Shinji Steel 49
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Terminal Dogma; isolated section; ten minutes later)
Watching Rei as she floats in the tube in the isolated section, Ritsu can't help but remember what Rei had asked of her. Rei Ayanami, the most enigmatic girl that had been created through genetic engineering, asked her what she'd never imagined Rei ever asking.
To not implant the S-2 organ into her for when the next incarnation of Rei Ayanami is brought to life. All for the purpose of being able to bear children from the union of herself and Richard Nez. As she watches, Ritsu can't help but ponder the deal.
'If Ayanami is pertinent to Rokubungi, then do I tell him or not? After all, he's intending to use her to control… nah. Don't tell him. It'll derail Instrumentality, just as the deal I'd accepted entails! Plus it would be interesting to see what children come from a union between a human-Angel hybrid and a full human. Although without the S-2 organ, the hybrid wouldn't be a hybrid, but a full human being.' Frustrated to no end, Ritsu grips the front of her head. Getting Rei's attention.
"Is all well, Dr Akagi?"
"I'm fine, Ayanami. I'm still coming to grips with your request." Slightly scowling, to indicate displeasure when she's actually pleased, she asks, "What about your purpose that the Commander has in mind for you?" Even as Rei floats in the tube as she backs up her collective, Ritsu can clearly see the blue-haired girl frowning.
"I'm finding myself disagreeing with my intended purpose. My exposure to Rits, Shinji, Asuka, Richard and the others have shown me quite a bit about the world surrounding us. The Commander's intent has no benefit for humanity and is doomed to utterly dismal failure." Ritsu's eyebrow can't help but quirk upwards in consternation. That's the most she'd ever heard Rei say.
"I must admit, Ayanami, that you're coming out of your shell now more often."
"I was not… ah. You're speaking metaphorically." Ritsu can't help but chuckle haplessly at Rei's sheepish grin.
"You're in need of more socializing, but you're off to a good start." Her eyes glinting mischievously, she asks, "So how do you know Richard Nez is the one for you?" At that, she sees an unsure frown on her face.
"I don't really know. I'm following what I feel down in my stomach. I wish to know more about what it's like to be human."
"Well, Rei, you do realize we can always do the transfer right now if you're feeling up to it. With your current vessel unable to be used any further."
"Would I still be able to Pilot? In order to continue fighting by Shinji and Asuka's sides? Along with remember Richard and how I feel toward him?"
"Yes, seeing as you're uploading your latest memories, you would." At the sight of Rei's smile, Ritsu can't help but beam and nod as she says, "But you won't be able to use your AT-Field as a regular human unless you're inside Unit-00. Can you really live with those repercussions?"
"Yes, I can."
"What about 'no getting knocked-up until after the Angels are all gone'? Can you really hold out that long?" The only reply she gets is a smirk from Rei before she speaks.
"You needn't go any further, Dr Akagi." With that, Rei makes her decision.
(Shinji's coupe; en route to Old Osaka 'N-Tek' facility; thirty minutes later)
As Shinji drives, Misato in the passenger seat and Asuka in the backseat, the redhead can't help but sigh grumpily.
"I just don't see why we can't fly in a 'Sparrow' instead of taking a road trip to Old Osaka!"
"I already told you, Asuka. The car's part of the alibi for me to get a recharge of T-juice. Believe it or not, syncing with Units-00 and 02 really took it out of me. Along with serving as a comm. medium for your Mother to speak to you. By the time we got done, I was close to being in the 'red'. Still am, too."
"Is that bad? Going into the 'red', I mean."
"Think 'Jet Alone' and tell me what you think." Asuka ponders it before her eyes go wide in horror.
"How far down into the 'red' did you go?"
"I think I was about down to 1/8th power if it's any indication. So I gotta get topped off in case I get any other missions." Grinning wryly, Shinji remarks, "Besides, if you're going to be coming here while on 'probation'…"
"I'd need an official 'N-Tek' operative with me if I'm going onto 'N-Tek' grounds. Got it. What about Misato, though? If she's unofficial and an observer, then shouldn't she be back in Tokyo-3? 'Observing' what NERV and 'Dumbass' are doing?"
"Not necessarily. The relay Misato plugged into the MAGI that night is also a bug that works through the wiring of any structure it's plugged in. Making any electrical outlet a microphone/transmitter."
"Hence the tension between me and Ritsu, Asuka. Hearing what she and 'Dumbass' were discussing couldn't help but cause me to question our friendship."
"I can see how that'd cause a rift. I mean, you, she and Kaji were all buddies of sorts in college. 'Dumbass' sure got his hooks into her really deep." Misato gives a grunt of affirmation before speaking again.
"That is until Shinji brought up the possibility of Ritsu being a victim as well. But her Mother being a victim too? I'd have never seen that coming if it wasn't for Shinji's probes."
"Yeah, if anyone's been victimized by 'Dumbass' like anyone else, it'd be the Drs Akagi, alright." The redhead nods her understanding while Misato turns toward Shinji.
"How're you holding up, though? It can't have been easy for you."
"I'm hanging in there." Shrugging, he changes the subject, saying, "Dad and Jefferson have been going over your reports in conjunction with Rachel, Misato. They made their decision." Misato's attention can't help but be grabbed at that. Nor can Asuka's.
"Decision?" At Shinji's nod, Misato asks, "What decision, Shinji?" When Shinji doesn't say anything, but grins, Misato can't help but grin herself. Asuka bearing the same grin. "You can't mean…"
"Oh, but I do. You've the makings of a good field Agent, Misato. Your calm demeanor during the crises we'd faced, along with your slyness in planting that relay in the MAGI."
"Calm demeanor? Shinji, I freaked out when the 11th Angel infiltrated!"
"That's not the way I heard it. You called out the orders at battlefield volume to get everyone clear of the danger zone."
"Shinji's right, Misato. You used the right volume at the right time." Grinning, Asuka adds, "If anyone deserves Field Agent status, it's you. If I make it off of 'probation', I can hardly wait to get in, snoop around and fly out the window if the shit hits the fan." Shinji can't help but lightly chortle at that.
"That's usually not how it goes, Asuka. You've been watching too many clichéd spy movies. Much like a guy Dad knows."
"Then how does it usually go? Wait, you mean that happens at times, too?"
"Oh yeah. There are times when missions where subtlety succeeds and others where we gotta go 'balls-to-the-wall' all out." Asuka can't help but whine out when she speaks again.
"I wanna go 'balls-to-the-wall' all out, too." Shinji and Misato can't help but give Asuka a sympathetic grin as the off-road coupe drives along.
(One mile behind)
Even though he's 'off-duty' pending evaluation results, Sychola's intent on showing the rookie Agent that is currently behind the wheel the ropes. The same rookie Agent that was with him the night Birdman died, no less. Upon realizing where the coupe is going, he lightly smirks.
"Agent Dyson, is it me or is the car feeling sluggish?" Dyson frowns lightly before pressing down onto the accelerator and feeling the car pick up the pace.
"Feels normal, sir."
"Exactly. Normal is sluggish." Dyson looks to his side and sees Sychola grinning meaningfully. "Get the picture, slick?" It takes only five seconds for Dyson to understand what he means.
"Oh, right! Yes, it does feel a mite sluggish. I'm pulling to the side right now, sir." As Dyson does so, Sychola chortles slightly before he asks, "But aren't we supposed to protect Major Katsuragi and the Second and Third Children?"
"We are, yes. But they'll be alright. The Third's more than capable of handling himself. As is Major Katsuragi."
"What about the Second Child, sir?" At that, Sychola can't help but snicker.
"Somehow, I don't think even Satan would dare trying for her soul lest he get a really bad tongue lashing before a kick to his balls. If he has any, that is." Dyson snickers lightly as well while nodding before sighing.
