SHIELDs of NERV 7

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or X-Men: Evolution. Wish I did, though.

(3rd Level; med-wing; same time)

Groggily groaning, Asuka opens her eyes and blinks upon seeing a large blue-furred mass.

"Oh mein Gott. I've really got to be hallucinating right now." Much to her surprise, the mass takes on a smirk.

"Oddly enough, that's pretty much how Shinji responded when he came to at the Institute. Only he mentioned a chemical cocktail by Dr Akagi as a cause for the hallucination option." Smirking back weakly, Asuka blinks her eyes, hoping that the blue-fur will go away. However… "No matter how many times you blink, Miss Sohryu, my appearance will not change." Asuka lets out a sigh at that before rolling her eyes.

"Now that's just wunderbar. What next?"

"In my experience, it's usually best to not ask that kind of question lest some other odd occurrence happen."

"I take it you had something like that happen."

"Yep." Silence passes briefly before the form goes on. "In any case, I'm Dr McCoy." Asuka's lips curl up into a grin at that.

"Long way from the 'Enterprise', don't you think, Doc?" McCoy chuckles himself.

"You won't believe how many times I heard that 'Star Trek' joke after I got my Doctorate. Of course, Shinji didn't ask me that when he heard my name. Which leads me to believe that poor boy had never seen the movies or the series." Asuka can only scoff at that.

"Which only makes him boring."

"Not boring, Miss Sohryu, but horribly deprived." At Riesman's voice, Asuka sees the blond woman striding up to them. "I'll take it from here, Hank."

"Of course, Deborah. I've already recorded Miss Sohryu's vitals."

"Thank you." As McCoy hands Riesman the tablet, she glances over it before seating herself at the redhead's left side. "So, Miss Sohryu, you tend to go unconscious for no apparent reason. Usually after an odd shock of sorts." Another scoff gets Riesman to narrow her eyes. "Scoff all you like, Miss Sohryu, but such a condition can only become problematic, or even lethal, in a combat arena."

"I already know what's causing it, Dr Riesman. It's the stupid 3rd Child and the weirdness around him that's causing it. Hell, he's weird himself."

"I don't view Shinji as being weird, Miss Sohryu."

"What else do you call his wanting to take Howlett to an amusement park for boredom?! Or his being trained for explosives?! Don't you find that weird at all, Doc?!"

"Nope. Not really."

"Okay. How about scary?" Mulling it over, Riesman shakes her head.

"Nope."

"Not even a little?!"

"Nope. In fact, I feel much safer with him knowing about explosives." Asuka can only shake her head in shocked disbelief. Only to blink when she sees Pincer on a gurney beside her.

"What happened to him?"

"He ran into the bulkhead in the Galley while looking behind him."

"Oh right. The tall Doberman." At Riesman's nod, Asuka shakes her head. "Does he wind up in here often?"

"In my viewpoint, he doesn't wind up in here often enough."

"Meaning, if he's in here, then he can't do anything stupid?"

"That's right, Miss Sohryu." After a minute, Asuka sighs.

"What's the dumbest thing he'd done that you know of?"

"Nutshelling, he made a notation to bring a suicide squad back, putting Shinji onto it when the time came. Colonel Fury found out and 'invited' AD Pincer to try the Confidence Course at Zulu setting."

"How'd he do?" At that, Riesman smirks, getting the redhead to grin. "He failed, didn't he?"

"He didn't even make it past the first obstacle. Which are padded logs."

"What'd he do, fall of?"

"More like the log he was on was spinning so fast, he couldn't hang on anymore and went flying into the bulkhead." Asuka snorts in mirth, prompting Riesman to smirk even wider. "If you think that was something, you won't believe what Shinji did to Former Agent Jacobs."

"Former Agent?" At the query, Riesman nods while going serious. "Doctor?"

"During his intro to Krav Maga, after watching Instructor Hodson, Shinji defeated Jacobs. Jacobs didn't like that very much and, after pushing Hodson aside, went for a bonus round."

"What?! He can't do that! He lost fair and square to Shinji!" Scoffing, she adds, "Sore loser."

"Indeed he was. Shinji fought him off before he blacked out, getting Jacobs to think he was going to win for certain. Only…"

"Only what?"

"Shinji turned the tables on him. I'll spare you the details, but it's safe to say that Shinji devastated Jacobs." Blinking in disbelief, Asuka starts chortling before the chortles become guffaws.

"Good one, Doc!" Tears of mirth start pouring out of her eyes. "Like I'd believe that silly nonsense! Shinji, devastating a person?! It just isn't done!"

"And why is that?" Having a feeling where this is going, Riesman taps on her tablet.

"He's… He's too much of a nice guy! He's the epitome of nice! A little too nice, but he's the ultimate nice guy!" As Riesman brings the tablet to Asuka's face, she hears the guffaws taper off before they stop. Asuka's face soon takes on a look of horror before she shakes her head in shocked disbelief. "No. Not true. Not him. Not Shinji. Not the ultimate nice guy. Nein. I won't believe it."

"Believe it, Miss Sohryu. So while I'm not scared of him, I'm scared for him because of that monstrosity he pilots." A baffled Asuka can only blink.

"How do you mean?"

"It has a bloodthirsty psyche that made its way into him via the A10 connection ports." Asuka can only pass out again, getting Riesman to sigh gustily. "Yep. Definitely problematic."

(Galley; same time)

As Laura escorts Maho, Erika and Koume to where the other girls are sitting, with Shinji and Arcade breaking off to sit with the X and Brotherhood boys, they pass by the table the Road Rovers are sitting at. With Colleen feeding Muzzle as Shag jabbers and Hunter gives his replies.

"No, Shag, I don't think they use toilet water for that purpose."

Jabber

"I'm pretty sure they prefer their toilet water to be in the toilet bowl."

Jabber

"That's just the way humans are, Shag. It's not a slight against you or your skills."

Jabber

"I mean it, Shag." A perplexed Erika looks toward Laura at that.

"What were they talking about, JOFA Howlett? I couldn't make heads or tails out of it."

"I have no idea. And I don't think I want to know, either." Erika mulls it over and shrugs as the girls go on to the table.

Misato and Shiho, however, take a seat with Natasha. The latter giving a nod, with Shiho returning the nod before Misato chimes in.

