4:
Old Friend, New Acquaintances
"What is the status of the Adam's Rib Project?" The image of Keel Lorenz asked his cycloptic visor hiding his eyes from Gendo Ikari.
"Unit 00 is ready for action. Units 01-04 are near completion." Gendo replied his steepled fingers hiding his lower face. "Units 05-12 are in the beginning stages of construction."
"Good. Ikari, the council questions whether it is necessary to begin the Summit of Souls if you do not have the last artifact." the old man smiled.
'So that's it. This isn't a check up; they're scared that I'm deviating from their plan. If they only knew.' Gendo smiled beneath is gloved hands.
"The council can rest assured that with the introduction of the Evas the final artifact will be found and our dreams will come to fruition." Keel grunted, stratified with Gendo's answer.
"Then until we meet again, as Gods among men." He smiled.
"Until then." Gendo returned. Keel's image faded.
"Do you think they suspect something?" Gendo's right hand man Eric Marks said stepping from the shadows. He ran a hand through his slicked back hair.
"Even if they do, it is too late to do anything to stop us." Gendo replied as panel slid away from the wall revealing a vast tank of golden fluid. Gendo walked up to the window viewing the tank. "The old men were far to trusting." Gendo smiled as he placed his hand on the glass. The liquid within shifted slightly as a great form moved in the abyss. Gendo felt a presence touch his mind, but it recoiled when Gendo pushed a button on the side of the window; sending an electric charge through the bakelite chains into the creature within the tank. "I need you to go to Megiddo and over see construction."
"I obey." Eric bowed and faded back into the shadows. When he gone Gendo resumed looking at the contents of the tank.
'You know why I chose you Ikari?' Hissed a voice in the back of his mind. Gendo knew to whom the voice belonged. An image flashed in his mind, an image of death, destruction, and fire. To any other human these images of pure carnage would drive them insane, but Gendo was not repulsed by the mind of the Golden Destroyer.
"Because I was your last chance. If you refused me you would rot in a cell on Earth." Gendo sneered.
'True our union was out of necessity in the beginning, but why I have not betrayed you at every turn are what you're asking.' The voice replied. 'I serve you Gendo Ikari because you are the only being in this universe more cruel than I.'
"Then is it respect or fear that keeps you in line?" Gendo asked.
'Know this human, I am a patient creature. I can wait eons for my plans to come to fruition. At this time it is acceptable to be subservient to you, but if and when the time comes that it is not I'll not spare you or your toys.'
"Then it is only fair to warn you that it you cross me you will experience such pain that you will beg me for death in the end."
'A fair warning.'
"No, a threat. I've killed Angels how hard can it be to slay a demon?" The voice only purred in anticipation. Truly this human was a worthy opponent.
Shinji strode into the gym aboard the Hermes. He quickly spotted Toji and Kensuke and made his way to them. Toji was tenderizing a punching bag while Kensuke clung to it for dear life.
"Hey guys." Shinji yawned.
"Late night?" Toji asked jarring Kensuke with another punch.
"No I couldn't sleep I kept having these dreams." Shinji commented gazing around the gym. Several other crew members were exorcising most Shinji didn't know. Even on the Hermes he wasn't acquainted with most of the people. He only really knew the Commander, the Ship's cook Lars, Dr. Beth, and, Major Ibuki.
"Really what were they about?" Toji asked drawing Shinji's attention back. Toji gave one last hit then motioned for Kensuke to take his turn. Kensuke and Toji switched positions. Kensuke laid punch after punch into the bag not even shifting Toji a little bit. Shinji sighed.
"Well there's this girl." Shinji began.
"She cute?" Toji asked as he swayed a bit when Kensuke through his weight into a punch.
"I guess, I only see her face. She has pale skin and blue tinged hair, and red eyes." Shinji continued.
"Sounds like an albino to me." Toji remarked.
"Maybe she's one of those new E2 class humans." Kensuke remarked. "They fit that description."
"Maybe." Shinji echoed. Silence slipped between the friends.
"So you only see this chick's face?" Toji questioned. As Kensuke gave one last punch before nearly collapsing. Shinji moved to take his place.
"Yeah it's weird. I'm under water, it's very dark and suddenly her face appears. She calls my name and I start to move towards her, but before I reach her I wake up." Shinji finished as he planted a jab on the bag.
"Yep that's weird." Toji agreed.
"Maybe the girl is just a symbol." Kensuke chimed in.
"A symbol for what?" Shinji asked.
"A goal you have, that you fell out of reach, but it is all you see." Kensuke stated pushing his glasses up and striking a knowing pose. Shinji's mind drifted to Askua causing him to blush, but thankfully the workout made his face red already.
"Could be." Shinji replied. Their quiet conversation was cut short by a scream, smack, thwack! The three turned to the training area toward the back of the Gym where Askua stood triumphantly over a fallen crewman cradling his arm.
"Did she break it?" Toji asked. The resounding scream answered the question in the affirmative. "Weeks pay she says pervert."
"Dummkopf." Shinji said.
"Baka." Kensuke joined.
"Ah stop crying!" Askua yelled. "That's what you get when you try to feel me up you pervert!" Toji snickered.
