"
Srane, Ma Ektan. We have very hopeful news that I would like to share with as many people as possible from all clans. Who can we get here tonight?"
"Only two clans can be reached today.  And the Omatikaya are two days flight by ikran. Perhaps you should fly out tomorrow after you are rested." It wasn't hard for the Tsahik to see the exhaustion in Tai's eyes.  
Meykir's ite then offered to keep the evengi occupied while Tai got a hahawtsip, a little sleep. Tai offered another grateful,"Ngate Kameie" gesture, as Ateyo lead her willingly to their hahaw rik, their sleep-leaf.
"Zipper?!" It was more of a statement than a question.  Ateyo removed the hawnven, foot protectors, Tai's prized jump boots. And pulled the 'angtsik "curtains" around for privacy before Tai dropped her flight suit to her ankles. Late morning sunlight illuminated the colorful membranes creating a soothing atmosphere in which to rest. Tai was grateful that this particular sleep-leaf did not require special acrobatics to reach, as she fairly fell into bed. Ateyo hesitated,wondering whether she should let the exhausted woman sleep alone. Outstretched arms beckoned to her and she joined joyfully with Tai for hahawtsip, a nap.  Tai struggled off the air tight mask and shared a kiss. "Someday I won't have to wear this, Ma Ateyo." Tai murmured.   Ateyo would have asked more, but Tai was already making Zees behind her mask.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#63
64) Sunlight glinted from high above, awakening Tai from her slumber. Suddenly she realized that it was late in the morning, and that Ateyo was not in her arms.  She sprang from the hahaw rik making ithe sleep-leaf twirl behind her. This inspired giggling from the surrounding ayeveng, and from Ateyo who sat quietly on the floor surrounded by an array of beadwork. They had all been checking on her throughout the morning, nearly alarmed at how soundly she was sleeping.
She readjusted the airmask to her face and held the canister in her hand. "Dang! I must have been tired. I slept like a rock!"  Ateyo wrapped her arms around her and murmured,
"Rewon lefpom." She stepped back and cocked her head up towards the tall Samoan woman. "Kehe, Ma Tai! A rock makes no noise!" She helped her put on her socks.
"I don't snore, Ma Ateyo!"
"Srane! Yes you do. Very soft like this:" and she imitated her soft purring snore.
This elicited more giggles from the other side of the 'Angtsip membranes, and a snoring competition ensued, each child getting more elaborate and noisy until they were overheard by their mothers.  Scurrying sounds were heard as little feet scampered away, mischievous giggles faded.
"Nga... you very tired Ma Tai. Lawk with Sawtute!" Ateyo handed her the flightsuit.
"Yes! Srane! There is some very, VERY interesting news that I want to share with everyone."  She steadied herself on Ateyo's shoulder while she climbed into the pants legs.
Ateyo remembered Tai's puzzling statement before she had fallen fast asleep. "Pom si kelu Eyk Sopil Pak" Kiss without the exo pack.
"I don't understand. Ke tslolam."
"Fi'u~ this!" Ateyo touched the exo pack that Tai was holding at arms' length while struggling into the each arm of her flight suit.
"Exo Pack" exclaimed Tai.
"EYK, leader, SOpil, lung, PAK,em, its mixed up"
It took a little while before Tai realized that Ateyo was trying to describe the external breathing apparatus that she was obliged to wear on this moon. "EXO PACK! Maybe I won't always have to wear it."
This still puzzled Ateyo. "Ngaya reysi mi Mipa Tsray?"
"Um. Kehe. I wasn't talking about living at the skypeople's new village."
She was interrupted by a call from the communal gathering room.  "Hey Cuz, if you are dressed, come on down here. We're waiting on youoooo." Taifa' called from below.
"'Efu ohakx?" Ateyo motioned at her stomach in the gesture for hungry. She was already leading Tai down the spiral network of branches before waiting for an answer.
"YOM! YOM!" agreed Tai.   Eat, eat! and grabbed up her boots before heading down.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#64
65)~The two of them both walked down, greeting everyone as they approached. A young Na'vi girl handed Tai  a bowl of fruit and she thanked her warmly. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, her "Cousin" scooted next to her and asked when she was going to make the big announcement.
"Did you warm them up with a preview of coming attractions?" she asked between bites of something tart and sweet.
"Nope."
"So you are going to make ME give them this news without advance work?"
Sargent Taifa'ana'e licked his fingers and said, "No! That's why you are the commanding officer and you are paid the BIG BUCKS!"
Tai reminded him that no one had received ANY pay for EIGHT years, and gobbled something like raisins from her hand.
"Yeah, but think of the HUGE back-pay check you will get!"
Ateyo was going to ask how anyone could send A Buck through the sky, but at that moment, Eyktan Ikxeru came in with ayeyktan and aysahik from two neighboring tribes. Formal gestures of greeting were given and the three were seated.  Through Ateyo it was conveyed that all would convene in the clearing once everyone had refreshed themselves with their late morning meal.
Ateyo then seated herself next to Tai and helped her with her Na'vi size bowl of food, wrapping her tail around Tai's waist. Taifa'na'e said, "I'll let you two finish in peace.  It looks like you will do FINE even if we NEVER get paid!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#65
66)~Tai and Ateyo walked hand in hand  together with the ayeyktan and their aysahik, before others arrived. The ayeyktan of Olo' Tumpina Yayo and of Olo' Vawma 'Ora  remarked with wonder that they had never before seen a tsatute hand in hand with a Na'vi, with Ateyo! They were aware of the affection everyone had for Ateyo, and reserved judgment on the strange pair.  Each reported that they had received notice from messengers that there was news afoot of coming sawtute and were very concerned for the safety of their people.  The villagers gathered and Eyktan Ikxeru turned to them all.
"You all know Komakxti, Eyktan of Olo'Yayo Atumpin and the Tsahik Tsenu'ite.   Ateyo then translated for Tai and Taifa' that they were being introduced to the Leader and Priestess of the Red Bird Clan; and the Eyktan Tsu'akxu and Tsahik Txllkxrey of the Dark Lake Clan. Ikxeru  then turned to Tai and introduced her as  "... the Eyktan TaiTaeAo of the Olo'Lefgapa Yayo, and her Tsamsiyu Taifa'ana'e.  These two and their friends have pledged to defend  Ewya and Ewya'eveng (Pandora).  They saw the evil of the RDA and rebelled against them, destroying twenty RDA kunsips in the battle to save the Tree of Souls. They have demonstrated their Blue Hearts and their love for the Na'vi."  At this point the Eyktan Komaktxi paused and smiled at the odd couple. "Some more than others!" And as Ateyo translated this a murmuring swell of approval sounded from the Zongtseng Alor Clan.  "Ma TaiTaeAo has a secret base with other warriors near here.  At that place, they have talking machines and seeing machines. And Tai has spoken to the eyktan of the mipa sawtute. the new skypeople. Now she will tell us what she has learned:  As Ateyo translated this information, Tai realized that all eyes were on her.
"Aysmuke si aysmukan. Oel ngati kameie." She basically delivered the same speech that she had given just two nights ago, when Va'ru had loudly objected to any new incursions of sawtute. But there were no objections so far.
"Yesterday I traveled to our hidden base.  I used the talking and seeing machines and spoke with the eyktan of the StarShip" (she paused and wondered how Ateyo would translate this Ateyo made a long explanation and came up with the word Tanhi-sip. When others nodded, Tai continued. "I talked to a tsawtute, a human woman who truly seems to have a Blue Heart. She and her people are all traveling WITHOUT SOLDIERS. They are very ashamed of the RDA and were very happy when the RDA vrrtep were dragged away in chains." Tai paused while the Na'vi all hooted their approval.  "The eyktan, Patricia Fenwick, wants nothing better than to live among the Na'vi as friends. She would like to see a community of  Avatars, ayuniltirantokx, like Jake Sully and Norm were." She paused again for the murmurs of surprise and consternation. "She wants to know more about the avatars and how their bodies can breathe Pandoran air." Tai noticed that some of the people were unsettled by this revelation. "She wants the Na'vi to know that  they will DO NOTHING until the Na'vi agree that it is a good thing to do, and beneficial to all. She asked permission to speak with all the elders and tsahiks of all the clans. in nine days." Tai paused to consider how much had occurred since that meeting with the Omatikaya just three days before. No wonder she felt so exhausted! "The seeing machines showed me tanks for growing avatars and the lefngapa Eltu, metal brains, used by the humans that make the Avatars walk and talk." She let the talking die down, because she realized that they had honored her right to speak. "For Norm, I think he would be glad to have his avatar back.  It is in the place we once called Hell's Gate. And I know that I, for one, would LOVE to have an Avatar body so that I can get rid of this exopack and be able breathe Pandoran air." She felt  Ateyo's hand tighten upon hers, "And be able to kiss you whenever we please, Ma Ateyo."
"They wouldn't need new facilities, they would use the place called Hell's Gate. And they would need permission to continue mining at Hell's Gate.  They wouldn't need a huge mining operation. They would not use the giant machines that tear down and destroy.  The days of the big machines are over.  Only small machines and only if and where the Na'vi permit."
At this point, the Eyktan of the Dark Lake clan stepped forward. "All these things you say will have a benefit only for sawtute and only maybe Ateyo. Why should we risk having our people destroyed? How could we possibly benefit by having more sawtute in our midsts?" The Na'vi began to grumble aloud, those who had shared the same outlook agreed vociferously.
  Ikxeru rose his arms to calm the people.  "Mawey, Ma Na'viya. At this point, nothing is certain.  The sawtute have made it clear that they can come and take what they want.  We repelled them once, and we will again, IF...IF... that is necessary. These sawtute have asked to LAWK with the Na'vi before anything happens.  That is more than RDA offered.  I for one, am curious to see if we can make good friends,  We have JakeSully as an example of how an Uniltirantokx can have a great benefit to the Na'vi. Now he has a blue body to match his blue heart. Only aysawtute can do this sort of thing, this changing of bodies."  He turned to Tai as if to return the opportunity to speak, back to her.
"The sawtute have learned to grow new skins for people who have had burns caused by the destruction of the Kelutral Omatikaya. They can grow new eyes, new hearts and lungs, and new limbs for those who were injured in those bad times."
Ikxeru stood once again.  "These things would be helpful for many of us. It sounds like sawtute magic. Why  would they do things like this?"
