Hawaii is known for a lot of things. The crystal blue ocean and the sands on the beach more fine than the grains of time in Persian hourglasses seems like the usual deal for American paradise, but you begin to appreciate it a lot more after seeing the seas in the Southern Hemisphere. The remnants of Second Impact still lingers there. The red seas that makes atheists believe in hell. It's funny though. The answer to global warming turned out to be not due to the eventual rising ocean levels, but because of the fear of red water contaminations from the fallout should the icebergs from Antarctica melt and flood the rest of the oceans in bloodbath. I knew the change, however naïve it looked, was legit when I saw Chinese businessmen protesting alongside Greenpeace hippies. I could still remember the environmentalists crying in tears when they were flooded with money from God knows where just to make sure that the contamination stayed within Antarctica. Overnight, green industries made themselves in Forb's magazine. It was quite a sight, all the fleets in the world gathering for the biggest plumber job long overdue.

Regardless of what those idiots in UN health department say, I can never dip myself in the seas anymore. So when the NERV sends me to talk with some paper pushers in the US, I try to max out all the perks I can get. No, I'm not gonna travel like a prom wannabes on a limo. Too flashy. Tour around for some fancy restaurants. Swing by the Pearl Harbor, and get all nerdy until the guards are convinced that I'm a terrorist. Hit the spas and have yourself messaged by goddesses under the sunshine.

Oh, and the meeting. Can't forget that now, can we? I swear, I don't know why we can't just fax the shits we need and get it confirmed over the phone. Oh well. If someone has to waste the tax money, I guess I'll bite the bullet.

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And boy, I do love what I'm biting right now.

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Waitress?

Yes?

As much as it is within my nature to ask pretty girls like you, this food is love at first taste. I'd love to compliment the chef.

She has your gratitude, but it's her policy to stay behind the kitchen.

I assure you that despite my reputation in restaurant business, my intention is sincere.

She said that you'll say that, yet she is insistent.

Wait, she said I'll say that?

Yes, sir.

Interesting. Can you describe him?

Sir?

Describe the chef to me, please.

That sounds creepy.

Yeah, it does. But if she's the person I think she is then I don't mind doing far worse.

I will need to go see other customers. Please show yourself out when you're done, and don't bother with the tipping.

She has her policy, and I have mind. (Leaves her a $100 bill) Just do me one favor and send this message for me. Tell her a friend wants to talk without inviting the party.

Fine.

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What a nerve. But he does look rich, and the pompous attitude of his seem like he's an important person. Side arms? Oh crap, possibly law enforcement? Shit, Marina will be pissed if he's found.

Hey Marina!

Talk to me!

Someone's sorta interested in talking to Glenn.

Tell him to fuck off. You told him the policy, right?

Yeah, but he just wants to pass a message. Look, I know the drill but his tip is too good even for his condescending attitude.

Fine. Glenn!

Yeah?

Tell her what he said.

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Mr. Weinstein.

Ah, the infamous chef. Has anyone told you how great you look?

I was expecting a gratified customer, not a pervert.

Oh don't get me wrong. Things I would do to you would make perversion a flat-out modesty if you were a real lady. I'd admit though, I never figured you as a cross-dresser. Kinky.

(Smirk) How did you find me?

A fortuitous coincidence. There were some rumours about you going dark in Argentina or China. Nice cover-ups. Last time I checked, CIA is still convinced you are in Bangladesh after you left such an obvious trail of breadcrumbs.

Last time I checked, you supplied info to CIA.

Yeah. But like grocery chains, some expire by the time they get to the warehouse.

It's good to see you again, though I'd admit I wish it was under better circumstance.

This one isn't so bad. Could be a lot worse. If my memory serves me, the first time we met was you pointing a gun to my head haha. Who helped you out with the fashion? The chef uniform is a nice touch.

There is a girl who works here.

Was that a territorial bitch server with an attitude?

No, does it matter?

It sorta does; I'd hate to think the lesbian feminists are also getting better sense of fashion as the gays –

Ben.

