After the Volcano 11
Disclaimer: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Highwayman. Wish I did, though.
Author's Notes: Here's the chapter where the Sixteenth Angel attacks, along with an assassination attempt against 'Highway' and a deadly introduction. Enjoy.
At school, Kensuke hacks his way into NERV's computers, even during the teacher's daily lecture. Which, no big surprise, was about the Second Impact. Shinji and Asuka can barely contain their amusement. Ever since they'd arrived, Kensuke would prattle on and on about the two big-rigs in front of the apartment building. Taking a quick look around, Asuka opens a private chat page and invites Shinji into it. To her delight, he accepts. As he usually does.
Angel_Slayer-01: What's up, honey?
Angel_Slayer-02: Nothing much, sweetheart. Just wondering when you're going to have mercy on the nerdy nut-burger over there.
Angel_Slayer-01: Probably when he can't find a friggin' thing on 'Highway' or Jetto's trucks. LLI
Angel_Slayer-02: LMFAOI. When do you expect that?
Angel_Slayer-01: I'd say sometime within the next 2 mins. If not sooner. Sure enough, three seconds later, Shinji gets an invitation from Kensuke and he types to Asuka.
Angel_Slayer-01: Gotta split my time with you, baby. He got to be desperate sooner than expected.
Angel_Slayer-02: Okay. Good luck to you, stud. LLI
Angel_Slayer-01: Thanks. I'll be needing it. Turning his attention to Kensuke, he types in.
Angel_Slayer-01: What's up?
Warrior-01: I'm having a hard time finding those kick-ass cool big rigs in the mainframe. Can you tell me the designation for them?
Angel_Slayer-01: Try 'Highwayman' as the search criteria.
Warrior-01: Got it. Thanks. A minute later, he comes back, his typing tone not amused.
Warrior-01: Okay. What gives? I looked for that criteria and I can't find anything in NERV about 'Highwayman' or those trucks.
'To tell him or not to tell him? That is the question I ask of me.' Shrugging, he mentally adds, 'Tell him.' Typing, he gives Kensuke his reply.
Angel_Slayer-01: This is going to come as a shock to you, but those trucks are not with NERV at all. They're with a special unit in the US Marshals Office.
Warrior-01: WTF? US Marshals? What for? Was it something I did?
Angel_Slayer-01: LMMFAOI. Don't take this the wrong way, but they're not here for you. They're not even from around here.
Warrior-01: Of course they're not from around here.
Angel_Slayer-01: No, no, no, no. You're not following me, bud. They're from another dimension. They don't even know how they got here. LLI
Warrior-01: If this is your idea of a joke, I'm telling your wife! She can slap that silly nonsense right out of you!
Angel_Slayer-01: Go right on ahead. She'll just back me up on that as she knows as well. LLI Next thing they know, Asuka chips in with her two bits.
Angel_Slayer-02: He's right, 'Stooge'. The 'Highwayman' Unit is actually based in another dimension. That's why you can't find anything, dumbass. LLI
Warrior-01: You're not nice, 'Devil Girl'. You're corrupting your husband at an alarming rate!
Warrior-01 has signed off
Angel_Slayer-01: You enjoyed that, didn't you? LLI
Angel_Slayer-02: LMAOI. You better believe it. How long will it take him to calm down enough to process what we told him?
Angel_Slayer-01: No clue this time. We really hit him with a metaphorical N2 mine this time.
Angel_Slayer-02: LLI. Too bad we can't use one for real on him. Thinking of, when are you going to tell the mad scientist about your idea?
Angel_Slayer-01: LLI. I'm thinking during the sync attempt for Jock-man. I'd love to see the look on her face before she pictures it.
Angel_Slayer-02: Same here, baby. Lunch-time quickie?
Angel_Slayer-01: If no Angels attack today during lunch, I'm more than open.
Angel_Slayer-02: Yippee! I've already got a place in mind, too.
Angel_Slayer-01: I can hardly wait to see it. ;)
Angel_Slayer-02: I can hardly wait to show you. ;) Ending the chat, Asuka grins upon looking around and seeing Kensuke banging his head on the desk.
'That'll teach him to assume everything around here is pertaining to NERV.' Soon, his head-banging causes her to wince. Not for him, but for the desk. 'I'm glad I'm not that desk. Looks like it's starting to get dented.' Noticing the teacher still speaking the same lecture as the day before, even with Kensuke banging his head, she can't help but think, 'Does he have no short-term memory or something?'
After he finishes banging his head on his desk, Kensuke ponders what Shinji and Asuka had told him. 'Alternate dimensions? US Marshals driving kick-ass cool rigs? What kind of planet is this?'
As 'Highway' and Jetto walk out to 'Stealth', Tania, Annie and Misato are up in the Katsuragi/Ikari apartment so Tania can get a better grasp of what's going on. With the information Kaji had left her, what he'd shown her at NERV, SEELE being behind the scenes and why children are being used in combat. Needless to say, the latter tugs on her maternal heartstrings to no end. Along with Annie's.
"That is so, so wrong!" Her eyes brimming with tears, she asks, "How was Shinji chosen and what method was used to get him to pilot?"
"Commander Ikari sent for Shinji, Ms Winthrop. Unit-01 needed a Pilot since Rei had been hurt during a sync test for Unit-00. At first, Shinji refused because he hadn't known about Evangelion or the Angels. He wasn't even sure he could do it. But, when he saw how badly Rei was hurt, he changed his mind."
"I see." Clenching her right hand into a fist, Tania snarls out, "That's what he meant by he was blackmailed into it."
"Pretty much."
"How'd he do, Major Katsuragi?"
"Misato, please, Ms Winthrop."
"Sure, if you'll simply call me Tania, Misato."
"Deal, Tania. Well, in his first fight, he pulled off a 47 percent sync ratio with no prior training under combat conditions." Snorting, she adds, "Of course, it didn't exactly help matters for the Third Angel to take the coward's way out when Unit-01 went 'Berserker' on it's ass."
"Where was Mrs Ikari during all this? Shinji's wife, I mean."
"Asuka was back in Germany, training for combat, wanting to be the best Pilot, Tania. Ever since Kyoko died, she'd shut herself off from showing her feelings." Annie's reply gets a gasp of shock from Tania. "But then she met Shinji."
Perplexed, Tania asks, "What about her Father? Why didn't he try keeping her away from it?"
"He was the one that sponsored her for GEHIRN before it became part of NERV, Tania. I don't know why Reinhardt and Helga went along with SEELE, but they won't be doing that anymore."
"Why's that?"
"They were 'fragged' in a blast at their home." From there, Annie tells Tania all about Asuka being abducted and Shinji having been shot in the shoulder. Along with 'Highway' using a round of 'grenade golf' to get information from Doctor Hilda Gesena. Tania only has one reply.
