SHIELDs of NERV 10
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or X-Men; Evolution. Wish I did, though.
(McCormick's New Quarters; same time)
As McCormick looks over the SHIELD regs carefully, he, as well, cannot see any regulation barring SHIELD from engaging in anti-ELE operations in different dimensions. Thoughtful frown on his face, he taps his chin.
'Of course, going into another dimension is unprecedented for SHIELD to begin with. But other than that, Pincer was indeed quite wrong in saying SHIELD isn't following its mission statement. What was that fat idiot thinking?' A knock on the hatch interrupts his musings. "It's open." At that, the hatch opens, revealing Barbara and Katie, getting him to grin softly. "Hey there."
"Hey, Daddy." Katie is quick to hug him, with the hug being returned. "Make any headway in the book?"
"Some. But since the book is written in vagaries, I can only interpret it just as Colonel Fury did."
"Meaning that pinhead didn't know manure about what he was talking about yesterday evening. Right, Daddy?"
"That's right, pumpkin." Katie giggles as Barbara snickers herself before both go serious. With McCormick noticing. "What is it?" Katie looks to Barbara and gets a curt nod before looking back at him.
"Daddy, how do you feel about personal bets not involving money?" McCormick blinks before mulling it over.
"Well, since money's not at issue, I see no real problem. Provided, of course, it doesn't skirt the Law." Katie gently bites her lower lip before sighing.
"If I win the race next month, Mom and I'd like to 'come out' into the open." McCormick blinks at that before his eyes go wide.
"Katie, the danger to you and your Mom…"
"I know, Daddy. It's just… we're sick of living apart from you. We understand you have enemies from before you became ADA and they're still out there. Looking for any vulnerabilities." McCormick nods, glad she understands, only for Barbara to chime in herself.
"Mark, you know Milton wouldn't want you to live alone and us to live in fear for our lives." Getting a nod from him, Barbara then asks, "Then why are you reluctant to accept the bet?"
"If anything happened to either of you… I wouldn't be able to think straight."
"The same kind of situation can just as easily happen to us here, Daddy. After all, we're in a warzone and you're 'vacationing' in said warzone." Katie's comment can only get McCormick to sigh and nod.
"Alright." Katie grins widely before he adds, "But only if you win the race. If you don't, we'll maintain the status quo." Katie visibly deflates before nodding her agreement. Only for Barbara to chime in herself.
"Katie. Why don't you explore a bit? Your Dad and I need to have a little chat." Feeling a bit cheeky, Katie smirks.
"Oh. So that's what they call it." Relishing her parents go slightly red at the insinuation, Katie exits the quarters, leaving Barbara with her 'ex-husband', and closing the hatch. Once alone with each other, both look at each other before Barbara makes her move.
Lunging at McCormick, she wraps her lips around his as he wraps his arms around her.
(NERV HQ; same time; Gendo's office)
"So, you're two of the thirty men my contact told me about." Both men nod before 'Hammer' speaks up.
"Yes, sir. I'm 'Hammer', he's 'Anvil'. We both served together before 2nd Impact." Gendo lightly blinks at the nicknames, but brushes it aside as 'Hammer' goes on. "As to the men, sir, to be exact, it's 29 men and one woman." Chiron's eyes can only bug out at that.
"Why're you letting a woman engage in men's work?!"
"Sometimes, we have be… flexible in our task performances." Glaring at Chiron, 'Anvil' adds, "Make no mistake. Although she's a woman, 'Delilah' can be just as effective and devastating as any man."
(Mercenary warehouse; same time)
He did his best. He really did. But 'Rat' still got distracted when he smelled cheese nearby. Before one of the other mercs could even violently express his annoyance with the cheese-addict, 'Delilah' stops him cold.
"You mutts go recon. I'll bring 'Rat' back into focus." One of the other mercs, however, smirks softly.
"So that's what you do with him when our backs are turned." 'Rat' and 'Delilah' can only blink, puzzled, as he and the other mercs go about to do recon. Once they're all gone, 'Rat' can only look to 'Delilah'.
"What do you think 'Chainsaw' was talking about?"
"I have no idea, 'Rat'. No idea at all." Her face taking on an eerie expression, she adds, "But that's not the important thing right now. What is important, however, is your wandering focus." Before 'Rat' can even defend himself, she sighs. "I know you did your best, 'Rat'. I really do. You always do your best. Even with the distractions around you, you still manage to do the job." Her expression becoming a softly seductive grin, she gently rubs the tip of her right index finger against the tip of his nose.
"Oh man… 'Delilah'… you know what that does to me." The woman chuckles softly before nodding.
"I do. I want it to happen, 'Rat'. I want to make it happen." Replacing her fingertip with the tip of her nose, she gently rubs it against his in a circular motion, her lips perilously close to his. "You want it to happen too, don't you." The soft murmur in her voice is full of sultry teasing. Her brown eyes gaze into his hazel, the gaze warm and eager as she puts her hands at the back of his head.
"I do, 'Delilah'. It's just…"
"Shhh. I know, 'Rat'. It's perfectly natural." Gently running her fingers along his stringy black hair, she hums her delight, along with hear him softly whimper. "You like how that feels, don't you?"
