While Maine and Parker conducted their secret dealings regarding the Tulkun and Amrita, Osiris (the second avatar) at the outpost received new instructions from the main body.
The directive was explicit: While acquiring resources, begin a systematic assessment of the military threat level and potential utility of the Na'vi and their underlying planetary consciousness, "Eywa." If necessary, capture Na'vi individuals or specific Pandora biological samples for research.
This order signaled a shift in strategy toward the Na'vi—from "observation and avoidance of hostility" to active "contact and assessment," potentially including aggressive maneuvers.
Almost simultaneously, sensors monitoring the forest detected a group of Na'vi hunters. Approximately ten individuals were tracking a herd of rhino-like Direhorses about five kilometers southwest of the outpost. This presented an ideal opportunity for capture and research.
Osiris considered the situation and issued the order: "Maine's squad, except for essential personnel, deploy immediately. Task: Covertly observe the Na'vi hunting party, assess their combat skills and coordination. If an opportunity arises without compromising our position, attempt to secure live samples of Direhorses or Na'vi weapons and tools. I will command remotely. EVA pilots are to stay behind."
The command was relayed via encrypted channels to Maine at Hell's Gate and to Dorio, Rebecca, and the others at the outpost. Soon, an action team consisting of Dorio, Rebecca, Falco, and Pilar drove a light, camouflaged reconnaissance vehicle out of the outpost, vanishing into the bioluminescent forest.
Inside the outpost, Asuka clicked her tongue with frustration as she watched the vehicle disappear. Shinji watched silently, the sense of unease growing stronger in his heart. He felt that the peaceful days were coming to an end. Rei Ayanami stood at the edge of the outpost, her red eyes reflecting the flickering fluorescence of the forest; no one knew what she truly sensed at that moment.
Deep within the Pandora forest, an operation that began with observation quietly unfolded. The undercurrents surrounding resources, technology, and the secrets of longevity between Hell's Gate and the outpost became even more turbulent.
The recon team moved stealthily along their preset route. Suddenly, the silence of the forest was shattered by rapid gunfire, beastly roars, and human shouts from the northeast.
"Standard RDA gunfire," Falco judged instantly, adjusting his scanner. "Distance: three hundred meters. Multiple life signs, engaged in intense combat."
Maine did not hesitate, gesturing for the team to advance. "Observe closely, stay hidden. Do not intervene unless necessary."
The squad moved like ghosts through the massive roots and glowing vines, quickly approaching the site. They saw a five-man RDA scout team being besieged by three indigenous predators. These creatures resembled Earth wolves but were slenderer, possessed six legs, and had exoskeletons that shimmered with a faint light. Their fangs dripped with corrosive saliva.
The RDA soldiers' assault rifles were fierce but lacked precision in the complex environment. They could only form a loose defensive circle and retreat; one soldier already lay on the ground, his leg torn open in a horrific wound.
"Should we help, Boss?" Rebecca raised her heavy weapon, eager for action.
Maine scanned the battlefield. "Save them. Make it quick. Use non-lethal or low-lethality methods to avoid unnecessary attention."
Dorio charged out first like a cheetah. She didn't use a gun; instead, relying on her terrifying speed and precise grappling skills, she landed a heavy side kick on a Viperwolf just as it lunged for a soldier's throat. The beast slammed into a tree trunk with a dull thud, losing consciousness.
Rebecca leaned out from behind a high root and fired a precise, low-power plasma bolt. It wasn't meant to kill but scorched the joints of another Viperwolf's forelimb, sending it howling to the ground. Falco used a sonic generator and strobe lights to disorient the final predator's senses.
In the blink of an eye, the threat was neutralized with overwhelming efficiency. The RDA soldiers were shaken, looking at these strangely equipped "allies" with shock and gratitude.
However, just as a soldier stepped forward to thank them, an arrow whistled through the air and thudded deep into a glowing tree trunk nearby, its fletching still vibrating.
Everyone froze and looked toward the source. A tall blue figure stepped out from behind dense fluorescent ferns. It was a Na'vi male hunter, his face painted with warrior markings, holding a bone-composite longbow. His golden eyes burned with fury.
He looked at the RDA soldiers and then turned his angry gaze toward Maine's squad and the wounded Viperwolves.
"Killers! Savage Sky People!" the Na'vi hunter shouted in accented but clear English. "You intrude upon our home and bring only death! The children of the forest are merely defending their territory!"
The RDA soldiers raised their weapons again. Maine stepped forward, standing between the soldiers and the hunter. His massive frame carried a powerful presence even without heavy armor.
"We were saving lives," Maine said calmly in Common. "These beasts attacked humans."
"Saving lives?" The Na'vi hunter scoffed, pointing at the wounded wolves. "With more harm and death? Is this the way of the Sky People? They followed the will of Eywa, driving out invaders who break the balance! You have no right to take their lives!"