"This SEELE bunch, whoever they are, has broken at least 15 international laws applicable in our world. Genocide, conspiracy to commit same, crimes against humanity, using children in warfare, causing intense emotional harm to the children. On and on."
Shaking her head, she adds, "Back in our world, Interpol and the Prosecution would have a picnic at the Hague. But, I doubt Interpol exists in this world. Which means SEELE would have to be prosecuted 'old school'. No lawyers involved at all."
"Meaning what, Ms Winthrop?" Annie's question is good, as Misato finds herself wondering the same thing.
"Meaning 'frontier justice' would be most appropriate in dealing with SEELE and their supporters." Looking over at Misato, she adds, "There is also the matter of Commander Ikari abandoning his own son after his wife vanished into this 'Unit-01'. I wish to meet with him to discuss his plans for Shinji. Both for the remainder of this 'war' and afterward."
'Somehow, I think the Commander's going to wish he'd never abandoned Shinji to begin with by the time she's done with him!' Misato's thought must have been visible on her face, for Annie's thinking the same thing. Somewhat.
'Tania may not be a field Agent, but she's a heck of a cop!'
On the road
As Jetto rides beside 'Highway' in 'Stealth', he thinks about what 'Highway' had told him. Regarding SEELE, Kaji's intent to foul up SEELE's plans as much as possible and how pissed SEELE must be by now. Shaking his head, he chuckles in amusement.
"I hope those 'dopies' in SEELE, do something even dumber, mate. It'd be a hoot to introduce them to 'Mr Good News', 'Mr Bad News' and 'Mr Really Bad News'. In the dead of night, no less."
"Yeah, it would be. For that matter, it has been a while since we used that approach." Curious, 'Highway' then asks, "Just where'd you vanish to, anyway? I haven't seen you for a long time." Before Jetto can interject, he adds, "And that's before I wound up here."
Jetto gives 'Highway' a fond grin, replying, "I've been a survival instructor for a merc group. Name of Mithril. They more or less work like us, only with no official ties with any one nation."
"What do they do?"
"They destroy drug factories and terrorist training camps. The higher-ups have a fondness for sorting out regional conflicts. Remember that shin-dig in the Balic region last year? The refugee rescue and evacuation?" At his nod, he adds, "That was all Mithril, mate."
"Nicely done." Jetto can't help but smirk at the tendency of 'Highway' to understate it.
"It does have supporters within the business and international communities. It's an organization of high moral caliber, but has a big flaw in it."
"The flaw being a mercenary-comprised organization is vulnerable to anyone with a large checkbook." At Jetto's nod, 'Highway' smirks and adds, "But, it does sound interesting to work with."
Jetto gives 'Highway' a nod just as 'Highway' spots a car sitting at the side of the road. Facing the opposite direction, it's hood up.
"Wonder how long that car's been sitting there."
"No idea. Let's find out, mate." As 'Highway' wheels 'Stealth' to a stop across from and in front of, Jetto notices the make and comments, "Looks like two men sitting together in that Pinto." His eyebrow quirking, he asks, "Didn't they hang a macabre nickname on it?"
"Yeah. 'The barbecue that seats four'. Haven't seen one of those in years. It's either the driver's old and decrepit or they're fascinated about becoming barbecue. Good thing they're facing into Tokyo-3 instead of in the middle of the road out of Tokyo-3. If hostility happens, they won't see you coming at them." Jetto chuckles as 'Highway' exits 'Stealth' before exiting as well.
'Probably no worries, but I'm not taking any chances. Annie and Tania would both pull me apart. With their bare hands if anything happened to the blighter.'
Getting to the car, 'Highway' leans down to the window and sees a pair of elderly men and gets a bad feeling about them. Shaking it off, he smiles widely, with the men returning the smile.
"Car trouble, guys?"
"Yes. My alternator's fried, I think. Any chance you can see, my good young fellow?"
"Sure." Going to the engine bay, 'Highway' can clearly see the problem. "Your alternator's not fried. Looks like your wire worked loose. Hang on and I'll hook it back in for you."
"Why, thank you, son." Exiting the car, the two men advance on 'Highway', with the driver asking, "Are you a mechanic, son?"
"Nope. I'm a US Marshal. Name's 'Highway' with the 'Highwayman' unit. I'm just good with vehicles."
"A little out of your way, aren't you?"
"Somewhat. I'm just in Tokyo-3 until I find a hint of a fugitive."
Next thing 'Highway' knows, he hears a hammer click beside his head. Glancing to his side, he sees the driver holding a snub-nosed .38 revolver. Looking across, he sees the passenger holding the same kind of weapon on him. Along with Jetto coming up behind the old man. An angry scowl on his face before nodding silently. With 'Highway' returning the nod.
"Who are you nodding at, boy? You're alone." Smirking evilly, he adds, "Your first encounter with SEELE has become your last, Marshal 'Highway'. What delicious irony."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, you old fart!" Ducking down, 'Highway' sends an elbow into the old man's stomach, causing the man to choke out his air. Jetto comes up behind the other old man, knocking him down to the ground. "Two 'Highwaymen'. You know what that means, right?"
Smirking widely, Jetto adds, "No waiting." Prodding the prone old man with his foot, Jetto says, "Move your ass, old timer." The man reluctantly crosses over to his companion upon hearing Jetto draw his shotgun. "Now park your ass." Upon getting to 'Highway's side, he sees him draw his shotgun as well. Angrily.
"Trying to take me down with such a good plan? What are you dying from?"
"It wasn't us that was supposed to die. You're messing up our scenario! We're supposed to become gods!"
"Good grief, mate. These blokes are bloody balmy! Is that what SEELE is comprised of? Deranged old people? How sad. How really, really sad." Giving 'Highway' a glance, he asks, "What do you want to do with these farts?"
"Remember what we were talking about just now?"
"You mean before these two rocket scientist wannabes tried bushwhackin' ya?"
"Yeah. That. I think an introduction is in order, Jetto." His tone going malicious, he adds, "We even have part of what we need for the introduction."
"Too right, mate. How, when and where?" As 'Highway' tells him, Jetto chuckles in glee. "Bloody brilliant, mate. I'll bring the marshmallows. Want me to bring some hot dogs and nachos for good measure?"
"Sure. Wouldn't be a party without nachos or hot dogs." For some reason, the two old men with SEELE find themselves not liking the way 'Highway' said 'party'.
At school
As Shinji and Asuka get ready to share their lunchtime, Touji comes up. His stomach growling loudly. Asuka can't help but giggle before bringing out a large box.
"Here you go, 'Stomach'. Compliments of Jetto." Touji blinks haplessly before wondering who it is. As if she can read his mind, she adds, "Jetto's a guy that works with 'Highway' on the 'Highwayman' unit."
"Another Marshal?" At the nod from Shinji, he then asks, "When did he arrive?"
"Last night. Along with Ms Winthrop." At his blink of non-comprehension, Asuka rolls her eyes and says, "She's the liaison to the unit for the Marshals."