"Mmm-hm."
"Mmm, I can tell." Rubbing the tip of her nose against his once again in a circular motion, she feels him trembling and her grin turns predatory. "I think you're almost ready, 'Rat'. Do you feel ready?"
"I do, 'Delilah'. Thanks." The tone 'Rat' has in his voice is full of focus as he goes back to observing 'Wave of the Orca'. In the background, 'Delilah', however…
'It's taking me even longer to bring him back into focus now. If I gotta do that again, I'm gonna end up outright raping him!' Gazing at him, she then smirks sultrily. 'After the job, I'll take him somewhere he's never been before.'
Of all the mercs in the bunch, 'Rat' is her absolute favorite as he is, as far as she's concerned, a perfect gentleman. Never the kind to make the first move, but yet properly responsive to her special technique. The technique she'd come to call 'Flirt Focus'.
With the other men, save 'Hammer' and 'Anvil', however, she's quite reluctant as she'd seen their twisted leers and heard their hushed discussions about her. 'Rat'? He's not like them at all. The first time she met him, it was when they joined with 'Hammer' and 'Anvil'. He was very shy and self-deprecating, his specialty being demolitions. She a hard-hearted woman, jilted on her wedding day two years before 2nd Impact.
Thinking about his specialty gets her to lightly chuckle, getting him to look back at her, curious as to her chuckling.
"You okay, 'Delilah'? I didn't say anything weird."
"I know, 'Rat'. Just thinking." Accepting it, 'Rat' goes back to observing as 'Delilah' thinks, 'Just thinking about how you blew a hole into my heart.' Walking to where she's just behind him, she asks, "What do you think, 'Rat'? Think you got enough explosives?"
"I should. But unless I can get an idea as to the composition of the metal, along with the thickness… it's a crap shoot. Or rather, a crap 'blast'. Get it?" Delilah can't help but smirk and roll her eyes at the demolitions themed 'pun', unwilling to audibly laugh.
'His puns may be off-kilter. But I wouldn't want him any other way.'
(Gendo's Office; same time)
"I see. In any case, gentlemen, I'd like you to meet Mr. Jack Pincer. He was the Admin Director for the vessel you're here about. He'll answer any and all questions you have about it." Pincer feels the gazes of both men examining him intently as Gendo goes on. "How long do you think you'll need him?" At that, 'Hammer' speaks up.
"I expect we'll be done with him within the hour."
"Very good." At that, 'Hammer' and 'Anvil' get ready to leave with Pincer before Gendo adds, "Mr. 'Hammer', I'd like an extra moment of your time." Suppressing a shudder, 'Hammer' nods.
"Yes, sir." Giving 'Anvil' a nod and getting one back, he waits until 'Anvil' and Pincer have exited the office, with the door closing. Chiron staying in the office, with 'Hammer' noticing. "Is it really necessary for the chauvinist to be present?" Chiron's about to grit out until he hears Gendo's voice again.
"Chiron, you may go as this discussion doesn't involve you." Chiron gives a nod and, giving 'Hammer' a sneer, exits the office himself. Once the door's closed, Gendo begins. "Three things I'd like to bring to your attention."
"I'm listening."
"First item. The 3rd Child is aboard the vessel. As he is vital to NERV, I want him safe at any and all costs. He also has incredible armaments that will likely benefit you and your associates."
"I understand, sir." Mentally, he adds, 'Poor kid. I'll take the armaments, but I wonder if it'd be a mercy killing if I put one in his head and tell the "Gargoyle" that he offed himself.' Coming out of his musing, he nods to Gendo.
"Second item. There are four WW2-era tanks on that vessel. I want them delivered to NERV, fully intact." That can only get 'Hammer' to blink.
"Four WW2-era tanks, sir? Why are there four WW2-era tanks on there?"
"It seems that they're to be used in a study. A study that he really has no time for."
"I see." Mentally, he adds, 'Tanks for studying, huh. Have schools really changed that much?' Shrugging it off, he gives Gendo one more nod.
"Third item. On there is a girl with tanned skin, brown hair and green eyes. She is perfectly expendable." His gaze going sharp, he adds, "However, she will likely fight for her life and be an absolute handful."
"I understand, sir." Mentally, he then adds, 'If we can, maybe "Delilah" would like to take on a protégé. A girl that can fight and possibly be a handful would be a tremendous asset.' Nodding, 'Hammer' says, "I expect no difficulties, sir."
"I do, as the vessel has defenses and personnel that seem to be formidable. All it would take, however, is the death of one Colonel Nicholas Fury, and the girl, for the personnel on board to fall in line with Mr. Pincer."
"I see. The name of the girl?" It's faint, but 'Hammer' can see the malice-filled sneer appear on Gendo's lips.
"Laura Howlett. Mr. Pincer can give you more details about her should you require them." With that, 'Hammer' can hear the dismissal and the merc nods before exiting. Once outside the office, he notes 'Anvil' and Pincer waiting just outside the office. Chiron nowhere around.