"But doesn't that make us redundant, sir, if they can hold their own in a fight?"
"Maybe a little bit. But until we're told we are…" Dyson gives a nod before Sychola goes on. "Now, seeing as the car's 'sluggish performance' caused us to lose the Third Child's car, let's turn around and go on back." Dyson nods as he wheels the car back onto the roadway toward Tokyo-3 and Sychola grins.
"See? This car's 'sluggish' as Hell and that's the way it'll go in the report to 'Dumbass' through Hisnokasu." Dyson indicates his understanding by repeating what Sychola said. Only differently.
"We lost them when our car developed a case of sluggish performance. What an old and decrepit piece of shit." Sychola nods his approval before adding one more item.
"Our discussion also doesn't leave this car. Got it?"
"Got it, sir." Dyson sees Sychola nod in approval before finding himself curious. "Sir, since the discussion we just had doesn't leave the car, can I ask you where you went with Ms Takamiya?"
"As long as it doesn't leave this car…"
"Scout's honor, sir." Sychola can't help but snort in a scoffing, yet gentle, manner.
"I'd take 'Marine Honor' any day, but 'Scout's Honor' is just as good. Ms Takamiya took me to be treated by an old friend of hers from the days beforehand." Clenching his right hand into a fist, catching Dyson's notice, he grits out, "It was where I found out how my psychotic side started making a break for the surface. Along with how my arm came into being."
"Sounds pretty rough, sir." Sychola can't help but give Dyson a mirthless chortle.
"Kid, you don't even know the half of it." Opening his fist before clenching it again, he mutters, "It was far more than rough. My brains nearly got fried extra crispy in a room 'Dumbass' has in his office."
"What happened in there, sir?"
"I found out someone I thought was dead for a long time was playing the world for chumps."
"That sounds pretty evil, sir."
"Kid, this guy's evil incarnate. He caused me to become 'Psycho' and he caused the ATS I'd often faced off against to be shut down. All so he can conduct a global genocide." Dyson can't help but gasp in shock before back to the side of the road and slamming on the brakes.
"You mean that 'Second Impact' was caused by a lowlife son of a bitch?"
"Yep, and that's the most dead-on description I'd heard of that guy yet."
"The same guy that tried to annihilate the UN in Sweden?"
"The very…" Sychola's voice trails off before he asks, "How do you even know about that? That information's classified! By the American FBI, no less!" Dyson can't help but give a sheepish smirk before replying.
"My Dad was in the Bureau." Biting his upper lip thoughtfully, he adds, "He told me, when I was five, that the Government had shut down an Anti-Terror Squad that worked out of a sporting goods company named 'N-Tek' because it bypassed them and took care of matters."
"How'd he feel about it?"
"He felt the ATS had gotten a raw deal. I mean, they may have bypassed them, but…"
"But?"
"They saved lives, sir." Resuming the drive, Dyson goes on. "Dad made copies of every single piece of information regarding the 'N-Tek' ATS and the reason for its being shut down. We both listened to all the tapes of the interrogations of the personnel and examined the reports of the incident."
"And then?"
"We both concluded that when it came to being able to act quickly when everyone else is in the dark, 'N-Tek' was far more than capable. We also concluded the Feds that shut them down were just plain jealous that 'N-Tek' was getting the glory without even trying for it." Sychola has only one response.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" As he laughs heartily, Sychola can easily hear Dyson snickering as well. As he calms his laughter down, he gets out, "I'd love to meet your Dad, slick! Where's he living at?" At Dyson's snickers tapering off, Sychola can't help but feel sad vibes coming from him. "What happened?"
"He got shot during the chaos of the aftermath of 'Second Impact'. He didn't make it. The Bureau was quickly overwhelmed as lawlessness ran rampant." Gently wiping a tear from his left eye as he drives, he adds, "If those morons Dad worked with didn't shut down the ATS, 'Second Impact' may not have happened and Dad would've been around for you to meet him."
"I don't doubt that, but you gotta remember, kid, that I was still a bad guy back then. Now that I know what I know, though, an old saying comes to mind. 'The only reason bad things happen is to give you something good to hope for'. Your Dad was an honorable man, I'm sure. So never forget that."
"Yeah." Gripping the steering wheel tightly, he asks, "What can you tell me about the guy that caused 'Second Impact' and Dad to die?"
"He's under an alias. Kiel, I believe 'Dumbass' said." Dyson can't help but furrow his brow in thought.
"The only 'Kiel' I've ever heard of is a man named Lorenz Kiel. A reputedly reclusive philanthropist of sorts." Sychola can't help but feel intrigued at that.
"Would extensive body work result in a person becoming a 'reputedly reclusive philanthropist' of sorts?"
"How extensive are we talking, sir?"
"Visor over the eyes, exo-skeleton over the lower region of the body. That's as far as I could see, though. Sorry I couldn't help you more on that."
"No, no need to worry, sir. It's a good start." Chewing his lower lip thoughtfully now, he nods before speaking. "Yeah, it would result in that in certain situations."
"What kind of situations?" Instead of an answer, he gets a question in return.
"Did he appear proud of his appearance or ashamed?"
"Well, I don't know about proud, but he did say it helped in… holy fuck! Dread is calling himself Lorenz Kiel these days!"
"Yep. It makes sense. I mean, why would a man that claimed it helped hide his identity not be out in the open? Those proud of their appearance or fugitives confident in their new appearance desire to show themselves off to the world. Those proud do it to say, 'Hey! Look at me! I'm happy!' while the fugitives say, 'Ha-ha! Fooled you! Now I'm going to do a massacre and you can't even do shit to stop me!'. Mentally, of course." Sychola gives him a nod of understanding before speaking again.
"Of course. Whereas those that hide themselves away do so because they're ashamed of themselves. Hiding himself from the public eye is going to be his downfall." As they see the skyline of Tokyo-3 up ahead, Sychola grins and says, "If you were with the ATS for 'N-Tek' right now, I know the score you'd be getting right fucking on the fucking spot."
"Sir?"
"A+, kid. Fucking A+." Glancing over at Dyson, he adds, "When we get there, look like you're pissed at the car now."
"Not much trouble there, sir. This car's a POS." Sychola's statement about 'N-Tek' can't help but get him to blink. "But, the ATS is shut down. Isn't it?"
"Nope. It seems that it was 'reactivated' under the nose of the UN. And I have a pretty good feeling that it was done with support of sorts."
"But who could have that kind of authority?" Sychola doesn't say anything in reply. He only smirks. Getting Dyson to groan, "I guess I'll have to puzzle it out for myself, then."
"Uh-huh. I mean, you did pretty good in breaking Dread's cover as Kiel pretty damned good. So this should be a cake walk for you, young Padawan." Dyson can't help but chuckle while Sychola chortles.
"Never figured you to be a 'Star Wars' buff, sir." Sychola only shrugs and his chortles become guffaws.
As they enter Tokyo-3, they head right for the entrance to the Geofront. Both with pissed expressions on their faces as the car pulls up in front of the Section-2 motor pool. Dyson then opens the door and begins.
"Aw, dammit to Hell!" Dyson slightly startles Sychola as he exits the four-door sedan and slams the door. "Harlan! Get your butt out here!" As Dyson berates a freshly-arrived Harlan as the Section-2 mechanic walks up, Sychola can't help but resist the urge to guffaw.
'You missed your calling, kid. You deserve at least an Oscar for your performance right now!' Keeping his pissed expression on his face, he exits the sedan and joins in the berating. "Harlan, the car you gave us is too old and sluggish!"
"I realize that, Captain Sychola. But while NERV's budget is being infused with money in light of the battle prowess of the Evangelion Pilots, only to be deducted for compensation claims…" Harlan glares right at Sychola before the grossly-undersized mechanic goes on. "There's simply no money in the budget NERV has regarding Section-2 for better cars for Section-2 to use."
