Inside the master control room of the Pathfinder mobile base, the atmosphere was focused and orderly.
Osiris stood before the main screen, his expression resolute yet not cold. His steady gaze swept over every member present, finally resting on Maine, who had just finished his report, nodding slightly to signal him to continue.
Maine's report was clear and structured, focusing on military analysis and cooperative progress. He explained the working relationship established with Colonel Quaritch, analyzed the crux of the conflict between the RDA and the Na'vi, and pointed out the rigidity and inefficiency of the RDA's existing tactics with sharp precision.
"In summary," Maine concluded, his voice as steady and powerful as ever, "military cooperation with the RDA is feasible, but their current forces are hard-pressed to effectively contain the Na'vi's resistance. We may need a subtler strategy, or we must forge them into a shield sturdy enough to attract and absorb the brunt of the frontal pressure for us."
Next was the report from Rei Ayanami's team.
In her uniquely concise and objective style, Rei recounted what they had seen deep in the forest. She described the grandeur of Hometree and the tight defenses of the Na'vi clan, placing special emphasis on their contact with the Na'vi mother, Sutai.
She clearly explained her experience communicating through consciousness fluctuations, as well as the complex emotions Sutai displayed—rage against the RDA, grief over her lost child, and a faint but real curiosity and softening toward the "different" Sky People.
"Although she warned us to leave," Rei added, her red eyes looking calmly at Osiris with a professional seriousness, "her emotional fluctuations indicate her stance is not entirely unyielding. There is a possibility of establishing an informal communication channel through her personal emotional vulnerability."
When it was Shinji Ikari's turn, he took a deep breath, his gaze instinctively drifting toward Osiris as if drawing confidence from that steady figure. He tried to keep his tone clear and objective: "That Na'vi mother, Sutai... she is deeply grieving, and very wary. But I believe she is not completely closed to communication. If we can prove through our actions that we are not like the RDA... maybe, just maybe, we can find an opportunity for dialogue." His voice carried the genuine sincerity of someone trying to understand others.
Standing to the side, Asuka crossed her arms in her habitual manner. Her eyes briefly swept over Osiris before darting away. In a tone that sounded indifferent but held an underlying concern, she added, "Don't get too optimistic, though. That Sutai was right—if we get spotted by other Na'vi, we're in deep trouble. As a whole, they aren't friendly at all." Beneath her slightly awkward posture lay a genuine concern for the team's safety.
Osiris listened quietly, his focused gaze resting on each speaker. He nodded slightly when Maine discussed the tactical details. Though Shinji showed some nervousness while speaking, his voice grew steadier after meeting Osiris's calm gaze. Even though Asuka kept her arms crossed, her posture had unconsciously relaxed.
Osiris listened in silence, his mind working like a highly efficient tactical processor, piecing together and analyzing the information fragments reported from both lines. The RDA's military force was a dull blade that needed sharpening; the Na'vi's resistance was an obstacle that had to be weakened or bypassed; and Rei's unique communication ability, along with Sutai as a potential breakthrough, were unexpected and strategically valuable clues.
A moment later, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the core members. He issued his directives in a low voice carrying unquestionable authority: "Maine, your cooperative relationship with Colonel Quaritch is currently our highest-priority direct contact channel. He needs more efficient early warning systems and a sharper 'blade'—and we shall provide them.
Utilize the mobile base's manufacturing capabilities, combined with the raw local materials provided by the RDA, to prioritize the production of the sensor core modules and long-range communication relays they desperately need. Furthermore, produce enough of our optimized plasma rifles and matching energy batteries—performing superiorly to their crude imitations—to fully arm an elite squad."
He paused, then continued: "At the same time, accept their invitation to conduct coordinated training. Systematically impart our experience in handling Na'vi guerrilla tactics and Pandora's hazardous wildlife to their soldiers. Our goal is to make this RDA mobile force, equipped and trained by us, the most effective strike force around Hell's Gate in the shortest possible time, maximizing the diversion and consumption of the Na'vi's military attention."
"Understood," Maine nodded, his eyes sharp. He understood that this was not just to help the RDA, but to create a safer operational environment for the exploration team and steer the RDA's strength in a direction favorable to them.
Osiris then turned to Rei's team: "Rei, your ability to connect with the Na'vi's consciousness field, combined with the success of this contact, proves a potential path to bypass frontal conflict. Your team's mission priority is elevated. Using Sutai as an entry point, formulate a long-term contact plan. The goal is not to immediately win their trust, but to establish a sustainable information channel to deepen our understanding of the Na'vi's social structure, internal conflicts, and the operational mechanisms of the 'Eywa' consciousness field."
His gaze swept over Asuka and Shinji: "This mission is highly dangerous and requires immense discipline and adaptability. Asuka, your combat instincts and adaptability are our safeguard; Shinji, your observation skills and empathy may play an unexpected role in our communications. Remember, you are a team, and Rei's decisions carry the highest authority in the field."
"Yes," Rei replied calmly.
Asuka clicked her tongue but didn't argue, simply replying, "Got it." Though she had minor reservations about taking orders from Rei, she understood the importance of the mission and the role she had to play.
Shinji took a deep breath and nodded firmly, "I'll do my best."
"David, Lucy," Osiris looked at the two newcomers, "you have proven your value in this exploration. Continue assisting Rei's team by providing technical support, data recording, and logistical security. Lucy, pay close attention to monitoring the RDA channels for any information related to the Na'vi or the 'Avatar' program."
"Understood, Magos," David replied respectfully, his face carrying the earnestness of someone entrusted with a heavy responsibility.
Lucy nodded gently, "I will ensure the communication and data links remain stable."
With the directives clearly issued, the two action lines were given more defined goals and a greater allocation of resources. Osiris's strategy was clear: overtly, sharpen the RDA "blade" to let them clash head-on with the Na'vi and absorb the pressure; covertly, penetrate and gather intelligence through Rei's team to identify the weaknesses of Eywa and Na'vi society, paving the way for the eventual acquisition of core resources.