A past long forgotten
Part VIII: Depths
Misato exited her room to find Shinji lounging on the couch with PenPen watching a game show of sorts on the television.
Misato: Where's Asuka?
Shinji jumped a little, it appeared all his attention had been focused on the box in front of him.
Shinji (startled): Oh um, I think she went shopping with Kaji.
Misato: Shopping?
Shinji: There's a....school trip to Okinawa t-this Friday.
Misato let a small scowl slip.
Misato: You know as well as I do that you're both to stay in the city at all times, ALL TIMES.
Shinji hung his head.
Shinji (softly): I know Misato. It's just....
The woman sat down on the couch next to the young boy, instinctively he shifted across the couch out of Misato's reach.
Misato: You knew I wasn't going to let you go.
Shinji:.......
Misato smiled and reached over to and hug Shinji, causing the boy to wince involuntarily. Misato quickly let the teen go, her smile replaced with a look of concern.
Misato (concerned): Are you alright Shinji?
Shinji (holding his stomach): Stomach ache, I've been getting a few lately.
Misato (worried): Maybe I should call a doctor.
Shinji: N-no it's okay. I'll just have some lemonade and go lie down for a while, it's always better after that.
Misato gave the fourth child a curious stare for a few moments.
Misato: Alright. But if the pain comes back you're going to the doctor, you got it mister?
Shinji gave a weak smile and clumsily saluted.
Shinji (weakly): Aye-aye captain.
Asuka (clinging to Kaji's arm): I always love going shopping with you Kaji.
Kaji looked down at the young girl and smiled, before darting his eyes skyward as if to say "why me?"
Kaji: Always glad to make your acquaintance Asuka.
Those words from the older man sent Asuka's ego soaring, her smile widened as she cuddled closer. Kaji gave nervous looks around as other shoppers regarded his situation, he believed he heard the words "pervert" and "dirty old man" floating around, he tried very hard to avoid blushing.
Kaji: Uh, so Asuka where exactly do you want to go?
Asuka (grinning): Oh I've got somewhere very special in mind.
Kaji knew that didn't sound good.
Maya: Tell me again why we're doing this?
Shigeru sighed as he indicated a right turn, the large NERV van which took more of the characteristics of a minibus, although not many minibuses were painted dark black with blood red insignias and tinted windows.
Shigeru: I guess because we had nothing better to do at the GeoFront, I mean the Magi is up for diagnostics all day, doctor Akagi is currently working down on Sithe level with commander Fuyutsuki, so it's got to be pretty important.
Hyuga (from the back of the van): But where's captain Katsuragi in all this?
Shigeru: I think she's off today actually, why are you so interested.
Shiergu grinned as he watched Hyuga's shocked expression in the rear view mirror. Maya covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.
Hyuga (startled): No reason!
Shigeru and Maya together: Surrrre!
They continued to drive, Hyuga scowling from the back and Shiergu grinning in the front, Maya finally regained her composure.
Maya: But don't we have a department of PR people to do this?
Shigeru: Yeah but who knows what they're doing.
Hyuga: Most probably trying to deal with the last angel skirmish, I mean that was a nice little rampage through the city.
Shigeru: Yeah the damage bill did give the accounting department a headache.
Maya (smiling): Not to mention a certain NERV captain.
The next few minutes were filled with jokes at Hyuga's expense.
Kaji (surprised): The swimsuit section?!
Asuka gave her former guardian a confused look, but quickly covered it with another grin.
Asuka: Oh but I'm sure this isn't your first time in a place like this Kagi.
Kaji (thinking): No, but last time I was with someone my own age.
As Asuka dug into the racks of swim-wear Kaji turned to the the small crowd watching him and said he had been conned into taking his little cousin shopping, the excuse seemed to be enough to disperse the shoppers much to Kaji's relief.
Asuka: What do you think about this one?
Asuka held a hanger in front of her body, that displayed a red and white striped bikini. Kaji darted his eyes around the store looking for disapproving stares, finding none he them to watch Asuka.
Kaji: Aren't you just a little young to be wearing something like that?
Asuka (pouting): Oh come on Kaji, this is what all the girls are wearing.
Kaji knew that was an all out lie. But decided that maybe a little flattery would help the situation.
Kaji: Well, I'm sure you'll put them all to shame.
Asuka grinned broadly and dashed towards the counter.
While Shigeru argued with the parking attendant that NERV was exempt from the airport charges, Maya and Hyuga quickly walked towards the main terminal. It was a large three story concrete and metal rectangle, with rows of re-enforced glass making up the walls on the north side of the building. To the west was the control tower which resembled that of a needle until near the top where a circular observation post lied, to the east were the hangars, helipads and refueling stations.