"Score." Kensuke just shook his head.
"A least it's not one of my guys." At that point Toji stopped snickering.
"Damn, it's one of mine." This caused Kensuke to snicker. Shinji just stared as Askua begging her not to look at him. Askua surveyed the room looking for her next opponent. She locked eyes with Shinji. 'Ah, revenge it a dish best served cold.' She thought as she pointed at Shinji.
'Just don't break his arm Askua.' Godzilla sighed. 'I promised Rodan no major injuries.'
'The only thing I'm going to break is his manhood.' Askua replied. "You there dummkopf." She motioned with her hand. "Your next."
'Killing him would be kinder.' Godzilla remarked before dulling their connection to protect him from pain.
Askua looked at the whole room and somehow found him. When she issued her challenge Shinji wished he could just sink into the floor.
"Crap." He said and began to move toward her. Kensuke and Toji followed. A ring of onlookers had formed around the training mates. The crowd parted as Shinji stepped onto the mat and faced Askua. "Askua I really don't want to do this." Shinji implored. "The Docs bone growth stimulator is working overtime as is." Askua leaned forward and whispered.
"You should have thought of that earlier." She hissed. "Dull you connection with Rodan so he won't feel your pain." She added in a more friendly tone. 'I won't kill him.' She told herself. 'Just teach him a lesson.' "Come on Shinji. Be a man for once in your life." She grinned. "Tell you what if you knock me down I'll lay off you for a month, and I'll go on a date with you." She leered. At the latter statement Toji yelled.
"Never heard of punishment as a reward!" She glanced at him.
"Would you rather take his place?" She asked ruefully. Toji raised his hand and backed up.
"Hey, the fighter wing is already down one, and I intend to enjoy my shore leave on Blue VI."
"Then keep your mouth shut!" She snapped. She turned back to Shinji. "Deal fare for you baka?" Shinji had frozen when she had offered him a date. He knew it meant to be a sting to him, but he saw it as a window of opportunity. Askua was powerful, but she knew that and was also very arrogant. Shinji could use that to his advantage. Turn her own strength against her. He smiled.
"I agree to the terms." And held out his hand. Askua shook it. 'Oh, I am so going to enjoy wiping that smug look off his face.' She thought as they squared off.
"Is that courage and hope I see in Shinji's eyes Kensuke muttered to Toji who smiled.
"Yes I think it is." To everyone's surprise even his own Shinji struck first. Throwing a spinning heel kick at Askua. She barley had time to evade the attack by doing a roll to the left. Shinji allowed Askua to get up. Big mistake. Askua struck like lightning with a flurry of punches and kicks. It was all Shinji could do to avoid them. As Askua sent a fist hurling at Shinji he acted. He ducked the blow and grabbed Askua's arm, and in one clean motion threw her over his shoulder. Askua landed on the mat hard. Simultaneously a cheer went up from the audience. Toji and Kensuke began to chant.
"Demon slayer! Demon slayer!" The cheer was soon taken up by all those in the room. Shinji stood looking at a cheering crowd. 'They're doing it for me. They're cheering for me.' Shinji beamed. He turned to Askua who was still on the mat. 'He beat me…that spineless dummkopf beat me.' Shinji offered his hand to Askua, and smiled.
"No hard feelings okay? You don't have to do what you said earlier if you don't want to." He smiled. Askua grabbed his hand and smiled. Shinji let out an inward sigh of relief. 'Thank God she's not mad.' At that moment her smiled turned malicious. 'Damn, she changed her mind.' Askua used Shinji's hand to help her deliver a sweeping kick bringing Shinji tumbling down. He struck the mat hard he looked up to see Askua with a foot on his throat. He looked in her eyes. Pain, hatred, and, embarrassment he found there. She growled then stomped off. After Askua had left the crowed dissipated. Toji helped Shinji up.
"Man that was crazy." Kensuke said clapping Shinji on the back.
"Shinji you're the man." Toji exclaimed. Shinji just looked the way Askua had gone.
"She's still mad." He muttered.
"What do you mean she was mad before you put her in her place?" Shinji nodded.
"She was mad at me before. That's why I beat her. Her emotions got in the way of her logic."
"You sound like Spock from that pre impact science fiction show Star Trek." Kensuke laughed. Shinji agreed he had seen one of the Star Trek films on movie night on the Gorgon. Major Ibuki had asked him to accompany her. The movie was Titled Wrath of Khan. It was about a genetic human who sought revenge on a starship captain for defeating him in a previous battle. In the end Khan's lust for revenge was his undoing. Shinji had enjoyed the film. He enjoyed Major Ibuki gabbing his arm in the fight scene between the two ships.
"So what did you say to get her that upset?" Toji asked. Shinji frowned. "Was it that bad?"
"No, I mean…All I said was she looked good." Both Toji and Kensuke raised their eyebrows.
"She's mad at you for a complement?"
"You see." He sighed. "She was in her plug suit when I said this." Toji and Kensuke nodded. The plug suits left little the imagination.
"Well I would say congratulations but from what you just told us and from what I've seen that date just might be your last." Toji exclaimed as he and Kensuke headed for the showers. Shinji stood there a moment longer contemplating how to make it up to Askua.
