Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora/Notes

This is a list of collectible notes in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

Main Story Notes

A Carpenter's Note

Location: Northeast of Giant's Refuge camp, near the bank of the River of Ancestors in the northeast corner of the Stone Cloud Valley domain of the Clouded Forest

Hey.

The Eagle says we should move the date. She’s scheduled for a

long-range patrol the night before and won’t be 100%. She

wants to get every advantage. Make sure this works out.

There’s no need to rush. Postpone to next day? Yellow smoke

at dawn if yes.

I’m worried, no lie. If this thing falls through, it’ll be bad. But the

Eagle believes in you. So I do too. I don’t mean to sound

ungrateful. I just don’t know you. I know her though. And I know

watching this destruction and waste is killing me.

The RDA is all about minerals. And chemicals. Things they can

combine in a lab. But I love working with wood. I see in it the

shapes I could bring out. And yes, of course. Living wood, trees,

those are also beautiful. The RDA burns them to ash. Leaves

splinters at best. Waste. I’m done. These aren’t people I want

to raise a child around.

We’ll wait for the signal.

The Carpenter

A Fourth Clan

Location: Airship wreckage in Stone Cloud Valley, northeast of Hunter's Meet camp. On the left side of the solitary waterfall on the River of Ancestors, north of Singer's Falls.

Contact report: The Fourth Clan

We have sighting reports of the Fourth Clan moving into the

region. So far, the intel is proving reliable.

We have reason to believe that the Fourth Clan offers us a

prime window of opportunity. The expected location gives us a

strategic advantage. But the element of surprise is crucial.

The Fourth Clan is known to be nomadic. But our intel suggests

they are not warriors and will be traveling with families. In

addition, they have no fixed habitation and therefore no

barriers for us to overcome.

We estimate arrival at 0400 hours. Ready units. Mercer wants

this bad, so bring your A-game.

R

Additional Weaponry Request

Location: Laser Ore Processor Alpha

Chris,

Patrols spotted another Na'vi lurking around the outpost.

Watching us .... Waiting. One of the rookies says [[So'lek|this Na'vi is

wearing our dog tags. Can you believe it? Dog tags ?! I'm not

adding to the collection.

Management's convinced this place is a fortress, but that just

means we're a bigger target.

There can't be any weaknesses. We need MORE firepower.

Requesting 2 x MBS-22A sentries. 8 x.50 Cal Hydras. And as

many incendiaries as you can spare.

Corp. I.Hinton

Air Quality Index Findings

Location: Cornerstone Station

Every day the air around the forest gets thicker. I checked the

air quality in the field lab again this morning - the amount of

pollution out there is devastating ... Even by RDA standards.

The chimneys from the RDA's outposts engulf the sky with so

much smoke that at night you can barely see Polyphemus. And

the forest is choking because of it.

The plants surrounding it can barely extend themselves

towards the sun. New seeds wither and decompose. The soil is

becoming drained of nitrogen. It's shocking enough to see it

happen on Earth, but to see it happen here ... a planet whose

atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen-oxygen based ... it's

beyond belief.

The RDA know too. And that makes it worse. They watch the

forest crisp and fade, and they see the sky above painted grey.

And still, they increase the output. And they build more. Has

humanity learned nothing? Are we doomed to repeat our

mistakes, over and over?

We need to keep a close eye on the Index. Monitor changes at

field labs. And hope we can find some way to help.

Alma's personal log: They're awake

Location: Open Skies Station

I should have gone back sooner. My God. Nearly 16 years.

And it's like those years never passed. They all look exactly the

same. So young. Innocent. It's a miracle they survived. I never

imagined they would.

Well, sometimes, I did wonder. Perhaps. And then I pushed it

out of my mind. But - it seemed impossible. IMPOSSIBLE. I

couldn't have known.

I suppose if I'm being honest with myself, I couldn't bear to go

back. I didn't want to face it. To face them, after everything.

The thought of TAP made me sick to my stomach. It still does.

All those poor kids went through. And there's so much hurt in

their eyes. So much accusation. Except from Teylan. He seems

more confused than anything, but happy to be here.

I should have checked. I should have FORCED myself to check.

Will they hate me forever for leaving them there?

It's ironic, really. If Mercer hadn't come back, the RDA would

never have scanned for life signs at TAP. Priya would never

have intercepted their call.

So, thanks, John. You saved the kids, in a roundabout way. I'm

sure you're kicking yourself.

Anqa's personal log: Aranahe problems

Location: Open Skies Station

Yeah I was right. The Aranahe tsahik, Asahe, died. One of their

hunters came to tell us. Told us the Aranahe were done with

the Resistance. Their chief told his people all contact with us

is banned, and if we come anywhere near that Hometree, we'll

be treated as hostile. Basically a warning shot. The guy was

real stuffy too. Looked down his nose at us. OK that's not hard

for a Na'vi, but yeah. Seemed disgusted with Alma. Called

Nihen/Nawen. No, NEYAN. One to watch, maybe. He could make

trouble for us.

Anqa's personal log: No news

Location: Kinglor Forest Resistance HQ

Secondary Location (it respawns if not collected): Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

Alma said she hasn't heard anything from Jake in a while. She

doesn't seem worried though. He's a busy guy, I guess.

I'm kinda bummed out today. Not sure why. I'm getting this

weird divide between me and the Resistance newbies. They're

so keen. Bright-eyed. Even Priya. She's excited about taking

down the RDA

I know it's different for her. I've lived on Pandora for years. She

hasn't. And I always knew the RDA would come back one day.

But now they have, it's just like ... this AGAIN? Really? Even if

we somehow win, and get them off-moon, they'll just come

back AGAIN. They'll never let Pandora go. Never. It's way too

valuable. I guess I just don't know what I'm doing here

sometimes.

Beads of superstition

Location: Airship wreckage in the Cradling Pines, in the valley between the Stone Sentinels, west of the Budding Watcher

Field Report: Cultural notes

The Na'vi, across all clans, have a superstitious attachment to

the trinkets they wear. We liken it to something to ward off evil

spirits.

I must admit that they have a primitive beauty. Even young

children are given these beaded strings.

In Na'vi they call them 'songcords' and they seem to mark life

events with them. For a people who have not evolved enough

to develop writing, jewelry and icons take on a weighty

significance.

We must acquire some for further study. Please send a memo

to the combat teams, telling them to retrieve these

'songcords' from any Na'vi bodies.

Black Market - Intake Manifest: Aranahe clan artifacts

Location: Rising Spires domain of the Kinglor Forest, in between the Crooked River and Five Sisters markers. Directly north of the islands in the river that look like an 'i,' on the peninsula jutting into the river.

Recovered by Cobra team, patrol route 26.

Blowback: Minimal (team commander suffered minor lacerations, is stable).

Patrol reports x3 deceased Na'vi, x2 wounded Na'vi. Clan: Aranahe.

X3 spools of kinglor silk (undyed)

X5 kinglor silk tapestries (dyed)

X2 spears (intact)

X2 longbows (intact)

X1 knife (appears ceremonial? Highly intricate)

X7 arrowheads (minor damage)

X1 shortbow (major damage to upper limb, string has snapped)

Blue Moon

Location: Boulder Station

Owner: Alexander Tremayne

Subject: Dream Diary

So'lek spoke to me in Na'vi but I understood what he said. He

told me that the skies over Pandora would show us the way.

And then Alma passed through HQ on a bicycle, except she was

riding backwards. So, I decided to find my way up to the

viewing platform to look at the sky.

The staircase was choked with roots and vines, and I kept

tripping. When I got up there it was night. I looked up into the

Pandoran sky and it was a full moon. Except, it was Earth's

moon. I tried to tell everyone. I pointed and explained that I

recognized the Copernicus Crater from Earth's moon, but they

just laughed. And then I woke up.

This is the third time I have dreamed of Earth's moon in the

sky above Pandora. I don't put any faith in dream signs, any

more than I do tarot, but my brain keeps conjuring this dream

over and over.

Priya said that I am just pining for home. There is so much to

occupy my mind, here, that I don't often think of Earth

nostalgically. So, I wonder, if this is actually a manifestation of

my underlying anxiety about the fate of Pandora. I do worry for

the future. We are so few, and the RDA are strong and ruthless.

Can hope really survive here? But if we don't hope, we are

hopeless.

I would never tell the others about my fears. We have to keep

going, no matter what. There is no other choice.

Delete after reading.

Location: In the Extractor Plant next to Wing Mountain in The Stone Hold. Go through the leftmost big bay door near the middle bellsprig. It should be on a weightlifting bench about halfway up the stairs on the left.

T,

Delete this email after reading. Then delete your reply after

sending.

We've had another private request come in from one of our

"elite" clients.

The materials they want are the same as before, and as with

last time, they're willing to pay big for it. I told them that keeping

black-market sales quiet is growing ever more costly now the

Resistance are getting bolder. The risk is higher than ever for

deliveries made on the down-low.

So, they're adding an extra 15%.

The funds are split the same as last time. Arrange to have

the materials gathered and shipped. Make it your first priority.

Harding.

Desertion clampdown

Location: Under an abandoned tower located west of Pneumatic Prospector Bravo, across the river and northwest of the rounded rocky hill. It's on a small metal platform with a ladder.

