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[sword_breaker]

“This is Samson-17 requesting permission for take off. Over.” The whirling of the blades growing into a high pitched whine as the engines cycled. “Read you tower. Confirmation of crew pickup and location. See you at 1600 Zulu, over.”

Lifting off the ground smoothly, the aircraft hovers in the air for a moment before coasting over the massive RDA turned PCI base. The extensive network of wires and pipes feeding the facilities spiderwebbing along the rooftops. Then a solid concrete wall was all that remained to be crossed and the overwhelming greenery of Pandora swept in to replace the dull grays of human construction. The Samson climbed higher to pass over the thick canopies that stretched out for miles in all directions.

Following coordinates, the pilots adjusted the heading and dipping low towards a large cut in the landscape. The roar of water drowning out the motors as a waterfall spilled into a churning river below. A swarm of strange purple winged creatures, tetrapterons is the name supplied by a tablet, fly along the water before scattering at the shadow of the Samson.

The aircraft keeps to the river, shifting to compensate for the twists and bends that come over time but otherwise maintains a stable flight. Bay doors open to showcase the wild beauty of the landscape as much as allow for the security team to have line of sight at all times of the rotors and tail. Nothing strayed close enough to bother them however and the flight continued on through the chasm carved out by the expansive river.

Soon the landscape shifted back to the towering trunks of trees and thick undergrowth below. The Samson leaning towards the right as off in the distance a pair of brilliantly jewel colored creatures banked to intercept. Blue figures clinging to the creatures’ backs while they fly before one raised a hand and called something out that was lost to the wind and water’s roars. A piercing cry coming from one of the rider’s banshees as they peeled off to dive into the canopy.

The tablet tumbled to life, showcasing a 3D model of the creature, Mountain Banshee, before listing off the name of the figures. Na’vi. The natives of Pandora and those that entrusted the scientists to help undo the damage down to the moon by the RDA long ago. Yet these belonged to a specific clan known as the Kekunan and—

It’s not long after that the tablet starts to fritz out. Outside the land has changed once more for it to drop further below the Samson while multitudes of landmasses float in the air. Thick vines interweaves between most while others freely float on their own. More of the banshees can be seen flitting through the rocks, disappearing above and behind them.

“Welcome to the Hallelujah Mountains, greenies.” A pilot’s voice cracks over the radio, chuckling bubbling with static. “Your new home.”

Circling around the largest chunk, the Samson descends towards the jungle while fighting back against the wind that buffers the rotors. It justles the crew some but no one is lost as they slip past the branches and leaves obscuring a clearing with a smaller human structure built in the center. External systems scattered around as a wall similar to the main facility becomes apparent the closer they get.

However large mechs move to and fro along the border, helping maintain the perimeter as much as the construction that appears to be going on. Personnel dotted throughout, scurrying much like ants back on Earth. A smaller airfield set off to the rear of the facility as though not to disturb the front. A deep blue mountain banshee perched atop, rising up and stretching out electric wings in defiance of the encroaching aircraft as it soars overhead.

“Daedalus, this Samson-17 requesting permission for landing. Personnel on board for drop off, over.”

“Roger that Daedalus.”

The Samson moves forward, hovering over some of its siblings until finding an appropriate resting point. Settling down to the ground, flight crew rush in to help the personnel and supplies off before giving a winding motion. Samson-17 pulling up once more but leaving behind its previous passengers as it heads back towards the main PCI facility.

Approaching, a security officer dressed in greens mimicking the vibrant flora surveys the lot before glancing down at a tablet. “Welcome to Daedalus. You all are requested to report for safety briefing and overview of the facility. Quarter assignment and other information will be taken care of at that time.

“Please follow me. We have a lot to cover for your orientation. Also no this is not a time to ooh and ah over the jungle. Nightfall is in two hours and I’d prefer if none of you were left out to get lost or most likely worse.”

Heading in, the facility is revealed to be much more vibrant and lively within as various techs, security and scientists move about. The walls displaying art almost akin to prehistoric cave drawings of various creatures along with cases displaying specimens and one that features intricate weaved pieces.

An old sign paint chipped yet still intact hanging from the ceiling. In vibrant colors it boasts ‘Welcome to Pandora’.