Chapter 12: A Tranquil Countdown to Armageddon
Monday, January 12, 2016 (Day 10-6:55)
Suzuhara/Horaki Apartment, Tokyo-3
Hikari Horaki looked around in bewilderment for a moment before she sighed as she crawled out of bed.
I'm still not use to this, she groaned as she opened her old dresser, waking up in a different bed than the one I've slept in for nearly twelve years. And not only that, but I'm also living with Toji and Sakura! Good grief…What would Mom and Dad think…
'Don't worry, Hikari,' Mrs. Masaki has said kindly, 'Your parents would be proud of the young woman that you've become. You've got a good head on those shoulders…'
I wonder…She shook her head, No. No use in wondering. If Mom or Dad had made it out of the accident alive, than I wouldn't be in this situation.
She sighed again as she finished with her school uniform and exited her room.
Midori and Ayumi were all camped out on the couch with Sakura and bowls of cereal and watching some kiddy anime, while Toji was in the kitchen with a newspaper. As she entered she shook her head, "Somehow…I never really expected to see you reading a newspaper in the morning."
Toji grinned, "Oh well. It's not like I could watch anything, now that my couch is owned by three rug rats as opposed to one."
Hikari laughed.
Monday, January 12, 2016 (Day 10-13:20)
NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan
"What is the progress on the Eva data?" Ikari asked Dr. Akagi as they walked.
"We've nearly got a complete analysis ready on the S2 Engines," Akagi told him, "and the mental link. However…we are still having trouble with the Elemental Engines. They're just too advanced for us at the moment."
"Given that we don't have anything like it at the moment, we can just mark it as a state secret," Ikari grunted, "However, we're going to have to get something out there, or else the Demons may figure it out. We have to make sure our facade is perfect, or all is for naught."
"I know," Akagi sighed, "It's hard to believe. I've just gotten use to this...this peace. But it's going to be shattered in less than three weeks."
Ikari glanced at her, "Has Dr. Katsuragi contacted you?"
"Yes. He's just gotten settled in at Los Alamos, and is beginning construction of the S2 Engine prototypes that will be displayed about three years ago. He also sent a draft of the 'notes' from Antarctica for the last fifteen years."
"Good," Ikari nodded, "The U.N. will be happy to hear that."
Akagi glanced at him, "Are you sure that all of this is necessary? We have no idea how in depth the Demons will look at us."
"No," Ikari glared, "and that is exactly why it is necessary. We do know that the Demons have…units that will emulate the Angels. That includes Tabris."
"I see," Akagi nodded, "You think they may try and infiltrate with Doppelgangers?"
"I would."
"So you see," Ikari said patiently in front of the holographic U.N. Security Council, "It is will within our grasp to soon start Project: E-2."
"Interesting," Mr. Golovoko, the Russian representative, tilted his head, "Your progress seems to have accelerated."
"Dr. Akagi acquired a new assistant to aid her," Ikari told them.
"Very well," Mr. Sanders nodded, "but we are here for other reasons than to discuss Project E-2. How is the rewrite of history coming?"
"According to our intelligence bureaus," Mr. Golovoko spoke, "the amount of information on the mysterious occurrences surrounding the Second Impact and the Rebirth are diminishing quickly. Apparently, most of the people understand that this is necessary for whatever reason. There are a few dissidents, but than again, there are always dissidents. Most of which are in the United States."
Mr. Sanders glared, "Our country has a history of independence, Mr. Golovoko. Much unlike the rest of the world."
"History?" Golovoko snorted, "Your country is a mere child compared to the rest of the world."
"Gentlemen," Fuyutsuki raised his hands, "there is no need to quarrel. We all must work together if we are to survive our next trial."
Mr. Sanders grunted, "Agreed."
"Very well," Golovoko nodded.
"There is still a problem that we must discuss," Mr. Chan grunted, "Where will the Demons strike? We must position the Evas for maximum coverage."
