Pandora Pt.2

After the several days of travel, the 1st Fleet emerged out of the Warp and near Pandora. Baldur and the others looked out the windows to see the planet and were stunned by how beautiful it was, even from so far away. 

Much of the land was covered in green, meaning it had plenty of vitality to support flora. There were also several large mountain ranges along with a huge patch of blue that covered nearly a 1/4th of the planet that acted as the ocean. 

"So pretty," one of the crew members said unconsciously before covering her mouth and shifting her eyes around in embarrassment. 

And she was right. Even though there was nothing special about the planet or any distinguishable landmarks, one wouldn't be able to deny that it looked beautiful for some reason. 

"Bring us close and have King Baldur's Drake prepared to depart. Inform the Honor Guard as well to gather in his personal hangar," Spencer gave out his orders which quickly made their way through the entire ship

Baldur nodded before grabbing Selene with his free hand and escorting her down to his hangar where the Paladins had already gathered. Besides Kharn who was wearing the white armor of the War Hounds, all of the others were wearing Silver Power Armor, including Selene. 

Thanks to the designs that Eldrad had given them, they were able to create advanced versions of the Astartes Power Armor for the Grey Knights to use as well as an armor that could be used by non-augmented individuals. It provided more protection than standard armor and increased their strength to the point where they could fire bolt guns and not worry about losing a limb. 

Selene had painted hers to be silver but added a white cloak with red linings for some personal flair. And thus, that became one of the two trademark looks for the witches, the other being black armor with red cloaks. The various knights officers were also given armor and were colored based on their ranks.

Everyone was lightly armed as this was a peaceful mission, only carrying bolt pistols and a single melee weapon. The non-Psykers of the Paladins also carried a shield to be used if necessary. 

The group of 13 boarded Baldur's Drake where two pilots were already in their seats, the co-pilot acting as the navigator and communications officer as well. 

"We have neared the planet," the communication officer from the bridge called down to them through the communicators. "You are free to deploy."

"Confirmed," the pilot replied while pressing some buttons and turning some dials. The Hangar began to lock down and the air was pulled from it into their storage containers. Once the room was cleared of air, the Drake began to hover.

The doors opened and the ship began to slowly make its way out. Once it was outside of the Invictus, two main engines of the ship came to life and sent the Drake soaring through the sea of stars. 

It took the Drake about 30 minutes to reach Pandora's atmosphere before taking another 30 minutes to reach the capital under the escort of two aircraft. The black ship was able to land on a small pad without issue. 

"Your Majesty," the co-pilot called out to Baldur who was leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed

"I know," Baldur replied without opening his eyes. Even without being a Psyker, his senses already let him hear the strong heartbeats of the Na'vi that were outside their ship. "Let's get it over with."

Baldur and his guard descended from their ramp and were greeted by 20 Na'vi who had rifles in their hands. Luckily, none were foolish enough to point them at Baldur's group, keeping them aimed at the ground but ready to lift at a moment's notice. Each one was taller than an Astartes, even with the Grey Knights in their armor. 

Standing in front of the group were two other Na'vi, one male and one female if the curves of its body and softness of its face gave any indication on its gender. 

"Hello, King Baldur. Your men told us of your visit," the female(?) greeted with a smile. "My name is Tsyewri Te Ika Zopkxey'ite. I am the daughter of the clan leader of Clan Tsyewri."

"Greeting. I am Ohepxaym Te Atxuo Iay'itan, the next leader of Clan Ohepxaym," the male greeted them with a much deeper voice than his female counterpart. 

"Good day to you both," Baldur spoke kind words with his usual frosty voice, making the pair unsure of how friendly he was truly being. 

"Let us escort you to conference room." Ika smiled to the group before turning around and revealing that the group cut holes into their clothes as their tails were visible. 

Baldur and his group followed the pair with half the guards between them and the two representatives, while the other half of the guards had been following behind them. 

The Astartes walked similarly, half in front of Baldur and Selene while the other half were behind them. All of them were brought into the main conference room where 20 men and women were sitting around a table and even more guards were present, each person having 4 guards with them. 

"Welcome," one of the Na'vi who was sitting down, stood up and greeted Baldur's group. "I apologize but we must ask for your men to stay outside. You can have two remain if you feel insecure, though."

Baldur nearly laughed when he heard the taunting in the Xenos words. Baldur curled his lips but all those present saw how cold his smile truly was. 

'Fine. I wanted this to be peaceful,' Baldur thought to himself. The Primarch nodded to the others who walked out of the room without a word, leaving Baldur alone with the 100 individuals. 

"Now that they are gone, let's start talking," Baldur took his seat at the table. "We are here to bring Pandora into the Imperium and under compliance, as my men must have told you."

"Indeed," a Na'vi woman spoke from her seat. "And we've been told that part of this compliance is that we must evacuate this world and surrender our Imperial Knights."

"Not exactly," Baldur didn't deny her blunt way of putting it but was instead denying her interpretation. "The Emperor will never allow for a Xenos ruled world where humans are the slaves. Although he wouldn't mind if you all were comingling, I don't believe that is possible anymore thanks to the bad blood between both sides treating each other as slaves. That will only lead to a bloody civil war down the line, in which the Imperium would intervene and take the side of the humans. 

I am giving you all a way out. Leave with me and move to the Game World. Although it is not as safe and prosperous as here, you can survive there. Any other path you choose will simply lead to the genocide of your species."

His words caused the Na'vi in the room to laugh at him.

"You think that fool who calls him an emperor can control us? How many have come and gone, claiming that they were the true ruler, only to be knocked down by a random Ork or the next king of the galaxy?"

"This boy must be high on something!"

The others shared some laughs as they disregarded Baldur's words. They couldn't believe that he was bold enough to demand their submission to him and leave the planet that they had finally managed to take back from their oppressors. 

Baldur shook his head before pulling out his bolter pistol and shooting the wall next to him. The 'bullet' struck the metal wall before detonating and creating a large hole into the wall. 

The entire room quieted before erupting into shouts as the guards drew their weapons and aimed them at Baldur, shouting for him to put down the gun. Baldur didn't move but he didn't seem threatened at all. 

"These are the weakest guns that the Imperium has available. We have heavier ones that fire more rounds at a much faster rate. Our missiles have a longer range and are more destructive. Our soldiers are trained from birth and nearly infinite in numbers," Baldur told them coldly. 

He wanted them to know just what they were getting into if they decided not to do as he said. How outgunned they were. Outmanned. Outnumbered. Outplanned. They were hopeless outmatched if they refused to comply. 

But unfortunately, they refused to agree. 

"Apologies, Prince Baldur," the Na'vi demoted Baldur's to add insult to his apology. "But we shall do no such thing. We will allow you and your companions to join us for dinner and then you can be on your way tomorrow morning."

Baldur stood up and shook his head to their offer. 

"No, thank you. Dining with those one shall kill is considered to be bad luck where I am from."