Chapter 4 the morning after part 2
Asuka was enjoying her morning okay she had woken up in the med bay but it had still been
the best night sleep since she started this trip .She had had an edible breakfast and watched the
3rd child scurry off to the kitchen to escape the teasing that had been fun! Now she was sitting on the flight deck enjoying the sunshine .She had posed for photographs with her Eva and it seemed most of the crew and even signed autographs. Compared to her time on the carrier where she had either been considered to be in the way or just an oddity to be gawped at. This crew treated her with
the respect she deserved .Well she had saved their ship and lives so its the least they could do she thought to herself .Why Shinji wanted to work in the kitchen instead of lazing around was beyond her. The only blip had been the arrival of the press VTOL Misato had been about to lecture her
,but, she had cut her off with "I know all about Opsec and Persec don't talk to the press .Hey NERV ever think naming these things Angels was a bad idea?Its not like the followers of religions
that feature Angels have a history of attacking things they don't like is it ?
Misato had just given her the look .Here she was saving the world and no one knew her name
it was so unfair !Her favourite day dream of taking her 02 and destroying everything and everyone that annoyed her with it. Was pleasantly interrupted by a crewman bringing her a cold
drink.
and he was kind of cute as well even cuter when Misato made him blush as he quickly left .
"This submarines better than a cruise liner isn't Asuka ?Certainly the guys playing sport on deck
are a lot fitter "
.Misato opined as she looked at the crew who were playing some sort of touch rugby. What ever the game rules were it was being played by very fit men in tight shorts and tee shirts Misato approved. If only she was wearing something more comfortable than her uniform dress and had a cooler of beer the day would be perfect .
"I cant believe I had to travel on that floating slum instead of this " Asuka was still furious at the thought of the hardship she had suffered when a far superior alternative had been cruising beneath
the waves close by "
"Germans do love submarines don't they "Teased Misato
"What s that supposed to Mean! Oh you are so childish Misato " Asuka moaned as she glared at her
Misato acted innocent.
"When do we get to harbour anyway"
" No idea. A Crewman told me we have to wait for a high tide as the TDD-1 needs a lot of water underneath it. She was not really designed to go into normal harbours and various ships have to be moved around the harbour so we can tie up and unload Unit 02 .We might get under way lunchtime
ish ,but its going to be quite slow as the submarines not good at manoeuvring on the surface. Anyway what's the rush thought you liked it here ?"
"Well sure ,but after 6 weeks at sea and you can finally see Japan I want to get to NERV. I have been training for years to pilot eva and I want to be where the action is."Asuka stated.
Misato sighed Asuka had never changed personally she was enjoying the break from NERV.
"Well you have already fought one Angel wouldn't think you would be too anxious to fight another one so soon "
"That was only a shared kill! I want my own victory to show everyone I am the best "
Misato just smiled at Asuka she hadn't missed her rants, how Asuka was going to work with Shinji
and Rei was beyond her they were so different in character .And guess whose job was to try and
make them a team? Ah well that's why they pay you the big bucks so suck it up Misato she told herself and went back to day dreaming about putting the pilots through boot camp.
Which was rudely interrupted by a siren as deck elevator descended and then returned bearing
4 Arm slaves which marched out and took up positions either side of the flight deck in pairs
well 3 of them did one stopped to do a few muscle man poses to the delight of the crew on the flight deck one women in a flight suit swooned theatrically at Kurtz's display there could be no doubt
As to the pilot of that arm slave .Having played to the crowd he too took up a position.
Misato was pleased to see Asuka had laughed along with the crowd .And then she saw Shinji
Appear on the flight deck carrying some boxes she waved and he nodded and headed over to
The arm slaves Misato just shook her head he was the hero of the hour and he is working as a galley
Slave, but, He seems to be enjoying himself so why stop him .Shinji was indeed an odd boy she
Was glad he had come into her life for all his oddity though.
Lt Clouseau was sorting out his arm slaves tying their systems into the TDD-1 sensors he wasn't
Expecting an attack, but, an Evangelion which killed Angels might attract a lunatic and they were heading into the same port it was supposed to originally be delivered to. So nothing wrong with being prepared and anyway they hadn't used them this trip and it was good to be back in the saddle
Even if it was just glorified sentry duty .The fact they would have the best view of the entry to
Port and would look really cool in any photographs the media took was purely coincidental!
He became aware of someone trying to attract his attention he glanced down and saw Shinji
Waving to him he could also see he had some lunch boxes with him quickly he knelt the arm slave
and opened the cockpit and waved to Shinji .Shinji saw who was in this arms slave grabbed the right box and quickly scrambled up to hand it too him.
"Thank you Shinji you didn't need to do this we are not that short handed "He told him
"Its OK I like to cook and you have treated us all very well so it's the least I could do"
As he glanced around at the arm slave cockpit there were some similarities between it and the Evangelion though it looked a lot more complicated and was certainly smaller .Clouseau noticed
This
"How does this compare to the layout in your Evangelion?"
"It's a lot smaller and more complicated looking, but, at least it's not liquid filled you can actually eat in yours "
Clouseau laughed at that "I guess you don't spend a lot of time in your Evangelion"
Frowning Shinji replied " sync tests can go on for hours ,but, you just sort of mediate and with your lungs full of lcl you don't notice hunger or thirst till you get out .The battles are short I'm normally in hospital or jail before I get hungry "
"They put you in jail?" Clouseau was shocked
"The second time I fought I didn't obey an order too withdraw so they stuck me in a cell too teach me a lesson "
"I should not criticise your commanders, but, victory excuses a lot of things in my book.
Anyway you should feed the other pilots. I don't want to listen to their complaints". A chorus of
Outrage at that remark came over the radio which Shinji heard smiling he left the arm slave and hurried across the deck to the next one.
Clouseau watched as Shinji set off to the next arm slave a kid being handed a mans job
In his opinion and being treated unreasonably by NERV he had had a low opinion of them already
But locking a kid up for winning a battle seemed petty and vindictive not the way he would treat
An Eva pilot, but, then Shinji would be his last choice as a warrior. No wonder they kept their identity secret as Shinji did not look like someone to save the world.