"Let's go, Mr. Pincer. 'Anvil' and I have some associates for you to brief as to the vessel we're to take on." Nodding eagerly, Pincer has a smug smirk on his face as he turns to exit. 'Hammer' and 'Anvil', however, look to each other and share the same thought.
'I wonder if it's too late for us to change the plan, go onboard, and claim sanctuary? It'd be far better than to do what the client and "Gargoyle" want.'
('Wave of the Orca'; same time)
"Attention. Until further notice, the 'Signal 10-13' tones are reversed. I say again. Until further notice, the 'Signal 10-13' tones are reversed. That is all." Fury's words over the PA gets everyone's attention.
(3rd Level; same time)
Adam arches an eyebrow and looks toward Riesman before seeing her clenching her jaw.
"What is it, Doc?"
"The only time Colonel Fury would consider that is if there'd been a significant breach in our Security." Sighing gustily, Riesman adds, "And I have a bad feeling as to the source of the breach."
"The source being?"
"Former Admin Director Pincer. As to why, I'd say it's because he's miffed he had to walk the plank earlier." Adam can only blink his good eye, as if asking her to go on. "He tried to incite a mutiny, not realizing that the personnel on here trust Colonel Fury more than him as Colonel Fury remembers what SHIELD is about." That can only get Adam's interest.
"What is SHIELD about?"
"Protection of all. Whether it be national, international, dimensional, extra-dimensional…" Adam can only get a swirl in his good eye, getting Riesman to haplessly giggle. "Oops. Sorry." Adam, however, blinks and smiles wryly.
"No need, Doc. You kinda threw me for a loop." Getting a chuckle from Riesman, he then notices an expression of curiosity on her face.
"Please, tell me more about the 'White Fang' and its history."
"Uh… sure." Clearing his throat, he starts. "Years ago, in the world of Remnant, there was a war. At the time, Faunus and human-kind was at odds with each other. But they soon found themselves going from fighting each other to a common foe. Grimm. Creatures of darkness that are attracted to negative emotions. It was a hard fought battle, but both parties united achieved victory. At the end of the battle, both parties resolved to live in harmony with one another." Adam then sneers, Riesman catching it.
"Humanity went back on their word." At his nod, Riesman sighs gustily. "It seems prejudice is indeed universal."
"Yes, it does." Shaking it off, he goes on. "Upon that happening, the 'White Fang' was formed. It originally used peaceful protests and boycotts against companies that used Faunus labor or denied Faunus customers. The leader at the time, Ghira Belladonna, had a daughter, Blake. She was at every protest, picket sign in hand." Riesman can only smile warmly.
"She sounds like a brave girl." Adam can only snort at that.
"I don't know about brave. But…" He can only smile wistfully. "She had optimism like you wouldn't believe. However, she found her optimism waning as the protesters found themselves being attacked without provocation. Ghira, however, he never lost faith."
"He still believed that peace was the answer." At his nod, Riesman, asks, "What changed?"
"One day, our mobile peace platform was beset upon by thugs that thought Faunus belong under control or dead. I… I went too far. I killed the attackers. Ghira was, admittedly and understandably, distressed. Sienna Khan, however, was another story. Much as she respected Ghira and his beliefs, and shared his hope, decided that the only way to gain peaceful coexistence, was to use force."
"He wanted none of that, didn't he?" At his headshake of 'no', she asks, "What of Blake?"
"She decided to take up arms with us after Ghira stepped down. She believed that if we show humanity we refuse to back down or become servants, we can achieve our objective. We stepped up our actions. Riots with violence, going with even more fervor. Enter Jacques Schnee."
"Things got even worse."
"Yeah. Upon his policies coming into action, with Faunus dying every time a mine would collapse, he'd have the audacity to shrug it off. As if our lives didn't matter, adding that since the dead Faunus were already buried, it wouldn't be profitable for the company to recover and get the bodies to their loved ones." Riesman can only be disgustedly horrified before Adam goes on. "In turn, we became even more violent. SDC executives kidnapped and slaughtered, their dust trains hijacked, their loads stolen." At her baffled blink at 'dust', Adam gives a contrite smile.
"Sorry about that. Getting used to being in a different dimension." Riesman gives a chuckle and nods, with Adam adding, "I'll tell you about 'dust' afterward. Okay?"
"I can go with that." Adam nods back and sighs.
"One day, Blake and I went after an SDC dust train. Our target was the dust and Blake was more than content with that. I, however, wanted more blood. I wanted to set charges that would've killed everyone on the train. Blake decided enough was enough. After we destroyed the androids guarding the shipment, I turned to Blake, only to see her bring out her blade and sever the connecting between the dust car and the engine. 'Good-bye' was the last thing she said to me as the engine raced away, her on it."
"That must've been devastating for you."
"Yeah. It was. Sometime later, I found that she'd been training to be a Huntress at Beacon Academy. I was so full of rage and spite that I was more than happy to see the school fall. Even if…"
"Even if what, Adam?"