"Is it just me, or do you two 'newlyweds' meet the most interesting people these days?"
"We'll have to get back to you on that, Touji. Looking forward to today?"
"If no Angel comes along to fuck things up, I'm looking forward to syncing, buddy." Mashing his fisted left hand into his right palm, he then says, "Of course, since I haven't clobbered an Angel yet, I do hope one comes along today. Just to see how I do against it." Rolling her eyes again, Asuka can't help but be amused.
"Okay. Just don't be so macho in my unit, will you? I shudder to think about it being like you. Remember, be the EVA. Not the 'Stooge' that you are."
"At least I know it's really you, not some pod-born chick sent to Earth to seduce Shinji." In the background, Kensuke can't help but wince, knowing his big friend's in for it now. Only…
"You say the funniest things, Touji!" As Asuka giggles, Shinji softly takes her hand, smiling softly. "See you at NERV, mein sacrifice!" Once the couple's left his sight, Touji can't help but ponder what the 'Red Devil' just said.
"She called me her 'sacrifice' just now, didn't she? Oh yeah. She's the 'Red Devil', alright." Touji can only chuckle as he starts to eat, a befuddled Kensuke watching. "Mmm. Jetto's a good cook. Sure like to meet him sometime. If I live after syncing with 'Red Devil's EVA." When he sees Kensuke watching him eat, he asks, "You okay, 'Suke?"
Upon finding a private spot on the school's rooftop, Shinji and Asuka both undo their uniforms slightly before starting to have sex. While eating Jetto's cooking. As Shinji cups Asuka's ass while she goes up and down on his member, she pops a small piece of food into his mouth and hers. As they both chew, Shinji hits her 'G-spot' without trying, causing the German redhead to orgasm. Prompting Shinji to chuckle after swallowing.
"So, which is better, Asuka? Sex while eating, sex before eating or sex after eating?"
"I love all kinds of sex with you, silly Shinji." Upon feeling him cup her uncovered bosom, Asuka grins while he drapes his thumb across her nipple. "But 'sex while eating' is definitely fun. Let's put it in the 'keep' column." Shinji's nod gets a giggle from the redhead and she bends backward, wanting to feel the roof against her back while Shinji pumps into her.
Getting the message, Shinji holds his wife's hips as he pumps into her. As she bites her finger to keep from screaming in ecstasy, Shinji feels his pressure get to the point of release. Asuka feels it as well and wraps her legs around him. Even though she knows he enjoys giving her creampies.
"Oh no you don't, Shinji. You're going to keep on giving me creampie fillings until we have a big family." Upon feeling Shinji's sperm flow into her womb, Asuka lovingly strokes his face. Only to hear…
"What in the world are you two doing?" The alarmed shriek from Hikari as she stands away from the joined two causes both of them to blush before Shinji exits her 'love channel'. Causing Hikari to blush deeply. "Wait! Let me get clear first, you two!" Blubbering now, Hikari goes back downstairs while Shinji and Asuka lightly chuckle.
"We should probably get a sign for wherever we do this at, Asuka. 'Making a family. Do not disturb under penalty of being stepped on by an EVA'. How does that sound?"
"It sounds wonderful, Shinji. But, we should get dressed and finished with our lunch."
"Yeah." Giving Asuka's breast one more tender graze on the nipple, he adds, "We can do more tonight."
"I can hardly wait, honey." As she cleans Shinji's member off with a handy-wipe, she feels a piece of lunch against her lips and accepts. As she returns the favor by feeding Shinji, she quips, "I don't know about you, but the next time we try sex while eating, let's do that in the night-time. In broad daylight may be fun, but too much can happen."
"True. At least it won't get boring between us. Certainly not with you."
Shinji's words cause a deep blush from the lovely German redhead as he softly kisses her lips. Returning the kiss with gusto, Asuka wraps her arms around him and feels his arms encircle her lithe semi-nude form. Giggling against her love's lips, Asuka grins.
"We're going to be late if we start fucking our brains out again."
"Asuka, we practically know the material at heart. The same lecture, day in, day out. It's not like we'll be needed in class."
"True. The teacher doesn't seem to have a short term memory." The two chuckle lightly before Asuka adds, "Misato won't be happy if we skip class for sex, though."
"Who'd tell?" Entering his wife gently again, Shinji begins pumping her, adding, "It's not going to be me." Asuka can only giggle in glee as she shakes her head.
"If I'd known before leaving Germany I was going to fall in love with you, I'd have left off the panties on the 'Over the Rainbow' and slapped only your 'Stooge' friends. Then I'd have asked you if you liked the show before having you fuck me on the flight deck." Shinji's lips on hers get a happy sigh from her.
"I'd have gladly fucked you so hard, you wouldn't have walked right for a month." Shinji's comment get a sultry purr from her before he adds, "But, it's a road not traveled. Nothing can be done about it except travel the road right now."
"Hmm, and what a journey it'll be. Especially with you, my love." Next thing Asuka and Shinji know, she lets out a loud scream of ecstasy as Shinji floods her womb with his sperm again.
As she comes down from her euphoric high, Asuka gently rubs Shinji's back before giggling.
"What is it, Asuka?"
"I think we'll wind up missing the rest of the school day if we keep this up."
"You're talking like it's a bad thing."
"You're right, it's not a bad thing. But, what about Touji's sync attempt with Unit-02?"
"Good point. We can do some more love-making tonight." Exiting his wife's love canal, he smirks upon seeing his sperm seeping out. "I look forward to making more creampies with you, Asuka."
"I look forward to having many more of them made with you, Shinji." Cleaning him off with another handy-wipe, Asuka feels him covering her upper-torso with the greatest of care. Along with soft brushing of her nipples after the fact. "Oh, behave."
"You should talk, Asuka." At her blink, Shinji adds, "Look at what you're doing right now." Upon seeing her hand pumping Shinji's erection, Asuka giggles while blushing furiously.
"Oops."
"Hey, that's my bit!" Asuka's face takes on alarm before switching to fury before amusement. As the two laugh out loud, a blushing Hikari shakes her head from within the staircase.
'Those two sex fiends are going to be the death of me!' Three minutes later, Hikari hears her two friends coming down the stairs and turns away, not wanting them to see her blushing furiously. "I hope the both of you enjoyed your lunchtime."
"Oh, we did, Hikari." Giving Shinji a lecherous grin, Asuka gets an idea and asks, "How would you like to be part of something special, Hikari?"
Her face bright red still, Hikari barely squeaks out, "How special, Asuka?" As Asuka whispers into her ear, Hikari's blush fades away and is replaced by an ear-to-ear smile. "I'd love to. But, what about…"
"Just leave that to us, Hikari." Shinji's words get a grinning nod from Asuka.