Kaname sighed she had had a busy morning coming out to the TDD-1 was always a pleasure
It was sad fact it was the nearest thing she could call to a home any more, but, Dealing with the press
Was the last thing she wanted to do, but, she put on a smile and gave them a tour of the submarine
well stuff that looked good on the TV and wasn't a secret Mithrill wanted kept .Mr Mardukas spoke to them as Mithril decided to keep Tessa out of the media as he and sounded the part and with his career and reputation and if the toy box as the TDD-1 was known to the worlds navies had him
on board that explained why it was so hard to catch .Mardukas was a legend in submarine circles .
Even If he acted and sounded as if he should be standing next to nelson at Trafalgar and some crewmen claimed he had been. There was no doubt he was a consummative professional .Kaname played host and guide .Since Switzerland she was becoming a PR professional so she smiled wore a uniform which was probably a bit too tight and a skirt that was too short and flirted with the press and had them eating out of her hand .Mardukas might not like her uniform, but, had to admit she was good at her job. Little would she know Defence analysts across the world would come to hate her as they poured over the broadcast .Only to find any technical questions were fielded with meaningless answers and any shots of equipment that could have been useful were blocked by chidori's body.
With the press away no doubt to rush to edit their film ready for broadcast. Chidori's could start her second job keeping the Evangelion pilots and their commander happy for the remainder of the trip.
Kaname thought it sounded like Tessa just wanted her to be busy. Though with Souske in his arm slave the temptation to tease Tessa about last night was over whelming. Still she could wait until Tessa had parked the submarine or docked or whatever you did with submarines. She frowned at that for someone who found herself more and more linked with this submarine and its crew .Some nautical knowledge was still beyond her maybe there was a super secret submarines for dummies book that thought made her smile as she headed for the galley.
Shinji headed across the deck to the next Arms slave the one whose model was on Tessa's desk
Piloted by Souske Sagara, who Shinji had been told Tessa had, had a crush on. Shinji wondered what he was like. He approached the arm slave and it kneeled, opening up to reveal the pilot was a few years
Older than thought he had the eyes of someone who had seen a lot more than they should have .Shinji had seen the look in some of section 2 and other soldiers around the geo front it
Was always intimidating .He wondered if he would ever look in the mirror and see a face like that staring back at himself?
He smiled at Souske as he handed him the lunch he was slightly put off the Souske was staring at him intently as if trying to solve a puzzle .
"Here is your lunch Sgt Sagara I must say the model Tessa has on her desk of your arm slave
Is very accurate. "It was the first thing that came into his mind
At that Souske seemed to shake his head as if coming out of his trance turned to Shinji and said
"You were with Captain Testarosse last night"
There were many responses Shinji could have said as it was all he could stammer a reply
"How did you know that?"
"My girlfriend shares a psychic link with the captain at certain times of stress or great emotions
Like loosing your virginity they share each others minds sort of. He then sort of paused and blushed as if his mind had suddenly realised what his mouth was saying.
"Souske turn off your mike for god's sake!"Melissa's voice came over the net Souske pressed a button and stared at Shinji in an embarrassed silence suddenly realising all of urzu had heard that and anyone else listening in. Fortunately the only one listening in was a junior bridge officer who was now listening to Lt Clouseau suggest that she keep her mouth shut.
Shinji stammered a "Sorry" he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"It's not a problem since becoming involved with Chidori I have had to learn that the whispered
Have complicated lives."He paused as if wondering whether to go on.
"The captain I mean Tessa experienced the same thing when Kaname and I were first intimate "
"Oh" was all Shinji could say to that
"I would avoid Kaname, though she found the experience if not unpleasant it was unexpected
And she may find meeting you embarrassing and she has a tendency to use violence to deal with embarrassment as I have found to my cost on several occasions "
"Oh "
"On another note I consider Tessa a personal friend if you were to treat"
Shinji interrupted Souske smiling and holding his hand up
"U mm Melissa already threatened to kill me if I make Tessa cry "
Souske stared at Shinji he really wanted to have a conversation with him about the Evangelion
And Tessa and women in general. Considering he had managed to seduce the captain over one night
This child like boy had abilities with women to rival Kurtz's boasts. In Souske's eyes though he had no need or desire to seduce any other women knowledge was power and Shinji might be able to
Help him understand Chidori better but this was neither the place nor time.
"I see you should deliver the other lunch's .I hope we get to speak later "
"Yes I would like that "Shinji stumbled away from the arm slave his head whirling with new information his state of mind wasn't helped by the next arm slave being Kurtz's whirl and give him two giant thumbs up.
Kurtz was smiling but his quips died on his lips when he saw Shinji's face.
"Hey man it's not that bad no one going to cause you and the captain any problem we know when
To keep our mouths shut "He tried to reassure to Shinji.
"Thank you I just didn't expect it to come out like that "He smiled wanly at Kurtz
"The whispered are strange and Souske really doesn't do tact. Though he is right I'd avoid Kaname
Her temper can be worse than Sis when she is riled. Though Souske is going to get it when she hears what he said I'll send you a video it will make an angel attack look relaxing! .Actually
Angel used to be her code name guess we chose right!"He laughed.
Shinji had no option but to laugh Kurtz's good humour was infectious he left Kurtz's arm slave
Feeling a lot better so the secret it was out, but, it wasn't the end of the world. He approached Mel s
Arm slave smiling .Mel thanked him for the lunch and reassured him that they would not be gossiping about him and Tessa. And that Chidori was not a monster though Souske would bare the
Brunt of any out burst. So when he left the flight deck Shinji was feeling pretty good about himself
He still wasn't going to announce to all and sundry, but, neither was he going to cringe if he was asked about their relationship.