"Even if I had to work with humans." Adam shudders bodily, adding, "Bad enough in itself. But one of them, if anything, if you saw her, there are two things in your mind. 'Run Like Your Life Depends on it' or 'Try to Have Your Way With Her' as she was quite dangerous-looking and alluring at the same time." Thinking of 'Viper', Riesman gives a shudder.
"I see what you mean." At his fascinated blink, she goes on. "In the Highest Level of HYDRA, there's a woman named Andrea von Strucker. 'Viper' as her alias. The first time I met her, when I was starting out as a geneticist, I felt the same way." Adam, finding himself curious, can only be blunt.
"When did you learn what HYDRA was really about?"
"After Laura was born. Once she turned three years old, they set to training her to become an assassin/spy. Depriving her of a normal childhood, keeping her under chemical control, training her under cruel conditions…" Riesman feels tears drip from her eyes until she feels Adam's left hand grasp her right in comfort. Gently squeezing in thanks, she sighs. "At that point, I knew what HYDRA really was. A bunch of vicious monsters bent on only one thing. Domination over all."
"I see." Adam can only be thoughtful himself. "In a way, the 'White Fang' became my world's version of HYDRA, with 'Huntsmen' and 'Huntresses' being like SHIELD, protecting all. With the Academies training them to do so."
"Yes, but with one difference between HYDRA and the 'White Fang'. It originally sought peaceful coexistence with humanity. HYDRA, however, cares nothing for human life at all."
"I couldn't have put it better myself, Deborah." Gabe's voice from behind gets her to lightly jump, with Adam softly smirking in amusement. Gabe noticing and grinning himself. "It's good to see you're reacting a lot more positively now." Adam's smirk fades before his face takes on a pensive appearance.
"I don't know about that, Doc. Talking and listening…" Looking at his hands, he murmurs, "It seems Blake was right to flee when she saw the monster I'd become." Turning his attention to Gabe, he then asks, "How strong are the stitches, Doc?"
"Fifty lbs. tensile strength. Why?"
"I need a blade to cut them. So I can bleed out and die like I should've." That alone gets Gabe to scowl.
"Not allowed." Adam looks aghast at Gabe as he goes on. "I just saw a young girl recover quickly from grievous injuries caused by a first-time untrained combat by a young man that is now becoming a fine young man given what his Father had him do. Along with what he seems to want him to do." Leaning intently over Adam, Gabe goes on.
"It matters not what you did back there very much as it sounds like you made a lot of wrong turns. What matters now is that you make a bunch of right turns for a change. One of them being no suicide as it's not the answer. Am I clear, Mr. Taurus?" The vehemence in Gabe's voice can only get an awed nod in silence from Adam before he looks toward Riesman. "A moment alone, if you please, Dr Riesman."
"Yes, Dr Jones." Looking to Adam, she adds, "I'll looking forward to your explanation of 'dust', Mr. Taurus. So please don't make another wrong turn."
"I won't, Dr Riesman." Getting a nod of approval from the Doctors as they step away, Adam can only sigh before looking at his hands. 'A lot of wrong turns, huh? Yeah, that sounds about right.' Finding it ironic, and not wanting to pull his stitches again, he can only lightly chuckle. 'Who'd have thought it'd take getting stabbed in the chest and back at the same time for me to learn that?' Pensively, he thinks, 'I wonder what Blake and her friend would think if they saw me right now.' Looking at his right arm, he recalls what he'd done to Blake's friend and grimaces before sighing.
"I guess it'd only be fair if I let her friend cut my right arm off. An arm for an arm." Meanwhile…
"I see you had an interesting discussion with him, Deborah."
"It doesn't even begin to cover it, Gabriel. What I'd heard from him, there are many parallels."
"I agree. But what concerns me is his residual hostility." Looking back to Adam, he gets a curious expression on his face before looking back to Riesman. "Perhaps some exposure to positivity will work. After all, it worked for JOFAs Ikari and Howlett. Although in the case of Mr. Taurus, it'll take exposure to large amounts of positivity to be of any good for him."
"Agreed. He has a lot of rage in him still. Especially in regards to Jacques Schnee and what he'd done to the family company. A lot of dead Faunus, and him not caring at all… very little wonder he became so violent towards humanity in his world." Gabe can only blink at the hostility in her tone. "If we ever find our way there, I'm going to march straight to that bastard and kick him right in the nuts." Gabe can only grin.
"I'll make popcorn." Sighing, he then asks, "Other than that, I miss anything important?"
"Yeah. Not sure how long ago you got back, but Colonel Fury announced that the tones for 'Signal 10-13' have been reversed until further notice." Gabe can only blink at that before sighing.
"I'm guessing Pincer's involved in some way." Riesman can only sigh as well as he goes on. "Which means it'll probably be bloody if things go live."
"Uh-huh." Frown on her face, Riesman asks, "Do you think it'll actually come to that?"
"I hope not. But I think it'll be best if we follow protocol and hope for as little casualties as possible."
"Agreed." Meanwhile…
(7th Level; same time)
Asuka and Rei look to Laura and see her grimacing. Asuka looks to Rei at that.
"Why is it I don't like her grimace, Wondergirl?"
"Perhaps the same reason I do not like it either, Pilot Sohryu." Rei looks to Laura and asks, "How bad can an actual 'Signal 10-13' be, JOFA Howlett?"