NERV HQ: Gendo's office
As he pores over the itinerary, Gendo can't help but wonder when a good time to have SEELE eliminated would be. Kiel, especially. So much of the man remained a mystery. Even to him. At times recently, he couldn't help but wonder…
"Commander Ikari, Major Katsuragi is here, along with Miss Zeppelin and a woman that works with the Marshal." Blinking, Gendo ends his musing before clearing his throat.
"All three are to enter, Iris."
"Yes, Commander Ikari." Once the doors open, Gendo can easily make out the forms of Misato and Annie. While the newest form is vaguely visible in the shadows.
"How can I help you today, Major Katsuragi?"
"It's not her you can help, Commander, but me. Tania Winthrop, liaison for the U.S. Marshals Office for the 'Highwayman' unit. I have some things to address with you."
'A take charge personality. How refreshing.' Positioning his hands before his face, Gendo asks, "What things do you wish to address with me, Ms Winthrop?"
"For starters, the abhorrent way you treated your own son in the past, only to get him involved in a war. One that innocents have no business being used in."
"Do you have children of your own, Ms Winthrop?"
"No, Commander, I do not. I'm married to my work. Of course, I am open to trying for a family if I find the right guy."
"When you do, cherish them deeply. I wish I did so beforehand. But I had to act the part of a heartless bastard to concentrate on my work. I couldn't raise a child and work at the same time. There was no way I could've done so." Dropping his hands down, he softly adds, "Especially with…"
"With what, Commander Ikari? Especially with what?"
"SEELE, Ms Winthrop. The day Yui vanished into Unit-01, I held Shinji close, not wanting him to gaze upon that beast any longer than he already had. He was so sad and frightened, it took everything in me to not break down as well. I wanted to be strong for him. That night, after I put Shinji into bed, I got a phone call."
"Sir?" Misato's question gets a bitter chuckle from him before he replies.
"Lorenz Kiel, long before he became the head of SEELE, offered me a chance to regain Yui. I refused, of course. Sure that Doctor Akagi's Mother would succeed in getting Yui back home. At the first failure ten days later, she gave up. After that attempt failed, Kiel called again. I was desperate. He told me in no uncertain terms that Shinji's presence was not needed until a certain time was reached."
"You agreed to that? How could you? Shinji needed a Father, not an asshole that didn't care about him!"
"I cared about him, Miss Zeppelin! I cared about him so much! When I got home after leaving Shinji, alone and crying at the train station, I slept in his room, crying my eyes out! Wanting to understand why I did what I'd done! From there, I had to be a cold bastard to him!" Shaking his head, he goes on.
"Years later, Kiel told me to summon Shinji to Tokyo-3. I must've sounded so excited at the thought of seeing Shinji again, because Kiel told me I had to maintain my cold bearing toward him. Reluctantly, I agreed. With no small amount of anger, too."
"Anger, sir?" Nodding, Gendo takes a deep breath before going on.
"Kiel must've heard the anger in my reply as well, because he said that Shinji will die if I do anything to countermand SEELE's wishes. Not by Kiel's own hands, of course, but by an assassin's hands."
"An assassin? To kill Shinji?" At his sad nod, Misato gets the picture. "That's why you were so cold to him when you saw him in the cages. You were worried about him."
"Correct. When I heard he was on his way with you, I wanted to jump for joy. But, that would've wrecked my façade to no end. So, I had to settle for striding to the cages and wait for his arrival there. Of course, it did take quite a while for him to get there, didn't it, Major Katsuragi?"
Misato haplessly chuckles at that while Annie and Tania maintain their shared glares at him. Seeing the glares, Gendo clears his throat and goes on.
"I wanted to discuss so much with him, but the Third Angel was nearing. I'd hoped that Shinji would've remembered the Evangelion, but the poor boy didn't. I told him he'd be trained in it. I wanted the words to give him encouragement. They had the opposite effect. I then had an idea. It was a long shot, but I'd hoped he'd have gotten his Mother's compassion toward others. Sure enough, he had."
"A very risky gamble that could've gotten him and Rei killed, Commander Ikari. Your story so far makes some semblance of sense, but what doesn't add up is why didn't you try ignoring this SEELE bunch to begin with?"
"Oh, you have no idea how many times I'd wished that, Ms Winthrop. Ever since I cast Shinji out of my life, I wish I had told those SEELE assholes to kiss off." Reaching down for his desk drawer, he slides it open, saying, "I have something to show you, Ms Winthrop. It's something from happier days when it was just me, Yui and Shinji." Bringing out the picture, he smiles faintly as he grazes his fingers against the picture.
"Yui brought out the caring side of me. Even with my past as a bar brawler. She and Shinji were the best things to happen to a punk like me. When she vanished into Unit-01, I was unsure of myself taking care of Shinji alone. But I wanted to try my hand at it until Yui came back. Big mistake. I had no idea taking care of a child alone would be so complicated."
"So after Ritsuko's Mother failed the first time, you got desperate and became willing to become a tool for SEELE." Misato's summation gets a silent nod from Gendo. "Just give me one good reason to not give you a 9mm lobotomy, Commander. Do you have any idea how hurt Shinji was when he first got here? Did you even care that he was boiled like a lobster when the Fifth Angel blasted him?"
"In that order, Major, I can't give you a reason. I saw how badly he was hurt when he first got here. Of course I cared. I just couldn't show it on the outside. On the inside, I was screaming in agony. I wanted so much to charge out there at the Angel and clobber it for hurting my boy. But, given the size of it, it would've been sheer suicide. Then you came up with the craziest and brightest idea."
"Sniper." Gendo's nod gets a wry chuckle from Misato. "Why do I get the feeling you recorded it, even in a blackout, and ate popcorn while Shinji and Rei were risking their necks?"
His tone innocent, Gendo can't help but ask, "Why, Major, what on Earth gives you that idea?" Thinking back, he grins inwardly.
'This is gonna be good! Shinji's going to blast that Angel silly!' Verbally, he asked, "Have you the popcorn, Fuyutsuki?"
"I do, Commander. The generator's even working at utmost capacity. We have about two hours worth of power going right now." Checking his watch, Fuyutsuki added, "It's almost show-time, Gendo."
"Marvy! Hit the record button, Kozo! This is gonna be great!"
Shaking it off, he sees Misato looking at his floor and grimaces slightly. 'Oops. Should've cleaned up the kernels beforehand. Oh well.'
"Just call it a hunch, sir."
"A very good hunch, Major." Giving Misato a chuckle, he calms himself down before asking, "Any other items you wish to discuss with me, Ms Winthrop?"
"As a matter of fact, you said 'Lorenz Kiel'. Are you aware it's an alias of a fugitive 'Highway' has been looking for?"
"Yes. From your world, in fact."
"My world? You mean I'm in an alternate dimension?"
