Osiris's reasoning was clear: as EVA pilots, Asuka and Shinji possessed physical capabilities, reaction speeds, and survival adaptability in extreme environments that far exceeded those of ordinary humans; they were highly qualified field operatives.
Although David lacked deep field experience, he had a strong capacity to learn, basic cybernetic enhancements, and a keen interest in biotechnology. Venturing deep into the heart of Pandora's biosphere was an excellent practical opportunity for him.
Lucy was responsible for technical support. Her hacking skills and mechanical handling abilities would also prove highly useful in a wilderness environment—for instance, operating micro-scouting drones, maintaining equipment, and setting up temporary communication relays.
When the five of them gathered before the Pathfinder, Osiris looked at them and delivered concise mission directives: "Primary objective: Venture deep into the Omaticaya clan's territory and attempt to establish stable contact with non-hostile Na'vi individuals.
"Secondary objective: Gather more direct evidence and data regarding the 'Eywa' consciousness field.
"Rules of engagement: Avoid active conflict. Observation and communication are your primary means. Rei Ayanami is appointed as team leader and holds on-site decision-making authority."
Asuka was clearly displeased about taking orders from Rei, but she also knew that when it came to "communicating with people (or rather, aliens)," the taciturn Rei seemed to possess a strange talent. She huffed and said nothing.
Shinji was somewhat tense, his hands clenching into fists reflexively. David and Lucy nodded solemnly in understanding.
They carried no heavy weapons, equipped only with basic self-defense arms, survival gear, an array of sensors and recording devices, as well as some harmless trinkets meant as goodwill gestures—such as high-energy compressed rations and artificial crystals that emitted a soft glow.
Lucy carried a specialized backpack containing disguised micro-drones and communication arrays. David helped carry biological sampling tools and medical supplies.
Once prepared, the five-member team left the relative safety of the outpost's perimeter, stepping on foot into that vast, vibrant, yet treacherous bioluminescent forest.
Their figures were quickly swallowed by the massive spiral trees and dangling glowing vines.
Rei walked at the very front. Her steps were exceptionally light, and her red eyes swept over their surroundings constantly. She wasn't relying solely on sight; rather, she seemed to be using her entire being to sense the subtle shifts in the environment—the omnipresent "whispers of the forest."
Asuka followed closely behind, keeping vigilant while occasionally being captivated by the bizarre flora and fauna along the way.
Shinji walked in the middle, looking rather restrained, focusing on keeping up with the group.
David and Lucy brought up the rear. David curiously observed various plants, occasionally recording them with his scanner, while Lucy kept a close eye on her portable terminal, which displayed local environmental data and their path markers.
For the five of them, this was an entirely unknown journey. Their destination was the world of the Na'vi, a realm of which humanity knew very little, and one filled with hostility.
They spent their first day deep in the forest in silence and caution.
As the team leader, Rei barely spoke a word. She only stopped occasionally, closing her eyes to sense for a moment before adjusting their direction.
Her navigation didn't seem to rely on maps or landmarks; instead, she followed an invisible guidance originating from her vague perception of the biological consciousness field.
This style of leadership quickly tried Asuka's patience.
"Hey, Rei!" After another sudden, unannounced change of direction, Asuka finally couldn't help but speak up. "Where on earth are we going? You should at least tell us the general direction, shouldn't you? Wandering around aimlessly like this, how are we ever going to find those blue skins?"
Rei paused and looked back at Asuka, her crimson eyes entirely calm and placid.
"They are moving. The flow of the consciousness field... points that way." She pointed in a direction where the trees grew denser and the bioluminescent plants glowed with concentrated intensity.
"Consciousness field flow?" Asuka furrowed her brow. "That's way too abstract! We need more practical intel!"
"I trust Rei's judgment," Shinji said softly, attempting to defuse the tension.
"Hmph, you would," Asuka snapped back testily.
David and Lucy watched from the side, choosing not to intervene in the pilots' bickering.
Lucy whispered to David, "Record all pathways and environmental parameters. If the leader's sensory method is effective, this data might help us build a natural navigation model based on bio-signals."
David nodded, diligently taking notes on his datapad.
By evening, the team set up a simple camp on a relatively dry high ground near a small stream.
Lucy expertly deployed miniature vibration sensors and infrared alarms around the perimeter of the camp. David helped gather dry, non-bioluminescent branches to prepare a fire.
Just then, a faint rustling came from the bushes to the side of the camp.
Everyone instantly went on high alert. Asuka raised her self-defense weapon—a high-precision electromagnetic crossbow—and Shinji nervously gripped his own as well.
The bushes parted, and several small, lemur-like Prolemuris peeked out. They had large eyes and glowing stripes, curiously studying these uninvited guests.
They seemed highly interested in the warm and unfamiliar scents coming from the center of the camp.
"Relax, they're just small animals," David whispered, trying to mimic Rei's earlier demeanor by slowing his breathing and projecting as little hostility as possible.
However, Asuka found these little critters annoying. She made a shooing gesture and hissed, "Get lost!"
Her sudden movement and sharp voice startled the sensitive creatures. Letting out a chorus of high-pitched squeaks, they quickly darted back into the underbrush and vanished.
Rei looked at Asuka, her voice remaining placid. "They meant no harm. Your reaction... sends the wrong signal."
"The wrong signal?" Asuka replied defensively. "Are we just supposed to let them wander in? Who knows if they carry diseases or might suddenly attack?"
"In this place, they are the hosts," Rei's voice remained entirely level. "Excessive vigilance is just as dangerous as recklessness."
Right then, Lucy's terminal let out a faint warning chime. "Large bio-signature detected approaching! High energy readings! Moving fast!"
The group immediately fell into combat readiness.
The woods on the opposite bank of the stream shook violently, and a massive, heavily armored beast resembling a rhinoceros—a Hammerhead Titanothere—burst through.
It seemed to have been drawn by the alarmed squeaks of the small creatures or the emotional fluctuations radiated during Asuka's aggressive shooing. Lowering its massive, hammer-shaped head, it let out a menacing, low roar and charged straight toward the camp!
The impact of this giant beast was more than enough to trample their modest camp into dust.