Haha, it's been too long that's all. How long? I lost you since you left Budapest. Family business, I gather?

Yeah, but I couldn't find much.

I see. Sorry about that. I wish computers got here earlier. You can only trace back so much digitally.

So, is this for business or for pleasure?

Bit of both, actually. But let me indulge in the pleasure part a little longer. Do you guys grow your own wine? This is tasty.

If you know how to play with the stereochemistry, you can come up with a decent one even in Hawaii.

If you had the people skill too, maybe things could have been different.

Ben –

You know I would rather have sex with girls below 5s before I would betray your secrets. For Christ's sake, we missed you. Even Katrina misses you. You don't just walk the fuck out of us, and expect a kumbaya showdown without ticking someone off did you?

I highly doubt that. But Ben-

Yeah, what?

I really missed you too. But I needed this exile.

I know… it just really pisses me off, that's all.

Alright, well now that I got the pleasure of shouting at you in the face… you know what I have to ask about.

I'm not coming.

The old NERV is gone.

And they didn't even bother to rename their brand after nearly wiping out the world. Either the PR is a genius or the world hasn't changed. Who's in command now? Katsuragi?

That was the plan, but she declined so we had to look elsewhere. Norman Paul Loxley.

Loxley? The guy who defused the South China Sea crisis with local pirates?

Yup. A little too stiff for my taste, but he can fool you. He can be a wild card under pressure. Who knows? Someone who plays by the books enough to give the world some credit, but willing to play balls when situation gets tough.

Hmm. Not bad considering.

Katsuragi still fires all the big guns though. She's somewhere between her old job and Kerensky's old job. She is pretty crafty like that. She's still technically on a manhunt for you so don't be surprise if you get Katrina greeting from her.

She was always the stubborn one.

You've practically became her de facto son. Can't blame her. She can be surprisingly sentimental for her reputation.

The reputation was forced upon her, Benjamin. The same goes for me, and my reputation wouldn't be… appropriate considering what happened.

Which is why we won't make your prodigal return flashy; we'll keep you behind the stage and you know… make sure the wheels turn the way it should.

Why would you need me? There's plenty of fish considering your resources.

Yeah, but there aren't that many experienced pilots from the Angelic War. And regardless of how it ended up being, you did good back then. We could use assets like you.

How many?

12 and counting. I swear, this shit can't get any more Biblical. The EVAs aren't what we used to have… but it's got the basics. AT-field is good enough to withstand some heavy duty N2 mines. We got some pretty good military complexes to come up with a better fortress. We fired guys who decided to make a city as a buffer zone, so the defense should hold better. Lots of exciting reforms. It's gonna be different than how it was before.

You sound like a politician now.

Part of my job, but you know I'm serious about this.

Perhaps I'm not ready to face the society.

Right, because you care so much about what they think of you.

Every time I get myself involved with something like this, they don't tend to end well. My depression nearly cost the world, Benjamin.

You were 16.

Don't patronize me. We were far more mature for our age back then.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. World's fate is at stake, and I still spend hours with girls and porn sites.

Even still, the world deserves someone better. Find that person. The world can wait.

Actually, it can't. And no, the world doesn't deserve you. But you're the best we got. Maybe that will never get through your thick head, but we all just need to try what we can instead of running away. God, don't make me side with Katrina now! Come with me, and we'll figure it out.

…

Look, no one can force you. No one did back then, and no one will now. Look, fuck all the crap about what you nearly did and all that shit. Think about what you could do now. Fuck redemption. I'm on this. People you care about are on this. Do it for us. Do it for me.

…

Movies taught me to give you a day to think about this. But I won't. I know you well enough to know that you either buy this, or you won't move an inch. Here, take this.

What's this?

Ticket for my private plane. I'm gonna need to talk to some top brasses to ratify some territorial bullshit technicalities over the Pacific Ocean, but I'll have to leave tomorrow morning. If you're on board, I'll see you in the plane. Otherwise, you get 3 days.

3 days?