"Those were some good moves out there." Shinji turned to see Captain Gordon walking towards him.
"It was a fluke really." Shinji stated. "Askua could have beaten me if her mind was in it."
"The twin edge sword of using emotion in battle. Emotions are a strong thing; they can keep you alive in a battle you would have otherwise died in, or they can get you killed when your logic should be as cold as steel." Shinji nodded as he and Gordon took a seat on the mat. "Soryu is strong she has to be, but deep down she's still a teenager. She may try to hide it, but I see right through her façade."
"Really?" Shinji asked. The Captain nodded.
"Just like I see through yours Shinji Ikari." Gordon's words through Shinji for a loop. He felt exposed and bare. "You are very reserved. Some like Soryu see that as cowardice. I see it as logic, but your logic is flawed. You fear rejection, and the pain that comes with it so you refuse to get involved with people. The problem with that is you allow yourself another pain. Loneliness." Shinji stood agape. This man had read not only Askua but him like an open book.
"How can you tell this?" Shinji asked genuinely interested.
"Soryu was easy." He un sheaved his Katana and let it catch the light. "You learn a lot about people when you hold a blade to their throat." Shinji nodded. "You were the harder nut to crack. I have been watching you since you first came on this ship." Shinji browsed his memories and found that the man was indeed telling the truth. Gordon looked at him. "You know Ikari, may I call you Shinji?"
"Shinji's fine."
"Okay. Shinji I could help you train so that next time you fight a level headed Soryu you could beat her." Shinji turned his proposal over in his head for a moment.
"Captain Gordon…"
"Doug, call me Doug."
"Okay, Doug why are you helping me?" Doug smiled.
"I told you I can read people, and the best way impress Soryu is to show her that you're not a coward."
"I see."
"And the best way to do that is when the time comes show her that you can take what she can give and return it with twice the heat."
"Doug?"
"Yeah?"
"Just a question. Askua already respects you and likes you. Why don't you go after her?" This got a laugh from the imposing Captain.
"No. No. She's not my kind, besides I already got a girl."
"Really, Who?" Gordon smiled and sighed.
"Anna Otonashi is her name. She's a journalist who is chronicling the war with the Legion. She is stationed on the ship Aphrodite with an old friend by the name of Ryoji Kaji." He laughed again. "Believe it or not back in college Kaji and I would go on double dates with Maki and Misato." Shinji face faulted.
"You're joking?"
"Nope."
"Doug, I have an answer for you."
"And?"
"Yes."
Slowly one by one they joined until the group was twenty five strong. Misato gazed at the ships arrayed. For the first time since their launch the tribe of Gad reassembled. The Hermes led the group. Misato sighed. "If they only knew what lies had brought them out here." Misato returned to the books on her coffee table. 'If only I knew the lies that brought us here.' She thought as she tried for the Hundredth time to decode her father's work. After a few hours and a stiff neck Misato sat back defeated. "What does it mean papa?" She asked. The cipher phrase that Kaji had sent her from the inscription on the Arc had only granted her access to the first chapter of the journal. And even with the cipher her father continually rearranged words and spoke in code to keep the information within from the wrong hands. Misato massaged her temples, if only she could remember Antarctica. She had been so young then only twelve, and so naive.
Misato looked at the letter again as the frozen winds howled against the cab of the ATV that bore her and several others across the barren ice at the bottom of the world. She smiled as she read it.
Dear Misato
I hope you are having fun with Grandmother and Grandfather, and doing well in school. Your summer break starts in a few weeks and I was wondering if you would like to come for a visit. I asked the Commander and her said that it would be fine. Hope to hear from you soon.
Love Father.
As with all his letters Misato knew that buried deep within the loving words was a secret message. She immediately set out to crack the code. She skimmed the letter again searching for the one word out of place. She found it. "Father" He always wrote "Papa" Using the word she began to decipher the message.
"Good job my dango (Sweet Dumpling) yet another riddle solved. I had a box of chocolates delivered to our hiding place hope you enjoy
Papa"
"You knew back then didn't you Papa? That was the reason for the puzzles and codes, to get me ready for this, but I failed. I can't break your code." Misato's brooding was interrupted by the door chime.
"Come." She sighed closing the books and standing up. The door slid open and in walked Captain Gordon. He smiled and saluted.
"Commander." Misato just frowned.
"I should have let you rot in the brig for that stunt. I you and Maki weren't evolved…"
"I don't see what the big deal is Misato…"
"The big deal is you went into a hostile environment, endangered yourself and your crew, which is normal for you, but you let Askua go along. What were you thinking?" She kept massaging her temples her face clearly showing that thinking about the situations was giving her a headache. Seeing this Gordon walked over to the fridge and pulled out two beers he handed one to her, and took a seat beside her.
"Look I told Soryu to stay in the damn fighter, but she met me at the shuttle and I didn't want to fight so after I judged her fit to trust I let her go with me." Gordon sighed taking a swig of beer.
"Ha! Typical Askua, wait you judged her? Don't tell me you pointed that oversized butter knife at her and gauged the reaction." Misato laughed easing some of the tension from her body.