"Bad enough, Rei. With the tones being reversed, it can only mean that a significant breach has happened. And I have a bad feeling I know who's responsible for the breach." Looking them both over, she adds, "You know who it is, too." Both blink before looking to each other and blinking again, with their expressions becoming incredulous before they look back to her.
"Pincer?!"
"Yes. Of course, undoubtedly, someone told him about the code being attached to his signature, if only to give him the chance to do the smart thing and not try anything stupid." Smirking softly, she adds, "I've a pretty good idea as to who it is, too." Both look to each other again, their eyes going wide before they smile softly and look back to her.
"Shinji."
"Yep." Sighing, she goes on. "I love that man of mine. He's just so thoughtful. Always wanting someone to have the chance to live. Even if he doesn't like them or they don't like him." Both girls recall their past battles with Shinji against the Angels, along with how badly they could've ended if he wasn't there.
Observing their pensive looks, her nose picks up a familiar scent coming from behind her, getting her smirk to become a smile as she relishes Rei and Asuka's eyes going wide. At the arms going around her torso from behind, Laura can only sigh happily.
"Shinji-kun."
"Laura-chan."
Pressing his lips against the left side of her neck, Shinji gently squeezes her midriff, just below her belly, as she puts her hands onto his before squeezing them and moving her hands to his head to run her fingers through his hair. Shinji keeps his hands on her lower belly as he tenderly keeps kissing Laura on her neck before he moves his left hand in a circular motion along her belly.
As Laura relishes the intimate gesture, she turns her face and traps his lips into a passionate French kiss. As the two kiss, Rei and Asuka both feel their faces go beet red. Rei elects to look elsewhere while Asuka still watches. As she does so, the redhead can only feel two sensations. Sensations she never thought she'd feel in regards to Shinji.
Jealousy.
Desire.
After Shinji and Laura reluctantly end their Frenching, he looks and sees a still-blushing Rei, looking away from them, before sighing.
"Ayanami, can I ask you to do me a favor?" Her face turning back to them, cheeks pink, Rei rallies herself as best she can.
"As long as it is not against NERV directives, JOFA Ikari, I see no issue in doing so."
"If you see the Commander, can you please tell him nothing regarding what you heard over the PA? It's not NERV related, it's SHIELD related." Rei ponders it before giving her response.
"Very well. I will tell him nothing about what I heard as it has nothing to do with NERV."
"Thank you, Ayanami." Looking to Asuka, he asks, "Can you please do the same, Pilot Sohryu?" Her face still red, Asuka scoffs at that.
"Like you even need to ask, 3rd. I have no real liking for the guy, but I don't exactly want him dead either. I just hope he's smart enough to not try anything stupid." The sight of Laura and Shinji sighing together gets her to blink before sighing herself. "He's gonna try something stupid, isn't he?"
"Very likely so." At that, Asuka can only shake her head in disbelief before looking to Rei.
"What do you think Pincer's going to do, Wondergirl?"
"I am unable to come to a conclusion based on minimal observation of him. However, I can only guess he will try to muscle his way onto 'Wave of the Orca' and take command. Only not get very far, given how the Agents onboard think of him." Asuka can only snort.
"Pfft. Him and what army?" Shinji and Laura both look at each other before arching their eyebrows. Asuka noticing. "What're you two looking at me like that for?!"
"If one's desperate enough, they can hire mercs to take action. Now, given that Pincer has no real ties here, and a significant axe to grind, it's possible he went to the Commander and got an agreement of sorts for a merc outfit." Shinji's reply gets the redhead to blink.
"Oh." Shaking it off, she looks back to Shinji and imperiously smirks, "Now for a different topic. Shinji Ikari, 3rd Child of UN Agency NERV and JOFA of SHIELD! I, Asuka Langley Sohryu, the 2nd Child of UN Agency NERV, hereby challenge you to a duel!" Shinji can only blink before a grin of fascination creases his lips.
"What kind of duel, Pilot Sohryu?" Finding herself liking the grin, Asuka has her pick already.
"The AF-64 simulators! Whoever gets the highest kill count wins!"
"Hmm, interesting. Gonna have to see if there're any simulators open at this time." Asuka can only blink, starting to feel deflated.
"Now?"
"No better time than the present, Pilot Sohryu. Provided, of course…"
"There're open simulators." Her confidence returning, she nods. "Alright, 3rd. Get ready to call me 'The Red Baroness'! As I'll get more kills than you do!" Laura can only lightly sweat-drop at that.
"I don't know if you recall, but while your male counterpart did have an impressive kill record, he still ultimately bought the farm." Rei blinks at the comment.
"What kind of farm did he buy? Dairy, wheat, cattle?" Blinking, all three look to Rei before Laura looks to Shinji.
"I'll help her understand the expressions, Shinji."
"Right." Looking to Asuka, he asks, "Shall we?"
"Sure!" As they walk away, Asuka leans toward Shinji before murmuring, "She was just pulling our leg with taking that comment literally, right?" Before Shinji can reply, they hear Rei speaking again.