The pair walked up to the automatic doors which quickly acknowlegeded their presence by sliding it's door back, allowing them to pass through. They were quickly introduced to the highly climatised environment of the airport, the air was crisp and cool despite the number of people walking around in the large facility.
Hyuga: What time was the arrival again?
Maya: thirteen-thirty hours.
Hyuga: I never know how you do that.
Maya (grinning): I pay attention at briefings, instead of watching the operations director.
Hyuga (frowning): Not funny. Anyway I guess checking wouldn't hurt, just in case.
The NERV lieutenant spotted a wall of monitors displaying arrival/departure times and quickly proceeded toward it, Maya shrugged and began towards the information desk.
Hyuga (calling out): Hey Maya, what was the flight number again?!
Maya sighed and developed a sweatdrop.
Kaji: So you're going on a school trip?
Asuka: Yep, we're going to Okinawa!
Kaji (grinning): So that's why you got the swimsuit, got a boy you want
to impress hmm?
Asuka screwed up her face and leaned back in disgust.
Asuka: You must be kidding, I have half a mind
not to go on the beach with all those
perverts!
Kaji: Then why the... swimsuit?
Asuka (smiling): Oh, so we can go swimming together this afternoon.
Kaji was a little unsettled by the predatory grin Asuka was flashing his way, but quickly shrugged it off.
Kaji: So you're not even going to show it off on the beach?
Asuka: Maybe once or twice, afterall we're also going scuba diving, it's going to be great!
Kaji: I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time Asuka.
Asuka (frowning): It's just too bad you can't come too...
Kaji (smiling): It's not like you're going away forever, just a couple of days.
Asuka (brightening): Yeah, besides I'll have a killer tan to show you when I do get back.
Kaji didn't know whether it was worse to see Asuka in a glum mood, or seeing her with that look in her eyes.
Maya: The flight is still on time.
Hyuga (looking at monitor): Says that here too.
Maya (looking over her shoulder): I wonder where Aoba is?
Hyuga: Still griping about NERV discounts in airport parking lots I bet.
Maya: Who knew he was such a cheapskate.
Hyuga: Oh it's not that, he spent a lot of money on something recently, and he doesn't want to bankrupt himself.
Maya: Oh, what's that?
Hyuga (mumbling): Some new...amplifier...or something.
Maya wasn't totally convinced of Hyuga's cover-up.
Shinji rolled onto his side, holding his stomach with his right hand as he stared at his desk opposite him.
Shinji (quietly): The pain, usually goes away by now.
*Flashback*
Shinji clutched his grazed knee, whimpering in pain while a little girl emerges from the house carrying a very large case with a red cross on the front.
Shinji: It doesn't hurt very bad.
Girl: Liar.
After a little rummaging she retrieved a gauze pad, unwrapped it and placed it securely over his wound. Shinji smiled at his would be nurse.
Shinji (blushing): Thankyou.
Girl (blushing): My pleasure.
*End Flashback*
Shinji: I remember hearing once that pain is fleeting.
He winced.
Shinji (groaning): Not this time though.
Fuyutsuki: The technicians are presently waiting for the arrival of the inspection team, and all security teams are on standby as per your orders.
Gendo: Then all is proceeding according to schedule.
A phone on Gendo's desk began to beep constantly signaling an incoming call. Gendo made no motion to answer the phone, however Fuyutsuki with seemingly practiced motions quickly scooped the phone from it's cradle.
Fuyutsuki (into phone): Yes?
He listens to the speaker on the other end of the phone.
Fuyutsuki (into phone): Very well, proceed.
The sub-commander then replaced the phone and turned towards Gendo, who still sat facing the doorway.
Fuyutsuki: Security teams alpha and bravo have arrived, not counting onboard UN bodyguards.
Gendo: Take command of the operation.
Fuyutski nodded once and began the long journey to the office exit.
Kaji walked down the sidewalk of the shopping district with Asuka clinging happily to his arm, as he scanned the crowd aimlessly, until the face of one particular man who was trying to worm his way through the crowds caught his eye. He was about the same height as Kaji, but had short brown hair, a slimmer but more wiry build and was clean shaven.
Kaji (to himself): Kenji?
The man continued past Kaji unaware of the agent's interest in him.
Kaji (to himself): What's a mercenary like him doing in a city like this, trying to bag himself an angel?
Asuka: What are you looking at Kaji?
Kaji ignored Asuka's question.
Kaji (thinking): Trouble always follows that guy around, even from the first day I met him. The Bengali police were after him for an artifact he had stolen from a preserve.
Asuka (slightly worried): Kaji?
Kaji snapped back from his memories to lower his head towards the girl on his arm. Quickly he pried Asuka's arm from his own and turned her around sharply.