"So, what brings you all here to Tokyo-3?"

"An individual named Deadpool. For reason or reasons known only to him." Misato gives a chuckle before Shiho asks, "What about yourselves?"

"I'm a SHIELD Agent. Natasha Romanoff."

"I work here in Tokyo-3 for UN Agency NERV and as a liaison to SHIELD for NERV. Misato Katsuragi." Shiho blinks at that.

"You would not happen to be a Major, would you?"

"I am, in fact. But, how did you know to ask?"

"ADA McCormick mentioned you in describing your dealings with Deadpool. That along with someone named 'The Punisher', Major." Misato, however, just waves it off.

"Please. Just call me Misato. I'm not all that big on formality off the clock."

"Very well." looking around, she then asks, "Which one is 'The Punisher', anyway?" Natasha takes that one.

"The tall dark-haired man wearing a black bodysuit with a white skull on the chest." Shiho looks around again and sees the described man eating lasagna while looking over a digital notepad. "Word of advice. Don't ever get on his bad side."

"I see. How does one avoid that, Agent Romanoff?"

"By not killing anyone unless in self-defense, not dealing drugs, not being a rapist, sadist or mobster."

"I will keep that in mind." Curious, she then asks, "What is he doing while eating?"

"He's probably working up new ways to kill those that get on his bad side via the courts not being able to do their jobs or refusing to do their jobs."

"I see." Noting to herself to stay on his good side, she goes on. "I am Shiho Nishizumi, of the Nishizumi School of Tankery and Headmistress of Kuromorimine Women's Academy."

"Wow. That's quite a feat. Which is quite odd, though." Shiho can't help but feel curious at the remark.

"How is that odd, Misato?"

"Well, most of the ones on board here have been involved in Military, crime-fighting or espionage." Misato's words get Natasha to nod her agreement. "I don't get why he would bring someone not affiliated with Military, crime-fighting or espionage here at all."

"Hmm. That is quite odd." Mulling it over, Shiho suddenly opens her eyes wide. "No way. He could not have." Her eyes then narrow as she adds, "That man is utterly maddening."

"What'd he do?" Shiho turns to Misato, a sternly-flat expression on her face.

"During our discussion of 'Tankery', Deadpool lamented the lack of male teams in 'Tankery'. Feeling it would make for interesting matches."

"So he brought you, your daughter and her teammates over here to get it set up." As Shiho nods, Misato chuckles. "Much as I hate to admit it, I'd say Deadpool did good." Aghast, Shiho faces away from her. Gritting her teeth as she speaks.

"For years, our gender has carried on the tradition of 'Tankery' proudly, if only to keep males from losing their lives in our sport."

"So, the reason why you don't like the idea of males in 'Tankery' is because it's too dangerous for them?" At Shiho's nod, Misato snorts. "In case you forgot, Shiho, males were in those tanks during the wars. They fought, and died, in those tanks. So your argument is invalid. Wanna try again?" Sighing, Shiho looks toward Misato.

"Very well. I will tell you why I do not like the idea of males in 'Tankery'. They will outright destroy the sport with their inane bravado."

"Maybe. Maybe not. Let me tell you that JOFA Ikari is one of my Pilots, if not my best one." Smirking, she adds, "Just don't let Asuka know I said that. Otherwise she'd really explode."

"If I must." Smirking herself, Shiho then lightly frowns. "How does it feel? Having teenagers risk their lives in those monstrosities?" Hearing a deeply rueful sigh, Shiho turns to Misato and sees tears dripping from her eyes. Natasha doing the same.

"I hate that I have to have them have to. They deserve better, dammit. But because of what'd happened…" Gathering her breath, she adds, "I need a beer." Meanwhile…

As they near the table, Laura, Maho, Erika and Koume nod in greeting before sitting down. Noticing Rei sitting beside Wanda, Laura sits across from her with Amanda and Jubilee, the third in the middle. With Maho, Erika and Koume sitting at Rei's other side.

"How're you finding your first meal aboard the heli-carrier, Rei?"

"Considering the layout is dissimilar from my apartment and the Geofront, I have no complaints, JOFA Howlett." Looking around, she adds, "The company is quite pleasant." That said, she forks up a helping of salad and eats it. Laura grins softly before nodding.

"Doesn't get any better than that." Noticing Tabitha grinning widely, she asks, "What's that grin about, Boom-Boom?"

"It's just that I think you eating next to Shinji would make things get better. Maybe even intimate."

Unbidden, Laura's cheeks get a cute splash of red before Tabitha goes on.

"Of course, we can get into that later. Unless, of course, your new gal pals wanna join in." Erika snorts at that.

"We're hardly gal pals, 'Boom-Boom', as we just met. But one thing's bothering me."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Just where the heck did 'Boom-Boom' come from?"

"My ability. I can form explosive spheres that go, well, ka-boom." Erika blinks at that before Maho speaks up.

"That sounds like it can be useful. You ever do Tankery?"

"Um, no. Can't say as I have." Shaking her head at the same time, she sighs before going on. "Tabitha 'Boom-Boom' Smith."

"Maho Nishizumi."

"Erika Itsumi."

"Koume Akaboshi." At that, the other girls join in. Rei speaking up.

"Rei Ayanami. Pilot of Evangelion Unit-00."

"Danielle 'Mirage' Moonstar."

"Anne-Marie 'Rogue' Darkholme."

"Kitty 'Shadowcat' Pryde."

"Amara 'Magma' Aquila."

"Wanda 'Scarlet Witch' Maximoff."

"SHIELD JO Jubilation 'Jubilee' Lee."

"SHIELD JOFA Amanda Sefton."

"SHIELD JOFA Laura Howlett." Sharing a smile with each other, they take a bite of their meals before Erika looks toward Jubilee.

"How come you're just a JO, JO Lee?"

"I have to earn 'JOFA' status after doing an op requiring teenagers." Shrugging, she adds, "I'm in no real rush, all things considered. Especially with what Laura, Shinji, Amanda, Arcade and Gambit had to go through to get theirs." Feeling her hands gently gripped, Jubilee sees Amanda and Laura looking toward her.