"I see. I was expecting that it was an actual farm he had bought." Rei's dismayed comment gets Shinji to shake his head in negation. To which Asuka can only sigh.
"That poor girl. No wonder she has trouble like this. Someone deprived her of crucial knowledge. How can anyone be so cruel as to do that?"
"Yeah, well, Laura was in the same boat herself. And you fell for it too the day before yesterday as I recall. Although it was actually sarcasm." Asuka gives a smirk and nods before giggling.
"I did, ja. You got me good, too." Her giggling mirthful, she sighs, getting his attention. Her noticing. "It's nothing, 3rd Child. So get ready to be amazed by my superb 'flying' skills!"
"Yeah, well, like I said yesterday. The 'AF-64' is much different than an Eva." Asuka, however, waves it off.
"I know. Ja, ja. You told me. Now let's do this."
(Mercenary Warehouse Base; same time)
"Here we are, Mr. Pincer." The tone 'Anvil' has in his voice is one of contempt to Pincer. Throughout the drive, Pincer had talked nonstop about how he was finally going to get one over on Fury. 'Hammer' has a look of disgusted contempt on the inside of his face as well.
'This "man" has no loyalty of any kind to the organization he was with. This Fury made the right call in having him walk the plank!' The look becomes a smirk as he mentally adds, 'I'd have paid good money to see that happen, too!' His attention is then attracted by what 'Anvil' says next.
"These are the people that work with 'Hammer' and I. 'Rat', our demo specialist. 'Delilah', our psychological warfare specialist. 'Spike', our silent neutralization specialist." As 'Anvil' goes on, Pincer nods at each one, getting a nod in return. But yet he starts feeling uneasy at the end of the intros and puts it out of his mind before he looks toward 'Hammer'.
"So, when do I start the briefing?"
"Now's actually a good time as any, Mr. Pincer." Looking to the other mercs, 'Hammer' goes on. "Pay close attention to what the man says. It could be the difference between success and failure for us." At their faces going stone still, 'Hammer' looks to Pincer. "You have the floor, Mr. Pincer."
"Right." As 'Hammer' and 'Anvil' join the other mercs, Pincer clears his throat. "Okay, your target…"
('Wave of the Orca'; 17th Level; same time)
Asuka's eyes can only be wide in awed wonder at the different kinds of simulators. Especially the driving ones. Shinji, however, can't help but feel amused at the redhead's expression.
'Just like a kid at an arcade.' Sighing softly, he gives her a soft swat to the back of her head.
"Yipe!" Looking back at Shinji, she sees he has a serious expression on his face.
"We have no time for you to be awed, Pilot Sohryu."
"I know, but still… just think what those driving simulators can show us instead of the old models. I mean… they look brand new while the old ones look like they were made in the '60s." Her eyes going back to the simulators, she asks, "Simulator technology's come a long way, hasn't it?"
"I guess so." Asuka looks back at him, aghast, before remembering the simulators for the Evangelions. Shrugging, she gives a smile.
"At least these simulators don't have LCL in them."
"That's what I like most about them. Along with not feeling what damage they sustain. But make no mistake…" At his trail-off, Asuka blinks at his next words. "While they'll do what the AF-64 can do, the computer will have enemy forces doing what they can do." Her blue eyes go wide upon that.
"You mean… recordings are used for the simulations?!"
"Somewhat. There are lots of different aircraft the AF-64 had gone up against. Some are hard to bring down, some are dirt simple." His blue eyes going hard, he adds, "But don't even take the dirt simple ones lightly as they can surprise you in the blink of an eye."
With that, he turns and goes to the control booth, Asuka in tow. He gets ready to greet the simulator controller, only to blink.
"Where's Agent Griffin at?" The Caucasian man, tall with thin and greying black hair, smiles softly at Shinji.
"Agent Griffin is currently on a lunch break with Agent Mullins. And I'm guessing you're JOFA Shinji Ikari." Shinji's nod is silent as the man goes on. "Agent Jake Preston."
"Nice to meet you, Agent Preston." Getting a nudge from Asuka, he goes on. "This is NERV Pilot Asuka Langley Sohryu. She'd like to go up against me in the AF-64 simulator. Highest kill count wins."
"Ah. Okay." Looking to Asuka, he asks, "Are you aware of how different an AF-64 is from a giant cyborg?"
"I am, Agent Preston, as JOFA Ikari's told me two times now." Rolling her eyes, she mutters, "Once was enough, thank you very much."
"If he had to tell you twice, it's bound to be because of your ego, Pilot Sohryu." Preston's retort gets Asuka to get ready to tongue-lash him, but the expression on his face stops her cold. "I flew AH-1 Cobras and AH-64 Apaches. Went up against fast movers and a Scorpion Attack Helicopter twice. The first time I went up against the Scorpion, I lost a good friend in a Cobra as it was escorting a Blackhawk carrying a joint team of North and South American DEA Agents. The Scorpion's pilot was a merc hired by the drug lords the DEAs wanted to get their hands on." His gaze cold, he goes on.
