Neon Genesis Evangelion and the Rebuild of Evangelion are owned and written by Hideaki Anno. I own no elements from the original Manga, TV show, or Rebuild films but my OC. I also own no songs mentioned through the rest of the story.
That said, Please Enjoy the Show!
Chapter 11: A Plan to Sync
NERV HQ, Geo-Front
"So once more I owe you thanks him?" Commander Gendo Ikari sat alone in the dark office of his, silently speaking to one of his 'contacts.' They'd exchanged information and worked under UN operations and eyes, with Gendo mostly using it as a cover up to get SEELE off his back. Most of the time it worked, and now it had regarding SEELE. If he was to continue on his own acts, he needed to give them a distraction.
Luckily he'd found just the one.
"Please, Commander be realistic. You won't pay me either way, will you?" His contact asked, before returning to their topic. "I should note, though, the materials they'd asked for under the Freedom of Information Act; I easily gave them falsified information, with the government proceeding with the usual legal acts and such, which will be blocked any day now. So, should I worry about the JA Project as well?"
"No, it isn't necessary with the material information you've sent. "Gendo replied, glancing down to the image of the JCHI's project. The image was black and white, but was enough to reveal the large machine like humanoid drone.
"Good, I'll proceed with the plan then."
"I suggest you take heed in covering whatever information you have on this topic. We wouldn't want anyone knowing of this little incident which will take place later on." Gendo sharply stated, before hanging up. Leaning back into his seat, a grin formed across his face at his move. Now SEELE wouldn't be on his back for a good while.
At least, till VEELE should arrive, he thought before standing up and making his leave. But even then, I have my methods for dealing with that one...
Apartment Complex
Morning came by with ease as Shiro awoke to the sound of his doorbell ringing. Yawning, the Sixth Child (or rather Sixth Adult) stretched and exited his bed, typing his blanket around his legs. He didn't really have a lot of clothing, mostly using his money on food or things to entertain himself, so he slept in his underwear and that was about it.
Normally someone would say otherwise, human hygiene or getting sick and stuff, but he considered what Shinji told him about Misato and the crap they had to go through with EVA and the Angels…
And in Shiro's standards, he was pretty sure a cold wouldn't kill him anytime soon.
Picking up the phone by the door, Shiro entered the kitchen. "Hello?" He asked calmly.
"Hey Shiro, It's uh Shinji."
"Oh hey, Shin! What's up?" Shiro's face broke with a smile at the sound of his younger brother. Since the Fifth Angel's defat a week or so ago, he and Shinji had begun bonding more into a brotherly relationship. It wasn't much at first, but the pair got quick with similarities and coped better than ever.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come over to Misato's, I'm making breakfast." Shinji explained.
"Yeah sure, I'll be there in a sec." Shiro replied. "I just got to change."
"Okay." The older Ikari hung up, placing the phone down and proceeding to his room. He tossed his blanket onto the mattress, moving to a close to open and reveal several Plugsuits. Since he didn't originally plan to buy clothes, Shiro simply decided to hijack a few Plugsuits from NERV 2nd Branch, as they only had Shiro and…. Him as pilots.
A few minutes later and Shiro was out the door, phone and headphones in pocket. He didn't have his helmet though, as he had it always left in Null Unit's Entry Plug, which was designed…. Different, in a sense. The Entry Plug replied on either Shiro or Shinji's voice recognition to open, or any other high commands like Ritsuko, Misato or the Commander.
"Hello?" Shiro asked, knocking before buzzing the doorbell. A split second later, Shinji opened the door, dressed in his school wear.
"Hey Shiro! Glad to see you could make it." Shinji greeted, hugging his sibling.
"Glad to see you're still going to school!" Shiro joked, removing his shoes as the door closed behind. He followed Shinji into the kitchen, before leaning beside the wall by one of the refrigerators. "So, Shinji how school handling up?"
