JC should do a T2 on the sequel

[Banefull]

Originally Posted by Human No More

There are 12 ISVs - we can assume that due to needing 6 months acceleration from Earth each, 6 months is the VERY minimum spacing between them. Each one has a very small actual cargo capacity, likely around the same as a very large transport aircraft (e.g. An-225). Each one can carry maybe 100-200 passengers in total, but the ones already on the way to Pandora do NOT carry mostly marines, maybe 10-20 marines to replaces ones who were leaving. Even if an ISV WAS fully loaded with weapons, that would maybe be 4-5 scorpions OR 20 or so AMPsuits, and maybe 100-200 marines, but if it was caring any assembled vehicles then there would be no equipment for the marines.
Any vehicle, especially the scorpions, would need to be unloaded, assembled, and prepared before being any use - since a scorpion will not fit in a shuttle, it would need to be assembled on the ground (from multiple flights), even before being fuelled and armed. Of course, such vehicles use a LOT of fuel, which I haven't even mentioned so far, and would also take a lot of space, as well as effort.

I was under the impression that vehicles were manufactured on Pandora. The only parts that were shipped over were things could not be produced locally such as advanced electronics.

Originally Posted by Human No More

Each ISV carries 2 shuttles. The shuttles are very vulnerable, especially now since the scientists will control Hell's Gate and all the anti-air defences. It is safe to assume there is nowhere else safe to land, between the Na'vi and the wildlife and plants of Pandora. Even if they did, than as I explained above, it would basically be a group of marines on foot, with minimal equipment.
It's not going to work.

If the humans ever did return, they would come directly to Hell's Gate. The few chosen scientists are still keeping the basic systems running but I am not sure that a group of 20 or so individuals could put up much in the way of resistance or man the weapon systems for that matter. The shuttle landing would mostly come as a surprise. You would not be prepared for it. If the all of the the scientists were 100% prepared with guns trained on the landing pad, then yes, it would be impossible but I don't think it'll happen that way.

Once on the ground, the steroelithography plant would be put back into operation and the defenses would be manned again. In the # of humans at Hell's Gate thread, we reached a general consensus that there were about 600 or 800 individuals at Hell's Gate. Among them about 150 or so were military personnel. If all 200 individuals on the ISV were devoted to defense, then we have a full complement of soldiers. Basically it would be a struggle to hold out until the next ISV arrived. If a major attack were to come within two weeks of the humans landing, then they would be overrun but mustering enough forces to storm the perimeter defenses would take time.

As far as wildlife goes, the humans held out under more dire circumstances in the past. In the beginning, when the humans first established a base, there hardly any heavy weapons, no perimeter fence with sentry guns, and no air cover.

The next ISVs cannot just turn around. They have to refuel at Hell's Gate so the humans would be forced to try desperate measures.

Originally Posted by Human No More

As for 'gatling guns and APCs' the entire point is that the RDA is NOT military, the marines are intended for security there, NOT for a war. They are limited in what they can use and once what they ALREADY did is revealed, they will most likely lose their contract. (Plus, from a paactical standpoint, an 'APC' is useless in that envieonment and unguarded vehicles are EASY to destroy, so it makes no practical sense even if possible, while both the scorpions' and samsons' weapons already had multiple barrels, although to be honest, I fail to see what that has to do with anything.)

My point is that they will probably see something of a slightly higher caliber. Nothing very advanced but we can expect to some some new equipment in action.

Originally Posted by Human No More

I really doubt he would be doing so - he was forced intio letting Quaritch go on his psychopathic quest for revenge, and he did seem to have some regret after Hometree. Of course, that doesn't excuse him doing nothing - but I serously doubt he will be the next Quaritch.

I am no fan of Selfridge either but either he will return or James Cameron will have to introduce a new face.

Originally Posted by Human No More

It is almost certain that the RDA will lose their contract when word of what happens reaches Earth (ahead of their ISV).

If everything was known yes, but only the RDA's side of the story will be told. Many of the details would be obscure to the average bureaucrat on Earth.

Originally Posted by Human No More

Anyway, Selfridge is 13 years (at a MINIMUM) away from setting foot on Pandora even if it was possible. That could have worked if Selfridge was more of a character in a different version of the original film, but not really plausible in a sequel, I think.

Well it depends on a lot of things. I wonder if the ISV that left can make it all the way back to Earth. If a full return trip is impossible the only option would be to link up with the next ISV en route and travel to Pandora together. In that case, we would have a 400 individuals in the next wave which could be difficult to dislodge if they ever got a foothold In Hell's Gate again. After all, the base was only brought down form within. Storming the fence from the outside would have been extremely difficult.

We may see a standoff situation where the humans are just holed up sitting in Hell's Gate without venturing outside. Not much conflict there and perhaps in the third movie, the next few ISVs start to arrive and thats when hostilities break out again.