Memo: To all lieutenants

Status: Urgent

It has come to our attention that lieutenants may need more

of an incentive to ensure we don’t watch as RDA personnel

simply walk off base and into the arms of the Resistance. We

recruit only the best and expect our leaders to act as such.

Desertion is not a fact of life in the RDA. It is not “natural

attrition” it is a failure of squad leaders to account for their

assets.

The following measures will be implemented with immediate

effect to deal with the defector problem.

- All desertion will result in the strictest disciplinary measures.

- A new reprogramming initiative will be implemented for

returned personnel.

- Lieutenants will be held responsible for desertion numbers

among their platoons.

- Increased resources have already been funneled to focus on

monitoring all communications.

It is time to get your house in order. Discipline is at the very

core of the RDA and everything we do here on Pandora. We

must tighten the leash.

Play your part.

John Mercer

Dis/connecting with Pandora

Location: Resting Leaf Lab

Author: Teylan

I don't get it. Ri'nela and the others keep saying how we're

Na'vi and a natural part of Pandora, and that TAP told us lies

about how dangerous it is. But it is dangerous! Not all of it, but

a lot of it!

And it's not like I just sit inside hiding either.

I tried with the plants first. Ri'nela said I should look at the

jungle like a Na'vi, like a Sarentu, to focus on it, but I'm not

really sure what she meant. I just tried not to think about the

nature classes at TAP, which was easy because I was kind of

bad at them anyway.

I saw a tree that looked nice, and it had big, colorful fruit on it.

Like the Earth's sun! I put my hand on the trunk and tried to ... I

don't know really. Hear? Feel? But it was just a tree. So, I tried

taking one of the fruit, and that went bad. I said the thank you

words, but the fruit tore at the stem when I pulled, and it

smelled SO BAD and it got on my shirt too! I soaked it

overnight, but I feel like I can still smell the fruit. I hope no one

else does.

After that, I tried "to see" the animals, but the hexapedes just

kept running away from me. I picked some of the plants they

like and squatted real still, offering the food to them. But it

was really uncomfortable, and there were things crawling on

my tail, and every time I shifted even a little, the hexapedes

ran away again.

Maybe there's some kind of tech solution? Got to think on that.

Field Report: A Collective Consciousness

Location: Computer Terminal in the Silk Woods near the Eject Ancestor Skill

The Na'vi see Eywa in all things. This "Great Mother" is not

merely a belief held by some, but an undeniable entity to which

all Na'vi connect throughout their lives. Varying reports

suggest Na'vi can use this system to share memories, even

with deceased members of their family. The possibility and

potential of a network that can store accessible memories of

personhood in real time certainly invites deeper study.

For Daniela

Location: Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

Daniela.

You scared me, girl. But in a good way. Don't think I've ever met

anyone with your kind of steel. You wouldn't back down. Or give

an inch. Had to respect that, even when you were wrong. Which

wasn't often.

You weren't too chatty with me at first. All business. Then, that

time we did twelve hours of surveillance on a field lab that

turned out empty, you just started talking. Telling me about

how you learned to handle a rifle as a kid. After that, couldn't

shut you up. And then you only went and saved my life. Really

wishing I could have repaid that favor.

Miss you.

Hope in Desertion

Location: In an abandoned shipping container on the larger island under the arch of the root southeast of Hydro Injector Bravo in the Waterway Valley

My time has come. I have to make the move, now. Consider this

my signature on the dotted line.

Every day brings more death and destruction. I left Earth to

harness nature for a better future. This is something entirely

different. I thought I was leaving shortsighted greed behind.

Instead, I got corporate greed on steroids.

There is an atmosphere of fear built into this organization.

There is no room to question anything because that will shine

suspicion on you. And I can't face a future of keeping my head

down and my mouth shut, in order to survive, while loathing

myself for being part of a machine that wreaks terror and

devastation upon a beautiful world and its people.

My skills include garments and food engineering.

I hope this message reaches you. I await word on next steps.

The Lion

Idea: R'XEA planning notes

Location: Rainforest Deep Field Lab

Author: Teylan

With my idea for a Remote Xeno-Emotion Analyzer humans

(and Na'vi) who aren't that good at reading Pandoran animals

should be able to analyze their moods safely from a distance.

(Rethink the name before presenting the idea to others. Ask

Priya? And So'lek! R'XEA could be a bad word in Na'vi.)

I'll just need a standard infrared thermal imaging unit from an

AMP suit. It can be connected to a wireless signal array I can

repurpose from the broken medical scanner I saw in storage.

(Not sure how possible this is yet. Will need to build new

casing to hold both units. Someone tried to fix the scanner

with duct tape. Doesn't look professional. Mercer always said

first impressions are important!)

When used, the wireless signals from R'XEA should reflect off

the animal's body and back to the unit. The variations between

heartbeats can be translated into an agitation level, and an

alarm will sound when the animal is getting

agitated/dangerous.

(Medical scanners have pretty loud alarms. Got to adjust that.)

If the database can be populated with enough test readings,

R'XEA will theoretically be able to interpret emotions like happy

or sad, and not just general agitation.

(Will need to list some good test subjects. Direhorse are big

but peaceful. Kinglor are really fuzzy. Will the signals reflect

from fuzz? Investigate. Ikran always seem angry. Maybe save

them for later.)

Intake Manifest

Location: Computer terminal south of Stone Processor Alpha in the Shattered Bridge domain of the Upper Plains

Recovered by Tusk-4 team, grid cells Sigma-03-50 to Tau-27-04.

X9 fragments of unknown Na'vi artifact. Hollow plant husks of

large, varying sizes. Orifices carved in ridges along surface.

Possible ritual use.

X4 ribs. Mostly intact. DNA verification needed.

X2 skulls. One cracked. One recent. Neither is of the right species.

Join the Resistance

Location: Broken Bow Lab

OPEN YOUR EYES

Have you seen it out there? Have you looked BEYOND the outpost?

RDA operations are poisoning Pandora. Ecosystems are

destroyed. Species are ravaged. Entire ways of life are

eradicated at the sweep of a bulldozer.

But YOU can stop it. Join our group, and work with us. Together,

we can stop the destruction of Pandora and live in harmony on

this beautiful moon.

We are driven. Passionate. United.

WE RESIST.

So, when you're ready to look beyond the outpost ...

FIND US.

Kame'tire folktale

Location: Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

TRANSCRIPT: Recording of Kame'tire storyteller, Taka'ri

One day, two Na'vi walked through the forest and found a tree,

laden with succulent fruit. They gorged on the fruit and picked

as much as they could carry.

The next day, they returned for more. And the next. For many

days, until the tree was bare.

At the time of the next harvest, the two Na'vi remembered the

tree with the tasty fruit. Licking their lips, they spoke of how

much they'd eat.

But when they found the tree, its branches were still bare.

They checked their route. It was definitely the right tree. They

met a gatherer on their way back home and told them of the

tree that used to have the wondrous fruit.

The gatherer shook their head and said, "You were greedy. You

ate all the fruit and left nothing for the forest to replenish. And

now the tree is bare, and nobody will ever taste that delicious

fruit again. Na'vi should only pluck the fruit we need, ensuring

the forest always provides.'

The two Na'vi were sad and promised they would always leave

something for the forest, in future.

Notes:

This is a lesson we could have done with back home. It

reminds me of ancient history on Earth. I found an old saying

once, "leave some for the birds" from back when foraging was

still a thing. Funny how the old ways are universal.

Log 21: Aranahe folktales

Location: Green Sage Lab

Much like Earth's fables, the intention of many Na'vi folktales

is seemingly to impart wisdom and morals to the listener.

However, other Na'vi folktales are closer to a mythology,

concocting intriguing creation stories around certain peculiar

landmarks.

One such story from the Aranahe clan appears to reference a

ring of five stone pillars in the rainforest, known affectionately

as "The Five Sisters"

The story is as follows, roughly translated:

Five Aranahe sisters were hunting in the rainforest when they

came upon the first kinglor cocoon hanging from a tree. The

sisters did not know what it was but felt bound to protect it.

Fierce predators were attracted to the cocoon and tried to

attack it. The sisters formed a circle around the cocoon, and

did not move to eat, drink, or sleep. They stayed so long their

arms ached, and their bellies ached, but they would not leave

the kinglor. By the time the kinglor safely hatched, the sisters

had turned to stone.

The purpose of this tale has sparked some debate. Is it a tale

of self-sacrifice for something greater? A lesson in peer

pressure? A warning against fixations? Or merely a celebration

of being steadfast and true? Perhaps it is none of these, but

simply a tale to ignite the imagination.

Manifest of Kame'tire Items

Location: Abandoned shipping container south of Welcoming Seat camp and north of Crimson Station, just to the northeast of the larger plateau. The Celebration Valley.

Owner: Bravo Foxtrot Squadron

Manifest

Rare Kame'tire artefacts recovered.

Wooden mask (cracked)

Basket (pristine)

Headdress (slight bloodstain – could add cache)

Bone knife with wooden carved (?) handle

Vessel containing liquid (purpose unknown)

Note: We have limited contact with this tribe, so these items

should secure higher prices.

Labelling should sell the story rich folks want to brag about

at a dinner party.

Warrior Headdress – ‘snatched from a legendary Kame'tire leader

in a battle RDA won.’

Woodshaped Kame'tire Knife – label as ‘ceremonial weapon worn

by chieftains’.