"Yes," Mr. Steiner spoke for the first time, "Before, all of the Angels attacks were directed at the NERV HQ in the Geo-Front because that's where Adam, or rather Lilith, was. What will the Demons attack?"
Ikari glanced at Fuyutsuki before answering, "Though I cannot guarantee this, I suspect that they will attack the Evas."
Mr. Chan frowned, "Why do you believe this?"
"Because, the Evas are the only thing on the planet that could threaten them," he answered, "It makes strategic sense for them to eliminate the only obstacle that could challenge them."
"That's why you are deliberately leaving information about the Evas available," Mr. Sanders nodded, "So that they will know that they are in Japan. And since Toyko-3 is already geared as a battleground city, it makes tactical sense."
"But what if they attack another part of the world?" Mr. Steiner grunted, "Do you suggest that we leave the rest of the world unprotected until Project: E-2 produces the next line of Evas?"
"What do you suggest?" Fuyutsuki frowned, "That we separate the Evas?"
"Precisely." The word hung in the air as the representatives stared at Steiner, each other and finally at Ikari and Fuyutsuki.
"That would be a grave mistake," Ikari said finally, "The Evas need to be kept together to support each other. We were warned that the coming battles would not be like with the Angels; there will most likely be multiple units at each encounter. Having only one or two Evas to face them could lead to the loss of one. If we lose even one, our forces would be quartered."
"And not only that," Fuyutsuki added, "but you must remember that the pilots of the Evas are only children. Putting undo stress on them by forcing them to move could be catastrophic."
"Pilot Soryu is originally from Germany," Mr. Steiner pointed out.
"True," Fuyutsuki grunted, "but we can't separate one from the others; that's even more insane than sending away two!"
"Then how will our countries be protected?" Steiner asked darkly.
"I believe that the answer lays in the area of transportation," Mr. Sanders spoke up, "I'm sure that Commander Ikari and Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki are familiar with this design." He pushed a button activating a holo-display in the center of the room. The display focused into an image of a wing shape.
"The Production-model Carriers!" Fuyutsuki exclaimed.
"Correct. The United States was responsible for their development, and we are quite capable of designing ones that can carry the older versions as well. I realize that you have similar carriers, but those are far too short ranged to be of use."
"Correct," Ikari nodded, "What are the speed and range of one of these carriers?"
Mr. Sanders glanced around, "I'm…I'm not sure how much of the details I can say on this channel…but sufficient to say, it can deliver an Eva to northern Europe in about two hours from Japan, assuming that you cross over the arctic."
Fuyutsuki stared before glancing at Ikari, "That…That would be sufficient, in my opinion."
"Agreed," Ikari nodded, "Is that satisfactory, Mr. Steiner?"
Steiner sighed, "I suppose. I'll have to inform my government of this development."
"Very well."
Wednesday, January 14, 2016 (Day 12-15:02)
NERV HQ, Tokyo-3, Japan
Shinji glanced over at Toji as they changed, "So…how is it?"
"How's what?" Toji frowned as he zipped his Plug Suit.
"Living with Hikari, of course," Shinji arched an eyebrow, "It took me a while to get used to Asuka."
"Oh…" Toji grunted deeply as he turned, "It's…we're getting settled."
Shinji smiled, "The bathroom?"
"Good grief!" Toji exclaimed, "There are four girls filing through there every morning! Sometimes, I wonder if I'll make to class on time!"
Shinji shrugged, "You'll figure something out."
"Yeah, whatever," Toji cocked his neck as they headed out. Toji glanced at Shinji before looking forward again, "Say…what's with Asuka?"
"Huh?" Shinji nearly stumbled.
Toji sighed, "Oh come on. You have to know something about it. She went from being the Devil Woman to…to…"
"Nice?" Shinji half smiled.