"Many people on Earth, 'Rrta Aytute, have Blue Hearts. They believe that RDA was WRONG for taking so much without asking. And as much as they would want to be here, they agree to GO AWAY forever, if the Na'vi tell them so. You are all aware that Jake Sully and Norm Spellman and Trudy Chacon fought for the Na'vi. And died, in Trudy's case.  We all have Blue Hearts.  We would all gladly fight to defend the Na'vi and this land again if we need to.  My only request is that if I die here, I wish to be buried here, within the bosom of Eywa."  She felt Ateyo squeeze her hand tightly,
"That's all I have to say now."  She took her seat and Ateyo embraced her, grateful that no one turned in anger toward the One she loved.
Eyktan Ikxeru then stood and thanked Tai for sharing what she had learned about the new sky people. He then asked the ayektan and aysahik if they wanted to continue their Lawk now or if they wanted to rest and eat. Or take a swim, They all opted to walk to the nearby stream.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#66
67)Water glistened over blue bodies as the entire tribe and their guests frolicked in the turquoise blue water of the swimming hole.  Ayeveng showed off their tricks and begged to be tossed into the water by the adults.  Three evi chose Taifa'ana'e and his broad shoulders to dive from. A wrestling game ensued, with young women and children mounted on the shoulders of the stronger folk.  Ateyo climbed on TaiTaeAo's shoulders and was soon toppled into the water, screaming with laughter. There were no rules, everyone kept swapping partners, and played they were exhausted.  They climbed out, panting and laughing.  It was exactly what was needed to break the tension. The ayeyktan and aysahik from the other clans found themselves enjoying the happy Samoans.  Taifa' was still floating in the pool, a cloud of irridescent fishies were nibbling the edges of his body.  Giggling he said, "Ka'alani has GOT to see this. Tai doesn't this remind you of that swimming hole near Asu Bay?"
 "We can't let anything happen to this place!" blurted Tai. She turned to eyktan Ikxeru. We once had a place as beautiful as this on Earth, on 'Rrta.  She uncurled Ateyo's tail from her thigh and sat up. "But the greedy sawtute destroyed it.  They have no balance.  They take so much that they leave destruction in their wake.  It is a madness that I don't understand."
The tsahik of the Dark Lake Clan glanced at the Tsahik of the Yayo Atumpin, Red Bird Clan, and at Meykir, the tsahik of Zongtseng Alor. Within a moment, Tai noticed that something electrical seemed to be happening between them. Some unspoken understanding had been reached.  Slowly she spoke to Tai and Ateyo translated for her.  "Ma TaiTaeAo, I am Txllkrey, tsahik of  Olo' Vawma Ora, the Dark Lake Clan.  The words you speak are unexpected, coming from a sawtute.  We had believed that ALL sky people were evil.  I have never met a sky person before, though I am told that the Omatikaya have a small clan of sky people near them, and that these sky people are friends with Neytiri and Toruk Makto.  For these reasons my heart has been open to the possibility of having some friends like you and like Jake.  But I would like that all the sahiks from all the clans speak with Eywa about this. Our concern is that there are many sawtute, perhaps many more than Na'vi.  And as you say, some greedy sawtute can upset the balance with the Mother. But this knowledge is what causes my spouse to distrust all sawtute. "
"Ma Tai, I am Tsahik Tsenu'ite of Olo' Tampina Yayo. Red bird Clan. How would we know that even an Avatar can be trusted to think as a Na'vi.  We heard that two children were abducted from the Forest Clan by evil Dream Walkers."
"TEWTI" sputtereded Taifa' from the pool. When did that happen? I had no idea that there were any evil Avatars."  It struck some as odd to hear that expression come from the lips of the Samoan.
"This is disturbing news." said Tai grimly. "I need to know more about that. Are they still alive? I need to question them! They were not acting like good people.  Jake Sully has a Blue Heart, but Neytiri had to teach him to speak and walk and talk as a Na'vi."
The husband of Txllkxrey, the Olo'eyktan of the Dark Lake clan interjected hotly. "What have you to say to that MA TAI."  His wife touched his arm and he took a deep breath, yet continued glaring at Tai.
"I say, that I can understand why you have no trust of humans and their Avatars. These bad Avatars cannot be allowed to live. They must have been controlled by RDA vrrtep, simply to cause mistrust of DreamWalkers.  We must find their link site and destroy it.  Are you translating this for me, Ateyo? We must find their link site and destroy it!  It is important to me that we have only people with Blue Hearts living on this place.  With your permission I would like to call this place my home.  I have fought to defend the Mother against evil sawtute."
Tai was ready to launch into her speech about ridding Pandora of any vestige of vrrtep, but Eyktan Ikxeru leaned forward and she deferred to him. The Cheiftan of the Zongtseng Alor clan wanted all no know where his heart was leading him. He spoke to Tai but loudly as an announcement, also.  "We don't doubt that you fought honorably for the Mother. And it is clear to me that you and Ateyo have mowan and deep affection for each other.  I would feel honored to consider you part of my soaia, my family." Ateyo grasped Tai's hand at this public declaration. And as she was translating his words, Ikxeru craned his neck behind him to see Taifa'ana'e emerging from the water. "That includes YOU, CUZ!" Everyone gasped at the astonishing news, and the Samoans exchanged a laugh to have such a familiar term applied to them by the chieftain.
"I would consider it the greatest honor of my life to be judged worthy to be a member of the Zongtseng AlorClan." said Tai barely able to contain her joy.
"That goes for me, too! called Taifa', as he pushed himself forward into the group.  "It would be the deepest honor." Ateyo stood as she translated this and the others made astonished sounds. When the excitement abated, Eyktan Ikxeru continued; "But even you are concerned that some ...humans... do not have Blue Hearts.  I would want to know what the new  sawtute intend to do to choose who might come here. I will be at this Lawk with the new skypeople.  Who will come with me?"  Komakti and Tsenu'ite nodded solemnly and willingly. Tyllkrey nudged her husband and looked at him with a question in her eye. Ikxeru spoke to him directly, "Ma Tsu'akxu, we would need you to help us create a balance." Eyktan Tsu'akxu felt an uncomfortable pressure but admitted, "As long as I am not expected to agree blindly, YES, I will go."
A collective sigh of relief emanated from the crowd, which was actually much smaller now.  Most of the tribe had returned to the village, and the smell of roasted fish came wafting from that direction. Meykir touched her husband's arm. "Ma Muntxatu, my spouse.  Aysahik wish to go to the Tree of Souls before the LAWK with the new sawtute."  If we leave tomorrow, we can reach the Omatikaya in two days.  That will leave aysahik several days before the Lawk."
Ateyo interjected now. "Tomorrow bring four day since Jake sent out  messengers. Can take them in the Lefngapa Yayo?  We three clans are most far from Omatikaya Clan."
"I don't see why not. I've got plenty of GO JUICE in the chopper. We could be there before nightfall."
Ateyo translated and nervous glances were exchanged, but it was agreed that they would be SKIDS UP after they had eaten their midday meal.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#67
 68)~The three hour flight to Omatikaya Kelutral was filled with excited talk and speculation.  Ateyo noted with satisfaction that most of the talk was based on curiosity. With the seats removed, all six of the chieftains and shamen women sat on woven mats or crouched as they watched the landscape past the open doorway.  
"I guess we are all ainga pretty soon." grinned the Samoan door gunner.
"Oengya; Ours or Ayenga; They?"puzzled Ateyo. The word didn't fit right.We will all be ours? We will all be they?
"Kehe! AINGA means family, mi Samoan. Family! SOYA?" Taifa' was trying really hard to learn this language.
"SOAIA! SRANE SRAN! SOAIA!" Everyone was delighted and puzzled.
Tai is like my cousin. Everyone is like a cousin in Samoa, or an Auntie, or an Uncle! So when Ateyo and Tai get married, I'll be related to everyone here!"
"What is married, CUZ?" Ateyo was liking how comfortable Taifa' had become, unlike the first day she had met him.
"Mated! Mated for life, but with a ceremony of some kind." responded Taifa', grateful that he could find a simple way to explain it.  He was dismayed when he saw the astonished looks upon the faces of everyone of the Na'vi as Ateyo translated.  An animated discussion ensued with words going back and forth too fast for the red-faced Ateyo to translate.
"Tsahik Meykir say only these two would know if they were mated for life. (And she indicated herself and Tai as she explained.) But she wonders..."  and Ateyo started to stumble for words, "...how we could make tsaheylu without tswin." And displayed her tswin and the delicate tendrils that reached forth.
Taifa' was taken aback.  He, himself, was wondering whether a marriage could be legally "consummated" by two females.  He decided not to mention the topic at all.  He looked over his shoulder at Tai, who was preoccupied with her nap-of-earth flight on a route she had flown only once before.  Surprisingly, she answered.
"I have no doubt that Ateyo and I are meant for each other.  I had to travel six light years across the universe to find the perfect one for me.  All I know is that I am willing to live and die for this one and to defend my new family and Eywa'Eveng." She was hoping that she used the proper word for their world, The Child of Eywa.
Again Ateyo translated Tai's words into Na'vi. Her face was flushed with excitement. The response from several of the Tsahiks and Eyktans put a sober look upon her face. And she replied, "Srane." Yes.
Tai was trying hard not to be distracted, but finally she asked for an explanation.
"Them saying how can I be certain if we are properly mated without tsaheylu.  KNOWING is passed through this tswin."  That was the best way she could think of describing THE BOND.
"They asking if Ateyo feels  same way for you. I say SRANE. YES. Then them tell. 'We will ask Eywa at the tree of souls soon.'
Tai had brought the samson to a low hover, "Please tell them that my life would be complete if I could wake up each morning to the sound of laughter and singing with you curled up next to me."  She almost turned back to her controls. but turned again to Ateyo when she had finished translating. "And you tell them Ateyo.  The only thing better would be if I also had a blue body."
Everyone recognized the hope and joy in Ateyo's voice as she relayed these words.
They all then stopped talking and looked expectantly at Tai. She grinned that mischievous grin of hers and said, "I know where my heart is, but I'm not sure where I am now!  Can someone show me the way to the Omatikaya?!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#68
69)~"Nefä, Nefä," urged Ateyo at Ikxeru's prompting.  Once Tai had gained a little altitude, Ikxeru was able to see the correct path.  The eyktan was pleased to see they they hadn't deviated too far off course.  Tai seemed to have good directional sense to have stopped and hovered when the path became unrecognizable.  It wasn't long after that moment, that the new kelutral of the Omatikaya loomed into view.  As she maneuvered the Samson to land in the clearing, a Na'vi greeting party appeared from the jungle. She didn't have to tell Taifa' to secure his weapon.  He was already waving jovially to the party below.