Kame'tire Vessel – ‘Shamanic tincture prized among Kame'tire

as medicine.’

Ceremonial Wooden mask – ‘rare example of the Kame'tire’s

primitive, yet captivating art’

Tribal Basket – ‘handwoven from reeds found in the marshes of

the Kame'tire region’

Label and box up immediately, ready for sale.

AH

Na'vi clans joining Resistance...

Location: Drill Outpost Charlie

They hit us with an aerial assault.

This wasn't a clan-led attack. Their knowledge of our survey

infrastructure ... their preparedness for our re-enforcements.

This was the Resistance.

Which means that somehow the Resistance got the Aranahe

clan to ally with them. And provide them with Ikran support!

How the hell did this happen?

It's one thing holding back a bunch of tree-hugging traitors.

But now we've got to deal with Resistance blues too?

We're gonna need more re-enforcements from Bridgehead.

B

Our Final Option

Location: Horseshoe Mountain Station

Owner: Dr. Alma Cortez

TAP Con-1: The Kame'tire project update.

Diplomatic conversations with the Kame'tire seem to be

coming to an end. They just won't listen. I felt sure we could

win them over, but this clan really doesn't like strangers. They

are different to any Na'vi we've met before. It's so frustrating

because they'd be the perfect subjects for TAP.

They just won't cooperate. What we're trying to do here is so

important and I don't know what we need to tell them to bring

them on board. This is going to help their children and the

entire future of the clan. They don't know what human culture

could do to elevate them and all Na'vi kind.

I just need time alone with the kids. With young, curious minds

I can help Mercer nurture the ambassadors of the future.

There's just so much I can learn. And even more we can teach

them. The institutions back home won't believe it. I'd be

responsible for the greatest strides in Na'vi/human relations

ever. I have to make this work. I have to.

John is getting impatient. I am too. I saw Harding slipping out

of his office again, yesterday. Not sure why she's involved, but

John assured he has a new plan to get the children, safely.

This might be our last chance, so it has to succeed. Once we

have them everything will be back on track.

Pandora's Dangers

Location: Sunshine Valley Lab

Owner: Teylan

Nor asked me to go scouting with him. I didn't really want to go

but he said I shouldn't keep my head stuck in wires and circuit

boards all the time. It's not as if it's all the time. I stop to eat

when I remember.

Anyway, so l went on this scouting thing with Nor. He said he'd

show me how to be more Na'vi but I think I'm Na'vi enough. How

can I be more? He doesn't even like connecting to Eywa and I

thought that was the most Na'vi thing you can do. But I

suppose it would be nice to be able to go outside without being

scared of absolutely everything.

So, Nor shows me how to grab this vine and it zooms me up to

a branch in a tree. It's just like the lift winches we have in HQ.

So that was actually useful, and I thought maybe the forest

isn't so bad.

Next, Nor took me to a rocky path and told me to jump down

onto a soft, spongy looking thing. He said it would break my

fall. I jumped. And then I was flying through the air but not in a

good way. And I tried to flap my arms but of course the

aerodynamics were all wrong. And then I landed in a pond. And

Nor thought it was so amusing. He said I just needed more

practice landing on sunflower gigantus but I told him to take

me home.

I think I'll stick to wires and circuit boards.

Post-patrol Inventory Sheet

Location: Abandoned shipping container north of Oil Extractor Bravo and east of Sage's Nook, near the south riverbank

Items recovered following Blue contact during routine patrol.

3 Cups/Bowls (Cracked. Look kind of vintage now?)

6 Arrows (Not fired.)

2 Dolls (Some kind of shamanistic thing? Creepy.)

1 Comb (Has hair in it. Good/bad? Decon?)

1 Pouch of colorful powder (Some kind of dye? Double-bagged for

analysis.

NOTE: Check everything below for blood once back at the Lodge

and tag for full decon. They've only been given a quick rinse in

the field.

2 Bracelets

1 Necklace (Broken)

1 Knife

1 Bow (AMP suit stepped on it. Could still be good?)

Profile of the Resistance

Location: Drill Outpost Bravo

ATTENTION - ALL RDA PERSONNEL

Beware the jungle-dwelling insurgents calling themselves "the

Resistance"

This self-named group is made up of radicalized individuals,

using the mantra of resistance to justify assault and

vandalism. They are dangerous and unstable thieves, taking

shelter in OUR abandoned trailers and stealing scraps from

OUR fallen units.

Do not reason with them. Do not pity them. And do not be

fooled by their schemes.

They will do all they can to trick and deceive YOU.

In remaining loyal to your RDA family, you remind them of what

they LOST.

For that, they will KILL you.

Project Feral RDA Log

Location: Research Station Alpha

H. Nicholls SciOps Log Entry 68:

There is no communicating with these beasts.

When we incentivized them with sustenance, they refused to

comply with any basic commands.

These creatures would rather starve than do as they're told.

Punishment had disastrous consequences. The set up was

simple enough: elicit extreme pain whenever the creature

conducts the behavior that we wish it to cease.

But there is no pain the creatures will not endure to maintain

their free will. Including death.

With symbiosis impossible ... And Pavlovian Conditioning

failing ... We're running out of avenues to try. It's starting to

feel like everything that worked on Earth is failing us here.

For now, the only way forward is repetition. We have no

shortage of test subjects. Perhaps with enough time and

iteration, a breakthrough will come.

Priya's personal log: Sunday prep

Location: Crimson Station

Intro ideas:

Welcome to Stand-Up Sundays! (SUS, that might be weird)

Welcome to Priya's Comedy Night! (boring)

Welcome to the stand-up that'll have you falling over! (Is that

too cringe? Check with Anqa)

Drafts:

Q: What do you get when you cross a stream and a river?

(pause for answer)

A: WET! (pause for laughter)

Knock knock/ Who's there? / Water. / Water who? / Water you

doing telling jokes ?! Don't you have more important things to

do? (getting mixed reactions to this one)

Q: Where would you find a zakru?

A: Same place you lost her! (So'lek smiled SLIGHTLY at this one

I swear)

Q: Why do koi fish always travel in groups of four?

A: For protection! If they're attacked by predators, kois A, B,

and C all go in different directions, but D koi stays behind.

Q: What's better than Sarentu?

A: Saren-three!

Q: How does a scientist get fresh breath?

A: With experi-mints! (need to emphasize the mint part here or

people won't get it)

Q: What do you call it when you've got a terrible cough?

A: You're dire hoarse! (still working on wording)

Q: How did the Zeswa camp get so big?

A: Za-grew!

Gotta do something about a Na'vi, an avatar, and a human walk

into a bar ...

RDA interrogation transcript

Location: Gas Extraction Plant Bravo

Unauthorized contact detected between a member of the

engineering team and a known defector. Due to the possibility

of sabotage, team member was detained and questioned

immediately. Transcript as follows:

Q: Let's cut to the chase. We know you've gone blue on us.

We've seen the messages. How were you going to blow up

Bravo?

A: What?

Q: Look. If I get the feeling you're letting a timer run down

somewhere, I will make things unpleasant for you.

A: I wasn't blowing up a damn thing! I just wanted to get out of

here

Q: Out of here? To live up in a tree? We know the defectors

have their shack in the jungle. Give us the coordinates, and I

can help you get out of this with a demotion.

A: I don-

Q: Where are they ?!

A: They - they only said I should rotate to a more coastal

facility first, okay?

Q: Tell you what. You're going to stay right here for the night,

and if something does blow up, you'll go with it.

RE: special shipment

Location: Aerial Defense Station, The Cut, Clouded Forest

Sean -

Goods are in storage off the maintenance trench. ZEDRAS

shipment is heading out tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.

Make sure no one sees you move this stuff.

RE: TAP Syllabus Proposal

Location: Moss Rock Field Lab

Note to self: He was always difficult. But I used to think at

least we shared a goal. To share the wonders of human

culture. To better the lives of both Na'vi and humans. But was I

fooling myself? Was he always this callous?

From: J. Mercer

To: You

Old books. Poetry !! Comparative art studies (you can't be

serious ?! ). Cortez, come on. Where are the economics, the real

science? This is an 'institution of high learning'. Your words,

not mine. We must teach what actually matters! Bring

civilization to those savages. Let's reconvene tomorrow. Spit-

balling some literature:

History of Economics

Corporate Governments: An efficient solution to a historical

problem, chapters 2, 3, 25

Conquering the Global Village, chapters 7-9

The Triumph of Hegemony Politics in the Second Space Age

Covert Diplomacy: Clandestine operations and other forces for

global peace

Trade Theory

Pandoran Commodities and Disruptive Markets, chapter 7

Untangling Entanglement: an Introduction to Quantum

Business Analysis, chapters 1-5

RE: Water treatment processing

Location: Abandoned shipping container east and slightly south of Coiling Spool camp, on the eastern bank of the Tangled Stream in the Shadow Wood

Budgetary concerns on the different levels of water

processing on Pandora called for a separate study on the

efficacy of carbon filtration for water used on plants in our

research labs. However, this is a crucial step, as herbicides

can pass freely through a reverse osmosis membrane ok ok ok

sorry sometimes they scan these to check for anything

suspicious and my supervisor was right behind me as I was

typing - I'll encrypt before I send. I'm good to go at midnight

and the tailor says he'll come too. He's given himself the

codename "Lion" but I swear he's chill. We'll be at the pick-up

point. Please, please, please be there. Please.

