The ocean stretched endlessly beneath Pandora's glowing sky, its surface shimmering with streaks of turquoise and violet beneath the setting sun. A small RDA research vessel cut through the calm waters, heading toward territory few outsiders had ever reached. Standing at the bow was seventeen-year-old Anastasia "Sasha" Pavlov, her golden eyes wide with wonder as the distant reefs and floating mountains painted a scene she had only ever studied through files and recordings.

Beside her stood her mother, Dr. Irene Pavlov, practically vibrating with excitement. Ever since the death of Grace Augustine, Irene had devoted herself to continuing the work the legendary scientist had left unfinished. Years of research, countless setbacks, and endless reports had all led to this moment. After finally establishing contact with the Metkayina Clan, they had been granted permission to visit. More importantly, they might finally meet the people who had become legends throughout Pandora—Jake Sully and Neytiri.

Sasha had spent most of her life helping her mother in the science and Avatar program. While other teenagers back on Earth worried about school dances and exams, Sasha cataloged Pandoran plants, translated Na'vi notes, and organized field reports. She loved every second of it. Pandora fascinated her in a way nothing else ever had. Every glowing fish beneath the waves and every distant call from unseen creatures made her feel as though she had stepped into another world.

Of course, technically, she had.

Behind the wheel of the boat, however, was one person who remained unimpressed.

General Dmitri Pavlov guided the vessel through the water with the same stern focus he brought to every military operation. Towering in his own avatar body, he kept one hand on the controls and the other close to the rifle slung over his shoulder. Unlike his wife and daughter, he had never been captivated by Pandora's beauty. He respected it, certainly, but he trusted it about as far as he could throw a thanator.

The years following Jake Sully's rebellion had only reinforced that caution.

The destruction of the old RDA operations, the battles, the casualties, and Jake's complete disappearance into Na'vi society had turned him into a ghost. Locating him had taken years. Even now, after finally discovering his connection to the Metkayina Clan, Dmitri wasn't convinced this meeting would go smoothly.

Dmitri rolled his eyes but said nothing.

Then Sasha froze.

Far ahead, figures appeared atop the crystal-blue waters, riding skimwings across the waves. Their silhouettes grew larger with every passing second until she could make out blue skin, braided hair, and weapons glinting in the sunlight.

The welcoming party had arrived.