NIRI TE 'S FANFIC "LAST FLIGHT OUT "

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Niri Te

#180
          CHAPTER 189

    After the meal was finished, The undersea renegades were sitting around the fire together, chatting about different things that were on their minds. After about twenty minutes, a pebble bounced off Sharon's shoulder, and she looked up at the direction that it had come from.
"Well HI there", said John, "Which dimension were you visiting for the last three minutes"?
"Oh, I was thinking about something" Sharon responded.
Chip popped up with, "Do we need a security clearance, or can you share it with us"?
Sharon stood up, and replied, "Hang on, I'll show you", and she walked over to the far side of the fire, grabbed one of the Clam Shells, and brought it back with her. "I have been thinking about this. You folks know about all the mollusks that slowly died in the early to mid 21st century due to the rain, that for a century had percolated  Sulfur Dioxide out of the atmosphere, raising the acidity of the water on Earth. We know that the Calcium Carbonate that made up the shells of the mollusks was dissolved by the water in which they were located. Pandora has a more highly acidic atmosphere than Earth had, yet THESE shells are very thick, even thicker that the giant Clams on Earth before the 1950's. I need to take one of these shells to the labs at Blue Heart, along with one shell that has NOT been boiled, to check out the chemical composition of these shells. We will also need to get water, and mud  samples of the tidal flat where these critters live."
Steve remarked, "I think that I see another Doctoral Thesis in the making, to whom are we going to submit this"?
John defended Sharon with, "We don't need any scholastic Accolades here on Pandora, have we lost the excitement of finding out just HOW things in a Marine environment worked"?
"OK", chimed Pamela, But we DON'T have our undersea lab here, not that we would need it on a tidal flat".
"That is true", offered Dale Garbacki, as he walked up on the group,  "But if you scientists could learn HOW things worked here in an environment that would be highly toxic to almost anything on Earth, wouldn't that knowledge alone be worth the effort that it took to gain it"? 
"Yes, it definitely would", Replied Sharon, "I, and some of our 'Olo, would LOVE to be able to study the Marine ecosystem here, but there is the slight problem of our very expensive undersea lab doing the slow roast at the bottom of a canyon, on what used to be the Pacific Ocean. I don't know if we could get the three starship captains, plus the people in charge of Blue Heart, to commit to building another lab for us".
"Well, I can always ask and find out", volunteered Dale. "All they can do is say no".
Pamela piped up with, " It would be great if we could, we could learn a lot, about the Pandoran sea life, and the knowledge  might benefit the Na'vi, as well".
Sharon looked at her teammates, and asked, " Well guys, what do you think"?
Chip answered first, with a resounding, "Let's GO for it"! Within moments the rest of the Undersea Renegades agreed.
Sharon turned to Dale, shook his hand, and said, " Let's see what they say"!
Steve turned to John, and remarked, "I see some brainstorming sessions in our immediate future, my friend".

     Everyone from the 'olo äo Tampay climbed aboard the s
Sampson that was assigned to be used by Dale Garbacki's ISV crew, and lifted off to fly direct to Blue Heart Gate.
"Sit back and relax, folks, it is a three hour flight to Blue Heart, from kelku.
you will find snacks in the port forward equipment locker, and fruit juice in the center rear locker."
No one was hungry, but fruit juice was shared among everyone in the rear of the aircraft.
Several hours later, when they landed at blue heart, Max Patel, the Chief of Station met the Sampson on the ground, as it landed,  and guided everyone to one of the meeting rooms, inside the facility.
As the group was walking from the Helipad to the meeting room, Dale quickly briefed Max on why they had come, so once everyone was seated at the meeting table, Max opened the meeting with, " I understand that Sharon has a few study projects in mind that would require the use of a submersible the same size as the one that the 'Olo äo Tampay had to leave on Earth, is that correct, Sharon?"
"Yes, Doctor Patel, that is correct" replied Sharon.
"No need to be formal here, we are all researchers, I prefer to be called Max".
"O.K., Max", began Sharon, "Yes there are a few things that I presented to the rest of the team before we left our kelku, and everyone agreed, that what we learn from these studies might benefit the general Na'vi population of Eywa 'Eveng. They have to do with the study of the Marine Ecology here, to determine how much, if any damage has been done by the non Na'vi presence on this moon, and if any changes in the physiologies of the marine life resulted from any changes in the environment."
Max smiled, and remarked, "That sounds like a viable proposal, how soon can you folks put it on the computer for us not directly attached to the study team to monitor?"
Chip replied with, "If we could have quarters here for this evening, as well as use of a computer terminal for the duration of the studies, we should have the initial study hypothesis, methodology, and required materials printed up in the drives by this time tomorrow."
Max smiled again, and said, "Quarters will be assigned to all of you within the hour, and you are welcome to be our honored guests for as long as you need to complete ALL of your studies."

     "Well", said John, "Let's start piecing the proposal together, shall we"?
"OK", replied Sharon, as she started typing on one of the workstations, slaved to the computer, "I am thinking that the moisture that percolates through the Pandoran atmosphere, causes the majority of the pandoran oceans to have a chemistry that is somewhat similar to the chemistry of the water of pre apocalyptic Earth's oceans in the vicinity of black smoker hydrothermal vents".
"Interesting", said a Blue heart Technician, carrying several coils of Coaxial cable on one shoulder, while pulling a cart with several boxes stacked upon it. "My name is  Sìkat Kxomstxokx, a Na'vi transliteration of my old Earth name of Scott Comstock. I am the assistant head of the electronics and computer engineering sections here. I have been volunteered by the powers that be, here at Blue Heart Gate to help you folks out. It is not that big of a sacrifice for me, now that I heard you discussing the chemistry of Seawater around hydrothermal vents on the old Earth.
"Did you study Marine Biology in College?" asked Chip.
"No, but as a sport diver cleared for deep dives on mixes, it is a hobby of great interest of mine". Sikat looked at Sharon, and asked, and your name is?"
Sharon looked at him and said, We did a transliteration of my old Earth name and came up with S'rron, which is for Sharon".
Sikat offered his hand, which S'rron shook, and asked, "Then you think that some of the marine fauna on Pandora might be symbiotic organisms?"
Chip's jaw dropped, and he stated, "Just a HOBBY, huh, how much do you know about Chemosynthesis?".
"Well I remember reading about a type of Bacteria that took the Hydrogen Sulfide spewing out of the vents, and using it to create a form of Carbohydrate for the host organism to live off of, is that correct?"
Chip replied, "Yes, that is the short version, but you are absolutely correct. The bacteria in marine volcano ecosystems do more than provide food for small organisms. They also provide a means of obtaining nutrients for many of the larger species in a symbiotic relationship. In fact, giant tube worms have no digestive systems at all. Instead they are filled with massive colonies of bacteria that synthesize nutrients for them. Many of the worm species around hydrothermal vents have decorative-looking "fur" or "feathers" that are actually colonies of bacteria clinging to them, such as the Pompeii worm (Alvinella pompejana). The shells of hydrothermal mollusks like mussels (Bathymodiolus), limpets (genera Lepetodrilus and Eulepetopsis), clams (Vescomyidae) and barnacles (Neolepas) are also filled with symbiotic bacteria.

Hydrothermal vent communities are able to sustain such vast amounts of life because vent organisms depend on chemosynthetic bacteria for food. The water from the hydrothermal vent is rich in dissolved minerals and supports a large population of chemoautotrophic bacteria. These bacteria use sulfur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide, a chemical highly toxic to most known organisms, to produce organic material through the process of chemosynthesis.

The ecosystem so formed is reliant upon the continued existence of the hydrothermal vent field as the primary source of energy, which differs from most surface life on Earth, which is based on solar energy. However, although it is often said that these communities exist independently of the sun, some of the organisms are actually dependent upon oxygen produced by photosynthetic organisms, while others are anaerobic. some of the more unusual species that were discovered in close Proximity to the vents, were, the Pompeii worm, which was found in the 1980s, and a scaly-foot gastropod in 2001 during an expedition to the Indian Ocean's Kairei hydrothermal vent field. The latter uses iron sulfides (pyrite and greigite) for the structure of its dermal sclerites (hardened body parts), instead of calcium carbonate. The extreme pressure of 2500 m of water (approximately 25 megapascals or 250 atmospheres) is thought to play a role in stabilizing iron sulfide for biological purposes. This armor plating probably serves as a defense against the venomous radula (teeth) of predatory snails in that community."

Sikat rubbed his chin, and exclaimed WOW! Looks like I should double majored in both Electrical Engineering AND Marine Biology, THIS stuff is fantastic."
S'rron shook his hand, and said, "let us spend tonight putting together this presentation for tomorrow, and I think that we can arrange for you to come on some of our research trips, kind of like an on the job degree program."
"OH HELL YES!" was his reply, as he left the room to the 'Olo äo Tampay members.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te




       CHAPTER 190

The fifteen people in the mess hall, all wondered what all the fuss was about. All that they knew for sure was that the Undersea Renegades, as they were known in Blue Heart Gate, were going to give a presentation on Pandoran sea life.
The same time that pastries and coffee made their way from the kitchen to the serving table in the left side of the front of the room, the scientists entered the room from the hallway to the rear.
"Rewon Lefpom, ma Frapo" , announced S'rron, as she entered the room.
Everyone that was waiting in the mess, greeted the newcomers, and after all refreshed themselves with coffee, and pastries for several minutes before the 'olo äo Tampay started their presentation.

Chip Higgens walked up to the table at the head of the Mess Hall, and announced, "My name is Doctor Chip Higgens, and I am the head of the Marine Biology team that got off from a rapidly self destructing Earth, in order to arrive here. These are my fellow Team Members, S'rron West, her wife Pamela Wright, Steve Hobbs, John Williams, and Jim Hansen.  Since S'rron first noticed something about the mollusks, and crustaceans in the Eastern Sea that she started studying, I will let her begin the presentation." 
S'rron stood up, slid over some papers on the table, picked up the controller for the Audio Video machine, and began. "Good morning, folks, I was sitting at a clambake that we were having, two days ago, and I noticed that the clams were significantly heavier, than the clams of similar size on Earth. That got me to thinking about the possibility that the clams, and perhaps all of the Crustaceans, and mollusks here on 'eywa eveng bear a resemblance to the deep ocean Clams and shrimp living in close proximity to the underwater vents on Earth, when we were studying them. The atmosphere here contains markedly higher quantities of CO2, Xenon, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide. It is also 20 percent denser than the atmosphere on pre apocalyptic Earth, allowing for far easier absorption of these chemicals into the rains, and then the oceans here. The bacteria in marine volcano ecosystems do more than provide food for small organisms. They also provide a means of obtaining nutrients for many of the larger species in a symbiotic relationship. In fact, giant tube worms have no digestive systems at all. Instead they are filled with massive colonies of bacteria  that synthesize nutrients for them. Many of the worm species around hydrothermal vents have decorative-looking "fur" or "feathers" that are actually colonies of bacteria clinging to them, such as the Pompeii worm. The shells of hydrothermal mollusks like mussels, limpets, clams, and barnacles, are also filled with symbiotic bacteria."
S'rron looked out at the people in the mess hall, and to her surprise, everyone was paying attention to what she had just said, and was waiting for her to continue.  "Hydrothermal vent communities are able to sustain such vast amounts of life because vent organisms depend on chemosynthetic bacteria for food. The water from the hydrothermal vent is rich in dissolved minerals and supports a large population of chemoautotrophic bacteria. These bacteria use sulfur compounds, particularly hydrogen sulfide, a chemical highly toxic to most known organisms, to produce organic material through the process of chemosynthesis. Siboglinid tube worms, which may grow to over 2 m (6.6 ft) tall in the largest species, often form an important part of the community around a hydrothermal vent. They have no mouth or digestive tract, and like parasitic worms, absorb nutrients produced by the bacteria in their tissues. About 285 billion bacteria are found per ounce of tubeworm tissue. Tubeworms have red plumes which contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin combines with hydrogen sulfide and transfers it to the bacteria living inside the worm. In return, the bacteria nourish the worm with carbon compounds. Two of the species that inhabit a hydrothermal vent are Tevnia jerichonana, and Riftia pachyptila. One discovered community, dubbed "Eel City", consists predominantly of the eel Dysommina rugosa. Though eels are not uncommon, invertebrates typically dominate hydrothermal vents. Eel City is located near Nafanua volcanic cone, in American Samoa.
The ecosystem so formed is reliant upon the continued existence of the hydrothermal vent field as the primary source of energy, which differs from most surface life on Earth, which is based on solar energy. However, although it is often said that these communities exist independently of the sun, some of the organisms are actually dependent upon oxygen produced by photosynthetic organisms, while others are anaerobic. some of the more unusual species that were discovered in close Proximity to the vents, were, the Pompeii worm, which was found in the 1980s, and a scaly-foot gastropod in 2001 during an expedition to the Indian Ocean's Kairei hydrothermal vent field. The latter uses iron sulfides (pyrite and greigite) for the structure of its dermal sclerites (hardened body parts), instead of calcium carbonate. The extreme pressure of 2500 m of water (approximately 25 megapascals or 250 atmospheres) is thought to play a role in stabilizing iron sulfide for biological purposes. This armor plating probably serves as a defense against the venomous radula (teeth) of predatory snails in that community."