Earlier that Morning
Dr Ritsuko Akagi was not happy. Yesterday she had expected to meet 02 and its pilot only to find
Due to the battle and the JSSDF arguing with the UN about the Submarine 02 had ended up on meant
It could not dock till the following afternoon. She had driven back to Tokyo only to have her car
Break down on the highway and wait hours for a repair truck she had got home hungry tired and thirsty. Having had to put Gendo off which she knew would put him in a foul mood next time they met she had slept badly to wake to a message on her phone from the garage her car was not going to
be ready for days. So she had to speak to the NERV motor pool whose reputation for being unhelpful was legendary. When whoever it was answered the phone started with excuses. She had
told them bluntly if a car suitable to take her to Tokyo 2 and bring back the pilots and the operations director was not ready when she got there they could consider their jobs finished.
"Bastards " she said to herself they done precisely what she had asked them there was a brand new car with room for everyone and their luggage .Not that Shinji and Misato would have much.
The problem was the car .It was a huge armoured car ,Or an Armoured liaison vehicle as the paperwork called it made in Texas and for some reason ironically called a Chihuahua .Of course the motor pool personal were nowhere to be seen .She looked at the shiny black vehicle it was huge
And bigger than anything she had ever driven. Tinted windows with the Nerve logo on the front doors
It was certainly impressive .Ritsuko knew her talents driving an armoured vehicle was not one of them and with most of Nerve Drivers already at Tokyo-2 this was going to be a problem. She remembered Nerv had a lot of ex military among its technicians maybe Maya would
Know someone who could drive this thing. So she phoned her.
"Sempai "
"Maya do you know anyone who can drive a Chihuahua armoured car "
"I can Sempai I qualified on them during my training they used them to carry communications and control equipment."
"Good you can drive me to Tokyo 02 to pick up Shinji the new Pilot and Captain Katsuguri."
"Hai Sempai "
"Meet me at the motor pool, Oh, and you will need to draw a pistol and Taser from the armoury
So you can be my bodyguard or section 2 will get upset "
Ritsuko couldn't stand section 2 and if Maya carrying a pistol stopped them moaning about security risks to pilots it was not a problem. She didn't know if Misato had her pistol with her it wouldn't surprise her if the UN navy had confiscated it as they been nothing but obstructive to Nerv
She idly wondered if Nerv could afford to pay Mithril to sink the over the rainbow?
She had to smile when Maya turned up with a pistol on her left thigh and Taser on her right leg
Both in drop leg holsters
"I didn't know you had changed you first name to Laura Lieutenant?"
"That's a very old video game Sempai. Maya frowned she felt ridiculous being compared to the
Pneumatic video game character.
"The armourer supplied the holsters as I had to carry both weapons. Why did you want me to carry a Taser?"
"If captain Katsuguri demands the keys you have my permission to use it on her "
"Sempai?"
"Do you really want to see Captain Katsuguri driving around Tokyo 3 in this tank .Or ride in it while she is driving?"
Ritsuko asked .Maya started to argue that Misato's driving wasn't that bad and then shuddered at the
Memory of riding with Misato.
Shinji's new found sense of self confidence lasted until he entered the galley Bob thanked him
And sent him off to get fed. Misato waved him over to where she and Asuka were sitting with
Kaname Chidori!
If Kaname had an idea what Shinji had looked like after getting the effects from the resonance last night? It bore no relation to
The blushing child she was faced with.
"Hello Shinji I hear you been working in the galley" She smiled pleasantly at him
"Yes I've just been delivering lunches to err the arm slave pilots on the flight deck" Shinji replied blushing and stammering.
Kaname put two and two together and decided number 1 on her to do list was kill Souske
Resuscitate him, find out exactly what he said to Shinji then kill him again! Now to get out of this
As she was not about to have the real reason Shinji was blushing revealed at lunchtime in the galley of the TDD-1. Turning to Misato she asked."Don't tell me? Shinji has one of those posters of me on his bedroom wall"
"Henti pervert "Snorted Asuka
"I don't, but, my friend has one "In fact Kensuke practically had a shrine to Kaname Chidori in
His room it was a bit creepy though it did make a change from him going on about NERV and Evangelion if he found out Shinji had met Kaname in person he would be impossible to deal with.
"Don't tell me it's the one with me in a bikini with the machine gun. I can't believe I got persuaded to pose like that." She laughed the poster made her look like she had just stepped, out of an action movie the FN salesman joked it was now more profitable than the weapons they sold.
"Yes that's the one sorry" Shinji found himself embarrassed on Kensuke behalf even though he would probably be drooling if he was sitting here in his place Toji and Kensukes had a continual
Argument over who was best Misato or Kaname Shinji decided he would not mention meeting
Her to them he would never hear the last of it. Not knowing about Kaname's Morning Broadcast
which would make that a claim no one would believe
"Your friend a bit of an otaku is he?"Kaname smiled at Shinji. Shinji suddenly found why Kaname face was so prevalent in advertising her smile was dazzling. He could only nod
"Which is he more attracted to my figure or the machine gun?"
Which brought the girls out in hysterics before Shinji had time to answer?
Kaname decided to have mercy on Shinji "I'll get out some signed photos for you, should be able
Get your friend to do your homework for you with one of those "She smiled again,
Shinji just smiled he was relieved how ever embarrassing the resonance thing was Kaname was not about to discuss it in public he decided he would try and avoid being alone with her his chat with Melissa Mao has been scary enough.
As Kaname continued chatting about her celebrity lifestyle with the other girls and filling in Asuka all about the latest scandals as she had been cut off on the carrier UN forces broadcasting
Was heavy on sports and action shows and current affairs light on fashion and celebrity gossip
Another thing Asuka moaned about. Asuka found a receptive audience the crew couldn't get enough about being how much better the TDD-1 was compared to the Over the Rainbow. Shinji zoned out and wondered what Tessa was doing. He tried contacting her. Without understanding how the whole mind reading thing worked he tried concentrating like he was trying to sync just thinking about Tessa and her smile ,not any another part of her body else that would be too distracting!
Tessa had paused in her paperwork she wondered if she could get techs to take the comms array
Off line as everyone who could possibly claim an interest in the battle wanted a report and they just seem to be piling up all marked urgent.
No good deed goes unpunished she grumbled to herself. She wondered how much paperwork
Shinji had to do smiling she contacted him.
"Shinji what are you doing?"