"As long as you're safe, that was the main thing, Jubes. If we had a chance to do it over again, we'd do it the exact same way." Laura's eyes are shimmering with tears as she adds, "That's what being a SHIELD is all about. Protecting while destroying." Jubilee can only snort at that.

"Isn't that a contradictory paradox?"

"It is. However, if it's HYDRA getting destroyed while we protect, no skin off my nose." Puzzled, she then blinks and asks, "I did say that correctly, right?"

"You did." Laura sighs in relief at Amanda's comment and Jubilee's nod. "Why?"

"I never really understood that remark. 'No skin off my nose'. For a time, I thought it was an invitation to take the skin's epidural layer off a person's nose." Shrugging, she adds, "Oh well. That's life." Digging into her slab, she chews blissfully, aware of the nervous gazes aimed toward her before Danielle speaks up.

"Does that mean… that you…"

"Took the epidural layer of skin off someone's nose? Yep. Sure did. Of course, it was a HYDRA goon and I did wind up cutting his nose completely off as he wouldn't quit thrashing around." Thoughtfully, as if nostalgic, she adds, "Matter of fact, it was at the first HYDRA base I destroyed after I broke free of their control." With that, she takes another bite before Danielle speaks again.

"If you cut his nose off, how does he smell now?" Finishing her chewing and swallowing, Laura smirks widely.

"Awful, I'm sure." Kitty lets off a giggle, getting Laura's joke. With Wanda snickering herself as Danielle rolls her eyes.

"Great Spirits above." Looking toward Maho, Erika and Koume, she adds, "Let's change the topic to something not as 'cutting'. Where are you guys from?" Koume takes that one.

"We're students at Kuromorimine Women's Academy. Out of Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture." That gets Rei's attention.

"So you are from another dimension." Koume nods, awed at Rei's perceptiveness. Maho, however…

"What led you to that conclusion, Miss Ayanami? I mean, we could have been from here just as easily."

"Doubtful as Kumamoto Prefecture was wiped out in 2nd Impact." Maho's eyes go wide in shock before she shakily clears her throat.

"What of… Ibaraki Prefecture? Mainly Oarai?"

"Wiped out also." Trembling, Maho brings out her phone. Erika and Koume noticing. With Erika holding Maho's hand as Koume speaks soothingly.

"It's okay. That's here. Not there. Miho and her friends and teammates are safe, Commander. Ibaraki Prefecture is still in one piece."

"I… know. But… for how long… though?" Maho's eyes start tearing up before she adds, "While I know she's safe… I can't help but worry… about my little sister." Gathering herself, she notices Rei looking chagrined.

"I have caused you anguish. I apologize."

"No… no need. But… just what happened with this 2nd Impact deal?" Before Rei can speak, Tabitha does.

"Basically, a bunch of demented ding-dongs with Godhood-level delusions of grandeur bought into a scam concocted by both the 1st Angel and one of our most recent foes and caused a partial 'ELE' which wiped out half the planet's population." Erika takes that one.

"And that foe was? And what's an 'ELE'? I don't think I like how that sounds."

"As to the second, 'ELE' is short for 'Extinction Level Event'. As to the first, Apocalypse. An ancient, powerful mutant from before the pharaohs. He tried to bring about evolution that humanity was neither prepared for nor expected to survive if they didn't have the right genetics."

"I was right. I don't like how that sounds." Shuddering, she goes on. "And those genetics would be?"

"With an X-gene." Fascinated by Wanda's reply, Koume leans forward.

"How many people here have an 'x-gene', Wanda-san?"

"Actually…" Looking around the galley, Wanda goes on. "Most of the people on-board the heli-carrier are regular humans. We mutants, however, are a new minority among the other minorities. With more of us coming out sporadically. Much like the other minorities, we're being discriminated against."

"What? Why?" Koume's queries get them to nod before Wanda goes on.

"Much like there's still bigotry against those of different skin colors, religion, ethnic background… our presence makes us targets just because of one particular gene."

"That's terrible and wrong!" Koume cries out. "You're just like any other person from what I can see! Why should what gene you have or don't have matter?!" Wanda can only smile softly to her.

"I'm afraid that's a question that's doomed to remain unanswered, Koume." At that, Laura chimes in.

"Shinji thinks they're jealous and cover it with hateful remarks because some of us can do things they can't do and can only dream of doing." Looking over to Rogue, she adds, "Of course, some abilities are seen as a curse by those that have them."

"Ya darn right about that, Laura. But, on the other hand, if I train myself with my ability, I can hopefully touch someone again without sucking the life out of them." Maho's attention can only be grabbed by that.

"You're a vampire?"

"Kinda. Can I see one of yer hands, please?" All three Kuromorimine girls look to each other as Rogue removes a glove. Rolling her eyes, Erika extends her hand forward.

"If you're kinda a vampire, wouldn't biting necks be more effective?"

"Not that kind of vampire." With that, Rogue gently clasps Erika's hand, quickly knocking her out. Rogue, however…

"Kimiko, lead the flag tank along this narrow ravine. We've got to get the Sub-Commander to safety while the Commander goes after Pravda's flag tank!"

"But Erika! It's too narrow!"

"Do it! It'll be fine!" Triggering her throat mike, Erika said, "Follow us, Sub-Commander!"

"Right!"

As the tanks moved along the ravine, two high-ex shells detonated in front of the tank. Kimiko did what she could to avoid the craters while keeping the tank on the narrow path. Only…

"Oh shit! I knew this was a bad idea!"

That was the last thing Erika heard Kimiko say as the tank went into the water. As the water came rushing in, the other four girls screaming in fear, Erika felt utter fear just as her head became enveloped in water.

'Please, Kami, if you're listening, don't let them die for my stupidity!' Next thing she knew, the side hatch came open, revealing Miho's face. 'Sub-Commander!' Miho pointed upwards and Erika hustled the girls out from the tank before they swam up to the surface. When their heads broke the surface, however…

"You cost us the match, Sub-Commander. What were you thinking?"

"I just wanted to be sure you didn't die. There's always next year, Erika."

Behind Miho were Koume, Kimiko Nakahara, Reiko Tamaguchi and Cheiko Sumota. Draped in towels and shivering from both cold and fright. Yet they could only watch helplessly as Erika tore into Miho, the former completely disregarding that her life was as endangered as theirs. With the other four girls not liking what Erika was doing one bit.

