Chapter 715: A Bountiful Harvest
In the Pandora universe, an Eldar cruiser that had completed its safeguarding mission for the Predator homeworld's relocation returned to the Death World star system via the dimensional gateway, rendezvousing with its sister ship and providing final orbital stabilization support.
The portal framework in Pandora's orbit transitioned into a low-power maintenance mode after the gateway safely closed, standing by silently as a critical nexus for future strategic deployments.
Meanwhile, in the Death World star system, the newly arrived planet no longer boiled with the flames of war.
Its surface gradually fell silent, while its internal value was being systematically and methodically "mined."
Conquest was already complete; what followed was long, cold management and utilization. The destiny of the Predator race was henceforth diverted onto a vastly different track—from cosmic hunters to penned, precious "livestock."
Ryo stood in the main control center of the Death World base, the holographic star map before him already updated.
Within the pale blue grid representing the Death World star system, a dark red planet newly designated as "Resource Planet - Predator (Under Control)" hovered silently in orbit around the star.
Data regarding its mass, orbital parameters, estimated mineral reserves, and a biosphere overview cascaded like a waterfall down the side of the star map. The cold numbers outlined a world that had been brought under absolute control.
"Global suppression operations are fundamentally complete. The intensity of organized resistance on the surface is below one percent and has transitioned into a policing matter. The total number of captives is undergoing final verification; the scale is expected to reach hundreds of times that of our previous scattered sample captures," Techmarine Cassius's synthesized voice reported steadily. "The planetary core structure, solidified by the Eldar esoteric rite and our subsequent stabilization operations, is in optimal condition."
"The Eldar protective force field has been safely deactivated as planned. The relocation and military operations did not trigger any cascading geological or ecological disasters. Preliminary broad-spectrum scans confirm that the planet contains multiple strategic-grade rare minerals, and its unique, highly aggressive biosphere possesses potential biotech research value."
Ryo's gaze swept over the data, and he nodded slightly. The core strategic objectives of this grand operation spanning two universes had been achieved one by one:
A stable, sustainable supply of living "Yautja Prime" raw material was established, allowing the immortality drug project to move from the experimental phase to large-scale research and production.
A resource-rich planet was seized as a trophy, vastly expanding his material foundation and strategic depth.
The potential threat of the Predator race, a spacefaring civilization that glorified violence, was fundamentally eliminated (its main body was controlled, and remaining individuals were of no concern).
Cooperation with Craftworld Ulthwe was deepened through this highly difficult collaboration. Both sides established mutual trust based on substantive interests and technological exchange, securing the critical portal framework technology.
By utilizing the stage of planet Pandora and the Predator threat, he indirectly strengthened his potential influence and control framework over both the Na'vi civilization and the RDA's resources.
"Initiate the 'Resource Planet - Predator' long-term control protocol," Ryo's voice echoed through the main control center. "Immediately plan and deploy an automated orbital surveillance network and foundational defense platforms. Dispatch engineering corps to establish permanent outposts and resource extraction facilities in secure zones."
"Simultaneously, organize specialized research teams to conduct systematic archaeological studies and analyses of the planet's biosphere and the technological and cultural relics left by the Predator civilization, striving to squeeze out every drop of their potential value. All activities must prioritize the maintenance of the planet's overall integrity and long-term viability above all else."
"Orders recorded. Relevant construction and scientific agendas will be generated and executed immediately."
Right at this moment, Elandir stepped gracefully into the main control center. Her breathtakingly beautiful face carried a concealed, subtle tension. It was not compassion for what had been destroyed, but rather a profound sense of urgency stemming from her own destiny, constantly reminding her of the stakes.
"Honored Ryo," she bowed with impeccable yet slightly solemn bearing, her ethereal voice lacking its usual detachment. "High Farseer Eldrad wishes to request a meeting with you. He has entrusted me to convey this request."
Ryo shifted his gaze from the star map to Elandir.
He detected a different weight in her tone compared to before.
"A meeting? Regarding what?"
"Regarding the future of Ulthwe—or rather, the possibility of the Aeldari race's continuation," Elandir spoke bluntly, her red eyes flashing with absolute candor. "The High Farseer has witnessed with his own eyes, and personally experienced, the tranquility brought by this 'clean' universe."
"It is no accidental gift, but a 'breathing space of survival' that countless souls of our race dream of but can never attain. The relocation of the Predator homeworld proves the feasibility and immense power of the trans-dimensional technology you command."
"High Farseer Eldrad believes it is time to discuss with you how this power might be applied to ensure our race is no longer consumed by that eternal curse."
She lowered her posture slightly, her words becoming even more direct.
"The portal framework technology we provided is an expression of our sincerity and a demonstration of our capabilities. But we know full well that the 'ticket' to this 'clean' other shore can only be issued by you. The High Farseer wishes to speak with you face-to-face, to discuss establishing a... more stable, more guaranteed pathway, allowing Ulthwe, and perhaps even more children of the Aeldari, to orderly evacuate that cursed starry sky."
"For this, Ulthwe is willing to pay the corresponding price, and promises to become one of your most steadfast allies beneath these stars."
Ryo remained silent for a moment, digesting the immense volume of information and the sheer scale of the plea embedded in Elandir's words.
The Eldar longed to escape the shadow of the Warp, and he held the key to a safe dimension.
This was a negotiation founded on the absolute necessity of survival, and the initiative clearly lay in his hands.
"I understand," Ryo slowly nodded. "Survival is the primary need of any civilization. I respect High Farseer Eldrad's resolve to face adversity head-on and seek a way out for his race. A meeting can be arranged. Propose the time and location; I will do my best to accommodate."
A gleam of profound relief flashed through Elandir's eyes as she bowed deeply. "Thank you for your understanding and consent. Once preparations are complete, the High Farseer will speak with you in detail, either through a psychic link or an arranged secure physical meeting. Ulthwe will remember your kindness."
Ryo nodded slightly, accepting her gratitude. He smoothly pivoted the conversation back to more immediate matters: "Then, what are your subsequent plans?"
Elandir quickly adjusted back to the state of a collaborator and executor: "In accordance with our previous agreements and your strategic arrangements, our ships and personnel stationed in Pandora's orbit will continue to assist in maintaining the portal framework, and can cooperate in upholding the narrative of 'external pressure' as you require. Until you deem the situation on Pandora ready for the next phase, all our actions will prioritize serving your overall layout in this dimension."
"Excellent," Ryo expressed his satisfaction. "You have all worked hard. Take some time for necessary rest and preparation. Regarding the High Farseer's meeting, I look forward to his word."
"By your command," Elandir bowed once more, her posture deferential, before silently withdrawing from the main control center.
The room returned to silence.
Ryo stood alone before the massive star map, his gaze moving slowly between the point of light representing his newly harvested resource planet, the point representing Pandora, and the vast expanse representing the Warhammer universe, seemingly haunted by invisible whispers.
The Eldar taking the initiative to draw close and make a plea revealed a much deeper strategic opportunity.
The raw materials for the immortality drug, the gene-seed project, Titan technology, a resource planet, the portal framework—these were the immediate, tangible harvests.
But an ancient and powerful alien civilization pinning the future of its entire race upon his dimensional technology... the potential influence and bargaining chips this brought were perhaps far more profound.
The path he was laying down was extending forward irreversibly, growing ever more solid and expansive, at a speed and scale far exceeding his initial blueprints.
The season of harvest had indeed only just begun. And a much grander chessboard was already unfolding before his eyes.