"Trying to contact you" his immediate reply just made her smile
"That's nice I just wanted to know how much paperwork you have to do after a battle"
"Err none I think Misato does it all well she always complains about it "
"None you don't even do an after action report?"She asked incredulous and a bit jealous.
"Err no the bridge records everything they probably know more about the battle than I do"
Tessa also got the bitter thought from Shinji about how twice he had woken up in hospital following piloting Eva without really knowing how he got there it really was not an unfamiliar ceiling any more.
"I think I'd rather wake up in a hospital bed than have a hard drive full of reports to do"
"You really wouldn't "Shinji grouched she could feel a wave of sadness and depression about to
Engulf Shinji as his past experiences came back to him she decided to distract him.
"Especially if you were my nurse Shinji. I bet you look cute in scrubs .You could give me a sponge bath. And the good thing about scrubs they are so easy to take off"
It had the desired effect Shinji went from thinking about past traumas to a sexual fantasy to an abrupt realisation where he was .Fortunately his dining companions were still distracted by Kaname's celebrity stories to notice him blushing
"Tessa! That's just wrong stopping it please" he complained though Tessa could feel he was also intrigued by the idea. She laughed not really wanting to admit how much the idea turned her on as well.
She shook her head great one night of sex and I already want to play dress up! I'm such a pervert!
"Good thing Mithril combat trousers are so baggy aren't they Shinji?"She teased.
"I don't think you are a pervert Tessa-Chan" the reply shocked Tessa
"You heard that Shinji?"
"Err just an odd idea that you thought you were its hard to describe "Shinji tried to explain the thought had picked up it was just like a half heard whisper
"Well guess we can pick up more than surface thoughts "Tessa was blushing, the idea that Shinji
Could run through her mind horrified her and yet intrigued her.
"When lunch is over you should get Kaname to bring you up to the top of the sail you will have
The best view of the entry to the harbour"
"I'll look forward to it "
"I'll see you later then"
Shinji focus came back to the reality of the galley he found alarmingly Kaname, Misato and Asuka seem to have bonded over gossip. A crewman arrived to invite them to the bridge to watch the entry into harbour and they all trooped up there.
Asuka was glowering at Misato as they arrived she had corrected Shinji when he thought the sail was called the conning tower and then Misato had made comments to Shinji about listen to Asuka
She's German they know all about submarines Shinji hadn't got the joke though Asuka had got the
Jibe. Part of her loathed Misato and part of her had missed the teasing and rows they had had life had not been dull around Misato, but, she was a lot older now and Misato would have to deal with her as an adult unlike the 3rd who was still a child.
Mr Mardukas and Tessa welcomed them to the bridge and explained they would start their approach to harbour shortly. Asuka and Shinji half listened they were suddenly struck at how large
The TDD-1 was. Both of them were used to large facilities anyone who dealt with Evangelions
Was and they been on the flight deck before, but, to see it from this view was something else.
"Are we Pirates now then "Misato piped up as she watched two crew men hoist a Jolly Roger Flag?
"Its an old royal navy tradition submariners were considered nothing better than pirates by battleship officers so they adopted the skull and crossbones and it was flown at the end of successful missions. The captain was kind enough to let me continue with it "Mr Mardukas explained proudly
"It was easier to get this allowed than a Rum Ration "Joked Tessa
"Pity a nice rum cocktail would go down well about now" grouched Misato good naturedly
"Tokyo-2 harbour has strict rules about alcohol consumption and being in charge of craft"
Added the pilot trying to keep a straight face the idea of some of the officers drinking cocktails
While the others berthed this sub was a comical idea.
"Hey I'm just a passenger I 'LCL leave the driving the boat to the experts "
"I'm sorry but the rums all gone "Joked Tessa
"Ah the hardships of a life at sea how on earth can you put up with it?"Misato asked plaintively
That provoked laughter from everyone present the way Misato managed make her sound so miserable. Warming up to her role as the distressed Mariner Misato started to recite what little she knew of the ancient Mariner.
"Water Water everywhere, but not a drop .Oh thank you" A crewman had arrived with a cooler of drinks and handed her one. This provoked more howls of laughter. It was a warm afternoon and for
The crew who were used to the controlled climate of the submerged sub the ice water was very welcome even the taciturn Mardukas was feeling the heat. Finally they got the go ahead the engines
Of the TDD-1 came to life and with a cheer from the crew on the flight deck below the sub started to move leaving its battleship escorts behind it approached the harbour.
To be greeted by an astounding sight. An armada of pleasure craft and basically anything that could float was waiting to greet them. Toyoko2 had decided to celebrate the defeat of the last Angel
as a great victory and was out in force to welcome the Evangelion and the rest of the UN fleet into harbour .Ships siren and horns were being sounded .The harbour patrol and JSSDF boats were clearing the way for the tugs leading the TDD-1, but, everywhere else was full of boats fire hoses were sending arcs of water high into the air filling the sky with rainbows and smoke bombs and flares were being fired off to cheers .There were banners welcoming Mithril and the UN and Eva 02 to Japan
The occupants of the bridge of the TDD-1 were silent no one had expected this or ever seen anything like this before. It was broken by Asuka's squeal of joy at a banner which read EVA02
BEST EVA EVER draped on the side of a ferry which seemed to be full of Evangelion fans
Considering how many had T-shirts with EVA or NERV on and several dressed in Evangelion
Costumes. Shinji just stared Kensuke was not only not alone, there was an Army of like minded people out there he had literally no idea what to think.