"Yeah. Right." Scoffing, Erika added, "I just hope you can live with that aspect. Because I sure can't! That win would have been a decade of victories for our school."

"No win should ever come at the expense of human lives." Scoffing again, Erika walked away from Miho. Having already decided to rally the other girls to her cause. Shunning Miho or outright bullying her until she shaped up to follow the doctrine of the Nishizumi-style.

Blinking her eyes, Rogue comes out of it and narrows her eyes at an unconscious Erika.

"How in tarnation did she expect Miho to react when she saw that tank go into the water?" Looking toward Maho, she then asks, "Just what does the Nishizumi-style embrace?"

"To always advance without falter. Shoot and hit. Defend strong. Sacrifice for victory. Value above all else strength and victory." Other than Rei, that slightly churns the others' stomachs.

"Yeah, well, that style gonna get somebody killed if it don't change." Much to her surprise, Maho smiles softly.

"ADA McCormick pretty much said the same thing."

"That's 'Skid' for you." Jubilee's voice gets Maho's attention just as Erika groggily opens her eyes.

"I am curious. Just where did ADA McCormick get his nickname from?"

"From his days as a racer, Maho." Maho smiles widely at that.

"You mean, like NASCAR in America?"

"Mostly semi-pro, actually. He'd gotten some opportunities though." Smiling pensively, she adds, "Most of the time nowadays he races to relax. Once a week he goes to a track for practice. It's provided, of course, he's not being held captive by crazy bad guys."

"Does that happen often? Being held captive, that is."

"No. Thankfully enough."

"Oh wow. I can't wait to tell 'Leopon' about ADA McCormick." Jubilee can only blink at that.

"Who's 'Leopon', Maho?"

"Oh, that's one of the crews on Miho's team at Oarai. From what I gathered during our team-up with Oarai and some of the other schools for Oarai's future, they're racing fans." At Jubilee's tilted head, Maho sighs, "Long story." With that, Erika chimes in.

"I can now see why you view it as a useful curse, Miss Darkholme. It'd make an interesting interrogation tool."

"Perhaps." Shrugging it off, Rogue then narrows her eyes at Erika, the girl noticing. "How could ya place winning over yer lives? From what I saw, Miho barely got to y'all in time."

"ADA McCormick said that first part as well." Erika trembles with self-anger as she goes on. "When I found out we'd lost… I lashed out, as did the Instructor."

"Well, the Instructor is a danged fool." Maho visibly winces at that, getting Rogue's attention. "Maho?"

"My Mother was chastised by ADA McCormick earlier, but not to that extent." Looking over toward Shiho, Maho adds, "Fortunately, we haven't had any deaths in a match. Which makes our new training regimen quite timely."

"I hope it's to escape from a sinking tank."

"It is, Miss Darkholme. Thinking of, Erika and Koume, shall we start brainstorming?"

"Yes, Commander." Their united reply gets the other girls, Rei included, to start giggling before they go serious.

"Okay, I think first we should assess everyone's swimming ability, along with breath-holding time." Koume's comment gets Erika and Maho both to nod, with Rei weighing in herself.

"Why not have SCUBA gear in the tanks for such a situation?"

"Not enough space, Miss Ayanami. Maybe 'Spare Air' canisters…" Maho muses thoughtfully before Laura smirks, getting Maho's attention. "JOFA Howlett?"

"I think I know of the next best thing to SCUBA. When we finish eating, we're gonna go see the Doc."

"The Doc?" At the three girls' unified query, giggles erupt again before Laura nods.

"Yep. The Doc." Three minutes pass before Koume chimes in.

"So… who's HYDRA?"

"They started as the occult research division for the Nazi party during WW2. Nowadays, they're a bunch of nutjobs that want to make trouble for everyone on the planet. Much like the demented ding-dongs with Godhood-level delusions of grandeur in this world." Laura's comment gets another round of giggles before she adds, "I would like to try another expression on them, however." Maho can't help but feel curious.

"Which one?"

"Sticking a fork in them." Blinking at that, Maho rallies her courage.

"You mean… actually sticking someone with a fork?" Laura smirks at that.

"Now you're cookin'." Meanwhile…

"So, you're Shinji, eh?" Evan looks him over before frowning slightly. "I thought you'd be… taller given the way the others would talk about you." Shinji can only sweat-drop and chuckle haplessly.

"Is my height really that fascinating a topic?" Feeling himself softly rocked side-to-side, Shinji looks and sees a grinning Remy.

"Don't feel too put out, mon ami. After all, Remy did the same thing to you too." Shinji grins right back before nodding. Only to see Roberto frowning.

"Roberto-san? Is something wrong?"

"Why didn't you tell us, man? We'd have come up with a plan to help you not have to come back to this fricking Hellhole." Seeing Shinji about to open his mouth, Roberto goes on. "The Colonel and the Professor already told us why. It's so we could concentrate on what was ahead. But that can't be the reason."

"I'm sorry, but that was the reason." Looking around the table, he goes on. "If you were in my shoes, what would you have done? Same circumstances." Aside from Scott, Arcade and Remy, the boys ponder it and sigh. With Ray taking it.

"I'd have kept it to myself, wanting the others to concentrate on what was ahead, if only to keep them from having themselves distracted." Ray grins weakly at Shinji and adds, "I think Callisto would like to meet you sometime as she thinks about the bigger picture." Evan nods his agreement at that as Shinji blinks.

"And she is…" Ray and Evan both slap their foreheads, remembering full well that he'd never even heard of her. With Evan giving the reply.

"She's the leader of the Morlocks, Shinji."

"Ah." Shinji shrugs before taking a bite of his slab. Upon swallowing, he goes on. "When we get done here, I'd be more than happy to meet her."

"Yeah, well… she doesn't exactly take to topsiders very well. Too many bad memories."

"I can't say I blame her, given what the Professor told me that day in his office." He then notices Evan's grin and blinks. "What is it?"

"How did it feel for you to nail Guy Spears in his nose with a golf ball?"

"I don't really know who I hit where with a golf ball as I have a wicked slice, it seems." Shrugging, Shinji adds, "But if it was the case… pretty good." Evan can't help but crack up laughing, with Ray right behind him. Meanwhile…

(SEELE Virtual Chamber; same time)

"My esteemed colleagues, I have received word from an outside source that a vessel of unknown origin has appeared out of nowhere in Japanese waters."

