When I was lying there in the VA hospital, with a big hole blown through the middle of my life, I started having these dreams of flying. I was free. Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up….

...

Jake Sully, the ex-marine in question woke with a jolt. Hair still shaven and face covered with a light layer of scruff as his light eyes blinked waking from a long sleep. A cryo-sleep. Blue eyes cracked open, staring blankly at the metal paneled wall in front of his face. A blue glow emitted the only light in the container. Smacking his lips, he glanced around the small space that he had been sleeping in for the past few years. He frowned curiously at the small droplet of water floating above him. Reminding him of where he was. Jake licked his mouth uncomfortably, trying to get some moisture back in his mouth. Glancing above his head he caught a glimpse of the ship outside the small window.

...

In cryo you don't dream at all. It doesn't feel like 6 years. More like a fifth of tequila and an ass kicking.

...

With a mechanical whine the metal coffin-like container moved outward, revealing a large room full of other tubes that were also beginning to soft straps held him down as he floated even more now that his space wasn't as small. A medical tech in scrubs floated his way over above him. Jake continued looking around, taking in the darkness of space outside the large windows across from them, his eyes squint as the lights start coming on in the large room.

...

Tommy was the scientist, not me. He was the one who wanted to get shot light-years out into space to find answers.

...

"Are we there, yet?" Jake asks hoarsely, a result of all that time his voice went unused.

"We're there, sunshine." The med tech assured. He held onto Jake's arm, checking his pulse while looking at his eyes. Satisfied with his reactions the medic pushes off, floating towards the next cryo-tube. Like Jake, scores of people were emerging from their own cryo-tubes around him. The med tech floats off preparing to make an announcement to the multitude slowly waking up.

...

So a week before they were going to ship out, a guy with a knife ends his journey for the paper in his wallet.

...

"People, you have been in cryo for five years, nine months, and twenty-two days. You will be hungry, you will be weak. If you feel nausea, please use the sacks provided for your convenience. The staff thanks you in advance." The med man announced above the sudden bustle of life. Jake pushes out and away from his capsule, floating towards the lockers in in the center. For once his partial paralysis wasn't impeding his movement. Locating his name he pulled out his military clothing before floating off to change out of the scrubs.

...

Yea, Tommy was the scientist. Me, I'm just another dumb grunt going someplace I'm gonna regret.

...

...

The massive space station made its way towards a smaller almost earthy planet which was surrounded by a few moons and a monstrous blue planet just behind it.

...

Up ahead was Pandora. You grew up hearing about it, but I never imagined I'd end up going there.

...

From the station smaller shuttles were launched down through Pandora's atmosphere. Below the grey storm clouds an expansive jungle terrain was revealed. As the shuttle cuts through the air a commander walks down the rows of seats barking orders.

"Exo-packs on! Come on! Exo-packs on." All the passengers strapped on their exo-packs and breathing gear swiftly.

"Remember people, you lose your mask you're unconscious in 20 seconds and you're dead in four minutes. Let's nobody be dead today, it looks bad on my report." The man continued. Jake, along with the rest of the group slips on their breathing masks, pressing the button to seal it onto their face for the oxygen to enter. The shuttle lowered as it approached a large military compound in the center of the jungle. Jake took in a steadying breath, rolling his shoulders in preparation for what was ahead.

...

One life ends….another begins.

...

When the shuttle comes to a stop the commanders bark out more orders and push the men to prepare for exit. After assembling their exo-packs, the men stand in formation awaiting orders.

"Go directly to the base! Do not stop! Go straight inside! Wait for my mark." The commander instructs as he places his own mask on. Jake, having finally put on his gear and mask sits alongside them in his chair. The cargo ramp opens with a low whine, light and mechanical noises streaming in. All the soldiers lean to the side to get a better first look at the foreign planet. As the ramp hits the ground the soldiers hustle down the ramp, jogging across the walkway towards the chain-link fence up ahead. Behind the group Jake hurriedly sets out his wheelchair and hauls himself onto it. Hesitating a second he reaches down and slides his large duffel onto his back. With a head jerk of mental encouragement Jake rolls himself out of the shuttle.

...

There's no such thing as an ex-marine. You may be out, but you never lose the attitude. I told myself I could pass any pass test that they could pass. They could fix a spinal if you've got the money. But not on vet benefits. Not in this economy.

...