Before I actually do my job and track you down.

Ok.

Ok… what?

I'm on board. I hate myself for doing this, but I would rather not let any pilots experience we had to go through, so why wait? But there are conditions, and how serious you guys are instead of fooling around with secretive agendas. Also, we're gonna have to have some talk.

I thought you don't believe in contracts?

No, with you. Cause I know where you will drag me the very moment we land back in Japan. And believe me, it will not be NERV HQ.

Oh God, you know me too well.

And your ex-girlfriends… God knows how many by now.

Not enough, apparently. How much for me to get in that bitch waitress' pants?

Alright, enough. I'll need a day to wrap up some things. Where are you staying?

The Ritz Carlton. Got dinner reservation at 7. You should come by. Food's great, and I swear they recruit their waitresses from ex-porn stars.

Benjamin.

I know you aren't fond of these things but –

It's good to see you. You haven't changed a bit.

Right back at you, you old bastard. Welcome back, commander.

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I was never fond of changes. I'm the boring type who settles, and prefer to keep things the same. Perhaps it's because I'm a creature of habit; I like having the same scenery just fine. I remember when I first ended up being on this island. Not being able to learn much about my past in Budapest, I decided to just let go and live a simple life. Some may say it's a waste of my talent, but I don't have a good record when it comes to maximizing my talents. The plan was to apply as a regular transfer student in a college, and drift to other places and disappear into the crowd. Find a simple expendable job, get yourself a small place and just enjoy the luxury of a routine life. Smoothie in the morning. Light lunch on your lunch break, and gorge yourself in a gourmet dinner and sleep without a shred of fear or pressure. The sun rises and set, until I'm with my family again when the world is no more.

But the life doesn't seem to just let me be. What was supposed to be a simple BBQ in my yard caught the attention of some local girls. I thought the demographic trend was for guys to annoy girls until they form some chemistry, but alas no such luck. One girl was particularly stubborn. She convinced her father that I could turn his restaurant business around. I know, being a chef in a successful restaurant is like an ex-KGB spy trying to hide his trail by becoming a Minister of Defence of Russia. Sympathy got the better of me, as usual. I did come up with some cosmetic ideas to disguise myself. Something I wasn't particularly fond of but Marina is a difficult girl to calm when faced with ridiculous ideas. It wasn't my first time disguising myself as a girl, of course. But I can never get used to wearing a wig, or anything on top of my head. It's just not for me. The only thing I'm comfortable of having on my head is my au natural hair, not the black wigs I'm supposed to wear.

It did get me off the radar for 2 years. And it would have been longer too if Benjamin wasn't so lucky. Damn, how am I going to say I'm going to leave without really saying why?

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Sam? A moment?

Hey Rich. Old friend of yours?

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I'm really starting to hate NERV now.

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Yes. Sorry I was on a break for too long. Some catching-up to do.

Nah, it's all good. It's nice to actually see you have some friends around. Gotta loosen up a little. Serves you better.

Funny, he would say the same thing.

But that's not what's on your mind, right?

No. There is more.

Fire away.

There's no easy way of saying this, so I'll be blunt; I will be leaving Hawaii. It's urgent.

Ah, well. Fine. When will you be back?

I don't think I will be back for a long time, Sam. I have someone who could replace me, and you can have my share in this place… but it's not negotiable. I'm so sorry I have to say this at the last minute.

Shit, man. Does that have something to do with your friend you just met?

I can't say. I'm sorry about all this.

Marina will be pissed. She doesn't like seeing people leave.

I know. I'll talk to her.

Look, I'm not gonna lie; I'm totally pissed that you're leaving. But I know you enough to know you do things for good reasons.

Thanks for understanding.

And no, your partnership is iron-clad on the contract. You do what you gotta do. But never forget that you always have a place to stay here. I owe you that much.

Sam, I will miss you too.

Take care of yourself, got it? I won't be able to pastor you with reminders when you're not here.

I will. Hope you do the same.

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This is bullshit.

I know. But it's my bullshit.