"It worked on You, Kaji, and Maki didn't it?" Gordon asked gently tapping her on the shoulder. "Not one of you has betrayed me, and neither will Soryu or Shinji."
"Shinji? You didn't do the sword trick to him? The boy would wet his pants." Misato smiled becoming more at ease with her old friend. Gordon frowned.
"Shinji is not who you think he is. I didn't have to put my sword to his neck to find out his deepest darkest secrets." He tapped his skull. "The old noggin still works though I let the Admiral think different." Misato gasped.
"You can still do that?" 'Well that explains how he can read Shinji and Askua like a book. Even the strongest mind is open to a trained empath' Gordon nodded.
"That's how I knew to come here. Now what's the trouble Misikun?" Misato frowned and waved a hand at the notebooks on the table. "Ah, talking to Dad again I see. Clear?"
"Clear!"
"How far did the cipher from the Arc get you?" He asked assured the room was free of Gendo's goons AKA Section 2.
"Not far the code changes after the first chapter."
"Well what has the first chapter told you?"
"Only what I already knew. A NERV satellite was first to detect the energy bloom of the temple as Adam attempted for the umpteenth time to escape. This brought my father and the others to Antarctica. It stops just before I get there." Misato closed her eyes and laughed. "Funny the last entry before the cipher became useless. Was how proud he was of me and how I will be able to figure out this journal with no problems."
"Well could I take a look at it, after all I am one of the four prophets?" Gordon asked after a moment.
"Be my guest Mosses." Misato said handing him the journals.
"I'll see what I can do Ruth." Misato smiled at the mention of her prophet name. Misato made her way to the bathroom and took a shower. When she returned later in a white tank top and a pair of cut off jeans shorts she saw Gordon smiling at her.
"I wonder what Anna would think if she saw me in this and you with the big toothy grin." She joked. "You found something?"
"Your father was a very smart man. Look here." He handed her the journal and pointed to a section he had outlined in pen. She read aloud.
"I feel as if Destiny is a Spear to be wielded by man as a tool. What of it? Just more manifest destiny crap."
"Yes it would seem, but did you father ever hold those values?"
"No."
"Right and if it is just babble then why are the words Spear and Destiny capitalized?"
"You think it's a clue."
"The Spear of Destiny, other wise referred to as the Lance of Longinus." As if saying the name evoked its power deep within the Hermes in a secret hanger the Lance of Longinus began to vibrate filling the room in a dull tone that soon receded as silence was restored.
"The Lance." Misato whispered.
"Yes the reason we're both here. The first Artifact, the Angel slayer is the next clue."
"Maybe but in order to get to it we will need the Section 2 pass code."
"Leave that to me."
As Askua made her way down to the hold she noticed the ship was vibrating. This would be a normal thing if they were near engineering, but the hold was on the other side of the ship. As she reaches the last partition she could feel the vibrations getting stronger. When she opened the door she was assailed by a wall of sound. Askua was nearly blown off her feet by the music. When she had gotten used to it, she noticed the song.
"Akira Ifukube's Godzilla March" Askua smiled. This song was one of Godzilla's favorite even though it brought up bad memories. Ifukube composed this for the Docu-Drama about Godzilla's first attack on Tokyo in 1954. Askua had seen it once in class before linking with Godzilla. After the linking and seeing that event from his point of view. Askua had demanded that Godzilla, King of the Monsters be one of the movies banned from the voyage. Her argument had been sound. That movie would only breed suspension and fear for Godzilla among the humans. Godzilla was lounging in a gravo couch staring at a holo screen. Askua looked at the screen and shook her head. She watched a small army of green human like creatures swarmed over a castle full of humans. The sounds of insuring battle could barley be heard over the blaring music. The track changed to the Blue Oyster Cult's Go Go Godzilla. As the last part of the Castle was destroyed by a group of twin headed monsters and a few blue ax throwing humanoids. As small sign in the middle of the screen showed the word "Victory!" Godzilla turned to her and the music quieted.
"You humans have a very strange way of showing affection." He observed as the holo screen winked out.
"How so?" She asked not really paying attention. She was still mad at Shinji.
"Shinji complemented you, and you beat his head in after he beat you fairly and offered only friendship as his reward." Blood ran to her face.
"I…I was." She stuttered peering around to see if any prying eyes and ears were abound. Assured that what she would say would be heard by no one she walked over and sat on Godzilla's tail. "I was embarrassed." Godzilla could feel that but he felt that there was something deeper.
"And?"
"He scares me." She finally sighed. "They all do." Godzilla nodded. "I'm scared that I will lose them if I blink, even you." Godzilla bent down and looked her in the eye. Askua saw her reflection.
"I will never leave you." He stated. "Now you go on and get ready for Movie Night. I have some hardcore wholesale slaughter of humans ahead of me." He grinned and the holo screen winked back on. The music resumed its former volume. The loud rock theme to Rent began as Askua left. When Askua returned to her room she noticed her notebook beeping. She walked over and keyed the message. A holo screen flashed into existence on the screen was a girl around Askua's age with freckles and dark brown pigtails. She smiled.
"Hikari."
"Askua hi. Long time no see." The girl smiled. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good." Askua returned. "I'm a pilot now."