"It's not Gendo that's your outside source, is it, Kiel?"

"It's not, Kruzhnev. However, my outside source is not at issue."

"Agreed." All turn toward the one woman that spoke. "What is at issue is the vessel that just appeared. What do you know about it so far, Kiel?"

"Other than it was in the air over the Sea of Japan before setting down… not a whole lot is known about it, DeLarus."

"In the air? As in… flying?" DeLarus' expression can only hold shocked disbelief. Kiel can't find it in himself to blame the woman.

"I'm afraid that's the case."

"That can be problematic."

"There's no 'can be' about it as it is problematic, Ghesanedue." Kiel turns his visored gaze toward the man before adding, "I do not know about any of you, but I am pretty sure the Dead Sea Scrolls did not say anything about flying ships appearing out of nowhere." Hearing a snort from DeLarus, Kiel turns back toward her. "You find something amusing, DeLarus?"

"Just what you said, Kiel." Going serious, she then asks, "What do you intend to be done?" Kiel ponders it before a grin creases his face.

"Send in the best Commandos in our employ to take that vessel. If it cannot be taken, scuttle it. With all personnel on board."

"What about the 3rd Child and his paramour? They can cause some real problems unless they're neutralized." Kruzhnev's query gives Kiel pause before the latter responds.

"We'll give Ikari two months to get the 3rd Child back under his heel and the girl out of the picture."

"If it doesn't happen, then…"

"Should that not happen, we shall step in." His face going ominous, he adds, "And our designs will be brought to fruition."

"Which begs the biggest question." Kruzhnev's voice gets their attention as he goes on. "How do we let Ikari know the time he has?"

"We don't." Kiel's voice is firmly absolute as he goes on. "Ikari has clearly lost control of what's to happen. I see no reason as to inform him of the time he has to take corrective measures." Turning to Kruhznev, he adds, "Make the calls. I want that vessel either under our control or underwater."

"I will do so, Chairman. Any timeframe in mind?"

"As soon as possible."

Meanwhile…

(Wave of the Orca; Galley; twenty minutes later)

Escorting his companions into the Galley, Fury smiles widely at how peaceful it is. Only for the smile to fade with the knowledge that the peace can only last so long.

"Nick, everything okay?" At the sound of Jane's voice, Fury sighs. "If it's something about SHIELD bothering you, you know you can talk to Jeff and I."

"I know, Jane. And thanks. It's not about SHIELD, really. More like the peaceful atmosphere going on right now. It's just a matter of time before some stupid nonsense happens to stir things up that ruins it."

"Well then, we'll just have to stop the stupid nonsense as soon as it starts." Jeff's reply gets Fury to nod and smile right back at him. "Let's see. How long has it been since we engaged in stopping stupid nonsense, Jane?" Jane smirks widely before nudging him.

"The last time stupid nonsense happened, you had the idea to invade Cuba."

"Oh right. Things went goofy after that and Nick pulled our fat out of the fire."

"That's putting things mildly." Fury rolls his good eye and goes on. "You're really lucky we were able to do so."

"Why did you? It wasn't even your fight."

"May not have been my fight, Jeff, but when Agents are in trouble, I can't stay out of it. That's not the way I work."

"Even if…"

"That's right. You and Jane may not exactly be SHIELD Agents, but you work for the same purpose SHIELD does. Protecting people by any means needed."

"Is that a job offer, Nick? Sure sounds like one."

"If you want to think of it that way, sure. We could always use a couple extra hands on board here." Watching the whole thing in amusement are McCormick, Barbara and Katie while the Blue siblings sigh and shake their heads.

"Looks like Uncle Nick's doing some headhunting for SHIELD again, sis."

"Yep. Big question is if they'll go for it this time, bro."

"Do you think they should or will?"

"I think they should. After all, it'll be with Uncle Nick they'll be working."

"Yeah, but let's not forget that jackass is more than likely aboard still."

"Right. I don't like him. Why does SHIELD have him on the payroll, anyway? He's utterly useless."

"That's a very, very good question. And he is utterly useless. Well, except maybe as a punching bag." Little Jane giggles at that while nodding her agreement.

"Yep. Or if someone's in a bad enough mood, a bullet catcher." Jeff mulls it over before shaking his head in negation.

"That'll only happen if he's willing to sacrifice himself to save someone else's life."

"Oh, that's right." Meanwhile…

After Shinji finishes his meal and sets the tray at the reclamation point, he looks around and sees Shiho sitting across from Misato and Natasha. Getting him to grimace.

'Oh crap.' Shaking it off, he steps forward. 'She did say when I got a chance.' His approach gets Shiho's attention, which gets Misato and Natasha's own attention as well. 'Double oh crap.' However, before either can say anything, Shiho speaks up.

"If you would not mind, Major Katsuragi, Agent Romanoff, I have something to discuss with JOFA Ikari." Misato makes a face like she's thinking about it and nods.

"Go right ahead, Ms. Nishizumi. I just have some reports to go over before I turn in." Natasha nods her agreement as well.

"I have to get a workout in, anyway, before I go to sleep." With that, both stand and bow to her before lightly pecking Shinji on his forehead, getting him to blush and Shiho to lightly chuckle as they stride away from them. Once they're alone, Shinji bows to Shiho before she brings up a napkin.

"Here. Wipe off. While you look cute, having lipstick on your forehead will not endear you to me." She blinks. The lipstick is off. "Much better. Have a seat, if you would be so kind."

"Yes, ma'am." Once Shinji's seated across from her, he asks, "What would you like to talk to me about, ma'am?"

"At first, I was going to ask you what it is like to pilot a gigantic cyborg. Now, however, I have something different in mind." At Shinji's head-kink to the right side, Shiho internally squeals. 'He's so cute! Like a little puppy!' Shaking it off, she goes on. "I would like you and the other males your age range to take part in an experiment." At that, a chill goes up and down his spine, getting her notice. "Is something wrong, JOFA Ikari?"

"I don't exactly have a good track record when it comes to experiments, ma'am." Shinji's sheepish smile gets Shiho to lightly chuckle.

"I suppose we can call it more like a study, then."

