After the Na'vi squad vanished into the depths of the bioluminescent forest, the tense atmosphere at the temporary camp gradually eased. Maine and Dorio re-checked the outer perimeter, confirming that the natives had indeed moved far away. Rebecca let out a long breath and patted her chest. "That scared the life out of me! I thought a fight was going to break out! Rei, you were too reckless just now!"
Rei Ayanami did not respond. She stood quietly in place, seemingly still digesting the massive flow of information that had surged in during the connection. Her face remained somewhat pale. Shinji looked at her with concern. "Ayanami... are you okay?"
"...No issue." Rei shook her head and began importing the fragmented information and sensory data she had recorded into her data pad. Her efficiency was startling, as if the previous mental impact had not hindered her functionality.
Asuka watched Rei with her arms crossed, her expression complex. On one hand, she felt annoyed by Rei's "show-stealing" recklessness; on the other, she had to admit that it was Rei's gamble that broke the deadlock and secured critical information. Asuka herself had been eager to act, but she would not have dared to let an unknown biological neural queue touch her so easily.
Osiris (the second avatar) deactivated his stealth field, his massive silver-gray frame reappearing. He walked up to Rei, his crimson optical lenses fixed on her. "Report detailed physiological and psychological data of the connection experience. Focus on the characteristics of the information stream, the intensity of emotional impact, and any subsequent effects."
"Yes," Rei replied calmly, her tone devoid of emotion as if describing someone else's experiment. "The information stream is vast and disorganized, containing visual, auditory, and olfactory memories alongside basic emotions. The emotional impact stemmed primarily from shared grief and rage; the intensity was moderate and controllable. Currently, there are no adverse physiological reactions, and logical reasoning remains unaffected. The connection channel was stable, and the disconnection was initiated by the subject without obstruction."
Osiris recorded the data. Rei's performance once again proved her value as a specialized pilot. This direct neural connection technology, if understood, replicated, or controlled, would be of immeasurable value—whether for communication, intelligence gathering, or deeper levels of consciousness manipulation.
"Based on the information obtained by Rei and our own observations," Osiris shared the analysis results with everyone, "we can confirm the following: First, the planet is inhabited by a sapient indigenous race, the 'Na'vi,' whose social structure is tribal and whose faith centers on the planetary collective consciousness, 'Eywa.' Second, there is a history of conflict between the Na'vi and previously arrived humans (Sky People), likely involving resource plunder or environmental destruction. Third, the stability of this planetary ecosystem is closely linked to the 'Eywa' consciousness field."
He paused before continuing his orders. "Remaining at a temporary camp is inefficient and makes us an easy target. Activate the 'Pathfinder' mobile base."
The "Pathfinder" was the large armored transport vehicle Maine's squad had previously requested. It was currently stationed near the teleportation point, hidden under simple optical camouflage. Shortly after the order was given, a low engine roar echoed from the distance. Thick vegetation was slowly pushed aside as a behemoth appeared in their field of vision.
It was approximately fifteen meters long and four meters high, with sharp angles covered in heavy composite armor. Its tires were massive and rugged, designed to handle complex terrain. The roof featured retractable sensor masts and an automated turret for self-defense. The Cog-and-Skull emblem of the Adeptus Mechanicus was stamped onto its side.
The Pathfinder came to a steady halt beside the camp. The rear hatch opened slowly, revealing a spacious interior divided into a cockpit, living quarters (including several simple stasis pods), a small armory, and a workshop equipped with basic analytical gear.
"Everyone, transfer to the mobile base. We will use this as our center for a more efficient exploration," Osiris ordered.
The explorers quickly packed their gear and boarded the Pathfinder. While the interior was not luxurious, it was fully functional, providing a far more comfortable and secure environment than the temporary camp. For the three pilots accustomed to EVA cockpits and base dormitories, this "home" that could move across an alien planet brought a novel sense of security.
The vehicle started up. Under Falco's skilled driving, the Pathfinder followed the direction of the stream, choosing a relatively flat path into the depths of the forest. The heavy armor crushed the bioluminescent plants on the ground, leaving brief tracks that were quickly repaired by the active ecology.
Inside, Osiris integrated the information from Rei with scan data to formulate the next phase of the plan.
"Primary objective: Locate and observe the main Na'vi settlements to study their social structure and interaction with 'Eywa' at close range, while attempting to establish a stable communication channel. Secondary objective: Identify significant physical manifestations or key nodes of the 'Eywa' consciousness field. Based on Na'vi beliefs, a core area similar to a 'Tree of Souls' likely exists. Operational guidelines: Avoid direct conflict as much as possible. Prioritize observation and non-invasive research. Should ruins of human outposts be encountered, prioritize investigation and collection of technological intelligence."
The Pathfinder moved like a silent steel beast through the magnificent and dangerous bioluminescent forest. Inside, Maine's squad members handled their respective duties, monitoring the environment and driving the vehicle. The three EVA pilots peered through reinforced portholes at the dreamlike alien landscape rushing past.
Watching Na'vi children leaping between branches—peering curiously at the vehicle before quickly hiding—Shinji felt a complex emotion swell within him. He remembered the memories Rei had shared about their home being destroyed. These blue giants did not seem to be unreasonable savages.
Asuka was more interested in the sight of Na'vi soaring through the sky on Ikrans (Banshees). "It would be great if I could catch one to ride..." she whispered, only to be warned by a sharp look from Dorio.
Rei remained quiet at the workstation, assisting Pilar in analyzing the biological samples collected earlier. Occasionally, she would look up toward a specific direction in the forest, as if sensing a particular fluctuation in that vast consciousness field.
Osiris stood behind the cockpit, acting as the team's anchor. His sensors continuously received data from the vehicle and the crew, while his consciousness link remained synchronized with his primary body in another universe.
The in-depth exploration of Pandora had only just begun. This mobile base would carry them into the mysteries of this Gaia planet, where they would face more unknowns and engage in deeper interactions with the Na'vi and "Eywa." Meanwhile, the three EVA pilots would experience growth during this journey that was vastly different from their past experiences of piloting mechs in combat.