"I do, Ms Winthrop. Marshal 'Highway' showed me the poster when he was brought here by Section 2. The Kiel of this world has a cybernetic visor and other cybernetic body parts. While your Kiel has none whatsoever." Smirking softly, he adds, "Of course, if you'd like to take this Kiel, I'd be more than happy to give him to you for prosecution. Him and the other members of SEELE. I'm sure their counterparts from your world are similar to those from this one."
"Now that is very tempting, Commander. Very, very tempting. I'll consider it." Before Gendo can go on, his intercom beeps again.
"Yes, Iris?"
"Commander Ikari, Section 2 is on the line. Marshal 'Highway' has two hostile men in custody and would like some assistance."
"What kind of assistance, Iris?"
"An old and battered truck that still runs, a thick chain and a large padlock. Keyed, if possible." His eyebrows going up, Gendo finds himself intrigued.
"I think that can be arranged. Did the Marshal say what the purpose was?"
"He said something about introducing them to 'Mr Good News', 'Mr Bad News' and 'Mr Really Bad News'. What that means, I have no idea, sir." Gendo finds himself at a loss until he sees Tania with a very pale face.
"Ms Winthrop? You alright?"
"Commander, I'm only going to say this once. If you're going to cooperate, you can start right now. Once those men meet with the 'News', there's no telling what'll happen to them next."
"I take it you're familiar with what 'Highway' is talking about through Iris."
"I am, Commander." Gendo considers it before nodding. Tania sighs in relief and is about to thank him when Gendo gives his verbal reply.
"Iris, pass on the following instructions. They are to provide Marshal 'Highway' with the requested materials as possible."
"Yes sir. Anything else?"
"Yeah. Find out where and when and have arrangements made for recording the session. Along with popcorn and snacks." Iris' voice is filled with cheer as she verifies what Gendo said.
"Recording, popcorn and snacks. Got it, Commander."
"Thank you, Iris." Upon ending the contact, he sees Tania has passed out. Annie and Misato trying to bring her back around. Blinking, he thinks, 'What's with her? I did what she said, didn't I?' As Misato and Annie carry the passed-out woman out of his office, he then mutters, "I'll never understand women."
Later that day; Evangelion cages
"Looking forward to this still, Touji?"
"You bet, Shinji." Giving Asuka a glance, he sees the redhead's still worried about her EVA. "Don't worry, 'Red'. Your EVA's going to be just fine." Mentally, he adds, 'I hope.'
"I'm sure it will be, 'Stomach'. I'm more worried about you. This is the first time someone other than me tried syncing with my EVA."
"Shinji did fine."
"Only because he was with me in the plug, goofball. You'll be all alone in there."
"I'm touched, 'Red'. Really."
"You better be. Because I'm thinking it'd be a shame for this little one's Godfather to not make it before meeting his Godchild." Touji's eyes go wide while Asuka and Shinji nod at him. Wordlessly, he wraps them both in a soft hug. Luxuriating in the hug, Asuka giggles and adds, "I think Shinji should be the one getting the hug more than me, 'Stomach'. It was his idea. I just went along with it."
"It don't matter, 'Red'. You and Shinji thinking that means a lot to me."
"I'm glad. Because Hikari is the Godmother." Touji's face goes all red while Asuka snickers wickedly. His face still red, Touji releases the two and tries to calm down. Without success.
"You're nice and mean at the same time, 'Red'. But we can discuss that later on. Sync time! Later, lovebirds." Touji's laughter afterward fades out when he sees the two aren't blushing anymore. But are smiling widely instead. "You're no fun anymore." Storming off toward EVA-2, he can hear their snickers and can't resist a snicker himself.
Minutes later, Touji's inside the entry plug for Unit-02 when he sees liquid coming toward him. "Hey! What the fuck's going on here? You trying to drown me?"
"Relax, Touji. It's LCL. You breathed this stuff before. Remember?" Shinji's voice reassures Touji somewhat as he recalls when he and Kensuke were in Shinji's EVA. When it gets to completely surround him, Shinji adds, "Go ahead and breathe it. Just be sure to resist the urge to get sick."
Taking a deep breath, Touji barely resists the urge and retorts, "Easier said than done, Shin-man. How the Hell can you stand this stuff?"
"I'm not sure myself. I still dislike that liquid to no end."
"Yeah. I can taste why. Blech! Don't you guys have, like, a mint flavor for LCL or some other pleasant flavor?" The next voice he hears isn't Shinji's, but Ritsuko's.
"Sorry, Touji, but LCL only comes in 'blood' flavor."
"After this, I'm done. I don't want to wind up feeling like doing a 'Dracula' bit over time."
In the Command Area, Ritsuko can only roll her eyes while Shinji and Asuka nod their understanding. Asuka then remembers Shinji's idea and softly nudges him.
"Um, Doctor Akagi, any chance I can get your opinion on something?"
"Sure, Shinji. What is it?"
"How feasible would it be to make golf clubs for the Evangelions?" Her eyes wide in disbelief, Ritsuko turns around to see if Shinji's joking. Only to see his face is stone serious. Much like Gendo's usually is.
"I'm not sure I heard you right, Shinji. Did you just ask about golf clubs for the Evangelions?"
"Yep. That he did, Doc. I mean, can't you just picture it? An Angel comes to Tokyo-3 and is far enough away to lob an N2 mine at it. Using an Evangelion with a golf club to lob the mine right at it." Ritsuko's mind churns at it before she starts chuckling.
"Marshal 'Highway' introduced you two to the joys of 'grenade golf', didn't he?"
"Yeah, he did. Is it feasible, Doctor Akagi?"
Pondering, Ritsuko muses before shrugging.
"A little late, but you can probably use it for the last two Angels, Shinji." Next thing they know, the alert blares. "We have an unknown target coming up. Get a pattern analysis started. Get hold of the First Child and prepare her for sortie in case it comes up blue." Looking at the graph, Ritsuko feels her jaw drop.
"Touji, your sync ratio is the same as Shinji's when he first started. 47 percent. Shinji, suit up and prepare for combat. Touji, you do the same when it comes to preparing for battle."
"You got it, Doc. Shinji, I'll see you and Rei topside." As Unit-02 catapults upward, Asuka caresses Shinji's face and pecks his lips softly.
"You come back safely to me, baka. We still have to get baby stuff."
"I will, mein Frau." Her eyes going wide, Asuka's sorely tempted to give Shinji another lip-lock. Only for him to stride away before she can even do so.
'Verdamnt.' Recalling an old series, she verbally adds, "In the words of the late great Don Adams, for the series 'Get Smart', 'Missed it by that much!'." As she watches him walk away, she mentally adds, 'Please, be careful Shinji.'
"Unit-00 launching." Rei's soft voice gets Asuka's attention as the blue Evangelion launches upward. Five minutes later, Unit-01 is launched.
Topside
"Is it just me, or does it look like a doughnut made of light bulbs?"
"Given you constantly think of food, it's more than likely just you, Pilot Suzuhara. It's too early to tell what it is. Shinji, your opinion?"