"Let's go special case, do not make me wait for you!" the commander shouts as he waits by the exit ramp.

...

Back on earth these guys were army dogs. Marines. Fighting for freedom.

...

Jake slowly rolls his way across the compound, staring in awe at the newness of everything around him. A massive exo-suit whirs past him and he looks up at the man in the control seat of it, quickly swerving out of the way of the machine threatening to trample him. The man turns his head to get a better look at Jake as he continues on.

"Look out hotrod!" he shouts before continuing. Jake ignores the comment.

...

But out here they're just hired guns. Taking the money. Working for the company.

...

Jake continues to ignore the comments and strange looks he knows he is getting from the other Marines. He was used to it at this point. Roar of machinery catches his attention and he pauses, waiting for a large tractor to pass him by. His eyes follow the wheels filled with large primitive arrows littering their surfaces. Definitely nothing like he had seen before.

In the cafeteria a large muscled Colonel, Quaritch, walks along the center aisle as he gives the new recruits the 'welcome talk'.

"You are not in Kansas anymore…You are on Pandora, ladies and gentlemen. Respect that fact every second of every day." His boots echo as the hall remains silent while they listen intently. Some stare at the three long scars that stretch from the top of his military haircut down to his eye.

"If there is a hell, you might want to go there for some R&R after a tour on Pandora." Quaritch continues, making his way to the front of the room. He points out the window towards the dark tree line.

"Out beyond that fence every living thing that crawls, flies or squats in the mud wants to kill you and eat your eyes for jujubes." The room remains quiet. Quaritch turns and eyes the mass of people in the room. In the back Jake rolls in, listening to the rest of the man's speech by himself.

"We have an indigenous population of humanoids here called the Na'vi. They're fond of arrows dipped in neurotoxin which can stop your heart in one minute. And they have bones that have been reinforced with naturally occurring carbon fiber. They are very hard to kill." Quaritch resumes his pacing up and down the center aisle. Meanwhile Jake makes himself comfortable and slips the pack off his back, setting it on his lap and resting his arms over it.

"As head of security, it's my job to keep you alive." The Colonel continues, making eye contact with Jake as he spots the man in the wheelchair. He turns back to the rest of the crowd.

"I will not succeed…not with all of you. If you wish to survive, you need a strong mental attitude. You've got to obey the rules. Pandora rules…." Jake leans on his pack more comfortably as he settles in for the lecture.

"He's a real charmer ain't he?" a feminine voice commented from behind him. Jumping slightly Jake turned to see a woman in casual military dress, cargo pants tucked into boots with a tight black tee, staring ahead as the lecture continued. She kept her eyes forward, covered with sunglasses…which he found slightly odd but didn't think too much of it. Jake took a moment to scan her over, halfheartedly listening to the list of safety procedures he was being given.

The mysterious woman obviously had a military background based on her stance and baring. She was tall, maybe about 5'9". Not too much shorter than his 5'11" stature had he been standing. She was athletic but not skinny, more of a nice medium where she still had defined womanly curves atop her strong physique. Her long dark hair cascaded down her back in waves and her eyes were hidden behind those dark glasses. She seemed normal enough, but something still sat odd with him. Not wanting to be caught staring he nodded, looking back to the front of the room.

"Yeah, nothing like an old-school safety brief to put a mind at ease." Jake answered her with a wistful sigh. The woman chuckled, her lip quirking up.

"I hear ya. I come in here to laugh at the newbies. After he gets done with them, they walk out scared shitless." She explained; amusement lacing her voice. Jake grinned, already taking a liking to her. He turned and held out his hand.

"Jake Sully." He introduced himself. She turned her head his direction but didn't make a move to return his greeting.

"I know." She hummed instead. Jake frowned and awkwardly took his hand back. After a moment he cleared his throat uncomfortably, more interested in this woman than the briefing still going on.

"You part of the security team around here too?" he inquired. The woman smirked, shaking her head.

"Nah they wouldn't want me keeping a lookout around here." She explained, Jake sensing a hidden meaning in her tone.

"I'm actually with the Avatar program. Tommy told me a lot about you." She continued turning her head to look down at him once more. Jake's jaw clenched uncomfortably.

"Really? Thought he would be too busy to mention his jar headed brother." He muttered, trying not to sound too bitter about the topic. Despite it having been six years since his death, it felt like just yesterday. In a way it did for Jake, having been in cryosleep the whole time.