"Yeah…"
Shinji shrugged, "Well, she's still Asuka; not someone you want to piss off…but yeah, she isn't out to rip off heads anymore…Well, at least not without cause…"
"So…" Toji glanced at him.
"So?" Shinji frowned.
"So what happened?"
"Toji…" Shinji groaned.
"Come on," Toji slapped him casually, "you can tell me."
Shinji groaned again, "Listen Toji…I…I don't really know, okay? I don't really know what's going on inside her head."
"Come on," Toji snorted, "You mean to tell me that you have no idea what happened?"
"Toji…" Shinji said in a 'drop it' tone as they entered the massive hangar for the Evas.
"So what took you?" Asuka asked as she stood next to Dr. Akagi and Rei, tapping her foot.
"N-Nothing, really," Shinji said nervously.
Dr. Akagi grunted, "Alright, today you are going down to the harbor to pick up some new equipment that arrived from the United States, and field test it."
Asuka frowned, "Why are we doing this in the Evas?"
"Public relations," Akagi smiled oddly.
"What sort of equipment?" Rei asked, ignoring the banter.
Akagi glanced at her notepad, "Progressive Blades, Gauss Guns, newer versions of the Positron Rifle and Gatling Guns."
"Gauss?" Toji stared.
"It's like a Rail Gun," Asuka told him. He stared at her blankly.
"You'll see," Akagi assured him.
"Doctor," Shinji spoke, "how do we know if any of these things will work on the Demons? I mean…we have no idea if they'll have A.T. Fields of not."
"Won't matter," Akagi smiled, "We were successful in reproducing the Lance of Longinus, remember?"
"Yeah, I remember," Asuka bit out harshly.
Akagi look like she was about to apologize, but hesitated and sighed before speaking again, "In any event, all of weapons have both normal and A.T. Piercing rounds available, but there are significantly less of the A.T.P. rounds."
"Right," Shinji nodded as he glanced at a brooding Asuka.
Shinji sighed as he ran the start up sequence in 01. He glanced at his comm, torn on whether he should or not.
Finally he summoned up his courage and activated it, "Asuka?"
A moment later, Asuka appeared on his screen, "What is it?"
Shinji glanced around nervously, "Umm…are you okay?"
Asuka hissed softly, than answered, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
Her eyes flashed, "I said I'm fine!"
Shinji gulped nervously.
Asuka's expression changed, and she opened her mouth, than closed it before speaking, "Listen, I just don't like to be reminded of…that."
"Right," Shinji smiled nervously, "I…"
"It's okay," she grunted, "Come on, we got things to do." Shinji nodded and deactivated the comm.
Asuka stared at the darkened screen for moment before suddenly punching the screen. What…what the hell is wrong with me? She stared at her reflection in the screen, Why…Why can't I…
The notice to move to the Rail Launcher came.
Asuka stared bitterly at it, than turned to her reflection, "Am I that terrible a person? Well?"
Dr. Akagi sighed, "Asuka's sync is down a little. Again."
Misato glared at her, "Like it's not your fault."
Ritsuko stared at the computer, "I suppose. I didn't really mean to bring that up, but…"
"The port just called," Aoba turned to them, "The ships just arrived."
"Alright, signal the Evas," Misato ordered.
"What are they talking about," Kensuke whispered to Maya.
Maya glanced over her shoulder before answering him, "When SEELE attacked us with the nine production models, they were equipped with copies of the Lance of Longinus, which can pierce A.T. Fields. Asuka was fighting them off until she got hit hard with them…" Maya winced, "It was bad."
"Ah," Kensuke nodded slowly, "And the same…well, tech is being used to make the ammunition for their guns."
"Right."
Wednesday, January 14, 2016 (Day 12-16:45)
An isle, 20 miles east off the coast of Japan
Toji grinned as he lowered the Gauss Gun, "Cool. I want one for personal use."
"It would be far too heavy for you to hold, Mr. Suzuhara," Akagi noted dryly, "And even if you could, the recoil would take your arm off. The only reason the Eva's can use it, is because they're much tougher than you are."