"Well, can't you find some way to make these old cars faster, then?"
"The only way possible would have to be dropping a turbocharger in there, Captain. And these old engines are grossly incompatible with the turbochargers available now."
"How grossly incompatible?"
"I'll put it to you like this. If you're to put a current gen turbocharger in there and start the engine, ka-boom."
"Ouch. That's grossly incompatible, alright." Getting a nod from Harlan, Sychola asks, "What about older turbocharger models?"
"If you could find 'em, yeah, it'd be possible. But the older models are quite rare and thus, horribly expensive." Sychola gives a wince, knowing how well Harlan's statement is accurate.
"What about dropping a newer model engine with a current turbocharger in there?" Harlan scrunches his face into contemplation before giving his reply.
"I'd have to look at the engine bay and the engine's specs both for size comparison. Other than that, there's really nothing I can do, Captain." Harlan lets out a sigh and adds, "If only G-98 hadn't been destroyed when it had been used by those crazy cultists to attack the Third Child and Miss Takamiya." Sychola's eyebrow rises intrigued before voicing his intrigue.
"Why's that, Harlan?"
"G-98 was the only car with an older-model turbocharger on it. If the turbocharger was intact, I could take it off the engine and put it on there. But since it was destroyed, there's not much chance it'd be any good."
"Only one way to find out for sure if it is destroyed, though. Dyson, Harlan, let's take a drive." Looking toward another Agent, one which Sychola has yet to know the name of, he adds, "Tell Acting Captain Hisnokasu that I took Agent Dyson and Mechanic Harlan on a recovery operation."
"Yes sir!" With that, Sychola wraps his mechanical arm around Harlan's shoulders and walks him toward the wrecker Harlan has in the motor pool. Dyson in tow. While the Agent asks, "But at this time of night, sir?" Sychola turns back and smirks widely.
"What better time to do a recovery operation than at night?" With that, they get into Harlan's wrecker, black and white in color, and head out of Tokyo-3.
(Old Osaka; 'N-Tek' building; same time)
As they enter the building from the underground parking garage, Shinji, Misato and Asuka go through the first layer of Security. Only to see a grinning Kat.
"Hey, Shinji."
"Hey, Kat. Everything all set at the reactor?"
"Yeah. Berto's been getting worried about you ever since after that Evangelion bucked like a bronco." Asuka can't help but snicker, getting Kat's attention. "I'm so glad you find the idea of Shinji having a wild ride amusing, Miss Sohryu. But I can't help but worry about Shinji here."
"I was worried about him too. Up until I heard him yelling like a lunatic. Then I knew he was alright."
"Alright. Shinji, Berto's already waiting for you. And afterward, we've something to tell you." Glancing at Misato and Asuka, she adds, "All of us."
"Okay." As Kat wraps her arms around him in a hug, he adds, "I missed you too." He doesn't notice Kat's tears of sadness, yet Misato and Asuka do. In her mind, Kat is infuriated.
'Gendo "Dumbass" Rokubungi, you will pay for wanting to make Shinji so miserable, he'd want to die!' Ending the hug, she wipes her eyes as she turns back from Shinji and says, "Let's get you charged up, Shinji."
"Right." As they follow the lovely woman, Shinji can't help but notice droplets on the floor. 'Tears?' Mentally shrugging, he adds, 'It's probably tears of joy that she and Berto are getting hitched. Yeah.' As they near the reactor room, Kat turns toward Misato and Asuka before speaking.
"The door next to us leads to the isolation chamber. It allows us to stay safe as the transphasic energy flows into the probes in Shinji's body. Josh already got his probes done, Shinji, so you can go on in."
"Okay, Kat." Kat opens the heavy metal door with the aid of hydraulics and waits for Shinji to enter. Once he's entered, she closes the door back and locks it down tight. She then escorts Misato and Asuka into the control room and makes the introductions.
"Jefferson Smith, Roberto Martinez, I'd like you to meet Asuka Langley Sohryu. Misato, this is Josh's adoptive Dad, Jefferson Smith."
"Nice to meet you, sir." Misato can't help but give Jefferson a salute. Getting the man to chuckle lightly before replying.
"Likewise, Major Katsuragi. Josh, Rachel and I've been looking over the reports Shinji had submitted to us through his probes and Berto here." Asuka can't help but give Berto a grin.
"Oh, so you're Berto, huh?" At his nod, Asuka adds, "Sorry, Ms Ryan, but I've something to give your fiancé." Kat has a fairly good idea and can't help but smirk.
"Okay. But remember that he's my man and that Kenoju's quite taken with you." Asuka nods before leaning down to Berto's left cheek and pecks it softly.
"Thank you, Herr Martinez."
"You're welcome, Fraulein Sohryu." Grinning, he then asks, "So when're you and Kenoju going to tie the knot?"
"I just met him, that's all." Her smile fading to a scowl, she adds, "By the way, that Agent you had watching over me either left or he had no orders to help me during that game of paintball Hikari and Touji introduced me to Kenoju through."
"He had no orders to help, and he didn't leave. Yet he did record both matches." Berto nods toward Shinji as he walks toward the chair within the reactor. "But we'll get into that later on." Upon seeing Shinji secure himself in the chair, he asks, "Ready, Shinji?"
"Ready when you are, Berto."
"Here we go, hermano. Hang tough."
With that, he hits the 'power' button, causing the transphasic energy to flow into Shinji's body. Misato and Asuka can't help but feel their hearts go out even more to Shinji as green waves of energy permeate his core. Within seconds, the charge cycle ends and Berto powers the sequence down.
"How're you feeling, Shinji?"
"Not as badly drained as I was the time of 'Jet Alone'. That's for sure."
"Good to hear. We'll be waiting for you in Meeting Room 5."
"Meeting Room 5. Got it." With that, Shinji undoes the restraints and walks toward the exit. Berto can't help but sigh heavily.
"No matter how gently we try to break it to him, he's still going to take it hard." Kat can't help but sigh sadly as she softly hugs Berto.
"I know. But he's got us all, Misato, Asuka, Deidre and Rits still."
"Yeah. But will it be enough? I mean, this is heavy what we're about to tell him. So heavy, I can't help but wonder if it'll be enough." Misato gives a sigh before she speaks.
"I'd known Shinji for a short time, I know. But I also know that he's the kind that'll rise to the challenge. If only to show 'Dumbass' that his shenanigans won't be tolerated."
"That's what we're worried about." At their confused blinks, Jefferson speaks up.
"Judging from what Josh told me earlier while we were debating how best to break it to Shinji, I can't help but feel Shinji will go on the warpath." Asuka can't help but gulp at that word.
"The warpath? As in he'd go hunting?" Jefferson gives a nod, yet Kat speaks next.
"I'll give you three guesses as to who he goes after, but you'll only really need one." Misato and Asuka's eyes can't help but fly open in horror. Misato taking the opening.
"He'd go after 'Dumbass' for all the bullshit he's got in mind for Shinji and had put Shinji through so far!"
"Indeed." Berto gives them a nod before adding, "I wouldn't even be surprised if he did his version of that one scene from 'The Shining'. Only with a sledgehammer and his name." They all imagine that scene and can't decide if they should laugh about it or be scared out of their wits.
(Imagined Scene)
Shinji smacks his lips before smashing Gendo's office door with a sledgehammer, resulting in a massive hole. He then peers through the hole, showing Gendo an eerily psychotic smile. One that would put even 'Smiley' to shame. He then cackles insanely and, in a maniacally malicious tone of voice, yells out.