"You would think, but Tommy loved you. He always said we would hit it off if he ever got you out of your funk and introduced us." The woman continued with a thoughtful grin. Jake's lip quirked a little at that thought. Well so far Tommy seemed to be right about that. He could see himself getting along great with her.

"You got a name?" he inquired, realizing he still needed something to call her.

"Etta Cade." She answered with a pleasant grin. Jake nodded. Maybe something good could come out of all of this. So far Etta seemed decent enough.

...

...

After the security briefing a mass of people were roaming around in all directions, looking for rooms and unloading their duffels. Jake was rolling alongside Etta as she was leading him through the base. Watching her movements, he noted that her gait was somewhat stiff, like she was on constant alert. In tandem with that, he noticed that everyone seemed to get out of her way except for the few newbies who didn't know any better. For those who didn't move, Etta would merely maneuver them into the wall the second she came in contact with them. Jake didn't question it; no one else on base did. While the two of them were walking and chatting, another man came bounding towards them from behind.

"Etta!" he called with a tired huff. The woman in question paused, latching onto Jake's shoulder to stop him as well. She merely turned her head slightly in the man's direction as they waited for him to catch up.

"Hey, you're Jake, right? Tom's brother? Wow, you look just like him." the gangly man blurted as the trio continued walking. Jake stared at the man uncomfortably. Etta just snorted and shook her head.

"Way to make it awkward Norm. No one wants to be reminded of their dead twin, rest his soul." She retorted, never faltering in her stride. The man fumbled as he realized his mistake.

"Sorry, I'm Norm Spellman. I went through Avatar training with him and Etta." The man introduced himself. Norm offered his hand to Jake, who politely took it.

"He was a great guy…..funny. It was a big shock to all of us." Norm continued.

"Yeah." Jake trailed off sadly. He continued pumping his arms, wheeling his chair along as he rolled between the two of them.

"And duh! Obviously, you look like him. I mean, if you weren't genetically identical, you wouldn't be taking over his avatar."

"I don't see the resemblance." Etta chimed in, Jake looking at her curiously. They were identical, how would there be any difference. Norm snorted in amusement, and Etta smiled.

"Ha…ha you're so funny. When is that joke going to get old?" Norm inquired, confusing Jake even more.

"A-sight is not seen just through the eyes and B- when I get my sight back so….never." she grinned easily. Jake stared at her as he wheeled along. Spotting his expression Norm grinned.

"Etta's blind. You would never know it unless she took of her sunglasses." He elaborated for the man.

"Wow, had me fooled. Why don't you take them off now?" Jake inquired, even more intrigued by this woman. He hated to admit it, but knowing that she also had a disability drew him to her. She could be a kindred spirit. From what he had seen she took on the challenge of living just like anyone else despite her differences; similar to how he went about his life.

"Shows evidence of weakness which means something to these jar heads." Etta pointed out gesturing to the soldiers wandering around them. Jake nodded. He could understand that having been a 'jar head' at one point. Showing weakness around these people would be detrimental, especially in her condition. No wonder she played rough in the halls.

"So…you want to go check out your avatar?" Norm suggested eagerly.

...

...

"The bio-lab. You're going to spend a lot of time up here." Etta informed the boys as they passed through the automatic doors.

"Hey, how you doing. Norm, avatar driver." Norm eagerly introduced himself to the passing technicians. Etta grinned in amusement. He reminded her of an eager, wiggly, puppy.

"Um link room?...Here's the link room right here." Norm continued, following the signs as he walked through the lab beside Etta. Jake following just behind them.

"This is where we are connected to the avatars." He began to explain but Jake's attention was drawn elsewhere as he rolled towards the large tanks being unloaded.

...

Me, Norm and apparently Etta are here to drive these remotely controlled bodies called avatars. They're grown from human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives.

...

"Hey welcome. Welcome to Pandora, it's good to have you." One of the lab techs held his hand out to Jake with a friendly grin.

"Max this is Jake and Norm. Guys meet Max." Etta briefly introduces, making her way to stand next to the tanks holding the avatars. Norm stares in awe at the closest avatar while Jake is pulled towards the one beside it. Wheeling over towards it he looks over the giant humanoid blue creature floating in the liquid. His eyes roam over the tall lanky figure that was a base of cyan blue with deeper blue stripes, a long tail, and black dreadlocks floating around it.

