Debriefing
"Well I must say I'm less than impressed by this outcome." Commented general Ardmore, lowering the data pad she had been reading onto the table. Her tone made it clear she truly was not pleased. She and colonel Quaritch were in a circular conference room within the command center. She was seated in the chair farthest from him. Quaritch by contrast was made to stand, mostly because there was no chair that could accommodate him. RDA engineers had not given much thought to there possibly being non-human officers. But the general had also pointedly not given him permission to sit down at any point during this debriefing. One more way to express her dissatisfaction of this situation.
"The engagement with the hostiles proved to be more problematic than anticipated." Quaritch replied, with humility unusual for him. As the supreme commander of the human military on Pandora she could have him sacked in a heartbeat. And then where would he be? A human mind in a Na'vi body, not really welcome anywhere. If ever there was a moment to tread carefully, this was it.
"Clearly, though I do believe that to be an understatement. A Tulkun hunting vessel destroyed, along with its cargo and almost all of its accompanying support vehicles and hardware. The majority of the crew wiped out, though some were retrieved by search and rescue teams sent to the battle area later. You'll be pleased to hear Corporal Wainfleet survived the battle and is more than willing to return to active duty." The general tallied.
Quaritch allowed himself a momentary smile. That was a relief at least.
"But the rest of your Blue team was not as fortunate. And they were a significant investment of time and money. And in return for this significant loss of personnel and materials, only light casualties were inflicted on the hostiles. Most notably you failed eliminate your primary target. Or the secondary target identified as Neytiri. The most notable enemy casualty was one of Jake Sully's sons. And the military value of that particular hostile is difficult to assess, but not likely to be very significant at this juncture."
"Furthermore thanks to your search methods tribes that previously could be considered neutral have likely become alienated and may in fact be planning to initiate hostilities against us at this very moment. Which I point out goes against our strategic goal on this planet. Our mission is to neutralize the hostiles so this planet can be settled. And hostiles that are not actively attacking us can be considered neutralized for our purposes… for the time being." She concluded.
"So… what is your explanation to this state of affairs?" The genral asked.
"No excuse, ma'am." He said, his expression sour.
"I'm pleased to hear that. Because there truly is no excuse. I can't see how this operation could be called anything else other than disastrous."
She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Well, setbacks are of course part of military life. There will be casualties and failed missions even on the most successful campaigns. And this planet's indigenous populations have certainly often proven more tenacious than expected."
"But still, we do need to put an end to the trend of costly defeats of you and your… erm… predecessor have inflicted. You will see it done." She concluded.
A surprised pause.
"I take that to mean that I'm not relieved of duty?" Quaritch.
"Our military buildup on this world is still underway. And as our means are still somewhat limited I don't believe I can discard an asset that may still have use in it. As such you will be given another chance." Ardmore said, standing up.
"One more chance." She added, a warning clear in her voice.
"I have authorized three more operations. You shall be playing a pivotal role in operation Spearpoint." She said.
The General stood up, motioning for him to follow her. They proceeded out of the room and into the hallways of the command center. As they walked they passed by many people. Soldiers that stopped to salute them as they walked past them. A variety of workers on their errands. Now and then they passed by windows, and outside many more people hard at work could be seen. There were vehicles of every description, some on the move, some parked and waiting until they were needed.
There seemed to be a lot more commotion around than when Quaritch had last been here. That in itself wasn't surprising in itself. Ships were reportedly arriving every month now with more people and advanced equipment, adding to their workforce and military assets. And this time most who came arrived with the intention of staying for good. From what he had heard the powers that be on Earth were building and sending new ships as fast as they were able, getting as many people off their dying homeworld as possible. Of course it was still a trip of several years to reach Pandora, but apparently they had been doing this since the initial fleet's departure. No doubt many vessels were streaking through the darkness of space right now, on their way here. And a few ships had already left on the long journey back, laden with goods harvested from this world, so the rest of the party could be paid for.
Military and civilian authorities here on Pandora were meanwhile committed to having the necessary infrastructure ready and waiting for new arrivals, and productive roles for every colonist. And not just here. The whole system was in the early stages of being thoroughly transformed. Plans were underway for mining bases on other moons and planets in the system, as well as a hydrogen refinery on the gas giant overhead.
The floodgates were now open, bringing an endless tide of humanity to this world. In the long run it was hard to see what meaningful resistance the locals might put up against such vast numbers. In some ways it felt that whatever war there might be was already won. Of course that was what they had thought before…
"Despite everything your expedition was successful in determining the location of our primary target. To make use of that information we must act swiftly, before he has a chance to relocate or organize resistance against us. This is where you come in." Ardmore said as they came to an elevator, taking it towards the upper floors. Quaritch seemed to remember this route would take them to a flight control tower. Curious.
The elevator doors opened and the two entered the control room.
"You'll be given command of the 3rd assault regiment. My best killers by far. You'll have rotorcraft, AMP-suits, mortar teams, the works. And one more asset which I'm sure you will find extremely useful in your upcoming operation."
