Chapter 615: Mobile Base
Only after the Na'vi hunting party vanished into the depths of the glowing forest did the tense atmosphere at the temporary camp gradually ease.
Maine and Dorio rechecked the perimeter guards, confirming that the other party had indeed moved far away. Rebecca let out a long breath and patted her chest: "Scared me half to death! I thought we were about to throw down! Ryo, you were way too reckless just now!"
Rei Ayanami did not reply, merely standing quietly in place, seemingly still digesting the massive flood of information that had surged in during the connection. Her face remained slightly pale.
Shinji looked at her with concern: "Ayanami-san, are you... alright?"
"...It is nothing," Rei Ayanami shook her head, beginning to import her recorded fragmented information and sensory data into her data pad. Her efficiency was astounding, as if the neural shock from earlier had caused no significant disruption to her.
Asuka folded her arms, looking at Rei with a complex gaze. On one hand, she felt annoyed by Rei's almost reckless move to "show off"; on the other hand, she had to admit that it was precisely Rei's bold action that broke the stalemate and secured valuable intelligence. Though she had been eager to try something earlier herself, she would never have let an unknown alien neural bundle touch her so easily.
Deploying the Trailblazer
Ryo (the second avatar) disengaged his cloaking field, his massive silver-gray form reappearing.
He stepped in front of Rei Ayanami, his crimson optical lenses focusing on her: "Report detailed physiological and psychological metrics regarding the connection experience. Focus on data stream characteristics, emotional impact intensity, and subsequent effects."
"Understood," Rei Ayanami calmly began her report, her tone flat as if describing an experiment unrelated to herself. "Data stream was vast and complex, containing visual, auditory, and olfactory memories alongside baseline emotions. Emotional impact primarily stemmed from shared grief and anger; intensity was moderate and controllable. Currently displaying no adverse physiological reactions; logical reasoning capabilities remain unaffected. Connection channel was stable, and disconnection was initiated by the counterparty with zero resistance during the process."
Ryo (the second avatar) logged these parameters.
Rei Ayanami's performance once again proved her value as a unique candidate. If this direct neural connection technology could be deciphered, replicated, or even controlled, its strategic value would be incalculable—whether for communication, intelligence gathering, or deeper consciousness manipulation.
"Based on the information retrieved by Rei Ayanami and our own observations," Ryo (the second avatar) shared the analysis with everyone, "we can confirm the following: First, intelligent indigenous creatures known as the 'Na'vi' inhabit this planet, operating under a tribal social structure with their faith centered on the planetary collective consciousness, 'Eywa'."
"Second, a history of conflict exists between the Na'vi and previously arrived humans ('Sky People'), likely stemming from resource exploitation or environmental destruction."
"Third, the stability of this planet's ecosystem is tightly bound to the 'Eywa' consciousness field."
He paused briefly before issuing the next order: "Remaining at a temporary camp long-term is inefficient and leaves us vulnerable as a stationary target. Deploy the 'Trailblazer' mobile base vehicle."
The "Trailblazer" was the large armored transport vehicle Maine's squad had requested earlier.
It currently rested at a concealed spot not far from the portal point, masked beneath optical camouflage.
Shortly after the command was issued, a low engine roar echoed in the distance. Dense vegetation was slowly pushed aside, and a behemoth emerged into view.
Measuring roughly fifteen meters in length and four meters in height, it featured sharp, angular lines covered in thick composite armor, riding on massive, rugged wheels capable of traversing complex terrain. The roof was outfitted with a retractable sensor mast and an automated defense turret, while the Mechanicus gear-skull crest was emblazoned on its side hull.
The "Trailblazer" pulled up steadily beside the camp, its rear hatch slowly opening to reveal a spacious interior divided into a driver's cabin, living quarters (featuring several rudimentary stasis pods), a small armory, and a workshop equipped with baseline analytical gear.
"Everyone, transfer to the mobile base. We will use this as our hub to conduct exploration more efficiently," Ryo (the second avatar) commanded.
The team quickly packed their gear and boarded the "Trailblazer." Though the interior was far from luxurious, it was fully functional, offering an environment vastly more comfortable and secure than a temporary camp. For the three pilots accustomed to EVA cockpits and base barracks, this mobile "home" on a strange world brought a novel sense of security.
Into the Deep Forest
The vehicle started up. Under Falco's skilled driving, the "Trailblazer" selected a relatively smooth path along the stream, slowly rolling deeper into the rainforest. Its heavy armor crushed the bioluminescent plants on the ground, leaving fleeting tire tracks that were swiftly repaired by the active ecosystem.
Inside, Ryo (the second avatar) formulated the next phase of the plan, combining the scanning telemetry with the intelligence retrieved by Rei Ayanami:
Primary Objective: Locate and observe primary Na'vi settlements, study their social structure and interaction methods with "Eywa" up close, and attempt to establish a more stable communication channel.
Secondary Objective: Search for physical manifestations or key nodes of the "Eywa" consciousness field. Based on Na'vi beliefs, core areas similar to a "Tree of Souls" likely exist.
Operational Rules: Avoid direct conflict whenever possible. Focus on observation and non-intrusive research. Should ruins of human outposts be encountered, prioritize investigation to gather technical intelligence.
The "Trailblazer" navigated like a silent steel behemoth through the magnificent yet dangerous fluorescent forest. Inside, the members of Maine's squad manned their stations, monitoring the environment and handling the vehicle, while the three EVA pilots gazed through reinforced portholes at the dreamlike alien vistas flashing past.
Shinji looked at the Na'vi children leaping between branches—who peeked curiously as the vehicle passed before quickly hiding—a complex emotion welling up within him. He recalled the memories of destroyed homes that Rei had shared. These blue giants did not seem to be unreasonable savages either.
Asuka, on the other hand, was far more intrigued by the sight of the Na'vi riding Ikran (Banshees) through the sky.
"It'd be so cool if we could catch one to ride..." she muttered under her breath, only to be met with a warning glare from Dorio.
Rei Ayanami sat quietly at the workbench, assisting Pilar in analyzing the previously gathered biological sample data. Occasionally, she would look up toward a specific direction in the forest, as if sensing distinct fluctuations from that vast consciousness field.
Ryo (the second avatar) stood towering behind the driver's cabin like an unshakeable pillar. His sensors continuously received data from both the vehicle and the team, while his mind-link maintained real-time synchronization with his main body in another universe.
The deep exploration of Pandora was only just truly beginning. This mobile base vehicle would carry them into the heart of this Gaia planet's mysteries, where they would face further unknowns and engage in deeper interactions with the Na'vi and the planetary consciousness, "Eywa."
Along this journey, the three EVA pilots would experience a form of growth starkly different from their past days of piloting mechs in battle.