JakeSully and Neytiri were there, seemingly waiting.  They greeted formally, the ayeyktan and Neytiri warmly embraced the aysahik and Ateyo.  Jake noticed that the pilot and door gunner remained in position. So he hopped into the Samson. And greeted the rebel warriors with the more familiar, "Ngate kame. We weren't expecting you so soon, is there a new development?"
"Oh hell yeah! There is some incredible news, I think the medicine women want to proceed quickly to the Tree of Souls, I'm just not sure how quickly they intend to go there.  I'm ready to SKY-UP if it means NOW!" Tai was excited on many levels.
"Ma Jake, nìwotx aysahik, all the tsahiks wish to go to the Tree of Souls and wait for the other tsahiks to meet them before the LAWK."
Indeed the aysahik and ayeyktan of each neighboring tribe had already begun arriving at the Omatikaya's new kelutral..  "There is a question of a certain union that needs to be clarified among the clans, (and her eyes indicated Tai and Ateyo, who had crept nearer.) " But all the Tsahiks also wish to seek Ewya's advice in the matter of the new sawtute. But we must first hear the news that Tai brings. Meykir sì Ikxeru are saying that we all need to consider her new information."
"Whoa, whoa!"  Jake was trying to process the onslaught of information. And asked Neytiri if the matter of the certain union should be addressed now or in the morning.  Truly, he was anxious to know what this startling news was that Tai had to share.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#69
70) The flex wing hadn't finished spooling down, but Taifa' was eagerly pulling out the camo net.  There was a sweet Hawaiian technician that he was anxious to see.  "Hey Jake!" he called over his shoulder. "Give me a hand with this."  It was more of a ploy for him to ask whether the people from the New Village could join them. Tai joined them in covering her bird.
 "I'm am sure that Norm, especially, would like to hear this news. can you send for him?"
 A runner was dispatched and asked to bring a delegation.  Neytiri overheard the conversation and called out to the messenger.
 " Be certain that Ka'alani comes along, too."  Taifa' gave the wise tsahik a grateful smile.  It was halfway between noon and sundown, so fruit and other snacks were provided.  The great gathering room of the Omatikaya clan, soon filled with curious Na'vi. And within a half hour, a group from Mipa Tsray walked over.  Tai shared about the teleconference from the starship and of the wish to start a small community of Avatars. She told of seeing Patricia Fenwick's avatar floating in a tank, awating the day of "decanting", and she told of  the arrival of  new techs and equipment for repairs, and revealed that their hidden base had the original mobile link sites within their cave.  She then wondered aloud whether the LAWK should be held at the location of Hell's Gate, at the Omatikaya Kelutral or the Zongtseng Alor Clan's HomeTree.
 "Oh definitely Hell's Gate, though I'd rather we not call it that any more." blurted Norm. "I REALLY want to see if that is MY Avatar being held in stasis for the past eight years!" He was giddy with excitement at the thought of living without the respirator/rebreather. And being ten feet tall.  It is what he had spent so many years in study preparing for. Being without his Avatar had been like living in limbo. The possibility of being reunited with his old blue self was a heady experience.
 "And Patricia suggested that we prepare a list of willing participants from among the remaining rebels, to become the first wave of new Avatars. I have, of course, volunteered to be in that first wave." She grinned down at Ateyo, who returned an uncertain smile. " It takes six years for an Avatar to fully mature IN VITRO (in glass). And besides, in six years if there is any doubt, I will finally, FINALLY get to commit tsaheylu with Oeya kalina Ateyo, make THE BOND with my sweet Ateyo."
 Puvomun and Amhul had seated themselves behind Ateyo, seeking out the other Tsulfätu for company.  They each reached out to their friend whose lifelong loneliness they had witnessed, squeezing her shoulders with encouragement. Taifa' leaned over to Ateyo and whispered, "Now Tai won't be one foot taller, she will be twice as tall."  He thought she would laugh at that but instead she looked stricken.  He immediately regretted opening his mouth and was glad that Tai hadn't heard him.  He gave her a tight squeeze and said quietly," but only part of the time, CUZ. Don't worry"  He wondered how much she knew about Dreamwalkers.
Meanwhile conversations started buzzing throughout the great room as excited possibilities were explored. JakeSully let the excitement die down and stood up to get their attention. "I think all of us are concerned that there would not be a repeat of the events from eight years ago.  What reassurances has she given you? "
Tai explained again, that there would be no mercenaries, and there would be no need to create new structures or roads and that the only mining that would be done would be on a very small scale, only with AMP suits and small machines, carefully mining in the open pit, the remnants of ore already exposed. "The days of monstrously huge machines has come to an end" And she emphasized that NOTHING would occur without the consent of the Na'vi. They as a people, had the last say as to what could or could not happen on the land that they live on.  
Conversation continued into the twilight hours, irridesent plants illuminated the space with a soft, yet beautiful glow. It was decided that all who wished could be at the Tree of Souls tomorrow while aytsahik communed with Eywa.  All the tribes would be convening there within the next six days, and this conversation would have to be repeated and dicusussed with each eyktan.  Plans were made to ride out the following day with the aytoronyu all upon their ikrans.  
The conversations started dying down and the smell of roasting meat was suddenly noticible. All people gravitated to the savory aroma. Outside of the kelutral, a deep pit barbecue was being uncovered to reveal the glistening smoky meat of a huge beast.  The Aytoronyu (hunters) had successfully trapped an 'angtsip, hammerhead beast, just yesterday.  And the flesh had been slowly cooking on hot coals ever since.  It reminded Ka'alani of the pit barbecues that she remembered from her childhood on Hawaii.
"Auwe that is one big pig!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#70
71)~It was as tasty as roasted big, the Polynesian humans all agreed. "Fi'u lu siltsan!" This is good! Their child sized wooden bowls were heaped with sweet and savory chunks of meat,with various roasted and steamed vegetables. When food was served aytute relaxed, Na'vi and humans alike.  A human man with grey hair on his face hobbled up to the firepit, leaning on his walking stick.
Ateyo offered to carry his bowl. "Oe lu Krekori Mendllzong! Ngati kame! si IRAYO!"
Gregory Mendelson was one of the senior techs at the former RDA link station. Ateyo greeted him.  She had never met a bearded human who walked with a stick. But she wanted to help him, as he struggled with his balance. "Oe lu Ateyo." She kept her introduction simple but was alarmed and confused when he exclaimed:
"OY VEY am I HUNGRY!"
"Kehe Ma Krekori. Fi'u lu vey! Fi'u."  This is meat! Yom Yom Vey" Eat eat meat.
Norm Spellman was howling with laughter. "OY VEY is a Yiddish expression that means oh wow. He said, "Au,'efu ohakx!"  Patiently Norm tried to explain to Ateyo about other languages on 'Rrta. Ateyo was surprised that all humans did not speak the same language.
"Some words just sound alike, Ateyo, but they have different meanings."
"The Hawaiian word sounds like both", chipped in Ka'alani "AUWE!"
"Oh you aren't helping, Ka'alani!' scolded Norm with a grin on his face.
"AUWE! YOM VEY! OY LU VEY" shouted Ateyo gleefully. "YOM YOM YOM" she demonstrated the meaning of the word, just being a clown and enjoying the happiness of a good meal. When the meal was finished, children passed around hot blue towels made of the eanean plant so that everyone could wipe the grease from the fingers, hands, arms faces.
JakeSully stood up and addressed the group."Eoyä tsmuke, si tsmukan, ulte oeyä eylan," my sisters, and brothers and my friends...Tai and some of the other humans grinned at recognizing these familiar words, even before Norm and Ateyo translated. "There are many questions yet unanswered, and they can't all be answered tonight.  Tomorrow the aysahik, the medicine women will all go to ask Eywa for direction. Ayoenga ayeyktan must decide whether we want to welcome a colony of Avatars or Cook Captain Cooke and burn his ships."  He grinned at the Polynesians, remembering that they were cannibals back in the 18th century when the Englishman Cooke landed on their islands. The meaning was not lost on the Polynesians and most of the human techs who remembered their 'Rrta history.
"Oh I'm NOT EVEN going to try to explain that one!" said Norm who was enjoying Ateyo's puzzled expression.  He offered a quick analogy similar to; "should we send away the starship or welcome new friends?" JakeSully continued.  "I think most of the people here at the New Village would want Avatar bodies. And probably most of the rebels in your flight group, too.  That could be the beginning of another New Village. I know Norm is dying, er excited, to know if his Uniltìrontokx is alive and well.  I just don't want to see us overrun with Avatars.
Puvomun stood up.   "And just because one has tswin, it doesn't mean that they automatically honor the Great Mother.  Right after the RDA left, there were some Avatars that abducted two children from the Forest Clan. I would want to know how we can know which sawtute to trust?"
JakeSully quickly interjected, "Those guys were running at one of the remote labs and were trying to mine for Unobtainium.  They ended up by blowing themselves to pieces by their own bombs and we rescued All the hostages from that place.  There are no more BAD AVATARS running around our land."
Tai stood up next to Puvomun and craned her neck.  He stood nearly twice as tall as she and she was two meters tall.  He sat and let her speak, "We sat with the Zongtseng Alor Clan today after a swim in the river."  She was pleased that she learned how to pronounce the awkward name more clearly now. "It would be important that those who get a Dreamwalker body must have  BLUE HEARTS.  I don't think anyone should get  blue skin unless they have lived among the Na'vi for a year and proven that they have blue hearts and that they are willing to live by Na'vi ethics.  I believe the Na'vi should ultimately decide over who does and who does not get a blue body." She waited for the murmurs to die down and waited for nods of approval. "This is Na'vi land, and the Na'vi must control who can be here."
Norm then asked, "What should we do about the Avatars that are aboard ship now.  We don't know Jack about them." He translated his own words as, "We don't know A THING about them."
Tai responded. "That's easy. They should each be required to live on this land for six months in their human bodies so that the Na'vi can know who they are dealing with. They can leave their Avatars in stasis for another six month, and live with whichever clan chooses to instruct them in the ways to live ni'Navi."