"HERE'S SHINJI!" After he forces his way in, he advances toward Gendo. Getting to him, he smirks and says, "YOU WON'T BE CAUSING HUMANITY ANY MORE PROBLEMS, YOU BASTARD!" Before Gendo can even retort, Shinji smashes the sledgehammer into Gendo's skull. Repeatedly. Laughing all the while.
(Scene end)
They all shudder before Kat looks over at Berto.
"You have that tranquilizer ready, just in case?"
"Yeah. But will it work on Shinji, though?"
"One way to find out." Kat takes a deep breath before adding, "Let's go break the bad news to Shinji." They all nod and exit the isolation room. As they walk, Kat looks over toward Asuka and Misato.
"We'll need to sit close to Shinji to hold him close. If he breaks loose, Berto will use the tranquilizer on him." They both nod in agreement with her. With all hoping it won't be needed.
When they get there, they see Shinji and Josh sitting together and smiling widely. Finding it a good start, Jefferson clears his throat and smiles as well.
"Looks like you two are in a good mood."
"I just told Shinji I proposed to Laura. She accepted and we're getting married."
"Hey, all right, hermano!" Berto's cheer is accompanied by Misato and Asuka both.
"Congratulations!" Jefferson's the next to congratulate them.
"It's about time for you two!" Kat can't help but be overly-enthusiastic with hers.
"Let's make it a double wedding, Berto!" Berto's shy chuckle gets Kat to giggle before sighing. "Now that we've heard the happy news, I'm afraid it's time we got serious."
The room can't help but be filled with tension instantly. Kat, Misato and Asuka flank Shinji and hold him close while Jefferson, Josh and Berto sit across from him. Injector in Berto's hand. Giving Shinji the impression they're ready and willing to use a tranquilizer on him if need be. He can't help but nod.
"What's going on?" At Shinji's question, Josh begins.
"Shinji, we've been trying to find a way to break what we have to say to you gently. You'd already suffered so much and compensated for it by fighting the good fights. We're damned proud of you, son. Never forget that." Kat holds him close to her. Misato mirroring the hold while Asuka can only pat his leg gently as Josh goes on. "But every single time you hear 'his' voice has you in masked and agonized anger. Which is more than justifiable, given what we'd learned through Misato's chat with Mr. Kaji."
"How bad is it, Dad? Please, don't sugarcoat it. Just give it to me straight out. Please?" Instead of Josh, it's Misato that answers him.
"Shinji, the reason 'Dumbass' has been pulling what stunts he could is so you'd be so depressed and self-loathing…"
"I'd be eager to die. But to what end, Misato?"
"For something called 'Instrumentality'. But you standing up for yourself like that is really fucking things up for him." Shinji can't help but smirk wryly at that.
"I'm not sorry for fucking up his plans. I'll keep it up if only to see how pissed off he gets." Shinji's words, while his voice is starting to quake, have steel resolve within. Getting them to grin gently at him. "But how do you know about 'Instrumentality', Misato?"
"Kaji connected it with a prophecy dictating 'Third Impact' on something called the 'Dead Sea Scrolls'. Any time he'd see them in view, he'd get a glimpse. The passage regarding you, however…" Misato's voice trails off as she feels herself choking up. Shinji picking up where she left off.
"Deems me as the sacrifice for 'Third Impact'. Which is what we're supposed to be working to avoid."
Misato's body can't help but wrack in sobs as she holds Shinji to her. Kat right behind her as she nestles Shinji's head into her neck. Asuka tentatively looks up into Shinji's face, hoping to see no sign of fury. She's sorely disappointed.
"Um, Berto, you'd better get ready! 'Typhoon Shinji' is approaching the coast!"
For she sees not only fury, but lethal fury. With Shinji struggling to gently break free of the hold they have on him so he can go on a 'Berserker' rage toward 'Dumbass'. Leaving them all glad he's not using the probes to try breaking free for he knows it's not their fault and doesn't want to risk hurting them.
Berto nods as he bolts right up to Shinji and they all hear the hiss of the injector as it dispenses the tranquilizer into his body. As he succumbs to the effects of the tranquilizer, Asuka takes him into her arms as Misato and Kat let him slump forward. As she holds him, she gently runs her fingers through his hair before softly kissing his cheek.
'Why do you want Shinji a broken, fucked-up mess, Rokubungi? It's bad enough you abandoned him, but you wanted him to be in such a state to be willing and eager to die? What the fuck's wrong with you, arschloch?' Unbidden, tears start falling from Asuka's eyes and run down her cheeks as she starts praying. Rocking him gently in her arms the whole time.
'Lord, please grant Shinji strength to keep defying the "Dumbass" that was responsible for him being born and yet wants him to want to die! He deserves to live with Rits in peace and happiness with lots of beautiful children!' Pecking his cheek again, she ends with, 'Amen!' Looking up at the ones he'd come to call family, she can only ask one question in German. Her voice clearly breaking in sorrow.
"Wa…rum Shin…ji?" The answer isn't available from anyone as they don't know themselves.
(Two hours later; recovery site for G-98)
"Okay, Dyson. You've got the controls figured out, right?"
"I do, Harlan. No need to worry. I worked for a towing/recovery company for a short time after I graduated from high school."
"Okay, good. Captain Sychola, I'm counting on your mechanical arm to pull the hood off when we get G-98 upright again."
"You got it, Harlan." Sychola can't help but grin in irony. 'When it comes to commanding personnel of Section-2, I'm "in charge". But Harlan's in charge of the motor pool and when it comes to cars, he's the boss! Oh the sweet irony!' Unable to resist a chortle, he looks over at Dyson and nods. "Let's do it, kid."
"Yes, sir. Going down! Hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" Sychola and Harlan both can't help but cackle at his 'Daffy Duck' impression as they're both lowered. In his amusement, Harlan turns to Sychola.
"Do you think he does impressions just to lighten things up?"
"Probably. I gotta say, though, his impression of 'Daffy Duck' is quite impressive. It's a wonder he's still single. Any girl would be the luckiest girl in the world." His mind then thinks of one woman that might like a guy with a sense of humor. Prompting him to grin. Harlan catching the grin, no less.
"You've got someone in mind, don't you?"
"You better believe it. But problem's gonna be convincing her to let go of the crush she already has."
"Does the subject of the crush know?"
"Oh yeah. He saved her life once and she then developed a monster-ass sized crush on him. Poor guy can't help but break out into a cold dry sweat any time she's near!"
"How can sweat be cold or dry? It doesn't make any sense!" Sychola shrugs as he looks down to the ground and grins.
"It's a long story, Harlan, that'll have to wait. Coming down to the ground now." Once their feet touch down onto the ground, they both turn around. Harlan can't help but groan in dismay while Sychola only arches an eyebrow while tilting his head to the side.
"I've never seen a car land quite like that before. The undercarriage facing ya while on one of its front fenders. Most perplexingly fascinating."
(Topside; same time)
As he waits for word from Captain Sychola, Dyson peers intently to the bottom of the gorge. Only to hear the sound of a pistol hammer being pulled back. He then hears a smarmy voice.
"Good evening to you, my son. Do not reach for your service weapon as I'm sure you're trained to."
"I ain't your son, scum-bucket, and you sure as Hell ain't my old man! God rest his soul." The smarmy voice's source jabs him in the back, only to cause him to roll his eyes. "So this is the extent of your intimidation? Threatening to shoot someone in the back? How truly sad and pathetic you are."
"You, young heathen, are the truly sad and pathetic one. Now, how many are down there?"
"Two. Section-2 Captain Sychola and Mechanic Harlan."
"What is their purpose here?"
"Recovery of a turbocharger that is on the engine in G-98."
"Ah. That's the car myself and my associates had obtained after slaughtering your heathen brethren." Dyson's eyes can't help but go wide until he hears Sychola calling for him. Desiring to call in a warning, the voice hisses out, "Do not tell him anything. Only obey his orders. No signals of any kind."