"But still!" he grinned manically.
"Give me that," Asuka maneuvered 02 over to 03 and proffered a Prog Axe, "Trade."
"Fine," he groaned.
Asuka grinned as she hefted the mighty cannon-like weapon, "Alright, clear the firing field!"
"Field clear!" Shinji asserted after a glance while he reloaded the new assault rifle.
"Fire!" Asuka roared.
A silver slug the size of an Eva's fist ripped through the electromagnetic-rails of the 35 meter cannon, easily breaking the sound barrier and shredded most of one of the floating destroyers into metallic toothpicks.
"I like," Asuka worked her Eva's right arm, "though it does exert a lot of force on the Eva."
"It's within stress limited," Akagi told them, "but we should limit its use."
"Ah, do we have to?" Toji complained.
"It is your turn with the Gatling Gun," Rei's face suddenly appeared.
"Eh? Oh, oh okay," Toji nodded he swung the axe around.
Saturday, January 17, 2016 (Day 15-12:33)
Toyko-3 Uptown Mall, Tokyo-3, Japan
"So?" Asuka tilted her head as she sipped her coke.
"I don't know," Hikari shrugged, "I mean…It's weird, waking up in a different bed everyday…"
"He hasn't been trying anything, has he?" Asuka asked pointedly.
"N-No," Hikari blushed furiously, "He's been really nice…"
Asuka looked at her doubtfully, "Sure…"
"Well, he's still like always at school," Hikari admitted, "But at home…well, he's…I mean, Sakura's around!"
"Right," Asuka chuckled darkly, "But what happens when all the little girls are gone, and it's just you and him…"
"Asuka!" Hikari flushed, "He's not like that!"
"Sure he is."
"What is it that you have against him?" Hikari frowned questioningly.
"He's a boy, Hikari," Asuka rolled her eyes.
"Not every boy is a pervert, Asuka," Hikari said dryly.
"Really?" Asuka replied, a dare in her eyes.
"Take a look at…at Shinji!" Hikari rapped the table, "Is he a pervert? I mean, you've been alone at home with him lots of times."
Asuka frowned and didn't reply as she tapped her fingers on the table.
"See?" Hikari leaned back triumphantly.
Asuka glared at her narrowly, "It's not like he isn't…He's just a…well…" Asuka stopped and reconsidered, "He was a coward…"
"Was?" Hikari blinked.
"Well, ever since the Third Impact, he's been less cowardly, and has actually gone a bit of a backbone," Asuka said softly as she recalled the night that she had cried on Shinji's shoulder, and that he had actually slept with her.
…You know, he didn't even really try anything than…
"Earth to Asuka," Hikari waved, "You there?"
"Huh?" Asuka snapped her head to look at Hikari.
"I lost you there for a second…," Hikari stopped and smiled conspiratorially.
"Eh…" Asuka blinked.
Hikari leaned forward, "You like him, don't you?"
Asuka recoiled, nearly flipping her chair, "Whaaat!"
"Oh come on," Hikari chuckled, "You can tell me…"
"There's nothing to tell," Asuka insisted adamantly.
"Asuka," Hikari sighed, "You can't deny the evidence: All of a sudden, you've been a much better mood, you and Shinji aren't constantly bickering, you've stopped insulting him…You even said a nice thing about him!"
Asuka stared, "I did? When?"
Hikari sighed helplessly, "Just a second ago when you said that he had grow a backbone. Remember?"
Oh crap, Asuka reddened, Hikari's went and gotten the wrong idea…And that fact that I'm blushing isn't going to help…
"Come on," Hikari shook her head, "Are you saying that you don't like him?"
"W-Well…N-No…" Asuka stammered.
But don't you? a voice asked.
Shut up, Asuka stormed.
"Weren't we on the topic of you and Toji?" Asuka asked quickly.