Neytiri broke protocol and interjected without standing, "Yes, otherwise we end up with a bunch of skawngs running around!" This remark, of course, was pointed directly at Jake, who blushed and smiled with embarrassment.
Tai grinned at his discomfiture, knowing that she was having as hard a time with the language that he once had. "Earlier today, it was my greatest honor and that of Taifa's that we have been included into the Zongtseng Alor Clan, because of our defense of the Na'vi during the attack on the Tree of Souls, and because of my deep love for Ateyo."  Loud shouts of approval ensued while Ateyo translated. Taifa' blurted out "Yeah, I'm going to be first cousin!"  Everyone laughed whether they understood his joke or not.  The happiness was infectious.
"Tonight, though, I think it is important that the Na'vi and the Tutetsyip just relax and get to know each other. Let's continue our Lawk tomorrow after the aysahik have asked Ewya what she sees. Puvomun stood up, towering over the Humans. We don't call our human friends Aysawtute, anymore. Sawtute is a name for the Kwang Humans, Evil Humans. OUR human we call Tutetsyip, Little People!  
Ka'alani jumped to her feet next to the tall Na'vi!  "Look at us! We are the Little People now! Menehune, Hawaiian leprechauns!" Every one was laughing and it didn't matter that the words were translated.  Soon spontaneous singing and dancing occurred,  Puvomun and a Na'vi named Nusemeya Tirea sang a song to the honor of Toruk Makto, Ateyo taught her Ikran flyer dance, the Samoans got up and did their war chant, then Ka'alani picked up an empty wooden bowl and started beating out a Polynesian rhythm. Tai and Taifa' exchanged grins and ran to their bird only to reappear moments later with Polynesian battle knives called Nifo 'Oti , in Samoan.
They chose a clear space near the fire pit, and carefully spilled jet fuel along the blades.  Once they had touched the blades to the hot coals, they began spinning their flaming knives over their heads, throwing them in the air and catching them.  The drummers of the Omatikaya Clan soon joined in the rhythm growing the sound louder and more intense.  The Samoans were exhilarated to be sharing this ancient tradition with their new family.  Somehow, Ka'alani was able to direct the drumming to an abrupt stop at the crucial moment.  Everyone burst out cheering.
Jake came forth with his arms raised to quiet the crowd. "Tam Tam Mawey ma Na'viya! We have, WE HAVE a big day tomorrow,  Let's call this party over and grab some shut eye." Everyone laughed when Ateyo translated this literally but everyone started shuffling off in various directions. Norm pulled Tai and Ateyo aside.  "You two know where you are sleeping tonight, right?!"
Before too long Tai and Ateyo closed the door of Norm and Mary's room behind them, and lay down in the sleep leaf with Ateyo's tail wrapping around Tai's waist. Tai picked up the tufted end of Ateyo's ketxse and whispered, "One day I'll be able to wrap oeyä kxetse around you."  She kissed Ateyo before they drifted off to sleep in each others arms.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#71
72) Tai opened her eyes at zero-dark-thirty, as usual, and simply enjoyed lingering in the sensation of peacefulness.  Ateyo's tokxtsyip was nestled against her own, her kxetse wrapped around her thigh.   She wondered again, how it would feel to have a tail and to experience the bond using the delicate pink tendrils that emanated from tswin.  She wondered if any of the Na'vi had had their tswin damaged or cut off in the War Against the Sawtute. That would probably feel more heartbreaking and alienating that losing a limb.  Surely, that was something to discuss with the ayeyktan and with Patricia Fenwick.  She let her thoughts wander and came across a curious recollection from last night: when she had mentioned getting a DreamWalker Body, Ateyo had stiffened and looked distraught.  This puzzled her deeply because she  had thought that Ateyo would simply be overjoyed with the idea.  She made a mental note to ask her about this later.
 She felt Ateyo sigh deeply and smile at her throat.  Again she was grateful to be rid of the impediment of a mask She appreciated not having to wear it here and now. "Ting pom! Ting pom! Ting pom!"  It was so easy to speak and kiss, and breathe.  She was definitely looking forward to the possibility of life without a mask.  In these sealed-off rooms she didn't have to wear one. Once she left the New Village or her own base, she would need to wear it once again.  Though now, she didn't have to worry about the canister.  Here at Mipa Tsray, they simply inserted oxygen emitting twigs inside the edges of their masks.  Another mental note, learn to identify that bush.  It would take six or seven years before she got her own Avatar.
  "Rewon lefpom, oeyä yawnetu." mumbled a sleepy little voice next to her.
The simple joy of being able to start each day in this fashion! "Rewon lefpom, oeyä kalin." she didn't know if this was proper Na'vi, but My Sweet was exactly how she felt about this beautiful soul next to hers.
As Ateyo helped her with zippers, she asked for clarification:   "Oeyä Ateyotsyip, I am confused. When I mentioned getting an Avatar, a Dreamwalker Body, you seemed troubled. I thought this would make you happy."
Ateyo lost her characteristic cherubic grin and bit her lip in consternation.
 "It would be strange to know your eltu, your brain was somewhere else." she stammered. Tai chuckled to herself and drew the precious blue body up to her " Ma Ateyo. How do you know where my brain is? You can't see it now and you cannot make the BOND with me!. The brain only houses oeyä tirea, my spirit.  You would know exactly where my heart, my spirit and my brain was any time we connect our tswin.  Because I will have tswin!"
  "Let me explain it a different way: when we were sleeping together last night, were you worried about where my flight suit was?" Tai saw Ateyo's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and her ears prick forward.  "My flight suit isn't me.  It is only a different skin. I take off my flight suit skin, but I am still Tai!  I would put on my blue body Avatar but I would still be Tai." She was on a roll. "Besides, I could only be in my Avatar body for a few hours.  The rest of the time, I would be in my human body, my tutetsyip, my Ateyo sized body."
 This actually made Ateyo laugh to think that anyone could be happy as short as she was. "But then where would your Dreamwalker body be when you were in your human skin? Sleeping like  rock? No spirit in Uniltìrantokx when Tai human body walking." Tai saw Ateyo visibly shudder.
Look, look. Mawey, ma Ateyo. When my human body is awake, my Avatar body  would be safe at my base. I'll make for me a special Na'vi size bed, um, hahawtseng, sleep place., for my Avatar body. You won't ever have to see my Avatar body looking lifeless."
Tai watched Ateyo processing this information. "And Tai dreamwalker have tswin and make tsahaylu?"
"Srane!" This would be the winning argument, Tai knew.
"I won't let them grow an Avatar body for me until I know that you want me to.  I would never do anything to separate us." Ateyo burrowed deep into her arms. "I will always love you, oeyä yawnetu. No matter what size, color or shape I am. But I will wait until you are ready for the idea. Understand?"
Ateyo let out a long shuddering sigh and nodded her head against Tai's breastbone. Then she craned her head upwards and got a little kiss and stepped away with a quizical expression on her face. So Tai asked her, "What else, oeyä Kalin? What else did you need to say?"
"AND...and you would be tall,." Ateyo blurted, Tai almost laughed but didn't want to be rude.
"Why would that be bad, oeya Kalin?"
The distressed little Na'vi tried to explain. "Ateyo is child-size. Tai is child size, but Dreamwalker will be Na'vi size, adult Na'vi."
"But Ateyo is not child. I will know this in my Avatar self, as well.  You don't gotta worry."
The grateful little kiss became a deep grateful kiss that was only interupted by the polite tapping on the door.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#72
73)~Tai grabbed her boots and Ateyo's hand and followed the Hawaiian woman and Taifa' into the common room.  Ka'alani was wearing a wrap-around garment in the Polynesian style. Taifa's hair was unbound and cascaded to his broad shoulders in a tightly kinked, wavy style. Ateyo flashed an amazed grin at Tai, who was pleased to see her CUZ and his girlfriend in an approximation of Samoan, or perhaps Na'vi clothing.
"Did you two sleep well?" chirped Ka'alani. Her smile was enchanting.
"Yes! Like babies! "
Ateyo whispred, "Tai. Babies don't snore!"
"KEHE they get their txim smacked," and she gave Ateyo a playful tap on the behind. They seated themselves among the tired and happy faces of the Mipa Tsray. Mary and Norm brought out a tray of leftover 'angtsip roast, served with something that looked like cabbage leaves.  She followed the example of Ateyo and the others, and rolled the meat into a tube, with the bottom edge tucked it.
"Yom vey" exclaimed Mendelson. As he licked his fingers.
"Oy Vey! Auwe! Yom vey!" agreed Ateyo.
"I hope everyone slept well. This is probably going to be an intense day." said Norm.
"Yeah, It's good thing Jake sent us to bed early!" a woman named Tracy, nodded. Mary cleared away the nearly empty tray and walked to the cooking area. She re-emerged with blue "hot towels" for everyone.  Soon they were walking together on the path that connected the New Village to the Omatikaya HomeTree.  They laughed to smell "Hammerhead Burritos" being served.  "I guess everyone will be feasting on that for a few days!" Exclaimed Taifa'.
"Kehe Ma Taifa'," said Norm. "One reason: no refrigeration. Second reason: a lot of clansmen will be arriving today. It will all be eaten in a few hours!"  They were greeted by enthusiastic young hunters and a band of children. All the evi wanted hugs from Ateyo. As they entered the great room, Puvomun waded through the youngsters and hugged Ateyo and Tai in turn.  "And in honor of your recent Togetherness, I present you this kosmana utu mauti."  With a fluorish, he produced the large banana-like fruit, which had become legendary in their personal history! Amid laughter, the party sat down.
"Auwe! Think of the Fried Bananas I could make with THAT!" cried Ka'alani. She was sitting right next to Ateyo, with her long, thick braid hanging down her back.  Ateyo was fascinated because of the earlier discussion of Tswin  She carefully took her braid in hand and examined it carefully, and got some snickers.  She made a big pantomime about trying to shake out the tendrils. She gave an exaggerated look of puzzlement and gently placed the braid on Ka'alani's back with an apologetic pat.   With her free (ungreasy) hand she examined Tai's twin braids and pretended at joining one and both of them to her own Tswin.  She made a sad, pouting face, which made everyone laugh. Then she announced, proudly, "When Tai gets Uniltirantokx, we make tsaheylu!"   It pleased Tai to the depths of her heart to hear her say WHEN.