Kaji: Go home Asuka.
Asuka: But...
Kaji: Go home Asuka!
Asuka gave Kaji a very curious and slightly frightened look before briskly walking away, glancing over her shoulder every so often. Kaji immediately began after the man.
Maya: He can't have possibly been arguing for twenty minutes over a five thousand yen charge.
Hyuga (looking at his watch): Hmm, you could be right. Besides it could
kill some time.
The NERV tactician reached for the UHF radio clipped his his belt.
Hyuga (into radio): Hey Aboa, you still with us?
There was a crackle of static after Hyuga released the talk button, but nothing else.
Hyuga (into radio): Aoba?
The silence continued.
Hyuga (into radio): Shigeru?
Hyuga turned back to Maya.
Hyuga: Maybe mine's broken, try yours.
Maya nodded and unclipped her radio.
Maya (into radio): Aoba?
Shigeru (over radio): Yes Maya?
Hyuga grinned at Maya who was now blushing furiously.
Maya (into radio): Why didn't you answer when Hyuga called you twice?
The reply was a little delayed.
Shigeru (over radio): Uh, I must have had the music in the van up a little too loud.
Maya (into radio): I thought you were going to come in after you settled
your dispute.
Shigeru (over radio): Well, I like it out here. You guys can meet those stuck-up UN guys. I'm happy being the chauffeur.
Maya (into radio): Okay then.
Maya released the talk button looked back up at Hyuga who was still smiling rather mischievously.
Maya: I didn't hear any music.
Keeping several meter's away at all times and sticking close to the shops allowed Kaji to avoid Kenji spotting him, even if he periodically checked behind himself. Kaji then slowly followed him into a rather dark alleyway. There was a a pair of headlights at the far end of the alley, seeing some trashcans Kaji took refuge behind them.
Kaji (looking at his watch): I've been following him for around ten minutes now.
He looked up as he heard the sound of an engine starting, then watched as Kenji boarded a dark grey minivan with tinted windows, the driver not even bothering to check both sides of the street before screeching out onto the road.
Kaji (ducking out): A taxi sure would come in handy right now.
Finding none, the agent hung his head in defeat.
From the spacious, yet strangely unpopulated observation area Hyuga and Maya watched as a rather large, white VTOL craft descended before the very window, causing the fixtures to shake slightly from the power of the engine exhausts. The two technicians leaned their heads so they could see down at a better angle as the aircraft touched down.
Hyuga: Show time then.
Maya nodded and the two walked towards the staircase.
Hyuga and Maya tood at attention before a white Plexiglas door, which indicated by it's markings was the passway into the official section of the airport, the red velvet curtains covered all sections of the windows, repventing anyone from seeing inside. The door then slid back and two men dressed in green combat fatigues with blue berets stepped outside and took their place at either side of the door, their eyes quickly darting around the airport, trying to find any possible threat.
Soldier 1 (in english): All clear.
The door slid back again and the UN staff filed out of the room, all dressed in formal uniforms, and stood before the two NERV personnel. One of the larger men stepped forward and gave the two an accusing stare before extending his hand, which both Maya and Hyuga had turns in shaking.
Man (in english): I am UN inspector Michael Bradbery from the United States.
Maya and Hyuga gave the man an odd look.
Female Voice (in english): I believe they only speak Japanese Michael.
The American arrogantly shrugged off the comment, and stepped back into the crowd while the owner of the other voice emerged. Hyuga's eyes betrayed him as he looked over at the striking woman who was looking over at him. Her short blonde hair shining in the bright lights the airport provided, her slender frame covered in a light blue blouse and dar blue skirt, finishing off in a pair of similarly colored high heels.
Woman: I am UN inspector Rebecca Simmons from the United Kingdom, it is a pleasure to meet you both.
Maya: I am lieutenant Maya Ibuki, research assistant on project E, and
this is my college lieutenant Makoto Hyuga, tactical advisor.
Hyuga could only nod, his ability to speak failing him.
Rebecca (pointing to Michael): This is Michael Bradbery, he introduced
himself before, he is the American inspector.
Rebecca continued to introduce the group one by one, there were inspectors from Russia, China, Germany, France, Canada and India, although very few knew Japanese.
Huyga (surprised): There is no Japanese inspector?
Rebecca: The security council believed that it would be biassed, your government also came to this conclusion.
Maya: Well now that introductions are completed, we have a vehicle parked around front for you.
The inspectors gathered their luggage up and began to follow Maya, Rebecca strayed behind trying to rezip one bag and carry another.
Hyuga (taking a bag): Can I be of assistance?
Rebecca: Ah, thankyou mister... Hyuga.
