Chapter 672: Returning Hometree
The looming shadow of the Predators' "Vengeance Hunt" hung over Hell's Gate base like the Sword of Damocles, forcing the RDA to adjust its previously aggressive expansion strategy.
During a tactical briefing in the base's command center, a grim-faced Colonel Quaritch slammed his fist onto the holographic map table, causing the blue projection to violently flicker.
"Retracting our defensive lines! Damn it!" He spat the words out through gritted teeth. "Those alien bastards are forcing us to shrink back into our shells like turtles!"
A staff officer standing nearby advised him, "But we have no other choice. Until we understand the true capabilities of these new enemies, fighting the blue monkeys and the alien hunters simultaneously is equivalent to suicide."
Despite his intense reluctance, Colonel Quaritch, after assessing the potential threats, had to acknowledge the grim reality.
Consequently, the RDA's military operations significantly contracted. Patrol radiuses were reduced by forty percent, and newly opened mining sectors were temporarily sealed off.
Massive amounts of resources were urgently reallocated, prioritized for reinforcing the core mining zones and the defensive grid of the base itself.
Newly constructed energy sensor fences emitted a low hum, forming an invisible perimeter around critical facilities. Automated turrets sprouted from strategic choke points like iron thorns, their barrels gleaming coldly under the Pandoran sun.
The entire base resembled a startled hedgehog, nervously raising all of its spikes.
"Tell Engineering to pick up the pace!" Quaritch growled into the comm channel. "I want all defensive nodes online before the end of the month. As for those alien bastards..." He stared at the distant Hallelujah Mountains on the surveillance feed, his eyes darkening with malice. "Once we are ready, we will give them a welcome they won't forget."
This strategic contraction objectively resulted in a sharp decrease in direct military pressure on the Na'vi clans. The previously imminent full-scale conflict settled into a bizarre, highly tense calm.
On the Na'vi side, although their vigilance toward the Sky People had not diminished in the slightest, they astutely detected this shift in behavior.
Under the leadership of Chief Eytukan and Tsahik Mo'at, the Omaticaya clan utilized this rare breathing room to accelerate their search for a new home.
Finally, in a vast river valley they called the "Land of Chants," they found their ideal sanctuary.
The area boasted lush vegetation and abundant water, situated far from the RDA's primary mining operations. Furthermore, it possessed an exceptionally fertile expanse of land brimming with energy, making it seemingly perfect for Hometree to take root and grow once more.
Hope was rekindled, but it was immediately followed by a problem that had to be solved: how to retrieve Hometree?
This heavy burden fell once again onto the shoulders of Sutai, who had previous contact with the special Sky People.
Leading a few guards, she carefully evaded the RDA patrols and arrived at the perimeter of the Trailblazer mobile base once more, sending out the designated contact signal.
Inside the reception room of the mobile base, Sutai sat across from Ryo, Dr. Grace, and Rei Ayanami, who acted as translator and liaison.
Sutai's expression was complex, a mixture of anticipation, wariness, and a barely perceptible hint of pleading.
"Sky Person... Ryo," Sutai spoke using stiff, common vocabulary she had learned from Rei, combining it with hand gestures and mental impressions as she struggled to express herself. "We... have found new land. Suitable... for Hometree to grow. You promised... when new land is found, the sacred tree will be returned."
A flash of relief crossed Dr. Grace's eyes. She looked at Ryo and whispered, "Ryo, this is the first step to rebuilding trust. They kept their word and found a new habitat; we should fulfill our promise as well."
Ryo sat there, his expression placid. He had long been aware of the Na'vi's movements through his reconnaissance units and was not surprised by Sutai's arrival.
He spoke slowly, his voice carrying clearly through Rei's translation: "Warrior of the Omaticaya, we remember our promise. Hometree remains completely intact and can be returned to you at any time."
Hearing this, Sutai's face instantly bloomed with joy, but Ryo's next words caused her expression to tighten once more.
"However," Ryo smoothly pivoted the conversation, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable weight. "Returning the sacred tree is an act built upon mutual trust. We have fulfilled our promise; now, I expect you to demonstrate a corresponding level of sincerity."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "We Seekers possess immense research interest and respect for Na'vi history, culture, and your unique connection with this land and Eywa. In order to deepen the understanding between us and prevent future misunderstandings or conflicts, I request that after we return Hometree, you permit Rei Ayanami, Asuka, and Shinji Ikari to reside temporarily within your new settlement as our observers and cultural ambassadors."
"They will not carry weapons, nor will they interfere in your internal affairs. They are there solely to learn and observe."
This demand caused Sutai's face to change drastically. Allowing Sky People—even these relatively unusual Sky People—to live long-term within the heart of the clan? This would undoubtedly trigger massive controversy and unrest.
"That... is impossible!" Sutai rejected the idea almost instinctively. "The clan will never allow Sky People to live among us! Not even you!"
Ryo did not get angry. He simply stated calmly, "Sutai, trust is reciprocal. We have demonstrated our sincerity by protecting and promising to return your spiritual symbol. Now, it is your turn to demonstrate trust. These three young individuals are not warriors; they are more akin to... students. Their presence might help your people clearly realize that the Sky People are not a monolithic entity. We are not the RDA, who fell trees and plunder ore."
Grace also chimed in to persuade her: "Sutai, this is an opportunity. Letting the people in your clan see with their own eyes and interact with these different Sky People might break down some of their deep-rooted prejudices. Ryo and his team have consistently proven themselves to be different from the other Sky People, haven't they?"
Sutai fell into a fierce internal struggle. She knew perfectly well how vehemently the clan—especially the hardliners led by Tsu'tey—would oppose this.
But on the other hand, Ryo and his people had indeed kept their word, preserved Hometree, and provided assistance when they fought the invisible hunter together.
More importantly, Hometree was the soul of the clan. Welcoming the sacred tree back would play an immeasurable role in stabilizing the hearts of the people, which were currently in flux due to the migration.
After a long silence, Sutai took a deep breath and said with difficulty, "I... cannot make this decision alone. I need to return... and discuss this with Eytukan, Mo'at, and everyone in the clan." She looked up at Ryo. "But I will relay your request."
"Acceptable," Ryo nodded. "We will await your response. Regardless of the outcome, Hometree will be returned; that is our promise. But your decision will dictate the future trajectory of our relationship."
Sutai departed with a heavy and complex heart. A few days later, she sent word again: after intense debate within the clan council—and primarily due to the insistence of Eytukan and Mo'at—the Omaticaya clan had reluctantly agreed to Ryo's demand.
They would have Hometree returned, and the clan would accept Rei Ayanami, Asuka, and Shinji Ikari as "observers" for a period of one month.
However, the three had to strictly adhere to clan rules and could not commit any acts that offended Eywa or clan traditions.
An agreement was reached, albeit with great difficulty. Yet, unbeknownst to both Ryo and the Na'vi elders, a dark undercurrent was quietly surging beneath this seemingly relaxed atmosphere.