Request to halt requests...

Location: Abandoned shipping container in the middle of the first short ridge west of Kefehar Falls and Laser Prospector Delta. South of a data collector.

Hey,

As requested, another batch of ore. But this is getting out of

hand now. We've got requests coming in for shipments across the

region - plenty of outposts need construction materials and

they're all breathing down my neck.

Yet Bridgehead always gets priority.

Seems like whatever you guys ask for, you get. So, I'm asking

you to do me a favor and hold off on the next request until we

get through a few from our backlog. Then everyone is happy.

Thanks,

Tom

Resistance HQ Assault Preparations

Location: Gas Harvester Bravo

We're ready to move like clockwork on this. Right now we have

the element of surprise; we're taking every precaution to

ensure that remains the case.

Our gunships are armed with Hydra 70s and we're keeping

them fueled.

All crews are ready to go. They're sleeping in flight-suits like

they're pajamas.

Make sure our scouts get updated flight paths to avoid

detection. Have them do flybys on known Na'vi ritual sites.

Make it seem we're looking in all the wrong places.

Mercer wants confirmation on numbers from his man on the

inside. As soon as we get word, we're lighting fireworks in the

jungle. Insurgents won't know what hit them.

Cmdr. D. Docherty.

Return to Hell's Gate

Location: Solitude Station

Author: Hajir Beshara

The RDA have left Pandora. Or have they really? I'm still here

with a handful of others. We even have Dr. Alma Cortez, a

xenoanthropologist whose work I read back on Earth. She has

an avatar. Something to do with the project she was on. I did

not pry.

Mostly though Hell's Gate is a ghost town, as far as humans go.

I have to admit that I like it. My first day back, I went into

Selfridge's office and sat in his chair for a while. Not sure why.

It made the RDA retreat feel more real though, somehow.

I've also accessed some of Doctor Augustine's work. The

research she was able to do even while under the RDA only

adds to my shame. She was working to understand Pandora

while I was working to corrupt it.

I would like to study Jake and his transformation, or

transference as it were. But he scowls at my questions. Too

busy for them. I do not blame him. The rebellion left its marks

on this world as well, and there is much to do. Especially for

someone in his position. Still, he is something none of us have

ever seen before. Human, avatar, and Na'vi combined.

SciOps Work Order 001

Location: Computer terminal in the Silk Woods near the Eject Ancestor Skill

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Welcome to the team, Nathan WilliamsNathan! Good to

have you on board. Starting you off with some nice and easy

sample requests for the nutrient research team. Annie has the

full list plus coordinates, but I've attached a photo for your

convenience.

SciOps Work Order 002

Location: Computer terminal at the edge of the Gossamer Lakes domain, near Coiling Spool camp

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Good work on the last samples. Mateo said

they were all intact. Some of the best they've had so far! I

know this field work is a little different from what you were

expecting, but you're doing great. We need more like you. Keep

it up!

SciOps Work Order 003

Location: Computer terminal northwest of Burden Rest camp, in the Step's Cradle domain of the Upper Plains

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: You left some doodles on the back of your

last report. A kid in space? Looks cute but you don't want the

higher ups seeing it. Better to draw on your own time.

SciOps Work Order 004

Location: Computer terminal at the edge of The Stone Hold domain of the Upper Plains, near Guardian's Falls

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Disregard the hexapede notice from

Zoology. We need those flora samples. (I know you're not keen,

but the hexapedes will move on to another location. It'll be

fine.)

SciOps Work Order 005

Location: Computer terminal near Pneumatic Tower Bravo in the Stone Cloud Valley domain of the Clouded Forest

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Nate, we were missing about 50% of the

requested samples in the last batch. Driver says that's all they

got from you. Let me know if anything on today's list is unclear.

SciOps Work Order 006

Location: Computer terminal south of Stone Processor Alpha in the Shattered Bridge domain of the Upper Plains

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: I know Bill chewed you out after the last

batch. Come see me after you send today's samples. There's a

rumor going round, and I want to nip it in the bud. Plus, more

doodles on your desk? I know it's your kid but drawing him and

the rabbit over and over has some people concerned.

SciOps Work Order 007

Location: Computer terminal west of Warrior's Plunge in the Cradling Pines domain of the Clouded Forest

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: You'll be working with a team on this one.

They're expecting you. I haven't told anyone you were shit-

talking operations yesterday, but maybe someone ELSE heard.

Keep it together out there.

SciOps Work Order 008

Location: Computer terminal northwest of Hunting Camp Trophy and Doula's Stream in the Mother of Rivers domain of the Upper Plains

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Nice work with the team on the last batch!

Mateo says you should have company from now on. Sound

good? No one likes working solo. Teamwork makes the dream

work :D

SciOps Work Order 009

Location: Computer terminal northwest of Woven Marsh camp in the Waterway Valley domain of the Kinglor Forest

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Delays with samples? How'd that happen?

Report back to base after this batch. And if you're going to

keep sketching, can you at least make it look like work?

SciOps Work Order 010

Location: Computer terminal northeast of the Tangled Heart in the Crimson Great Wood domain of the Clouded Forest

Team Member: Nathan Williams

Department: R&D (Botany)

Location: Please see attached.

Supervisor's notes: Performance review ordered with

management next week. They went over my head, mate. Date

and time TBC.

Settling into the Western Frontier

Location: Scree Station

L.E. Private Journal: Entry 67

The Kinglor Forest is filled with so many breathtaking plants,

creatures, and flowers ... My eyes can barely focus on any one

thing. It's like I can't comprehend the vibrancy of everything

that's in front of me. There's too much beauty packed into one

place.

The RDA were "kind" enough to leave us a site to operate

from. Maybe now they're gone humans can find a way of

existing on this planet in harmony. But to do so, we can't just

take, we must give back too. There's work to be done, undoing

all the harm the RDA wrought upon this moon.

Sometimes when I pass through the airlock, the smells of

Pandora travel with me. It reminds me of how astronauts

described space as burnt toast when they carried the aroma

of microscopic debris with them into a space station.

The Western Frontier smells bright ... I'm not sure how else to

describe it. Bright.

Shipment Manifest

Location: Abandoned shipping container near Longing Hand camp, where Doula's Stream splits, east of the Data Collector

Manifest

Shipment of armaments, wildlife repellents, and environment

clearing equipment.

Note: Hey Nat, the folks upstairs heard you loud and clear.

Keep our drills defended from the Blues! Oh, and as for your

extra request... I had to steal them from the confectionary

stash. But they're in there.

Contents:

6 x 20mm Ammunition Crates

4 x BushBoss FD-3

8 x CARB 20mm Munition Launcher

24 x CARB Assault Rifle

12 x CARB Shotgun

2 x Crate of CARB attachments. (Incl. Optical Scopes, Carry

Handles, Grenade Launchers)

8 x FD-Grenades

2 x MBS-22A Automated Sentry Gun

1 x Pack of Gummy Bears

60 x Personnel Grenades

4 x Wasp Revolver

Space Pickles

Location: Falls Field Lab

RDA standard ration noodles are not great, but one has to start

somewhere. And synthetic spice? It kinda works. But

desiccated veggies are awful after years of space travel. And

that protein sludge is just no.

Update 1 - I knew finding local protein would be hard. Can't ask

the Aranahe for meat (or for anything, really, at the moment).

So, for now all my hope is on these bok choy seeds.

Update 2 - Homegrown bok choy is a no-go. Bolts too early,

even in a controlled environment. But a file we hacked from

SciOps mentions a fern that's "fit for human consumption"

(read: not poisonous when boiled). Fingers crossed!

Update 3 -Those fern leaves were fibrous as hell. Boiling didn't

help, so Alex has come up with one of his science-y methods.

It involves dipping the ferns into a caustic solution to soften

those hardy cellulose cell walls. Alex calls it 'space pickles'.

Terrible name, I know.

Update 4 - Space pickles are a success. They add a slightly

tart hint that will need balancing in the spice mix, sure. But

they are edible and delicious. Almost no metallic aftertaste!

And now that the Sarentu are around, perhaps they could help

find some local protein to replace sausage. The future is bright

indeed.

Status Report IH452

Location: Hydro-Oil Extractor Charlie

Water Filtration Status: Water purity at optimum levels for

transfer to storage. Waste levels increasing as elevated water

clarity pursued.

Actions required: Increase waste output deposited into the

waste water basin.

Oil Extraction Status: Drill Alpha showing signs of rust. Both

drills providing consistent oil output.

Actions required: Maintenance recommended for Drill Alpha.

Increase water drainage around Drill Alpha.

Oil Storage Status: Tanks in good condition. No signs of

leakage found.

Actions required: No course of action to be taken.

Flora Impact Report: Water pollution from filtration waste

eradicating aquatic plant life and causing significant habitat

destruction.

Actions required: No course of action to be taken.

Wildlife Impact Report: Drastic reduction in aquatic life in lake.

Actions required: Conduct another check for any high value

specimen to salvage. Otherwise, proceed as planned.

Status Report KE808

Location: Gas Extraction Plant Alpha

Extraction Site Status: Extraction from underground pocket

continuing at optimum levels. Flow between extraction site

and distribution site running stable.

Actions required: Continue to monitor for leakages.

Distribution Site Status: Reservoir Minor leakage from Valve 13.