Hyuga: No problem at all miss Simmons
Shigeru relaxed in the minibus with his feet on the dashboard, the music from one of his minidiscs he brought was playing loudly through the sound system.
Maya (over radio): Aoba are you there?
Noticing the radio had just transmitted Shigeru quickly turned down the volume and grabbed his handheld.
Shigeru (into radio): Yes Maya?
Maya (over radio): We're coming out.
Shigeru (into radio): Roger that.
One of the temporary bridge operators turned away from her console to look at Fuyutsuki who was standing at ease in the command box.
Bridge Operator: Commander Fuyutsuki, the inspector team has made rendeverous with our team and is proceeding to the transport.
Fuyutsuki: Have both security teams standby in their current positions.
Bridge Operator: But sir, if something happens they won't be in range in order to act.
Fuyutsuki: Security is sufficient, no suspicious people or vehicles have been located in our previous sweeps of the area. Do not question my orders again lieutenant.
Bridge Operator (replacing her headset): No sir.
Bridge Operator (into headset): All security teams hold positions and observe.
Fuyutsuki gave the woman a disapproving look, then turned his attention back to the monitor displays.
Shigeru watched the front door of the airport for any signs of the group when suddenly a dark grey van came to a screeching halt outside the terminal, the side door slid open and five armed men wearing urban camouflage gear jumped out and ran inside the terminal. The van then drove up to the main door and parked in front of it creating a barricade, and the similarly dressed driver wormed his way inside.
Shigeru: HOLY SHIT!
The technician fumbled around at the center console trying to grab the receiver for the radio to NERV command. Finally his shaking fingers were able to clutch the handpiece long enough for him to make his transmission.
Shigeru (shakily): NERV command please a-advise, armed persons of unknown organisation have entered Tokyo-3 airport, r-repeat NERV command, armed persons of unknown organisation have entered Tokyo-3 airport.
Finishing his transmission Shigeru dropped the handpiece and slowly reached into the glovebox and retrieved his 9mm pistol.
Bridge Operator (over radio): Lieutenant Shigeru, NERV command, please respond over.
Keeping his eyes on the front of the terminal, Shigeru slowly fumbled around for the handpiece with one hand, while holding his gun with the other.
As the group neared the tinted glass automatic doors at the front of the terminal, the doors slid open, at first no-one was concerned since people entered and exited an airport all the time. But when the shooting started, the situation changed. Six men hidden behind helmets, gasmasks with grey and white fatiges all carrying guns stormed into the terminal, both soldiers reached for their sidearms but a quick muzzle flash from two MP-10's and bursts of pink dust, the two slumped to the floor, both minus most of their heads.
Civilian (panicking): Terrorists!
People fled in all different directions while the men fired their weapons into the air. The UN group took the chance to escape as other civilians blocked the terrorist's view.
Terrorist: Get down on the ground and no-one else gets shot!
Two terrorists separated themselves from the main force and rushed up the stairs to the third floor and crashed through a door marked 'Airport Security'. The few guards were dispatched easily, then one of the men set up a laptop computer and connected it to the main console and began to type.
Terrorist 1: Terminal security has been overridden.
Terrorist 2 (into radio): We're locking the terminal down now.
After the terrorist pressed the enter key, the airport security protocols snapped into effect, every door to the outside automatically shut and locked, security screens of steel and glass slammed down as extra protection, steel shutters came down over all the windows, effectively turing the airport into a fortress.
Terrorist 2 (into radio): All sectors show green, in total lockdown sir.
Terrorist leader (over radio): Affirmative, air-trans on route, five hours, not a moment later.
The terrorist then lowered his rifle and leaned on the security console where his colleague was watching the images produced by the airport's security cameras.
Fuyutsuki: Order both teams to withdraw to the transport where lieutenant Aoba is located, scramble emergency response VTOL's and establish a command post on site before the other authorities catch wind of this.
Fuyutsuki (thinking): Although no doubt the alarm has been pressed and at least the police know what is happening. We must act quickly.
Bridge Operator 2: Yes sir, both teams are withdrawing, VTOL's have been scrambled.
Fuyutsuki: Notify Captain Katsuragi of the current situation and transport her to the scene. Find the pilots and transfer them here, this might be a diversionary tactic.
Bridge Operator 3: Affirmative sir.
Bridge Operator 1: Sir, aren't we going to notify the commander?
Fuyutsuki (narrowing his eyes): I am in command of this operation.
Bridge Operator 1 (lowering her head): I understand sir.
Fuyutsuki: Open a channel to lieutenant Aoba.
Bridge Operator 1: Channel active.
A small communication window opened on the main screen with the words 'Sound Only' across it.
