The data curves displayed in real-time on the screen were astoundingly smooth, indicating that the room-temperature superconductivity of the sample was extremely stable. Energy flowing through the ore showed almost no detectable loss.
"Truly an incredible natural creation," Pilar whispered in admiration, staring at the near-perfect energy flow curve on the monitor. "Just this near-zero loss energy conduction alone—if it could be applied on a large scale to plasma reactor cores or the energy distribution systems of high-end power armor, we could expect overall energy efficiency to increase by at least fifteen percent, possibly more."
At that moment, Lucy's voice came through the internal comms, breaking the focused atmosphere of the workshop. "Intercepted a segment of communication from an unencrypted RDA internal channel. It mentions 'Tulkun' and 'hunting season.' The source is a routine contact from a sea-based operational platform. Logged and tagged."
Osiris received this information in the control center of the Pathfinder.
This matched the intelligence he had gathered from his main body, confirming that the RDA was indeed engaged in Tulkun hunting activities.
He glanced at the monitoring feed showing David and Lucy working busily; these two new members were gradually integrating into the team and beginning to play their respective roles.
He immediately relayed new instructions to Mann via the encrypted channel: "Monitor all RDA movements related to the 'Tulkun.' The information Lucy provided is our entry point."
The outpost's operations were steadily falling into place, with everyone performing their duties. As information gathered, the undercurrents surrounding Pandora's resources were becoming increasingly clear.
Osiris stood to the side, observing the experimental data.
His goal was definitive: not only to obtain the ore but to understand its formation—perhaps even attempting artificial synthesis or cultivation in Night City or the Warhammer world.
Simultaneously, he awaited Mann's next contact with the RDA, aiming to acquire more specific information regarding Amrita and the Tulkun.
The establishment of the outpost marked the exploration team's official foothold on Pandora. This site served as both a research platform and the front line of their gambit with the RDA. Beneath the fragile cooperation, currents swirled.
Both sides were using the other, and both remained wary. And in the shadows of the forest, the eyes of the Na'vi never left these newly arrived "Sky People."
A week after the outpost became operational, the cooperation with the RDA maintained a stable exchange on the surface.
Under the stumbling efforts of the RDA engineers, the trial production of the "simplified" plasma rifle finally yielded a few barely usable prototypes. Their power was quickly recognized and approved by the soldiers under Colonel Quaritch's command.
In return, the quality and quantity of the mineral samples provided by the RDA improved, beginning to include higher-grade Unobtanium.
However, suspicion did not vanish; rather, it burrowed deeper as contact intensified.
On this day, Mann and Dorio were once again invited to the Hell's Gate base. This time, it was a private invitation from Parker Selfridge, held in his personal office, with even Colonel Quaritch absent.
Selfridge's office was decorated in a distinctly Earth style, a sharp contrast to the industrial feel of the rest of the base. He invited Mann and Dorio to sit and personally poured two glasses of synthetic whiskey.
"Mr. Mann, Ms. Dorio," Selfridge said with a slick, salesman-like smile. "I believe this past week of cooperation has been quite fruitful. The technology you provided has solved quite a few... 'troubles' for us." He alluded to the Na'vi harassments.
"A mutual fulfillment of needs, Mr. Selfridge," Mann replied, taking the glass but not drinking.
"Of course, of course." Selfridge took a sip of his drink, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice. "However, I've been thinking about something. With the technical strength you've demonstrated, are you truly satisfied with just a few mineral samples and an outpost? Do you really have no... further interest in this planet?"
He was testing them. Selfridge didn't believe Mann's "survivor" story for a second; he suspected this group represented an unknown, powerful competitor or faction whose goals went far beyond mere survival.
Mann's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly, "Our primary mission is survival and the restoration of communication. Our research of the planet is for scientific purposes and to better understand the environment we are in."
"Scientific purposes... very good." Selfridge smiled, his eyes glinting. "In that case, I wonder if your 'scientific purposes' include studying some of Pandora's more... unique biological resources?"
Mann felt a stir in his mind, knowing the other party was about to touch upon the core issue. He asked impassively, "Such as?"
"Such as... the behemoths in the ocean." Selfridge dipped a finger in his whiskey and drew a vague, streamlined, massive outline on the table. "We call them 'Tulkun.' These creatures are extraordinary; they possess high intelligence, even their own culture and language."
Mann and Dorio exchanged a glance but did not interrupt.
Selfridge continued, "More importantly, we discovered a unique substance within them—we call it 'Amrita.'" His voice carried a hint of suppressed fervor. "An extract capable of near-perfectly delaying cell senescence. Its value... is inestimable."
He had finally revealed his true colors.
Selfridge was well aware of Amrita's massive commercial potential, but RDA headquarters had reservations about large-scale Tulkun hunting, primarily fearing a larger PR crisis and total war with the Na'vi (who shared a deep symbiotic bond with the Tulkun).
If he could leverage the power of these mysterious visitors, he might be able to bypass headquarters' restrictions and acquire this treasure more quickly.
"So," Selfridge stared into Mann's eyes, "if your 'scientific research' could achieve some breakthroughs in this area—for example, developing more... 'humane' extraction techniques, or helping us more effectively... locate targets. I believe we can find a much deeper and more profitable way to cooperate than this simple exchange of ore."
Mann remained silent for a moment, appearing to weigh the offer.
In reality, he was receiving instructions from Osiris via the encrypted channel.
A moment later, Mann looked up at Selfridge. "We are very interested in this unique creature and substance. It can be included in our research scope. However, we require more detailed data, including the Tulkun's ecological habits, migration routes, and the... extraction processes you currently possess."
A satisfied smile spread across Selfridge's face.
He didn't care if the other party was truly interested or just pretending, as long as they were willing to get on board.
"The data is no problem. As for the extraction process..." He shrugged. "It's currently quite... 'primitive.' After all, those big guys aren't exactly cooperative."