"Congratulations!" Hikari cried.
"Yeah I know."
"So, how's Godzilla?"
"Just as observant and charming as ever."
"You talk as if he were your boyfriend." Hikari laughed. Askua's eye narrowed.
"You know better than to think that about us."
"I know I was just joking, besides if Godzilla were your boyfriend what would that make me to Mothra?" Both of the girls laughed. "So you heard about the Admiral's new secret weapon?"
"Yeah, something to turn the tide." Askua scoffed. "Like we really need it with the help of the monsters." At Askua's word Hikari's face saddened.
"You don't know then." She said in a somber tone.
"Don't know what?"
"Well." Hikari paused. "There has been a report of the loss of thirteen ships." She finally stated.
"What!" Askua screamed. "How did that happen?"
"No one knows. The transmission only said "Not an Angel."
"Not an Angel. Then what?"
"No one knows, but it took out thirteen fully armed ships."
"It got to have some fire power then." Askua mussed. "Well Hikari I got to go but we'll see each other on Blue VI." Hikari smiled.
"Sooner than that. Both the Hermes and the Demeter will stop for a refuel at Galla spaceport. You know what that means."
"We are so going shopping we need swimsuits for shore leave. See ya soon."
"Bye." Hikari's image winked out.
Meanwhile in Shinji's quarters another conversation was taking place.
"Why did you call me?" Shinji asked folding his arms and starring at the screen. The man on the screen made no reaction to Shinji's tone.
"I have a use for you." Was all the voice said. 'I knew it! That prick wouldn't call me without a reason.' Shinji thought.
"What do you want?"
"You'll see when you arrive on Blue VI." That was all the holo screen vanished leaving Shinji in darkness.
"I hate you." He called into the darkness.
"The brood of Adam have failed us yet again." cried the voice of Sokar in the void of the audience chamber of the Master.
"We are only four left now brothers." Came the voice of Loki. "The time has come for action."
"I agree full heartedly with Loki." Cronos stated.
"Then we are agreed." Came the final voice belonging to Orochi. "It is clear that the Angels are not enough to stop this Humans. We must turn to older allies."
"The Starspawn." They all hissed in unison.
As Hikari had said both ships linked with Galla spaceport the following day. Askua rushed to greet her friend. The embraced and screamed as Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke exited the docking shuttle. After the girls had calmed down Hikari greeted the others. Toji noticed a flash of blonde hair moving towards them.
"Shit, Nova." He muttered, and headed back towards the shuttle. Before he could get there a flash of pain landed Toji on his back. He looked up into the frowning face of Nova Terra.
"Hiya Toji, remember me?" Toji just groaned and rubbed the back of his head. "I'll take that as a yes." She hissed and kicked him in the side. She then walked over the Shinji.
"Ha, Hi Nova." He said shaking after what he saw her do to Toji. Nova leaned forward and kisses Shinji gently on the cheek.
"Hey Shinji." She smiled. "How you doing?"
"Uh, fine I guess." She stammered his hand reaching to his cheek.
"That's nice." Nova replied her green eyes flashing as she heard Toji moan behind her.
"Shinji!" Another voice cried. Nova smiled and sidestepped just in time to avoid the dashing girl with red brown hair and jade eyes. She tackled him with a vice like hug.
"Hi, Mana." Shinji coughed.
"I'm so glad to see you again." She smiled.
"We all can see that." Nova commented. "You two wana get up. You're making a scene." Mana unlatched herself from Shinji and stood up. Mana straitened her uniform and helped Shinji up. Toji had made it into a sitting position by this time. Nova flashed a smile in his direction. Askua was angry, no she was furious. Who were these two beautiful girls who had to be twins so alike they were in appearance. One kissed Shinji and the other tackled him. She coughed loudly and strode over to the taller more build Nova.
"I am Askua Langey Soryu." She said offering her hand.
"Nova Aurora." The blonde replied gripping Askua's hand. After they broke the shake Nova gestured to the other girl that had reattached herself to Shinji's arm. Shinji looked slightly uncomfortable, but not enough to abate Askua's jealously. "And that little parasite is my twin sister Mana." Askua nodded in her direction.
"So how do you guys know that bum Toji and the baka Shinji?"
"Oh, we were stationed on the Poseidon together before Toji was promoted and I linked with Rodan." Shinji chimed in.
"Well it was nice seeing you again but we got to go." Toji interrupted dragging Shinji and Askua away towards the shops. They got about three steps when a voice called out.
"Mien Gott! Askua Langey Soryu is that you!" A young man with dark hair and dazzling blue eyes called. A high pitched squeal heralded Askua's charge for the lad, who stood his ground showing no fear, which made Shinji curious. Askua leapt and wrapped her legs around the boy. He smiled and spun around before letting her down. Askua then threw a punch his way, the boy caught it. Askua threw another which was also caught. They stood there fists locked staring at one another. Finally they broke into a hug, this dumbfounded Shinji. She had never seen Askua be affectionate to another human being besides Hikari.
"How has my Valkyrie been?" The boy asked as he and Askua kissed each others cheeks.
"Very good James, and yourself?" Askua replied.