"Damn, they got big." Jake marvels.

"Yeah, they mature on the trip out." Norm explained as he leaned in closer to his avatar's face. Jake could instantly see the resemblance.

"So, the proprioceptive sims seem to work pretty well." Norm commented, looking over at Max.

"Yea, they've got great muscle tone. Give us a few hours to get them outside but, you guys can take them out tomorrow." Max explains.

"This one is yours Jake." Etta brings the man's attention to her as she stands next to the tube opposite Max and Norm. Jake rolls even closer, staring intently at the tall blue figure in the water. As the avatar rotates around in the fluid, a very distinct facial structure greets him. Despite the feline-ish features there was no mistaking the similarity. Norm and Max come over to join them as Jake tilts his head, staring silently at the figure inside.

"It looks like him." he comments quietly, his throat a bit tight with emotion.

"He looks like you." Etta quickly corrects. Jake looks up at her curiously. As if feeling his gaze she looks down at him with a small grin, just a mere quirk of her lips. He was sure if he could see her eyes that she they would be boring into his soul. Jake cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"She's right. This is your avatar now Jake." Norm adds, diffusing the tension. Jake grins staring at the blue man once more. After a beat of thought he glances around the lab and spots only two tanks. He looks up at Etta with a frown.

"Where's your avatar? I thought you were part of the program too?" Etta turns her head down towards him. Now that he knows her lack of sight, it becomes obvious in her movements even though she hides it well. Etta grinned knowingly.

"I got here with one of the first waves about a month ago so she's already up and running. You'll see her soon enough." She assured. Jake nodded, taking her word for it.

...

...

"The idea is…every driver is matched to his own avatar…" Jake recites into a video camera, clearly uncomfortable with everything.

"….so their nervous systems are in tune. Or something. Which is why they offered me this gig, because I can link with Tommy's avatar, which is insanely expensive..." he rambles. Behind him Etta snorted, causing him to turn back around, a grin creeping up on his lips.

"You're talking about linking with an alien creature and you're worried about their price? That's new." She chuckled. In the safety of the lab setting she had taken off her glasses and Jake had instantly noticed her pale blue eyes. It caught him off guard at how strikingly ice blue they were, only to be enhanced by the murkiness that took over her eyes. Now that he had gotten a full view of her features, Jake found her quite pleasant to look at. If they were back on earth in a bar or something, she would definitely be someone he would approach and flirt with. Nevertheless, he was quickly growing to like her because of her personality. Refreshingly blunt yet she was very warm and caring. It added to her mysterious aura that Jake was dying to understand. Tommy hadn't been wrong when he suggested that the two would hit it off. Jake sighed and shook his head at her.

"Is this right? I just say whatever in these video logs?" he asked her self-consciously. It was weird talking to a camera.

"Yeah. It's just to get in the habit of documenting everything. Feelings, sights, apparently it's all part of the science. As Max would say 'Good science starts with good observation.'" She mimicked in a nasally voice, getting a chuckle out of Jake.

"I heard that!" Max quipped with a grin, showing that he wasn't offended by her interpretation of him.

"Plus, it'll help keep you sane." She added thoughtfully. Jake hummed, not having considered that. With a sigh he roughly ran a hand over his head before turning back to the camera in front of him.

"Right. So, whatever. Here I am….doing science. Never been in a lab before." He muttered glancing around.

"Shocker." Etta teased. Jake grinned over at her once more.

"What, like you're some kind of lab rat?" he teased. Etta grinned mischievously.

"A whole lot more than you think. Engineer. I practically lived in the labs." She shot back. Jake blinked in surprise.

"Huh…..good to know." He mused, turning back around to try and finish his video. From behind him Etta furrowed her brow, not used to the easiness that he had accepted that fact. Most would have made some negative comment about her being a woman or the more recent jibe, blind. He was something else.

...

...

Jake followed Norm and Etta through a short corridor into the link room, containing dozens of units. Each one looking like a cross between a coffin and a MRI machine.

"Grace Augustine is a legend. She's the head of the Avatar Program, and she wrote the book…I mean literally wrote the book on Pandoran botany." Norm explained excitedly.

"That's because she likes plants better than people." Max whispered lowly over his shoulder. They pull up to one of the link beds where an older woman sits up from the gel mattress, stretching and cracking her neck. Despite her age gap over the younger group she still holds herself with strength and fierceness that can compete with any of them.

