I see you

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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.

𝕀ℕ hazel-eyed grace, she embodied quiet strength, framed by auburn red hair that whispered tales of resilience. However, it was the prosthetic leg, a testament to sacrifice in the line of duty, that defined her narrative. Her prosthetic wasn't seamless; it resisted cooperation, a daily reminder of the unforgiving crucible of military service. As a dog handler, a marine with Jake Sully, fate's cruel hand manifested in a hidden bomb, threatening her life and the bond with her loyal companion.

In an act of unflinching bravery, she sacrificed for her four-legged friend, leaving her with a prosthetic limb-a mark of heroism. This wasn't her chosen path; financial necessity led her to the military, a realm she never sought. The prosthetic leg became a constant reminder of duty, propelling her forward into a life of unexpected courage and grace.

They can fix a spinal, if you got the money, but not on vet benefits, not in this economy.

Amidst a buzzing crowd, the woman crossed the street, everyone adorned with masks to shield against the polluted atmosphere.

A VA check and 12 bucks will get you a cup of coffee. I'm what they call... waitlisted.

Upon reaching her modest apartment, the woman entered a small space. A bed, pushed against a wall adorned with a peeling painting, occupied one side. Opposite, a compact kitchen and a bathroom completed the scene. With a sigh of relief, she settled onto her bed and began removing her prosthetic leg.

As she did, a voice from the television filled the room, announcing, "The Bengal Tiger, extinct for over a century, is making a comeback." Images of cloned tiger cubs at the Beijing Zoo flashed across the screen. "These cubs mark the latest success in bringing species back from extinction, a trend observed in the past five years."

I became a marine for the hardship. To be hammered on the anvil of life. I told myself I can pass any test man can pass.

Entering the lively bar to meet her best friend, she immersed herself in the rhythmic beats of music, laughter, and clinking glasses. Amidst the crowd, a chant of "Jake! Jake! Jake!" drew her attention, leading her to a cheering gathering.

In the midst of the excitement, she spotted her friend showcasing his party trick-balancing a shot glass on his forehead while skilfully manoeuvring his wheelchair. A chuckle escaped her lips, and she shook her head in amused disbelief. As Jake completed his impressive feat and downed his drink, he noticed Arya in the crowd. Making his way towards her, he called out, "Arya!" She bent down to hug him, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, Jake," Arya greeted, the camaraderie between them evident in the genuine exchange.

Let's get it straight, upfront. I don't want your pity. You want a fair deal, you're on the wrong planet. The strong prey on the weak. That's just how things are.

As Arya focused on the TV, engrossed in a sports event, a sudden commotion disrupted her attention. Turning around, she was startled to find her best friend, Jake, atop a man, his arm firmly around the man's neck. Surrounding them, a group of people attempted to pull Jake away.

Sighing, Arya quickly moved to intervene, determined to help defuse the situation.

All I ever wanted in my sorry-ass life was a single thing worth fighting for.

Security forcefully escorted Jake and Arya out through the back door, unceremoniously tossing them into the rain-soaked night. Arya landed with a grunt, and as Jake's wheelchair followed, it ended up on top of him.

Annoyed, Arya queried, "What the hell was that, Jake?" He lay on his back, chuckling in response. With a playful shout, he added, "I hope you realized you just lost yourself a customer. Candy-ass bitch. If it ain't raining, we ain't training."

Arya sighed, shaking her head at her friend's irreverent sense of humour despite the less-than-ideal situation.

The moment hung in the air until Arya detected approaching footsteps. Turning, she spotted two business-like men, each holding idea screens in their hands. "It doesn't look like them," one remarked, while the other asserted, "It's them." Leaning down towards Jake and Arya, one of the men inquired, "Are you Jake Sully and Arya Miller?"

Jake, in his usual irreverent fashion, replied, "Step off. You're ruining my good mood." Arya chimed in, "What's it to you two?" as she looked up at the two figures. One of them explained, "It's about your brother." The mention of Jake's brother immediately captured their attention, and an uneasy feeling settled within Arya, hinting at the forthcoming news being far from favourable.

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The group entered the crematorium, and one of the men inquired, "We're looking for Sully, T." They navigated through the facility, passing workers engrossed in their duties. A worker pointed to a coffin box, stating, "In there." As the lid was lifted, exposing Jake's brother, Arya's breath caught, and Jake murmured, "Jesus, Tommy," his voice weighted with grief. A solemn atmosphere enveloped the room as the harsh reality of the loss sank in for the two friends.

The strong prey on the weak. A guy with a knife took all Tommy would ever be for the paper in his wallet. The concern of the suits was touching.

"Your brother represented a significant investment. We'd like to talk to you about taking over his contract. And since your genome is identical to his, you could step into his shoes, and Miss Miller could also help, as she signed with Tommy before she had to be sent off," the man explained. Jake observed as the man lifted the crane, securing the coffin after closing the lid, and transported it toward the inferno.

