Osiris (the second avatar) stood inside the main command room of the mobile base Pioneer, his hands clasped behind his back, calmly watching the glowing icon of Planet Pandora on the holographic star map.
Elendil's proposal regarding the "World Soul Restructuring Project" had been weighed repeatedly within his consciousness for several hours. The Aeldari blueprint indeed possessed unique advantages; it achieved fundamental dominion over the planet's consciousness and its connected lifeforms without destroying the world's physical structure and ecosystem. This mode of control was far more thorough and considerably more covert.
However, this also meant entering into a deeper reliance on the Aeldari's psychic technology, entrusting a core component of a long-term project to a species notorious for being unpredictable. He needed to align his stance with the main body.
Stepping up to the primary console, he initiated a consciousness link with his main body across the dimensional gulf in Necromunda of the Warhammer universe. He placed his palm flat against the sensor panel of the cross-dimensional communicator and closed his eyes.
In an instant, his perception bypassed the structural barriers of dimensions, interfacing with a far more massive, clinical consciousness core overflowing with data streams. That was his main body, currently situated within the gene-seed optimization laboratory on Necromunda.
There were no pleasantries, nor any redundant emotional exchanges. The moment the two consciousnesses connected, they immediately engaged in high-velocity information synchronization and tactical deduction.
The second avatar bundled Elendil's proposal, the data analysis on the "World Soul" (Eywa), the comparative pros and cons of the displacement versus restructuring plans, and the current evaluation of Pandora's theater into a cleanly structured data package, transmitting it over.
The moment the main body received the information, it initiated high-speed processing.
"A World Soul—the embryonic form of a planet-scale spiritual entity, deeply integrated with the global ecology and sapient civilization. It possesses exceptionally high research value; its stable state may play a critical role in preserving the planet's unique ecosystem and the generation environment of the superconductive ores," the consciousness wave of the main body returned, icy and objective. "The Aeldari blueprint aims to reshape the foundational layers of its consciousness via mental intervention, establishing absolute loyalty to our side. Advantages: preserves the complete value of the assets, achieves root-level dominion, and stabilizes long-term yields. Risks: dependency on core Aeldari lore, extended project duration, and the possibility of technical counter-measures or consciousness distortion."
"The displacement plan has verified technical feasibility, but for a target possessing an active World Soul, it carries a high risk of irreversible trauma, potentially resulting in the hemorrhaging of core assets," the second consciousness added. "The Aeldari emphasized this risk and provided an alternative. Their motivation is explicit: deepening alignment, demonstrating utility, and securing future migration clearance. Our side currently maintains absolute initiative over the dimensional corridor."
"Analytical conclusion: The Aeldari blueprint is superior to the displacement plan in terms of asset preservation and achieving ultimate dominion. The risks are manageable, and can be counterbalanced via phased verification, reverse-engineering of their lore, and core authority final transfer clauses," the main body's judgment crystallized rapidly. "Adopt the Aeldari 'World Soul Restructuring Project' as the priority execution path. Archive the displacement plan as a contingency and a deterrent."
"Agreed," the second consciousness confirmed. "Execution parameters: ensure the Pandoran theater remains continuously stabilized within our framework to create the necessary conditions for the Aeldari rituals. Deploy reliable armed units and technical specialists to fulfill the potential security outsourcing agreement with the RDA, reinforcing our physical footprint and leverage. Vance's squad and existing personnel will continue to sustain relationships with local factions, providing surface-level cover for the deep consciousness remodeling."
"Resource allocation authorized. A Skitarii squad of fifty units and a senior Tech-Priest may be redeployed from the Death World base reserve pool. The personnel must undergo aesthetic adaptability modifications to align with the requirements of interacting with non-Mechanicus human factions. Modification standard: outward cybernetic modules must align with conventional human technological aesthetics; power armor exteriors must be modified to appear rugged and utilitarian, preventing the exposure of traditional Mechanicus religious icons and excessively non-human structures. Core performance must remain unimpeded." The main body approved the resource request and delivered specific modification directives.
"Understood. Aesthetic adjustments will be finalized at the Death World base prior to transmission. The chosen Tech-Priest must possess a foundational understanding of cross-civilization negotiation, alongside equipment maintenance and tactical coordination capabilities," the second consciousness detailed the requirements.
"A suitable individual has been selected: Tech-Priest Calvin-77. His augmentations emphasize data processing and engineering logic; his outward cybernetics are relatively minimalist and easily adjusted. He will be transmitted along with the Skitarii," the main body confirmed.
"Subsequent phases: first, confirm the cooperative intent with Elendil, demanding that Ulthwé submit a detailed technical blueprint. Simultaneously, formally approach the RDA regarding the security outsourcing matter, using the opportunity to introduce our armed units. Vance's squad and Poly will retain their current objectives, continuing to consolidate relations with the Na'vi cooperative faction and monitoring the movements of all parties," the second consciousness mapped out the tactical roadmap.
"Approved. Maintain information synchronization throughout execution. The World Soul project priority is set to high, but must be managed within the macro framework of resource distribution. The resource demands of the gene-seed project and the Collegia Titanica project must not be excessively squeezed," the main body finalized.
"Acknowledged."
The consciousness synchronization terminated.
Osiris (the second avatar) withdrew his palm and opened his eyes. The lighting within the main command room remained constant; the deep, cross-universe information exchange that had just occurred seemed to span only a single instant. The decision was set. The Aeldari blueprint was adopted.
Next came the concrete deployment and execution. He turned, utilizing the internal communication array to interface with Elendil.
"Elendil, please report to the main command room. Regarding the 'World Soul Restructuring Project,' I require further communication with you."
Elendil arrived in the main command room shortly after. Observing Osiris's placid yet visibly resolved countenance, a slight ripple crossed her mind.
"Lord Osiris," she greeted him with a bow.
"Following an evaluation, I have decided to adopt the 'World Soul Restructuring Project' put forward by Ulthwé in principle," Osiris stated directly. "It aligns more effectively with long-term interests and maximizes the preservation of Pandora's core value."
A flash of relief crossed Elendil's eyes, though it transitioned instantly into professional focus: "A wise choice. Ulthwé will commit the corresponding resources and arts toward this end."
"First, I require your faction to submit a highly detailed technical feasibility report," Osiris called up a blank document matrix. "The contents must encompass, but are not limited to: a comprehensive breakdown of the ritual principles and phases, the specific parameters and construction requirements for the specialized psychic focusing apparatuses, the selection criteria and deployment layouts for the global critical ecological nodes, the projected milestones and risk metrics for each phase, potential contingencies and emergency response protocols, and a comprehensive timeline for the entire project. The report must be quantified to the absolute maximum extent, eliminating ambiguous descriptions."
"Second, I require detailed dossiers on the specialist team Ulthwé intends to dispatch: each member's domain of expertise, relevant operational history, psychic classification assessment, and their internal status and trustworthiness endorsements within Ulthwé."
"Finally, the concrete clauses, milestones, and verification methodologies regarding the transfer of core authority must be explicitly defined within the formal covenant. Prior to receiving a report and documentation that satisfies my standards, the project will not enter the phase of substantive initialization."