 Jake and Neytiri stood up and everyone joined him. Neytiri addressed them all. "We are all going to the Tree of Souls today, so that we can listen to what Ewya has to tell us about the coming of new Sky People.  Aysahik will listen for her wisdom and tell us Her will.  It will be best that everyone participate so that the Great Mother  hears all our concerns. She looked at the aytutetsyip, the humans, gathered before her. "We will simply have to trust that Ewya can read your Blue Hearts."  Her genuine smile was filled with confidence.
 Eyktan Ikxeru and Tsahik Meykir reminded Tai that their ikrans had followed and were waiting in the treetops, so they wouldn't need a ride up to the Tree of Souls.  It dawned on Tai, at that moment, that with tswin, she could probably earn her place as a hunter and someday ride her own ikran. She spoke to JakeSully. I'll follow you all at a respectful distance and land my bird out of hearing range of the Tree of Souls."
Jake explained that the Tree of Souls sat in a recessed depression and was actually called the Well of Souls. She would have to park it on the outside of the rim them climb up, around, over, and down.
"Not a prob, Dude. And hey, when I get my Avatar body, I want to fly one of those ikrans."
"Outstanding!  But only when you are READY!"
Neytiri gave him strange knowing glance, that everyone smiled at. Jake told Tai that everyone would be climbing to the top branches to get their rides, slapped her on her shoulder and said,
"MAKTO KO!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#73
74) "Norm, Mary! With me! Room for two more," Tai was in her commanding mode.
"Mendllzong!" exclaimed Ateyo.  She had developed a fondness for the old gentleman with the beard and walking stick.
"No no!  I couldn't climb in that helicopter. It's too high off the ground."
"Srane Mendllzong! Rutxe!" Ateyo pleaded, and Taifa' assured him he would help him get in and out, and carry him if necessary.  The idea was tempting but he politely refused on account of his bad hips and knees. He was aware that they would have to land outside of the bowl. "Maybe if I have a new set of legs like JakeSully, I would come, but not now. Thank You."
"Um, Tracy should come. She has more extra sensory perception than us since..."Norm didn't finish his thought.  Though every one considered Tracy their equivalent of a tsahik, Tracy remained unsure, and hesitated. "Come on Tracy. You are representing!"  She realized that Norm was using a phrase uncommon to him, merely to put her at ease,  She was grateful for the  gesture.  She nodded bravely and joined with the group assembling for the chopper ride.
At the prospect of "being on duty" Taifa' suddenly felt undressed.  He offered to run back to Mipa Tsray to get his uniform, tattered as it was. But Ka'alani would not hear of it. "Auwe! You not needing soldier clothes. You looking sharper da sharp!"  He did cut a fine figure with his well muscled body. "You got more clothes den e'rybody!" Compared to a loincloth, his lavalava covered more of his hips and , well, PERSONAL region.
By this time, the party had arrived at the chopper. Norm helped Tai and Taifa' remove the camo net and stowed it in its compartment. When everyone was seated Tai told Taifa' to help everyone with their communicators. "That way we can talk with each other on the flight over."  Ateyo took the number two seat, dutifully holding her tail away from mischief as Tai went through the start up procedures.  Once the engine's temperatures and pressures were stabilized, she reached over to Ateyo with her left hand placing Ateyo's right hand on the ship's cyclic, saying. "Today I will start to train you as Lefngapa Yayo Maktoyu!"  All the humans gawked with incredulous eyes at the small Na'vi in the left seat.                                              
  "Auwe CUZ! You gonna be liking dis!"
This was probably the closest thing that Ateyo would experience to flying an ikran, given her short stature.  As they lifted from the grass, Ateyo stuck up  her left thumb proudly and shouted "SKIDS UP!"  Evoking smiles from the aytutetsyip aboard the fight.
  "Rest your hand lightly on your CYCLIC and your feet lightly on the pedals.  Feel how small my movements are and watch how my yayo moves, oeyä Kalin! You are my Na'vigator, tell me which way to go." Tai had a recollection of this flight to the Tree of Souls, once before on a medevac mission for the Zongtseng Alor clan. Ateyo had been with her on that flight also.  It might have been a month earlier, time felt so compressed!  She had not approached The Tree from this direction
  "Ting nari, MaTai. Ayikran" Look Tai, ikrans. Tai was pleased that her interpretation of the words matched Ateyo's ensuing translation.  It was easy enough to see the ikrans leaving the treetops and circling around the kelutral.  Tai showed Ateyo where to find the Push To Talk button switch on the cyclic. But Ateyo was concentrating too hard on the new sensations for light banter.  The conversation of others was geared to the future possibilities of having Avatar bodies.  Tai were surprised to hear that Mary was experiencing the same trepidation as Ateyo experienced earlier this morning.  She glanced over at Ateyo.  If she had heard the conversation, she was too engrossed to have responded.   Tai made a mental note to bring up the topic at a more appropriate time.  A support group for non Avatar drivers! "She had a quick mental image of a smoky room of Na'vi and Humans. and someone saying, 'Kaltxì,  oe lu Ateyo  and my partner is becoming a DreamWalker.' She shook the ludicrous thought from her mind and followed the flightpath of the ayikran from a distance. Within twenty minutes she could see the ikrans landing in a wide circle around the rim of the Well of Souls.
  "Eyes Alive People. I need to find a clearing to put this bird down.  We are going to have to hike our way in." Taifa' spotted a likely place and said, "At your one o'clock Cuz."
  "I tally. We will fly direct."  Once the bird was safely on the ground and her passengers were out, she walked to the back of the cabin and motioned to Taifa'.  He unpinned the machine gun  and carried it back to the lockers that Tai was opening.  As he stowed the gun, he noticed Tai pulling out her compound bow and eight,  double-razor-head arrows. "You can't have all the fun, Cuz."  Taifa' removed his bow and the same compliment of lethal arrows.
As they disembarked with their weapons in hand, Ateyo was the first to notice.  She stifled a laugh.
  "Tai tskow is Ateyo size! And look! What do these?"  She pointed to the cams and pulleys. "The make tskow-tsyip txantxur. Very strong.  Tskowstytip for aytutetsyip! We have a one mile hike to the rim through the jungle.  There are lots of nasty critters out here.  They might need to meet my friend."
Norm was amazed. "Awesome! Aysamsisiyu! But I have never heard of animals being this close to the Ramunong."  Norm helped the Samoans recover the chopper with the cammo net.
  "Do you really think this is necessary?"
  "We may or may not have destroyed the last of the RDA ships, and we occasionally pick up indistinct radio chatter. I just feel safer taking this precaution," explained Tai. "This place was almost attacked once before." She remembered that terrible mission, where she and her flight defected and shot down twenty RDA ships not far from here.
Norm also had that sobering thought in mind. But he said, "Well, they aren't going to wait for us. 'Awsiteng, ko!"
  "Let's go!" interpreted Ateyo. She and Tai took point and lead them through the jungle. Taifa' took trail.
  "Keep your head on the swivel. Ma Ateyo. Nari si."  Tai pointed to her own eyes with forked fingers and made a gesture to indicate, 'all around.'  It was another military hand gesture.important to commando missions where stealth and quiet was needed. Within another twenty minutes, they emerged from the jungle and climbed the short ridge that encompassed the Well.  There they were met by a tsamsiyu, as Jake had posted aysamsiyu near all the walkways in anticipation of their arrival. Through pantomine and Ateyo's interpretation, they were shown where to lay their weapons. 'Check your weapons at the door.' thought Tai wryly.She had expected as much. But it didn't surprise her. But turning and seeing the Tree of Souls and all the People took her breath away.
  The canopy of this single tree shaded the entirety of the bowl, the Well. Suspended from the tree's every limb were glowing tendrils or vines that seemed to glow in a pinkish-white light. But they were clustered most heavily toward the trunk. A huge root had grown crosswise,  in a fashion that it was used as an altar. Mo'at and the other aysahik were gathered in a semi-circle facing the rows and rows of Na'vi who were also seated in a semi-circle facing the aysahik. The samsiyu beckoned them forth and all the humans, the aytutetsyip, walked down toward the altar in awestruck wonder. They were then escorted upon the altar,where they sat with the aysahik. Cross-legged, they took their pro-offered seats.
 Ateyo remained holding hands with Tai, but positioned her long tswin so that it touched the ground.  Immediately, Tai noticed that fibers that emanated from the soft moss immediately reached for the delicate tendrils of  Ateyo's braid. She watched as rapture swept across her yawnetu's face and realized, with a twinge of regret, how she was excluded from the experience. How her heart hammered within her breast to think that someday, she too, would know, she would KNOW the depth of this experience.  The humidity, the constant humming and chanting of the Na'vi, the soft glowing light emanating from the tree tendrils, easily put her in a trance state.
  She was reminded of the trance state she had to achieve and maintain during the pe'a or tattooing ceremony she underwent, many years ago on the island of Tutuilla in American Samoa. She remembered the rhythmic beating of tatau as the needles were tapped into her skin, the songs of the heroic deeds of her ancestors being sung to her while she kept her focus on peacefulness. This was so familiar.  She could feel the pulsing, soft rhythm of swaying bodies.  Though her eyes were closed, she could feel her energy swirling with her rising through the top of her head.This was easy. This was RIGHT. She was cradled in the arms of Eywa. And she knew that she had traveled six light years, but that she was at home.  And just as suddenly, at a vocal command from Mo'at, the chanting stopped.  She felt her energy lift high above her and hover.She seemed to be aware of everyone and everything.
 The words she heard spoken from Mo'at, she didn't understand.  But the meaning of the words was completely understood by her spirit. Her spirit experienced the power of Mo'at's spirit most strongly.  Even more strongly than her Sweet Ateyo, who was glowing beside her.  She sensed Taifa' and Ka'alani strongly and the rows and rows of quiet Na'vi before her.  It seemed that she was sitting on a sea shore with waves and waves of energy washing over her. Like an incoming tide, as her name, TaiTae Ao, incoming tide encompassing her from bottom to top.  She knew that Mo'at was walking among the techs from Mipa Tsray.  She knew who Mo'at's hands were poised over.  She knew that Eywa was looking into each person's Blue Heart to determine their worthiness to live among the Na'vi, nìNa'vi, as one of the people. She could NOT look but she could SEE that Tracy's arm had soft feathery tendrils emanating,  that where entwined with the tree root that she leaned against. She had sensed her hesitance earlier, but sensed her openness and knowing now. She sensed Mo'at standing above her, she could feel where Mo'at's fingertips touched the edge of her energy. And felt her smile when she realized that her energy was not contained in such a little space.She knew that Taifa' and Ka'alani were experiencing something similar..