One of the people sitting in the front row, raised his hand, and said, "Pardon me, but was this something that the creatures living around the vents preferred to do, or was it dictated by the ocean chemistry?"

S'rron smiled, and replied, " That's good thinking, as it has validity here, where the marine life here would almost HAVE to make these changes in order to survive. When water becomes saturated with CO2, it not only reduces the ocean's pH, but depletes the calcium carbonate sources as well ³⁵. Calcium carbonate, CaCO3, is a necessary ingredient in building corals, shells and exoskeletons for many aquatic creatures. As CO3²⁻ levels decrease, it becomes more difficult for marine creatures to build their shells from Calcium Carbonate, so some new biological system must arise, or the shellfish, and exoskeletal creatures would be easy prey for their natural predators, and in short order, they would cease to exist."

Doctor Norm Spellman raised his hand, and when recognized by S'rron, stated the obvious. "So we assume that you need help in constructing another deep sea lab, to further study these systems, correct?"

Doctor Higgins rose, and replied, "Why yes, doctor, that is what we will need to learn about this segment of Pandoran life".

Doctor Max Pattel rose next to his colleague, and sealed the deal. "You have our promise to get you whatever you need to accomplish your studies, but we will STILL want to see periodic progress reports on your work."

Remembering her promise to  Sìkat Kxomstxokx, S'rron made a request to the two prime movers of Blue Heart Gate. "Doctors, might we borrow the services of  Sìkat Kxomstxokx to help us design, and construct the electrical systems on the lab?"

Max looked at Sikat, and asked, "You have no problem with living with the 'Olo äo tampay for a long duration?"

Sikat looked at his boss, and said, "Not at ALL, sir, not at all."   
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te

#182

          CHAPTER 191
Sìkat Kxomstxokx helped load some of the equipment and paperwork back into
the Sampson, and then led the "Renegades", as they were still colloquially known
at Blue Heart, back to his lab, and selected some electronics equipment that he
thought might aid them with their work.
"So where did you get your Engineering Degree"? asked Sharon of Sikat.
" I graduated from Clarkson with a B.S. in electrical engineering, class of 2144; recruited by RDA almost immediately upon graduation.  Worked at what was then Hell's Gate as a junior engineer working on the base's power systems. I had become disillusioned at the RDA after Hometree was destroyed, and when I heard of Quaritch's all-out assault, I became outright pissed off."
Pamela queried, "How did you feel about his attack on the Tree of Souls, did you try to talk Quaritch out of the attack"?   
Sikat shook his head, and replied, " No one tried to talk reason to him after he almost KILLED Selfridge for suggesting to maybe try to tone down the acts of aggression. We knew that if we were going to stop his maniacal plans, we would have to sabotage the mission, any way that we could. One of the ways, would be to take out the GPS, and targeting repeaters, here at Blue Heart. That would leave ALL of his aircraft TOTALLY blind when the entered the vortex. Max, Dan, and I had modified the electronic, and electric systems in both one of the mining suits, and the control room, completing our work an hour before Quaritch's failed attack on the Well of Souls began. We appeared to be team players until that crazy bastard led his invasion force out to destroy the Tree of Souls. Once they were gone, I waited for Max to start the show by taking out one of the walls in the control room. All of us that stood for the Na'vi, each had our masks hidden under our shirts, ready for immediate use when the wall was breached.  When I saw Max come through the glass, I gave him a big thumbs up, and as he took the wall down, creating mass confusion, and fear among Quaritch's minions, I took out an RDA gunslinger who had his back to me, with a knife, taking his weapon, and gunning down three other armed RDA in the control room."
"WOW", said John, "It sounds like there was quite a battle in here".
"Yeah"' agreed Sikat, "But we knew that WE were going to win, because WE were the only ones with Gas Masks".

Twenty minutes later, the Sampson was climging through the thick Pandoran atmosphere, headed for the 'Olo äo tampay kelku.
Sikat leaned over to Chip, and asked, "So do you guys live at the Eastern Sea Clan"?
Chip shook his head, and said, "No, we have our own Kelku that we share with 'Olo Samoana right on the shore of the Eastern Sea".
"Well, you are certainly close enough to the sea to make use of any laboratories that we build', replied Sikat.
"Not just US, but YOU TOO"! said S'rron, as she leaned toward Sikat, and slapped him on the back.   

Several hours later, a mountain appeared on the horizon. "See that mountain"? Steve asked Sikat, "That is home".
As the flexwing approached the mountain, more details became distinguishable. The huge grassy area, the lagoon, and just how close to the water's edge the mountain was.
About a mile out, the pilots could make out the smoke from the signal fire, which indicated the approach direction for the Sampson as surely as any windsock could. The aircraft flared, and gently touched down in the knee high grass.

As the rotors spooled down, many of the inhabitants of the kelku approached the Sampson, to welcome their friends, and relatives back home, but one person came flying out of the crowd, toward Sikat, stopping only two feet in front of him.  Sikat looked at this person, the recognition beginning to show on his face. " Dan, is that YOU???  I have always wondered what happened to you".
Dan seemed to be at a loss for words, something that S'rron did not suffer from. She volunteered, " THIS guy, is the reason we are here today. He flew an old shuttle almost too the cauldron that was the Earth's atmosphere, flew alongside the Starshooter, and helped us transfer off that ship that was out of fuel, and within a year, start to fall to it's death in a decaying orbit."
Sikat smiled, slapped Dan on the shoulder, and said, "So your acts of bravery didn't end in the control room of Hell's Gate, you rescued fellow Blue Hearts, and brought them home. I'm proud to know you, guy!"
Dan smiled, and said, "I'm glad to see you too, what are you doing here"?
"I am on long term, perhaps indefinite loan to the 'Olo's here, to help build the study labs for the Marine Biologists. I may be here for quite a long time, if I can be useful to the people here," Sikat replied.
"Oh I'm SURE that we can keep you here with us for as long as you want to stay," assured Chip.
Just then Kofi came flying up, but stopped short, to allow for the formal greetings to be made.
S'rron was introducing Sikat to the ayeyktan and aysahik of the ayolo'.  Everyone was touching their foreheads in the gesture of greeting, saying their 'Oel ngati kameie's.  Sharon introduced Tai and Ateyo, who each seemed to remember Sìkat. Tai was introducing her cousin, Taifana'e, and in turn, Taifa' was introducing his wife, Ka'alani, and then turned to him.  Their eyes met as they gestured Oel Ngati Kameie.  And paused.
  "Srane!" said Kofi in a voice too loud to be polite. "Oel ngati zerok!" (I remember you!)  "Ngal oeti tamìng kofir 'awve may'." (You gave me my first taste of coffee!)
  "Krrpe?" (when)
  "Srane! Ngar zam'u Normhu fa Tsopxer!" (Yes! You came with Norm by means of Chopper!)
"Naer amoeyk oer spä kilvanmì! (The drink caused me to jump in the river.)
Scott's face lit up as the scene replayed in his mind. "OH! I remember!  But you were just a kid then! Nga lamu 'ewan ni'aw!" (You were young only.) That was only eight years ago!" said Scott in amazement to realize how much he had missed while working at Hell's Gate. 'Blue Heart Gate', he reminded himself.  Kofi was introducing his young family, and also told Scott that he was Eyktanay, a minor leader of his small band within Clan Samoana.  Scott's head was reeling with all the new names and information and old memories that were pouring down on him.  Sharon, noticing his bewilderment, poked him lightly in the ribs,
"Quiz in one hour!" she teased.
  "You fella must be some kinda hungry. Za'u!  Yom ko!"  (Come, Let's eat.) Taifa' took Sìkat by the elbow and guided him toward the ylltxep, where food was being prepared.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



          CHAPTER 192
During the afternoon meal of Aykläm,  Aysrimp and Ayfkxen, Sìkat turned to Pamela and said, " We NEVER ate like THIS at Blue Heart, I'm STAYING here!"
Ateyo was showing Sharon the nodules produced from her Kläm shells.
  "Nari si, Ma S'rron!  Fì'u lu sleyku krra txep lu txasom!  Oel ereyk kxumpayit fa reypay ultralä. Srake, fì'u teri lu fngap a ngal pamreng ayoet!"  (Look, Sharon!  This thing is become when fire is very hot. I was making goo from tree-blood. Yes/No, This thing is metal which you were telling us about!)
  Sharon examined the slag which Ateyo displayed in her outstretched hand.  She grinned to herself.  Ateyo must have used the clam shell as a melting pot for making pitch from sap, which she called, tree-blood! She would have had to build a very hot fire to achieve that effect.  Pitch glue was used for fastening stone tools to hafts. It was Na'vi super glue!
  "Rolun! Ma'Teyo!" (You found it, Ateyo!) "Srane! Pum lu a hìno tsat oel poltxe teri!" (Yes, that is precisely the thing I was talking about!) Srake, ngal oeti tivìng fì'u fpi fmeretok?" Yes/No, will you give me this thing for the sake of testing?)
  "Srane!" (yes!) Ateyo handed over her handful of unprecious metal.  "Kxawm, ngal oeti wìntxu ngop hì'ia sä'otsyìp fpi tseo?" (Perhaps you can show me how to create small tool for the sake of art?) Sharon pondered for a while, stalling for time to decipher the meaning of her words. 
"Needle?" Of course, the tsulfätu, master craftsman, would want metal needles and awls!  "Nìlun, Ma'Teyo.  Moe kerar sliveyku pxeya u'o ftu fgnap. Slä lesngä'i oe new fmetok."  (Yes, Ateyo. We two can produce many things from metal.  But first I need to test.)
"Kosman, Ma S'rron.  Kosman!" (Wonderful, Sharon, wonderful!)