"No complaints." He glanced over at Nova and Mana. "I see you meet my new team mates." James said waving at the girls.
"New team mates, wait a second last I heard you were still the Admiral's poster boy. What happened?"
"He doesn't need a monster less emulator, now that he has wonder girl Rei." He grimaced.
"So Askua, who's your friend?" Hikari asked taking a look at him.
"My name is James Kenneth." The boy bowed and took Hikari's hand and kissed it. "And you are?" Hikari blushed.
"I'm Hikari." She giggled. At that point Toji pushed his way between them.
"Name's Toji." The boy growled shaking the other's hand a little harder than necessary. James showed no sign of discomfort.
"So you're the sexist boob who stood up Nova, making her a raving bitch for about a month." James remarked while he ducked a rock hurled by Nova.
"Jerk!" She yelled half joking. Toji just stood there looking like a child who just got his balloon popped. James quickly shrugged the man off and looked at the Kensuke and Shinji.
"So Askua, when did you get a personnel guard? Was it before or after you slew four Angels?" He laughed and offered his hand to Kensuke. "James Kenneth, Pilot and trainee in the Geomech program." At his mention of the Geomech program Kensuke's eyes widened.
"You mean you're the test pilot for the weapon Dr. Honda is working on?" He exclaimed. James nodded.
"Yep, Me and the two lovely sisters are gona be the pilots." The mention of the Geomech project confused the others Shinji spoke up.
"Um, is that the project my father's been involved in?" He asked hesitantly. James turned to regard the new speaker. He looked Shinji up and down.
"Ikari right?" He asked. Shinji nodded.
"Shinji Ikari." He replied offering his hand. James hesitated; an image of Gendo superimposed itself over Shinji. It didn't help that Shinji was wearing a pair sunglasses. After a moment he shook his hand.
"No, you're not your father. And no he has his own project which only Dr. Akagi, and wonder girl know about." Shinji was perplexed about this individual before him. He was the first guy to seen comfortable with Askua, and she was comfortable with him, but when he offered his hand James had hesitated. What he said had confused him the most. 'You're not your father.' He wondered what that meant, but was pulled from his quandary by a firm hand of his shoulder. Shinji turned to see Captain Gordon and Commander Katsuragi smiling at them.
"Commander!" He yelled hastily saluting. Misato just laughed.
"Relax. You're off duty and so am I." She smiled. "So what are you kids up to on your day at the spaceport?"
"Well Hikari and I were going to shop for some swimsuits for when we get to Blue VI." Askua answered. "Hey Nova, Mana you want to tag along." Askua didn't like the girls, but she could tolerate them as long as they were away from Shinji. They both nodded and ran over to join them. Gordon turned to the boys. "And you guys?" The three look at each other.
"The Arcade." The said in unison. Misato sighed, Gordon just laughed. Misato turned to James.
"I don't think we've met."
"I don't think so." James replied kissing her hand. "I would remember such a vision of loveliness as yourself." Misato blushed and giggled. "My name's James Kenneth, and you are?"
"Misato Katsuragi." The indigo haired woman giggled.
"So, James what are your plans for the day?" Gordon chimed in. stepping forward and offering his hand. "Captain Douglass Gordon." The shook hands Gordon squeezing a little harder than necessary.
"I really hadn't thought of it." He stated. "I was going to spend the day with my fellow pilots, but it seems they have other plans." James gestured towards the girls.
"Hey James if you want to you can join us." Askua called. This outburst caused all three of the stooges and Misato to face fault.
"Now I've seen everything." Toji commented. James smiled.
"I would be delighted to spend the day with you beautiful ladies." He called walking over to join them.
"Dude he can't be serious." Kensuke stated. "He'll end up their tote boy."
"We got to save him." Toji commented. "Hey James." He called. James turned. "Why don't you join us?" James smiled and looked back at Askua and the girls. Askua frowned.
"Ah, join the stooges dummkopf." She yelled. "See if I care." He walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek.
"You're cute with your angry. You know that babe?" He turned on his heel and joined the boys on their way to the Arcade his long coat billowing in the breeze. Askua stared after him for a few seconds. Hikari finally broke the silence.
"We're better off anyway no stupid boy to drag us down."
"Actually, James may be a jerk occasionally but he is a blast to go shopping with." Nova answered. As they began to walk away.
Misato and Gordon watched the two groups slowly fade off into the spaceport before they headed towards the south end.
"So where are we going?" Misato called.
"To see an old friend." Gordon replied as they trudged deeper into the spaceport. Finally they came to an old building. The sign above the door read. "Purgatory Brewhouse" another sign below it read. "All ye who enter into this place beware."
"Nice place." Misato stated dryly. Gordon just shrugged.
"Been in worse." He walked up to the door and knocked three times. A slot on the door opened.
"Password?"
"Nebakanezer king of the Jews my old slipper and your old shoe can your spell that with four letters." Gordon raddled off.
