Chapter 625: Military Support
Under Ryo's explicit directives, the expedition team's operations split into two clear, parallel tracks.
The first track was led by Maine, supported by Dorio and Falco, primarily tasked with deepening relations with the RDA—specifically with Colonel Miles Quaritch, head of the security division.
Maine's decision to focus engagement on Colonel Quaritch was carefully calculated.
As base administrator, Parker Selfridge was more of a shrewd corporate politician; his motives were hard to read, and his cooperation involved far more scheming than sincerity.
Colonel Quaritch, despite his aggressive posture, had goals that were distinct and relatively straightforward: his sole objective was to execute corporate security mandates in the most efficient manner possible, neutralizing any threat that interfered with mining operations.
As a former NUSA soldier, Maine was no stranger to this unyielding, iron-blooded military doctrine—in fact, he found it far easier to understand and navigate.
Bypassing tedious diplomatic pleasantries and commercial probing, their discussions revolved directly around concrete tactics, hardware performance, and threat assessments.
Following several targeted meetings, Maine, accompanied by Dorio and Falco, began appearing regularly in the tactical briefing rooms and training grounds of Hell's Gate as "technical advisors."
Although Colonel Quaritch still harbored latent suspicion regarding their cover story of being "deep-space survivors"—a wariness born of professional military instinct—the sheer military professionalism, high combat efficiency, and prior rescue of the RDA scout team earned Maine a solid measure of respect.
In Quaritch's eyes, this group was a force that warranted caution, but remained undeniably useful.
Tactical Restructuring
"The replication progress on your plasma weapons is still far too slow," Colonel Quaritch pointed out after a tactical briefing, gesturing toward several red markers on the holographic map where mining nodes suffered frequent Na'vi raids. His tone carried distinct irritation. "Besides, the operational runtime and stability of those power cells remain an issue."
"Technological adaptation takes time, Colonel," Maine replied steadily, standing before the projection as his gaze swept over the conflict hotspots. "Furthermore, when countering an enemy relying on terrain and speed, simply upgrading firepower is not the sole solution."
Drawing upon his extensive combat experience and recent observations of Na'vi warfare, Maine began his analysis:
"The Na'vi excel at using the jungle's complex terrain for ambush and hit-and-run guerrilla warfare. Their individual physical strength is immense, their mobility is high, and their aerial cavalry provides three-dimensional strike capabilities. However, their tactical coordination relies heavily on primitive battle cries and a form of telepathy we have yet to fully decode. They lack systematic chains of command and logistically grounded endurance."
He tapped several critical choke points on the map:
"I advise abandoning passive defense doctrine. Establish concealed, automated listening posts equipped with motion sensors and long-range optics on these high-elevation ridges for early warning. Shift patrols from predictable, fixed routes to flexible zone-surveillance grids covering high-probability corridors.
Concurrently, form several Rapid Response Squads drawn from your top-tier operators and outfitted with our prototype hardware. Station them near core mining hubs so that the moment a perimeter breach occurs, they can be inserted vertically via transport shuttles for precision clearance or interdiction."
Maine's proposed doctrine integrated modern special operations mobility with local environmental adaptation—far more efficient than the rigid, colonial-policing patrols and static bunker defense previously employed by RDA Security.
Listening closely, Quaritch's eyes glinted with sharp appreciation; he clearly recognized the operational value.
"Intriguing," Quaritch rubbed his chin. "Can you provide the equipment for those observation posts?"
"We can supply select core sensor arrays and communication modules," Maine nodded. "System integration with your existing platforms will require cooperation from your tech division. We can also assist with initial doctrine training and tactical drills for your Rapid Response units."
Tangible Results
With Ryo's tacit approval and deliberate backing, the expedition team selectively transferred several non-core technologies through Maine to bolster RDA combat capabilities.
While these incremental upgrades did not trigger an overnight transformation of RDA Security, the practical battlefield benefits were immediate and tangible.
A composite material formula provided by the team was swiftly layered onto critical sections of frontline body armor. Its optimized kinetic absorption and dispersion profiles significantly mitigated the penetration of Na'vi bone-tipped arrows and the tearing damage of Viperwolf fangs, measurably raising survival rates during ambushes.
Additionally, a rudimentary anti-jamming shroud designed for the AMP suit's exposed hydraulic joints proved exceptionally practical. It prevented vines, gravel, and alien debris from fouling the joint mechanics during operations in dense rainforest terrain, markedly boosting the operational readiness and reliability of the mechanized walkers.
Paired with Maine's proactive patrol and early-warning doctrines, RDA Security reacted faster and countered more effectively against elusive native raids. The clearest metrics were the steady decline in casualty figures and firmer control over perimeter security around mining zones.
These positive developments satisfied Colonel Quaritch, whose highest priority remained mission fulfillment.
Interactions between him and Maine grew increasingly frequent and substantive, giving rise to a mutual understanding rooted in military competence and aligned short-term objectives.
Though Quaritch's foundational suspicion regarding the squad's true origin never vanished, it was largely overshadowed by the undeniable results of pragmatic cooperation. A cautious, rock-solid professional dynamic was steadily taking shape between them.
The Second Expedition
Just as military cooperation with the RDA was deepening, Ryo initiated the second operational track.
This track was far more exploratory and fraught with variables, aimed directly at unraveling the core mysteries of the Na'vi and the planetary consciousness, Eywa.
He appointed Rei Ayanami as the lead operative.
The choice appeared surprising on the surface, yet was entirely logical.
As the first synchronized pilot, Rei's psychic perception far exceeded baseline parameters. After establishing a brief neural link with the Na'vi leader Eytukan, she demonstrated a singular affinity and sensitivity toward Pandora's bio-consciousness field. Having her lead the foray into the deep jungle for direct contact was the vector most likely to yield a breakthrough.
Her detachment included Asuka, Shinji Ikari, and David Martinez and Lucy, who were temporarily reassigned from Maine's squad.