"I may not know much about NERV, but you have an ego that'll get you killed very quickly. So I suggest you check or zero your ego, preferably the latter, as SHIELD is not about feeding egos. Am I clear, Pilot Sohryu?" The stone gaze in Preston's eyes get Asuka to look at Shinji. Only to find his gaze is just as stone. Asuka has only one recourse.
"You're clear, Agent Preston."
"Good." Bringing two helmets out from a nearby cabinet, he hands Shinji one before eying Asuka's A-10 clips. "You might want to take those out of your hair as the helmet really isn't meant with hair accessories in place." Asuka blinks before her eyes go wide.
"They're not accessories, sir! They're…"
"An obstruction, Pilot Sohryu." Asuka looks to Shinji and sees he's wearing his helmet already. "I don't always wear my A-10 clips, Pilot Sohryu, as I only wear them if inside an Evangelion." Shrugging, he adds, "Just a little food for thought." With that, he goes to a '64' simulator as Asuka grimaces.
'Great. Just great. I'm gonna get helmet hair!' With extremely great reluctance, Asuka removes the clips and looks for a place to set them. Preston, however, holds his empty hand out.
"I'll keep them here with me until after you're done." With that, Asuka nods and gently places the clips into his hand before he hands her the other helmet. Once she has it on her head, he asks, "How's the fit?"
"A little tight. Mainly around my hair."
"Alright. You may want to think about trimming it some." Asuka's about to bark, but then sees he's serious. Giving a sigh of defeat, she nods and strides to an empty simulator. Rolling his eyes as he sits down, Preston places the clips down onto the desk by a framed photo. Of himself and a Caucasian woman, dressed for a wedding. "Help me keep an eye on these, Billie Lee." Entering his access, he then puts on a headset. "Okay, we're start you off easy at 'Alpha', Pilot Sohryu. So make the most out of what you can." Asuka's arrogant grin gets him to sigh gustily before she replies.
"That's perfect because I have a pocket full of yen coins." In exasperation, he rolls his eyes as 'Alpha' starts. "Wow! The outside view of the simulator looks so real!"
'Honestly, she's being like a kid in an arcade!' Feeling mischievous, he brings the program up to 'Delta' as Asuka speaks again.
"Looks like a nice quiet Sunday morning out here."
"Nope. It's 0830 on Monday and you've got bogies out and about." As 'Delta' starts, Asuka grins ferally.
"Alright! It's fun time!" Grin on her face still, Asuka concentrates as she opens fire on the targets as Shinji, calmly and coolly, does the same. With each 'enemy aircraft destroyed', she starts uttering, "I am the greatest. I am the greatest." With each 'kill' she scores, her voice rises. "I am the greatest! I am the greatest! I AM THE GREATEST!" Preston sighs ruefully at the familiar words.
'She sounds like I did when I was training on the Apache.' Deciding to bring it up to 'Kilo', along with transmitting it throughout 'Wave of the Orca', he adds, "Let's see if this'll knock your ego out."
"Hah! Bring it!" As 'Kilo' starts, Asuka keeps it up, her feral grin widening. "Blast 'em, shoot 'em, cook 'em, boil 'em, broil 'em, nuke 'em, twist 'em, stab 'em, kick 'em… oh. All gone bye-bye!" Meanwhile…
(3rd Level; same time)
"The simulated enemies aren't the only things that've gone 'bye-bye', as she put it." Riesman rolls her eyes in agreement as Adam nods himself at McCoy's reply. Finding himself curious, Adam looks to Riesman.
"What's her deal, anyway?" Riesman can only sigh before giving Adam her reply.
"With that girl, Mr. Taurus, it's anyone's guess." Meanwhile…
(17th Level)
"Very impressive." Deciding to crank it up to 'Zulu', he adds, "Now let's see how well you do with the monocles." Shinji nods and puts his over his right eye before Asuka does the same. Only to blink.
"This is different." Shinji, still unaware his vision's been vampirically-enhanced, along with repaired, has no difficulty in target acquisition. Asuka, however, blinks repeatedly, grumbling, "Dammit. I can't focus." Next thing she knows, an alarm starts sounding before her sim goes out of control. "What?! What's going on?! AAAHHH!" At the flash of red, her simulator training ends. Recalling full well what that means, Preston tries to be reassuring.
"It's alright, Pilot Sohryu. None of this is real. It's essentially a game." His tone then goes grim as he adds, "Now since you were having so much fun, try to make believe they're notifying your next of kin."
The redhead says nothing, too shocked to speak. Turning his attention to Shinji, he goes on.
"JOFA Ikari, excellent work. Despite this being your first time using the monocle, you performed quite well."
"Thank you, sir." Curious, he then asks, "You okay, Pilot Sohryu?"
Asuka doesn't answer. She just exits the simulator, removes the helmet, goes to the booth, retrieves her clips and puts them on before putting the helmet back into the cabinet and, with as much dignity as possible, exits.
(Merc Warehouse; same time)
"Thank you, Mr. Pincer. You've been quite helpful." Pincer gives 'Hammer' a nod as the merc walks away from him, with 'Anvil' meeting up with him. As the two walk away, Pincer frowns in thought.