    Sharon looked at the metal, and saw what she suspected, that at the fire's temperature of around 800 to 900 degrees, the metal had not melted, but the calcium had mechanically separated from pockets of it within the shell. WHY the iron was not homogeneous in its  inclusion in the shell, would require some study.
"We will have to build a hotter fire, and then fire same mass samples of some shells at both the lower temperature, to cause mechanical separation of the pockets of iron from the shell", Sharon noted, "and also at a temperature above the actual melting point of the metal," She wondered,  as she moved the Iron nodules in the palm of her hand, is this a substrate, or not?
   Sharon noticed a shadow appear next to hers as she was staring at the metal in her palm. She looked up, and saw Pxepxi standing next to her.
"Srake? Oe srung sivi nìteng?" (Yes/No, I can help as well?)  Drawn by curiosity, Pxepxi had joined the conversation.
  "Nìlun!  Pfìl oe tsnì fìhem ayoe kem sivi." (Of course! I think that we can do this thing.)  Sharon recognized in Pxepxi, the inborn curiosity of any scientist and explorer.  She wasn't sure how to accommodate Pxepxi's infant, she would let Ateyo and Pxepxi figure that out.  Meanwhile, she figured she could engage the young woman in conversation about the testing parameters.  She could see how agile this One's brain could plan. 
  Sharon turned to Pxepxi, and said, "Rutxe.  Pawm Ateyor sì Kofi aysäfpil mengeyä teri  fìtìngäzìk, ulte plltce oer fayluta san sìk menga plltxe krr a wutzo txonä."  (Ask Ateyo and Kofi their thoughts about this problem, and tell me these words they say at the evening meal".
   Pxepxi smiled, and pointed with her chin. Sharon looked up and noticed that Ateyo was still standing about three feet to her other side, and had, no doubt, heard the conversation between herself, and Pxepxi.
  "Srake, We need fire more hot?" Ateyo asked, "What thing cause for this fire more hot become?"
Sharon smiled at Ateyo, and replied, "Yes we can. We just need to build a place to make this hotter fire. It will take a little time to get the parts, but I will show you how."
   Ateyo smiled, which was all the dismissal that Sharon needed. She turned to John and Steve, who had come up to join the conversation, and said, "We need to construct a small furnace to ascertain just how much metallic content these shells have. Can we come up with something that we can use as a heat containment vessel?"
John scratched his chin for a moment, and said, "I think so, let me see what I can raid from Dale Garbacki's Samson."
"I suggest that you ASK him first," shouted Sharon, as John trotted off in search of Dale.

An hour later, Dale, John, and Scott came walking up with a 1 foot high, 1 foot wide, and 2 foot long hand fabricated "furnace", built from High temperature Nickel-steel tubing, shielded by some of the heat shielding from around one of the Samson's engines, and one of the O2 AUX TANKS, also from Dale's ship.
"THIS ought to work," said Sìkat with a certain pride. We HAVE to bring the shielding back in one piece to the Sampson once we are done though," he added.
No problem, we will be done borrowing it this evening, and they can re-install the shielding as soon as it cools down," answered Sharon.

Sharon, John, Steve, Dale, and Scott brought the furnace with them to the Ylltxep, presenting it with great pomp to Ateyo, Pxepxi, Tai, Taifa, and Kofi. 
   Sharon asked Kofi, " Rutxe zamivunge 'awa kxlam ftu pay ne ayoeng fpi tìfmetok." (Please bring one clam from water to us for the sake of testing).
   Kofi looked at his father Taifa, who said, "Kä, kem si tsahem a Eyktan 'Olo äo Txampay plltxe." (Go, do that action which the Undersea Clan Eyktan speaks).
   Georgia Barnes, "Cookie" to all who knew her, asked, " Can he use the shells that I have piled up, ready to be carried off?"
   Sharon replied, "I thought that they were already gone. Of course! They will work!" and she instructed Kofi, "Kä hu Cookie ulte zamunge kxlam mesum." (Go with Cookie and bring two clam shells.)
   Tai leaned over to Sharon, and reminded her, "Cookie goes by the name Eyrina now."
   "Oops, I forgot" replied Sharon.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



         CHAPTER 193
While Sharon, John, Steve, Dale, and Scott were setting up the furnace by the illtxep,  Ka'alani took advantage to claim Pxepxi's Baby.
"Za'u Tutuhu, Ma Aulanitsyìp!"  (Come with Granny, Little Aulani!) Seeing that Pxepxi was distracted by the Kläm experiment, Ka'alani took advantage to claim the infant. 
  "Oe zamivunge prrnen ne txampaytsyìp." she announced to Kofi and Pxepxi. (I am taking the baby to the Little Ocean)   Pxepxi handed over the infant, almost TOO gratefully.
  "Tìkemìri, oe irayo seiyi, Sanu!" (About this action, I thank you, Mom.")   
  Kofi and Pxepxi grinned at each other.  They didn't know how often they could expect this kind of favor, but they were grateful for this opportunity.  They turned their attention back to the make-shift furnace and saw Ateyo.  Pxepxi followed her gaze as Ateyo wistfully watched Ka'alani retreating to the shoreline.  Ateyo looked somewhat disheartened.  She realized that she had not acted very "grandmotherly", concerning her granddaughter.  Actually, she was too caught up with curiosity about the Kläm experiment.  While she was embarrassed that she had not stepped in to claim the infant, she was relieved to know that Ka'alani was willing to take that role.  She grinned at Pxepxi and wondered if she felt the same way.  She reached her arms up to Kofi and Pxepxi and turned her attention to the group.
"Awsìteng sients si ko!" (Together let's do science!)  Ateyo had a habit of inventing words and phrases.
  "Hell Yeah!" answered Pxepxi, relieved that her Mom shared her enthusiasm for things unknown.

   Sharon turned to face the small group of people that were interested in what was going to happen, and after getting Ateyo's promise to translate, began a short explanation. "What we are going to do, is make a much hotter fire for the purpose of learning how much metal is in these shells. We are interested in learning how much the Kläms here on Eywa 'eveng are like some of the Kläms that lived by undersea vents on 'Rrta were." Sharon looked at Pxepxi and Kofi, to judge their interest in the subject, saw that they were paying attention, and continued. "How we do that, is we add more of the air that we breath here to the fire, by using a fan, to blow more air on the coals of the fire. THAT will make the fire a little hotter, but if it is still not hot enough, we will change what the air is made of, by adding some Oxygen to the air, which will make the fire MUCH hotter".
Sharon that both Pxepxi, and her muntxatan had quizzical looks on their faces, so she asked, "do you have any questions?"

  Sharon turned to face the small group of people that were interested in what was going to happen, and after getting Ateyo's promise to translate, began a short explanation. "What we are going to do, is make a much hotter fire for the purpose of learning how much metal is in these shells. We are interested in learning how much the Kläms here on Eywa 'eveng are like some of the Kläms that lived by undersea vents on 'Rrta were." Sharon looked at Pxepxi and Kofi, to judge their interest in the subject, saw that they were paying attention, and continued. "How we do that, is we add more of the air that we breath here to the fire, by using a fan, to blow more air on the coals of the fire. THAT will make the fire a little hotter, but if it is still not hot enough, we will change what the air is made of, by adding some Oxygen to the air, which will make the fire MUCH hotter".
  Sharon noted that both Pxepxi, and her muntxatan had quizzical looks on their faces, so she asked, "do you have any questions?"
  There was no reply, except that Pxepxi and Kofi's heads both swiveled to Ateyo. Sharon listened but did not recognize a few words.  After much conversation, Ateyo turned to her and responded;
  "Kofiru plltxe San, "Why you no blow on fire more hard? Working alla time for us." Sìk.
  Sharon smiled and said, "That would make it a little hotter. But we need it to be more hotter. It helps a little to blow on it, but blowing harder won't make it hotter.  Ateyo blew on her fire to get these little pieces.  We think with hotter fire, we can get more metal."
  Ateyo surprised her by asking, "Yes/No, You can put many rikur okxtisen on fire, for burn more hot? (oxygen leaves)
  Sharon looked at Tai and both chuckled.
  "Tse! Why you laugh?" Ateyo demanded.
  Sharon was flabbergasted, "Tewti nang!" (Wow)
  Tai responded to Ateyo reassuringly, "Tsat lu säfpìl atxan! Ayoe kesrefey tsnì ngaru livu tìtslam! Txantsan!"  (That is a good idea. We didn't expect that, to you was understanding.  Wonderful!)
  Ateyo wasn't sure that she was complimented or insulted. But Sharon stepped in and clarified.
"Yerem ayrìk mìtxep lu sìlronsem säfpìl, slä, ayoel zene sleyku yxepit pxelo som nì'ul'ul, fte sleyku fngap."  (Putting leaves on the fire is a clever idea, but we need to make the fire three times hotter to produce metal.)
Ateyo asserted with confidence, "Tsat lu f'yao alu Tsatutel fngapit nìtengfa, tafral ayforu lu aykläm 'Rrteyä fonìteng!" (That is the way the SkyPeople produced metal, because to them were clams like these.)
   Sharon replied, "Stum! Slä ayngaru sar ayskxe." (Almost, but we used rocks)
Sharon threw an uncertain glance at Tai.  Ateyo had referred to them as SkyPeople, a term rarely used nowadays.  Sharon couldn't help but remember the hideously dirty process of smelting and producing steel, and wondered what the end result of this little experiment would be.
Sharon looked at Tai and stated almost apologetically, "I don't want to create a steel mill, I just want to burn enough to learn about the bacteria in the clamshells."
  Tai's eyebrows shot up in surprise.  She was thinking of the polluted steel mill skies of Earth, as well.  Ateyo was tugging on the edge of Tai's tewng  (loincloth) to get her attention.
"Pelì'u pimlltxe' po?" (What word did she just say?)
"Ayoe keslam txo nerekx aysum sliveyku , fekxener, fe'ya.  Ayoe rä'ä leTsatute slu."  (We don't know if burning shells will produce, bad smoke, bad air. We don't  want to become like Sky People.)
  Ateyo contemplated these words.  She could recall seeing and smelling the acrid smoke spewing from the refineries at Blue Heart Gate.
  "Hels Kate," murmured Ateyo quite solemnly.
    Ateyo was curious to see if she could make needles from metal, so she was reluctant to say no.  Would she become a Tsatute if she said SRANE to thi"I will burn just one, maybe two," promised Sharon.  "I will not produce much smoke. Not like Hell's Gate."
     Ateyo frowned and stammered, "Srake, txo nga nekx 'awa fu mune, aynga slu leTsatute?"  (Yes/No, if you burn one or two, you will become like SkyPeople?"
  Sharon replied emphatically.  "Kehe.  Ayoeng rä'ä new kawngsar fìtseng. Fayluta livu kxawng nì'aw." (No. We don't want to exploit this place.  That would be bad only.)
Sharon offered more information.  "Txo fìkxener lu txum, ayoe tsun sar nekxtseng asìltsan ro BluHartKeyt. Tsa'u sliveyku knener alaro." (If this smoke is poison, we can use the burnplace good at Blue Heart Gate.  It will make the smoke clean.)
  Ateyo pondered and consulted the other aysahik who were watching.  "Ma S'rron, "Mìfì'u ayoeng mlltxe nìwotx, nga lu tute amal.  Nga tsun neyk 'awa fu mune aysum nì'aw.  Ayoel ngati mong ngaru tìpe'un eyawr sleyku. On this thing we agree,  you are trustworthy.  You can burn one or two shells only.  We trust you to make the right decision."
   Sharon felt exhausted.  "Ma Ateyo. Please tell the aysahik that I am grateful.  We can build the burn-place today, away from the ylltxep, and burn the shells tomorrow.
  Ateyo nodded and turned to the aysahik. "S'rron plltxe SAN, 'Fì'uìri oe irayo seiyi, Ma Anawma Aysahik. Slä oeru lu ngeyn mìtokx sì ronsem. Ayoe tìkangkem fìtrr ulte nekx aysum trrray."
The aysahik approved and Ateyo turned to all and stood with her arms outstretched. 
  "Fì'u lu pole'un!"  (It is decided.) With that she clapped her hands together in a gesture of finality.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



       CHAPTER 194
The roasted Yerik strips, fkxen and rolls baked by eyrina were almost finished, and people were beginning to group together for the different work parties that were needed for the day.
S'rron, John, Steve, Dale, and Sìkat had walked the moderate distance to where the furnace that they had built before Trr'ong the day before, and were getting set up to perform the experiment on the meKläm sum, when Ateyo, Pxepxi, and kofi came trotting up to the group.