"It's a fresh start for you both on a new world. You could do something important. You can make a difference. And the pay is good," the man continued. Arya and Jake followed the crane's trajectory to the coffin as the other man added, "Very good." With that, the worker activated the inferno, and flames consumed the coffin, reducing it to cinders.

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As Arya awoke, the surreal sensation lingered, making her wonder if it was all still a dream. The reality sunk in that she had the opportunity to embark on the out-of-this-world adventure she'd longed for. However, the bitter truth of Tommy's demise cast a shadow over her excitement.

Surveying the sleeping pod, she noticed water droplets suspended in the air. When the pod opened, straps kept her in place, preventing her from floating away. Her once-long hair, now cut short, floated weightlessly. A floating doctor approached, towering over her, checking her wrist.

"Are we there yet?" Arya inquired. The man nodded, "Yeah, we're there, sunshine. We're there." With a comforting pat on her shoulder, he left her to contemplate the juxtaposition of her dreams realized against the backdrop of loss.

"You've been in cryo for five years, nine months, and 22 days. You will be hungry. You will be weak. If you feel nausea, please use the sacks provided for your convenience," a doctor announced. Arya floated to her locker, where her initials 'A. Miller' were inscribed. The surreal nature of it all still hadn't fully sunk in. Jake floated over to her.

"So, what do you think? About all of this?" he asked. Arya looked at him and smiled, "I say it is out of this world." She smirked as Jake shook his head, groaning, "That was terrible." Before he could say more, she added, "Aww, I'm starry." He groaned again, and she laughed as he floated to his locker while she opened hers. The banter provided a light moment in the midst of their extraordinary circumstances.

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

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Seated beside Jake in the RDA flying craft, Arya felt a whirlwind of emotions-nervousness, excitement, and a lingering sadness. Attempting to control her breathing, a man's urgent shout broke through the cabin, commanding attention.

"Exo-packs on! Let's go! Exo-packs on!" Arya swiftly donned her mask, activating the oxygen with a press of two small buttons. The man continued with a stark reminder, "Remember, people, you lose that mask, you're unconscious in 20 seconds, you're dead in four minutes! Let's nobody be dead today! Looks very bad on my report."

Catching Jake's eye, Arya offered a small comforting smile, and he nodded in return. After a nerve-wracking journey, they landed at their destination. Exhaling a breath she didn't realize she was holding, Arya heard the man command, "Harnesses off! Get your packs! Put it together, let's go! Let's go!"

Arya ensured her prosthetic leg was secure, grabbed her bag, and listened as the man instructed, "When that ramp comes down, go directly into the base. Do not stop! Go straight inside. Wait for my mark!" As the ramp opened, men rushed out, and the urgency in the air heightened.

"Go, go, go, go! Get out of there! Keep moving! Let's go, let's go!" Arya waited for Jake as he readied his wheelchair, grabbed his pack, and rolled out. Following closely behind, they navigated the unfolding mission with focused determination.

There's no such thing as an ex-Marine. You may be out, but you never lose the attitude.

"Let's go, special case! Do not make me wait for you both!" the man urged the two friends as they made their way out, taking in the surroundings. The area was bustling with people and machines, unmistakably resembling a military base headquarters.

Back on Earth, these guys were Army dogs, Marines, fighting for freedom.

As they navigated through the area, Arya spotted a Mitsubishi MK-6 Amplified Mobility Platform, or "AMP" suit, approaching them. The two friends swiftly moved out of its way. The person inside the suit called out, "Look out, Hot rod and pirate!" before continuing on their path.

But out here they're just hired guns, taking the money, working for the company.

"Check this out, man. Meals on wheels and a stick," a man remarked to his friend as they observed the two friends. "Oh, man, that is just wrong," his friend commented, eyeing them.

A massive yellow RDA truck drove past them, and Arya stopped to see enormous arrows piercing its wheels. She pondered what awaited them beyond, glancing at the towering wall. However, her thoughts were interrupted as Jake called her. With one last glance at the unknown, she followed Jake to their destination.

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"You're not in Kansas anymore. You are on Pandora, ladies and gentlemen. Respect that fact every second of every day," the man, clad in camo with three beast-like scars on his head, declared. He paced across the room, addressing the seated audience on benches.

"If there is a hell, you might want to go there for some R&R after a tour on Pandora. Out there, beyond that fence, every living thing that crawls, flies, or squats in the mud wants to kill you and eat your eyes for Jujubes," he warned. As he spoke, Arya and Jake entered the room. Jake placed his pack on the table, while Arya sat on the table with her pack in her lap.

"We have an indigenous population of humanoids called the Na'vi. They're fond of arrows dipped in a neurotoxin that'll stop your heart in one minute. And they have bones reinforced with naturally occurring carbon fiber. They are very hard to kill. As head of security, it is my job to keep you alive. I will not succeed. Not with all of you. If you wish to survive, you need to cultivate a strong mental attitude. You've got to obey the rules. Pandora rules. Rule number one..."

There's nothing like an old-school safety brief to put your mind at ease.

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By: SIlverMist707

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