Fuyutsuki: Lieutenant Aoba?
Shigeru (over comm): Here sir.
Fuyutsuki: How is the situation?
Shigeru (over comm): It's all quiet sir, they must have initiated the lockdown protocols because the place is sealed up tight.
Fuyutsuki: We may need the SSDF afterall.
Fuyutsuki: Hold your presant location and wait for the arrival of the security teams. A perimeter will be established shortly.
Shigeru (over comn): Yes sir, although I can already hear sirens.
Fuyutsuki: That will be all lieutenant.
The communication window blinked out of existence.
Fuyutsuki: How long until our emergency response teams can be delopyed?
Bridge Operator 2: Their aircraft have just taken off, ETA five minutes.
Misato: Hello?
Bridge Operator 3: Captain Katsuragi, we have an urgent situation at NERV headquarters. Your attendance is requested.
Misato knew all to well the meaning of the word 'requested' in NERV operations.
Misato: I'm on my way.
Bridge Operator 3: And bring the fourth child.
Misato: An angel attack?
Bridge Operator 3: No, but it is for his safety.
Misato: Now what a minute, you're ringing me up carrying orders from commander Ikari...
Bridge Operator 3: Currently commander Fuyutsuki is in command of the operation.
Misato (angered): Commander Fuytsuki then, REQUESTING my attendance at a situation that is not my job and to take the fourth child with me. Is this some sort of B-grade trap?!
Bridge Operator 3: This is not a secure line, I am not a liberty to say.
Misato: Well transfer me to a scrambled line or go away.
There was a forceful knock at Misato's front door.
Man (behind the door): Captain Katsuragi, this is section two. You have been ordered to report to NERV headquarters immediately.
Bridge Operator 3: Now do you believe me Captain?
Misato (grumbling): Yeah, yeah I'm on my way.
Misato hung up the phone and looked towards the door. She quickly donned her red jacket to conceal her holstered gun just in case, then proceeded to Shinji's room. As she neared the door she could hear slight moans from the boy.
Misato (worried): Shinji?
She received nothing but more moans. Her maternal instincts kicking in, Misato slid the door back in a fluster.
Misato (frightened): Shinji!
Shinji Ikari lay on his bed curled up in a tight ball, sweating profusely, his moans becoming louder. Misato quickly rushed over to the side of the bed and pulled Shinji's head up to see his dilated eyes.
Misato: Shinji, what's wrong?
Shinji let out one more moan before his eyes rolled back and he went limp.
Misato (scared): Shinji! HELP!
Using a master key, the three section two agents rushed into the apartment to find Misato carrying the limp form of Shinji Ikari in her arms.
Misato (frantic): GET US TO NERV NOW!
Terrorist 1: Sir, we have found and separated
all UN inspectors except...
The man removed a piece of paper from his pocket and consulted it for a few
moments, while his commander watched him impatiently.
Terrorist 1: ..the united kingdom representative, Rebecca Simmons. We have also failed to locate two of the three NERV officers sent to receive them.
Terrorist leader: Are all other hostages secure?
Terrorist 1: Yes, they are in isolation at the present time. The UN team is under guard in the VIP section.
Terrorist leader: Take Ryo and begin a new sweep of the terminal. I want them found!
Terrorist 1 (saluting): Yes sir.
Hyuga looked behind him, he could see Rebecca in the dim light of the tunnel that fed the baggage carousel, it was apparent from her soft whimpering and her tear stained face that she was very frightened.
Hyuga (whispering): I-I don't think they'll try looking for us here, and if they do...
Hyuga reached behind himself and pulled a 9mm pistol from out of his back waistband and cocked it.
Hyuga (whispering): They'll wish they hadn't.
Ritsuko (looking at a clipboard): What are his symptoms?
Misato continued to hold Shinji's hand and stroke the boy's sweaty brow as he lay on the bed of the NERV infirmary completely still, save for his breathing.
Ritsuko: Misato!
Misato (startled): Ritsuko, oh I...um, he said that he has been having really bad stomach aches for the past week and a half.
Ritsuko (writing on the clipboard): Anything else.
Misato: Uh, no...I think that's all.
The woman returned to Shinji's side and continued to stroke him gently, murmuring to him as he lay unconscious. Knowing she wasn't going to get anything from either of them now Ritsuko sighed and motioned for the two nurses to come over.
Ritsuko: Get him prepped for X-ray, then we'll run a full bloodwork on him, and if necessary a CAT scan.
The two nurses nodded and walked towards Shinji's bed. While Ritsuko reassured Misato, the two nurses lifted Shinji from his bed onto a gurney and wheeled him out of the infirmary.
Misato (worried): Is he going to be alright Ritsuko?