     "Have you started yet"?  Asked Ateyo, of any of the scientists that chose to answer.
"Kehe, ma px'eylan, ye'rin " ( No, three friends, soon), replied Pamela.
"We must first make the meKläm sum asom ", ( two clamshells hot ), added S'rron.
John and Sìkat made the furnace ready, and then fired it up. John turned to Ateyo, and said, "Now we wait an hour".
Pxepxi and Kofi looked at Ateyo, who showed her wristwatch to the two of them, what her watch would look like, in an hour.
While they were waiting for the materials in the furnace to saturate at the desired temperature, S'rron took a close look at the cross section of a piece of the shell, with a jeweler's loupe.
"This looks like the shell is actually a conglomerate" S'rron remarked,  "The Iron seems to be encapsulated in layers within the Calcium compound. If that is the case, we could use a weak acid to dissolve the Calcium compound, but that would run the risk of contaminating the data on the chemical makeup of the shells, so we will continue with this furnace experiment".
Ateyo had been watching S'rron study the fragments of the shell, and asked,   "Ma S'rron, how fngapvi getting in shell?"  (How do the metal flakes get in the shell?)
  S'rron responded with, "Nìlam aykläm sleyku lefngapvil fa ayuti a yom." (Apparently, the clams produce metal flakes from the things which they eat.)  S'rron motioned for Ateyo to come closer, and both Pxepi, and Kofi, came with her, the three of them forming a semicircle in front of S'rron.
"The three of you all know about the look far things that we have, that let us look at things that are are very far away, and they are made to look close, so that we can learn about them," she said, noticing that all three nodded their heads yes.
"Well, this thing," S'rron continued, while she displayed the Jeweler's loupe, "takes things that are close, and makes them look much larger, so that we can learn about them too."
Kofi tentatively remarked, "Mik'ro'skop?"
S'rron looked up at him and smiled, saying, "that's right, you are studying to be a Botanist, and you have used Microscopes, while your yawnetu used the look far's to study the sanhì."  S'rron took the loupe away from her eye, and held it, and the shell fragment,  palm up to Kofi, for him to use, to look at the shell fragment with. As Kofi gingerly took the two items, S'rron instructed, "Hold the shell close to your eye, to be able to see better." Kofi did as he had seen S'rron doing when he, Ateyo, and Pxepxi, approached S'rron.
He looked startled when he first tried, but quickly brought the shell into focus. "I can see the fngap!" He exclaimed.
"Yes, that is the metal," assured S'rron, that is what will tell us a lot about how the ayklam live, and what they eat."
Kofi returned both items to S'rron, who, in turn let both Pxepxi, and her mother, see what Kofi had been looking at. 
Pxepxi handed her mother the loupe.  Ateyo put the loupe to her eye, and brought the shell into range.   "Tewti nang! (WOW!!) Nìwotx - all thing looking more big!  Fìklämur lu sanhi!" (This clam has star-freckles) But she did not relinquish the loupe.  Not yet.  She was now curious about the dust on her skin.
   "Nari si! Do eye! I having stars more on skin mine!"
  Sharon laughed.  "Yes, srane! You are covered in clam dust.  Sanhì nì'ul mì txaleng ngeya!"  (More star-freckles on your skin!)
  Reluctantly, Ateyo returned the In-Eye-Mikroskop.

"I think that the little flecks of metal that you see deposited inside the Calcium of the shell is placed there by the klam as a reserve, in case the iron level in the creature's blood, gets too low," S'rron instructed. She went on to explain, "We had creatures that did the same thing near hydrothermal vents, in the Oceans on Earth. They may be the only things that are left alive on Earth, as long as the Oceans don't boil away. Some of the creatures that can do these things we called extremophiles."

John and Sìkat walked up on the conversation, and John said, "Are missing class?"
"Perhaps a little," replied S'rron, "I was explaining about the extremophiles that we had on Earth to my three friends here."  Sìkat turn to Ateyo, Pxepxi, and Kofi, and said, "They weren't just on earth, but we have found them in other places in space as well. We found some on a place that was close to 'Rrta, that was called Mars."
S'rron picked up where Sìkat left off,  " Back in the late 20th century, a type of creature that could live in very, very cold places was found on 'Rrta. It was in a place called Canada. When we found it, we only knew of things that could only live where it was very, very hot. We thought this was important, because we were just beginning to go to other places that Eywa created in the 21si century, first to Mars, and then to Enceladus. Both of those places are VERY cold.
A microbe was discovered in the Canadian high Arctic that thrived at the coldest temperature then known for bacterial growth."

John then joined in with, "Researchers found the newly discovered bacterium, Planococcus halocryophilus OR1, in permafrost — permanently frozen ground — on Ellesmere Island. The organism thrives at 5 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius), and it held clues that life could be able to adapt to be able to live on Mars, or Saturn's moon Enceladus, where temperatures are well below freezing."
Chip had walked up on the discussion and added, "The microbe lives inside veins of salty water, and can survive because the salt prevents the water in the veins from freezing. The bacterium can remain active and breathing at temperatures down to at least minus 13 degrees F (minus 25 degrees C) in permafrost."

In an attempt to lighten the mood, for the three non college trained scientists, John said, "Letsunslu livu tìfmetok. Srake, ayngaru pxaya aysìpawm?"  (It is possible that there might be a test.  Any questions?)
   Ateyo raised her hand as if in Grace's learn-place.  She looked Sharon in the eye and asked the question that was burning inside her;
"Srake, About needle you show to me how for making!?"
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



       CHAPTER 195

Sharon grinned at the excitement being generated by the loupe. It's introduction filled them waiting time for the experiment.  Sharon was grateful that she had already observed the textures of the kxlämä sum (clam's shell) before she had released it to Ateyo and company.  Once the initial shock of close-up viewing had worn off, each Na'vi was eager to view something in detail; hair, bone, a grain of sand, a patch of skin.  It was with great reluctance that Ateyo finally returned it to Sharon.
"Ayoengaru lu irayo seiyi skxomur nari si nìno ayu." (We thank very much for opportunity to observe in detail!) It was with great reluctance that Ateyo finally returned the loupe to Sharon.
"Ayoengaru lu irayo seiyi skxomur nari si nìno ayu." (We thank very much for opportunity to observe in detail!)
Sharon was pleased that Ateyo had returned the loupe.  She had to admit to herself that she actually worried that it would be returned at all.  She wondered how difficult it would be to create a new one.  She changed the subject in her mind and turned to Ateyo.
  "Ye'rìn ayoengal fayut, aykemical,  pefnel nari si tsivun faya sum lu ngopfa." (Soon we can see of which type of things, chemicals,  these shells are created.)  Ateyo look confused. Sharon tried again. 
  "Ayoe tsun nume pefya Eywal ngop foti." (We can learn how Eywa created them.)
   Ateyo's eyes focused inwards as she tried to decipher the meaning.  Who could claim to know HOW Eywa created anything.  She just DID.  Kem-ì-kal. Kem means DO, but that is a Na'vi word.  How? The shell was created of shell.  How could it be anything else? And yet, she remembered the shiny objects produced when her fire got too hot beneath the shell.  As if to answer her unspoken question, Sharon continued;
  "Txo lu fngap nemfa sum, kxawm sleyku aynitìls." Sharon paused.  Aysä'otsìp apxi." (If there is metal within the shell, perhaps we can produce needles.) She had invented the word for needles but evidently, the meaning was lost on Ateyo. So she explained, Little tool sharp.  Finally, Ateyo grinned with recognition.
"Aynitìl!" She exclaimed.  She finally remembered the word which S'rron had taught her. She wondered why Sharon had added an S to the end of the word, but decided not to be bothered by details.
  She wanted very much to speak of creating needles, but now S'rron was talking with Kofi and the other Si-'en-tìts.

As the Mipa Na'vi Scientists were waiting for the experiment to finish, S'rron turned to Ateyo, and said  "we will see in a few minutes, what the chemical makeup of the shells is, and then, we will be able to learn if you can make your needles from the shells."
Kofi asked the scientists, "These creatures on 'Rrta could live in hot or cold, and could eat things not plant, or Animal?"
John answered, "That is true, they could use chemicals to live, and not have to eat plants, or animals. They didn't even have to be in water, they could live in the dirt."
Ateyo got wide eyed, and asked, "They could live in the DIRT?"
Sìkat answered Yes, and the dirt could be very very hot, too. Those creatures were called Hadesarchaea, and they were found in the Yellowstone National Park hot springs in Wyoming and within the White Oak River estuary in North Carolina. By carefully sequencing the genome of these surface-dwelling Hadesarchaea, the researchers were able to identify key genes responsible for controlling metabolic processes.
"By comparing the metabolic genes of Hadesarchaea with those of other microorganisms, we figured out that Hadesarchaea had a rather versatile metabolic repertoire.  Genes associated with the oxidization of carbon monoxide were found, meaning that they may use a considerably rare form of chemosynthesis. They had adapted, long, long ago, before the first Humans lived on 'Rrta, to use whatever forms of carbon seep down to these nearly-inhospitable depths, making them "scavengers" in a manner of speaking. In addition, their relatively small genome means that they use very little energy in producing nutrients or replicating themselves.

Ateyo blinked her eyes, and sat down on a rock. Chip turned to Sìkat, and said, "Give Ateyo a break, I think that she is suffering from information overload".
  Sharon came and sat next to Ateyo and reassured her, "Eywal tsun ngop pxeya ayswirä mì fya'o pxeya si akosman."  (Eywal can create many creatures in many ways and wonderful.)
Ateyo blinked and craned her head upwards to the si-'en-tits who were gathered.
     "Srane." Replied Ateyo.  "Slä sleyku ayoel aynitìls?" (Yes, But can we produce needles?)
Ateyo was surprised when Sharon slapped her on the shoulder and said, "Ma Ateyo. You truly have a one-track mind!"S'rron sat next to Ateyo, and said, "If Eywa wants to make a creature that can live somewhere special, she knows how to do it".
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



          CHAPTER 196

Ateyo smiled at S'rron and said, "yes, Eywa can make special creatures for special places. I will go to help build the yaney amip (new canoe) for Sanhìa Sute".
S'rron smiled and said "EYWA ngahu", to Ateyo as she turned and headed towards where the new canoe was being built.
S'rron turned to the forge, just as the molten iron was drawn from it, and into a sand cast receptacle, so that the iron's quantity could be determined.
"Aìììììììììììììììììììì!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Ka'alani let out such a shout that EVERYONE in the camp turned, and looked towards the Canoe building site, a quarter mile away.
"What was THAT?" asked Chip, "did someone get hurt?"
"Let's go see", advised Sikat, and everyone took off running to the canoe building site, as fast as they could. John, S'rron, and Sikat all broke into the clearing in a dead heat, with Chip, and Steve only half a stride behind. Only an additional stride back, was Jim, limping a bit, due to a slightly injured big toe.

What they saw, as they trotted across the grass, was a large group of people surrounding someone lying down on the ground, on the far side of the canoe.  Tatyana, the Medical Officer from  S'rallta Tamas' Starship, was bending over the woman in distress.
About the time that Dan was about to voice his fear that someone was badly hurt, three things happened almost simultaneously. The crowd parted slightly, the mipa Na'vi noticed that it was a very pregnant Ka'alani laying on the ground, and Ka'alani let out such a shout that EVERYONE in the camp suspected it was time for her to deliver her baby.
With her latest cry of pain,  Aysahìk rose enmasse and took her firmly by the elbows. Raising her to her feet, they guided her down the path to the lagoon.

