Chapter 723: Plan Outsourcing
The requirements were specific and strict, entirely adhering to the logic of project management.
Elandir was not surprised, carefully noting them down. "Understood. I will immediately convey your requirements to the High Farseer. Ulthwe will prepare a complete set of documents meeting your standards as soon as possible."
"Furthermore," Ryo shifted the topic, "during your ritual preparations and initial infiltration, the surface situation on Pandora must remain stable and develop in a direction favorable to our operations. The attitudes of the RDA and the Na'vi are crucial."
"This is exactly what we need to drive forward next," Elandir nodded. "According to previous analysis, the RDA board of directors already intends to outsource a portion of their security functions. This is a critical entry point."
"Correct." Ryo brought up the communication logs with the RDA. "I will formally respond to the intention they previously relayed through Parker Selfridge's channel regarding 'expanding cooperation'. By undertaking a security outsourcing contract for specific zones, we will introduce a permanent armed force of our own to planet Pandora. This will not only satisfy a portion of the RDA's needs but also provide a legitimate cover and substantial presence for our subsequent operations."
He paused and added, "The appearance of this force needs to be adjusted to adapt to interactions with 'non-Mechanicus standard' human factions. They will be transported over after completing modifications at the Death World base."
Elandir expressed understanding. "A reasonable arrangement. An approachable appearance helps reduce unnecessary vigilance and friction. Do you require any assistance from our side during personnel transit or initial deployment?"
"Not at this time. Focus entirely on preparing the proposal. Maintain precise control over the current 'external pressure'; do not slacken, but do not overstimulate either," Ryo instructed. "Maine's squad, Rei Ayanami, and the others will remain on Pandora to maintain contact with the cooperative Na'vi faction, especially Sutai, while monitoring the RDA's internal movements. They are a vital source of intelligence and a relationship nexus."
"Understood," Elandir replied. "Then, I shall go and prepare the report for Ulthwe."
After Elandir left, Ryo sent an encrypted directive to the Death World base.
The directive's content was clear: Draw fifty highly disciplined soldiers with abundant combat experience from the base's standing Skitarii reserves.
Simultaneously, designate Tech-Priest Calvin-77 as the squad's embedded technical and liaison officer.
The focus was on appearance adjustments.
The directive required: Treat the exposed cybernetics of all selected personnel to make their appearance closer to the style of conventional human technological products. Reduce obvious iconic elements such as cogs, pistons, skulls, and Mechanicus scripture, adopting a cleaner, more functional shell design.
The power armor also required modification, retaining protection and fundamental functions, but adopting a rugged, utilitarian industrial aesthetic, avoiding excessive decoration and religious symbolism.
The overall goal was to make this squad look more like an elite security force from a technologically advanced but aesthetically different 'normal' human faction, rather than zealous warrior-fanatics of the Mechanicus, without sacrificing performance.
The adjustments for Tech-Priest Calvin-77 were even more meticulous.
His original cybernetic eye was replaced with a device offering similar visual enhancement but resembling high-end goggles in appearance. Data ports and cables were cleverly hidden or integrated inside his clothing. The exposed auxiliary mechadendrites could be stored within a specially made backpack shell when not in use.
The modification work rapidly commenced in the engineering workshops of the Death World base.
The selected Skitarii soldiers quietly accepted the modifications. They were implanted with the necessary directives: they were about to deploy to a new world to execute long-term security and deterrence missions, requiring adherence to new appearance protocols and interaction guidelines.
Their core loyalty remained unchanged, but their external expression patterns needed to adapt to the new environment.
Simultaneously, Ryo (Second Avatar) formally contacted the RDA's head at the Hell's Gate base.
The comms connected, and Colonel Quaritch's face appeared on the screen. His expression was still unpleasant, but it held a trace more of complex anticipation than before.
"Dr. Ryo." Quaritch's voice was somewhat stiff.
"Colonel Quaritch," Ryo's tone was calm. "I have received the intention regarding the possibility of expanding our cooperation, relayed by your company's General Manager, Mr. Selfridge."
"After internal evaluation, I believe that in the current threat environment, the RDA's security operations in certain high-value, high-risk zones may indeed face challenges in cost and efficiency."
Quaritch frowned slightly but did not interrupt.
"Therefore, our side proposes to undertake security outsourcing contracts for specific zones," Ryo continued. "As a pilot program, we can be responsible for protecting your main refinery and the connected core gas pipeline zones in the South Wing Canyon, as well as the designated transport routes leading to that area. The risk assessment for recent attacks in these zones is classified as high-level, and they are critical to your operations."
"Outsourcing?" Quaritch chewed on the word. "Dr. Ryo, do you mean dispatching your personnel directly into these zones to handle defense?"
"Yes. Our side will dispatch a professional security squad to be permanently stationed in the relevant zones, responsible for daily patrols, threat detection, rapid response, and fortification maintenance. They will be equipped with detection and countermeasure devices optimized for the current cloaked threats," Ryo explained. "During the contract period, the security responsibility for the relevant zones will be borne by us. Your side can withdraw a portion of the original garrison forces to reinforce defenses elsewhere or secure the core base. This will help optimize your overall allocation of security resources."
Quaritch remained silent.
This was exactly what some on the board of directors wanted to see—dumping the troublesome 'mess' that constantly bled losses onto professionals, while simultaneously reducing their own personnel casualties and direct financial hits.
But he instinctively resisted handing over the RDA's critical facilities for outsiders to guard.
"What is the scale of your squad? Equipment status? How do we ensure they won't... abuse their privileges, or generate conflicts with the local Na'vi that we don't want to see?" Quaritch voiced his doubts.
"The pilot squad consists of fifty personnel, equipped with light vehicles and necessary defensive gear. They have undergone rigorous training in rules of engagement. Their core mission is to protect facility security, and they will not actively intervene in your other affairs with the Na'vi. All operations will be coordinated with a liaison officer designated by you and subject to necessary oversight," Ryo answered. "Regarding equipment details, they can be presented in subsequent technical meetings. But I can guarantee they are capable of handling the currently known cloaked threat patterns."
Quaritch knew it would be very difficult for him to outright refuse. The board of directors had already shown this intention, and the continuous losses and pressure made it difficult for him to insist on completely autonomous defense.
"...I need to report to Parker and the board," Quaritch finally said. "If... if we proceed, contract terms, liability boundaries, payment of fees, and oversight mechanisms—all of these will need to be hammered out in detail."
"Of course. We can draft a letter of intent and a preliminary contract draft for your review first," Ryo expressed understanding. "I hope we can establish a mutually beneficial model of cooperation to jointly handle Pandora's complex security environment."
The comms ended. Colonel Quaritch rubbed the bridge of his nose and began drafting the report to Parker Selfridge.
He knew that this arrangement would, in all likelihood, go through.