Whatever it is, we can fight it. We'll hire some kick-ass lawyers, and kill the case-

It's not that.

Then what is it?

It's… complicated. I-

It's us, isn't it? Did we push you too much?

Wait, what? No, I-

Shit, I shouldn't have pushed you. Should have slowed the pace but no I always keep doing this to you! God, I hate when I-

No, Marina. That's not it at all. I actually enjoyed how you bossed me around.

I know I can be sometimes, but it's because I was trying to-

I know. Being with you and your family, and working in this restaurant has really helped me out… more than you'd think. My introvert nature gives people different impression, but I truly mean that.

Sniff… really?

Try to comfort her instead of just standing there!

Something important just came along. And I have to go. But I promise that if I can see it through, I'll do the justice and come back when I can.

Don't make promises that you can't keep, idiot.

I know, but I can try right?

Damn it, you better! I will never forgive you if our restaurant suffers because of you!

I know a girl who lives nearby. She's studying art history, but she's a natural with food. She'll be fine.

She better be, for your sake.

I'll miss you too, Marina.

…

Marina, I will try to make it up but there are some things bigger than all of us.

Fine. You better pack before you leave. I always wanted my own place so I'm taking yours. It's the least you can do to redeem yourself.

The building's worth 60 grand!

Want a check?

(Smirk) No, I think the place will be better with you in it. You want to drop by? I can show you around the place before I go.

Oh don't you think you're getting off that easy!

I'm giving you my place. What more do you want?

Oh you have no fucking idea, my clueless friend.

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I'm sorry I couldn't give you what you were looking for, and I really hope you find what you've been looking for.

I hope so too, Marina. We all do.

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Hey, you still with me?

Huh?

Tuning out from boring paperwork is my job. We gotta go through all this before we land in Japanese soil, so stay with me here alright?

Right, so we were talking about job description.

Fuck, man. You're probably the only guy who actually invents a job before accepting it. College grads would kill their professors to be in your position haha.

It is necessary.

Concurred. So, you won't be piloting-

None, whatsoever. Whether EVA-01 can still sync with me or not is irrelevant. I want a guarantee in writing, and that I can take any measures to break the agreement should NERV violate this rule.

Alright. So you're just gonna… what? Assisting the pilots from backstage?

I can offer some assistance with their training. Give them some experiences and tips as to how to engage the Angels. Help you design some simulations. Assess their battle plans and strategies, and enhance them if needed. I can also assist Katsuragi in battle situations without breaking the chain of command, but no piloting.

Alright, so essentially a consultant right? Cool stuff. You got all that, Jack?

I'm gonna need some time to make it legal. Sir, you can't expect me to get all this done over night-

Yeah, that's your job. Just make sure you got all the points right. I want it legit ASAP. Steal other interns, bribe the pencil pushers. Get it done.

Sir.

Who is this guy?

Him? Jack Haverson. Some big shot from Standford. Think NERV is a next big thing and thought he'd end up being Steve Jobs of NERV.

So... he ended up being your typewriter?

With respect, Mr. Weinstein is a legend in the computer industry and I thought-

See? Already learned the silver tongue from Washington like his dad. I normally prefer girls with big tits and pretty faces, but his dad pumped in some serious money and so I'm his glorified babysitter.

That's not... nevermind. Got to learn to crawl before I can walk.

See? No respect. He's got some talents so... maybe that's another reason. Still, kids think they can just get everything they want on the first get-go.

I hope you you make it, Mr. Haverson. He's rough to people, but he's a boss worth waiting for if you want to really push your potential.

Thank you Mr. Lee. Might I ask, how you know Mr. Weinstein? You seem very close, which is something of a-

That's enough of you, intern. Kiss up to your superiors in your own time.

Anyways... I should also be able to see if I could contribute to your new EVA unit designs. I don't know who are in charge of these things, but it's not likely that they are as good as the founders.

All in good time. And they aren't that bad. We already had some help with the pros already, so we're pretty comfy. But by all means?