She motioned at the window. Looking outside Quaritch could see the concrete expanse of an airfield. And several aircraft. Four at the forefront in particular caught his attention. The sight of them brought a grin to his lips. "Strike fighters?"
"Indeed." The General said, also smiling. "Since the hostiles have proven themselves adept at taking down low flying rotorcraft, it was decided to introduce a new weapon to our arsenal, finally allowed by our new facilities. These are the Lycan 5-A series. The most advanced design our means here can produce. Mostly suited for air-to-ground strikes, though I have heard them occasionally used for aerial interception. Their operation range extends across half the planet, and can carry a variety of different types of ordnance. Most importantly they operate at altitudes no flying creature on this planet can reach. With them we can bombard the hostiles with impunity."
"These four are the first to come off our assembly line. Scythe Squadron. And they'll be at your disposal in your upcoming operation. At your order Scythe Squadron will deliver the first strike against the village where Jake Sully is currently located. After that you will bring in the third. You are to wipe that village off the map. Crush all resistance, and neutralize the primary target and any secondary targets you encounter. That shall be your first objective. After that move against the other villages in the region you judge might join the revolt against us." She detailed.
"After you have achieved your first objective the 4th and 5th regiments will be available to reinforce you as you require. But not until then. Scythe Squadron will also remain under your command for the duration of the operation, and will support you mission as you direct." She concluded.
"Keep in mind that all the troops and resources you are being granted are merely loaned to you. I expect to have them back in good condition. So no more reckless behavior. Clear?" She then asked pointedly.
He grimaced, not liking how the General had told him that in front of everyone here. Even so he nodded.
"General… you mentioned three operations?" He then asked.
"I did. But you will learn of the other two operations soon enough. For now it's best that you focus on your own mission." She replied.
"You have today to plan your mission. But I wish to see your forces on the move by tomorrow morning. My intelligence officers will brief you on the latest reconnaissance. Though no doubt much of it will already be familiar to you." She finished.
"You had best get to work." She added when the Colonel hovered.
Quaritch saluted and went on his way. As he walked he spared a thought on his son. Spider had no doubt gone back to the village as well. He might well choose to fight when the village was attacked. Even if not he might die during the battle.
"Well… not by my hand. And not on my order." He decided. He had offered him the chance to come with him, and as far as he was concerned that offer was still open. The rest… was out of his hands.
Even so… he hoped his son would survive what was coming. Spider would hate him for this, but so be it. He would still rather choose life for him.
The General meanwhile went to look outside the window, remaining there until she noticed her aide approaching.
"Ah, Major. What is our progress on operation Fire Hammer?" She asked.
"The ISV Ceres has begun her orbital adjustment on schedule. Time to discharge event is now twenty seven hours, forty two minutes." The Major detailed.
"Very good. Matters are proceeding as planned then." The General said, satisfied.
"Nearly. The captain of the Ceres did wish to convey some concerns though. He is worried about the potential danger the Flux Vortex might be to his vessel. And the disruption to his schedule on other tasks."
"His ship has been commandeered for this operation under military appropriation articles. His civilian duties are secondary to those obligations. And the potential risks to his ship have been deemed acceptable given the potential benefits. As far as I know the Vortex should not even reach high enough for there to be any danger to his craft." She replied.
"I'm sure he is aware of that, Ma'am. Nevertheless he wished to log a formal complaint." The Major said.
"Then be sure to reiterate his position to him. Politely of course. Or perhaps it's best that I do so. After all his cooperation is rather vital to this operation."
The Major nodded, accepting that the matter was settled. Ardmore meanwhile looked around to see if anyone else in the control room was listening, then leaned in. "And what of operation Pandora's box?"
"…We've begun the process of recruiting specialists for the project. And drafting of the initial proposal for development schedule and budget is underway." The Major said after a pause.
"Though once again we have regrettably encountered some resistance. Some of the science folks have expressed concerns about the ethics of this project. Some international laws were cited." He added.
"We aren't on Earth. And our mission is to ensure the survival and prosperity of our species. I don't think any nation at home will question our methods if we deliver that victory." She told him firmly.
"Yes, Ma'am. I understand that. These are their concerns, not mine." The Major said.
The General was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Draw up a list then. Of those that oppose the project and just how opposed they are. Consult with the project lead. Have those he doesn't need excluded from participating. Of the rest, try to put those with objections on the team working on the antidote. That ought to soothe an uneasy conscience. We will have the remainder discreetly placed under surveillance.
"Surveillance? Will that be necessary?" The Major asked.
"We shall see. But I have a distinct lack of trust for scientists who sympathize with the enemy. We have learned the consequences of that the hard way. I won't risk that again." She responded.
"Was there anything else?" She asked.
The Major shook his head. "No Ma'am."
"Very well. Then you may return to your duties." She said.
The Major departed, and Ardmore returned her attention to the scene outside the windows.