Then she felt Mo'at gently touch her shoulders, and the experience ended. Suddenly. She felt that she had been crushed flat as her spirit contracted within her body. And immediately she experienced a fleeting sensation of regret, wondering at that specific moment. "Have I been rejected by Eywa?" at the parting of such an intense experience. But then she felt a wild happiness expand within her soul and all doubt was removed.
 Steadily, she was aware of voices around her.  She was aware of people smiling and touching her.  Now she was laying down and looking up into the eyes of Mo'at. No one else was physically touching her.  Mo'at was speaking, and though the words were not recognized, she understood the exact meaning.
  "Welcome back, Little One. This one has strong energy. A Na'vi spirit. You most certainly have a Na'vi spirit. And are welcome among our people.
  One by one, Moat approached each person who's energy Eywa had directed her towards.  She welcomed each of them, as she had sensed their spirit and oneness with the Great Mother. "Some of these have stronger spirit than others. But they all have Blue Hearts. Perhaps these spirits will grow in strength, with study. But all these here among us should be welcomed as these have nìNa'vi spirits. Awaiting to be strengthened with their blue bodies."
  A collective sigh filled the space beneath the canopy of boughs. but Mo'at was not yet finished.  She walked over to where Norm was seated.  "Ma Norm. You will be happy to know that your spirit is still waiting for you to be connected with your Uniltìrantokx."  At this news, Norm's expression brightened and he felt that he was once again ten feet tall, though he was still sitting on the ground.  Joy exploded from his heart, melting away any fears that even Mary felt about this eventual reunion.
" These here before you should be considered younger spiritual brothers and sisters.  I will sit here and speak with them, I and the other aysahik.  I would wish the Ayeyktan of all clans to join us here and speak. This is only the first of many, many ceremonies that will be held to allow Eywa to determine who is ready. The rest of you may leave!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#74
 75)~Mo'at gazed upon all the supplicants before her.
"Oel ngate kamie, oeyä aynumeyu. Kxawm, fi'ttr oel lu numeyo nìteng"
Neytiri began to translate for her mother.
You all know the formal greeting, "I SEE you." And my Mother says quote,
 "Perhaps, today I am the student, as well.unquote"
  Mo'at continued addressing the humans, "I had been workng with Ma Traesi on the spiritual aspects of being Na'vi. She has little tswin on her arm and has made the Bond with Our Great Mother before today." She gazed upon Tracy, who felt less self-conscious about her experiences with the Bond. She drew her knees in a little tighter but was smiling to herself, as she recalled the awesome peace which had enveloped her earlier. When Neytiri finished translating, Mo'at continued:
  "Slä, you have surprised me today.  I had thought that aysawtute..." she stopped herself from using the word of the evil, greedy humans who had tried to eradicate the Na'vi, "...aytutetsyip were incapable of exchanging spirit energy without tswin!  To be honest, I had expected to be disappointed.  The first tutetsyip I came know was Toktor Grace. Ma Grace had a Blue Heart. She could See, but not like this today. Today, I have learned that some aytutesyip have more ability than others to sense, and move and grow with spirit. For those of you with this ability, it will be easier to become nìNa'vi.  But all of you have Blue Hearts.  I once thought that all aytutesyip were skxawngs, and that a rock could see more..."
  Before Neytiri had translated this from Na'vi, all the Omatikaya and the all the humans of the Mipa Tsray smirked and laughed, as Neytiri and Mo'at BOTH gave JakeSully pointed stares.  Tai made a mental note to follow up on that joke. While Mo'at spoke again:
  "I had believed that their insanity could not be cured."  Beneath his Blue Skin, JakeSully was turning red, but he was grinning foolishly as well.  Obviously, this story was well known among the Na'vi because the ayeyktan and aysahik from all the clans were smiling.
  "She turned abruptly to Tai and told her, "You would make a good study!  But Neytiri and I have enough students already" And she nodded to all the people of Mipa Tray.  But you and these two will be the responsibility of Tsahik Meykir and her 'Ite.  Meykir'ite fairly beamed.  Tai did not know the name of the samsiyu next to her but realized that this was a name she must learn.  He would someday become eyktan of Olo'Zongtseng Alor.  "You will have Ateyo to teach you three the Ancient songs of our history.  Puvomun will help, I am certain.  Each of you will be assigned a karyu, to teach you how to think, walk, and speak, nì'Na'vi.  You, of course," and she addressed Tai once again,"already have a karyu for the Customs of our people!  I don't doubt that you two will need to improvise on certain... Customs... but Ateyo is known throughout the villages as an entertaining instructor. I am certain that her instruction will be...entertaining.  At least, no one will not have to worry  what the children will look like!"  There was astonished silence, and even Neytiri reddened.  At this moment, Mo'at reminded Tai of her favorite Auntie on Tutuilla Island, being slightly risque, because she could.  The shrewd expression never left Mo'at's face. But the giggling ensued, started by the older of the aysahik!
 "You all will be our first," and she sought the word carefully "experiment." When the new aytutetsyip arrive in three days, we will talk about, Training, more aytutetsyip to become Uniltìrantokx.  This experience today has given me fresh hope for our new friends."  As Neytiri  translated these words, a huge rush of emotion was shared among all who sat in the room.
  "And now, said Mo'at, quite simply."I am finished."
  JakeSully stood up awkwardly and said, "WHOA!" he was almost stumbling with the overwhelming sensation that had just been shared that day. In Inglìsì he said, "Well, if Mo'at is finished, I am famished!  We need to celebrate! Let's get back to Olo'Omatikaya. PARTY AT OUR PLACE!"

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#75
 76)~ As the AySahik, AyEyktan, and yumons filed out of the Well of Souls, many Na'vi came up to the new Nì'Na'vi with congratulatory cries of "Seykxel si Nìtram!" Everyone seemed to want to touch them as they emerged from the canopy of the huge tree. "Oel ngati kameie!" the Na'vi were especially pleased to know that these "newcomers" were welcomed in the truest, deepest sense. Mo'at said that Eywa welcomed them, and they, as a whole knew and felt with their hearts that this was true.  The Little People of Mipa Tsray had been interacting with the Omatikaya for nearly a year already.  The consensus was that the clan already KNEW that they had Blue Hearts, but were pleased that the ayeyktan and aysahik from all the clans now KNEW as well.  The tsamsiyu who had taken the compound bows from from Tai and Taifa' was pleased to return them to their owners. "Oel ngati kameie. Oe lu Kaman ta Olo'Omatikaya!"  Through Ateyo he conveyed his wish to learn someday, how to use the strange small bows, the tskow-tsyip.  Both Tai and Taifa' assured him that they would gladly allow him that, if they too cold use his bow.  By now a small entourage of hunters and warriors had gathered around the two Samoans, all expressing their interest.  On the way to the chopper, Ateyo suggested that they all meet after breakfast tomorrow and exchange lessons on the use of bows and arrows; tsko swizaw. Meykir'ite came bounding up to Ateyo and Tai, shouting Oel meyam ngati. (I give you hug) I am so happy for mefo. you two! Then she indicated the young man standing next to her.   "Fipor syaw fko Kxetsaw!"
 Ateyo returned the overjoyed hugs, "Ah this is the young hunter who has stolen your heart!  Ma Kxetsaw! Fipor syaw oeyä yawnete TaiTaeAo" This was the young Na'vi man whom Tai had earlier noted whose name to learn, name, as he would most likely become the Olo'eyktan after Ikxeru. Kxetsaw was especially pleased to know that Tai and Taifa' were associated with the Zongtseng Alor clan.  He surmised that he would be involved with their training as taronyu, as hunters, and was very honored to know them.
  Before Tai even started removing the cargo netting, several Na'vi offered to help.  It was much easier for them because of their height.  When they finished, they excitedly said their Hayalovays, their See You Laters, and bounded away for their ayIkran.  Eyktan Ikxeru and Tsahik Meykir made it known that they were proud of their new soiaia, family.  In no time, everyone was airborne and headed for the Omatikaya Kelutral.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#76
77)~"Ma Taifa'! I finding deaded log for tikan toltem, aim-shoot!) By this she meant a suitable log for  target practice, "but look, this more I finding!" Ateyo pried open the log to reveal a number of plump and pale Teylu (grubs) sqirming at the sudden intrusion of sunlight. "I plan for find!" Delicately, she plucked each soft larvae and dropped it to a small woven basket with a lid, as she had anticipating finding the delicious treasure. "Za'u fpì 'em. Take for cooking"  She indicated the log and Taifa's strong arms. "Rutxe, please, zamunge. please bring for tsko swizaw tikan toltem. bow and arrow aim-shoot."  She tossed him the blue blanket woven from the EanEan plant that she had brought along. "Yem, put, here."  She helped him shoulder the log using the blanket as cushion. It wasn't far from the clearing where target practice was going to occur. As they emerged from the jungle a few children ran to Ateyo. She handed off the package of teylu with instructions to deliver it to the ones cooking. With the remaining sunlight, the young hunters had set up targets away from the chopper and the nearby kelutral.  They were anxious to try the strange looking tsko (bow) that Tai had brought from 'Rrta.  The ayTutetsip, the Little People had brought many strange things from 'Rrta across the stars and heavens, but this was something somewhat familiar. A bow. Child size. But curved like Eytukan's bow that Neytiti keeps.
"Yem fìtseng, Taifa'. put here."  Taifa' added the new target to the row of old logs. And wiped his brow with the corner of the blue blanket. "Irayo, Ma Ateyotsyip!"  He liked adding tsyip to her name because she was small and well, not male. Cute in an endearing way.  The hunters, taronyu, were urging them to hurry off the field so that they could practice.  In the early twilight, the logs were glowing where Ateyo had split them open.  
The hunters were amazed at the ease of the draw and the power as the arrows, ayswizaw, were released.  They were taking turns aiming in a straight line along a crack.  Each successive arrow pierced the rotted wood.  Tai nodded to Taifa'.  They knew that the arrows could only be pulled to a certain length. The bows were the great equalizers. They knew that they could pull with as much strength as any Na'vi.  Simultaneously, they released their arrows and with a shout of success, they laid the log wide open in a shower of sparkling wood chips.