"Pretty good, actually. Most of the kids after finding out I was an EVA pilot like Rei left me to my own, and I made two new friends." Shinji explained, placing several plates down as Shiro smiled. To hear Shinji making friends a good, all things considered, it meant he was breaking out of his anti-social form more. "All in all, it's going great."
"I can tell." Shiro looked around, before asking. "Say, is there anything I can help you out with? I don't want to feel like I'm imposing or anything."
Shinji paused, before glancing to the coffee machine and back to Shiro. "Well, do you think you can make you and me some coffee?" He asked, placing two bread slices into the toaster. "Misato doesn't usually drink coffee, so it's just us to."
"Sure." Shiro moved from his place and to the coffee maker, taking two cups and getting to work. A few seconds later, a door opened. At first Shiro thought it was Misato, but he looked to see it was a penguin waddling to a bowl with fish on the floor. "Shinji, you never told me Misato had a pet."
"Oh him? That's just Pen-Pen, Misato's other roommate." Shinji answered casually, placing several toast slices onto a plate before taking a seat. Shiro blinked, before nodded; compared to Angels, this was honestly one of the few sane things he'd seen in all his life as an EVA pilot. "You okay with that coffee maker, Shir? You've been waiting for a few seconds or so-"
Shiro turned around, revealing two hot cups of coffee, pointing one to Shinji with a smirk. "You were saying? I was just trying to even out the coffee for us both." Shiro explained, a smug smile on his face while placing a coffee cup beside Shinji and taking his seat. "Last thing we need is your going on a sugar rush like when you were two."
Shinji groaned. "I told not to remind me of that!" he sighed, making Shiro chuckle at the memory. The pair, and Pen-Pen, sat in silence for a second or so eating toast before a door opened. This time, it was Misato, dressed in her undergarments. Shinji blushed for a sec, before it vanished with a slight frown while Shiro and Pen-Pen simply nodded and continued eating. "Uh, good morning…?"
Misato yawned, giving a wave before speaking up. "Good morning." She replied, shuffling to the fridge. Shiro raised an eyebrow as Misato opened the fridge, pulling out a beer can while Shinji gave a small glare. A second later, Misato chugged the thing down like it was nothing. "Yesss! Ah, there is nothing better than beer in the morning!"
"What's wrong with plain coffee?" Shinji asked softly.
"Or soda?" Shiro added, making the look to the older Ikari. "What? I need energy in the morning, and coffee kicks in only after an hour or so into batter or whatever's going on!"
"Oh? You guys have a problem with tradition?" Misato asked, glaring as Shinji with a look of betrayal. "Don't you know Japanese custom breakfast has Miso soup, steam rice and sake?"
"Your tradition," Shinji retorted calmly, taking another sip of his coffee.
"Excuse me?"
"If I recall, I don't think I was meant to be cooking today." Misato looked away in "confusion," while Shiro simply sighed and shook his head.
"You know Shinji's right, that's probably bad for you." he stated, taking a chop of his toast.
"Oh, what do you know?" Misato asked, glaring to the Sixth "Child."
"Don't know, do you?" Shiro asked, taking another bite before picking up his coffee cup. "That alcohol poisoning will kill you?"
"Wha?" Misato asked, giving a half look.
"You see, this is why you're going to grow up an old lady, Misato." Shinji stated, making Misato's eyebrow twitch as he placed down his toast piece. "It's no wonder you're single…."
"Are you implying I'm lazy?!"
"And sloppy…." Shiro added.
"God, I hate you two….." Misato groaned, looking away in anger.
"Glad you think so highly of us…." Shiro smiled innocently to her, making Misato only grow more irritated.
"Oh, leave me alone…. And why're you here anyway, Shiro?" Misato asked. It had confused her as to why the Sixth Child was here, as he didn't leave with them.
"Oh, Shinji invited me to breakfast and I didn't want to be jerk and say no." Shiro explained, taking his empty plate and cup and placing them into the sink. "By the way, thanks for the breakfast Shinji; this was probably the best food I've had in a while."