"T, h, a, t. That spells enter." The voice says and opened the door. Captain Gordon and Misato step into a long hallway filled with doors. The man, a strong guy with a large scar on his face led them down the hall to the final door. He opened it for them and ushered them inside before closing the door once more. The room was dimly lit and filled with smoke. An old jukebox beat out some sad pre-impact music. Gordon gabbed Misato's hand and wound his way through the dark maze of tables and their occupants. They finally came to one table whose occupants sat leaning his chair against the wall, his face clothed in shadow.
"Ozaki." Gordon spoke and sat. Misato followed suit. The man leaned forward his face becoming revealed. A young man of Asian decent with spiky black hair. He wore a black overcoat and dark glasses.
"Captain Gordon, Commander Katsuragi." The man spoke in a low tone. Gordon turned to Misato.
"This is Shin'ichi Ozaki, we went through the academy together. He works for Section 2. He's how I knew the Lance was on the Hermes." Ozaki inclined his head ratifying what Gordon had said.
"What is it I can do for you?" He asked.
"We have a need to get into Central Dogma." Gordon smiled.
"The Lance?" Ozaki asked.
"The Lance." Gordon nodded.
Askua was in the changing room trying a black and white striped two piece.
"So Askua." Nova's voice came through the door. "What's the story with James?" Askua stopped. What was the story with James? The Marduke institute had picked them as possible Emulators. They had been trained and then James vanished. Askua later received a holo letter from him saying that the Admiral had brought him to the flagship against his will and that he would miss her. She cared for James he was the closest thing to a brother she ever had.
"We were in the same training facility. While all the other boys were busy thinking of me naked, or scared shitless of my attention. He kept on. I dish it out and he dished right back. He was the first guy I let be close to me."
"Sounds like you two have history." Mana stated as Askua walked out. The girls stopped the conversation and debated the bikini. After they had passed judgment that it was perfect for Askua. Hikari was next she had a teal one piece. After Hikari had entered the changing area Askua turned to Mana.
"You could say that. He was there for me when." She paused thinking of the Mother. "He was there for me during a very trying time." Her pause had peaked Nova's interest but she decided not to pry.
"So what happened?" Hikari called from the dressing room.
"He was scooped up by the Admiral and became his poster boy." Askua stated.
"Yea, I remember him on those recruitment videos. My question is if he qualified to be an Emulator why doesn't he have a monster?" Nova called.
"The one they linked him to almost killed him." Askua stated. The girls were silent. They had heard stories of several monsters rebelling and nearly killing their Emulators. One of them, the mighty King Ghidorah was said to have killed his Emulator. Askua shivered at the thought of the golden dragon. She had glimpsed the monster in Godzilla's memory. Each time Ghidorah showed up there was a sickening laugh that ran through the memory. The girls brightened up when Hikari joined them sporting her one piece.
"So Nova since were telling stories." Hikari began twirling in front of the tribunal. "What is the deal between you and Toji?" Hikari asked innocently enough, but she had ulterior motives. Nova frowned.
"He's a Jackass." She stated. "Back on the Poseidon Toji and I were heads of Delta Squad. You know when you work real close with someone you form a connection." The girl nodded as Mana moved into the dressing room her polka dotted bikini in tow. "Well I thought we had a connection, and I acted on my emotions." Nova paused.
"Well?" Hikari pressed.
"Let's say that he didn't just switch ships because Shinji was leaving." Nova smiled as Mana jumped out of the dressing room. The girls nodded in approval of her choice. Askua turned to Nova.
"You didn't pick out a suit." She observed. "Didn't you see anything you like?"
"Well I have a suit already so why buy another one?" He laughed uncomfortably. As Askua was about to question her further Mana jumped in.
"Sis is kind of strange when it comes to money." Mana giggled. She turned and whispered to the other girls. "She leads a Spartan kind of existence." The girls didn't press it further. Nova smiled at her sister. Nova had a very real reason for not trying on a suit today. Nova was the first casualty of the Geomech program. During a freak accident Nova had her right arm crushed and three ribs broken. She had also been the first success of the Phoenix Program. She had been giving the first bio replacement. Her entire right arm was replaced by a synthetic bone and muscle system. The arm looked, felt and, worked like a real arm, and was better than a real arm in some ways. But where the bio-limb and her body joined was a hairline indentation just enough to cause notice. Nova became depressed thinking her days of swimsuits and sexy dresses were over. Dr. Honda created what he called a Synth Suit. The suit was like a plug suit only it could form to any texture color length programmed into it. Nova had been so happy when she first used it. The suit actually finds the small indentation and fills it in taking on the color and texture of the skin around it. As the girls made their purchases Nova hugged her sister.
"Thanks." She said.
"What are sisters for?" Mana laughed.
The Arcade was full of kids and young adults when Shinji and crew walked in. James surveyed the game room. While James occasionally enjoyed the advanced sims offered today. He found that most were to close to his day job as a pilot. James found himself attracted to the games of the late twentieth century. Shinji and Toji made their way over to the one game left open, much to James' surprise.
"I can't believe they have one." Toji exclaimed.
"Yep it's a rare sight." Shinji agreed.
"Pool?" James questioned.
"Yeah." Toji stated. "You know how to play?" James nodded. Shinji and Toji already had sticks in hand.
"I got winner." Kensuke called.
"Fine then you get the drinks." Toji stated. They ordered and began to play. "James, if you don't mind me asking, but how are you still alive?"