"I can work with that, ma'am." Curious, he then asks, "What kind of study?"

"This is against my better judgement, but I would like to see about the feasibility of males in 'Tankery'." Shinji can only blink blankly at that.

"Tankery. As in… with tanks?" At her nod, he lightly scratches his head before replying. "Sounds like it could be a good study. But, why us? What about the males in your world?"

"The males in our world are used to the status quo. You and your friends, however, being from alternate dimensions, are fairly unbiased."

"Making us the best possible study participants." At her silent nod, Shinji shrugs. "I can't speak for the others, but I'm game. Would it be alright if I speak with them about it?"

"I have no issues with that." At her reply, Shinji stands, bows and goes back to the boys' table as Shiho thinks, 'I hope I know what I am doing.'

As Shinji sits down, he gets their attention. Lance taking it.

"What's going on, Shinji? You're looking kinda stoked." Shinji blinks as Scott nods.

"I normally don't agree with Lance, but you do look excited about something, Shinji. What's going on?" Shinji looks to each of the guys before replying.

"Ms. Nishizumi just asked me if we'd like to take part in a study."

"What kind?"

"The feasibility of males engaging in 'Tankery'." Seeing Toad opening his mouth, he adds, "And yes. It's with tanks." Toad mulls it over before shrugging.

"It could be fun. But one thing wrong. We know nothing about tanks, yo."

"True. But we can learn about them. Driving, shooting, maintaining… It's up to you guys."

"I'm sorry, Shinji." At Fred's voice, they turn to look at him. "But if we actually gotta get into tanks, I won't fit in the hatch. And like my Aunt Ralph says, 'If it doesn't look or sound like you'll fit, don't try it'. And I know I won't be able to fit." Grinning, he adds, "This reminds me of the time my Uncle Maybelle tried to take a tank for a drive." Wary, Lance can't help but feel curious.

"What happened there?"

"Well, to be exact, he tried to join the Army so he could learn to drive a tank. But the recruiter took one look at him and told him no as he wouldn't even fit in the hatch. Let alone pass the Health Inspection. Uncle Maybelle, though, wouldn't be dissuaded."

"Oh crap. He went there anyway."

"Yup. So, he went to the Army Base that was in the nearest town and tried to climb the fence. Only to wind up bringing the section of the fence he'd tried climbing down. Shaking it off, he quickly spotted a tank and made his way to it. Opening the hatch, he started to drop down into it. Only…"

"He wouldn't fit through the hatch." Lance groans out as Shinji can only shake his head before looking at Fred.

"What happened then?"

"Well, just about when he started to drop down into it, two of the Base MPs came upon the downed fence section and sounded the alarm. Uncle Maybelle tried to heft himself out of the hatch, only to find himself stuck. And he was wedged in there real snug. By the time the MPs came across him, he was still trying to heft himself out. They wound up having to cut the tank's turret apart with torches before using the Jaws of Life on the portion of the hatch that was around his midsection."

"I don't think I want to think about that billing." Scott's reply gets Fred to nod.

"I'll put it to you like this. He's still making restitution payments after fifteen years and it's not likely he'll pay it off in his lifetime." Sighing, he adds, "So, yeah. Much fun as that sounds, Shinji…"

"I understand, Fred-san." Looking around and seeing Ray blink, he asks, "Something wrong, Ray?"

"Uh, yeah. Don't you find his having an Aunt Ralph or Uncle Maybelle weird at all?" Shinji can only blink at that.

"Am I supposed to, Ray? That's certainly news to me." That gets the guys chortling before guffawing. Kensuke and Touji both pounding on the table as they howl in laughter. Shinji chuckles as well while being gently rocked side to side.

"You're fitting in with us just right, yo!"

"Thanks, Toad." As the laughter tapers off, he asks, "Anyone else think or know they can't fit?" Evan and Colossus both raise their hands. "Okay. Anyone else out?"

"Sorry, Shin-man. Much fun as putting myself into a tin can sounds, unless I hear more, no go."

"I'll be more than happy to just watch and record, Shinji."

"Okay." Shinji nods and sighs. "So, it's just myself, Remy, Arcade, Scott, Sam, Roberto, Bobby, Ray, Jamie, Kurt, Lance, Pietro, Toad and Pyro." Roberto scoffs at that. "Is something wrong, Roberto?"

"Yeah. Why're you including the squirt? He's just a kid."

"He may be just a kid to you, Roberto, but look at the facts. He's eagerly bouncing in his seat, he can easily slip into the tank and, with his ability, effectively run a tank." Steepling his hands before his face, he asks, "Any further objections, Roberto?" The look in Shinji's eyes gets Roberto to gulp before shaking his head in negation.

"Excellent. Lance, Scott, Jamie, if you'd be so kind as to accompany me."

"You got it, Shinji."

At the trio's stereophonic reply, all four blink before the table erupts into laughter again as the four get up from their seats and go to where Shiho's sitting. As they draw near, they see she's struggling to keep from grinning in mirth.

"I take it something amusing happened over there."

"Yes, ma'am." Having a slight smile to his, he goes on. "Ms. Nishizumi, I present to you Lance 'Avalanche' Alvers, Scott 'Cyclops' Summers and Jamie 'Multiple' Madrox. Guys, Ms. Nishizumi."

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am." The three bow while Shiho tries to keep from cracking up even more. Yet has a smile on her face.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, gentlemen." Looking to Shinji, she adds, "I take it these will be your fellow study participants, JOFA Ikari."

"Yes, ma'am. Along with, except for five, the guys at the table." Curious, he then asks, "Just what exactly is 'Tankery' about, ma'am?"

"First off, 'Tankery' is a sport that had mainly been for women only. Basically, tanks are driven and shot at by non-penetration ammunition. If a tank takes too many hits or is hit once in a vulnerable point, that tank is out." Seeing Lance raise his hand, Shiho nods. "Mr. Alvers."

"So why the study now, Ms. Nishizumi?"

"You have Deadpool to thank for that. And, also… it was my…" Her voice trembling, Shiho steels herself before going on. "Late husband's desire to see males given an opportunity to take part." Looking to Shinji, she goes on. "You look like him in fact, JOFA Ikari."

