Osiris (the second avatar) processed all the incoming information in silence. Gaia planets, neural connections, and collective consciousness—in the Warhammer universe, these concepts usually signaled dangerous Warp entities or xeno contamination. However, the preliminary data from Maine's squad ruled out obvious Chaos corruption or hostile intent. The planet presented a natural, albeit extremely specialized, ecological form.
He did not make an immediate decision. The massive data processing core extracted and encapsulated the key information from the report, sending it instantly via the consciousness link that transcended physical distance to his primary body on Necromunda.
Deep within Necromunda, Osiris's main body, whose processing resources were largely occupied by gene-seed cultivation data and STC analysis projects, received the report simultaneously. High-definition images and data streams from Maine's squad unfolded within his logic core. The bioluminescent forests, the soaring Ikran, and the unique neural connection network—these aligned perfectly with a cultural fragment from his world before his transmigration.
Avatar. Planet Pandora.
This realization immediately elevated the strategic assessment level of the dimension. It was not because of its potential military value, but its unique ecological research worth. A living, global consciousness—"Eywa"—connected through a biological neural network could provide revolutionary references for his ongoing creation particle research, bio-mechanical interface optimization, and his understanding of the essence of life itself.
Almost the instant the identification was complete, the main body's decision flashed back through the link: Deep exploration approved. EVA pilots permitted to accompany.
However, a strict restriction was attached: No EVA Titan units were to be brought. The value of this dimension lay in its intact ecosystem and biological network; any heavy equipment capable of causing large-scale environmental destruction or triggering the planet's collective hostility had to be excluded. The exploration team was to prioritize research, observation, and non-invasive contact. Simultaneously, the main body flagged potential risks: according to the memory fragments, the planet was home to a sapient indigenous species called the "Na'vi," as well as possible human outposts (depending on the timeline). Contact had to be cautious to avoid unnecessary conflict.
The instructions returned clearly to the second avatar. Through the base's internal communication system, he contacted the EVA trio currently performing routine maintenance in the hangar, along with Maine's squad, who were resting after their reconnaissance mission.
"The dimension exploration application submitted by Maine's squad has been approved," his synthesized voice announced over the channel, steady and emotionless. "Target: Dimension K-77c, Gaia Planet. Mission nature: In-depth exploration and scientific research. All members of Maine's squad and pilots Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Rei Ayanami will participate."
He paused slightly to emphasize the restriction: "Note: No EVA Titans are to be deployed for this mission. Pilots are permitted to participate only in a personal capacity. During the mission, non-destructive research protocols must be strictly followed, prioritizing the collection of data regarding the planetary biological network and collective consciousness. Preparation time: twenty-four standard hours."
Silence fell over the communication channel for a moment before being broken by varied reactions.
"Understood. Maine's squad will begin preparations immediately," Maine replied calmly.
"Understood," came Rei Ayanami's characteristically brief response.
"Eh? We... we can't take the EVAs?" Shinji's voice carried a hint of uncertainty and faint unease.
"What? We can't pilot the mechs?" Asuka's voice was filled with surprise and a touch of dissatisfaction. "Then what are we going to do there? Is this a sightseeing trip?"
"This is an order," Osiris's tone left no room for negotiation. "The value of this dimension lies in its primitive ecology. The intervention of heavy equipment could trigger unpredictable consequences. Your mission is to observe, learn, and assist Maine's squad in exploration. This is another test of your adaptability and teamwork."
He gave no further explanation and cut the communication.
Despite the disappointment and slight confusion over not being able to pilot their EVAs, the news of leaving the dull base for a new world described as "full of life" stirred ripples in the hearts of the three young pilots. For Asuka in particular, curiosity about the unknown temporarily outweighed her frustration.
The twenty-four hours of preparation passed quickly in a tense yet orderly fashion. The characteristic energy hum of the dimensional transporter gradually faded within the Dead World base's teleportation zone. The ghostly blue rift stabilized, revealing a completely different scene on the other side—a vibrant alien rainforest shrouded in misty light and shadow.
Osiris (the second avatar) was the first to step through the portal. The heavy feet of his Hades-pattern Terminator power armor landed on the soft ground covered in thick humus, producing a dull thud. The sensor arrays on his helmet were at full power, instantly displaying preliminary environmental data on his interface.
Atmospheric composition: Nitrogen-oxygen ratio suitable for human respiration, rich in water molecules and various organic volatile molecules, with a slightly sweet and metallic scent. Ambient temperature: 28 degrees Celsius, 85% humidity. Background radiation: Within safe limits, with an exceptionally stable background noise of bioelectric signals, matching the characteristics of the collective consciousness field in Maine's report. Ecological features: High-density biological signatures; vegetation generally possesses bioluminescent properties. Threat assessment: No obvious hostile targets or high-tech weapon signals detected. Potential threats may come from native large predators.
Maine's squad followed close behind. Maine and Dorio emerged first, scanning the surroundings warily with weapons ready but not raised. Rebecca hopped out, her eyes wide as she looked at the giant plants emitting ghostly blue and purple-pink glows, letting out a low gasp of wonder. Pilar and Falco practiced their routine, operating portable scanners to establish temporary communication nodes and environmental monitoring baselines.
Finally, the EVA trio stepped out. They had all changed into the base-issued standard exploration suits—lightweight, durable, and equipped with basic environmental protection. Shinji Ikari took a cautious step forward, his respirator covering his nose and mouth emitting a regular, faint hiss as it delivered filtered, appropriately proportioned air into his lungs. Through his reinforced visor, he peered curiously at this world so different from the base's recycled air, a flicker of undetectable tension in his eyes as he instinctively checked his helmet's seal indicator.
Asuka straightened her back. She too wore a helmet, but it did not stop her lake-blue eyes from shining behind the visor as she unreservedly scanned this world, which remained magnificent and fantastical even under the slightly distorted light of the mask. Her excitement was clearly visible. Rei Ayanami remained quiet, her red eyes calmly sweeping over the glowing forest and small luminous creatures flying in the air, seemingly recording data through her visor.
They appeared to be in a relatively open clearing within the woods. Tall, spiral-shaped exotic trees pierced the sky, their branches draped with countless glowing, fiber-optic-like strands that lit the forest floor like a dream. Luminous seeds resembling dandelions floated in the air like tiny spirits dancing slowly, occasionally bumping into the explorers' visors before sliding off. The long call of an unknown creature echoed in the distance, adding to the mystery of the land.
Every one of them knew that without their helmets' filtration systems, the planet's oxygen levels—far exceeding the human limit—would have quickly sent them into a dangerous state of "oxygen toxicity" rather than allowing them to stand and observe safely as they were now.