Pandora: Generations

Here we are. The (not particularly) hotly anticipated sequel to 'The Pandora Incident'. Although this is still a crossover, bear in mind that at least for the first few chapters, this will lean far more heavily towards 40K material than Avatar.

Disclaimer: As always, I do not claim ownership of James Cameron's Avatar or Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000, nor any copyrighted characters, settings or other features pertaining to them.

Chapter One: The Calm Before the Storm

Stay focused, Erik. Don't you frag this up now! He knew that reminding himself seemed pointless as his silent feet found their place on the forest floor. If he had learnt anything from his lifetime of experience in the wilderness, however, it was the importance of attention and self-reassurance. It was for this reason that lesser men would not live to see the end of their cadet years, let alone a promotion. That was, of course, assuming they had even made it to recruitment age. The jungles of Pandora were merciless, quick to punish a misplaced footstep or loud brush of leaves with fatal severity. Quietly easing the branch ahead to one side, Sergeant Erik Areus assumed a still crouch as he aligned his right eye with the sights on the rifle.

Pandora. Apparently the name was derived from a character of Terran antiquity; something about the release of chaos and suffering upon the world, if Areus recalled correctly. If so, it was a fitting name indeed. It had been 120 years since the remote moon had caught the attention of the Immortal Emperor's servants. In spite of a century of the system's uncontested rule by the Imperium of Man, Pandora had lost little of the savagery Areus' ancestors must have encountered when the first colony ships arrived. Interrupting his internal history lesson to return to the matter at hand, Areus instinctively squeezed his trigger. With a finesse achieved by decades of experience, the lumbering creature fell where it stood from the single shot. Switching the autogun to rapid fire, Areus glanced in all directions as he crept towards his kill, trigger finger poised for the sight of a Viperwolf or other predator.

Thankfully it appeared that he had not gained the attention of any potential scavengers. Satisfied with his momentary safety, Areus swiftly ducked to one knee and produced a knife. As he had done countless times before, Areus stabbed into the fallen Tapirus, cutting away at the part he knew to have the most promising meat. His Pandoran issue wrapping was laid out before the felled creature to catch the hurriedly produced slabs. The autogun remained in arm's reach in case the newly spilt blood attracted unwanted attention. Whilst las weaponry was more prevalent amongst the Imperial Guard for its cheap manufacture and greater potential strength, Pandorans by and large preferred auto weaponry. Although the colonists had attempted to introduce livestock more commonplace in the Imperium to Pandora, such as grox, it was to limited success. As such, most of Pandora's meat had to be gained on the hunt, where the comparative stealth of a projectile to a las-blast made all the difference. As he cut the last of his desired flesh from the dead Tapirus, Areus heard a familiar signal on his headset vox. Quickly wiping the excess blood from his hands, Areus received the incoming call.

'HQ to Sergeant Areus. Come in, Sergeant Areus.'

'Sergeant Areus here. I've got enough fresh meat on me to attract every Banshee this side of the Hallelujah Mountains, so you'd better make this quick!'

'Very well, Sergeant. I'm sorry to have to catch you off-duty like this, but I'm afraid Colonel Viktor is requesting your presence here in Benevolence. Apparently he's expecting some important company.'

'Mechanicus company, I assume?'

'Indeed so. A whole bloody entourage just came into town. If you ask me, they've brought more than enough Tech Guard, but the colonel isn't keen to lax security.'

'Must be a pride thing; you know, putting on a good show of strength for the Magos. Anyway, inform him I'll be there shortly. Sergeant Areus, over and out.'

Areus hurried along the street, passing the rows of ungainly shacks that made up the majority of Benevolence's housing. His own hab-unit had thankfully been en route to the HQ building, allowing him to drop off his meat cuttings. In record time, he had more thoroughly cleaned the blood from his hands and changed into full battle dress. Of course, 'full battle dress' for the 1st Pandoran translated to attire rather more unassuming than the uniforms of many other Imperial Guard regiments that Areus had seen picts of. All he had needed to do was throw a protective jacket over his light flak vest and strap on a simple domed helmet. Like most of his fellow Pandorans, Areus wore the jacket hanging open with the sleeves rolled up and buttoned around the elbows. Ensuring that his autogun had its safety on, Areus swiftly crossed the dirt road to approach the gates of the HQ. As he had expected, on either side of the entrance stood an imposing figure of flesh and steel.

Growing up on Pandora, Areus was more than familiar with the Tech Guard or 'Skitarii', the military force of the Adeptus Mechanicus. The moon was, after all, a Mechanicus world; a far cry from the forge worlds more readily associated with the Priesthood of Mars, but a Mechanicus world nevertheless. Jungle towns like Benevolence were somewhat of an oddity on Pandora. Whilst technically in the jurisdiction of the Mechanicus, like everywhere else on the moon, they were for all intents and purposes under the direct governance of the Imperial Guard. The higher-ups on Terra had seen little point in terraforming the wild jungles and mountains of Pandora for mass civilisation. Instead, the few cities on the moon mainly housed the Tech-Priests and labourers of the Cult Mechanicus. The bulk of the workforce would either be sent down the vast Omnissium mines or into the city refineries to process the valued mineral. Meanwhile, Benevolence and settlements of its ilk were intended to produce a rather different valuable; jungle fighters. Yes, Benevolence was in every aspect of its being a military town.