"Who's got my goddam cigarette? Guys what's wrong with this picture?" she snapped, jolting one of the techies into action. She brings it to her, already lit up.

"She's kinda like a drill sergeant, you might even get along with her." Etta commented, leaning down towards Jake who grinned in amusement. As Grace stands, she scowls at the approaching group.

"And here she is, Cinderella back from the ball. Grace, I'd like you to meet Norm Spellman and Jake Sully." Grace looked up from her paperwork, eyeing the newcomers critically.

"Norm. I hear good things about you. How's your Na'vi?"

"May the All Mother smile upon our first meeting"Norm answers in Na'vi, displaying his skill with the language. Taking another drag of her cig, Grace nods in approval.

"Not bad. You sound a little formal" She responds, correcting him. Norm nods with a small grin.

"I studied for 5 years. There is still much to learn" he agrees submissively. Jake stares at him in bewilderment, starting to realize how behind he was.

"Grace, this is Jake Sully." Etta reintroduced, nodding her head down to the man. Jake extended his hand in greeting.

"Ma'am." Grace kept her arms crossed.

"Yeah, yeah. I know who you are, and I don't need you. I need your brother. You know, the PhD who trained three years for this mission." She snapped bitterly.

"He's dead. I know it's a big inconvenience to everyone." Jake responds shortly, his jaw clenching. Etta lays a hand on his shoulder.

"Things happen for a reason. Give him a chance Grace, it's no coincidence that Tommy had a twin." She countered pointedly. Jake remained silent but his heart warmed a little at how she was the only one willing to stand up for him. Grace grunts, rolling her eyes.

"How much lab training have you had?" the scientist asked critically.

"I dissected a frog once." Jake deadpanned. Etta bit her lip in amusement.

"And you said you've never been in a lab." She taunted. Jake chuckled with her while Grace growled. The woman wheeled around on Max who faced her with a grimace.

"You see? You see? They're pissing on us without even the curtesy of calling it rain." She lamented fervently before turning on her heel and stalking off.

"I'm going to Selfridge." Grace growled as she turned and pushed past some technicians.

"Grace that's not a good idea." Max advises but at that point she's already out the door and halfway down the corridor.

"You know this is such bullshit!" Grace snaps angrily, getting in the last word. Max turned back towards Jake with a pained expression.

"Here, tomorrow. 0800. Try to use big words." He advised before walking off himself. Jake's eyebrows shot up in offense, but he held his tongue. It wasn't his fault that his brother got knocked off just before they took off on this big mission. Yet somehow that's how they were perceiving it.

"Come on, newbie." Etta nodded her head, slipping her glasses back on as she headed towards the corridor. Jake paused for a moment, confused as to what she was asking. Etta stopped in the doorway and turned to face him.

"Are you coming?" she inquired. Jake quickly pumped on his wheels, following after her.

"Where are we going?" he asked, once he had caught back up with her.

"Back to my quarters. I'm gonna give you a crash course and maybe teach you some big words if you're up to it." Etta easily explained, smirking at her own joke.

"Why?" a frown marred her features.

"Because Grace already hates you and you're at a disadvantage here." She supplied as if it was obvious. Jake pursed his lips in distaste at her wording.

"Sorry, I'm not Tommy like everyone seems to prefer." He snapped sourly.

"That's not what I meant. I just mean that within the horrible circumstance that they never even bothered to give you some help in catching up. You're behind in Pandorian knowledge and I think it would be helpful if someone gave you a run down." Etta explained, in a much gentler voice. Jake's expression softened and he was a bit ashamed. Here she was defending him this whole time and he jumped to conclusions too quickly.

"Thank you." He muttered quietly.

"How much effort did that take? Tough marine guy like you, thanking me?" she quipped, not missing a beat. Jake chuckled.

"How did you know I was a Marine?" he asked, thankful that she wasn't dwelling on his vulnerable moment.

"All in the talk. You know like the rest of these guys. All bark and no bite, typical Marine."

"Whoa now. That is a lot of smack your talking." Jake pointed out with a grin.

"I'm army, soldier. You better be able to take some smack talk from me." She teased challengingly. Jake's grin widened.

"And here I thought we could get along." His smile widened at the sound of her laugh as they continued through the corridors.

...

...

I do not own Avatar or the world that James Cameron created. I only own Etta and select interactions.