Asuka was trying to be talked down by Misato even if they didn't know who she was the idea of
People celebrating her victory made her act like a toddler with a sugar rush. She was mildly disappointed that she wasn't allowed to change into her plug suit and climb on to the top of her
EVA .If only because it might take too long to get changed and she would miss all this. She ran from
one side to the other waving and laughing and dragging Shinji to see banners proclaiming how great 02 was .Tessa and Mardukas concentrated on sailing the boat just hoping they didn't run anyone down even the TDD-1 couldn't stop that fast .Though the police and the military did a good job even the most enthusiastic celebrator seemed to realise taking a row boat near a huge submarine was a bad idea and gave them a clear berth jet skiers were another matter several disappearing under the bow of the boat only to re appear seconds later to race down the side of the sub and ride its wake. Tessa was glad to see they were then being grabbed by patrol boats .Souske's arm slave had taken aim at several, but, either Clouseau had reined him in or he had realised they were no threat probably the former she didn't need to be whispered to know Kaname would have words with the Arm Slave pilot. Finally they reached the quayside and then started the delicate job of tying
Up the TDD-1 .The Nerv group left them too it .Half an hour of tense manoeuvring later which left
Tessa drenched in sweat it was alongside.
"Do you wish to supervise the unloading of the EVA captain?" Asked Mr Mardukas
Tessa tried not to look at him with hate filled eyes. He looked just a little hot under the collar
Tessa felt like wilting having spent 2 hours crawling the sub into harbour while suicidal jet. Skiers threw themselves at them and then tied up alongside a quayside not something TDD-1's
Unique design made an easy job in the slightest. She really didn't want to watch NERV engineers
Dangle a huge robot over her submarine. Knowing a slipped cable or a button pushed at the wrong time could wreck it and there was nothing she could do about it.
"No I will leave it in your hands I trust they know what their doing? I'm going to see how many more reports our arrival has generated I'd almost got on top of them. I'll be in my cabin
If you need me" and with that she left the bridge for the cool interior.
Mr Mardukas also left the bridge heading for the flight deck he could see his captain was tired
It had been a stressful approach. Woe betide any NERV tech who didn't do there job correctly
The TDD-1 was not taking any more damage even a paint scratch than it had already.
Shinji had been led below to get ready to disembark. Asuka had quite a bit of packing to do
Considering they had only been here overnight that was quite an achievement .Shinji just had to put
Asuka's spare plug suit in the bag Mithril had given him. Misato had come to help him who turned out to loot the mini bar and the rack of toiletries in his room. Shinji was more concerned about her
Saying something about the unset in state of his bed to say much about her larceny
Misato was too over the moon at her loot to notice .Not staying in many high class hotels complimentary toiletries was a luxury she still got excited about and the ones in the TDD-1 were
All expensive brands and she had two lot's Asuka having already nabbed hers rooms. Kaname said nothing as she waited for them. Having lived in hotels over the last year or so she took an odd kind of pride that TDD-1's freebies were as good as a luxury hotel. Tessa had told her the reasoning
"We try and be low profile so no Mithrill branded products so we have luxury products for any guests it makes us look good and helps relax those who don't like being in a submarine"
Kaname smiled as she remembered Tessa rolling her eyes at the idea that some weirdoes might not think a nuclear submarine was a great place to be.
."Most sophisticated submarine in the world and all people talk about
Is the cool stuff they had in their cabin? So no one takes them seriously. Invisible submarine
Which turns into an aircraft carrier possible? That the submarine had guest cabins with mini bars
Now you're just telling sea stories."Kaname thought Tessa was a little too delighted at her own
Justification for the guest cabins. She thought Tessa just really liked playing at hotelier and interior designer the TDD-1 was her boat and she seemed to have an input on every simple bit.
Dr Ritsuko smoked leaning against the side of the tank as she waited for the submarine to finish parking and release the pilots so she could home. If Gendo thought she was going to stay
To supervise the unloading of EVA 02 he was going to be disappointed. She said hello to the crew chief and left him to it. Moving Evangelions was his area of expertise he didn't need someone standing over his shoulder. And if it left Gendo angry and frustrated at her disobedience she would just have to take her punishment. She smiled and shivered slightly with anticipation that chain of thought was broken by Maya coming back with some cold drinks.
"Do you think they will be much longer Sempai?"Maya asked as she handed her a drink.
"Honestly I've no idea though Mithrill seem happy to work with us so should be as quick as possible. Oh look they got the gangplank up." She pointed at the dock workers attaching it to the
Side of the sub. Various crew members came out and a sentry took position at the bottom of it and then came a female officer with a skirt even shorter than Misato's Misato who waved at them Asuka and then Shinji wearing a Mithril uniform and carrying a large kit bag and a suitcase that looked like Asuka's. Ritsuko felt sorry for Shinji he was not going to handle Asuka very well
And it looked like she was already taking advantage of his placid nature.
"Look who it is Sempai" Shouted Maya excitedly
Ritsuko looked at the approaching officer and realised who it was even though she had little time
For TV and gossip magazines she couldn't help but recognise Kaname Chidori if only as her picture was on the instant ramen pots Misato lived off of.
She walked up to them came to attention saluted and stated "On behalf of Mithril I hand over the
Evangelion pilots to your care"
"Thank you on behalf of Nerv I'll try to look after them" Ritsuko replied smiling
"Hey Rits nice wheels "Interrupted Misato staring at the armoured car
"Haven't driven one of those for years " She stuck her hand out towards Maya smiling demanding
"Keys"
Her smile left her face as with a nod from Ritsuko Maya reluctantly drew her Taser and turned the
Laser on so it left a red dot on Misatos chest.
"Sorry captain Sempai's orders "Maya looked miserable and worried as she pointed the weapon.
"Rits that's not funny"Misato fumed "My driving is not that bad."
"Yes it is "parroted Shinji Asuka and Ritsuko.
"Okay fine your all against me put the gun away Maya it's not your fault your boss is a mad scientist" She grumped
"As you can see Ms Kaname Nerv always maintains the highest professional standards at all times "Ritsuko stated to Kaname with a straight face as Misato stuck her tongue at her
Everyone laughed.
"Well at least your not using a highly advanced arm slave to perv at women"Kanome had caught
The reflection of Kurtz's arm slave in the Chihuahua's windscreen. They all turned and looked at the arm slave which suddenly tried to look innocent .As Kaname waved a finger at it. This provoked laughter from everyone. As Kaname chatted to a star struck Maya and Asuka, Misato and Ritsuko
Got into a row about something Shinji put the bags in the back of Ritsuko vehicle he had no idea what it was apart from it being brand new and he didn't real care as long as Misato was not driving it. When he suddenly heard Tessa's voice in his head.