Ritsuko: I'm sure it's nothing serious. He'll be getting the best care possible here, our top surgeon is on his way. But there are more pressing matters for you at the moment, commander Fuyutsuki wants to see you in the command center.
Misato (reluctantly): Okay. Take care of him Ritsuko.
Ritsuko: We'll do everything we can.
Fuyutsuki: Situation status.
Bridge Operator 1: At last report lieutenant Aoba reported a heavy police and emergency service presence. Our emergency response teams are standing by at our command post. There have been no demands from the terrorists as of yet.
Fuyutsuki: Have the two security teams return to base.
Bridge Operator 1: Roger.
Bridge Operator 3: Sir, the police on site commander wishes to speak with you.
Fuyutsuki: Transfer the call.
The young technician nodded and pressed a button on his console. Immediately the red situation phone that sat on the desk in front of Fuyutsuki began to ring, the man did not hesitate to answer.
Fuyutsuki: NERV command.
Police Commander: What the hell do you think you're doing with all these paramilitary squads running around here? NERV has no authorization to....
Fuyutsuki: Under special section A-02 of the UN clause dictating NERV activities on home soil, NERV is authorized to intervene when related property or persons are involved. I am now invoking this power.
Police Commander: Those people inside the terminal are Japanese citizens and international guests.
Fuyutsuki: Those people under UN employment are also in our care since they are here to inspect NERV, as well as the two employees of this organisation who are presently being held hostage.
There was silence on the end of the line.
Police Commander: What are you going to do anyway, drop and Evangelion on them? Your people are not trained for this type of situation. Not even the SSDF currently has a fully trained anti-terrorism unit. We...
Fuyutsuki: NERV security exists for the sole purpose of defending against terrorism, and our equipment is state of the art, unlike yours.
The Police Commander grunted in frustration.
Police Commander: This is your last chance to back out gracefully, before I drag the prime minister into this.
Fuyutsuki: By all means call him, I'm sure he will see it our way.
Police Commander: We shall see... commander.
Fuyutsuki replaced the phone and faced the rest of the command center with his arms behind his back, the eavesdropping technicians got the hint and scrambled back to work at their stations. Suddenly the door to the center slid open and Misato stepped inside.
Misato: What's going on here?
Fuyutsuki: Thankyou for being so, prompt captain Katsuragi.
Misato tensed and turned towards the command deck, she immediately stood at attention and saluted.
Misato: I'm sorry sir, there was a problem with the fourth child.
Fuyutsuki: I see. However it is not appreciated when you think that NERV summons are hoaxes.
Misato: My apologies again sir.
Fuyutsuki: There will be time for reprimands later captain. We have a more pressing situation.
Misato: I have been told sir, but I still don't know what the situation is.
Fuyutsuki regarded the woman for a few moments before looking back at the main screen.
Fuyutsuki: As for thirteen-fifty hours today, Tokyo-3 international airport was siezed by terrorists of unknown affiliation.
Misato (stunned): What?!
Fuyutsuki (unfazed): Those taken hostage included the group of UN inspectors who were on assignment to our facilities and lieutenants Maya Ibuki and Makoto Huyga.
Misato (thinking): Hyuga?!
Fuyutsuki: You will be transported to our on site command post and act as field commander for the negotiations and if necessary retaking of the airport.
Misato: B-but sir, I...I really don't know anything about...
Fuyutsuki: You are the best we have captain. You can, and will handle this.
Misato: Yes sir.
Fuyutsuki: Give her the situation reports.
A young man walked up to Misato and handed her a large folder.
Fuyutsuki: Any additional information you require will be available at your command post, your transportation is waiting at gate twenty-three, good luck captain.
Misato: T-thankyou sir.
The confused woman slowly made her way out of the control room, cradling the large folder in her arms.
Bridge Operator 3: Sir, the police commander is back on the line sir.
Fuyutsuki (grinning slightly): Transfer it here.
Bridge Operator 3: Yes sir.
Fuyutsuki waited almost longingly for the phone to begin ringing, as it began he quickly snatched it up.
Police Commander (dryly): Under special section A-02 of the UN clause on NERV activities I am to transfer command of all operations to NERV.
Fuyutsuki (smugly): Thankyou for your cooperation, it is most appreciated. I have already dispatched a field commander to handle the situation directly.
The Police commander growled loudly and hung up, Fuyutsuki slowly replaced the receiver grinning broadly.
Fuyutsuki: Give me reports on all available field assets currently deployed, both NERV and non-NERV.
Bridge Operator 3: Right away sir!
Kensuke: Hey check this!
Toji popped his head out from the kitchen.
Toji: What?
Kesnuke: Terrorists have invaded the airport.