"Ftxi! AyTelyu! Stop GRUBS!"  Ateyo flagged the hunters to stop as she ran to the targets with yet another small basket in hand. The ayTeronyu, the hunters all laughed and expressed their delight to Tai and Taifa' in a running stream of Na'vi words that the Samoans couldn't catch. As they arrived at the targets, they were amazed to see that the ayTutetsyip had driven their arrows RIGHT THROUGH the logs just as they had. "Txur!" "Strong" Ateyo translated. "AU! Nìn F'iu!!" she didn't even translate into Inglìsì but produced a huge grub, the size of her hand.
"ATEYOEL, TxAN TELYU TARONYUTI" she exclaimed triumphantly "Ateyo the Great Grub Hunter!" as they strolled back to the Omatikaya Kelutral, the hunters teased Tai and Taifa' about the fact that they couldn't carry their compound bows in the same fashion as they could, while others were telling Ateyo that she needed to skewer her grubs on a swizaw next time.
"  'Efu ohakx?" Tai and Taifa' remembered the word for hungry and nodded vigorously, and they all walked to the Kelutral, the Home Tree.
At the cooking fires, there was general excitement as everyone discussed the sensations experienced at the Tree of Souls.  Even Tracy, who was usually withdrawn, was describing her experience. "This time, it didn't feel like an intrusion of spirits and voices in my head.  This time I felt like I was talking to old friends and that they were each hugging me, one after the other.  It seemed like ocean waves, coming over me. But I wasn't afraid of being overwhelmed."  Moat was about to remark that Tracy had just spoken in flawless Na'vi, but was surprised that the Tutetsyip woman had also understood.
"Yes, ME TOO." cried Ka'alani.  It was just like this!"  She began to sing an ancient Polynesian melody about her ancestors and how they had spoken to her and given her blessing forever like that waves of the ocean coming steadily and constantly forever and all time.  She didn't even remember learning that song, but she was singing and dancing as if she had sung it forever. And so were Tai and Taifa' and so were the Na'vi!  Her swaying hips and graceful arms and hands spoke of the gentle winds that brought the thoughts of their ancestors to them, like a constant incoming tide of wisdom that would sustain the peoples for ever and always.
The Na'vi were looking at each other in amazement.  Many had tears welling from their eyes.  They were aware that all were speaking their own languages and all were understanding each other.  Everyone's ancestors were present and moving like a constant tide of collective memory through out all the peoples seated here.  A Na'vi woman in red paint approached the Samoans ."My clan lives by the ocean. I would be honored if the three of you would come visit our clan some day and share with us."
Once the long night was over, the aytutestyip walked together to Mipa Tsray.  "Someday, we won't have to retreat to our air-tight homes!" said Norm. "But what an awesome experience we have had today."

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#77
78)~"I am wondering whether we should build a permanent guest room for you and Ateyo, Ma Tai."  Norm elbowed Tai lightly in the ribs.  "Ka'alani has her own room that SHE is sharing!  Have you two decided where you will settle?" Everyone at Mipa Tsray were still tantallized by the experience that they could all speak and understand each other speaking Na'vi.  "Ma Norm, we have been graciously accepted at the Olo'Zongtseng Alor kelutral.  It is close to my base, so we will stay there or at my base if I need to get rid of this for the night."  She tapped the mask that sat beside her.
  "At least until you get your blue bodies," chirped Tracy.  "Or maybe you can grow these fiber things on your arms." She proudly displayed the fine filaments that grew along the back of her arm for all to see.  
  "Something has happened to us today that is truly amazing," said Norm's Mary.  "I remember, Tracy, that you used to be so terrified and self-conscious about the fibers on your arms and the voices in your head." Mary was perplexed and thoughtful.  "It hadn't even occured to me that I could be an Avatar.  It just seemed like a wacky experiment that Norm was foisting upon the two of us." She patted his hand reassuringly. "But now I'm not opposed to it.  I WANT to be an Dreamwalker too, and become a friend of the Na'vi."
  "What is everybody saying? Why are you all of a sudden talking Na'vi?" Mendelson was TRULY perplexed. There were a few people a Mipa Tsray who hadn't attended the gathering at the Tree of Souls. None of them could understand what was being said in Na'vi.
  Suddenly everyone turned their attention to Gregory and tried to explain their experience to him.  Ateyo was distressed for her new friend.  She concentrated on speaking in Inglìsì.
  "Ma Mendllzong. I wishing you been there. Was wonderful. Mother Eywa loving all with blue hearts.  We must go and ask Eywa mother to hug your heart."
  "Well I can hear you fine, Ma Ateyo. Perhaps I will need to borrow you as my interpreter. I am feeling quite left out of this conversation, and you know something? I'm jealous!"
  Taifa' was concentrating on HEARING IN ENGLISH. "You fella shoulda let me carry you! You gonna need a Avatar for new leg, just like Jake." Everyone had heard of Jake's miraculous transformation from cripple to Warrior.
"You HAVE to be at the NEXT ONE.  Don't MAKE me KNOCK you OUT and TAKE you there!" joked Tai. It seemed that if one concentrated on a specific language, that language could be understood.
 "There's a NEXT one?" Gregory had a definite Yiddish lilt to the question.
 "Mo'at saying so, Ma Krekori! "  Said Ateyo from her place on the floor between Tai's knees. "All with Blue Heart want staying here in DreamWalker body, first asking Eywa to see BLUE HEART. Many more time. Mo'at say this one is first of many. Meeting new Little People in two day. New Little People from 'Rrta must all seeking Eywa."
 "There are two kinds of Earth People: Blue Heart and Vrrtwp(demons).  Not all people with Blue Hearts will choose to become DreamWalkers. But Eywa will chose only Blue Hearts to stay among us,as DreamWalkers."  Tai was already speaking inclusively.  This was home.
 Norm stood up and stretched, "Well, Children.  It's time for beddy-bye.  We will probably all start our migration to Hell's Gate. That's not a good name. How about HELL YA gate?"
  Everyone laughed but Ateyo said, BLUE HEART GATE!? everyone nodded and laughed in agreement as they shuffled off to their respective sleeping quarters.
  "Zipper?" In the privacy of Norm and Mary's bedroom Ateyo was her usual helpful self in getting Tai undressed.
  "Bring me your blue body," exclaimed Tai with delight dancing in her voice. Ateyo giggled and sighed.  Being held in those loving arms was both exhilarating and calming.  She couldn't explain it if she tried. Soon she was engulfed in a tumultuous kiss, that left them both breathless.   "Oh I love you so much!  I want to squeeze you and squeeze you!" cried Tai.  Finding love on this distant planet, moon, was such an amazement to her.  She felt giddy and silly."Will you love me even if I have a tall blue body?" she playfully asked her little mate.
 "Love will find a way, Love will find a way." sang Ateyo.  It was the refrain to her Yayo/Payoang song. And Tai understood the words now. How can a bird love a fish?  Love will find a way. Ateyo wasn't worried anymore about those details. Love would find a way.

Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#78
79) "AUWE! I'm so tired I feel strung out" said Ka'alani as the group trudged the well worn trail from the New Village, Mipa Tsray, to the Omatikaya HomeTree."
Everyone was speaking and understanding their own languages only this morning.  It was a disappointment in contrast to the elation of yesterday.  Ateyo was trying to imagine what strung out meant.  The image that came to mind was rows and rows of fresh caught PAYOANG fish, hanging from the smoking rack over a campfire.
  "Me too, I feeling like a smoke fish."
No one put together that seeming jump in conversation, but everyone laughed.
  "Oy vey I could use some lox and bagels right now!" Mendelson was remembering his favorite breakfast treat of smoked salmon and cream cheese atop the dense circular ring of bread called a bagel.
  "Mendllzong! We smoking OY VEY too."  This time the sleepy brains recognized Ateyo's quick wit and everyone started chuckling.   As they arrived at JakeSully's campfire they were greeted with "Rewon lefpom" Good Morning, and "Katxtì, oeyä eylan" Hello, my friends.
  "You're all in a good mood this morning!" observed JakeSully.
  "It's Ateyo! Ma Jake! She has a fun way of translating things." Norm told him.
Fi'u nìn, Ma Ka'alani! Look at this, Ka'alani!  Strung out, Smoke fish!"  Sure enough, Neytiri and Jake had a row of fish smoking over the coals on their cooking rack fashioned of yerik antlers.
  "Oy vey! All I need is a bagel and some cream cheese!" Gregory rubbed his hands together in anticipation of a memory.
  "Kehe Krekori! We don't have kemetzi here!" Norm was playing with the Hebrew word for leavened bread. He knew Gregory would appreciate that. "But we have this!"  He took the pro-offered smoked fish and wrapped it in a leaf spread with a seed butter that had a similar, acidic flavor to cream cheese. Gregory tasted the morsel and his shaggy eyebrows popped up in appreciation.  
  "This is good! Fi'u lu siltsan! Smoked FISH! MMMMmmm!"
  "I loving smoke flavor! PRRKXENKRRTRR!" **
Norm laughed and clapped his hands together.
  "I made up that word!   PRRTE' is pleasure.KxENER is smoke, TRR is day and KRR means time.  Loosely translated it means Daytime Smoking pleasure!" Everyone was laughing now, as Ateyo started her antics.  She was standing over the coals, wafting the smoke up and over her body with both hands.  Soon she pantomimed bathing and scrubbing her arm pits with smoke.  She was considering leaping over the fire but heard a simultaneous "OISSSS" reprimand from both Neytiri and Mo'at, as if they could read her mind. She flattened her ears, and pouted her lower lip, feigning a mortal blow from the gentle reprimand.
  "I SAW what you were thinking, Ma Ateyo!" scolded Mo'at good naturedly. "You will single-handedly corrupt our children if they watch you playing near the campfire, like that.  Ateyo droooped her tail and presented her rump to Mo'at who rolled her eyes and delivered a sound smack with a wet spoon, which resounded with a loud splat.  Everyone from the surrounding camps were all laughing and pointing. Mo'at turned and addressed the evengi, the children, with her wooden spoon in hand. "Anyone who imitates Ateyo will get the same treatment, and Ateyo will get smacked again, too!"