"Shinji! You forgot your model "
"Sorry, sorry I could come back for it"
He heard laughter in his head at his apology.
"I bet it was Kaname who hustled you out of the way without me getting a chance to say goodbye
To your vengeance for all the times I stole her boyfriend from her "
"Well she did hurry us out" admitted Shinji
"That bitch" laughed Tessa
"I'll deal with her later meet me by the gang plank"
"Okay" Shinji replied
"Misato I forgot something I have to go back for it "he shouted at her and before she could
Reply started jogging back towards the sub.
Tessa had seen the arm slave model she had promised Shinji when she got to her cabin quickly boxed it and then contacted Shinji. She dashed towards the gangplank seeing Shinji waiting at the bottom she waved and hurried down it far too fast she lost her balance and started to run to stop herself from falling with a shriek she accelerated down the gangplank till reaching the bottom
her shoe caught on part of it and she was launched into the air straight into Shinji who caught her and fell down cradling her as they fell he managed to twist as he fell so he bore the brunt of the impact .He hit the concrete hard but Tessa was on top of him was unhurt.
"Oh gosh are you Okay Shinji" Tessa face was Inches from his own her face full of concern
"I I 'm F Fine he stammered are you okay?" He asked
"You saved me again Shinji your making a habit out of it people will start talking" She teased
Shinji felt himself blushing "Do you want to get off me now?"
"Actually I'm quite comfortable how about you?" She replied
Shinji had no idea what to say it was very nice having your girlfriend on top of you ,but, in the middle of a port was probably not the best place to snuggle before he could say anything Tessa
Leaned down and kissed him and slipped her tongue into his mouth when they came up air she got off him and kindly accepted her shoes from the sentry and dusted herself down. The soldier helped Shinji up and then promptly found some where else to be.
Private Anderson had had to adjust too many things on joining Mithril finding out your captains
The same age as your kid sister was one thing. Watching her make out with her boyfriend in front of you was another thing all together. He had helped Shinji up who looked just as embarrassed as he felt and then went to stand guard some where else.
Shinji thanked the soldier as he dusted himself down and turned to face the Nerv vehicle.
And froze the episode had been seen by everyone. Who were just looking at them with stunned expression on their faces.
"Is that Dr Ritsuko Akagi? it is isn't it?" Asked Tessa
"Err yeah"
"You must introduce me Shinji she is a genius!" exclaimed Tessa
"She is?" Shinji knew she was clever, but, didn't know she was well known outside of NERV
He just assumed everything and everyone was a secret and not to ask questions about it. Though
Why that was he didn't know it's not like the angels sent spies.
"Come on Shinji" Tessa grabbed Shinji and practically skipped towards the reception committee
They passed Kaname walking back to the sub she was smiling and gave Shinji thumbs up sign
As they passed.
The women from Nerv had seen Shinji run back to the submarine's gangplank then a teenage girl with long grey hair in an officer's uniform throw herself at Shinji knocking him to the ground and then kiss him while lying on top of him. Simply shocking behaviour! And now she was dragging
Shinji towards them they were in a state of shock.
"Who is that Misato "asked Ritsuko?
"That's Tessa the captain of the submarine "
"She is awfully young "opined Maya
"She's 17 what the hell is she doing with Shinji? "Fumed Asuka
"Shut up their nearly here "Misato told her. Misato brain was trying to reboot Tessa throwing herself at Shinji like that just what the hell had he got up to last night with her ?"Staring at Tessa
She could practically see the 'I got really great sex last night glow' coming off her. As they came nearer Shinji looked into Misatos eyes and gulped again.
Tessa went straight up to Ritsuko "Doctor Ritsuko Akagi?"
"Yes that me "Ritsuko replied
Tessa stuck out her hand "I'm Captain Tessa Testarosse captain of the TDD-1 I'm a great
Admirer of your work I've read all your papers the last one was an inspiring work of genius if
You were a lot older it would no doubt be in front of the Nobel committee in my opinion"
"Thank you I thought my last paper was classified by the UN and withdrawn from publication"
"Err well Mithril have friends in the UN and as we were escorting the Evangelion I sort of took advantage to get hold of everything I could about Evangelion it was a long and boring voyage until yesterday "
"Well at least someone read it thank you "
"Theory of Evangelion and the Angels really does not prepare you to the reality of them though"
"Quite "
"I wished I had your knowledge of AI control system when I was designing the TDD-1 it would have saved months of work and even a quick read through made it obvious how I can improve
Her systems"
"You designed the TDD-1?"
"Yes it's based on a soviet hull but extensively modified with an AI controlling most of the ships
Systems it the closest thing afloat to the original idea the Russians had for the alpha class cutting
Crew numbers drastically by automation back then obviously the technology didn't exist even now
Its cutting edge. I'm sorry I'm waffling.
"You must be whispered?"Ritsuko blurted out the idea that the urban myth of the whispered
Was true could be the only way to explain how a teenage girl could design and captain a nuclear submarine. Let alone understand her work.
Tessa just smiled "That's me Captain of the TDD-1 Whispered genius and Shinji Ikari's girl friend. When I visit Tokyo 3 I'd love to have a chance to talk with you".
"You're visiting Tokyo 3?"Ritsuko asked her trying to keep her excitement under control at the thought of combining the whispered abilities with evangelions technology
"Shinji invited me I'd love to see the geo front "
"By all means you have already seen an Evangelion up close so I can't see anyone objecting to a visit I'd love to show you around the laboratories its so refreshing to see a military officer with a fine grasp of science "Ritsuko could not help but like Tessa and knowing how annoying Gendo would find her visit was just icing on the cake
"Hey I know science" objected Misato
"She thought I'd poisoned her when I told her she had just drunk a glass of H20"
Ritsuko told Tessa making her laugh.