Other Valves in good working condition.

Actions required: Reduce gas output to transportation

canisters through the pipe network via Valve 13.

Power Site Status: Generator maintaining stable energy

output. Equipment in good condition.

Actions required: Continue to monitor and maintain equipment

condition.

Flora Impact Report: Lower air quality as a result of biogas

leakage and smoke output is suffocating plants. Reduced

plant diversity in the area.

Actions required: No flora of value to the RDA is impacted

currently. No course of action to be taken.

Wildlife Impact Report: Environmental pollution considered

significantly detrimental to local fauna habitats. Ecological

report says the flares from the Gas Reservoir are distressing

to small creatures and birds.

Actions required: No course of action to be taken.

Status Report: MF516

Location: Horizontal Miner Charlie

Drill Status: Risk of overheating if increased mineral quota

continues to be pursued.

Actions required: Recommended increase to water coolant

circulation.

Cooling System Status: Water pressure putting strain on pipes.

Minor leakage in central tank.

Actions required: Repair minor leak. Continue to monitor as

output increases.

Grinding Mill Status: Capacity for increase in performance

depending on drill output.

Actions required: Continue to push the drill to acquire more

raw minerals.

Power Site Status: Generator maintaining stable energy

output. Equipment in good condition.

Actions required: Continue to monitor and maintain equipment

condition.

Flora Impact Report: Drill pollution at highly damaging levels to

local flora.

Actions required: No course of action to be taken.

Wildlife Impact Report: Mineral drilling is causing significant

habitat destruction in the surrounding ecological region.

Actions required: Increase security. Local Na'vi resistance

expected.

Systems Interrogation Device: Development Notes

Location: Sheltered Shore Lab

I finally updated the title! SID is the perfect name for this little

troublemaker. (Sid, I hope you feel this in your bones, Mom

would be proud : D)

TO DO

- Tweak electronic tracking of currents under metal surfaces.

- Increase ping frequency for radio signals.

- Test updated hacking interface.

- Adjust grip for better spacing.

Unfortunately, due to the Na'vi-sized proportions, I can't really

tell if SID's comfortable for the end user. Alma held it

yesterday and seemed mildly impressed, but I get the sense

she was hoping for something a little more sophisticated.

(Beggars cannot be choosers, dear Alma. We are working with

scraps after all.)

Current field tests are promising, but the real fun will start

when someone tries it out on RDA technology. Perhaps our

new Sarentu friends will show an interest.

TAP School Records

Location: Cul-De-Sac Station

Subject: Teylan

Temperament: Eager to please. Ideal candidate to promote

human aims. Gets distracted by tech. We should keep an eye

on this aspect.

Skills: A malleable mouthpiece for TAP

Additional note: Perhaps we can nurture Teylan's love of

human technology. AC

Subject: Ri'nela

Temperament: Subject appears to be adapting to the program

well. Some of the other subjects have a strong attachment to

this one. Could be used to our advantage.

Skills: Articulate for a Na'vi.

Additional note: Agree that Ri'nela is a great candidate for TAP

and has the trust of her Na'vi peers. She could go far with the

right support. AC

Subject: Nor

Temperament: Can be surly. Needs discipline. Suggest

stronger punishments to bring him in line.

Skills: Shows potential in weapons. Need to breakdown his

resistance to human tech and channel his anger.

Additional Note: Nor needs care, not discipline, in my opinion.

Let's discuss next steps. AC

Subject: Okni

Temperament: Sickly. Subject is weak. Not a good candidate

for TAP. Suggest downgrade to service aspects of the initiative

if they survive.

Skills: Compliant.

Additional Note: Okni had another fever this week. Need to

check in with medical to see what we can do for her. AC

Subject: Yuayt

Temperament: Responds well to discipline and authority. Has

proven useful as eyes and ears for us in exchange for

favorable conditions. Helped us monitor rule-breakers to

maintain discipline.

Skills: Firearms. Recommend for combat missions, once

loyalty to TAP is rock solid.

Additional Note: Yuayt is far too young for combat. He is strong

for his age, but we should proceed with caution. I will take this

up with John myself. AC

Subject: Aha'ri

Temperament: Displays disruptive and insubordinate

behaviors. Strong discipline recommended. Too much

influence over sibling and others. Suggest separation.

Status: Deceased

Notes: Disciplinary issues. Subject was not suited to TAP. An

unfortunate incident led to termination. JM

Additional Note:

I was too much of a coward to write this when it happened. But

I'll write it now. For all the kids.

That was no 'unfortunate incident', John. You killed Aha'ri. A

child. Because you can't stand dissent and you will crush it at

any cost. That spirited girl was snuffed out.

I tried my best to protect the others. But I fear it was not

enough. What started as a dream will haunt me forever. I will

make this right.

Let the record state: John Mercer murdered Aha'ri. In cold

blood!!

AC

The inevitable return

Location: Kinglor Forest Resistance HQ

Secondary Location (it respawns if not collected): Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

Author: Alexander Tremayne

Too good to last, wasn't it? We've had ourselves many fine

years here on Pandora. Not without their own particular

surprises and challenges of course, but good years. RDA-free

years. Those are now officially over.

We're "mobilizing" for the fight, though some of us are more

mobile than others. Jake is somewhere out there, trying to get

the clans to agree on a proactive strike, I think. Alma has the

details on that but is too busy shaping us into some manner of

unit to share.

We're heading to the Western Frontier, and not just to work on

the field labs this time. No, there is peril and adventure ahead

that makes me a tiny bit queasy just thinking about it. I'm a

scientist, not a soldier. A scientist who has had the privilege of

studying this wonderful moon for several years now without

having to worry about RDA thugs laying waste to everything in

sight.

But that is precisely why I must go. To stop them from

continuing their terrible work. They have us outgunned, so we

must have them outsmarted. Of course, I was one of them

once, and as such, might be facing up to people I actually know

and have worked with.

It is hardly as worrisome for me, as I do not have to take

physical aim at anyone, but I do dwell on it. The idea of

colleagues becoming enemies. Not just in the sense of

someone taking my sandwich from the breakroom fridge, but

in the sense of being at war with one another. Perhaps we will

be able to convince others to join our side in this fight. I

certainly hope so.

The Problem Clan

Location: Abandoned shipping container on the rounded piece of land jutting into Greatheart Lake just northeast of the bellsprig that's north of The Circle

ABSTRACT: Untethered by civilized notions of stability or even

the basic concept of a home, the Na'vi of the Upper Plains are

as changeable as the seasons on Earth. The Zeswa are stubborn,

violent, and impervious to intimidation. From a strategic

perspective this clan is, simply put, an unknown variable.

The Zeswa coexist with the migratory animal they call zakru.

Na'vi live in close proximity to the beasts and follow their

every movement. So understanding the nature of this species

is key in any strategic analysis. In this report we will solve

the Zeswa equation by examining the biological and cultural

lifecycle of the zakru: their feeding habits, migration

patterns, lengthy mating rituals, and, due to their long

lifespans - older individuals often regarded as witnesses of

the clan's history - rare death rites.

Given the wrong set of circumstances, the Zeswa could become

a true threat to industrial operations. But, armed with the

right knowledge, our crews will prevail.

Turning the Tables

Location: Kinglor Forest Resistance HQ

Secondary Location (it respawns if not collected): Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

Owner: Hajir

Subject: My Daily Log

We made it to the Western Frontier. Everything is moving so

fast, lately. I didn't expect to be fighting against the RDA.

Nobody expected it. Well, maybe Jake did. I suppose stuff like

that is on a "need to know" basis.

Jake's continuing the fight from a new location. Everyone's

rattled seeing the RDA tear through the sky again and land on

Pandora. It's weird seeing it from the other side. Feeling what

it's like to be invaded. The fear and uncertainty.

I'm writing like this is my world now. It can never be.

But I've left a mark here. A scar. If Jake finds out about the

ferals ... ooof. He never would have let me stay on Pandora. If

he'd known. God, I hope he never finds out.

Knowing what I know now ... I'd like to think I'd have done

things differently. Guess I was fooling myself. Like I could bring

some humanity to the RDA's corrupt corporate machine. They

only tore some out of me instead. Did I really think I was

special? Like it was possible to be a part of something like

that and not be corrupted by it. Complicit in pain. Suffering.

At least I'm on the right side this time.

Xenoethnographic Report XXVII: Zeswa Kites

Location: On the southern part of the island under the label for the Rock-Strewn River, northwest of the Extractor Plant in The Stone Hold domain of the Upper Plains

CONFIDENTIALITY LEVEL: TAP 6 - NON-RESTRICTED

The ways Na'vi adapt to their environment are wonderfully

ingenious and the Zeswa are not an exception. With the wide

skies of the Upper Plains, and their symbiotic relationship to

the zakru (whose migrations are all but unpredictable), the

Zeswa culture has always faced a communication challenge.

How to tell other outriding hunters where to go to replenish

their milk gourds? How to call the gatherers to a clan council?

Indeed, solutions can be found peppering their culture, from

the range of their musical instruments to the size and colors

of their vibrant cliff murals. But there is one technology that

stands out as an example of Zeswa ingenuity. The signaling kite.

Assembled from easily found materials like reeds, poles, and

woven zakru wool, kites are ever-present in the life of the clan.