"Until we know for sure what is, we shouldn't move. At least until the analysis comes back, anyway. Doc, what's the verdict?"
"Still inconclusive, Shinji. You may want to do a warning shot." Rei's next communication changes everything.
"Target attacking." At the same time, analysis completes. Pattern blue. "Firing weapon."
As the three fire at the Sixteenth, Shinji and Touji find themselves trying to keep from making contact with the Angel. With Shinji recalling what the Thirteenth Angel did with Rei's unit with it's drool based on the battlefield reports. Rei then lets out a scream of pain as the Angel spears itself into her EVA's torso. Instantly, the Evangelion becomes contaminated at a steady rate.
"Rei! Let go of my sister, light snake!" As Unit-01 charges at the Angel, it brings out it's prog knife. Just as Gendo comes up onto the bridge.
"Situation, Doctor?"
"The Sixteenth Angel's arrived, sir. Rei's EVA was just speared and contamination is spreading."
"Shinji, don't let it contact you."
"Rei! Hang in there! Touji, get to the other side and throw up your AT Field!"
"On it, Shin-man!" As Unit-02 goes to the other side, Touji asks, "What's the plan?"
"We contain the contaminated EVA and the Angel with our fields while Rei ejects. Leave a small space open and line it up with mine. Just above the entry plug. Once she's clear, we compress the fields and crush the Angel." Not wanting to expose Rei's unique nature, Gendo goes along with it.
"The Angel can't be destroyed by compression or crushing alone, Shinji. It has to be detonated. But I do like the ejection idea. Rei, set your self-destruct and eject. Shinji, you and Touji leave an avenue of escape for her plug. Your fields will contain the blast."
"Roger that! Rei, your escape avenue's open. Eject when ready."
"Understood. Setting self-destruct." A minute later, she says, "Self-destruct set. Ejecting plug." Next thing they know, a failure alert for Unit-00 sounds.
"Eject system failure, sir!" Ritsuko's yell gets Gendo's attention.
"Any chance you can get it working from here?"
"Negative! The contamination affected the mechanism!" Her eyes wide in horror, Asuka makes her feelings known.
"No! Rei!"
"Shinji, you and Touji are to surround with the fields completely."
"No way! What about the eject boosters? They still work, right?"
Understanding, but professional still, Ritsuko retorts, "Shinji, it won't do any good! The release is jammed."
"Wait! I know what Shinji's playing at. As the Unit blows, the release latches are as good as gone. With the boosters firing, Rei can still eject as the EVA blows! Let's try it!"
"Shinji, Touji, it's too much of a long shot. The odds are against me."
"Rei, listen to me and listen well. Ikaris don't listen to the odds from others. They make their own odds." Rei's tone is wistful before she gives her reply.
"But, I'm not an Ikari."
"You're my sister, Rei. That makes you an Ikari by blood." A minute later, Rei gives her reply.
"It's too late for me, Shinji. Think well of me, please." Rei then ends communication.
Inside her plug, Rei waits for her oblivion as the self-destruct cycles it's way through. 'I can always be replaced.' Upon feeling fingers grazing her head softly, she asks, "What is this? Is this what dying feels like?"
'No, child. Go, live and be free from Gendo's grasp.' Upon feeling her plug's boosters firing, she hears the voice say one last thing. 'I am so sorry, Rei.' With that, Unit-00 detonates, with the entry plug barely escaping the blast.
From their positions, Shinji and Touji both feel the Evangelions being flung back from the blast zone. Unit-02 winds up doing a head-plant into the ground while facing upward while Unit-01 does three back-flips from the blast's wave. Without even moving a muscle.
Inside 02's plug, Touji gets his bearings back and groans. "Son of a bitch! Oh, that's going to leave a mark." Recalling Shinji's plight, he calls out, "Shinji? You there, buddy?"
"Yeah. I'm here. How you feeling, Touji?"
"Like that Angel just fucking butt-fucked us, man!"
"It would seem so, Touji."
"Next Angel, you're going to butt-fuck."
Elsewhere
Tabris can't help but smile. Only for the smile to turn to a frown. Along with a shiver of fear for an unknown reason.
Back in Tokyo-3
Next thing Touji knows, Asuka voices her opinion.
"Excuse me? Shinji's not going to be butt-fucking any alien assholes that call themselves Angels, 'Stomach'. If he's going to butt-fuck anything, it's going to be me! Even though my ass is exit only. He already has an idea for the next and final Angel."
"Really? What kind of idea, Shin-man?"
"Oh, just a new variation of golf I've been pondering."
"Golf? What good is playing golf going to be? Against an Angel, no less?"
"Stick around and find out, Touji." Shinji's voice has a hint of malicious intent, causing the taller male to gulp. "But enough of that. How's Rei? Did she make it out okay?"
"I wish I knew, buddy. Command, how's Rei doing?"
"Retrieval crews are on their way now, Pilot Suzuhara. We'll find out later on."
Back inside NERV HQ, Ritsuko turns back toward Gendo and gets a nod of agreement. Leaving Asuka at the console, she goes to join the retrieval team heading toward Rei's position. As Asuka sits at the console, she strokes her belly, hoping that the baby's Aunt would be alright.
Two hours later
Ritsuko's journey to the plug's location was tedious, but her hope was high that Rei had survived and was intact. But her hopes were dashed when she got the plug opened and saw the wrinkled corpse within. Wincing in sympathy for the poor form, she turns away from it and to a form in a moon-suit.
"Atomize the remains and shred the plug. I'll take care of notification."
"Yes, ma'am." As she walks away, Ritsuko sheds a tear as she brings out her phone.
"Rei-2 is no more. Shall we bring Rei-3 up to operational status?"
"Yes. Only there is to be two."
"Two Reis, sir? I don't understand it."
"All will be made clear upon arrival, Doctor Akagi. I'll meet you in the lab."
"Yes, Commander." Ending the communication, she muses, "Why would he want two operating at the same time? It makes absolutely no sense at all."
Katsuragi apartment; Shinji and Asuka's Lovely Suite
Shinji and Asuka hold each other closely, Asuka holding Shinji more. As Shinji is sure that Rei had perished. Her plug had just barely made it out of the exploding Evangelion, but it was far too close for survival to happen. Shinji then starts trembling and muttering softly.
"It was a stupid idea. It was a stupid idea. I got my sister killed. I got my sister killed."
"Shinji, you don't know that for sure."
"There was no way anyone could've survived something like that, Asuka. No way at all. Not even in passing." Asuka just wraps him tighter in her arms and softly pecks his cheek.
"These things happen in war. Allies and friends die along with the enemy at times. Rei knew the risks when she signed on. Defying the odds and making your own can only work for so long before it catches up to you. It was lousy luck that it happened today and to Rei."
"I'm going to miss her, Asuka."