"Oh, is not big deal." Shinji replied sheepishly, before taking his own plate and cup to the sink. As he did, Misato snuck a piece of toast, while Pen-Pen returned to his fridge quietly. "So, Misato are you really going to my school today?"
"Of course!" Misato stated, before taking out the toast with a smile. "It's your parent teacher meeting after all!"
"But, don't you have work an all?"
"Oh it's no big deal, you're practically a part of my job!"
"Ah….." Shinji murmured, slightly saddened by that. It hurt to hear it from Misato, who he already considered a friend and somewhat an adoptive mother, and to hear her say that was…. Saddening. Misato caught on, and frowned slightly at Shinji's mood change.
"I… I didn't mean it like that Shinji…. I just…." Misato sighed, before looking back to her toast. Shiro stayed silent, though, as he didn't want to disturb this scenario. Not that he liked seeing Shinji sad or Misato either, he just felt he wasn't entitled into speaking for either of them. Shiro's phone suddenly beeped, and said owner looked to see he'd received a text message from NERV.
NERV: Come to base immediately, Command wants a word.
"Aw hell, what did I do wrong?" Shiro murmured, before sighing. He looked over to Misato, who returned a stern nod, and then to Shinji who looked up in confusion. "I have to go, old man Commander wants to speak with me. I'll see you around."
Bye, bro/See ya, Shiro!" The two called out as Shiro left. As he did, he ran into two kids making their way to Misato's apartment, pausing to watch him leave.
"Who's that?" Toji asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"Not sure, I think its Shinji's brother." Kensuke stated, fixing his glassed. Toji froze up, before the words sunk into his head.
"T-T-That's his brother?!" Toji felt a cold breeze go up his spine as he recalled his attack on Shinji. If his brother ever found out, lord only knew how much trouble he'd be in. "Oh god, I'm so dead!"
"Oh calm down, I doubt he that's bad." Kensuke sighed, trying to cheer his troubled friend up. Something told him this was going to be a long day.
Commander Ikari's office, NERV HQ
"Could you… Please repeat that sir?" Shiro asked in much confusion as the Commanders statement.
"The plan is to have the Third Child attempt a synchronization of the Null Unit." Commander Ikari stated, hands as usual across his mouth with glasses shimmering light reflections. "We've already proven his ability to synch with Unit-01 was a colossal effort and success, however should the time come Unit-01 is inoperable or badly damaged, we must be prepared for any pilot to be able to synch with the other Evangelion's."
"I see." To be honest, Shiro both liked and hated this idea. The idea of having a untrained pilot was bad at first, especially Shinji, pilot Unit-01 worked yes, but it made these types of ideas and possibilities come out. And they were bad.
For one, Shinji wasn't equipped with a Plugsuit like Shiro's, which allowed fully synchronization and numbness of any external pain the EVA was given. The other problem was if it went berserk, as the Unit-00 had before the brother's arrivals. "If this is the case sir, should I not train and teach Shinji how my EVA works?" Shiro asked, making the Commander raise an eyebrow.
"Explain."
"Well, the US Branch's EVA's work slightly differently than the NERV HQ's EVA series, and Shinji doesn't not have a full-synchronization Plugsuit like my own. It would be unwise to allow him to enter without and prior knowledge of the Unit, especially when regarding the Entry Plug controls and synchronization."
"I see. Very well, then you will explain your Unit's ways of synchronization to the Third Child and vice-versa with him."
"Sir?"
"You also will be attempting a synchronization; with Unit-01. We've already outfit Unit-01 with an Entry Plug the US branch has 'lent', so there are no excuses." Commander Ikari stated, his cold eyes staring at his older son who all but returned the glare. "The Third Child will be attempting a Synch with the Null Unit tomorrow. Do not disappoint me, Shiro."
"Hmph, like anything here can please you, Commander." Shiro stated coldly, before making his leave. Once he was gone, Fuyutsuki looked up from his book to Gendo.