"Thank you, ma'am." Looking asides, he sees nods from the others before nodding and looking back toward her. "Okay. We're in. What kind of tanks do we need to find and are modifications needed? If so, what kind of modifications? What kind of timeframe are we looking at to learn about them? Can their abilities be used?"

"In that order, I am more than prepared to lend you gentlemen tanks for the purpose so you will not have to worry so much on that. I am willing to give you one month to prepare for the study. But the last one has me at a loss. What abilities do you speak of?"

"For starters, 'Cyclops' has laser eyeballs." Lance and Jamie both softly smirk while Scott shrugs. "While 'Avalanche' can literally make the earth move and 'Multiple' can make duplicates of himself."

"I see. 'Cyclops', what do your laser eyeballs entail?"

"Put simply, ma'am, my body absorbs sunlight and condenses it into a powerful blast that emerges from my eyes." Shiho nods while Scott grins lightly. "I must admit though, I'd never heard my ability described quite like that, Shinji."

"Like the motto says, 'Keep it simple, silly'. I don't like 'stupid' much, so I changed it."

"That is a good change as 'stupid' does sound quite insulting." Shiho has a soft grin on her face before she goes on. "I, however, am not sure if laser eyeballs would be permissible, however. Earth-moving and multiplication, however, can be useful. Any other abilities?"

"Well, 'Quicksilver' is capable of incredible speeds that're off the scale. 'Nightcrawler' can teleport, range of two miles. Those abilities can be useful for recon. 'Iceman' can put the freeze on movement, but that wouldn't be very sporting, so that's out. 'Pyro' can manipulate fire. 'Cannonball' can propel himself through the air like a cannonball…" At that, Shiho puts her hand up.

"I believe I have heard enough, JOFA Ikari. I will let some of the named abilities be allowed. Earth manipulation, duplication, speed and teleportation. I am not sure about fire manipulation, however, so it will be on a 'just in case' basis."

"We understand, ma'am." Shinji then gets a puzzled look on his face. "But won't that hinder your team if you loan us tanks?"

"Not in the slightest as the School I head has numerous tanks at our disposal. Also, you would not be facing my school alone. It shall be a battle against 9 schools with a limit of thirty tanks against you."

"Thirty, huh? I see. Thank you for the opportunity, ma'am."

"You are quite welcome." With that, they stand and bow before turning to leave. Shiho then adds, "I hope you gentlemen will do the right thing when the time for the study comes around."

"Yes ma'am." That said, they stride away, with Shiho grinning softly on the inside.

'Now to see if your idea bears fruit, Tsuneo.' Her face scrunching in thought, she mentally adds, 'Now to devise the tanks for them to use.' However…

"What do you think about what Ms. Nishizumi said just before we left, Shinji?"

"About us doing the right thing, Lance?" At his nod, Shinji frowns. "I think, as far as I'm concerned, the right thing is to do our best. If we win, we win. We lose, we lose. It doesn't really matter. All we have to do is our very best."

"But what if her idea of the right thing is…"

"I know, Scott. If she expects us to throw the match, she's going to find out that throwing a match goes counter to doing the right thing."

"So no match-throwing?"

"No match-throwing, Jamie, as that would be insulting to us and the teams she picks for us to face off against." Little do they realize…

'Oh Mother. Why must you place such expectations on people?'

'Instructor Nishizumi must fully intend to prove female supremacy when it comes to "Tankery".'

'I hope no one gets hurt. Especially…' Her face going deep red in blush, Koume smiles softly before looking toward the other girls. "So, how well do you know JOFA Torque?"

"He's pretty okay. A bit odd, but pretty okay." Amara bites into her lasagna, chews and swallows before asking, "Why? Wanna date him? Have at."

"You mean… he hasn't a girlfriend?" At Amara's headshake of 'no', Koume smiles widely. Only for Tabitha to jump in.

"Just watch your computer when he's nearby. He'll seriously upgrade it to past factory settings."

"How could that be a bad thing?"

"It's not necessarily bad as long as you don't have anything that uses training software on it." Jubilee giggles in fond memory before Erika chimes in.

"On our way here, JOFA Torque told us about the 'Signal 10-13' and what it means. Is everyone expected to fight?" Laura takes that one.

"Only if you're certed for firearms or can hold your own in a fight. If you're neither one, shelter in place until the all clear is given."

"Does doing 'Tankery' count?"

"If you're shooting from within a tank, not really." Seeing Erika about to protest, she goes on. "Much as I can see you'd like to fight, a 'Signal 10-13' is not exactly the best place for a newbie at firearms. All non-combatants are to shelter in place. No exceptions."

"Okay. I can see where you're coming from with that." Sighing, she adds, "Any chance of a crash course then? Just in case?" At that, Laura ponders it.

"I'd have to clear it with the Colonel, but I think we can arrange a little something for you on that." Jubilee, however, smiles widely before feeling hands over her eyes and hearing a female voice.

"Guess who, Jubes!" Smiling widely even more, Jubilee can only shriek.

"Katie!" Rising from her seat, Jubilee wraps the other girl into her arms. "It's so good to see you!" As the two hug, the other girls are amused, bemused or nonplussed. As they end the hug, Jubilee notices her companion and asks, "When'd you get here?! And who's your little friend?"

"Just a little bit ago. This is Jane Blue."

"Hi, Jane."

"Hi, Jubes." Jane's smile is wide and friendly as Katie goes on.

"A cool guy named Deadpool brought Mom and me onboard so we can keep Dad out of trouble. Or at least try to." Jubilee can only snort.

"I think you and Barbara have got your work cut out for you, given how 'Skid' is." Katie can only giggle in agreement at that as the three sit down. "Okay, intros. Girls, meet Katie Johnson and her friend Jane Blue." At their greeting nods, Jubilee goes on. "To my right, JOFA Amanda Sefton. To your right, JOFA Laura Howlett. Beside Amanda is Wanda 'Scarlet Witch' Maximoff. Next, we have Rogue." As the named girl nods in greeting, Katie and Jane nod in return as Jubilee goes on.

"Kitty 'Shadowcat' Pryde, Danielle 'Mirage' Moonstar, Amara 'Magma' Aquila, Tabitha 'Boom-Boom' Smith, NERV Evangelion Pilot Rei Ayanami." As Rei nods in greeting, Jubilee's about to introduce the others, only for Katie to stop her.