Hikari suddenly grew flustered, "Ah…"
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-12:14)
Tokyo-3 Municipal Jr. High, Tokyo-3, Japan
Kensuke Aida dropped his lunch box on the table as he sat down next to Rei, "Hey."
"Hello," Rei glanced at him, smiling slightly.
"Geez," Toji sighed as he sat down across from them, "You two are as bad as Shinji and Asuka."
They both stared owlishly at him, than looked up.
"You say something, stooge?" Asuka demanded, standing over him with Shinji.
"Just making an observation," Toji replied calmly.
Toji's gotten brave around Asuka, Shinji noted dryly.
"Really?" Asuka raised an eyebrow, "About what?"
"Nothing really," Toji smiled cheekily.
"One of these days stooge…" she warned as Hikari appeared.
"Here Toji," she handed him a bag.
"Thanks," he nodded.
"So you make him lunch now?" Asuka stared suspiciously at Hikari.
"It-It's no big deal…" Hikari sweated as she glanced around.
"And he says that we're bad," Kensuke remarked to Rei.
She frowned, "Bad at what?"
He laughed, "I'll explain later."
"Heh," Asuka rolled her eyes as she sat, "A Geek Stooge and a Babe in the Woods. What a couple."
"You're one to talk," Kensuke shot back.
"Huh?" Asuka blinked, than turned to Shinji, who was holding her lunch. She looked back to see a peculiar smile on everyone's face, even Rei's.
"What?" Asuka demanded, her face glowing a tad, "It's…It's just sensible for only one person to make lunch for school!"
"Exactly," Hikari said emphatically.
"We all seem pretty eager to claim that the others are couples," Kensuke noted.
"I know," Shinji sighed.
"Yeah, well how about we all set the record straight then?" Asuka asked.
"Fine," Toji smirked, "Are you and Shinji a couple?"
Asuka reddened, but answered definitely, "No."
"Kensuke and Rei?"
"Ah…" Kensuke glanced around nervously, "Umm…No. We're just friends." Rei glanced at him, seemingly puzzled, but than just shrugged.
"In any case," Asuka turned to Toji and Hikari, "What about you two?"
Hikari blushed and glanced away, but Toji shook his head, "Of course not."
"Huh?" Asuka stared.
Toji rolled his eyes, "What? You expected different?"
Shinji glanced at his watch, "We should hurry and eat. We have to head out to NERV in a few minutes."
"But you're still in school!" Hikari exclaimed.
"Sorry," Asuka shrugged, "but there's an important package coming in that we have to stand by to receive."
Hikari frowned, "What sort of package?"
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-12:22)
NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan
Misato Katsuragi glanced at the screen, "ETA?"
"About 40 minutes," Aoba informed her, "the ships are reporting in that they were slightly delayed because of a small storm."
"Acknowledged," she sighed.
"So the new Carriers are in?" Kaji commented as he entered.
"Yep," Misato nodded, "According to the Americans, they should be fully operational; just the harnesses would be in need of a little adjusting."
"I see," he nodded, "Have you told the others what their picking up?"
Misato glanced away, looking queasy, "No…"
"I see…"
She sighed, "I probably should tell them…Asuka was unhappy enough to here that the ammunition was made like the fakes lances…"
"Did they ever see the Carriers?" he asked, "I wouldn't know…"
Misato glared at him, but shook her head, "I have no idea. It was too chaotic at the time."
"Well, I guess you'll find out," he grinned as he turned, "See ya."
"Hey!" she shouted as he left. She whipped around to look at the screen again, "Jerk."
"So what's so important for us to skip school?" Asuka demanded as they entered the conference room.
Misato tossed Shinji a clipboard, "Transportation."
They all crowded around him as he glanced over the specs before suddenly recoiling, "These are…"
Misato shrugged, "What did you expect? Something completely new?"
"What are they?" Toji frowned.