'Let's see. I told them the layout of the heli-carrier. The key access points… Roving patrols… but why am I feeling like I forgot something important?!'
"So…" As 'Anvil' speaks, it's low so Pincer doesn't hear him. "What'll we do with Mr. Pincer?" The gleam 'Hammer' has in his eyes gives 'Anvil' the answer before the former replies. His voice just as low.
"I suppose if he lives, we'll have to pay him." Getting a nod from 'Anvil', 'Hammer' walks on as 'Anvil' signals to 'Spike'. He grins viciously, nods and brings out a serrated knife before going to behind Pincer, 'Anvil' following close behind before the knife-holding merc clamps Pincer's mouth shut and puts the blade to his throat.
"Nothing personal, Mr. Pincer." The tone 'Anvil' has in his voice is grim as the merc slits Pincer's throat. "Just business."
Panicking, Pincer desperately grabs his throat as blood flows out to try stopping the bleeding. But to no avail as he collapses onto the floor and dies. 'Anvil' then leans down and, after extracting his access card, nods for 'Spike' to wipe his blade on Pincer's suit before putting his knife back into its sheath. Walking back to where the other mercs are gathered together, 'Anvil' looks to 'Spike' and sees his vicious grin still in place.
"You love this job, don't you?"
"Oh yes. What's not to love about a 'cutthroat' business like ours?" At the 'pun', 'Spike' starts laughing hysterically, getting 'Anvil' to feel a chill run up and down his spine. For while 'Spike' excels at knifework, he's also a psychopathic punster. Putting it out of his mind, 'Anvil' looks to 'Hammer'.
"So, 'Hammer', when do we go?"
"No better time than tonight, 'Anvil'. Everyone, synchronize watches. Time, coming up on 1350." Waiting as the mercs synchronize their watches, he adds, "Three, two, one… mark." At the synchronized beeps, 'Hammer' goes on. "We go at 2200. We also have instructions from the 'Gargoyle'. Three items of interest." At the kinked heads, he goes on.
"First item, the 3rd Child of NERV is aboard that vessel. His 'safety' is highly-urged at any and all costs. However, if he winds up eating a bullet 'before' we get to him… well, what can we do?"
The chortles of the other mercs get him to grin before he goes on.
"Same topic, different aspect. He has armaments that'll be of great use to us, so we get free additions to our armory." At the gleam in one merc's eyes, 'Hammer' nods. "That's right, 'Artillery'. You're going to get to play with some new toys if we pull this job right." At the soft, eager nod from the stocky African-American merc, Hammer goes on.
"Second item, four WW2-era tanks are on the same vessel for a 'study' it seems. The 'Gargoyle' wants them intact and in the possession of NERV." At that, 'Rat' can only blink before raising his hand.
"Not for nothing, 'Hammer', but how're we supposed to do that? The vessel's at least two, maybe three, miles out. The RHIBs we have, if my calcs are correct, won't be able to handle the weight on the return. Along with getting them down to them to begin with." 'Anvil' gives an acknowledging nod at that.
"Admittedly, 'Rat', that's an excellent question. Best case scenario, we find some way to get them ashore and to NERV. Worst case scenario, if it comes down to it… they go down with the vessel." Giving a nod of agreement, 'Hammer' finishes up.
"Third item, there's a girl on the vessel. Tanned skin, brown hair and green eyes. She seems to be skilled in combat along with a handful. The 'Gargoyle', however, says she's perfectly expendable. What his deal is with her, I don't know as I didn't ask. Nor did we 'think' to ask the late Mr. Pincer for details about her." At the 'chagrined' looks on their faces, 'Hammer' goes on.
"But she doesn't exactly have to die. A kid that can fight that good, along with be a handful, would make an excellent protégé for you, 'Delilah'. So, if any of you can, take her alive." 'Delilah', intrigued by the prospect of it, has only one question.
"She got a name?"
"Laura Howlett." Looking each of them over, he adds, "Grab some shut-eye for now. Open-eyes at 2100. That'll give us time to check our weapons, our personals… you know the drill."
(Wave of the Orca; Flight Deck; same time)
After exiting the 17th Level after her 'death', Asuka had made her way to the flight deck. Paying no heed to the eyes around her, she walks to beside the Tiger I and sits down beside it. Gently putting her head against one of the track wheels, she sighs audibly.
'I should've done what Agent Preston said.' Next thing she knows, the last voice she'd want to hear enters her ears.
"Never thought you'd be a tank girl, Pilot Sohryu." Asuka grins weakly at Shinji's comment as he sits down beside her. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Not really… but how, Shinji?" At his puzzled blink, she goes on. "How'd you manage to 'fly' with the monocle? It should've been impossible, given your first battle." At his second puzzled blink, she adds, "I read the report about it. You took a bad shot to your right eye when the Angel hit you through the connection. By all accounts, you should have crashed your sim as well." Before Shinji can even think, a mix of 5 AF-64s and 5 MH-70s appear on the flight deck. The redhead can only blink at that.
"What's going on, Shinji?" When he doesn't reply, she looks to him and gulps. His face is grimly set.