Giving her beloved a soft hug, she softly says, "I'm going to miss her too, Shinji. But you have to stay strong. Rei wouldn't want you to retract yourself back into your shell."
"I don't quite follow, Asuka."
"Well, just think about it. One more Angel and we can live our lives the way we're supposed to." To emphasize her point, she gently takes Shinji's hand and places it onto her beginning baby bump. "That's us in there, Shinji. No more Evangelion, NERV or those SEELE arschlochs. Just you, me and our baby, Shinji."
With tears falling from his eyes, Shinji nods, not seeing Asuka tear up herself. Wanting to comfort her beloved, she leans the both of them back onto the futon and holds him close.
Katsuragi apartment; living room
The mood is somber in the apartment, with Misato not having even one drop of beer, Annie and Tania wary of stirring her wrath. Jetto and 'Highway' had left out earlier, saying something about finding a way to liven up the mood. Misato, while grateful for the attempt, is not in the mood for jovial activities.
Touji had, upon retrieval, tendered his resignation. Citing his desire to watch his sister grow up and expressing his hope and belief that Shinji will kill the final Angel in a spectacularly brutal fashion. As a result, he, his sister, Hikari, her family and Kensuke were all transferred out of Tokyo-3 under Gendo's orders. Touji was surprised, to say the least, when Gendo had thanked him for a valiant effort to fight and defeat the Angel. Along with told he'd be apprised how Shinji's 'golf for Evangelion' idea works.
Misato then comes out of it when she hears the phone ringing. Barely having the energy to move, she sluggishly makes her way to the phone.
"Katsuragi." Her eyes can't help but go wide in joy before she calls out, "Shinji! Asuka! Rei's alive! She survived the explosion!"
NERV's sublevels: fifteen minutes ago
"I swear, it's getting harder each time. Most recent recording uploaded, Commander. As per your instruction, this one is completely human. As opposed to the previous one."
"Good, Doctor." Turning toward the still form, Gendo smiles softly and says, "Wake her up, Ritsuko." At her nod, he watches as Rei stirs before rising. "How are you feeling, Rei?"
"Like I have a jackhammer going in my skull." Blinking, she then asks, "Did I just say that?"
"You did, Rei. Without an Evangelion, you have no true purpose. So you are free to live a normal life. Shinji'll be pleased to see you again. As will Asuka. Your new home has been established. Your new quartering is three doors down from Major Katsuragi's quarters. Under the name of Ikari, Rei."
"What of what I was created for, sir?"
"I already planned ahead for that, Rei." Giving her a soft smile, he nods and says, "You can go now, my daughter." Next thing he knows, Rei has him in a near-rib-cracking hug. Returning the hug as best as he could, he wheezes out. "Okay, Rei. Okay." Upon feeling her arms leave his torso, Gendo takes a deep breath. "I see you left some 'extra' parts in the mix, Doctor."
"Yeah. She may be fully human now, but she's not going to be defenseless."
"Nice." Watching as Rei strides out of the room, he nods and says, "Now for the other one."
"Yes sir." As she gets ready to wake up the second one, she shakes her head and asks, "What are you going to do with this one?"
"This Rei Ayanami will reside here inside NERV. She'll be the one to reunite me with Yui. One way or the other, I will be reunited with her."
"Where are you going to put her, though? The old building's been torn down already."
"I thought of that and decided she'll be living in my quarters."
"I see, sir." Checking her watch, she nods and adds, "I'd better call Misato and let her know."
"Indeed. I just wish I could see the look on Shinji's face when his sister arrives." Ritsuko can only chortle lightly as she wakes the second Rei-3 clone. Once the clone is awake, Gendo coldly says, "You're to live with me from now on, Rei. Your building was destroyed."
"Understood, Commander Ikari." Watching as the two leave the lab, Ritsuko shakes her head sadly before poring over the notes. The notes left behind by her Mother for the retrieval process. How Shinji had been returned remains a mystery to the fake blond.
"It just makes no sense at all."
Nighttime; Katsuragi/Ikari apartment
Ever since the news that Rei had survived, her last name now Ikari, the mood had lightened considerably. As Jetto walks in, he sees Rei sitting with Shinji and Asuka, being held by them on both sides. The blue-haired girl looks up at him as if saying 'Please help me' with her eyes. Jetto gives her a nod before whistling.
"I know it's almost bedtime, but 'Highway' and I set up some entertainment out on the roadway." Having an uneasy feeling, Tania steps toward him and gulps.
"It's what I think it is, isn't it?"
"It is, Ms Winthrop." Shrugging, Jetto adds, "It's not really that big a deal. Besides, you're going to love this. These guys belong with that SEELE bunch." That gets everyone's curiosity. Rei's included.
"What kind of entertainment is involved?" Jetto can only give her a shark-like smile.
"I'm sure you'll like it, little lady. Shinji and Asuka as well." The three teens look at each other before shrugging and agreeing. While Tania is holding herself by her torso.
"It's a bad dream. No, it's a nightmare!" Misato and Annie both give Tania a concerned glance before asking what was wrong. The reply she gives intrigues them to no end. 'I've gone and done it now! I better go along to be sure that those brutes don't go too far!'
Thirty minutes later
Smiling happily, 'Highway' looks over the Pinto and eyes the two SEELE men seated within. Both are firmly shackled and both terrified and angry. In the background, Misato and the others watch intently. Not noticing a camera on the hilltop across from them. Turning toward Rei, 'Highway' then signals for her to step closer to him. The memories of her previous form's association with him encourage her, allowing her to step toward him easily.
"Yes, Marshal?"
"I need you to hold this, if you please." Putting a key into her hands, he smirks and says, "It's part of the 'party'. Trust me on that."
"I'm not aware of what the party entails, but I'll follow as best I can."
"Good." Chuckling, he turns toward the two men and begins. "I'm sure you're aware of this already, but you're currently sitting in a Ford Pinto."
"We are. What of it?"
"Are you aware that this car has a nickname?" Blinking, the two men look at each other before shaking their heads. "I was hoping you were, but it looks like I'll have to educate you. Look in your rearview mirrors." As both do so, he asks, "See that truck? That's a big truck."
"What does that truck have to do with the car's nickname?"
"I'm getting to that. Don't get your diaper in a wad. Rei, hold up your key, if you please." At her nod and doing so, 'Highway' smirks and says, "The lovely Rei Ikari is holding 'Mr Good News'. That one undoes your shackles." Not seeing Rei's face going scarlet red at being called 'lovely' before back to normal, he goes on while bringing out another key.
"This one is 'Mr Bad News'. This key starts your Pinto here." Hiking his thumb toward Jetto, he snickers wickedly while saying, "My colleague, Marshal Jetto, is going to be driving the truck, aka 'Mr Really Bad News', right into the back of the Pinto. Whether you live or not is up to you."
"Whether or not we live?" Gulping, one of the men asks, "Just what is the car's nickname?"