Asuka's lip curled, "These are the Carriers that were used to transport the Mass Production models."
"Yes, I know we're all pissed at everything that had to do with SEELE's attack on us, but the Americans had these. We just have to live with it," Misato told them.
Asuka growled, but didn't say anything.
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-13:50)
Military Dock #4, JDF Sea Base Echo, Japan
"Steady!" Shinji exclaimed as the third Carrier was being unloaded. They were at the military docks, unloading the four carriers and their spare parts off of five huge cargo ships.
"Help!" Toji cried as he attempted to readjust his footing. 00 quickly moved forward to grab the front of the Carrier.
"Thanks, Rei," Toji sighed.
"You can't be so careless!" Asuka snapped as 02 grabbed back end of the immense machine.
"Sorry!" Toji grunted, "It's hard to judge the weight."
"Everyone just calm down!" Shinji snapped, "We can't mess around right now!"
Misato blinked as she listened in on the comm traffic from the Base's Op-Center.
Geez, Shinji, she shook her head, When did you start being assertive?
"Sounds like the kid can handle himself, eh?" Ryoji Kaji smiled as he handed her a cup of coffee.
"Yep," she smiled.
"Who are you, and what have you done with the real Shinji Ikari?" Toji demanded mockingly.
"Toji…" Shinji rolled his eyes.
"Enough," Misato grunted into her mike, "We can take a DNA sample later, but right now you need to get that one stowed away and the last one off the ship."
"Right," Asuka acknowledged and clicked her comm off. She was smiling slightly to herself as she reran Shinji's exclamation through her head, He's certainly come a long way.
Asuka jolted, What the heck am I thinking about that for!
"Asuka?" Shinji commed her, "You okay?"
"Huh? Oh sure," she said quickly, "Just collecting my thoughts."
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-17:15)
NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan
"Is everyone satisfied?" Gendo Ikari asked the holographic U.N. members that were before him.
Mr. Sanders grinned, "Oh, I doubt it, but we should at least pretend that we're satisfied."
Fuyutsuki suppressed a chuckle as some members glared harshly at Sanders, He's probably close to the truth. They wanted an Eva in their country; for bragging rights at least.
Mr. Steiner looked meaningfully at Sanders, than Ikari, "It seems that with the Carriers, the Evas should be able to respond in a reasonable amount of time…How long for them to be prepped?"
"No longer than it would take to prep the Evas themselves," Fuyutsuki told them, "By the time the Evas arrive via the Rail, the Carriers would be ready to receive them, and launch on the special Mag-Launcher runway."
Mr. Chan tilted his head, "I think that this is reasonable. Our only concern is the possible damage that incurs during one of these battles."
Fuyutsuki nearly let out a loud snort, You bastards are worried about damages causes by the Evas! During a defensive battle to protect you!
"Mr. Ambassador," Ikari spoke tonelessly, "the pilots are quite away of what their Evas are capable of, and will make any reasonable attempt to minimize collateral damage. Reasonable attempt; they will be fighting to save humanity, and if a building cannot be saved in the progress of this goal, than so be it."
"I understand," Mr. Chan said icily, "I am, of course, more concerned about civilian casualties."
"Any civilian that is caught in a fight between the Evas and the Demons," Fuyutsuki spoke, "is automatically in mortal danger. However, our pilots have made valiant attempts to save lives in the midst of battle. However, we mustn't put them in any more danger than necessary."
"Our pilots?" Mr. Pavlov spoke dryly.
Fuyutsuki smiled bitterly, "Yes. After all they are Humanity's only shot at survival."
As they exited the room, Ikari glanced at Fuyutsuki, "You should watch your speech more."
"Blast it Ikari," Fuyutsuki grunted, "they should care more. There only kids, yet we demand so must from them."
"Nothing more than before," Ikari replied.
Fuyutsuki looked at Ikari, "You should care more. He is your son…And after Yui−"
"I'm afraid it's too late to change anything," Ikari grunted.