Sikat asked the others in the small group of Scientists, "What do you think we should do?" John replied,  "we should hang back a little from the main group, but follow them. If Ka'alani has any complications, S'rron and I can fly her to Blue heart in a Sampson. If not, we can just offer moral support."  All of the scientists did just that, but did not enter the lagoon. They sat in the sand, right at the shoreline.
Ka'alani's tolfìn swam over to be with her, and slowly swam in circles around her.
  Soon the aysahìk and aytolfìn were encircling Ka'alani.  Tatyana and their two Pandoran Dolphins were supporting Ka'alani, because her contractions were persistent and frequent, and caused her to bend into the water.
"Aìììììììììììììììììììì!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" came another cry.  Those who had not been involved until then, came running and arrived just in time to see Ka'alani lift her baby boy towards Eywa with a triumphant though tired shout of joy.
  "A BOY! 'EVAN! Ayngaru 'EVENGAN!" (To us is a BOY!) shouted Taifa'ana'e, who was covered in soot from the burned tree, as he  approached his muntxate. Kofi followed close behind, also covered in soot.
"Yur säpi! Yur säpi!" (Wash yourself!  Wash yourself!) called many voices. Taifa' and Kofi splashed water hurriedly upon their bodies.  Someone produced large seaweed leaves to serve as wash-cloths.
The effort was only somewhat effective.  They each flanked Ka'alani and her baby, black streaks of sweaty soot persisted.
  "Prrnen ke tse'a ngar tafral tìlam ngar!" (The baby won't see you for the reason of your appearance.) scolded Ka'alani.  But Taifa' had already gathered him in his arms.
"Stum ke, hufwa po livu Kameie oer!" (Almost not, although he will SEE me.)  Taifa' didn't know if it was customary, but he offered his tswin to the infant.  He was rewarded with the wide-eyed regard of his baby boy.
  "He is beautiful! Po lu alor!" He reluctantly returned his infant to Ka'alani's eager arms.
"Vomuna ayzekwa sì vomuna ayvenzek."  He observed soberly.  Ten fingers,  ten toes.  For some unexplained reason he was disappointed that his child would have the characteristic mark of a Mipa Na'vi, and not the customary eight fingers and toes of full-blooded Na'vi.
  "Rä'ä sngum sivi venìri, Ma Taifa'," reassured Ateyo. Do not worry about feet. To you is a fine boy and healthy!"
  Taifa' did not really hear Ateyo, he was carefully embracing his new family.
S'rron turned to the others in her small group, and said, " Our clan now has a new member."

John asked, "don't you think that we should go take our yaney, and get some fish for a Ftxozä in honor of this birth?"  S,rron, Chip, Steve and Dan all agreed, and Chip turned to Sikat, and said, "Come on, you can learn how we go fishing on Pandora."
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te




    CHAPTER 197

Sharon put down the piece of broiled fish that she was nibbling on, and said, " So what do you think of the way that our little 'Olo does things, out here in the boonies, far away from Blue Heart Sikat?"
Sikat accepted the piece of 'Usem Payoang, (Cooked Fish), and reflected, "That ceremony last night for the birth of the son born to Ka'alani, and Taifa'ana'e was really something. When you guys celebrate something, you don't make an early night of it, there were people still going strong when we went to sleep not long before Trr'ong. (daybreak)".
"That's true", replied Chip, "But most of the celebrants, are still passed out on the beach", he noted, as he pointed to the Na'vi bodies still sleeping on the beach, two hours after sunrise.
S'rron, Pamlala,  John, Chip, Steve, Dan, and Sikat, were all camped out on the low grass covered hillock, about 50 feet above, and at the edge of  the beach. They all thought that the knee high grass would be a soft place to sleep, and their height above the celebrants on the beach, as well as the grass that surrounded them, muffled the noise of the Ftxozä that continued while they slept.
"How long do these ceremonies go on"? Asked Sikat.
"Most everyone will be ready to continue with daily life as soon as they wake up, and get something to eat", counseled S'rron, "but any group activities will have to wait until the last member of that group is ready", she concluded.
"How long do you think it will be, before Ateyo starts bugging you about using the shells of clams to make her needles S'rron?" Asked Chip.
"I'm going to try to make her understand, that for anything more than one or two presentation needles, it is NOT a resource viable operation. We can make one or two for her, but no more than that, to do so, would squander our very finite fuel sources".
"I don't envy you telling her that," replied Steve.
"Oh I'll get Tai Tae Ao to help me explain it to her," replied S'rron, with a smile on her face.
"Do you want us to disassemble the oven." Asked Dan.
"No I think that might make Ateyo think that we are trying railroad her idea into oblivion, I think we need to help her realize this is the correct decision, before we move the oven. S'rron changed subjects with "Why don't we go and check out how far the people got with the  yaney (canoe), for the 'olo of S'araltayä Sanhisip, before the baby was born?"

  Seven mipa Na'vi trotted to the clearing, where the yaney in question sat, partially completed. The fires in the interior of the hull, had been extinguished, to prevent them from burning through the hull of the craft.
"Well," stated John, "What do you think we should do"?
"I think that we should quietly ease on down to the beach with our snorkeling gear, and ask someone in Authority, if the people on the beach are going to rekindle the fires in the canoe, or if we can do some diving." replied S'rron.
"Tell them we are going to get some seafood for Txonä Wutso, and I don't think that we will have any problems." suggested Pamlala.

The 'Olo Ao Txampay walked across the beach, straight for a group of Na'vi that were talking around a freshly started fire.
At the fire, Kofi rubbed his head with his hands, and Taifa'ana'e asked his son," Pekem nul 'nga?" (What did you do wrong?). " Oel namäk Kava nìhawng."  (I drank too much Kava), was Kofi's reply. Taifa' pit his arm on Kofi's shoulder, and said "Nga nivume" (you will learn).
As the 'Olo Ao Txampay neared the group, they noticed both Tai Tae Ao, and Ateyo in the group. Once greetings were exchanged, S'rron addressed the group as a whole, but faced Tai Tae Ao, and Ateyo, and asked, "Is it OK if we go and get something to cook for Txonä Wutso?"
Tai looked at his muntxate, and she nodded. "Sure," he said to the group. As they started to head to the water, Tai asked, " would you like a few of us to bring a yaney, so that you can store the fish in it?"
"That would would be a great idea, it would save us a lot of time, replied S'rron.
Tai, Taifa, and Kofi paddled a yaney out in the water, following the divers, as they slipped between the waves.
Each of the Divers carried a speargun that had been manufactured on either the Sanhisip they arrived at Eywa'Eveng in, or, in the case of Sikat, Blueheart Gate.

The first time that Sikat saw one of the Pandoran shrimp, he froze for a moment in the water. They looked like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster, and they were, to him, huge.  Once over the initial shock, however, he speared them with the best of his clan members. Over the course of several hours, the divers collected only about two percent of the local shrimp, and still had enough to feed everyone that lived at the Slär Mektseng, (Gap Cave).
On the trip back to shore, The divers, and the three in the canoe, all, in their own way, offered their thanks to Eywa, for the bounty of the harvest. Once on the shore, several teen aged Na'vi with woven baskets, made several trips each, bringing all of the shrimp to the 'usem, (cooking fire).

By the time that this task was completed, those that served the people by cooking, served Fkxen (vegetables) to everyone that needed something before the Txonä Wutso was served, while they cleaned, and smoked the Tsrimp, after those preparing the evening meal gave thanks for the sacrifice that the creatures made.
S'rron and her clanmates smelled smoke that was coming from the yaney, so they headed in that direction, munching on the rolled up veggies that they received from the food serving line.
Once at the yaney, they were informed that the fires would be tended until after Txonä Wutso, and then the coals and som aytskxe (hot rocks), would be placed within the hollowed out portion of the canoe.
S'rron asked if the clan could help, and half were sent looking for properly sized stones, while the other half went off to acquire more wood for the fire.
Mesyok alu 'in lam Fkxor salew krr nìwin (Time passes quickly for one with busy hands), and before long, the conch shell was sounded.

After the Na'vi said goodbye to the Tswake, (sun), everyone made their way to the communal eating site, for a meal of smoked Tsrimp, and camaraderie.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te




          CHAPTER 198

People gathered for the rewonä wutzo (morning meal), shading their eyes, holding their heads and moaning.  Sympathetic aysahik provided various teas, purported to be a sure cure for a hangover.  Leftovers from the previous meal were extracted from the carved case kept in the wet sand (which served as refrigeration.)  Morsels were wrapped in leaves and served as a tsyey, a snack.
  But everyone noticed the noisy arrival of the Undersea Renegades,  hauling in their days catch of fayoang. Fish.
   Ateyo was amazed at the huge haul of fish.  "Ma S'rron! Ke txana krr mìso nga. Pefya stä'nì ngal fayoang pxeya atxan?! (Sharon! You weren't gone very long.  How did you catch so many fish?)
Pamlala slapped S'rron playfully on the belly, "Salew! Peng ayngar!"(Go on. Tell them!)
"I was waiting in the front of the canoe, laying back with my braid in the water. The dolphins told me where to find a huge school.  In fact, they rounded them up for us!" she explained in both languages.
Those who were upright and coherent nodded in appreciation.  Dale Garbacki mentioned, 
  "Fula safpìl asìltsan, alu pawm aytolfìnit. Oel tsat zerok." (That is a good idea, which is to ask the dolphins.  I will remember that!)

S'rron sat down between Pamlala, and John on the log, in front of the cooking fire for the morning meal.
"Well it looks like everyone is enjoying the Fayoang,  that we harvested this morning, and Ateyo wasn't reminded of the clams, and needles by her dinner." observed Sikat from behind S'rron's right shoulder, as he sat down with a three pound "Fayoang" on his serving leaf.
"I'm going to talk with Tai about how best to approach Areyo with the concept, that while we CAN manufacture a few presentation needles for her, it is HIGHLY wasteful of precious fuel to do so", noted S'rron.
Sikat volunteered to accompany S'rron, and whoever went with her, on that mission, as a Scientific and Engineering backup.
"I'll go too", added John, "I don't think that she will give up without a fight, or at least an argument".
"I suggest that we all finish eating first, and wait until she, and Tai are finished as well" cautioned S'rron.

The morning proceeded with Tael Karbaki's crew opting to sleep off their hangovers. Conversation among those who remained turned to things of scientific inquiry.
Ateyo started the conversation. "Ma S'rron. Srake. Nga lu tsun wintxu oer fya'o ngop aynitll fa Kxlämä Sum?" (Sharon, Yes/no, you can show me the way to create needles from clam shell?)
Stifled groans were heard from her crew. Sharon thoughtfully folded and refolded her tsyey (snack roll) as she carefully considered her thoughts.  Ateyo read her body language and prepared for the worse.
"Fì'u lu ngäzik. Tung oer krr atxan fya'o oeyktìng." (This thing is difficult.  Allow me more time to explain.) "Fìtxon, mawkrr txonä wutzo." (Tonight after night meal.)
  Ateyo looked up solemnly and bit her lip nervously before admitting;
"Tam, tam, Ma S'rron. Fivmi oer ne tslam.  Mawkrr txonä wutzo." (There, there, Sharon. I will try to understand. After night meal.)  Sharon could see what a brave face she was putting on in view of this seemingly tragic news.  She tried to turn the conversation to a more positive note. 
  "Oel tslam fula ngat namume ngop sä'o alahe."I understand that you learned to created another tool?"
  "Srane!  Oel ngamop tstal txana pxi.  Ma Twiti samar pum trram ne 'aku ta'leng ftu fayoang apxa." (Yes! I created knife sharp very. Tweety used it yesterday to remove skin from a big fish.)
"Srane, Ma Tsmuke! Lu txana pxi, ulte tìkangkem seiyi. Win sì ahino." (Yes my Sister.  It is very sharp and it works well. Fast and precise.) "Sunu oer fìtstal ulte oer yawne oeyä tsmuke ahona!" (I like this knife and I love my adorable sister.) After hugging Ateyo, she unsheathed her knife and presented it to Sharon for inspection purposes.
  At this point, Kofi wandered into the conversation, unsteady on his feet and reeking of last night's Kava.
  "Tsatstal lu hino. Tìkangkem tsulfätu aswey." (That knife is fine. The work of the best master craftsman.) "Ulte po lu oeyä Sanu.  Txo oel pxawm poti, po ngivop pum oer." (And she is my Mom.  If I ask her, she will make one for me.)
With false bravado, he snatched the knife from Sharon's hand and tossed it, and caught it in his hand, But did so BY THE BLADE.
  There was a moment when time froze.  All conversation stopped. A look of horror was stamped on some faces, though on others, a look of disdain.
  On Kofi's face, a look of shock, which distorted into a shriek of pain.  Immediately, Sharon grabbed him by the wrist, to slow the  arterial blood flow. 
  "Tatyana!  Tatyana!  Medikit ayoel kin.  MEDIC!"  Ateyo grabbed a handful of seaweed to staunch the flow. The saltwater was stinging, and Kofi was trying to put on a brave face, though ultimately, he felt like a fool. 
His friends from the Crew, and his own little olo' were jeering and mocking him.
"Pe'u livu ingyentsyìp ngeyä nìhay?"  (What is your next trick?)   "Nga lu skxawng anawma, Ma Kofi."  (You are a great moron, Kofi.)
"Oììsss!" hissed Pxepxi. "Po lu eyktanay." (He is a junior leader.)