"Alright. Quick question, though."
"You may proceed."
"How long have you been here?"
"Oh, just long enough for your cohorts to get to the ground below them." Jabbing Dyson's back with the gun, he hisses out, "So answer! Now! And keep your voice normal."
"Not a problem, ass-munch cultist." With that, he acknowledges. Waiting for the best time to fight back.
(Gorge floor; two minutes earlier)
"To you, perhaps. I just hope the turbocharger can be salvaged!" Undoing the connection to his harness, Harlan quickly and carefully connects it to the front cross-member. "You might wanna stand back."
"Got it." As they both move back, Harlan gives the nod and Sychola gives the word. "Go for it, Dyson. But be gentle." After a slight delay, they get a reply from him.
"Roger." With that, the sedan starts leveling vertically until it's completely off the ground. "How's it looking down there?"
"Perfect, kid. Now bring it down nice and gentle."
"10-4." With that, the rear end of the sedan touches down onto the ground. Harlan prompting Sychola to position himself at the roof of the sedan to 'convince' the front end to come down facing Harlan wheels down. "How's it looking now, sir?"
"Beautiful, kid. Just beautiful. Keep it coming until you hear me say stop."
"Roger." A minute later, the front end lands facing Harlan and Sychola grins.
"You can stop now, Dyson."
"Stopping." When the line stops cold, Dyson calls in with, "Now that was fun." Sychola can't help but smirk as he takes hold of the hood with his mechanical arm and easily hefts it off. Harlan can't help but be impressed.
"You're handy to have around, Captain. Any chance I can call on you to help me with stubborn doors, trunk lids and hoods on the cars?"
"Alright, but don't blame when I render those pieces ill-fitting on the cars."
Harlan can only chuckle haplessly while Sychola snickers and shines the light onto the engine. Upon hearing Harlan gasp, he can't help but worry.
"Was it a wasted trip?"
"On the contrary. The engine's trashed, alright. But the turbocharger appears intact! Ha-ha!" Examining it intently, he can't help but grin widely. "Perfect. I can remove it via the engine components it's attached to. I'd have to re-flash the computer on the car it'll be going into, though. But that'll be a snap!"
"How long will it take?"
"We gotta get it back to the motor pool first so I can fully evaluate turbocharger's condition. Plus the condition of the sedan it's going into."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Grinning gleefully, Sychola calls in. "We're about ready to come up, kid."
(Topside; same time)
Upon hearing Sychola's voice, Dyson grins as he knows the best way to signal something's wrong. Sneakily sliding his hand toward his cross-draw mounted hip holster and weapon, he smoothly brings it out before replying.
(Gorge floor; same time)
"Roger. Just let me know when you're ready, sir."
"Copy that." As he and Harlan get themselves and their precious cargo attached to the line, he can't help but grin. 'It's as good an alibi as any! I just hope Shinji's doing alright!' Shaking it off, he calls in again. "We're ready, slick!"
"Roger. Going up!" Sychola can't help but feel something's wrong as the line starts upward. Neither can Harlan.
"It's not like him to not do something funny. Especially in a situation like this where humor can be useful right about now."
Harlan can only nod in agreement. Just then, the two men hear gunshots and then Dyson's 'Daffy' laugh. Resulting in a relieved grin from both men. When they get to the top, however, they see Dyson holding his weapon on a man dressed in a white robe with yellow trim on it and wearing a big hat. With the man bleeding from his left shoulder. Sychola draws his weapon as he goes to Dyson's side, Harlan moving to the side away from the oncoming conflict.
"What happened, slick?"
"This no-good varmint here's one of the jackasses that killed Charlie and Dave, sir!"
"He is, is he?" At Dyson's nod, Sychola looks at him and sees a graze on his right arm. "Good God, you're hit!" Dyson merely grins before replying.
"I'm fine, sir. Just a minor flesh wound I can treat with a line of gunpowder and a flame."
"Good to know. Harlan?"
"Right here, Captain."
"Get on into the wrecker. It's time for this 'germ' before us to be reunited with the car our colleagues were assigned to when they were murdered by him and his thugs."
"Murdered is such a ghastly term. I much prefer sacrifice."
"If that's the way you want it, then." His mechanical hand seizing the man by the front of his robe, he barks out, "How'd you get away from the UN Police, anyway?"
"They let me go, seeing as I had no blood on my hands. My two flock members, however, were not as fortunate."
"Well, I really don't think I take kindly to those that like to attack people under my charge or supervision." Bringing him up close and personal, he whispers, "In a way, I'm glad the Third Child gave you what he felt you'd deserved." With that, he carries the man over to the gorge and sneers menacingly at the 'man' in his hand.
"Because he's so weak, he can't do a thing without your protection or influence?"
"Wrong! He's got a strength that's beyond the likes of you! He has a strong heart that's filled with kindness and is about the nicest kid you'd ever want to meet! Even though his birth Father's a brain-dead deadbeat, he still has a good heart! But you wanna know the best thing about him?"
"If it isn't about his weaknesses, not really!"
"The best thing about his heart is it allows me to do this!"
His hand letting the 'man' drop down into the gorge, he relishes in hearing the scream. Right up until impact with the sedan is heard.
"I was a Marine and a good man. But some aspects of being a homicidal cyborg still stay with me. Am I still a man or really a monster?"
"Far as I'm concerned, sir, you were too lenient on him." At Dyson's words, Sychola's eyebrows can't help but arch upward.
"What would you have done?" Dyson only smirks before opening a storage compartment on the wrecker and bringing out a flare. "Oh, I know where this is going."
Dyson gives a chuckle as he walks to the edge of the cliff and lights the flare before dropping it into the gorge. As he walks away from the edge, he sees Sychola grinning his approval just as G-98 explodes.
"Now that is an ending to an evil person."
"Wasn't really evil, to be exact. More like so badly misguided, he was willing to kill anyone that didn't buy his crap, sir." Sychola's eyebrows can't help but go up in consternation before slamming back down.
"You mean those loonies tried recruiting you?" At his nod, he asks, "When?"
"About two weeks after Dad died. I was on my way home from school when a guy dressed like that cultist a la flambé down there told me that 'Second Impact' and Dad's death were God's way of punishing the human race. I told him to fuck off and leave me alone. He then grabbed my arm when I tried walking away and I told him to let go."
"I'm guessing he refused."
"Yes sir. Upon his refusal, I sighed and said, 'So it's to be this way, then'. I heard the guy snickering as if he thought he'd won. But, boy, he was surprised when I brought out the .38 snub-nose Dad bought me two days before he died and then kneecapped him. In both kneecaps, no less." Sychola can't help but guffaw as Harlan snickers.
"I can just imagine the look on his face when he saw the gun and heard the shots!" Both turn to Harlan as he adds, "It must've been priceless! You must've been meaner than a rattlesnake! How old were you?"
"I was only seven, actually."
"SEVEN?" At Dyson's nod, Sychola can't help but find himself curious. "Why'd your Dad buy you a gun at that age?"
"It was after 'Second Impact'. Children were being mugged or killed every day. Dad felt that I needed to be able to protect myself. He told me to never let myself or others near me become a victim." Bringing up his weapon, he allows Sychola to see it's a snub-nosed .38 revolver.
"This may be considered a backup gun in most circles and probably not necessary in Section-2, but I've been carrying it with me anyway." Sychola can't help but grin proudly as he claps Dyson on his left shoulder.
"I'm sure betting my ass your old man's proud as Hell of you." Dyson can only nod as he puts the .38 away in the hip holster at his side. Breathing in the night air after closing his eyes, Dyson opens them back up.
"Yes sir." With that, the three men get the cable back into place before making their way back to Tokyo-3.