Their forms are as varied as their meanings. Some are

breadcrumbs to mark the path of a migration. Others sign the

occasion to celebrate, to dance-fight, or to compete in other

games. Hanging over a faraway camp, a kite might be a friendly

invitation. Implying a warm meal and perhaps a bowl of zangke

is on offer.

Zeswa Death Culture: A Mystery Explained

Location: Clouded Forest Resistance Hideout

ABSTRACT: When an older Zeswa feels their time to join Eywa is

near, they may choose to walk off into the wilderness to never

come back. Those who choose this self-sacrifice are

remembered as legendary heroes.

Scholars have long assumed a meritocratic motive behind this

practice. The value of a Zeswa lies in their strength. So, when it

falters, they become a burden to the clan. However, the

findings of our study, performed in collaboration with clan

members Karmong and Yarun, suggest a very different

meaning.

In this paper we will first analyze the storytelling tradition of

the Dusk Riders. In these stories, elders who have left their

loved ones have leveraged their superior skill to survive in the

wilds. The venerable warriors band together and, after their

last connection to The Great Mother, roam the distant

grasslands in a life beyond symbolic death.

Our data will show how hunters retell these stories as a poetic

record of the lives of their ancestors. Indeed, we will prove the

stories analyzed reflect factual biographical information.

Finally, we will describe how those brave and skilled individuals

who choose to leave the clan enact these stories to

symbolically become dusk riders. A choice that allows them

not only to honor the traditions of the clan, but to immortalize

their own achievements in the medium of collective

storytelling.

Zeswa interrogation transcript

Location: Computer terminal northwest of Hunting Camp Trophy and Doula's Stream in the Mother of Rivers domain of the Upper Plains

A male of the clan Zeswa was sighted hunting alone and

captured for questioning regarding the location of what has

been designated the "Zakru Burial Ground" by Colonel Harding.

The transcript has been translated from Na'vi, with the first 54

minutes omitted due to it being composed mostly of physical

encouragement being applied to the subject.

Q: I ask you again. Where do the zakru go to die?

A: The zakru go to Eywa. We all do. But not you.

Q: You want to go to Eywa today? I mean the bones. Where are

the bones?

A: Under their skin.

(Physical encouragement is applied.)

Q: Again. Where are the zakru bones?

A: (unintelligible)

Q: What? Speak up, Blue.

A: They will be here when yours are dust. Resting to the song of

the wind.

(Physical encouragement is applied, after which the subject

becomes unconscious.)

Q: (In English) You catch that last bit? Something about singing

and wind? Patch him up and put him in the box. See if he's

feeling chatty later.

(The interrogation was concluded for the day to let the subject

recover.)

The Sky Breaker Notes

Note: Many of the notes list an incorrect location in the text provided in-game, as some of the Research Points appear to have had their names mixed up. For notes where that is the case, the correct location is provided following that in parentheses.

Alex's Personal Log: A Precarious Encounter

Location: Rolling Slopes Research Point 3 (though on the map it is listed as Lofty Glade Research Point 1)

It took us the blink of an eye to start testing the benevolence

of our hosts.

While in the process of taking preliminary soil samples one of

our teams stumbled upon nothing short of a zakru skeleton,

which they then proceeded to partially unearth.

I raced to the site just in time to witness the arrival of Minang,

tsahìk of the Zeswa.

She acknowledged us silently before squatting down by the

bones for some five minutes, resting her hand on them while

addressing them quietly. Some of it sounded quite lyrical in

tone.

Minang then rose and addressed us. She conveyed that as far

as they were concerned, we might as well have dug up one of

the Zeswa ancestors. Her tone was rather like one you'd direct

at ignorant children. This was richly deserved.

Having received my apologies and the assurances that the

bones would be reburied, Minang took a moment to look at

each one of us individually before departing. I continue to feel

her gaze on me now.

I've had the sampling site relocated and made sure to issue a

new protocol in case of further discoveries of this nature.

Alex's Personal Log: Variety in the Plains

Location: Lofty Glade Field Lab

Pandora never ceases to amaze. Variations between regions

and biomes are expected of course, but I am pleasantly

surprised to discover that delicate variations also exist in both

flora and fauna within the Plains itself! Right here, in the Heart

of the Plains - illustrating a very clear demarcation between

the life that thrives here and what I have previously observed

elsewhere in the Plains.

Here the direhorse frolic in sunset hues, and the Blood Leaf

Trees I have come to know so well now take on a stormy blue

tone. Such marvelous colors everywhere, I feel as though I am

in a painting.

It may have been a bit much for you, Hajir. I can hear your voice

telling me it's too much stimulation, nowhere for the eye to

settle. But your eye would settle on the zakru. Here they roam

and wander, the stunning beasts painted in all the colors of

the rainbow. I think you would sit here with me and long as I do

to take off my mask and breathe in the beauty.

But you know this all too well. You are one with this beauty

now.

Black Market Intake Manifest - Heart of the Plains

Location: Fueling Station Alpha

Recovered by Nova team, Operation Broken Wing.

All items appear Zeswa, salvaged from games encampment.

X4 drums (intact, possibly ceremonial, likely linked to the Na'vi

games)

X3 spears (two intact, one splintered)

X1 painted target (intact, looks to be for archery practice)

X2 wheels of cheese (intact, some rich moron will pay big)

X7 small bowls (minor damage)

X2 shortbow (one intact, second has upper limb splintered,

string intact)

FWD: This is Going to Suck

Location: Comms Outpost Bravo

We're in for it now. Sure, we aren't reporting to Lt. Hinckley

directly, but he's at the top of our local food chain. You think

he won't just waltz down to our camp for a surprise inspection

one of these days? Then you don't know who we're dealing

with.

I do. Served under him for the worst six months of my life. Not

a big team, but he never learned my name. Or anyone else's for

that matter. "Trooper. Private. You there."

He can give you an instant rundown of all our expenses

without looking at a data pad, but can't remember any of our

names? Tells you all you need to know about the guy.

And they've AMPed him up now. Made him a pyro. That guy, a

pyro? With how tight his purse strings are, he'll probably be

throwing rocks at the blues just so he can keep the fuel costs

down.

Not that he'll see combat anyway. Tucked away at that

command camp, probably sitting in his office counting those

beans all day. Coming out just to nitpick every godforsaken

detail of what everyone else is doing.

This is going to suck.

Private message: New postings?

Location: Fueling Station Charlie

Don't spread this around. But you have GOT to get me moved.

I'm not doing another week with Slate. I'm not doing it. I'm not.

I'M NOT. I'm going out of my mind, man. You know she took a

demotion 'cause she wanted back in the field? Had a cushy

desk job and said nah, screw it. She's nuts. And we're basically

cannon fodder out here. She'll sacrifice anything for a win - it's

literally all that matters to her. Bravo Team came back from

our last op with two guys. TWO GUYS. But hey, they got the job

done so she was happy. There is no regard for our health and

safety. She'll just keep throwing numbers at any problem, and I

don't want to be another number.

There's no way Price is worse. The second you hear they need

more troops your way, let me know and I'll put my name up.

Okay? I'll take my chances.

RDA Memo - Confirmed Banshee Kill Incentive

Location: Support Outpost Alpha

ROE changes.

In immediate effect: Na'vi ridden banshees have been added

to the priority target list. Confirmed kills earn double your daily

rations in commissary credit.

Emotional bond between rider and banshee results in effective

morale drop when the animal is killed.

-SPECIAL BONUS FOR SARENTU BANSHEE KILLS-

Do not claim a bonus for killing wild banshees. False claims will

result in disciplinary action.

Blow these blues out of the sky.

Colonel Angela Harding.

RDA Memo - Lost Squad

Location: Support Outpost Charlie

Can someone tell me why in this day, age, moon, star system, I

dunno, we're still sending guys to "have a look" at things on the

ground? We literally got all the tech in at least one and a half

worlds, right?

Yeah, I know. There's a giant file that details every which way

that Pandora messes around with things, but we've been here

a while, yeah? Shouldn't the geniuses have figured out ways

around this stuff by now?

But that's not what I'm really mad about. It's that my whole

goddam squad just up and vanished while I was in sickbay.

Whole squad. Gone.

Couldn't get into the files thanks to having already been

transferred, but I talked up one of the comms people, and they

remembered the squad heading into the east end of that island

cluster in the Shattered Mountain region. Close to the Bowl of

Serenity. Was another "visual confirmation" kinda job,

apparently.

Since no one's telling me jack, I guess I'll just have to find a

way to hitch a ride there and see for myself. Probably won't be

the smartest thing I've done, but it sure as heck won't be the

dumbest. Maybe.

Re: Request for NeuroSect deployment in the Heart of the Plains

Location: Support Outpost Bravo

General Ardmore,

As per my report, surveillance of the zakru migration suggests

the gathering in the region is a multi-clan cultural event. This

in turn predicts a high concentration of Na'vi and human

intelligence targets.

Traditional oxygen asphyxiation techniques are suitable for

Na'vi subjects, but the humans are more aware of and

resistant to interrogation. I appreciate the cost of the asset

and its redeployment, but consider this, ma'am - if I get the

right target in a NeuroSect we could crack open Sully's whole

network. The benefit outweighs the cost.

Good intel could be the difference between pacifying the

region or losing a whole operation like Mercer did.

Colonel Angela Harding

RE: What are we doing?