The jeering and taunting increased, and Kofi groaned inwardly, knowing that Pxepxi had only tried to garner him some respect.
   Suddenly, another figure emerged from the crowd.
  "Oììsss!" hissed Tatyana. The younger fellows immediately became quiet.
  Tatyana, having been a medic on the Starship crew, was well prepared with her emergency kit on hand.  She made Kofi lie down on a matt.  He was looking rather pale, a common reaction when One sees One's own blood.  It wouldn't do to have him faint in front of his crew.  He had already embarrassed himself enough.  As Sharon released her grip, she removed the seaweed compress.  The wound immediately filled with blood.  But Tatyana disinfected her own hand and examined his.
  "Fmawn asìltsan lu skxir talengä.   (The good news is: It is only a flesh wound.)  She turned to her own son, Vladimir.
"Ma Vlad, rutxe, zämunge oer "U' alu Ta'leng Ngop."  (Bring me the thing which is Skin-Create.)
Within minutes the bleeding was stopped, and the new skin was in place on Kofi's hand.
Tatyana gave Kofi's hand a final inspection, and said, "I don't want you doing any work with this hand for two days". He nodded, and looked at S'rron, saying, " I have never seen anything so sharp, why is that so?"
S'rron looked at the young Chief and promised, "Tonight, I will explain why this is so.
With that, she looked at Pxepxi, and Ateyo, smiled, and walked up over the hill with the rest of her 'Olo.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



     CHAPTER 199

All of 'Olo Ao Txampay was savoring the Roasted Yerik that Tael Karpaki's 'Olo prepared. The meat was harvested by Tsyal Atun, Txantsan Aywa, and Freterik Lint, and their Eyktan, Tael.
Pamlala looked in the direction of Ateyo, Tai Tae Ao, and several other members of their 'Olo, saying to S'rron, Chip, Sikat, Dan, John, and Wendy, "I hope that we have a suitable explanation for Ateyo, she is looking quite animated in her discussion with the other members of her 'Olo."
S'rron wrapped her Kxetse around her Muntxate's waist, and replied, "Yes, my love, I believe that we are ready, but let's wait till after we enjoy our meal."

The remainder of the meal went very well, and then Ateyo, Tai, Pxepxi, and Kofi walked over towards the 'Olo Ao Tampay.
"And so it begins," said Sikat, as the group was still 20 feet away.

Ateyo, and her party approached S'rron and her party, and after customary greetings were exchanged, said, " Ma S'rron.  Pivllte ngar lun tsnì rä'ä pell oer ngop aynitll oer?" (Could tell me the reason that  you can not make the aynitll for me?")
S'rron sat down on a log, leaned forward, and patted a log across from the log that she had sat upon.
Ateyo, and her entourage sat on the offered log, facing the assembled members of 'Olo Ao Tampay.

S'rron looked at Ateyo, smiled, and said, "I am glad that you came to see us right after we ate. This shows that you are really interested in the answer to your question. You seem to be someone that likes to learn new things, so I set up a little experiment to help you see something that I want to show you."
Ateyo looked at Pxepxi, and said, "etsper'ment?  The thing which Pxepxi did on sanhisip ?"
S'rron said, "a different one, but yes like what Pxepxi and Kofi did on sanhisip."
Chip, and John brought out some sticks, which they carefully collected, and set them next to two rocks with flat tops, about two feet off the ground. All of the sticks were five feet long, and an inch in diameter. There was one stick by itself, two sticks that were tied together with string, and then a neat bundle of ten sticks, that were tied together with string.

"Come over here Ma Ateyo" said S'rron, while motioning for Ateyo to stand by her. Ateyo did as requested, and S'rron continued,
"Pick up that one stick, and break it please". Ateyo did as requested with ease, and S'rron said,
"That was easy, I know. Could you please break these two sticks that are tied together"?
Again, Ateyo did what was asked of her, but this time with greater exertion. "That was GREAT, ma Ateyo, and now comes the lesson of this experiment. I know that you can't break this bundle of ten sticks that are tied together, with just your hands, so John, and Chip made a bridge across these two rocks with them, could you please stand on the middle of those sticks, and see it that breaks them?"
Ateyo smiled, thinking this was silly, but she realized that this WAS an experiment, so she happily complied. The bridge of sticks bowed a little, but held.
"See ma Ateyo, the sticks hold your weight," noted S'rron.
"Pey! WAIT, ma S'rron, I will fix", said Ateyo, and she started jumping up and down the bundle.
That continued for twelve bounces, until she landed with her feet slightly forward of where she wanted them, and her next landing was on her Txim.

"Are you OK?" asked Pamlala. 
"Srane. Oe kelu sraw säpi.  Etsper'mentìri ngeyä, ngaytxoa oer kelu änsyem."  (Yes, I not hurt myself. As for experiment, I'm sorry I could not complete," was her reply.
"Actually, you completed the experiment perfectly," consoled Chip.
"By fall on txìm oeyä?"
"You proved to yourself just how much ten times more is," added Sikat, "so that when we say that it would take ten times more Oxygen from what we breathe here, your experiment will help you understand how much more damage to Eywa'evenge our making needles this way would cause." 
Tai bent down to her muntxate's ear and translated Sikat's words into Na'vi.
"That much more?" asked a wide eyed Ateyo.
"Yes that much more," assured S'rron.
"Bad thing that!  I not want for hurting Eywa'eveng. No aynitll! To me I not wish this thing!"," Ateyo said somberly.
"Tam, tam, Ma Yawnetu.  Ngaru ke kxeyey txo ngar kerslam!" ( It's OK, my love," soothed Tai, There is no fault, if you did not understand.)

"Ayoe MI tsun ngop aynitll azeya, slä pum ngop f'yao alahe. Ngop ayoel pumit fya'o alu ke sraw Sa'nokur."  ('We can STILL make you the special needles,' assured S'rron, 'We will make them another way, which will not hurt the Mother.)
Ateyo's smile returned, and she exclaimed, " And I did an experiment to learn this thing."
Pxepxi, and Kofi stood next to Ateyo, with Pxepxi saying, "you need to do experiments with us on the Sanhisip !"
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te



       CHAPTER 200
The dragon with the Sealab slung beneath it, first gently placed it's cargo on the sand betwen the slotted mountain, and the Lagoon, and then slid over 50 feet from the lab, and settled onto the sand itself. Sharon keyed the mic, and notified Tai Tae Ao, pilot of the Sampson, " OK Tai,we are on the ground, shutting down set your load to the south of us".
"Will do", was Tai's reply, as she started easing her ship to where the smaller section of the Sealab would be 50 feet to Sharon's right.  Sharon Keyed her mike again, just as Tai eased her ship to the ground, and remarked, "I sure glad that the aykran kept their distance from us while we had these loads slung."
Once both loads, and their ships were on the ground, and the shutdowns were completed, The crews disembarked the two aircraft, and motioned for the members of the 'Olo Slar HuMektseng (Cave with Gap), to approach the aircraft.
The clan members that had waited, while the flyers spent the two days going to Blue Heart, and returning with the Sealab, watched from a distance, as the two pieces were settled gingerly upon the beach.  The live ayikran were circling a safe distance away.  They were happy to recognize the return of their flyers, and were seemingly jealous that they had to acquiesce to being replaced that day.

One of the first Na'vi to get to the air crews from the croud was Pxepxi, carrying her baby. She had followed the others, wading through the shallow lagoon to the place where the Labs were being set down on the beach.  Perhaps she could get to see the interior!  And even though their metswin were not connected, Pxepxi's baby seemed to be infected with the same excited curiosity as was she.  Her tiny fists pumped the air, and she emitted loud squeals of delight.
These two objects were the source of everyone's attention, and especially Pxepxi's.  Olo'AoTxampay would be living and studying within these cocoons, far beneath the Pandoran Sea. And if Pxepxi was denied space travel, she definitely wanted to be part of underwater exploration.  Perhaps there were Na'vi under the sea!?  Perhaps distant relatives of the Laughing Sea Creatures could be met!  The possibilities seemed limitless and she was anxious to be part of this new undertaking.  She just KNEW that Kapteyn S'rron would allow her to come along.

Pxepxi wanted desperately to speak with S'rron.  However, she was always the last to emerge.  After the "Oel ngati Kameies" were exchanged, the fellow whom they called Tsyal Atun spoke up and said in an odd voice;
"Oeyä uran alusìng lu teya sangi fa pxeya fayoang angim." (My floating boat is full of long fish).  He consulted with an imaginary book and seemed quite satisfied with himself.  Actually, was amusing himself by reciting a line from an ancient Earth comedy routine from Monty Python's Flying Circus.  He had been reviewing some of the old entertainment videographs during some of his free time.
"Kehe, Ma Tsyal Atun.  Ngeyä uran ke lu teya si fa fayoang." corrected Pxepxi. (No, my Red Wing, your boat is not full of fish.) She looked at his empty aircraft and his canoe, farther away, and back at him with a puzzled expression.
  "Tsyal!" said Pamela in a scolding tone as she disembarked. "How are you going to explain a non-sequitor to a Na'vi? Most Earth people didn't understand the humor of Monty Python's Flying Circus!"  The routine had involved someone using a poorly translated phrase book, which spewed nonsense rather than asking a logical question.
"I'm sorry, Ma Pamlala!  I simply could resist the craziness of it all!"
"Besides" continued Pamela after embracing Pxepxi.  "'My Hovercraft is full of eels,' almost makes sense in this context, living on the ocean."
"Ke slolam." pleaded Pxepxi.  (I don't understand.)
"Tam, tam, ma tsmuke," assured Pamela.  "Pol fpìl fwa lu ipuyu." (He thinks that he is a funny guy.)

  At that moment S'rron emerged, and her attention was immediately drawn by the shriek which emerged from Little Aulani's lungs.  She reached out to kiss the baby, who immediately launched herself into the Kapteyn's arms.
"Whoa! Kaltxì  ma Ma Prrnen aSpusä!" (Hello Jumping Baby!)
"Nari sì, Ma Kapteyn!" blurted Pxepxi.  "Aulani sunu fwa kerä ngahu!" (Aulani wants to go with you.)
"Oh, she does? Does she?" Sharon knew at once, the game Pxepxi was playing.
"Srane. Ulta oel new kä nìteng." (Yes and I want to go too.)
Sharon tried not to look panic stricken.  Prrnen Aulani cooed and grabbed Sharon's nose and chortled. Unaccustomed to babies, Sharon caught Pamela's eye, and signaled HELP wordlessly. As she reached out, Prrnen Aulani launched herself into Pamela's arms.
"There's no place on board for a nursery," agreed Pamela.
Ateyo was no longer to willing standby quietly.
"Kehe!  Fì'u lu kelku akemuiä prrnenur." (That thing is not a proper home for a baby!)  She was thinking of her child and grandbaby being separated from her by the deep blue sea.
"Slä Sanu!" (but Mom!) Pxepxi pleaded.  "Oel luke kä mì Sanhisip, ikran ke lu oer, ulte oe new nari si pe ayu rey äo txampay!" (I can't go on a starship, an ikran is not to be for me, and I want to see what things live under the ocean.)  Pxepxi was careful to modulate her voice to seem as though she were making a logical request, rather than a whining demand.
"Ngeyä 'ite lu 'efu leomum nìtxan. (Your daughter feels much curiosity.) "Srake, ziva'u ayoenghu srr avol?" (Yes/No, she can come with us for eight days) suggested Pamlela.
Ateyo and Sharon raised their hands in objection, but Pamela forged ahead before they could voice their protests.
"We have to do a Shake Down, before we commit to long term immersion.  We can resurface in eight days.  Maybe she will settle for a small bit of adventure?"  Pamela spoke to Sharon in Inglìsì.
"Kawm. Oel fpivil fì'u' teri." (Perhaps. I will think about it.) said Sharon.