Who are they, exactly?

(Handing a tablet) This is the list of all list of staffs, and the other encrypted file is the list of people we're not supposed to have. Some, you already know I think.

(Gazing at the tablet and rapidly tapping on the screen) I see. So this is serious.

Yup. We even resurrected Kerensky out of the grave. If politics wasn't part of the blank check we get, he probably should've been the commander since he's got the most experience as an ex-vice commander, but we keep him around. Better for him, really. He's made a lot of enemies for doing the good things.

I presumed him dead. I'd like to speak to him in person.

Again, all in good time. Should I arrange a security when you meet Katrina?

No one has to get hurt for the mistakes I've made. I'll be fine.

Hope so. She does have a gun, just a big FYI. Last time the world treaded lightly against Germans... we know what happened, right?

Not the worst way to go. She'll probably be doing me a favor.

Ok, not funny. Come on. She works in a different department now. Just fuck her and move on. Why do you feel in debt to her still?

You have your own weaknesses, I have mine.

Robert. Jokes aside, the profile you've seen says it all. This is our only triumph card. We don't have the luxury of Third Impact anymore… if you could even call that an option. We got one shot, and we're maxing out all the mileage we can afford. I may not see it your way, but I'm not naïve enough to know that your relationship with her is not healthy.

Benjamin, I'll be fine-

I need you to be sure with me. This is why I get so much tax money instead of putting it to more humane uses. I need to know that you are not going to have problem with her.

I –

And that you will not create more problems for her. Even if she's not exactly my type, she is an essential staff in NERV now. She's not expendable, like you. I want both of you to stay civil and professional. I won't complain if you finally get your spine and snuggle her, but no mistakes. Be crystal clear with me.

I will.

Say it.

Benjamin, I'm the serious one here-

Well, I can be too. Say it.

Sir, am I still taking notes on – (Benjamin merely points his index finger towards the exit of the private room without breaking off eye contact, and Jack awkwardly leaves the room)

I will.

Will what?

Katrina and I, should we be in the position to work together, will work in productive and professional environment.

(The intense eye contact remains unfazed… until)

Hey, that's all I ask. Finally, now I can make you drink.

What are we drinking for now?

Hmmm…. To find what we drink for.

Huh, a little deep for this occasion.

Oh, and you're supposed to be the serious type. Drink.

(Benjamin drinks a sip casually as Robert gulps the shot in a single gulp albeit forcefully, almost comical to experienced drinkers)

Yo, Jack! The shit we were getting aped about between him and Katrina? Off records!

I thought it was implied-

Yeah, and this is my first time dealing with interns. Just making sure, now get a cup yourself and get the job done pronto!

Should I be drinking when I'm working on this sir?

The quality is your problem, not mine. Well, part of your job description is to ensure that the quality doesn't end up being my problem, to be more specific haha!

I'll see to it sir.

You shouldn't be too hard on him.

That coming from you haha. That's funny. Remember how you went ape-shit to train me?

That was different.

Good times though. (Pours another drink for both)

What are we drinking for now?

How about the good old times?

Which part?

Whichever fancies you. Now shut up and drink. We got 7 hours before we land in Calgary.

Calgary?

Some Canadians are pissed off about how we're running some operations in the Arctic. Small fish I know, but it's good for PR supposedly so I need to stop by. Ever had Albertan beef?

Few times.

That's what we're gonna drink for next. For people as fucked as us, we sure got a lot of things to drink for.

I hope it stays that way. We all could use more reasons to drink.

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Ma'am. We made a contact.

Which one?

Messiah. Holy crap, it's him.

Where is he now?

In bound to Calgary.

Is there a reason why we're not tagging and bagging him in Hannibal Lecter's chair straight here to Shikinami?

Ben knows what he's doing, despite his reputation.

So what now?

He made his choice. Let's prepare a welcoming party. Oh, and call William. We're gonna need a security.

Ma'am?

Just tell him that Messiah is coming. He'll know what to do.

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Welcome home, Shinji.