Location: Command Station Bravo

Starting to feel like this operation ain't quite the cakewalk that

Sarge said it would be. Decisive first strike and then some

mopping up afterwards. Practically a training exercise. Well, it

doesn't really look like one right now.

I mean, this is where we got our nose bloodied the last time,

right? Didn't have to leave the moon for it, but we sure pulled

back from this region in a hurry after Mercer kicked the

bucket. So how is it going to be so different this time?

Last night didn't much boost my morale either. Was patrolling

the landing pad when this Scorpion just limps in. Basically

does a controlled crash right there. Now, I thought he'd

squared up with the blues, but then I got a better look at

what's underneath all that smoke and sparks, and it ain't good.

Clawmarks. Clawmarks on metal. What the hell? And it looked

like something had tried to take a bite out of the cockpit. Pilot

was to messed up to talk, but I know he'd been patrolling the

north-eastern corner of Hunter's Leap.

Just going to add that to places to avoid, right after "this

entire moon".

Resistance Memo - Bushpods as Observation Posts?

Location: Valley View Field Lab

Having used bushpods as shelter from the elements on some

of our outings, I've noticed that they are also pretty effective

at disguising us from the local wildlife. Even when we've been

upwind of some bladeheads, they've seemed calmer than

they'd normally be in our presence.

Now the question becomes, does the bushpod produce a

scent that is masking or at least dampening ours? This would

be huge if true, because our current scent-masking

experiments have pretty much run out of volunteers. I can't

really say I blame our colleagues for their reluctance.

To save on precious lab time, we've been applying the

unprocessed pulp and juices of local plants to the subjects to

mask their scent. Unfortunately, we've only been able to

establish that it is the stronger smelling ones that produce

the most vivid rashes when they're allowed prolonged contact

with human skin.

Also, they attract insects, and considering their size here, that

can become a life-threatening scenario.

The potential opportunity to observe wildlife without the need

for a twenty-pound fly swatter is something we should

definitely be investing in. I'll be drafting up a proper research

proposition soon.

Resistance Memo - Leisure or Death

Location: Valley View Research Point 2 (though on the map it is listed as Rolling Slopes Research Point 2)

The Romans were onto something with that "nomen est omen"

(the name is a sign) business.

I'm referring to the tranquility bulb, of course. The name paints

a clear picture in one's mind, one very much influenced by the

observation of the Na'vi occasionally bathing in the waters of

this giant, bowl-like plant.

But even as the Na'vi enjoy the plant, their name for it conjures

different images altogether. Speykakatyu. The drowner. The

same tendrils that serve to tickle Na'vi feet, even gently

exfoliating their skin, will drag other creatures down to the

bottom of the bowl, where they will be drowned and gradually

consumed by the plant. No wonder you see Na'vi first take a

thorough look before going for a dip.

The plant has never been observed to attack Na'vi or some of

the other creatures that enjoy its waters, but naturally, this

hospitality is not extended to all. This ability to pick and

choose prey, which puts the tranquility bulb miles beyond the

simple venus flytrap, will be at the heart of our research. We

may even explore its reaction to humans, and by we I mean

myself. A winch will be on standby.

Resistance Memo - Observing the Cloaked Panther

Location: Valley View Research Point 1

The Cloaked Panther is a research subject that is as attractive

as it is dangerous. It is no thanator, but for one of us humans,

it might as well be. The combination of stealth, speed, and of

course the gliding capability, makes it a predator unlike

anything we've ever had on Earth.

While most consider the aerial approach to be prudent for

observing the species, the turbines clearly stress the animals

and affect their behavior even form longer distances skewing

any sort of data to the point of being unviable.

Thus, we will be employing the tried and true tactics of land-

based observation, which is to keep our distance and to make

ourselves the least appetizing option. With the richness of the

fauna here, it should be easy enough to achieve the latter. To

the vekreng, which is what the Na'vi call the Cloaked Panther,

an Arrow Deer will always be more of interest than a bunch of

strange-smelling aliens with noisy metal machines.

If worse comes to worst, there are of course direct means of

discouragement, but it goes without saying that these will not

be deployed unless the situation is life-threatening. We will

not get anywhere by acting like the RDA.

Resistance Memo - On Banshee Observation

Location: Sheltering Tree Research Point 1

Just to be clear, I enjoy both the Kinglor and the Clouded

Forest. It's just that endless canopy and constant mists aren't

the best for observing flying species in general. Getting this

chance to set up a little pop-up research point in the Plains is

just what the doctor ordered. (That's PhD, not MD.)

We've had plenty of time to observe the banshees at the

camps, but I'd like to propose that while the Na'vi let them

roam free a lot, the behavior of a bonded banshee differs from

that of a wild one.

Now, I'll be the first to admit, it's not easy to tell those two

sorts apart. Since the Na'vi wouldn't take well to us tagging

banshees, it comes down to visual recognition. Luckily, it's

something you develop an eye for after a while and start to

pick up on the little differences in coloration.

I've created a healthy database of the various individuals now.

It'll grow with this new observation point and already makes

me wish I'd been a little more systematic with the naming to

start with. Still, when a banshee looks like a Craig, I'm going to

call it a Craig.

Resistance Memo - On Being Denied

Location: Sheltering Tree Research Point 3 (though on the map it is listed as Lofty Glade Research Point 3)

There are days when I would just love to wake up to a message

thanking me for my application but informing me that my

project has not been chosen for funding, again.

Impersonal, distant, not remotely interested in how I will defend my

position in the faculty next semester. Read, delete, start

writing a new application. The circle of life in academia.

Over here on Pandora, that denial assumes considerably more

concrete forms. And I do not mean Tremayne physically

showing me an empty box of spare scanner parts and telling

me to go scavenge an RDA outpost if I need more. (He was

more polite than that.)

What I mean is the "no" comes wrapped around a bullet, fired

at you by people you might have shared a cafeteria with a few

weeks ago. I knew Pandora would be "adventurous" when I

signed on, but this is a bit beyond all that.

Didn't think I'd miss trying to reformulate my thesis for some

bean counter in 250 words or less, but here we are. My new

criteria for missives, as it turns out, is that they aren't

missiles.

Resistance Memo - On Pandoran Diversity

Location: Valley View Research Point 3 (though on the map it is listed as Lofty Glade Research Point 2)

The diversity of Pandoran flora just blows my mind. It's almost

like if you're ready to pull your boots on and get out there, you

can name a new plant or animal by lunchtime.

Sure, sometimes it's a new variety of an already indexed find,

but, hello? More alien plants? I'll take it! Now, the basic rules

governing adaptation do match up with those on Earth, but the

environmental factors here can lead to some really divergent

results.

Take these fungal plants for example. We've found them

growing on the lower trunks of Stairwood Trees, yet here

they've just rooted themselves to the cliffside. Larger, yet as

sturdy as their forest cousins, they're clearly not going hungry

despite their rocky seat. This is adaptation on a mad scale,

and its origins are a puzzle that will be a real trip to explore in

the coming months.

A part of me is hoping that instead of a long, evolutionary

process, this could even be a case where the same spores can

adapt to different platforms and produce a similar if not

identical plant, but that is probably too wild, even for

Pandora.

Resistance Memo - Stalactites as a Climate Data Archive

Location: Valley View Research Point 3

It might seem a little bit weird to be doing climate research in

a cave, but really, this is like entering a natural archive with

who knows how many years of knowledge just hanging from

the ceiling.

I am of course alluding to the stalactites. Sure, the minerals

and processes that are involved here aren't identical to those

back on Earth, but that's a part of the discovery. While climate

data is what we're eventually aiming for, we'll definitely be

making a detour into geological processes and mineral

interactions on the way there.

It's all good though. Working in a renegade band of defectors

really makes you embrace cross-disciplinary research and

dredge up what little memories you have of a course you took

purely for the study credits a decade or two ago.

This is going to be just a small piece in a much larger puzzle, of

course. These stalactites are, to use the scientific term, huge.

Pandoran gravity is probably involved here, but considering

how dynamic things tend to get, it is amazing they are still up

there. Could be a matter of the mineral composition as well. So

many theories. Looking forward to finding the answers.

Resistance Memo - The Anti-Gremlin

Location: Rolling Slopes Research Point 1

Way back in the day, pilots would blame "gremlins" whenever

something went wrong with their planes. The idea spread and

folks started using it for any kind of machine malfunction,

even for computers once those came around.

Now, obviously it's just a bit of fun, but I'll tell you, we've got an

anti-gremlin running about here. Loose wires wrapped up,

gunked up circuit boards cleaned, and it's not just that.

There's improvements too. Basic RDA designs upgraded with

little hacks and workarounds. Not all of them something that

would pass inspection back home, but over here they do the

job without setting the HQ on fire, and that's A-OK with me.

Funnily enough, whenever I discover one of these little

upgrades, there's a certain Na'vi hanging around, fiddling with

his cap, looking real focused on something that's totally not

me evaluating the work. He does seem mighty pleased though

whenever I note to no one in particular about the fix I've found

and gets flustered in the funniest way if I ask him to come

over and give his opinion.

So, I don't really know what people call an anti-gremlin, but I'll

guess this one's called Teylan.

Resistance Memo - Why the Games?

Location: Lofty Glade Research Point 1 (though on the map it is listed as Rolling Slopes Research Point 3)

With the events only now beginning, I find myself considering

the motivators for these Games. On Earth, the Olympics began

in ancient Greece as part of a religious celebration before

evolving into a spectacle and a form of extended diplomacy.