  At this admission, Pxepxi threw herself into Sharon's arms saying, "Irayo Ma Kapteyn S'rron. 'Fì'uiri irayo si nìtxan!" (Thank you Captain Sharon.  For this thing I thank you very much!)
"PEY, pey, pey!"  (WAIT, wait, wait!) Oel pamlltxe, SAN:'Oel fpivil fì'u' teri.' SìK." (I said, QUOTE, 'I will think about it.' UNQUOTE.) She continued; "Awsiteng pivtlltxe ayounghu mawkrr txonä wutzo. Oel pänutìng ngar."  (Together we will talk after evening meal.  I promise to you.)
Sharon looked pointedly at Pamela, and spoke in English.  "This is your idea, you will need to figure out the details."

   Sharon turned to her olo' and exclaimed, "Let's get these choppers buttoned down, and do an equipment check before the evening meal." 
While the crews were working, the other ayolo' were fishing and gathering. Succulent aromas beckoned the crew, who finished their chores in record time.  They knew that they would be eating pre-fab meals while on board the undersea habitat, and they were looking forward to the last night of commeradary.
They were all sitting near the ylltxep (ceremonial fire), in a loose ring, somewhat according to clan, but with lots of intermingling, especially as the meal came to an end.  Pxepxi and Kofi came over, hands filled with skewered Pandoran Tsrimp.  So it was understandable that they did not gesture to the foreheads when they greeted:
"Moel ayngati kamiei!"
Chip and John took the greeting as a cue and made room for the couple, and for Ateyo who was carrying Prrnen, Baby Aulani.  Ateyo had taken the baby's plump blue hand and made the gesture for both of them from Aulani's forehead. They had been discussing childcare possibilities for Aulani throughout the day. But they each deferred their comments until Pamela and Sharon had finished eating the tsrimp which they had been presented with.

"Ayoeng lolamu perllte," (we have been talking) started Kofi, "teri vewng Prrnen Aulanil vola trrur." (about the care of Baby Aulani for eight days)
"Set po lu yerom syuve ahewne." (Now she eats soft food) admitted Kofi proudly.  "Ulte Sanok oeyä panuting srung sivi, nìteng. Vola trr nì'au." And my mother promises to help also. For eight days only.
Overhearing the conversation, Tatyana leaned toward Sharon and murmured confidentially; "I could see about creating a breast pump, but I don't know if I should even introduce that concept to the Na'vi.  It might be repulsively foreign to them."
"And living underwater isn't?" remarked Sharon.  "Besides which, I don't think there will be time. We will be deploying tomorrow."
Sharon turned to Pxepxi and looked at her sternly.  "First thing in the morning, we will see if you fit in the Emergency Escape Gear.  If you fit, then you can come."  Ateyo had a rough time translating this, not being able to comprehend what the gear in question truly was.  Pxepxi was given to understand that SOMETHING they were talking about had to FIT on her body.  And she would simply have to wait until morning to learn what that was.  She tried to remember all the things which she had seen in the quick tour of the Underwater Lab.
"Yivemtsok pxen fpi kerä äo txampxay?" (I will have to put on clothing for the sake of going underwater?)
"Srane."  The folks at Blue Heart Gate had devised several underwater deep-diving suits, as well as an extra one estimated in size to fit Pxepxi.  She wanted to suggest they try the fitting right now.  But she knew it wouldn't serve her to irritate Captain Sharon by her insistence.  She decided to acquiesce, and simply nodded.

   This interruption allowed Tatyana to decide that she might help with the feeding of Prrnen Aulani and offered her assistance during the week.  "Oel ke lu yamomtìng prrnen takrra oeyä Vladamir lamu mì tewng prrnenä!" (I haven't fed a baby since Vladamir was in diapers - baby loincloth.)
Good-natured hooting and howling ensued as his crew mates imagined him as a baby in nappies.  Someone dared calling him Prrnen Vlad when they thought they were out of earshot.  This happy conversation was interrupted when a huge menacing shadow covered their faces. Sharon and others had started to their feet when they saw the shadow of an ancient weapon appear.  But they immediately recognized the voice which thundered:
"Nari siei fì'u a oe rivol!" (Look at the thing which I have found!)  He brandished a pair of hand carved nifo'oti. (Teeth of Death)  They were replicas of the ancient weapons carved by Samoans before the demise of Planet Earth.
"TXANSAN",  replied Ka'alani his wife.  Kofi found her two hardwood drumsticks from the wood pile.  Her favorite hollowed out log-seat served as a drum. (by design. she took every opportunity to drum)  With Baby Izzy strapped to her back, she started beating out the familiar staccato and soon other Na'vi joined in.  They hadn't seen a Fire Knife Dance in quite a while, but they were looking forward to it.  Taifi', Tai, and Kofi started out without fire, just to remember the rhythms.  Taifi' had recovered only two weapons, so they incorporated lots of tossing moves to exchange the weapons back and forth.  With a shout and a nod from Ka'alani, one knife was smeared with fat, which someone had anticipated and brought out.  A torch added flame to the knives.A cheer went up as flaming knives were tossed, twirling in the air, to be snatched from flight and twirled and returned.  The three dancers were exhilarated by the impromptu performance and their remembered skill.  All the Na'vi were excited to see this dance. Once it was finished, many desired to learn the moves and a simple instruction also began.  The celebration went on until the rising of the third moon, when Sharon interrupted the revelry. 

  "I hate to have to remind my crew that we have an appointment with the undersea lab tomorrow.  You all need to get some shut eye."
"Ah, Kapteyn! Do we haveta?" whined John in mock protest. But soon the party had dispersed, because the Na'vi were looking forward to the next day, as well.
Apparently, Kofi had found the ukelele which stowed with the nifo'oti on the choppers.   The bright tinkling notes were amplified by the cave. It was a song which Tsahik Alekxsi had created to soothe Pxepxi, many years earlier.

As silence fell over the encampment, the sound of a lullaby was heard near the mouth of the Cave.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te

 

    CHAPTER 201
The sky was still dark, when S'rron woke up, and "Went behind the tree".  It would be another two hours, before the eastern sky would sart to brighten, where it met the sea. She wasnot tired, so she went to the shoreof the Lagoon, to think for a few minutes, and saw Sikat leaning against a log, looking at the stars.
"Mind a bit of Company, during your Astronomical studies"? Ased S'rron, as she approached her friend from behind.
"Not at all", was Sikat's repy, Thinking about tomorrow?" he continued.
"Yes I am", S'rron answered, "I'm just going through the pre- checklist, checklist", she said while sitting next to Sikat.

Pxepxi was too excited to sleep. She tossed and turned on the swaynivi, family sleeping surface, which she and Kofi had woven.  And although the entire trampoline-like affair quivered with her every movement, still Kofi and Aulani remained asleep.  She kissed her baby and tucked her close to Kofi's body.  Instinctively, he reached his arm protectively around Little Aulani.  Pxepxi gave him a smooch and he murmured, "'Efu mowan ngaru." (I desire you.)  She knew he would not remember the encounter come morning.  It was part of their established routine by now.  Pxepxi got up from the swaynivi and wandered outside to relieve her bladder. 
Once her bodily funtion need was met, she wanted to see the big metal containers which would go under the water.  She wondered if Sharon would actually agree to let her come aboard.  She was drawn closer and closer to the huge objects by her curiosity and desire.  She even placed her hand upon the metal skin. A metal cave for living underwater!  The idea was exciting in itself.  She walked around the perimeter, admiring the reflection of several moons and the back-glow of the forest and lagoon upon its smooth surface.
It was then that she heard the voices murmuring.  Had someone else come to look at the metal cave?  She inched closer to the voices, coming from the beach at the edge of the lagoon.  Her ears perked up and her tail swished with excitement.  She recognized one voice. It was Kapteyn S'rron!  She decided to join them, but scuffled her feet through the sand, so as not to sneak-up and startle them.

  "Someone wants to join the party", Sikat announced, pointingover his shulder, to where the sound of someone not trying to walk stealthily was coming from.
S'rron turned towards the approaching Na'vi, and called out,  "Halt! Who goes there?"
S'rron's voice startled Pxepxi,   She didn't know what S'rron had said, but Pxepxi greeted them in Na'vi;
"Oel mengati kamiei. Oe lu Pxepxi!" (I SEE you Two.  I am Pxepxi!)
"Pxepxi!  I should have guessed", replied Sharon in Na'vi.  "Ngaru lu ke hahaw?! Za'u ulte heyn 'awsìteng." (To you is not sleep?  Come and sit together with us!)
"Nìprrte!" (with pleasure) "Slä oel rä'ä 'ì'awn txana krr." (But I can't stay long.)
"'Efu 'o'?"  asked Sharon. (Feel excitement?)
"Srane! Txana 'O'" (Yes. Much excitement.) "Fìu lom lu slär lefngap."  (This thing seems like a metal cave.)
"Srake, fpìl ngaru hivihaw sì rivey nemfa slär lefngap trr avol?"  (Yes/no. You could sleep and live inside this metal cave for eight days?) asked Scott.
"Srane.  Vola trr, kxawm. Slä lom livu oeyä prrnen. (Yes.  Eight days, perhaps.  But I will miss my baby.)  And she added, as an afterthought, "Ulte oeyä muntxatan!" (And my husband.)

   Sharon smiled to herself in the pre-dawn light.  She was indeed fortunate to be married to a fellow researcher and marine biologist.  Nor did she have to schedule herself around the needs of an infant.  Well, at least they could share eight days of this experience with Pxepxi.  After that, she would have to find her excitement in other ways more suited to a young Na'vi mother.  All of these thoughts flashed in her brain in an instant, as if it were a burst transmitted radio message. 
Meanwhile, Sìkot was re-introducing himself to Pxepxi.  He had met her mother Ateyo, on several occasions, and Pxepxi vaguely remembered meeting him as well.
"Ayoeng nìwotx tätxivaw ne Slär Mektsenghu ulte hahaw."  (We all should return  to the Slotted Cave and sleep.), suggested Sharon.

While He was getting up, Sikat playfully protested. "Aw, Why do I haveta? I got nobody to sleep next to."
Sharon threw her arm around his shoulders and replied, "That can be arranged in the near future, Sìkat. Ateyo is an excellent matchmaker.  I'm sure she can find you the perfect mate!"
As they trudged through the sand, all three arm in arm, Scott decided that he would not worry about finding a mate for at least eight days.
  "That can be arranged,  Sìkat.  That can surely be arranged in the near future. Ateyo is an excellent matchmaker.  I'm sure she can find you the perfect mate!"

As they trudged through the sand, all three arm in arm, Scott decided that he would not worry about finding a mate for at least eight days. He found himself a spot in the damp sand near the mouth of the cave.
"Omum tsat ngaru sleku yemfpay sangi krra fäkä pay." (You know that to you will become immersion when rises water,) said Pxepxi when she saw him settling in the mouth of the cave.
"Srane. Oel omum. Slä hivahawstyìp oer." (Yes, I know. But to me is a nap, a light sleep.)

As Pxepxi entered their family chamber, she listened carefully for snoring.  Kofi was sleeping like a log, Aulani contentedly curled in the crook of his arm.  She stepped closer to the swaynivi (family sleeping nest) but caught her foot on something and nearly stumbled. She reversed the weight on her foot and heard a soft clatter.  Of course! The ikranstyìp fìuvan.  The ikran plaything.  Years ago, Auntie Twiti had made a marionette which looked like an ikran.  Kofi's father had recently found it inside the lefngapa ikran (the Dragon) sitting next to the fire knives.   She had re-oiled the wings, (made from ziti, sting bat) and set it side.