Toji: You're kidding right?
Kensuke: No, it's on the news right now.
Toji (running to the TV): No way.
Kensuke (watching the TV): Yeah way.
Both boys sat in front of the television completely hypnotized.
Reporter: It appears that command has been transferred to the organisation known as NERV.
The shot then changed from the reporter to a purple haired woman being escorted by two dark suited men, the woman appeared to be trying to hide her face behind her red jacket which was emblazoned with the NERV logo.
Reporter: Excuse me, excuse me miss, could you tell us...
Woman: No comment.
One of the men grabbed the camera lense blocking the shot.
Toji: That was Misato Katsuragi.
Kensuke: Shinji's guardian?
Toji: Yeah, I mean who would forget that babe?
Kensuke (rubbing his chin): So if NERV is in command...
The teen began to to climb to his feet.
Toji: Where are you going?
Kensuke: Home... there's something I gotta do.
Toji (still watching the TV): Yeah, okay...
Terrorist 1 (into radio): Negative contacts on ground floor, over.
Terrorist leader (over radio): Proceed to second floor.
Terrorist 1 (into radio): Acknowledged.
Terrorist 2: Hold up.
Terrorist 1: What is it?
Terrorist 2: We haven't checked in there.
The terrorist pointed his M4 carbine at the tunnel above the still rotating baggage carousel. His companion silently nodded, then they both split off, stealthily creeping up to the tunnel on each side of it, their weapons at the ready. One terrorist lowered his rifle and reached up to the heavy plastic flap, while the other took aim. With perfect precision the first terrorist lifted the flap while the other pointed his rifle inside and fired. The gun was fortunately suppressed and didn't attract any attention as the silenced bullets embedded themselves in the wall at the end of the tunnel.
Terrorist 2: Clear.
Terrorist 1 (into radio): Moving on.
As the flap came down once more, Hyuga slowly poked his head around the corner of the tunnel.
Hyuga (looking back around): They're gone now.
Rebecca (softly): So what do we do now?
Hyuga: We can't get out the other end, they've sealed up every exit in the airport.
Rebecca: Won't the police and the army be outside by now, perhaps even your own people are out there.
Hyuga: Maybe, but until they take back the airport, we have to hide otherwise we're both as good as dead.
Rebecca sniffed and nodded. Hyuga tried to give a reassuring smile as he gently cupped Rebecca's chin in his hand.
Hyuga: We're going to be okay, I won't let them hurt you.
Suddenly the man's attention was drawn away from comforting the stricken woman when he heard the sound of muffled static.
Hyuga: The radio.
Voice over radio: Attention lieutenants Hyuga and Ibuki, this is captian Misato Katsuragi of the NERV tactical division, if you can hear me please respond.
Hyuga (joyous): It's the captain!
He quickly unclipped his radio from his belt and went to press the talk button before Rebecca snatched the radio from his grasp.
Hyuga (confused): What?
Rebecca: If they have lieutenant Ibuki, they must have her radio too, they could find out where we are.
Hyuga lowered his head in shame.
Hyuga: Not much of a tactical advisor am I?
However Rebecca wasn't listening as the radio crackled back to life.
Voice: Your lieutenants are in our custody captain.
Misato: May I ask who I am speaking to?
Voice: I am the one responsible for the capture of the facility, that is all you need to know.
Misato: I am acting commander of the operation outside. What is it that you want?
Voice: Our demands are simple. We know that NERV, as well as every government on the planet has disguised the truth of Second Impact from the populace. We demand that the truth be told and that NERV accepts full and total responsibility for the catastrophe which took place in the year 2000.
Misato: So you're asking us to lie?
Voice: THIS IS NO LIE WOMAN! YOUR ORGANIZATION MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS ACTIONS!
Misato: NERV did not even exist in the year 2000.
Voice: The events are linked, don't try to fool me.
Misato: I have no authorization to grant such a request, I will talk with my superiors.
Voice: I believe you will.
Rebecca (confused): What is he talking about?
Hyuga: I have no idea either.
Rebecca (surprised): You don't?
Hyuga: NERV likes to keep secrets from everyone, including those under it's chain of command.
Misato lowered the radio receiver onto the table before collapsing into her chair.
Misato (thinking): Where did they get their information from? I know that second impact was covered up, but what did they mean by 'all the events are linked'? I bet that commander Fuyutsuki knows more than he's letting on.
She sighed.
Misato (to herself): I wonder how Shinji is doing.
Shigeru: Ma'am, we're getting another transmission, but there's a lot of interference.
Misato: Boost signal strength, try and lock onto it's exact frequency.
Shiergu: Already underway ma'am.