"It's also known as 'the barbecue that seats four'. There was a safety kit available in later on down the road due to the lawsuits taking a toll on the company. This car is pre-kit circa. Now do you get the picture?" Both men feel their eyes go wide in horror as they struggle against their bindings.
"It seems you do. Now, some questions. If you don't answer to my satisfaction by the time Jetto gets to that truck, your time is drastically reduced until 'ka-frickin-boom' happens."
Unable to resist, Tania adds, "Marshal 'Highway', this is the 'Highwayman' unit. We don't 'ka-frickin-boom' here."
"I see you saw the 'Get Smart' movie as well, Tania." At her nod and Asuka's giggle, 'Highway' shrugs it off and goes on. "Now, at the pace he walks, you've got five, maybe ten minutes."
"You can't do this to us! You're an American cop! You have rules and procedures you have to follow!"
"Only in my usual jurisdiction. But, even then, I don't really play by the clean rules. In order to survive, you gotta get dirty."
"You'd do us in? Just when we're about to become gods?"
"If you want to become gods that badly, I can expedite your meeting with God. So he can give you his opinion on your ambitions. Delusional as they are." Giving Jetto a wave, he asks, "What role are you supposed to play in all this?"
As they watch Jetto walk toward the truck, they start talking. From their numbers in SEELE, the Mass-Produced EVAs, to Akagi's Dummy-Plug system design thefts, all the way to their attempt to restore the previous scenario. SEELE 6 then huffs before going on.
"We'd have pulled it off too, if you'd simply allowed yourself to be killed by us. You'd have been dead by a god's hand. A glorious death." At that one man's words, Shinji does the classic 'cuckoo' sign with his tongue sticking outward. Asuka can only giggle and nod in agreement as the man goes on.
"We even thought about going after Miss Sohryu's unborn baby to make the Third Child go back to the way he was before." 6's words get Asuka and Shinji's attention, only Asuka takes it.
"What was that, you old asshole? You wanted the old Shinji back? What for?"
"A depressed and suicidal Third Child was better for our ascension to godhood than a content and lively Third Child. Even more, you and your Evangelion were expendable. It started because he saved your worthless life. It went on because of the Marshal's presence here."
Looking toward Rei, 5 then says, "Now that the Marshal's questions have been answered, you can use 'Mr Good News'. We won't do it again, First Child. You can let us go now."
"I am no longer the First Child, as I have no Evangelion to Pilot. I am now Rei Ikari, sister to Shinji Ikari, sister-in-law to Asuka Ikari and Aunt to the child in Asuka's womb. You are nothing but a pair of dead assholes, SEELE 5 and 6."
Feeling emboldened, Tania then asks, "Will you try another attempt at assassination, SEELE assholes? Because you should know we don't take well to assholes that try to assassinate our men."
"You little bitch! You're not too old to be put across my knees for a good spanking!" 6's retort has Tania seeing red. 5 notices her face taking on a look of fury before she turns toward Rei.
"It's your call, Rei."
"Yes, Ms Winthrop." Dangling the key downward, she then smirks and says, "If you want 'Mr Good News' so much, go get it!" Throwing her hand outward, she lets the key fly out of her hand before slapping her forehead in mock exasperation. "Oh, silly me. You can't. Because you're all tied up! Or, in this case, all chained up!" As Rei and Tania both laugh, Asuka leans over toward Shinji.
"Is it just me or did 'Wondergirl' have a mean-spirited personality implanted within her after the Sixteenth Angel?"
"You've got me, Asuka."
Back in the car, SEELE 5 turns toward 6 and scowls, with only one thing to say.
"I hate you. I've always hated you. Your remarks served no purpose for us at all. If anything, it'll get us dead before we can become gods during Third Impact."
"Oh? You want a 'Third Impact'? Okay. That can easily be arranged." Turning back to the others, 'Highway' can see they're nodding in agreement. Including Tania. "Congratulations, fellas. You're about to get yourselves a Third Impact. Though it's not quite the one you had in mind. Matter of fact, you're about to become toast. Or, perhaps in your case, two whole loaves of toast."
Looking up toward 'Mr Really Bad News', he can see Jetto opening the door and getting into the truck's driver seat. As the engine starts, 'Highway' shakes his head in pity.
"Time's running out and almost up." Upon hearing the truck's air brakes disengage, along with the truck's acceleration, 5 and 6 both panic and unite their voices.
"WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT US TO SAY?"
"Your prayers. Because you're with SEELE and a pair of assholes, you get 'Mr Really Bad News'. Don't worry, though. Your buddies with SEELE will be joining you quite soon." Their attempt at a retort is lost as 'Mr Really Bad News' rams right into the back of the car. The car exploding right at impact, taking the truck with it. No one within the cab.
NERV HQ; Gendo's office
"Ouch! That had to hurt!" Laughing uproariously, Gendo adds, "Now that was an Impact!"
Back at the site
Brushing himself off, Jetto walks toward the conflagration, a wide smile on his face. "I love the smell of roasting car at night. It smells like victory." As everyone, except for 'Highway' and Tania, turns around to gape at him in shock, he asks, "What'd I miss?"
"We thought you bought the farm, Marshal Jetto."
"Nah, Major Katsuragi. I bailed out when I was about five yards out. No worries."
"How can you casually say 'no worries'? Can't you see why I don't like that technique? Too much can go wrong, Jetto." Tania's voice has a hint of sorrow as she goes on. "What if that door handle had broken off? I know we don't always see 'eye-to-eye', but I've come to think of you as a good man, Jetto. Just like 'Highway' has known you to be." Turning to face him, Tania strides toward him and wraps her arms around him. Burying her face into his chest, she starts shaking.
"Ms Winthrop?" Jetto's query gets her to look up. Tears streaming down, along with a smile of joy. Before he can ask what she's smiling about, the smile fades away.
"Don't ever do that technique again, Jetto. Please. The 'Highwayman' unit is still understaffed when it comes to field agents."
"Um, Ms Winthrop, how does one become a 'Highwayman' anyway?" As Tania turns toward Shinji, she can see Asuka gaping in shock at him. "A friend of mine saw the rigs today and thought they were with NERV. I had to set him straight."
"Do you know if he's interested still?"
"Not really. He and Touji were transferred out of Tokyo-3. But, the way I see it, he'd have a much better shot of being a 'Highwayman'' than an EVA Pilot."
"Oh, brilliant, Shinji. But it's really up to Tania to answer it." Yawning, Asuka then adds, "But, we really should sleep on it." Noting the burning car, she asks, "Shouldn't we get the fire crews out here?"
"Fuck 'em." Shinji's reply has everyone stunned before chuckling as he goes on. "Let 'em cook. Two SEELE assholes down, who knows how many more to go."
"How do you want to do them, Shinji?" As Shinji tells them, Tania only has one reply. "You're mean."