Fuyutsuki shook his head and tried to decide who he pitied more: The boy or the father.
"Well that was fun," Toji grinned as they all made their way to the elevator.
"Yeah," Shinji nodded. Given that they had been flying around on things that were improvements one the things that had brought in the Production Models, the experience had been a good one.
"It was okay," Asuka shrugged.
"What did you think Rei?" Kensuke asked.
Rei glanced over at Kensuke as they waited for the elevator, "It was…interesting."
"You really need to work on your vocabulary," Asuka commented.
"You said it was okay," Kensuke pointed out dryly.
"And you're asking for it nerd boy," she growled.
"Come on, knock it off," Shinji put up his hands.
"So, now what?" Toji asked as he brushed some stray water from a shower out of his hair.
"I dunno," Shinji shrugged, "You can ask Hikari if we missed anything important. Other than that, I guess we'll just normal thing tomorrow."
"This schedule is starting to really suck," Toji complained, "We have no free time anymore!"
Rei cleared her throat as the elevator doors opened, "There are only a few days left. We need to be prepared."
"Yeah, I know," Toji sighed.
"Sure," Asuka tapped a finger on her folded arm, "For all we know, we'll be at constant alert for months during this thing."
"Ugh," Toji recoiled.
"Umm…So, Rei," Kensuke turned to her, "you doing okay with your school work?"
Rei smiled slightly, "Yes, I'm fine."
He nodded, "Good." Asuka glanced suspiciously from one to the other, but said nothing as the doors to the elevator opened and they all piled out.
"Well see ya!" Toji waved.
"Bye," Shinji turned, "Did Misato stick us with the shopping?"
"I think so," Asuka grumbled, "Plus she and Ryoji are going to dinner."
"Fine," he shrugged, "Pasta or ramen?"
"Pasta," she answered, "We had ramen the last three days."
"Non-instant doesn't count," he insisted, "but sure. Pasta it is."
"Have fun," Kensuke grinned.
"Same to you two," Asuka replied in a menacingly cheerful way.
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-17:55)
NERV HQ, Geo-Front, Tokyo-3, Japan
Dr. Ritsuko Akagi sighed as she glanced through the data, "Maya, do you have the numbers for stress on the wing struts of Carrier 01?"
The younger woman glanced around the sea of folders, "Umm…yeah. Yeah, it's right here."
"Check to see if the numbers are higher than 03," she tossed her a folder, "If not, than it's okay."
"Right," Maya nodded.
"Having fun?" Misato asked cheekily as she peeked in.
"Go home and die," Akagi growled.
"My my," Misato smiled, "Isn't your job supposed to be easier with Kensuke as your assistant?"
She sighed, "It is, but I still have some crappy things that I have to do myself."
"Done gloating?" Ryoji Kaji asked.
"Sure," Misato chuckled, "See ya around."
"Grr…" Ritsuko stared, "Why is she so happy?"
Maya shrugged, "Maybe because of Mr. Kaji?"
Akagi sighed, Oh course that was the reason.
Memories of her high school and college years flew by as Akagi realized that what her mother had told her was true: 'You can't sacrifice one aspect of oneself for the sake of another and be truly happy.'
Damm that woman.
"Doctor?" Maya waved.
"Ah…yeah. Back to work."
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-17:59)
Tokyo-3, Japan
Kensuke glanced over at Rei as they made their way back to their apartments. Shinji and Asuka had gone to the market to get groceries and Toji lived in the other direction, so it was just two of them.
Kensuke sighed silently, Come on Kensuke! You can think of something interesting to say to her!
"Only a few days left," Kensuke spoke softly.
"Yes," Rei replied.
"Well a lot has happened these past few days, eh?" he commented after a momentary pause.
"Indeed," she said.
He sighed, wishing she was more of a conversationalist.
Rei frowned slightly and looked at him, "Isn't the road to your apartment over there?"