  "The Dragon Lady has spoken," whispered Jake loudly enough to be overheard by Neytiri, who rewarded him with a thump on the head "Skawng" moron! In her favorite and now famous appellation for him. "Kä, YOM Ma Frapo." Go eat. Everyone!" Later we will all start migrating to Hell's Gate to meetup with the new aytutesyip, Little People from 'Rrta."  If we get there early, so much the better. It should take all day to fly over. On ikrans." He looked pointedly at Tai,  "So you might consider giving us a two hour lead. Half of our people will be staying here. The rest of us will set up camp outside of Hell's Gate."
  "Blue Heart Gate, Ma Jake" nearly everyone from the Mipa Tsray said in chorus and began telling of how the name began.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
**according to Tirea's Aean's memory: "Once upon a time, in December 2009 or January 2010, there was once a hilarious bunch here. Namely two of them the infamous user named Skxawng and the great Taronyu. One day, Skxawng decided to make up a very difficult to pronounce word. It was born Prrkxentrrkrr. This was the supposed derivation of this fully fictitious fun word. Prrte' is pleasure. Kxener in those days was glossed as 'fruit'. and of course trr 'day', and krr 'time'. The result was "day time fruit pleasure" this joke was a smash hit with early members. Much laughter was had as the IRC lit up with prkxentrrkrr jokes of perverted nature."

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Ateyo Te Syaksyuk

#79
80)~ "No offense, Cuz, But you gotta get outta that flight suit!" Taifa' was standing by his gun wearing a loincloth, Na'vi style.
"That bad, huh?!" It was long overdo. But she just couldn't wrap her head around flying the chopper wearing only a lava lava, or a loincloth.  It wasn't dirty. She had scrubbed it against a rock just the other day.  But there were patches upon patches and the fabric was getting too threadbare to add more patches.
Ateyo was in the left seat watching Tai do the start up procedures for the Samson. "She too embarrass! Not show her bare a$$..."
"Oisss!" She was interrupted by Tai who hissed at her, Na'vi style. "Who taught you that word?!"
Taifa' shot back, "You did, Cuz! She's like a parrot.  Anything you say, she is gonna say!"
"Let's sky-up! Makto ko!" shouted Tai over the engines. The conversation started as an explanation of a parrot, a bird, yayo, who could imitate human voices.
"Ooman?"
"Human, Cuz. Aytutetsyip. Little People from Earth. 'Rrta! US!"  Taifa' indicated all the humans traveling together with them in the Samson chopper." Humans!"
Ateyo rolled the world around in her mouth.  There are no words that begin with "H" sound in the Na'vi vocabulary. "Yumans? Oomans?" Everyone nodded enthusiastically at either pronunciation. so she received no clarification. "Ma Tai, gonna get Uniltìrantokx AND Yuman body." She announced proudly."Sometime blue, sometime brown."
"How do you say that word, Ateyo." Mary actually wanted to know how Ateyo was coping with the idea that Tai would be in two bodies.  It was something she was trying to understand about herself and Norm.
Ateyo began teaching, "Unil is sleep mind."
"Dreams" Tai offered.
"Tìran, means, to walk." And she walked her fingers up her arm. "And tokx means body." She slapped her ribcage with both hands. "DreamWalker Body"
"Isn't that weird, though, to think that Tai could be Blue and comatose, but you could also be talking to her, Yuman, self." She didn't have a problem with thinking of both, Norm and herself in Avatar bodies, but was afraid, at some level, to have his blue 'corpse' nearby.
"Kehe, Mari! Sometime Tai be blue and sleep. Deep sleep. Not snore!  We making Tai safe when sleep. And Tai put on yuman skin and walk with me."  Ateyo noticed Mary's furrowed brow, as she tried to grasp the concept. She wanted to pat her arm reassuringly. But couldn't reach behind the seat.  "Tam, Tam, Ma Mari. Not afraid. Tam Tam."
"Well, it's going to happen and I really love Norm, so I will have to make it work." said Mary trying to look determined, past her doubts.
"Kosman! Wonderful! Love will find a way, Ma Mari! Love will find a way!" But Ateyo's attention was drawn forward as Tai announced their arrival, "I have visual; Hell's Gate in sight.  Correction. Blue Hearts Gate in sight. Prepare for descent, people" She began to speak on the aircraft UHF radio, "Hell's Gate Approach. Bad News Six. Ten out. Inbound. Full stop. Request landing clearance."
"Bad News Six. Hell's Gate Approach. Long time no hear! You are cleared for immediate approach. And touch down on the aircraft parking area. How many soul's aboard?"
"Approach, Bad News Six. Seven souls aboard. One of us is Na'vi. Who happens to be my wife. IF she is not shown utmost respect I will NOT be a happy Major. Any where she can't go, I won't go."
"Bad News Six, Approach control. All of your party including your wife, have complete access. The site director is standing behind me and cleared it.  Welcome home, Major!"
"Approach,Bad News Six. Roger your last. Bad News Six. Out."
With that the samson neared the outer perimeter. "Major? Maybe they have my backpay?" Taifa' and the other humans were laughing. But Ateyo was trying to puzzle out the word wife.
"What means wife, Ma Tai"
"Ral muntxate. Yawnete muntxate. It means life mate, beloved lifemate."
"Oh, they wouldn't DREAM of insulting the Major! OR her wife.  Tai would run them up a flagpole!" Norm was already was becoming comfortable with the commanding figure of TaiTaeAo.  Ateyo was going to ask what a flagpole was, but was distracted to see familiar ikrans landing in a huge tree near the perimeter fence.  She started waving and exclaiming. She was surprised though as they descended past the enormous starship transport vessel and the surrounding landing field with its few Samsons and fewer Scorpions.
Ka'alani watched appreciatively as the flaps of Taifa's loincloth were blown around. He was covered underneath of course, with the loincloth , not an apron! Still, it was increasingly obvious that he was self-conscious about his state of undress on a "military" base. He was trying to secure his weapon with one hand and cover his self with the other. The skids touched down on the cement and Tai started the shut down procedures as the humans disembarked. It was almost comical to see Mendelson lifted off the craft by Taifa'. The big Samoan lifted the man effortlessly.  
Ateyo grabbed Tai's hand and walked with wonderment on the concrete slab, curious as to the nature of the flat rock floor. The entourage was met at the door of the compound by Patricia Fenwick, director of the New Earth Research Facility.  She was dressed casually in a tropical print shirt and slacks and extended her hand towards Tai.
"Major TaiTaeAo?! And I presume this is your lovely wife? I am Patricia Fenwick."  
"Oe lu Ateyo, Ma Trisha!" Ateyo grabbed Patricia's hand, and pumped it human style. "Welcome to my home!"  Ateyo had been rehearsing this line for days.  She wanted to establish precedence immediately, in the least offensive way possible.  Ateyo ignored the cold floor underneath her feet, but was actually curious about this other incredibly shiny flat rock.  She barely paid attention as the introductions were made.
"This is Sargent Taifa'ana'e, the NCOIC(non commissioned officer in charge) of our base, who is both my door gunner and medic."
"Sargent! I present Patricia Fenwick.
"I see that you are already going Native! I guess you're out of uniform though!" This made Taifa' even more self conscious, though.  Ka'alani relished this opportunity to embarrass him further. "Then I guess we had better sew his rank stripes on his loincloth!  I'm Ka'alani. I was a tech here in this facility when RDA was running it!" Patricia greeted each person with warmth and barely could restrain her excitement at meeting, both Dr. Norm Spellman and Dr. Gregory Mendelson.
"I am so pleased to meet you both.  I have heard so much about the two of you from Max..."
"MAX! You knew MAX!" Norm was excited to hear about his old friend from the previous RDA research facility.
"I KNOW Max.  He will be here shortly.  In fact we should meet him at the dining facility right now. I just got out of cryo four hours ago. I'm famished! Let's walk down this hall. I am amazed to see how well this part of the facility has been refurbished and upkept these eight years."
Ateyo was busy listening to her bare feet slap against the cold floor as she followed.  She noticed that Norm was walking very fast, in fact running ahead!
"MAX!  MAX!  I thought you were dead!" Norm rushed to his old friend when he caught sight of him.  The two men collided into a bear hug with thumping upon their backs and excitement.
Ateyo watched the two expressing their enthusiastic encounter.  She hadn't observed humans being this outgoing.  She looked quizzically at Tai who was beaming with satisfaction.  The rest of the humans were all smiles.  Mendelson was introduced next, as all proceeded to the "chow hall" as Taifa' referred to it. Patricia made sure that her guests had cushions against the cold benches, especially Taifa' and Ateyo, who were both in loincloths.  The room was comfortably regulated with air conditioning, which seemed fairly cold to Ateyo.
"You know, I am being rude.  Do you want to wash up before we eat? Taifa' and Ateyo both look cold!  There are uniforms available still, I'll have our people get you set up!"  She beckoned to some people who were waiting in the dining hall, and asked them to show their guests the shower rooms down the hall.
"Hi I'm Deborah Webb. I'll show you where to get fresh clothes and a shower. "Oel ngati kamie!'  She greeted Ateyo properly, which impressed Ateyo greatly. "Oeru syaw Debbie" I am called Debbie. As Debbie grasped Ateyo's arm in welcome, she noticed her goosebumps.  I'll get you both something to wear after your shower."  Providing towels, she left them to their own devices.
Ateyo was unaccoustumed to everything, especially cold tiles. She was delighted though when Tai turned on the taps.
"Som Pay Zup!" hot water fall! exclaimed Ateyo.  Tai wished that they could linger longer, but knew she had important business to attend. She enjoyed the luxury of the hot shower and enjoyed the luxurious lather that Ateyo was also obviously enjoying. They helped each other towel off to get dry.  In the dressing room were a stack of identical flight suits,  Ateyo would have been pleased to dress in the bath sheet, but was suddenly intrigued by the idea of wearing the flight suit.  Tai got out her duty knife and said, "Hold Still". and cut a slot for Ateyo's tail to stick out the back. With delight, Tai helped her with ZIPPERS and showed her her own image in the MIRROR.  Ateyo didn't know which was more intriguing, the image of herself in a flight suit, or the mirror itself. "Mirror. Ateyo. Flite zoot!"
When they reentered the mess hall, they were greeted by a room full of friendly strangers. All the techs and crew had convened and cheered when the humans of Mipa Tsray and the Samoans entered with Tai and her Na'vi wife, hand in hand.