(Old Osaka 'N-Tek' facility; two hours later)
As he groggily opens his eyes, Shinji can't help but groan in shame over his reaction.
"I let my emotions get the best of me."
"No, Shinji." At the sound of Josh's voice, Shinji looks up toward him. "You reacted appropriately given the circumstances that 'Dumbass' tried pushing onto you. I mean, he abandoned you, tried tampering with your surroundings when he learned you're living as normal a life as possible and he didn't like it one bit."
"Then sometime after I turned thirteen, he sent 'Smiley' to give me his 'regards' as they were." At Josh's nod, Shinji asks, "Misato and Asuka?"
"They're taking a rest right now. Kat's… a little preoccupied with Berto right now."
"Do I guess or is what they're doing clean?" Before Josh can even reply, an euphoric scream can be heard in Kat's voice.
"BERTO!" At the sound of her scream, they both shake their heads and chortle before Shinji sighs.
"So what now, Dad? Do we tell Mrs. Nez what we found?"
"I already put in a call to Rachel. And believe you me she is livid with 'Dumbass'. So livid, she's making arrangements to have a crack UN Infiltration Team positioning itself inside Tokyo-3. Poised to invade the Geofront and in effect NERV to effect Rokubungi's arrest for after the final Angel's defeated. But until then, however, we're on our own." Shinji can't help but sigh. Josh echoing that sigh.
"Too bad it can't be sooner."
"Yeah. Of course, we could always have an LMD posing as him. But I get the feeling that he's only part of the conspiracy. Plus the LMD has to be programmed with his voice and reflex actions."
"Much like mine is." His eyes suddenly going playful, Shinji says, "If he wants a 'weak me', let's give him a 'weak me'. Now that we know what kind of game he's playing, we can play our own."
"Okay. What about Rits, though? How will she know the LMD's not you?"
"Good question. AARRGGHH!" Sighing, Shinji mutters, "So much for that idea."
"It was a good thought, anyway. So don't feel too bad about it."
"Yeah." Rising and stretching, Shinji mutters, "I guess we'll have to play it by ear, then. Not cluing 'Dumbass' in on the fact we're onto him now should be quite interesting."
"Indeed, Shinji." At the sound of Jefferson's voice, they both turn to see the man grinning in a feral manner. "It's good to see you're awake."
"It's good to be awake, Jefferson." The man nods before speaking.
"In any case, I've got a little something for you to sink your teeth into. I'd considered sending Sohryu or Katsuragi with you but decided you could use a distraction of sorts."
"Okay. What's going on?"
"Bio-con. He's in Russia and has aligned himself with a key member of one of the mafiya families there. No idea as to which as contact with our Moscow office was cut off one hour ago."
"I haven't seen him in a while. It'll be good to cut loose on him a bit." Switching over, he quickly becomes Max Steel Jr. All men unaware of the nosy redhead eavesdropping on them. "Okay. I'll take 'Sparrow-9' as it has Russia's topography set in so I can fly NOE. Is it…"
"Yes. Natalya Uramov's office." Smirking, Jefferson adds, "I almost pity Bio-con. Almost."
"Yeah, well, I'll be sure to save some of it for 'Dumbass'. Bio-con just made my night a little more 'pleasantly' interesting is all." Little does he realize just how interesting this night will become.
(Thirty minutes later; en route to Moscow; Sparrow-9)
As he flies, Max could swear he hears teeth chattering. Knowing it's not him, he can't help but groan.
"Okay, Asuka. I know you're in here."
A thin blanket over the seat falls away to reveal her yellow sundress-clad form. The poor girl's lips are blue with cold and Max can't help but feel bad for her. Turning on the heat, he chuckles lightly.
"It'll be a few minutes until it's warm in here."
"T-T-T-Thank y-y-y-you." As Asuka feels the heat seep in, the chattering in her teeth lessens significantly. Making her easier to understand three minutes later. "How're you feeling?"
"I've been better." Getting a nod of approval from her, he then asks, "You mind telling me what the Hell you're doing here when you haven't even been given a mission yet? Under your code name, no less."
"I dunno, really. Just felt that you could use the company to be sure you don't go too far."
"You really think I'll go too far with Bio-con and the mafiya higher-up?"
"Oh yeah. I mean, you've got a lot of rage in you. I just want to be sure you don't go too far unintentionally." Max can't help but sigh while chuckling and coming to a decision.
"Well, seeing as we're past the point of no return… Red Devil." Upon hearing her 'code name', Asuka grins and goes serious at the same time.
"Yes."
"You'll enter the subsidiary office 'N-Tek' has with me and stay close. Upon evidence of hostile actions, you are cleared to do what you can to survive while incurring minimal damage to the enemy or the building."
"Understood." She then sees a compartment below her feet open. A blue, folded garment within. Bringing it out, leaving it folded, she asks, "What's this, Max?"
"That is an 'N-Tek' jumpsuit. It may be a little big on you, but hopefully your body heat will help compensate as it rises. Oh, while it's just the two of us, you can just call me Shinji." Getting a grunt of affirmation from her, he adds, "And be sure to take your clips out of your hair."
"Oh, right. To conceal my being an Evangelion Pilot, right?"
"Exacto." Pressing a button, he grins when an opaque screen rises between the gaps in the seat. "I put up a privacy barrier for you. Just in case."
"Thanks." Hearing the sound of her shucking her sundress, Shinji turns down his ears' sensitivity level until he can't hear a thing.
After removing her hair clips, she puts them atop her folded sundress before worming her way into the jumpsuit. Still in her undergarments as she worms her way in while seated, Asuka can't help but grin at the auditory 'show' she's giving Shinji. Shucking off her dress was only the beginning of her fun. Now she's being playful, delighting in the feeling of being nearly naked under the jumpsuit. Whereas when she, Shinji and Rei are naked when inside their plug suits.
"So, Shinji, have you and Rits decided what she'll wear to the wedding?" Upon not getting a reply, her smile fades slightly before she addresses him questioningly. "Shinji?" She's now truly grumpy that Shinji is seemingly ignoring her. "Dammit, Shinji! Answer me!" Now at the point of being pissed off, she positions her right leg to kick the back of Shinji's seat. "Shinji, you idiot! Answer me, dammit!" A second later, she hears his voice.
"What is it, Asuka? You done?"
"Yes, I'm done. Why didn't you answer me when I asked you if you and Rits had decided what she'd be wearing at your wedding?"
"Oh, I had my ears' sensitivity turned down until I couldn't hear a thing." Asuka blinks once, twice, thrice before chuckling in exasperation.
"The more I learn about you, the more I envy you, Third."
"Yeah, well, there are times when I can't help but feel me having these probes isn't exactly all that's cracked up to be."
"But you get to live a cool life and do meaningful things for the good of mankind when they don't even know it." Shinji gives a grunt of affirmation before she goes on. "I admit my jealousy given what I know now."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll put it to you like this. When this war and case is all over, I'm gonna celebrate by flinging 'Dumbass' right into orbit with Mama's big hand. If not crush him outright with her big fist. After you use a nail gun on his ass, of course. Now that would be something to see!" Shinji and Asuka can't help but share a chuckle before Shinji sighs.
"You know what the trouble with you is?"
"No. What?"
"You're too violent." Asuka's eyes can't help but fly open in shock at his audacity.
"Me? How? You're more violent than I am! How can I be too violent?"
"It's all that sugar you're eating when you think I'm not watching your diet."
"That's bullshit!" Grinning as she brings out a miniature 'Hershey' bar from one of the pockets on her folded sundress, she goes on while silently unwrapping it. "You're imagining things!"
"If I'm imagining, then the 'Sparrow' we're in smells very tasty right now." Asuka can't help but snicker, knowing full well that she got caught. Shinji joining her in the snickering. As the snickering ends, Shinji asks, "How does it feel?" Asuka can't help but blink before remembering the jumpsuit she's now wearing. Looking down at herself, she can't help but notice that her curves are now showing.
