Chapter 703: Cooperative Alliance
Ryo seemed to have anticipated the resistance from both sides. He unhurriedly brought up a new holographic data chart.
"This is our long-term tracking and analysis model of the Predators' activity trajectories." He pointed to the lines extending, intersecting, and ultimately converging on the Pandora arctic region. "Based on the time, location, methodology, and energy residue of numerous attacks, we built a predictive model. The data shows their activities are not entirely random, but possess clear logic and phased objectives. Currently, their attacks are focused on weakening the vital forces and economic foundations of both your factions. According to the model's projections, their next phase will shift toward nodes of much higher strategic value."
He magnified several highlighted areas.
"For the Na'vi, it could be the Land of Chants itself, or the Hometrees of other large clans. For the RDA, it might be the Hell's Gate main reactor, the orbital launch pad, or the primary superconducting ore refining and storage center."
This made both Sutai and Quaritch look grave.
"Our model also shows," Ryo continued, "that behind these attacks lies a unified command core. The scattered hunting squads are like tentacles, but there is only one brain. As long as this command core exists, severing tentacles will never end the threat. To find and destroy this core requires a reconnaissance network covering vast regions of the planet, a strike force capable of penetrating their potential lair, and the ability to provide decisive fire support at critical moments."
He looked at the representatives of both sides. "No single faction possesses all these conditions. The Na'vi are familiar with the jungle, possess the unique sensory advantages brought by the Eywa network, and excel at small-scale mobility and terrain utilization, but you lack effective means to counter high-tech cloaked units and heavy firepower. The RDA possesses overwhelming firepower and technological reconnaissance capabilities, along with fortified base defenses, but your adaptability to the jungle environment is insufficient. Your massive sizes and energy signatures are like beacons to enemies mastering stealth."
"As for us, the Seekers, while we possess certain anti-stealth technologies and special operations capabilities, our manpower is limited. Our understanding and infiltration of Pandora as a whole is far inferior to both of yours."
Ryo placed his hands on the table, leaning forward slightly, his steady gaze sweeping over Sutai and Quaritch. "Facing a threat that cannot be handled alone, the logic of survival will override old grievances. My proposal is direct: our three factions establish a temporary alliance exclusively dedicated to combating the Predators. A single objective—find them, strike them, until the threat is eliminated."
He paused slightly to ensure both sides were following his train of thought.
"The operation of this alliance is not complex," Ryo continued, his tone plain. "First is intelligence sharing. The moment any faction discovers signs of Predator activity—be it tracks on the ground, anomalies in the air, or combat encounters—it must be immediately shared with the other two. My team will be responsible for integrating all information, analyzing their behavioral patterns, and issuing early warnings. This will prevent us from being defeated in detail."
"Second is complementary defense." He looked at Sutai. "The Na'vi warriors' familiarity with the jungle is unmatched. Your early warnings and ground reconnaissance are crucial."
His gaze shifted to Quaritch. "The RDA's aerial power and long-range monitoring technology can cover vast areas and altitudes the Na'vi cannot reach. In critical zones agreed upon by both sides, we need to combine these advantages to form a three-dimensional surveillance network. The specific areas and methods can be negotiated and mapped out."
"Finally, and most importantly," Ryo's voice grew slightly heavier, "is the formation of a joint rapid response strike force capable of deploying swiftly and striking effectively. The Predators are highly mobile, excelling at ambush and sudden assaults. Conventional patrol defenses can only passively cope. We need an elite, streamlined team that, guided by intelligence, can actively hunt down their squads and, when the time is right, assault their lair."
He softened his tone slightly. "This team requires highly efficient command and specialized counter-technologies. In this regard, we Seekers possess the necessary experience and technological reserves. Therefore, I propose that my faction takes the lead in forming and commanding this joint response squad. The squad members will be drawn from the elites of all three factions, but during operations, other stances must be temporarily set aside to obey a unified tactical objective. To ensure transparency, you may dispatch representatives to join the command loop and oversee the operations."
Ryo leaned back in his chair, leaving room for both sides to think. "This is not about establishing a permanent institution, nor do we intend to intervene in other matters between you. This is merely a tactical collaboration targeting a mutual existential threat. During this period, my team will assume the roles of the intelligence nexus and primary technical support, which is the foundation of our participation in this collaboration."
The meeting room fell into silence.
The Na'vi representatives conversed in low voices. Tsu'tey's face was livid, but he was held down by the elder beside him. On the RDA side, Quaritch and the special assistant rapidly exchanged glances.
Sutai raised her head and looked directly at Ryo. "Dr. Ryo, if this alliance is formed and you lead the joint force, what exactly will you provide? Will we receive those devices that disrupt their invisibility?"
Meeting her gaze, Ryo answered frankly and clearly. "We will provide combat-proven anti-stealth detection support and handle the critical detection and suppression tasks during joint operations. Regarding the technical details, for security reasons, we cannot make them entirely public. However, we can deploy more jamming devices to the alliance's key defensive zones and ensure their effective operation during joint missions. Furthermore, all intelligence analysis results and operational recommendations will be shared with alliance members."
The commitments he offered were pragmatic and limited, clearly delineating the boundaries of his faction's technology while demonstrating sincerity in cooperation.
Ultimately, after intense internal deliberation, Sutai, representing the Omaticaya clan, and Colonel Quaritch, having obtained temporary authorization from Parker Selfridge, consecutively expressed their agreement in principle. A memorandum briefly outlining the three points of cooperation was signed, although its wording was cautious, leaving numerous details for subsequent negotiation.
A fragile yet clearly directed temporary alliance began to take shape under Ryo's pushing and the coercion of realistic pressure.
After the representatives from both sides departed, Ryo stood alone in the camp, his gaze distant. The framework of the alliance was built. Though rudimentary, it was sufficient as a starting point. Next, this framework needed to be rapidly filled in by reality, and in the process, the right to lead would gradually be solidified.
And the timely activities of the "Predators" would be the best catalyst to propel all of this forward.