"I have duties to attend so I will leave you take good care of my Shinji "
She handed a card to Shinji "call me when you get home Shinji" and then grabbed him in a hug and kissed him hungrily Shinji was stunned, but, quickly reciprocated when they broke apart he felt the stares of the disproving women. They were like water off a ducks back
To Tessa though and she waved and happily walked back to her submarine. Before Shinji could follow her and make a claim for asylum Misato grabbed his arm and guided him in to the back of the vehicle
"Come on lover boy we need to have a chat "the armoured door shut with a clunk and Shinji gulped.
He found himself sitting facing backwards in the car facing Asuka and Misato Dr Akagi had joined Maya in the front ,but, the divider was down so they wouldn't miss the fun.
"So Tessa and you? when did you two become an item?"She asked not beating about the bush.
"Umm I guess from this morning I guess?"
"You spent the night together!" Shrieked Asuka interrupting everyone she was furious with
Shinji and Tessa. Today should be about her triumphant arrival in Japan not the sordid details of some underwater slut and the third child Tessa must have scheme going she couldn't possible want Shinji. And kissing like that in public! It was frowned on in Germany and the Japanese were even more reserved, but, she was a shameless American she was probably ordered to sleep with Shinji to get secrets out of him more fool her. In her opinion it was disgusting.
"Yes but we just talked we have got a lot in common" Shinji tried to defend himself
"Like what !" Asuka spat back at him incredulously
"Asuka! " Misato tried to stop the redhead rant
"She is smart and clever and commands a submarine she designed herself and you're an idiot
Someone shoved in a Evangelion what do you have in common"
" Well we both know what its like to be a child soldier working for a secret organisation and know how it feels when people have been hurt by our actions" Shinji replied with such bitterness the women were silenced.
Misato was having none of it though. Letting Shinji curl up into a bitter ball of self hatred would not help him in anyway and certainly wouldn't answer her questions. You didn't look and act like that if you just spent the night talking in her opinion Shinji was not that a great conversationalist but evidently he was good at something the way Tessa had acted proved it. Before she could say anything
Asuka started in again.
"So you just talked is that what you want us to believe?" She scoffed
"Just how stupid do you think we are? We all saw Tessa I've been to college. I've seen enough girls
The morning after she couldn't be more blatant if she had a t shirt with a photo you two doing it on"
"Asuka!"Misato exclaimed though she tried to hide a smile. Shinji's face was bright red.
"Well you know its true Misato what I want to know what she possible saw in him?"
"Hey" Shinji objected to Asuka to what was implying she glared at him
"Well at I guess he his cute and kind and a great cook and he did help save her submarine
And probably the first guy she seen in a while who isn't under her command." suggested Misato
"Hey I helped defeat the angel as well" added Asuka
"Oh so you're jealous she didn't hit on you are that it?"
"What no! How can you think that?"
"Well you were awfully friendly with that Heidi when you lived with me "explained Misato smiling.
"It was a childish crushes nothing more, you're so immature sometimes, and what are you going to do about
Mithril's obvious honey-trap of Shinji?"Asuka told Misato with a voice full of contempt
"Honey trap? Asuka! This is what you get with living from Kaji isn't it? I thought he would have grown out of his obsession with James Bond and spy movies?"
"There is nothing wrong with bond movies "Asuka automatically defending Kaji she had had a lot of fun watching the movies and listening to Kaji criticise them and his impersonations were spot on as well.
"Oh god that takes me back you and Kaji drunkenly arguing who the best bond was" interrupted Ritsuko
"Oh that's easy it's Roger Moore he is so funny" Added Maya.
Which provoked howls of outrage from the others which was only stopped by Shinji asking who
James bond was. And then him having to explain how his teacher had never been keen on the TV.
Asuka told Misato she had to get him to watch the films and Misato agreed they were essential
Viewing .Shinji decided not to ask what a honey trap was as the conversation seemed to have shifted from him and he was quite glad about that. He was glad Touji and Kensuke had not been on the sub
As he would never here the end of it. He could buy Kensuke silence with the model Tessa had given him, but, he would never here the end of it when they found out about Tessa though. Thinking about school suddenly got him thinking about Asuka's place in Tokyo3.
"Misato"
"Yes" Shinji
Where is Asuka going to stay in Tokyo3?
"Umm I don't know I guess the geo front to start with"
"We have a spare room "
"You want me to share a home with a boy that's just wrong, can't I live with Kaji"
"I doubt he will be staying in Tokyo 3 there is no job for him" Misato stated secretly hoping
his jet had fallen foul of Tokyo3 defences though they might be useless against Angels not having the right IFF code could be lethal. If anyone had fired at Kaji's jet she'd give them Mayas number the girl needed a social life after all .She smiled at the thought of Kaji in a burning jet.
"Anyway you lived with me before we had fun didn't we and Shinji knows how to cook and its not like you have to worry about him lusting after you ,Your hair colour is totally wrong for one thing". She laughed at that
Asuka glared at Misato the 3rd wasn't so obnoxious that she couldn't live with him and he could cook and he liked doing it that was clear. It was the principle of the thing Kaji was cool and clever and funny how could she convince him they were meant to be together if they didn't live together?.
"It better be a large room I have lots of stuff and I won't sleep in a shoe box"
"Its quite small actually but my room is large I don't mind moving I don't have a lot of stuff"
Shinji told her truth be told the room had a nicer view and it was still a lot better than the room he had had at his teachers. So it was no hardship on his part in fact he would rather end sleeping on a couch than condemn Asuka to living like Rei. Thinking of Rei he
Suddenly realised Tessa would be horrified how she lived and would blame him for not doing something about it, but, how to fix it?
"That's very kind of you Shinji thank you "Asuka smiled at him if she couldn't room with Kaji
Living with Misato and the third would be better than any other option what rumours about how the 1st lived she had discovered were not good. There was more to life than Evangelion after all.
Asuka considered she like an Ace fighter pilot she put her life on the line and her dedication
And skill and sacrifice should be rewarded. She knew the 1st and the 3rd didn't share her world view
The 1st was some brain washed doll by all accounts Nerv's failure at creating an Evangelion pilot.