"It looks and feels much like a plug-suit. Only without the compressed air sealing system." Shinji brings down the privacy screen and sees Asuka grinning impishly. "So what's the deal with this 'Bio-con' bozo, anyway?"
"His real name's Dr Jerry Klimo. I'm patching his dossier back to you now." Once Asuka has Klimo's dossier before her, minus a picture, he goes on. "He was once an 'N-Tek' scientist that babysat the children of 'N-Tek' operatives at times. Dad was one of them."
"Josh's birth Dad was an 'N-Tek' operative?" At his nod, Asuka mutters, "I've heard of getting into the 'family business', but this is too much." Shinji can't help but chuckle at that, getting Asuka to snicker.
"Yeah, but at least this business is more rewarding."
"So true! Of course, the family you'd gotten after 'Dumbass' ditched you is a family like no other."
"Oh, how true that is." As Asuka reads on, he adds, "He was involved in a freak accident after he lost his job with 'N-Tek'. The accident literally made him a cold-blooded snake."
"As in with scales, hissing, the whole nine yards?" At his nod again, Asuka can't help but roll her eyes. "Any other outlandish enemies you have, Third?"
"Well, there's Devilwoman, Hammerhead, Vitriol, L'Etranger and Electrix."
"Let's go with Hammerhead."
"That'll have to wait as we're coming up on our destination now. From here on out, it's Max. Okay?"
Asuka gives a grunt of affirmation as her eyes go over the dossier once more for good measure before closing the screen. Once the 'Sparrow' touches down onto the roof of a building, they exit and Asuka follows Max to the roof entrance. Max types in the override code for Security and gains access. As the door opens, they silently enter and softly close the door. Following Max's lead, Asuka is as silent as possible. Which is really quite foreign to her. So, in an attempt to speak softly, she breaks silence.
"So, this Klimo guy we're after is fuckin' smart, huh?"
"Yep. He's also deadly." Asuka can't help but gasp in shock at that.
"You mean…"
"It was a near thing before I was even born. Kat got bitten by him and Dad sent her to Del Oro via 'Sparrow' while he went after Klimo to get a sample of his venom for Berto to make an antidote to the venom." Asuka can't help but feel a flash of anger toward the snake before getting it under control.
"So why does he have such a beef with 'N-Tek' anyway?"
"He was canned by 'N-Tek' for doing unlawful experiments and… hello. Look who we have here." Up ahead of them, in front of an elevator, Max can't help but grin at seeing two familiar faces. "Hairy. Eyeball. When did you two get out of Jail?" One of them, both Caucasian men, Asuka's unsure of which, can't help but scowl before speaking. With a heavy Russian accent.
"You're not supposed to be here, Max Steel Jr."
"Oh. Says who?" This time, it's the other one who speaks. With the same accent, no less.
"Lady Kamenev." Max gives a nod and a grin at that name.
"Oh, so you're working for that whore-bitch now. So tell me something, guys…" The two men named 'Hairy' and 'Eyeball' both grit their teeth as Max smirks and asks, "Do your checks actually clear?"
Asuka can't help but snicker as they try attacking Max. Only to find themselves meeting head to head when Max dodges their attack before slamming their heads together. As the two 'men' slump down to the floor, Asuka follows Max into the elevator with a wide smirk on her face and turns around as the two 'men' get up and face the redhead. Her smirk goes mean as she gives them both the 'one-finger' salute as the door closes. Max can't help but notice her finger return from being extended before sighing.
"You really enjoyed that, didn't you?"
"Which one? Where they met head-to-head or when you told them what you thought of the Kamenev bitch?"
"Well, those too. But I was mainly referring to you giving the 'bird' to 'Hairy' and 'Eyeball' as the elevator door closed."
"Yeah, I enjoyed it. Oh, I just gotta know. How do you tell 'Hairy' and 'Eyeball' apart anyway?"
"Easy. One's bald and the other's wearing an eye-patch."
Asuka can't help but burst out into gut busting laughter. It's just too funny for her to not laugh at. Max is lightly snickering as Asuka calms down enough to talk coherently.
"Okay. What about this Kamenev bitch?"
"Her name's Anastasia Kamenev, only offspring of Kamenev Family Head Dmitri Kamenev. She may be a Daddy's girl, but she's also equal parts cunning businesswoman and sadistic killer. Reputedly, of course, seeing as bodies of her victims have always vanished upon death."
"Of course. What about the 'N-Tek' facility here? What's Kamenev and Bio-con want with it?"
"On the second, no idea yet. As to the first, officially, it's where nutritional supplements are researched and made for athletics. It's actually being done here too in order to aid the cover better."
"Ah, I got ya, I got ya. Unofficially?"
"Unofficially, it's where counteragents for nasty viruses are formulated and dispensed to the other offices in case of an epidemic." Asuka nods her approval before a disturbing thought crosses her mind.
"What about testing for the counteragents? Are animals being used in any way?"
"Nope. The facility's practices are so strictly humane, not even pets are brought in. All combinations are researched via computer program that projects success/failure ratios. If one looks promising, they research it further with two more tests. If not, however, it goes back to the drawing board."
"Cool. What about this Natalya Uramov?"
"She's the 'N-Tek' Agent in charge of the Moscow Office and…" His voice trailing off worries Asuka to no end before he adds, "She's in trouble."
Moving at a slight sprint, he hears Asuka keeping pace with him easily as they near the office door. Although it's closed, the voices coming through are so loud, even Asuka can hear them easily.
"Come now, Dr Uramov. It will do you no good to hide the PS-S-S-S-S-SA-598 s-s-s-s-serum's-s-s-s-s location." The voice was clearly male with a definite hiss.
"Forget it, you slimy snake!" That voice was feminine and with a Russian accent. Only for the next voice to be feminine with a Russian accent as well.
"Forget that worthless serum, Dr Klimo. Concentrate on convincing Miss Uramov to include our product into the counteragents she makes. A fortune can be made quite easily." Asuka can't help but be impressed by Uramov's next words. Neither can Max.
"FORGET IT, YOU FUCKING WHORE! I WILL NOT PUT POISON INTO SOMETHING THAT IS MEANT TO SAVE HUMAN LIVES! ALL FOR FILTHY MONEY, NO LESS!"
(Inside Uramov's Office)
"Even if it would save your own?" Kamenev's query can't help but get a scoff from Uramov.
"I'd rather die with my principles and soul intact than compromise them and then live my remaining days with my soul tainted by knowingly causing tragedies the world over! Hell, I'd sooner slit my wrists than agree to a deal with a dealer of murder like you!"
"I don't deal murder. I deal with a pleasing escape from a boring everyday life. It's not my fault some people can't handle what happens to them upon taking part of it." Next thing they know, the closed door crashes open.
"Oh yes it is, Kamenev."
At the sound of Max's voice, Natalya Uramov turns toward him and smiles softly. Allowing him to see that she's heavily bruised. If not for the bruises on the slender brunette's face, she'd be quite attractive.
"Comrade Max, so good to see you again."
"Likewise, Natalya." Looking right at Bio-con and a platinum blond Kamenev both, with ice in his eyes, Max says, "Red Devil."
"Yes, Agent Steel?" In her mind, Asuka can't help but think, 'Shinji wasn't kidding about Klimo one bit!'
"Show Miss Kamenev what happens to people when they try bullying other people into doing what they want." The young woman Max had called 'Red Devil' gives off a wicked smirk as she cracks her knuckles and steps toward Kamenev.
"With extreme pleasure. After all, when it comes to bitches, it takes a bitch to fight a bitch. Especially one that doesn't look like she's been getting laid lately. In fact, I don't think she'd ever been kissed, let alone fucked. Not like anyone would want to do either with her, for that matter."