On Pandora, the clans do not generally claim territory or set

borders, nor does this gathering have religious overtones. Still,

it has brought not only clan leadership but also many of their

regular members to mingle here. It is easy to observe the

exchange of skills and ideas, best exemplified I think by dance-

fighting.

I observed two contestants, Aranahe and Zeswa, take measure

of each other in the ring before moving aside to discuss the

bout. They were clearly comparing their individual moves and

demonstrating them in slow motion. Apparently it is quite

acceptable to mix the styles as well, as the Zeswa then used

one of the Aranahe's moves against another opponent, taking

them by surprise.

I would expect this manner of exchange to run all through the

Games, but do not imply it is their sole motivator. Everyone is

clearly enjoying the athleticism and the festive atmosphere,

making for fertile ground for friendships and deeper

connections to be formed.

Resistance Memo - Zakru Feeding Sites as Predictors of Migration Paths

Location: Sheltering Tree Research Point 2 (though on the map it is listed as Valley View Research Point 2)

The zakru is one of the most fascinating animals out here in

the Plains. While they are completely unafraid of humans, the

Zeswa can be quite protective of them. In the interest of

learning more about the zakru without imposing ourselves on

anyone or anything, we're attempting a work around by

focusing on the environment from which they derive their

nourishment - the soil.

We've found what we believe to have been a Zakru feeding site,

and thus the location of an old Zeswa camp, possibly from two

generations ago. The primary information is a little shaky, as

the Zeswa do not seem prone to nostalgia over old camp sites.

(Or perhaps our language skills have failed us yet again.)

We have identified the location of an old fire pit to corroborate

the stories though and will now focus on sampling the soil to

determine the state of the fungal colonies. We will hopefully

be able to compare our findings to those from a current

feeding site to see how much they differ in richness and

maturity.

This is just the beginning, but if a pattern can be established,

it could provide us with the means to predict the paths of

zakru migrations for further study, even for several cycles to

come.

Resistance Personal Log 17: Driving with the Na'vi

Location: Rolling Slopes Research Point 2 (though on the map it is listed as Sheltering Tree Research Point 2)

Writing this down in an effort to get my pulse back under 200.

We were driving over to the site, when out of nowhere, a group

of Zeswa youths on direhorses crest a hill and came right for

us! My Na'vi comprehension isn't great, so I had no idea what

their cries and hoots were about, just that I was real close to

needing a fresh pair of briefs.

Wasn't until they drew alongside us that I saw the smiles.

Managed to smile back while figuring that maybe I wasn't going

to die today after all. They were just looking for a race! Kids

everywhere, right? We did try to give them that race too, but

the truck just wasn't built for speed.

They thought we were pretty funny though, and after running

literal rings around us, headed off to do whatever young Na'vi

do. I've never seen this kind of spontaneous play between

humans and Na'vi before, but I hope there'll be more of it with

the Games. Just maybe with a little more warning.

Resistance Personal Log 26: Professional Envy

Location: Lofty Glade Research Point 3 (though on the map it is listed as Sheltering Tree Research Point 3)

Sometimes I wish I'd gone into xenozoology instead. True,

there are no grants to compete for here, but there is certainly

more general interest toward pictures of newly discovered

animals than there are over breakdowns showing distinct

variations in waterborne microbes in what on the surface

seem like identical biomes.

It is a petty gripe, I know, especially seeing as we are all here

not for personal glory but for Pandora. Still, it is difficult to

pivot your own personal paradigm after spending years

clawing your way towards a spot on one of the RDA ships. Also,

I suppose it'd just be nice to get a few more wows around the

HQ instead of the noncommittal "that's cool".

It's ego, all ego. I think I need to go and throw a random

research topic at Tremayne and then sit down for the four-

hour lecture that will follow. There is no challenging that man's

enthusiasm. Even with the knocks he has taken along the way,

he is still able to just lose himself in the science. He remains

on that honeymoon and is unlikely to end it anytime soon.

And now I'm envious again. The circle is closed.

Secrets of the Spires Notes

RDA Engineer's message: Now this is what I call progress!

Location: Abandoned supply depot at Little Bowl

Well heck! Could it be we're finally getting down to some real

work around here?

Forget trying to set up some piddly extraction sites in the

jungle while dodging arrows. We're cutting off the tops of

goddam mountains here! Wish I'd had the mind to record those

first blasts. No half-assing it this time, just tons and tons of

explosives all going off in sequence, teaching rock how to fly.

Heh, maybe I'm being just a little enthusiastic here, but I'm

telling you bro, you're missing out. We Don't even have to do

any clearing up afterwards. Ain't none of those fancy space-

condos going to be built here, so it doesn't matter if there's

piles of rocks and shit all over the place.

Some gear falls in a crevice? Leave it! Easier to just print out a

new one.

Waste management? Just stick a pipe over the nearest cliff

and let it flow!

I'm telling you. This is the sweetest gig on this whole moon

right now. Sure, it ain't as cushy as Bridgehead, but there's just

so much less bullshit you got to deal with here. Put that

transfer in and get over here!

RDA pilot's journal: The new Scorpions are in

Location: Airship wreckage southwest of Shadowed Refuge Na'vi Camp in the Splintered Arches subregion

It's a good day for being in Antonio's Assassins. Just had a look

at the new Scorpions he requisitioned for us, and I like what

I'm seeing.

It's not some kind of mind-blowing revelation that you want to

stop a Na'vi from as far away as possible, but these two

beauties will make it a whole lot easier. The Hunter variant

especially. I don't think the Na'vi understand the concept of a

homing missile, so this one's going to be one hell of a surprise

for them.

Sure, they're not the fastest, but when your target dodges

them without realizing that they're going to come back... Well,

it'll be a lesson they learn just a little too late to teach it to

their friends.

And the Stalker variant is no slouch either. No homing

capabilities in the basic setup, but with a good pilot, who

needs those anyway? Lean back, keep the blue at a distance

with your guns, and just fill the sky with missiles.

Piloted right, these will be the lowest maintenance aircraft in

the fleet, because the only work they'll need is adding a

cupholder to the control panel.

RDA pilot's report: Unexpected Na'vi tactics

Location: Abandoned supply depot, just east of the entrance to Narluk Cavern in the Spire Falls subregion

After the successful defense of the resource convoy today, I

took point in chasing two of the Na'vi involved in the incident.

The pursuit was terminated when they disengaged in a fashion

that may have strategic implications.

I observed the Na'vi making what at the time seemed to be a

tactical mistake on their part. Flying into a narrow valley, they

drastically reduced their own capability to dodge either our

main guns or missiles. I was about to take advantage of this,

when the banshee-riders made a sharp turn towards one of

the sheer valley walls and seemingly smashed right into it.

This was only a brief illusion. Reaching the location, I was able

to observe a cave entrance previously hidden under a tangle of

old roots and vines that they had crashed through. The

entrance led to further tunnels, too narrow for the Scorpion.

With the pursuit terminated, I proceeded to circle the area

while keeping an eye on similar "tangles" or natural barriers.

They do not appear common, yet the one I observed is not

unique either. This leads to the worrying conclusion that the

Na'vi have naturally occurring tactical advantages that we

have not previously considered.

RDA trooper's message: Bruno's next-level Valkyrie

Location: VSM Facility Alpha

You got to love the boss just cruising around in a craft with

actual orbital flight capabilities. Get bored of the views? Angle

those thrusters and do a smooth 130 knots inside this soup of

an atmosphere, which is crazy. Not as crazy as the Mach 7 it

does on its way to give the ISV a high five though.

Did I point out this is Bruno's "work car"? Good to be the boss, I

guess. But, man.

They've weaponized that thing to the hilt - it has turrets AND

sonic cannons. Those Na'vi don't have a chance. They don't

even have the basic technological understanding to realize

how totally screwed they are.

It's Pandora though, and on Pandora, the apex predator is

Pandora. The lightning here is real. I don't mean a little bad

weather. I mean the big stuff, the kind that splits boulders the

size of an elephant. The kind that can bring down a Valkyrie.

They've had to add some bits to the design just to channel

those strikes, like lightning rods. There's no stopping the

strikes, so rerouting is the only option. This moon hits hard.

Threat assessment: Canyon stormglider

Location: Comms Relay Alpha

The canyon stormgliders in the operative region seem fairly

similar to what we have encountered before. With that said,

there is a notable point of divergence with some of the elder

individuals. What we find here is a more patient hunter - a

methodical stalker that will spend great lengths of time hiding

high up in the clouds and waiting for the optimal opportunity to

strike. And when they do strike, the damage is focused and

severe.

These individuals can be very hard to spot visually, thanks to

the common stormglider preference for cloudy and stormy

weather. A young stormglider will reveal itself much earlier,

and it is this behavior that our pilots have learned to expect.

This will trick them into thinking there is no danger, while it is

looming right above them.

The elder individuals favor much of the southern shore of the

region. They'll come a couple of klicks inland, but also hunt

above the lake. This could become a concern for Extraction

Refinery Charlie and VSM Facility Echo which sit squarely in

this territory. However, this knowledge combined with the

weather-dependent behavior makes these creatures easy to

anticipate. I'd recommend making sure the flight crews along

the region's southern shore are aware of these facts.