Ayanami Tape #04
Today was the first time I had seen Rei without her bandages on. It was surprising to me, having gotten so used to the battered girl I had been meeting with the last few weeks. But without the bandages, she looks like a very lovely girl...even if her eye and hair color are still rather...unusual.
We had a long talk about her preparation to get back into piloting Unit Zero. Doctor Akagi makes her run these tests- synchronization tests, they're called- every day for an hour or so. The better the synch ratio, the better the pilot and Eva will be able to cooperate and work together. The theory, anyway. All of the terms she used flew right over my head, but I pretended to understand for both of our sakes.
She hasn't made any progress with interacting with Shinji yet...not that I really expected her to, as they haven't had much time to interact. But I asked her what she thought of being friends with him and she only replied that she would "if she was asked to."
(pause)
I can't, even now, think of a proper response to that, so I'll just let it go.
I don't really know if friendship with Shinji will help, given both of their personalities, but I doubt it could hurt. And anything to get her away from simply being a tool of the Commander.
Unfortunately for the sake of this progress...it looks like Shinji has run away. Captain Katsuragi reported him missing around mid-day yesterday. The pressure seems to have gotten to him bad enough that he decided to book it. I'm hoping our people find him before an angel does, otherwise it's not going to be-
(phone rings, picks up)
Yes, this is Doctor McPhearson.
(pause)
Oh thank goodness, where was he?
(pause)
On the town outskirts? What the blazes was he doing there?
(pause)
With a friend, you say? Was he helping him, do you know?
(pause)
I see...yes, very good.
(pause)
Yes, set up an appointment right away. Today, if you can, otherwise first thing tomorrow. I'd like to see him as soon as possible.
(pause)
Yes, thank you. Good day.
(sound of phone being put back on receiver)
They found him in the fields outside of town. Apparently he was in a tent with one of his classmates...what the classmate was doing there, I haven't the foggiest, but Shinji's alright and well, and that's what matters.
Hopefully I see him today...I need to gauge where he's at mentally. But from the sounds of things...I think he's had enough already...and I don't blame him.
End recording.