Obviously a warrior needs more than obedience to be great which is why they had trained her differently. Shinji she had no idea how he ended up as a pilot? Nepotism she had ruled out what father would send his only son into combat with no training? He proved he could fight killing 3 angels and jet alone .Though she still thought he should had ripped it limb from limb then sent the nuclear core into the dome thus irradiating the idiots who had designed it was a mark against him
Honestly it was such a stupid design people who had built it needed to die in her opinion"
"Its not a problem I hope it makes us a better team" that sounded like something he should say
Shinji thought
"Well we already killed one Angel so we can only get better .Though are your sure your girlfriend won't be jealous? She is rather flat cheated compared to me "Asuka teased Shinji and stretched to emphasise the difference. Shinji was stunned Asuka was no Misato, but even though Tessa was older Asuka was bigger a lot bigger in the bust department truth be told.
Idiocy is the only excuse for what followed
"I'm sure she won't mind anyway her breasts feel as nice as Rei's so who cares what size they are?"
Silence followed Shinji's statement if he could have thrown himself from the car he would have
"Dr Ritsuko broke it with "And when did you become an expert on the 1st child's breasts?"
Shinji decided as he started to explain knowing that his face was so red he could have hidden on unit02 like a chameleon
Tokyo 3 high school Rei Anayami was sneezed yet again she had had a disturbed sleep and
Again had a weird feeling things were not as they should be. It probably had something to do with
Shinji ever since he had entered her life things had changed. She disliked change as things always
seemed to get worse leaving the geofront ,attending school, had both been detrimental in her opinion the only change she could see that had not been wholly negative had been the arrival of the 3rd
And he was a puzzle that she found frustrating and he was not even here to explain himself.
She turned round to stare at the seat Shinji should be in catching the eye of Shinji's friends
Kensuke and Toji who had both returned to school with stories of the last battle they looked at her with a guilty expression. Rei was not good at expressing her own emotions or recognising them
In others .This one she did remember the appropriate reply to and swiftly slapped both of them round the face. And sat down again for some reason she felt a lot better.
The class was stunned Hikari rounded on Toji and Kensuke
"Why did Rei just slap you?"
"We are sorry Class rep we made an inappropriate comment "Kensuke grovelled as he deleted his
Im Chat. In fact Toji and Kensuke had been having a debate on how far Shinji had got with Rei and decided for no particular reason that as they were so quiet and reserved in public they were probably going at it like rabbits when Rei had slapped them how had she known though?
"Tonight your on clean up and apologise to Rei after class "Hikari stated she then apologised
To the teacher bowed and the class returned to its maths problems or more likely I'm. Conversations
On the exact nature of the inappropriate comment.
Shinji tolerated the women's laughter after he had explained how he had accidentally groped
Rei and Misato had prevented Asuka from attacking him over it they had laughed at him and then Misato had led them in song
"Shinji and Tessa sitting in a submarine K I S S I N G it must be sex" they also sang it as Shinji and Rei sitting in a entry plug, but the Asuka and Shinji verse had been stopped by Asuka trying to gag Misato which then left Ritsuko and Maya who were safe in the front to sing a verse about
Kaji and Misato which upset Asuka and Misato equally Shinji had stayed silent. The rest of journey
Passed quickly. And soon they had arrived at Misato's apartment.
They swiftly discovered someone had already assumed Asuka was moving in as the living room
Was full of her stuff in boxes .Obviously Asuka needed the bigger room if they were ever going to
Be able to watch television again so Shinji swiftly emptied his few belongings. Misato made a comment about Shinji being effortlessly &stylishly minimalist which seemed to embarrass
Asuka into not saying anything about his few possessions. And her new room was soon filled with boxes. Shinji made them a quick meal of stir fry chicken and vegetables after which he made a call
To Tessa which ended with Asuka and Misato both making retching noises at him as they took forever to decide which would hang up first. He then had an early night even though his futon was a lot larger than Tessa's bed and he was alone he slept well.
Omake
Tessa eat chocolate ice cream straight from the tub as did Kaname. Though most of the crew had taken advantage of the stopover to go out in Tokyo 2 as captain she had remained on the sub
More because Shinji was in Tokyo 3 and she didn't have any civilian clothes anyway she been
Rescued from a night of paperwork by Kaname turning up with pizza and ice cream as the
Urzu team had whisked Souske away for a night out as they hadn't seen him for ages and anyway
Mel claimed he owed them drinks for not being on board when they fought the Angel.
Kaname had let Tessa go on about her wonderful her Shinji was how kind, talented and good looking he was. She'd stopped her going on about the sex Kaname was no prude, but, really some things were private and anyway thanks to resonance she knew it had been good. They both agreed
It was good thing that was not a regular thing after Kaname had admitted she had had sex a few more times since. Okay maybe she was a bit of a prude. Now to move in for the kill interrupting
Tessa flow of reasons why Shinji Ikari is awesome.
"Yes well he is your type after all"
"Huh what is my type Kaname "
"young boys with big mecha"
"What "
"I remember you flirting with Takuma the behemoth pilot"
"I was not flirting I was trying to build a rapport with my prisoner "
"Oh you were flirting in fact you were positively drooling I'm surprised you just didn't hide out in
A love hotel instead of going to Souske's what happened credit card rejected?"Kaname chortled
As Tessa turned bright red with indignation.
"Yeah right as if I could turn up at a love hotel with a kid in handcuffs going to love hotels with strangers is more your thing if I remember?"She replied icily
Kaname made a good impression of a gold fish shocked at how Tessa had brought up the most terrifying night of her life for a cheap shot.
"Does he know you're into to bondage?"
"I am not "
"Well your often get tied up "
"I do not "
"You didn't complain when mel handcuffed you when you visited us and they tell me your always happy to volunteer to be the hostage when they practice rescuing techniques"
"A captain should show trust in her crew"
"And if the way to show trust involves handcuffs and being manhandled by hunky soldiers that's
Just a bonus is it?" Kaname replied smiling.
"Yes, no I mean no oh pooh" Tessa was furious and embarrassed.
Authors Note.
Sorry for the delay hope you enjoy the are going to become involved in the Angel war ,but,Gendo is always thinking more steps ahead of
anyone else.