The transmission came five years later.
Dr. Vance received it first, in the hidden lab she still maintained near the old cave. She listened to it once. Twice. Then she called for Kaelen.
He came alone, riding Ash through the twilight, landing on the platform she had built high in the trees. His body was still blue, still strong, still young—the Avatar body didn't age like human flesh. In many ways, he was more alive than he had ever been.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Listen."
She played the transmission.
"This is the ISV Venture Star, arriving in Verath orbit with 2,000 passengers and full colonization equipment. RDA Command has authorized permanent settlement. All indigenous populations are to be relocated or pacified by any means necessary. We will be landing in thirty days. Acknowledge."
Kaelen listened in silence. When the message ended, he looked at Vance.
"Thirty days."
"Thirty days."
He nodded slowly. Then he turned and walked to the edge of the platform, looking out over the forest. The forest he loved. The forest he had bled for. The forest he would die for.
"Call the clans," he said. "Tell them to gather at Hometree. Tell them..." He paused. "Tell them the sky-people are coming home."
Above him, Ash screamed a challenge to the stars.
And somewhere in the depths of the forest, Eywa listened. And waited. And prepared.
The dream-walker had become a warrior.
Now he would become a legend.