  She picked it up and happy memories flooded her mind, along with a stray thought: "Fko rä'ä hivahaw nì'awtu."(No one should sleep alone.) She smiled to herself as one last impish plan formed in her head.

  Sharon walked to the mouth of the cave to awaken Sìkat. She smiled broadly as she tapped his foot with hers.
"Ma Sìkat! Lom tsat ngaru lu herahaw rofa tuteo!" (It seems that to you is sleeping alongside someone.) Scott startled awake to find a silly looking ikran doll nestled under his arm.   
"Pehem!!!  Pesu? Kempe si fìu?" (What happened? Who? Who did this?")
Pxepxi giggled from the opening of her chamber.  "Ngaru kelu hahaw nì'it. Ngaru lu hahaw atxukx! (To you is not sleep a bit, to you is deep sleep!)
The three of them stopped their joking around, when the strains of the Shell Horn sounded the first alarm for the comming Trr Ong Cerimony.
Together, they went to the waters edge, and rinsed their faces in the salt water, and then made their way out the cave.
As they neared the mouth of the cave, Pamlala called out to them, "HEY, wait for ME !
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi

Niri Te

 

            CHAPTER 202
"A shell horn being blown on a cliff, 500 feet above you is definately an alarm clock that you can NOT throw a shoe at", grumbled Chip, as the the horn blew for the fourth note of the first Trr ong warning.  "He may have a new body, but he's STILL a grumpy old man", joked John, to smiles all around.

An hour and a half later over Rewon Wutso, the Renegades, were discusing the exact order of events, that would occur in the deployment of the new undersea lab.

One did not especially need a tswin to realize that the air was thick with emotion as the aysahik finished their Morning ritual of Greeting the Sun. Tsahik Alekxsi had anticipated that something extra would be needed so she raised her arms to beckon the crowd.

  "Fìtrr lu trr asey." (Today is a special day.) "Awnga Olo'äotxampay (Our Undersea Clan) hivum sop ne Txampay akllpa..." (will be leaving on a journey to the Sea bottom.) She continued in Na'vi:

   "They will be isolated from us, and isolated even from the ocean.  They will not have a Tree of Voices or a Well of Souls.  So it is important that we spend time together, now, listening to the Mother, before they all depart.  They will be taking our youngest Tsahik Pxepxi with them. This will be  a good trial, even though very short, for Pxepxi to act as Tsahik, and to practice what she has learned with mipa tsahik Pamlala.  She will be responsible for their spiritual and emotional well-being.  She will need to conduct morning and evening rituals with Tsahik Pamlala, even though there is no Sun visible to their eyes, they must stay connected to all of the creation of Eywa. Mesahik Pxepxi sì Pamlala will help them."

   It had not occurred to Pxepxi that she would be, not only learning of Mipa Teknolotsi, but also responsible for conveying much ritual and lore of the Na'vi, in an equal exchange.  Suddenly, she felt overwhelmed with responsibility.  Ateyo must have seen the panic in her daughter's eyes, because she turned to her and pulled her close. She intercepted Prrnen Aulani in one arm and draped the other around Pxepxi's shoulders.

   "Ngar rä'ä 'efu sngum, ma 'Ite. Nga sì Pamlala kem sivi fì'u nìltsan!" (Don't feel worry, my Daughter. You and Pamlala will do well.)

  They stepped towards Pamela who was joining them as well. 

   "Ma Pamlala," spoke Ateyo.  "Oeyä 'ite nivew srung sivi ftu ngar." (My daughter will need help from you.) "Peyä ayYawnetur livu mìso." (She will be away from her Beloved Ones.)

   Pxepxi stood aghast. She thought she would be the Tsahik with All the Answers, but saying so aloud would insult both her Mother and Pamlala.  She dropped her eyes and accepted her fate.

   "Ma 'ìte, ngaru keamu mìso ftu prrnen ngeyä. Mawkrr 'awva fu mune trr, txunslu fwa 'efu yayayr mì txelan ngeyä. Pamlala srung sivi ngar." (Ma daughter, to you has not been away from your daughter. After the first day or two, it is possible that you will feel confusion in your heart.  Pamlala will help you)

   Pamela was surprised as well.  She would be counselling a young mother and her experience base was non-existent. But lonliness she could understand.

   "Poe livu sulìn nìtxan hrr nìwotx. Slä kkrka txon ngar livu 'efu nì'awtu." (She will be busy all days, but during night she will feel all alone) observed Pamlala.

   The clans had been moving enmasse toward the stream which tumbled down the hillside and emptied through the Slotted Cave on its way to the Sea.  Pamela always felt that it was magical to step from the back of the cave into the bower formed by the over-hanging trees.  From each tree dangled the softly luminescent tendrils of the Trees of Voices. And syanan, many tiny waterfalls, spilled from pool to pool, tumbling down the stream with murmured voices as well.  Small birds and insects added to the sounds.

  Tsahik Alekxsi traveled deep enough along the stream to insure that everyone had access to the tendrils.  Po lu tivìng lawr, she was humming softly, without words, a song of Oneness of and togetherness.  As each person connected to the Trees of Voices, the words became audible,voices from past and present joining in the Great Tree Song.

We are all seeds

Of the Great Tree,

Whose strength is in our legs

Like the mighty trunks,

In our arms

As sheltering branches,

In our eyes

The blue-flower

Which unfolds to the sun.

We are all seeds

Of the Great Tree

Whose song is within us.
   

Utralä (a)Nawm

ayrina'l(u) ayoeng,

A peyä tìtxur mì hinam awngeyä

N(a) aysangek afkeu,

Mì pun

N(a) ayvul ahusawnu,

M(ì) aynar

Na seze

A 'ong ne tsawke.

Utralä (a)Nawm

ayrina' l(u) ayoeng,

A peyä tìrol m(ì) awnga.

The melody was sad and sweet. It was used on many occasions, but especially departures and  even funerals. It seemed to everyone present, that leaving to go under water was death-like, in a way. It also seemed that for eight days, Pxepxi would be dead and then reborn, much as going on a vision quest.  This information was soaked up by Pamlala especially.  It might give her a way to connect with Pxepxi during the sleep hours.

After everyone had finished tsaheylu with the trees of voices, Pamlala rose to her feet, as many others were doing.  S'rron noticed the movement and got up also, embarrassed that her own impatience might have been noticed.  Hand in hand with Pamlala, she made her way with the crowd, down the syanan, the bank of tiny waterfalls, which cascaded toward the Slotted Cave.  Soon they were flanked by John and Chip. The Others of the Undersea Renegades migrated with them to the top of the Slotted Cave. Eager faces turned toward Sharon for their instructions.

Sharon viewed those who had gathered and noticed that Pxepxi had joined them, even with a suckling infant in her arms. Near her Ateyo and TaiTaeAo, and Pxepxi's young husband, Kofi, as well as his parents, Taifa'ana'e and Ka'alani. All the younger members of Kofi's clan were gathered near, as they were all Techies from Shiralta's starship. (Shiralta herself, was still living happily with her muntxatan among the RedBird Clan) All the Mipa Na'vi were nearby, especially Sìkot.
S'rron motioned for Pxepi to join her, and Pamela, and she cautiously aproached the pair, who where standing directly in front of the rest of the undersea renegades. Once Pxepxi was standing right in front of her soon to be temporary family, S'rron eplained to her, that she need not be nervous. "When we test out the lab," S'rron began, you don't have to worry about having to do anything perfectly. All that you need to do is watch us go through the check out proceedure."
Pxepxi tried to comfort Prrnen Aulani so that she sould hear what Kapteyn S'rron was saying to the crew members.  She was startled when Sharon turned to her and said, "Kesngum sivi, Ma Pxepxi. Fìtrr awnga steftxaw mekre.  Nga kea tìkin zerok ayu nìwotx, set." (Don't worry, Pxepxi. Today we check supplies.  You don't have to remember all these things, now.) "Ngian, nga zene yemstok penn fpisehya hivi äo txampay." (However, you must put on clothing for the sake of breathing underwater.)

   These words made Pxepxi very excited.  She was nearly beside herself with joy.  Even Aulani stopped fussing when she sensed her mother's joy.  She thought nothing of it when her Sanu started walking with some of these other people.

   The entourage had now gathered in front of the Main Lab's airlock.  The door made an odd noise and moved along its track, revealing the rows of deep diving suits.  Pxepxi was delighted when Pamlala took the time to point out the letters spelling her name in Inglìsì.

  "Yemstok fì DIVING SUIT."

  "DAI-VìNG  SUT?" Pxepxi tried on the word.  She turned to Ateyo and placed Aulani in her arms, causing the infant to immediately startfussing. Pxepxi gave a concerned look over her shoulder, yet stepped into the bottom half of the suit as instructed.  Pamela and Chip helped fit the top part of the suit onto Pxepxi.  Methodically, they called out each step of the process. Call and response.  The boots, the gloves, all checked and double checked. Each step caused Aulani to give out a wail.  But when her Sanu's face became encased in the helmet,  that's when all hell broke loose, and the shrieking occurred. 

  The shieking caused everyone to wince in pain.  Pamela managed to activate to breathing apparatus.  But when Pxepxi noticed the anxiety of her baby, she tried desperately to pull off the helmet.  Pamela, in a desperate effort to ignore the screaming infant, thought that Pxepxi was not receiving a proper air mixture and was trying to ascertain the levels and to re-calibrate them on the Control Unit of the Suit.  There were a few moments of panic until Kapteyn S'rron ascertained the problem and intervened.  With the helmet removed, the shrieking returned to wailing.
"Ftxumfa! Rutxe! Srung sive ftxumfa!" (Out of here. Help me out of here!) shouted Pxepxi.  The panic in her voice caused Aulani to shriek again.  And Ateyo, trying to distance the noisy child from the group, started backing away.  This caused Aulani to throw herself across Ateyo's shoulders and reaching out to Pxepxi with her chubby little arms. 

Somehow, Pxepxi was disencumbered of the Pressure Diving Suit and stumbled toward her terrified child.  She took the bewildered baby in hers arms and started cooing reassuringly to her."Tam tam, Sanu var tivok fìtsengit." (There, there. Mommy is right here.)She spent some time swaying with her child, tapping her lightly;Tam tam Tam tam Tam tam Tam tam Like a heartbeat -- -- -- until Little Aulani calmed down.

  Pxepxi turned to Sharon and Pamela, and with tears streaming down her face she pleaded in Na'vi.
"Oe new ayngahu kä kllpa äo txampay, slä oe ketsun txìng prrnen oeyä. Rutxe. Txoa livu. Oe zenke!" (I want to go with you to the bottom of the sea, but I cannot abandon my baby. Please forgive me. I must not!)
Sharon leaned down and touched the shoulder of the distraught young woman.
"Oe tslam." (I understand.) "Prrnen ngeyä kin ngaru." (Your baby needs you.) "Kawm trr alahe." (Perhaps another time.)

  Pamela was stroking the infant's head and trying to reassure Pxepxi. "Kxawm tsun nga nari si ayrel a'usärìp ayoehu alahe trr." (Perhaps you can look at the moving pictures another time.) She knew it sounded lame, but it was the only thing she could think of.  Her true observation was that she was grateful that she had never had to choose between having a child and going on an exploration.  She stole a glimpse at Sharon and could sense that she was thinking a similar thing.

  As Pxepxi and her family withdrew, Sharon murmured to Pamela.  "That little performance of Aulani's was upsetting, but I think a whole lot of complications have been avoided."
Pamela looked once again at the retreating figures and said, "For us, definitely.  But for her, I'm not so sure."

  Pxepxi seated herself in the shade of a tree, surrounded by her family and watched wistfully, as the other divers suited up and entered the Lab.
Tokx alu tawtute, Tirea Le Na'vi