1
Three years later
"Sir, several of the scientists are trapped inside the facility", the young Lieutenant said as he hastily pulled the small computer from his bag. He flicked on the screen several times and a map appeared, detailing the layout of the facility that lay beyond the jungle they had taken cover in. Miles gazed down at the screen, etching every single detail into his memory. He nodded and pointed at several different locations marked on the map, "We split into our normal three teams", he ordered firmly. "Team one goes in from the east. Team two, you take the west side and my team," he turned and fixed his cool, blue eyes on his men, "We're gonna take those bastards from the front". Miles tapped on the screen and sneered, "They sure as hell ain't going to be expecting that!".
He turned back, peering intently through the dense jungle, "Remember people, we have friendlies mixed in with our hostiles. Minimal casualties would be preferable", he paused and turned back to face his team, "But I didn't make any promises to anyone when they gave me this mission". He leaned forward, picking up his rifle, "Let's get this over and done with. I'd like to get back to base in time for the Movie tonight men". Miles rose to his feet and his men followed suit, each of them checking and re-checking their weapons. Slowly they split into their three teams and began to head towards the fringe of the jungle, careful not to make themselves visible to their enemy.
A sudden outbreak of weapons fire rang through the air and Miles motioned for his men to stop, all of them instantly hitting the ground to avoid any bullets. What the hell!?, he thought wildly, pushing himself forward on his belly towards the jungles edge. Miles gazed down at the facility below, those cold concrete walls a stark contrast to the lush jungle that surrounded it, and found himself unable to believe what he was seeing. At least 20 of the insurgents had pulled a group of hostages out and it was clear that they had intended to execute them. This wasn't really of any surprise to Miles, as hostage situations normally ended in such a way. What Miles was struggling to come to terms with was the person who was fighting them, a small hand gun in one hand and long sword in the other.
With grace and skill they struck at the enemy, moving quickly to avoid those who attempted to stop them. "RUN!", a womans voice rang out from the compound, "RUN YOU FOOLS!", she ordered again, turning to face the hostages who cowered by the massive building.
Miles knew that voice and instantly rose to his feet, "DAMN THE PLAN!", he roared at his men, "Get down there and give that woman a hand!". He pushed through the last of the jungle and ran down the small slope, towards the small battle that was continuing before him. Miles and his men reached the insurgents and hostages in seconds, their weapons raised and ready to fire upon the enemy.
"There's more of those buggers inside!", the woman yelled, not once taking her eyes off those who had held the scientists hostage. Miles fired off several rounds, hitting each of his intended targets and sending them crashing to the ground. "Teams one and two, get into that facility and clean out the garbage!", he ordered firmly, motioning for them to enter the building. His men obeyed and surged forwards, heading through the main entrance that led into the facility. Miles returned his focus to the remainder of the insurgents and felt a wave of adrenaline as he found himself having to fight them off at such close proximity. Nothing like a good fight!, he thought as he drove his fist into the face of one of the attackers.
"DOWN QUARITCH!", that familiar voice called and he instantly ducked. He heard a man cry out behind him and turned just in time to see that quiet attacker fall down, a small dagger protruding from his chest. Miles shrugged and pulled his side-arm from its holster, firing at the remainder of the insurgents. In a matter of minutes the small flurry of action was over and Miles was pleased to see that the only bodies lying on the ground were those of their enemy. The sound of gun-fire from within the facility had died down, now only his own teams weapons fire audible from that vast complex. Miles holstered his weapon and strode over to the woman who had aided in their success.
She stood in front of the scientists, her back turned to Miles as she cleaned her long blade with the white coat she wore. She spun the sword in her hand and placed it back into its sheath, before turning around. Miles stopped just a few feet from her, taking in every inch of her small, feminine form, those green eyes glinting mischievously as they looked up at him. "Well hello Major Quaritch!", she said, bowing her head.
"In all the jungles and at all the research facilities, how the hell did you end up here Private Tanner?", Miles asked coolly.
Evelyn let out a small giggle and strode over to him, "Pretty bloody lucky huh?!", she gazed up and down at his strong body and smiled. "I was actually sent here as a Professor, to do research on some samples from Pandora". Evelyn leaned towards Miles, fixing her eyes onto his, "And it's not Private any more sir. As of two weeks ago it's Sergeant Major Tanning". Evelyn gave him a wink and turned around to face the scientists, still cowering by the building, "On a different note hot stuff, we'd better get these people home". For the first time in his life Miles found himself speechless, once again unable to comprehend the woman who stood before him.
There was one thing he was sure of. No matter what, no matter how long it took or who he had to ask, Sergeant Major Evelyn Tanning was going to be on his team. And Miles would go through the very gates of hell to make certain that happened.
2
Two Years Later
Pandora had become a world wide phenomenon, the images of that wild and lush moon feeding the deep fascination so many people had with it. It was a stark contrast to Earth, now a mere shadow of its once vibrant and fertile self and everyone wanted the opportunity to gaze upon a world that reflected our ancient past. The chance to travel to Pandora was rarely offered and it was considered madness to turn down such an incredible opportunity. So when Evelyn had said no to travelling to that distant moon, many around her found themselves questioning her motivation.
"Are you absolutely off your nutter?", Miles asked her firmly as he stared out the window of her high rise apartment. That thick cloud of smog hung so heavily over the sprawling city below, blocking out most of the brilliant sun above. Massive neon lights and TV screens secured to many of the buildings, blinked on and off, creating an artificial light that so many had now grown accustomed to. Miles turned to face Evelyn, who leaned back into her chair, a look of annoyance in those fierce green eyes. "Pandora Evelyn! You've been asked to go to Pandora and you said no. Who the hell would be mad enough to say no?".
Evelyn sighed and ran her hand through her hair, "Me apparently", she hissed. "I already told you that I am settled in my position with your company Sir. Why the hell would I want to travel six years to a planet that has a reputation for being incredibly hostile?". She stood up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below, "As crappy as this world is, as far down the toilet it's gone, it is still my home". Evelyn placed her hand on the cool glass and closed her eyes, "Everything, everyone I know is here", she turned and locked her eyes with his, "For this world, I would lay my life down".
Miles shook his head, certain that he would jump at the chance to travel to that distant moon, "If that's your decision Sergeant Major Tanning, then there is nothing else to say". He sighed, walking over the small table and scooping up the bottle of beer that rested on it, "Except for this", Miles turned back to face Evelyn and lifted his bottle, "I sure as hell hope you know what you're doing lady". Evelyn gave him a wry smile and joined him by the table, grabbing her drink and taking a sip of the cool liquid, "So do I sir", she whispered. "So do I".