Under Osiris' clear instructions, the exploration team's actions branched into two distinct and parallel lines.
The first line was led by Maine, including Dorio and Falco, responsible for deepening the relationship with the RDA—specifically with the head of the security department, Colonel Miles Quaritch.
Maine's choice to focus on Quaritch was deliberate. Parker Selfridge, the base administrator, was more of a shrewd corporate politician whose mind was difficult to read; cooperation with him involved more calculation than sincerity. Colonel Quaritch, however, despite his aggressive style, had a clear and relatively pure goal: his only demand was to complete the security tasks assigned by the company in the most efficient manner, clearing all threats to mining operations.
As a former NUSA soldier, Maine was no stranger to this pure, iron-blooded military style; to some extent, he understood and adapted to it better. Between them, they bypassed tedious diplomatic rhetoric and commercial probing. Communication usually revolved directly around specific tactics, equipment performance, and enemy analysis. After several targeted meetings, Maine, Dorio, and Falco began appearing more frequently in the tactical briefing rooms and training grounds of Hell's Gate as "technical consultants."
Even though Quaritch still harbored deep suspicions about Maine's "deep-space survivor" story—a professional instinct for a career soldier—Maine and his team demonstrated professional military skill, high combat effectiveness, and, most importantly, saved an RDA scout squad. This earned them a degree of recognition and respect from Quaritch. In his eyes, these people were a powerful force that required vigilance but were undeniably useful.
"The progress on replicating your plasma weapons is still too slow," Colonel Quaritch pointed to several red-marked mining nodes on the holographic map that were frequently harassed by Na'vi. His tone was dissatisfied. "And the energy cell's runtime and stability are always problematic."
"Technology transfer takes time, Colonel," Maine replied steadily. He stood before the map, his gaze sweeping over the conflict hotspots. "Besides, against the Na'vi, who rely on terrain and speed, weapon upgrades aren't the only solution."
Drawing from his vast combat experience combined with recent observations of Na'vi tactics, Maine began his analysis. "The Na'vi excel at using the complex forest environment for guerrilla strikes and ambushes. They have high individual strength and mobility, especially their cavalry, which has three-dimensional strike capabilities. But their tactical coordination relies on primitive signals and a type of 'telepathy' we don't fully understand. They lack a systematic chain of command and logistical support."
He pointed to several key areas on the map. "I suggest changing the passive defense strategy. Establish hidden automated observation posts at these high points, equipped with motion sensors and long-range surveillance for early warning. Shift patrols from fixed routes to flexible area monitoring covering key paths. Simultaneously, form several Rapid Response Teams composed of your elite soldiers equipped with our prototype weapons. Deploy them near core mining areas so that once a warning is received, they can be vertically dropped via transports for precision clearing or deterrence."
The tactical approach Maine proposed combined the flexibility of modern special operations with adaptation to the local environment. it was far more efficient than the rigid, colonial-police-style patrols and outpost defenses previously used by RDA security. As Quaritch listened, a sharp light flickered in his eyes; he clearly understood the value of the proposal.
"Interesting," Quaritch rubbed his chin. "Can you provide the equipment for the observation posts?"
"We can provide some core sensors and communication modules," Maine nodded. "Integrating them into your existing platforms will require your technical department's cooperation. We can assist with the initial training and tactical guidance for the Rapid Response Teams."
Meanwhile, with Osiris' tacit approval—and even intentional promotion—the exploration team "leaked" some non-core technologies to the RDA through Maine. While these scattered technical supports didn't cause a qualitative leap in the RDA security forces' combat power overnight, the actual benefits were clear and undeniable.
A new composite material formula for individual armor provided by the team was quickly applied to key parts of frontline soldiers' armor. The energy absorption and dispersion characteristics of the new material were optimized, significantly weakening the penetration of Na'vi bone arrows and the tearing effect of Viperwolf teeth. The survival rate of soldiers during ambushes saw a tangible increase.
Additionally, a simple anti-jamming protection device designed for the exposed hydraulic joints of the AMP suits, though simple in structure, was highly practical. It effectively prevented vines, debris, and other foreign objects from entering joint gaps and causing malfunctions during maneuvers in complex forest terrain, improving the uptime and battlefield reliability of this primary combat platform.
Combined with the more forward-looking and proactive patrol and warning tactics suggested by Maine, the RDA security forces responded more quickly and effectively to the Na'vi's elusive harassment. The most direct evidence was the steady decline in combat casualty statistics and the enhanced control over the security situation around the mining areas.
This series of positive changes satisfied Colonel Quaritch, whose highest principle was mission completion. His interactions with Maine became more frequent and in-depth. A mutual understanding based on professional military standards and partially overlapping operational goals gradually formed. Though Quaritch's doubts about the team's origin never vanished, they were diluted by the significant results of pragmatic cooperation. A cautious but stable working relationship based on functionalism was taking shape between the two.
Just as the military cooperation between Maine and the RDA deepened, Osiris activated the second line of action. This mission was more exploratory and uncertain, aimed directly at the Na'vi's core secrets and the planetary consciousness, "Eywa."
He designated Rei Ayanami as the lead. The choice seemed unexpected but was logical. As the first pilot, her mental perception far exceeded that of an ordinary person. Especially after successfully establishing a brief neural connection with Eytukan, she demonstrated a unique affinity and understanding of Pandora's biological consciousness field. Leading a small team into the forest to contact the Na'vi was the choice most likely to break the deadlock.
The team members included Asuka, Shinji Ikari, and David Martinez and Lucy, who were temporarily reassigned from Maine's squad.