"I don't know what you mean?" James answered puzzled.
"You kissed Demon. She has beaten men to a bloody pulp for a lot less present company included." Shinji grimaced his shot missed.
"Demon? Oh Askua." James smiled. "Trust me; I took a lot of pain to enjoy that perk." James rolled up his sleeve showing a good many scars and a slightly deformed arm. Shinji knew what that was from. If you break a bone over and over again and use the growth stimulator on it eventually the bone becomes deformed by the process.
"How many times?" Shinji asked.
"There's no number, just one less than hers." Both Toji and Shinji went white as a sheet.
"But Askua…" Shinji began. She carried no scars he had seen her arms.
"Has less scars because I was kind and didn't give her compound fractures, but look closely at her right arm. You'll see it looks like mine." Both boys were stunned this person before them had taken on Askua and beaten her, and on top of that he had befriended her.
"How?" was all they could ask.
"Askua was the little kid who the big kid picked on in the academy." James started, sitting down. "She got tired of it and decided to scare them off by taking out the biggest kid there."
"You?" They asked.
"Yep. The first time I let her beat me. It made the bullies go elsewhere, but I had opened Pandora's Box. She began to become arrogant throwing herself into fight after fight. I had to stop it before she got killed. I was kind the others were not. Most of Askua's permanent injuries were from them not me. The first fight I ruffed her up, nothing serious just a little ego beating." James sighed and took a drink. "The second time she broke my leg. Laid me up for about two weeks. After several more fights I decided it was in my best interest to bury the hatchet with her."
"Well?" Kensuke asked having returned with the drinks.
"She didn't see reason, but she did understand that I cared what happened to her. It took a broken collar bone, arm, and two ribs to get her to visit me in the hospital."
"Ouch!" Toji stated holding his side.
"Of course the only reason she was there was because I broke her leg, and nose." James laughed the others just stood there mortified.
"Well being stuck in a hospital bed for a week broke the ice between us. Eventually we became a friend, which was good for her because it happened right around that time."
"What happened?" They asked. James paused.
"That question I will not answer. I may be a fool, but I'm no dummkopf. Let's just say she suffered a great tragedy, one which should never be suffered." James' voice grew grim. Shinji thought of his own tragedy, the loss of this mother. Shinji was there he had seen the thing kill her. That damned thing his father had built. Thinking of that caused rage and sorrow to bubble up inside of him.
"Shinji?" He heard Toji say. "You alright?" Shinji noticed he was shaking all over. He breathed and will himself to stop. James said nothing but a knowing look in his eyes told Shinji that he had just let important information slip to a person he didn't know that well.
"I'm fine." He said. "Just a little cold that's all. James continue the story, if you can."
"I can but we have to fast forward a bit for safety's sake." The group nodded. "Well the day came for the E test. You remember that Shinji." Shinji nodded. He had been forced by his father into the program and then forced to join with a thing he saw as a monster, but Rodan turned out to be a better friend than most humans he knew. "It went fine Askua and I did great controlling the Kamacuras test creatures. Then we moved up to the big boys."
"That's when Askua linked with Godzilla?" Shinji asked.
"He chose her. The big guy rejected fourteen other Emulators before Askua including me."
"So who did you link with?" Kensuke blurted. It was James' turn to break down into shivers. This surprised them all. When the shivers finally subsided. James looked at Shinji.
"Shinji did you ever hear of the case of Subject V?" James asked. Toji and Kensuke gave him looks an annoyance at avoiding the subject.
"Yeah I remember something about a monster trying to take over its Emulator, but they never released the name." Shinji said wondering what it had to do with James. James simply nodded. Shinji choked. "You don't mean to say that you…" James nodded once more. "Oh God." Shinji thought aloud.
"That's why I'm monster less." James sighed. "Removing Gigan's conciseness nearly killed me and ruined my mind." After that the conversations turned to more trivial things such as girls, and music. The hour slipped by and the owner came over to join the boys at the table.
"You know we closed about an hour ago." The wizened old man said.
"Oh, we're sorry we just like playing so much." Toji replied going to return his stick.
"It's no trouble. To tell the truth you're the first group of kids to play more than one game on this baby." He said patting the table. "If you wouldn't mind I would like to play a game with ya, before you leave." The old man smiled. The boys agreed. Three games later the old man laughed as he shot the eight into the pocket defeating Toji.
"Wow you're a good shot." Shinji exclaimed.
"Thank you." The man replied. "I'm just glad I had one last game before I sent her to the junkyard."
"Junkyard?" Toji and Shinji yelled. The old man's face saddened.
"Yes, I can't afford to keep the table. It takes up to much space."
"Sir, James began. Would you be inclined to sell it?" The old man perked up.
"Yes, but no one wants to buy it."
"How much?" James asked.
"I don't know?" The man returned. James produced his ID card and handed it to him.
"Will five hundred dollars American do?" The old man beamed and shook his hand. James turned to Shinji and Toji. "Congratulations gentleman you now own a pool table."
So how do you like the story so far?
Any sugestions for future chapters such as the Starspawn or The Angels?
Eva's come next chapter along with Rei