As the impressive gates grew nearer, Areus produced his identification papers. He held them out with one hand as he came to a stand in front of the more senior looking Tech Guard. Both Skitarii were of typical appearance, boasting extensive carapace armour with several technological augmentations visible. Each carried a formidable Hellgun, fed by cable from a back-mounted power pack. The one Areus now faced possessed an impressive mechadendrite, a prosthetic device attached to the central nervous system, serving as an additional arm of sorts. It was from this that Areus had surmised the figure's comparative importance as he associated such features more closely with the Tech-Priests of the Cult Mechanicus than its foot soldiers. 'I am Sergeant Areus of the 1st Pandoran. My presence is requested by Colonel Viktor.'

The Mechanicus trooper spent a moment examining Areus' papers with its cold, bionic eyes before pressing a button on its seemingly inbuilt vox unit. 'This is Tribune Korphas - I have a "Sergeant Areus" here to see the colonel. Is he allowed access?'

Some ten seconds later, the reply crackled through the speaker. 'Access granted, Tribune - have him shown inside.'

With that, the gates creaked upon by remote signal. The Tribune gestured to the other sentry with his mechadendrite as he continued. 'This Hypaspist will escort you to the waiting area outside the conference room. You are not to enter - the colonel and my master are in an important discussion at present. You will not have to wait long, however.'

Areus gave a polite nod before striding through the gates, accompanied closely by the other Tech Guard. Soon enough, he was walking down the corridor of the main building. The shadows broke every so often as the sunlight streamed through the open windows. Skitarii and Pandoran sentries alike were dotted throughout the building. Evidently the Mechanicus representative here was of great importance. Finally, the pair arrived at the door to the conference room, at which point the Hypaspist turned back to leave Areus to his own devices. Glancing around, the sergeant opted to settle in a nearby chair as he waited. Leaning forward slightly, Areus' acute ears attempted to make out the faint dialogue seeping through from the other room. '...but Magos! We have no reason to believe these readings to indicate anything other than a few wandering pirates. By the looks of it, they scarpered as soon as they appeared. Having seen your pair of bloody warships in orbit, I can't say I blame them!'

Those gruff tones were unmistakeably those of Colonel Viktor. The metallic voice that answered him proved considerably more difficult to understand, so Areus found only a few fragments of speech intelligible from his side of the door. '...yet the value of our Omnissium deposits urges us to take...if Eldar raiders or any other xenogens are made aware of...so I shall be in close contact with Mars until we observe a...' Yes, Omnissium; the precious mineral found in natural deposits across Pandora. Throughout his youth, Areus had wondered whether the name was derived from the considerable scope of the material's use or the central deity of the Machine Cult. His eventual supposition was that some Tech-Adept with too high an opinion of his literary skill had thought it a clever double meaning. Areus' musings were interrupted by the abrupt opening of the door.

Looking up, Areus' eyes met a striking figure stepping out of the conference room. Judging by the extensiveness of his bionics, this was undoubtedly the Magos with whom the colonel had been conversing. A number of mechadendrites twitched and writhed behind him, as though they had a mind of their own. His red robes floated gently with a regal grace that seemed at odds with his clunky form. With every step the Tech-Priest took, Areus swore he could hear the hiss of pistons and whirr of cogs. Realising that the Tech-Adept's attention was now upon him, Areus stood to introduce himself. 'Sergeant Areus, here to see Colonel Viktor, Sir.'

'Ah, Sergeant. Tribune Korphas notified me of your entrance. I am Magos Augustus, head of the main research facility in Danteus. My objective here is now complete, so feel free to speak to your colonel. I am needed back in the capital shortly, so I must bid you farewell.'

'Understood, Magos. Have a safe return.' With that, the senior Tech-Priest hurried along the corridor, his heavy footfalls echoing all the way. Areus then entered the open door. Sure enough, the person he was looking for was sitting at the conference table. As Areus approached, he noticed that the colonel was too engrossed by the data slate in front of him to notice his arrival. Trying his best to be polite in his interruption, Areus made his presence known. 'You requested me, Sir?' Colonel Viktor glanced up before turning his formidable features into a welcoming expression. 'Ah, Sergeant. Please take a seat. Would you care for some amasec? It's a bottle for two and, unsurprisingly, our Mechanicus friend isn't much of a drinker!'