"Ikari what are you doing? Shouldn't you focus more on SEELE and the Lance on Longinus replica than this?" He asked calmly.
"SEELE's problems are not my concern, neither is the arrival of VEELE and Unit-04. If the Third and Sixth can fully synchronize with eithers EVA's, we will possess a much more powerful deck than before." Ikari explained, glancing to his old teacher. "As for the Lance, it possesses no threat without and EVA or Angel at its helm. We were lucky to retrieve it before the public became aware of its existence."
"Indeed, though this shows SEELEs grip on their second-in-command and the Fifth Child is becoming looser." Fuyutsuki stated, looking to his book and flipping a page. "Lets us hope that this does not result in any 'incidents' regarding VEELE and his EVA."
EVA Cages
"Central Dogma, this is the Sixth Child." Shiro reported in, helmet fixed onto his head as he entered the Entry Plug. Sure enough, the Commander did not lie, as the seat and controls were adjusted to his size. He fixed his helmet to life, before feeling the Entry Plug slip into Unit-01's Entry slot. "I am now in Unit-01, awaiting further orders."
"Roger Unit-01, this is Hyuga Aoba at Central Dogma. Back to you in a minute."
"All systems nominal."
"Internal locking array locked."
"We have contact, repeat Unit-01 is active!"
"Entry Plug LCL flooding has been completed."
"Synchronization levels are rising steadily… Synchronization rates at 58.9%!" Unit-01's eyes glowed as it was pulled from its cage to the shaft wall, the multitude of doors opening for the Unit to fly though. "That's strange, there was fluctuation in the Synchronization rates….. Must be nothing. Unit-01 is active and ready for departure."
"Understood." Hyuga stated, communications coming to life in the Entry Plug. "Shiro, we're going to be sending you up by the Geo-Front Lake, the basis of this being on Unit-01 testing with a new pilot in a NERV controlled area. Remember this only a test run; take it slow and no rash movements. You won't be getting weapons any time soon, though there are two Progressive Knives on either shoulder pylon."
No rash movements, understood…." Shiro was surprised at how this was going so far; he'd imagined this ending with no synching with Unit-01. He'd heard of Rei's synchronization only one which occurred long before the Angels arrival. And even then the First Child struggled to synch fully with the EVA. He somewhat expected the same results.
Unit-01 proved him wrong. "Launching Unit-01 for test training!" Shiro felt Unit-01 shudder as it raced up to the above ground of the NERV HQ, purple armor shimmering with its green highlights. Not a minute later was Unit-01 at the surface, locks opening to release the purple mech.
Unit 01 slouched forward as its shoulder pylons were let loose. Its head looked up, before its body straightened out and stood fully. Shiro looked around his surroundings; a lake with a Japanese Navy Destroyer close to the NERV HQ's pyramid center and the tower beside it. In the sky he could see the outline of where Tokyo-3 was stationed on the ceiling, and the small lines and ram linings across the 6 klick wide dome.
"Beginning test run." Shiro slowly pushed the controls forward, letting Unit-01 move slowly. He let the controls go, lifting his own hands and tightening his hand into a fist. Unit-01 followed suit from outside the Entry Plug, the fist enclosing before opening once more. "So far, so good. Commencing movement."
Shiro retook the controls, pushing them forward. Unit-01, like its first fight with Sachiel, raised its leg and struggled to stay balanced for a second. Luckily, Shiro jerked the controls to force its leg down, the ground below rocking under the pressure. Unit-01 slowly took another step, before it began walking and starting a slow jog.
Might as well make the effort, Shiro thought as he silently ran across the Geo-Front diameter.
After a few hours or so, Unit-01 was brought back to the EVA Cages, having completed its synchronization test. Shiro stepped off of Unit-01's Entry Plug seat, landing softly onto the metal railway beside the EVA's back. "So, how did I turn out?" Shiro asked, fixing off his helmet as Ritsuko walked forward, with Maya behind her.
