#but she's outwardly unflappable - ah I love her

[rebelichor]

There is little doubt who held her full attention. In a subtle movement her ears perked and her intense blue gaze anchored onto the Director's exopack-shielded face. If nothing else, she proved to be an intent listener.

Perhaps that was born from the nature of Ahri's raising. The Ambassador Program, however secretive and shrouded in mystery it remained, was an RDA project through and through. Most people had grown up before they took on their work with the organisation. Whether they sought to advance their careers, to look for answers for their own planet or to seek adventure, that was their choice.

However, for the lost Sarentu, it had been their entire life. It wasn't a workplace. It wasn't a choice. What few memories they held of a time before had been stripped from them. They were raised not only as human, in a human-made world of hard metal and unnatural light, but as obedient beings that could benefit the RDA.

Hierarchy was not a foreign concept to her. So, when Director Landry spoke of the scientists being at the lowest tier, there was an unusual pang in her chest. She understood what that meant, to do as one was told or to be met with a threat of violence or death.

"I see." the young na'vi finally spoke again, the slow lowering of her ears open to interpretation. It was easy to become swept up in the details. Easier still to forget that she was here to act as a bridge, and so too was Director Landry.

"Thankyou for indulging me." It was a kindness Ahri would not soon forget. The way the other woman spoke and conducted herself... well, it eased her nerves, and a genuine smile was given the chance to bloom.

"You stand here seeking the protection of scientists in your care, your requests have fallen on deaf ears so you have taken the task to an outside source, the resistance. In exchange you would provide sensitive intel that details RDA operations within the Western frontier. Is that correct?"

Ever the one to dot her i's and cross her t's, she had to smooth over the details, especially ones that were so important.

"There is a measure of risk on both sides. If you are found out, the punishment would be severe. You will be placing your trust in the resistance to keep your involvement a secret. Likewise, if the resistance acts on the intel provided, an anonymous tip could turn a skirmish into a trap. It is a trust that runs both ways." Then the matter-of-factness dropped off. Her tone fell softer. "I believe in you, Brianne Landry. Your role as a protector is an honourable one. I am proud to extend my hand to you," a rather human gesture from the na'vi, who offered her much larger hand to shake, "I promise you will not be disappointed placing your trust in me."

It is expected when making a claim, to have another ask for clarity. It is not unwelcome, especially when done civilly as continues to be the case in this exchange. 

     “Perhaps I can try to explain.” Brianne starts gently, her expression still holding its pleasantries, and her pin-straight stature still paling in comparison to her tall visitor. “The RDA is composed of a hierarchy. The scientists are the lowest tier. To come to Pandora to do their research, they can only do so through the RDA because the RDA controls all space travel here from Earth. So, they are here with the RDA. And we allow them to do their research.” 

     More she could detail, how some of it benefits the RDA’s mission on Pandora directly, and how some benefits the RDA indirectly by producing something they can profit from back on Earth. But the complications of industry-sponsored research, contract stipulations, and the global marketplace may be a bit much to add to this conversation.

     The next question brings forth a low hum of thought. Personal, Ahri says, and indeed, witnessing the unobtanium mining burrowing holes in Pandora’s crust would be personal to one from a culture that values the land and sea as she hears all Na’vi do. Maybe a comparison is meant to offer more insight. 

     “Humans have always taken our land's resources to survive but now there is not enough to support our population. And unfortunately yes, it is one of several reasons our planet is dying.” Another thought follows, one more fretful — what if the warrior intends to keep her here longer for a reason. She cloaks it under a thoughtful smile. “If clarity is needed, I would be glad to give it though we may both be short of time.”