Although Osiris' forged identity information could not withstand the most advanced, cross-border background checks, it was sufficient to handle routine verification given the severe damage to global information networks and the dysfunction of management agencies in various regions after the Second Wave.
More importantly, his papers on environmental remediation and LCL purification are based on solid theoretical foundations and demonstrate unique technological approaches, which are worthy of interest from any organization with the corresponding technological identification capabilities.
Sure enough, not long after, he received tentative contact emails from NERV through the anonymous communication channels he had set up on several academic platforms.
The email was carefully worded, claiming to be from a "multinational technology assessment agency," expressing interest in his research and hoping to conduct more in-depth "technical exchanges."
Osiris knew that the bait had been spotted.
He needs to make the image of "Osiris" more complete and believable in order to pass the possible face-to-face verification later.
He first found an abandoned warehouse located on the edge of the city, near a polluted coastline.
This location, far from the city center and in a chaotic environment, is a typical choice for an independent researcher lacking funding.
He personally carried out a simple cleanup, and with collected second-hand equipment, recycled electronic components, and some bottles and jars that looked like experimental vessels, he barely managed to cobble together a "marine ecology laboratory" that looked to be in operation, but with extremely harsh conditions.
The laboratory deliberately created an atmosphere of giving everything and going all out in research, with scattered notebooks filled with complex formulas and observational data on the red ocean.
The biggest challenge lies within himself.
The Space Marine's modified physique was too bulky, with a height of over two meters and exceptionally well-developed muscles even without power armor, which was too eye-catching and seriously inconsistent with the image of a scholar who spends long hours studying at a desk.
He had to create a disguise for himself that could be maintained in the long term.
This is not a simple illusion, but requires a real change in its physical form.
He removed his massive Terminator power armor, channeled his psionic energy, and compressed his body, shrinking him from a towering giant over two meters tall to a normal-sized figure that appeared to be only about 1.8 meters tall.
Maintaining this disguise requires a continuous and precise output of energy, much like sustaining a low-intensity psionic spell for an extended period. Fortunately, his clone's psionic reserves are sufficient to support this.
He deliberately preserved some signs of wind and sun exposure and a slightly tired expression on this disguised image, making this "Osiris"—a resilient but somewhat down-on-his-luck scientist who persisted in his research under harsh conditions—appear more real and believable.
Once the preparations were complete, he replied to NERV's email, agreeing to an informal meeting at his "laboratory."
He predicted that NERV would definitely send someone to conduct an on-site investigation and assess the authenticity of him and his research.
A few days later, an inconspicuous black sedan pulled up outside the warehouse.
Two people got out of the car. They were Misato Katsuragi, whom Osiris had seen in the observation data, and another woman with glasses and a calm and capable demeanor—Ritsuko Akagi, the head of NERV's technology development department.
Misato Katsuragi walked into the warehouse, her gaze quickly sweeping over the shabby, almost shabby laboratory before finally settling on Osiris.
A fleeting, almost imperceptible scrutiny crossed her eyes, but it was quickly masked by a professional smile.
Ritsuko Akagi followed behind her, her gaze behind her glasses like a sophisticated scanner, calmly assessing every detail of the laboratory and Osiris herself.
"Dr. Osiris?" Misato Katsuragi extended her hand. "I am Misato Katsuragi, and this is my colleague, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi. We are very interested in your paper on marine environmental restoration."
It must be said that persisting in research under such circumstances is truly admirable.
Osiris shook hands with her, deliberately making his palms calloused from long-term contact with chemical reagents and rough utensils, while precisely controlling the grip strength to match the appropriate force for his current disguise.
"I apologize for the limited resources." His voice was deliberately adjusted, sounding slightly hoarse, carrying a calmness that came from a long-term focus on technology and a lack of social interaction.
The following conversation was mainly led by Ritsuko Akagi.
She raised several highly specialized and technical questions, involving the physicochemical properties of LCL fluids, the stability of highly active particle catalysis theory in complex ecosystems, and the mathematical foundations of several key catalytic models mentioned in Osiris' paper.
Her question was incisive and clearly well-prepared, intended to thoroughly investigate the truth and depth of his theory.
Osiris answered fluently, not only explaining the core concepts in the paper, but also drawing some deeper ideas about the regulation of LCL particle activity and the reshaping of ecological sequences.
She even inadvertently pointed out several theoretical blind spots in current mainstream environmental remediation technologies during the discussion.
His technical insight and breadth of knowledge clearly exceeded Ritsuko Akagi's expectations. Her initially serious and even slightly scrutinizing expression gradually became focused as the conversation progressed, and she even occasionally fell into brief moments of thought.
During the conversation, Misato Katsuragi took the lead, seemingly unintentionally mentioning NERV, describing it as a "technological organization with resources dedicated to addressing various global issues following the shocks," and implying that if his research was indeed valuable, he might receive support.
She was also observing Osiris' reaction, assessing his character and motivations as a potential collaborator.
Osiris expressed moderate interest, but also revealed cautious concerns about the bureaucratic style of large organizations, emphasizing that she was more concerned about whether the research could be truly applied to environmental remediation.
This performance perfectly embodies the image of an independent scientist who is passionate about research but also wary of the system.
The meeting lasted about an hour.
After seeing Misato Katsuragi and Ritsuko Akagi off, Osiris knew that the first hurdle had been overcome.
His image and research aroused considerable interest in NERV, especially winning the initial approval of Ritsuko Akagi, a key technical figure, though she clearly wouldn't fully trust him immediately.
The next step might be a more in-depth background investigation, or some form of "cooperation test".
He maintained his disguised form, feeling the slight strain of the continuous output of psionic energy.
This will become his new normal until he no longer needs this identity; patience is a virtue shared by hunters and researchers.
He had successfully handed the end of his woven thread to NERV. Now, all he had to do was wait for them to slowly pull it, and he could slip into the depths of that fortress that held countless secrets.
And his primary target—Rei Ayanami—seems to be one step closer to him now.