"Your synchronization rates at 60.1%, the highest we've had." Ritsuko explained, glancing to Unit-01 then to Shiro. "I have to admit I had my concerns regarding Unit-01, I had fear we'd be dealing with another Unit-00 incident."
"I feel it's only equal to say I had my doubts as well, I feared Unit-01 wouldn't cooperate with me." Shiro stated, before giving a friendly smile to the faux-blond doctor. "Guess that's the thing about Unit-01, always seems to be full of surprises."
UN Space Observation Cruiser 797, high orbit of Earth atmosphere
High above the atmosphere, a lone UN jet flew. It was a dull grey vessel, with a blue color coating on the top half and a grey underbelly, and shaped in a form similar to that of an arrow. Inside, the lone Commander Ikari sat in thought. He was surprised by Shiro's synchronization rate with Unit-01, it only surpassed the Third Child's be a small amount. Nevertheless, that single amount would be enough to help push the Angels down, and possibly fasten his scenario.
His thoughts traversed to Unit-01, and soul that dwelled deep within. Gendo pondered if the soul of Unit-01 was allowing the brothers to synch with Unit-01, and the attempt with the First Child was not from faulty machinery….. But because of the souls hatred towards the First.
At the far end of the seating isle, a door shifted to the side to reveal a man in a grey suit and tie. He walked past the man empty seats, before coming to the one beside Gendo. "Excuse me, can I take this seat?" He asked, though Gendo didn't look or turn; he simply stared off at what remained of Antarctica.
"Go right ahead."
The man took his seat, before turning his attention to the NERV commander. "The revise budget for the simply collection must have passed easily I assume?" Gendo's contact asked, a look of calm pleasure across his face .
"SEELE's main concern is their own survival; they won't get budget cocky with their live on the line." Gendo replied sharply.
"Yes, they once assumed there were no longer any Angels." The man stated, taking out a small glass flask from his pocket. "I have more good news, all the members of the Security Council have signed off on the final procedures regarding EVA Unit Mk.6." The man stated. "It's only a matter of time before that and the Third Angel, at Bethany Base, are under the Commitiees control."
"I see. And your country?"
"My people have signed off and are beginning proceeding with the processing of MP EVA Series. However a pilot has not been found, nor have we been given the go for use of the Dummy or US Devil System."
"Finding a pilot won't be easy, but the Angels have returned. We have no choice in what we do next, just as long as they are defeated."
NERV HQ
"So you mean, everything they teach us in school about Second Impact is a lie?" Shinji asked, confused as to why they were lied to. "That's just great….. Do you know, Dr. Akagi?"
"Yes, we here at NERV and the UN know of the incident in Antarctica." Ritsuko explained, the door in front of the trio opening to allow a breeze of cold air to hit. "Roughly 15 years ago, the cover up of Second Impact regarding a meteorite striking the Antarctic was released to the public. The reality, however, is that a research expedition was sent out and uncovered the First Angel, codenamed Adam. During a research test, however, the Angel became pre-awakened and exploded, resulting in the destruction of billions of human lives."
Misato winced, though Shinji didn't notice it. She knew about Second Impact, she was there, hell he had a scar and mental record to prove it. There was nothing in her life more terrifying than that day; physically seeing a giant of light surrounded by humanoid beings of the same light, with wings that spanned miles higher than the eye could see, roaring as it tore Antarctica apart before exploding into trillions of pixel size bits.
To see it recorded or on paper was one thing, for Misato is was certainly another to witness if first hand.
"So," Shinji started slowly. "Everything we do here is to stop a possible Third Impact?"
"Yes," Ritsuko answered. "That is the true purpose of NERV and the Project Evangelion Series."
By the way Misato," Ritsuko turned to see Misato, who returned the stare silently. "The JA event will be scheduled tomorrow. DO try to be here at soon as possible."
Misato nodded. "I understand. Is there anyone else going with us?"
"Yes, Shiro will be coming as NERV's speaker on behalf of the EVA Project. He'll be meeting us here as well."
"Right…."