"You… little… tart!" Seeing red to no end, Kamenev screams at 'Red Devil' and charges her.
Only for her target to step to the side and lob a kick right into Kamenev's left kidney. Kamenev gasps in pain just as 'Red Devil' lobs a punch right into her jaw. Knocking out three of her lower teeth and her onto her backside. Kamenev then screams in rage as she darts her right hand down to her right thigh and brings up a 9mm Makarov pistol.
"Now you die and go back to Hell, demon!" Just as Kamenev pulls the trigger, 'Red Devil' avoids the round and kicks the Makarov out of Kamenev's hand. The Makarov flies away and lands on the floor. Kamenev tries reaching for it, only 'Red Devil' kicks it to under a nearby cabinet.
"What say we leave your little cap pistol out of our little bitch fight, nicht?"
"You're German? What's a German slut doing in Mother Russia?" 'Red Devil' can't help but give Kamenev a cruel smirk.
"Probably being sure a Russian whore that probably can't even get laid isn't trying to kill society." With that, the fight begins anew.
(Bio-con/Steel Jr.)
"S-S-S-So, S-S-S-Steel Jr., we meet again. How has-s-s-s-s your old man been faring? Does he miss-s-s-s-s-s his-s-s-s-s-s 'Uncle' Jerry?"
"He misses the man you were once. But he also knows that you're too far over the line, Snake-man. It's time to put you into a glass box."
"S-S-S-Someone will be going into a box, alright. But it won't be me and certainly not glass-s-s-s-s!"
Bio-con flings his right arm forward, sending a pair of snakes from his body toward Max. Only for Max to catch them both by their heads and smash them together. Knocking them both out. Bio-con can't help but gulp in fear at how he'd knocked them out.
"Now, now, S-S-S-Steel. I'm s-s-s-sure we can make a deal of s-s-s-some kind!" As Max steps toward him, Bio-con smiles sheepishly. "You're a Boy S-S-S-S-Scout, S-S-S-Steel! This-s-s-s-s is-s-s-s-sn't you!"
"Refreshing, isn't it?" Bio-con can't help but gulp again at the menace in his voice. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you too badly. I'll just rough you up a bit then call it a night."
"You are far too kind, S-S-S-Steel." Bio-con then smirks as he yells out, "But that will be your downfall!" Lunging toward Max, his mouth is wide open. Only for his lunge to be halted when Max shoves a stool with a leather seat into his mouth.
"Know what I really like and dislike about you, Snake-ass?" At his weak headshake of 'no', Max says, "Your being a bigmouth with a willingness to bite first and never ask questions, I like. You reminding me of a cruel, heartless bastard, I dislike. He's as much a snake as you are. Only not as literally. Although it does make me wonder if he was part of your experiments. He's certainly cold-blooded enough."
'He's really pissed off!' Bio-con's eyes can't help but narrow at Max as he tugs the stool toward an isolated room in the office. Bio-con following suit unwillingly as he tries removing his mouth from it.
"Natalya, how narrow are the air holes in that lab?"
"Down to 1/8th of an inch in diameter. More than enough to allow him to breathe and to keep him in place until a more permanent place can be found for his incarceration."
"Good to know." Shoving Bio-con into the room, he forcefully tugs the stool out of Bio-con's mouth. Getting a yelp of pain from him, Max then smirks and closes the door, locking it. Turning back to his Russian friend and freeing her from her bonds, he asks, "How's 'Red Devil' doing so far?" Natalya gives Max a smirk before wincing and points toward behind her. Allowing Max to see the feisty young redhead holding her own against the Russian mobster.
"She's a bit raw still, but a talented fighter all the same. Almost as if she'd been raised to wage warfare from an early age." Max gives Natalya a nod as she asks, "So where'd you find her, Comrade Max?"
"It's a long story, Nat, that'll have to wait until my current case is over with."
"Oh, right, your investigation into Tokyo-3, da?" At his nod, Natalya asks, "How does it fare?"
"I'll put it to you like this. Failure's not an option. We fail in this, the whole world dies."
"The whole world?" At his nod, Natalya can't help but grimace. "A grave crisis from the way you're putting things, Comrade Max."
"Oh yeah."
Just then, 'Red Devil' buries her fist into Kamenev's stomach, causing the Russian mobster to tilt forward before backhanding the woman in the face. The impact knocks the woman down onto her back, with her head making contact with the floor. Knocking the mobster out cold, getting Max and Natalya to wince before Natalya speaks.
"She's certainly a fearsome fighter. Yet I can easily see that she's got some anger bottled up judging from those strikes." Glancing at Max, she murmurs, "Much as you did in your fight with Klimo."
"I used a small amount of anger on him. But I'm saving it for the biggest 'snake' to ever dare set foot onto the planet." Natalya can't help but give him a soft snort in amusement.
"I don't know if I should feel sorry for that 'snake' or look forward to seeing the end results." Max can only give her a shrug as 'Red Devil' steps forward. Grin on her face. "Most impressive, 'Red Devil'. You're a tremendous asset to 'N-Tek' already."
"Oh, I'm not 'official' yet. I just came along to be sure Max doesn't go too far."
"Then I'm pleased you had. Comrade Max has a good heart, yet he also carries pain within it without even realizing it."
"Actually, I realized it during the investigation, Nat." He then shrugs before looking her bruises over, asking, "Who hit you, anyway?"
"Kamenev. They stormed into my office, Klimo yelling that I surrender serum PSA-598 and Kamenev 'trying' to make a transaction. The kind involving lethal narcotics inside the medications we make to save lives. That happened an hour before you two got here. They were being quite annoyingly persistent. Each and every time, I'd refuse." Max gives her a nod and 'Red Devil' can't help but feel curious.
"What's PSA-598 do, anyway?"
Natalya looks toward Max before blushing and motioning for 'Red Devil' to come close to her. As she does so, Natalya gently takes her head, turns it for her left ear to face her and whispers into her ear. The rapid whispers can't help but get the redhead to blush furiously until they end and she moves away from Natalya.
"Mein Gott!"
"I know, 'Red Devil'. If Klimo had gotten his hands on it…" Natalya and 'Red Devil' both share a shudder while Max decides he doesn't even want to know.
"Then it's a good thing it's still safe, Dr Uramov." Glancing at Max before smirking softly, 'Red Devil' then asks, "You gonna be alright alone until backup arrives?"
"I'll be fine." Smirking as well, she asks, "Aren't you the least bit curious about it, Comrade Max?"
"If it makes two of the toughest ladies I know blush furiously, I don't even want to know." At the words 'toughest ladies', they both can't help but blush rosily as they hold their cheeks. "I'll wait for you on the roof, 'Red Devil'. If you're still blushing in the 'Sparrow', it may well spontaneously combust in mid-air." Much to his relief, 'Red Devil' giggles softly.
"Oh, right. I'll be with you in five, Max." Max gives her a nod before exiting, getting her to giggle softly even more. Turning to Natalya, she murmurs, "Oh, I can't believe…" Natalya cuts her off, her voice low.
"I know. Neither can I. I wasn't even expecting to come across…"
(Rooftop; five minutes later)
As Max waits for Asuka on the rooftop, he hears her footsteps approaching timidly behind him. Grinning lightly, he turns around and sees her cheeks are still bright pink. Lightly amused, he can't help but smirk outright before speaking.
"Do I need to take a fire hose to your face, Asuka?"
"No. I just need to get back to Old Osaka and then Tokyo-3 so I can take Kenoju up on that second date." Smirking herself, she adds, "I also need to talk to Rits so we can make arrangements for a double date for all four of us." Max gives her a nod just as an 'N-Tek Hawk' touches down beside the 'Sparrow'.