"Them I already met when Jane, her little brother Jeff, their parents and Mom and I got aboard." Jane nods in agreement at that.

"Oh, so three less intros." Giving a passive shrug, Jubilee then asks, "So what's been going on in Santa Monica?"

"Oh, not much. Of course, I have been taking racing lessons from 'Uncle EJ' after school." Jubilee's jaw can only drop.

"Shut up! You mean… E.J. Corlett?! The former racing superstar?!" Katie can only smirk softly.

"Now you're cookin'." Jubilee can't help but be awed and mildly jealous.

"Oh wow. 'Skid' told me all about him when we first met." Katie's smirk becomes a soft smile.

"Of course, whenever I call him 'Uncle EJ', he rolls his eyes. He even says he's not really my Uncle. But he and 'Uncle Teddy' are the closest things to brothers Dad has." Snorting, she adds, "Of course, 'Uncle Teddy' doesn't mind being called 'Uncle' one bit. He relishes it."

"Sounds like your 'Uncles' are as doting on you like your Dad is." Tabitha's smile is bittersweet as she sighs. "I wish my Dad was a good man like your Dad is. Not an outright scumbag. Of course, Shinji's Dad makes mine look like a Priest. And that's no small feat."

"Yeah, well, like my Dad says at times, 'We can't always be angels as sometimes we'd have to be devils'. That's the way he sees it at times."

"But… wait. If ADA McCormick's your Dad, your parents are divorced and they still love each other… then why the different last name?" At Danielle's query, Katie subtly looks around before leaning inward.

"It's because of his job. Even the time from before he became ADA." Danielle mulls it over before her eyes go wide.

"You mean… it's to protect you and your Mom?" At Katie's nod, Danielle scrunches her face. "That makes no sense at all."

"Before he became ADA, Dad and Granddad Milton took down very bad people. Most of those people have significant grudges against them both. When he became ADA, he gathered more enemies. I once asked him why he has so many enemies and he told me, 'It's because I'm doing such a good job' with a wide smile on his face."

SPURT

Milk shoots out of Erika's nose before she gasps.

"I never knew that can happen." Jane can only grin widely.

"So many enemies or milk out the nose?" Erika's about to reply before she sighs.

"Both." Wiping her nostrils clean of milk, Erika looks right at Katie. "Okay. That explains some of it. But if your folks are divorced, then why are they… they're still married to each other, aren't they?"

"Now you're cookin'." Looking around again, Katie goes on. "The divorce is only on paper, and is registered as such, but Dad also has a friend in the Court Clerk office that knows what's really going on."

"But… that can't possibly be legal. Can it?"

"I asked Dad about that and he only smirked. So I guess it's a grey area. A fine line between protection and fraud. A very fine line."

"How do you feel about that?" Koume's query gets Katie to sigh.

"It sucks, Koume. It sucks that we have to live away from Dad so the people he and Granddad Milton took down don't get to him through us. Bad enough Granddad 'Flip' was murdered before Dad and Granddad Milton started working together. Dad lost some good friends in the course of things. If anything happened to me or Mom…" Katie doesn't notice, but Laura's gritting her teeth in anger before she looks to her.

"Then I'll simply have to teach you to protect yourself as well." Looking around the table, she goes on. "For a long time, I held my Dad responsible for what HYDRA had done to me. When I attacked you the first time, it was to hurt him metaphorically. I did so without orders from HYDRA."

"That was when you started breaking away and he learned about you." Tabitha's words get her to nod.

"He didn't even know about my existence. He offered to have me as family as I technically am family to him. And, my Mom, she risked her life bringing me into being, then by coming to SHIELD."

"You had a pretty rough life, then."

"Yes. I was not taught to love, have compassion or be friendly. The only things HYDRA taught me were hate, suffering and malice. One time, they took me to a park. Just to see how I would do in a public setting." Upon feeling Katie's hand on hers, Laura gently squeezes.

"There was a girl, with a music box. It had a ballerina figurine inside it. She was being friendly enough to show it to me. I responded in the worst way possible. I destroyed it. She ran off, screaming and in tears. The goons watching me paid off the people watching and took me back to begin my next phase." Maho's frown rises to the fore before she speaks.

"Sounds like you can do with some 'Tankery' training yourself, JOFA Howlett. Mainly chasing some of those goons with a tank and running them over or blowing them to tiny bits." Laura can only smirk evilly with that.

"Now you're talking my language." Rei, highly baffled, can only blink before speaking.

"I was unaware that desiring to do violence vocally is a language. How does one become fluent?" The other girls blink before tittering softly. Baffling Rei even more. "I do not understand. How is what I said humorous?"

"Rei, don't ever change." Amara grins softly as she goes on. "Your sense of humor helps break up the tension. And believe me, there's a lot of tension right now."

"I see. I will do so, Miss Aquila." Amara nods right back at her before Tabitha chimes back in.

"So, Laura, when do you think you'll be ready to join us at the Institute? I've already got a cool name picked out for you." Laura blinks at that as Tabitha nods. "It's perfect. 'Wolverina'. It fits perfectly."

"How?"

"You're Badger's daughter and when you fight, you move like a ballerina. I can so see you rocking a pink tutu." Laura can only lightly grimace before replying.

"I don't know about a pink tutu. I think a black tutu would suit me best." Tabitha's grin returns fully, getting Laura to gulp. 'Oh shit. Misato must be Tabitha in this world!'

"I can see why you'd think that. Shinji wouldn't be able to keep his hands off of you." Her grin going wider, she goes on. "Matter of fact, your 'Daily Log' was most enlightening when it comes to your fantasies about Shinji. And I gotta admit reading it made me and the others blush." Blushing so red, Laura looks over to where Shinji and the other guys are sitting.

"How… How much did you read?" Laura's voice is timidly soft, causing Tabitha to ease her grin to a soft smile.

"Enough to assess your feelings for him. Your hopes. Your desires. Your dreams. He's the first boy that caught your attention, with him responding the way you both wanted. I really hope you two make it."

"I do too, Tabitha. I do too." Looking back to the other girls, Laura sighs before going on. "As soon as we finish eating, we're going to go see the Doc and then the Colonel to ask for some range time for you to learn about firearms usage."