"Huh?" Kensuke blinked, "Oh, yeah…Oh, well I was going to stop by and grab a newspaper at the stand down the block."
"I see," she nodded.
This is going nowhere. Maybe I should…umm…
Well?
Well what?
Are you?
Umm…
Well, are you or aren't you!
Fine! Umm… here goes…
"So anyways," Kensuke said quickly, "I was wondering if you wanted to do anything…"
Rei glanced at him, perplexed, "Do anything?"
"Well, what I mean is that if we ever get another break before the whole show starts…You know," he said nervously, "some time off before…"
"Before the De—" Rei started before stopping herself.
"Right," nodded, "if you would want to go do something; like the aquarium or the water park, or something. With the gang that this."
Rei looked off into before speaking, "We're here."
"Huh?" he blinked as he looked around and saw the newsstand with a few men carrying bundles of new papers from a truck to the stand, "Oh right; the newspaper."
"Well, I see you tomorrow," she said as she turned to walk.
Kensuke's eyes widened as visions of doom suddenly filled his head as he leaped forward, "Watch it!" A man carrying a bundle of newspapers nearly collided with Rei as she turned to walk away when Kensuke grabbed her shoulders and reeled her back.
"Woah!" the man stumbled back, "Watch it there, Missie!"
Rei blinked before blushing, "My apologizes."
The operator of the stand smiled, "Its okay, Miss. Nobody's hurt."
He winked at Kensuke, "Nice save, Kid. 'Course you gotta keep your girl in one piece, I suppose."
The paper men chuckled as Kensuke realized that he still had his hands on her shoulders. He quickly removed them, his face burning, "You okay?"
"Yes, thank you," she nodded shyly.
"Well, I got my paper…" Kensuke pointed as he walked over to the stand.
"Right," she nodded, "Tomorrow."
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-18:33)
Katsuragi/Ikari/Soryu Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan
"Well?" Asuka peaked into the kitchen.
"Almost done," he sighed, "You know, you can help."
"Me?" she pointed to herself incredulously.
"Yes," he groaned.
"Fine," she said stiffly, "if only to reward your new-found spine."
Shinji blinked. Well that was unexpected. Really unexpected, "Umm…well you can stir the sauce while I finish with the noodles."
"'Kay," she grabbed the spoon and started.
Shinji shook his head, "If Misato hears about this…"
"Well, than she won't," Asuka said cheekily.
Shinji rolled his eyes, "Couldn't you just be more helpful all the time?"
"No one could accept that," she replied.
"I know," he sighed, "It's just that at times like this, you seem like a completely different person."
Asuka slowed down, "Am I?"
"Huh?"
She glanced at him, "Am I that different?"
Shinji considered his answer, "Well…yeah."
"It's just that," Asuka sighed, "I don't want my secret out…"
"I know, I know," he nodded, "But just because you act different…"
"That last time I tried that, they thought that—" she stopped.
"I remember," he grabbed the pot of noodles, "but it settled down. Try not to worry about it. Heck, hardly anyone comments about Rei acting different anymore."
Asuka sighed, "I suppose."
"Come on," he smiled, "Let's eat."
Tuesday, January 20, 2016 (Day 18-18:35)
Ayanami Apartment, Tokyo-3, Japan
Rei stared at the mirror. Her experiences from the past few weeks whirled around in her head as she tried to make sense of them.
Why am I happy around him? Why am I sad when I'm here?
Is it because he's happy? Am I happy because he's happy? Or am I happy because I with him.
Rei frowned, Why is it that I hate this place? Why do I like his place better? Is it because it's his place, or is because I was with him?
Was I happy just because he was near? Why? Is it because I don't have anything inside that I simply become like those around me? Or does he have something that fills the hole in me?
Rei laid down on the bed, Why I am here? Why am I so alone right now? Why do I wish that I wasn't here?
Am I really human?