'I see, Sir. In that case, I'll be honoured to do so.' Areus took a seat adjacent to the colonel, reaching for the opened bottle sitting on the table. As he poured himself a glass, Areus noticed the various murals that decorated the walls of the room. One in particular gained his attention. It was a familiar image that had been prevalent throughout his childhood and adolescence, such as upon the memorial in the town centre. It was a scene of two men standing back to back beneath the Imperial Aquila. One wore the oft-replicated combat fatigues and body armour of the Cadians; the other was dressed in the distinctive rebreather and trench coat of the Guard regiments from Armageddon, commonly known as the 'Steel Legion'. The two figures faced outwards with their lasguns pointed. On either side, ranks of strange, bipedal xenogens with tails and fur were rushing towards the central pair, clutching primitive spears and bows.

Yes, every Pandoran knew the story behind this image. Areus could even remember his mother telling it to him as a child, although he could not recall whether this was before or after his father's life was claimed by a Direhorse stampede whilst hunting. He had been told how the 19th Armageddon and 92nd Cadian regiments of the Imperial Guard had been present when Pandora was first discovered by the Imperium. He knew how at the time there had been a savage population of xenos upon the moon, who had possessed the audacity to oppose the Emperor's rightful ownership over this land. These aliens, known as 'Na'vi', rose up in arms against the Imperial forces. They could not, however, overcome the bravery of the Emperor's servants. Their force was utterly broken during the siege of the main Imperial compound, the site of which was now the capital city of Danteus. Yes, the Pandorans were certainly proud of their heritage.

Although Areus knew that the xenos had been utterly purged by the time his grandfather had come to Pandora, he and his friends would still fantasise about a small population of Na'vi lying hidden in the most remote corners of the jungle. They would have imaginary battles in which these aliens would rise from their hiding places to claim back their lands from the God-Emperor, only to be brutally put down by the courageous Pandorans. The instructors at the schola-house had been quick to put an end to these games, of course, reminding them that there had not been a sighting of the xenos for over 100 years. The official stance on the Na'vi was that they had been made extinct and to continue questioning this was subversive. Still, Areus had privately revisited the fantasy every so often in periods of boredom. As he put the glass to his lips, Colonel Viktor began to speak. 'Tell me, Sergeant - what confidence do you have in your squad?'

'They are exemplary in their skill, if somewhat rough around the edges, but what born and bred Pandoran could that not be said about?'

'Indeed so, Sergeant. I also take it that they're growing tired of not seeing a call for action?'

'I suppose they're a bit restless - just sitting around here like a glorified PDF whilst our brothers are taking the fight to the Emperor's enemies across the galaxy carries a certain unavoidable tedium.' As a result of the moon's comparatively recent colonisation and sparse population, there were presently only two Pandoran regiments. As such, the 1st Pandoran was remaining at home to keep watch; the 2nd was involved in some distant engagement where the Imperium required their prized abilities. 'I take it, however, that you called me here for something more pressing than a report on my men? I assumed you wanted additional protection for the Magos, but he's making his way back to Danteus now.'

'Well, you were correct insofar that it concerns the Tech-Priest's visit. Now, if you'd care to have look at these reports, my reasons will become clear.' At this, Viktor slid the data slate across the table for Areus to inspect. 'My opinion is that the Magos is overreacting. Although there are those of higher rank I perhaps ought to consult first, you've garnered a certain deserving reputation over the years, Sergeant. As such, I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.'

'The flotilla is almost ready to move out, Aun'el. I only need confirmation of position from one vessel.'

'That is pleasing news indeed, Kor'o', replied Aun'el T'olku J'Karra with a calmness of voice typical of his people. From the bridge of the Or'es El'leath-class battleship Mesme Shi, the Ethereal observed the Kor'vattra flotilla with quiet appreciation. It had taken approximately 146 tau'cyrs to reach this stage, but at last their designs were being put into action. Now it would only be a matter of rotaa until their destination was in the rightful hands of the Tau Empire. The gue'la brutes had struck a fortune in colonising the moon ahead of them. It was disheartening that the satellite's natives would likely have been exterminated by the unenlightened gue'la before having the chance to serve the Tau'va. Still, they had kept a careful watch of the seemingly innocuous moon and it was clear that the intriguing mineral deposits they had first noticed all those tau'cyrs ago could still be of phenomenal use to the Greater Good. The Earth Caste in particular had been excited by the initial reports. Now they could make the arrogant gue'la pay for believing their precious colony had not drawn attention. Indeed, the stronghold was so close to the borders of Tau space that such an assumption was a pure insult. After a rai'kor of silence, Kor'o Tau'n Aloh spoke again. 'All ships report that they are ready to jump, Aun'el. We are entering co-ordinates as we speak.'

'Then let us delay no more, Kor'o.' Yes, the progress of the Tau'va is about take another leap.

Author's Notes: So, I declare my first ever sequel underway at last! I predict this will take rather longer to finish than 'The Pandora Incident' because of the greater number of involved characters. I've also had to greatly re-familiarise myself with Tau lore as in spite of being a Tau player myself, I have not used them in a proper game for some years now! Anyway, please read and review.