Vendetta.

[tm20]

Chapter 5

Dr. Eileen walked Tak and Alan back to where she was collecting samples and recording data. On the way back Tak kept silent as usual while Alan kept silent due to trying to figure out what the hell had just happened. What had just happened was that he was in a three way standoff with two Na’vi warriors, not Avatars, but Na’vi warriors who had drawn their arrows, ready to fire. Unable to stop thinking about his first encounter with the alien race, his heart continued to beat fast. The group reached Dr. Eileens spot and decided to continue their work. Tak moved to another spot, but not too far from where his superior was. Now that he had lost his temper and was unsettled, he couldn’t focus on what he was meant to be doing. He recorded all sorts of data for the Anemonid and took samples as instructed but he was filled with anger. It didn’t make sense to him. He threw his pen and clipboard on to the ground and asked himself some questions.

“Why….. why does this always happen? Why can’t I just be left alone? Why is it that every time I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, minding my own business, some ****en ******* has to come along and **** things up? **** this ****…..”
Unable to comprehend the hostility of the Na’vi, despite being warned of the aggressive alien race, Tak stared at the ground for a while until realizing that Dr. Eileen was standing behind him. She kneeled down next to him.
“You OK?” she asked. Tak gave her an unamused look. Seeing that he was not in the mood for a chat, she sighed and continued to talk.

“I know it must have been….. unpleasant, for your first encounter with the Na’vi to turn out like it did just then, but it was my fault. I should’ve told you to stay close….. aghhhh, stupid, stupid me. But I really want you to get to know these people better. I know this seems like a lot to ask, but try to not think too badly of the natives OK. I mean, I wouldn’t be too happy either if my home was being mined by a hostile alien race. Well anyway, it was my fault and I apologise. I promise I’ll warn you of anything from now on OK.”

Tak gave his signature no response. But by now Dr. Eileen had told herself that even though he didn’t answer her questions, he was listening to what she was saying. She gave him a slight smile and walked back to her area. And in fact Tak had been listening to what she had to say.

“Don’t think too badly of them? After they tried to kill me? Get the **** out of here lady.” He thought to himself.
After recording the data and collecting the samples the team had come after, Dr. Eileen gathered everyone so they could make their way back to the helicopters. Unaware of what had happened but curious over why Dr. Eileen suddenly ran away, the other 3 scientists asked her what had happened. “Long story, I’ll tell you guys tonight” she replied. The Samsons took off and made their way back to Hell’s Gate as Alpha Centuri A cast a bright orange glow over the Pandoran landscape. The forest was now a bright brown form the rich green mixing with the orange sunlight. The sky went from a beautiful, slightly dark sky blue to a pale and then intense orange as it approached the horizon. Tak stared into the distance and watched as Alpha Centuri A slowly sunk into the horizon.

The team finally reached Hell’s Gate. As the Samsons touched down, a marine approached the landing zone and waited there. When the pilots cut the eingines and the whining sound of the rotors died, the marine ordered that Tak was to go and see Colonel Hilton. The day just seemed to get worse for Tak. Wasting no time, the marine escorted Tak to Colonel Hilton. The others looked confused but went back to unloading their science equipment. The marine took Tak up into the control tower where Colonel Hilton was standing at the 3D hologram map of the many areas of Pandora. The marine approached him and saluted him.

“Sir, as you’ve requested”
“Thankyou sergeant.” He replied. He looked over to Tak.
“Step into my office.” He said as he began to make his way in that direction. Tak followed.
Upon entering his office, Tak looked around. Colonel Hilton’s office was very tidy. On his desk were the usual things like pens, some paper and folders neatly stacked, an RDA mug, and of course, a box of Cuban cigars that had been brought over from earth. On the wall were framed awards and medals of all sorts. Colonel Hilton than began to speak.
“So, Dr. Takumi Ling, you’ve only been here for nearly a week and I’m already starting to hear things about you. I’ve read your profile, you seem like just an ordinary scientist. But I’ve been told otherwise. ” Tak continued to look at the things that were on the desk.

“It’s my understanding, that you got into an altercation with Sergeant Rolf Terry. Well it wasn’t really an altercation was it, since you didn’t say anything. It’s also my understanding that yesterday afternoon, two sergeants were knocked unconscious near the dining hall. Now, I’m not pointing the finger at anyone. Not yet. After all, I’m not the type who makes accusations without any evidence. But I am aware that these two men were with Sergeant Terry at the time of the incident in the dining hall yesterday morning. Like I said, I’m not pointing the finger at anyone, but I will say this. You need to watch yourself.”
Tak then looked into Colonel Hilton’s eyes. The sudden change in his tone had caused Tak to feel like he was being threatened. This he didn’t like at all. For Tak it was simple, make a threat and be ready to back it up with some action. Or else just don’t say anything. He could feel the anger building up inside again but he did his best to not show it. Colonel Hilton didn’t look very intimidating. His dark brown eyes, normal facial features and his not too thick moustache made him seem like the average guy. But looks can be deceiving. Colonel Hilton continued.

“Now, you may think so, but I’m not biased against scientists. I believe in fairness. I’ve already spoken to Sergeant Terry, and he is also aware that he needs to watch himself. But so do you. Anymore reports I get of you stepping out of line, and I guarantee that you will face the consequences. You are dismissed.”

Tak slowly walked out of the office and made his way to the lab. When he arrived, he was approached by the team. “What happened? What’s wrong?” asked Dr. Eileen. Tak closed his eyes and slightly shook his head to signify that nothing was wrong. Dr. Eileen really didn’t want to piss him off any further considering the bad day that he had. She left him alone and so did the others. Tak unpacked his science equipment, turned on the monitor at his desk and began to input the data into the database. He then took out the samples he had collected and stared at it. A lot was going through his mind now but he continued with his work.