Voice: ...me, repeat, this is lieutenant Makoto Hyuga, can anyone hear me?
Misato (scooping up the receiver): Hyuga, yes I can hear you. Are you okay?
Hyuga: Barely ma'am, I have UN inspector Rebecca Simmons with me, we evaded capture and are hiding inside the terminal.
Misato: Is there anyway in or out?
Hyuga: No ma'am, all entrances and exits are sealed up and being watched over the security cameras.
Misato: Are you armed?
Hyuga: Yes ma'am.
Misato: Good, we may need you when the time comes, now can you tell me your exact location?
Hikari and Asuka walked side by side down one of NERV's many corridors, followed by two men in black suits. It appeared both girls have not spoken a word to each other, but have already engaged in a mental argument of which neither girl has emerged victorious. Finally their journey ends at a white door, it's only marking is a metal plaque with the the numbers 317 inscribed on it.
Hikari (confused): Why are we in the medical sector?
Agent: Doctor Akagi has requested your appearance.
Asuka (groaning): More tests.
Agent: The reason has not been specified, please step inside.
The other agent swiped an access card through a nearby reader and the door slid to the side, once the two girls had gone inside, the men stood on either side of the door.
Inside both girls stood just in front of the doorway looking at a group of people dressed in white surrounding a bed. After a few moments the group dispersed leaving only Ritsuko and the unknown patient. Hikari was the first to notice the familiar face.
Hikari: Shinji!
The girl rushed quickly to his side.
Hikari (rubbing Shinji's brow): Are you okay Shinji?
The young Ikari slowly looked up and tried to manage a smile. Hikari smiled back before reaching out and grasping one of his hands in both of hers. Asuka carefully made her way to the other side of Shinji's bed, her face concerned but not betraying any other deeper sentiments.
Hikari (turning to Ritsuko): What's wrong with him?
Ritsuko (looking up from her clipboard): Oh girls, you arrived.
Hikari (annoyed slightly): What's wrong with Shinji doctor?
Ritsuko (startled): Oh yes, well it's only an advanced case of appendicitis.
Asuka: WHAT?!
Ritsuko: Asuka?
Asuka: All he has is a little stomach bug, and you called us all the way down here. God I thought he was dying or something!
Hikari (shocked): Asuka, how could you say something like that?!
Asuka (pointing at Shinji): Look at him, he looks like he's suffering from cancer or something. He's just a whiny little boy trying to get attention!
Hikari: Stop saying those things!
But Asuka had already left the room. Both women finally peeled their eyes away from the door to look at one another.
Hikari: Will he be okay doctor?
Ritsuko: He's going into surgery in an hour or so, it's all very routine, however if we had got to him a few days later the damage might have been fatal.
Hikari: Take care of him.
Ritsuko: I would accept no less of myself Hikari.
The girl nodded.
Gendo: This was unexpected.
Seele 05: It does not bode well.
Seele 07: Their significance is however limited.
Kihl: However interference in the scenario must be kept to a minimum. The more people know, the more dangerous they do become.
Seele 09: Their outlandish demands must not be met.
Seele 03: It would be the undermining of our whole organisation.
Gendo: I agree completely. The situation is being handled.
Kihl: Has the one responsible been located?
Gendo: No, one of the terrorists claims responsibility. This I do not believe.
Kihl: And neither do I. You are excused Ikari, the rest of the meeting does not concern you.
The holographic representation disappeared from sight.
Kihl: No matter what you believe Ikari, none of this has been our doing.
Seele 07: Perhaps there is a traitor in their midst.
Kihl: Then we are fortunate that it has occurred sooner, rather than later.
Bridge Operator 1 (replacing phone): Sir, the fourth child is being prepped for surgery.
Fuyutsuki looked up from his assortment of folders and disarranged stacks of paper.
Fuyutsuki: Status on the other children?
Bridge Operator 1: The second and third are currently under guard in recreation lounge five.
Fuyutsuki: Inform their escorts they are not to leave that area under any circumstances without commander Ikari's or my authorization.
Bridge Operator 1: Yes sir.
Fuyutsuki: Get me captain Katsuragi.
Bridge Operator 3: Affirmative sir.
The main screen displayed a blurred and wobbly image as Misato adjusted the camera, finally a clear picture of the woman's face came on screen.
Fuyutsuki: Status report.
Misato: No change from last check in sir. Lieutenant Hyuga still remains in his current position and the group leader still demands that NERV admits responsibility for it's so called actions.
Fuyutsuki glanced at the mission clock underneath the main screen which reported 1:32:36.
Fuyutsuki: Continue to try and negociate with them, see if we can wear them down.
Misato: Yes sir.
The communication link severed, yet Fuyutsuki still stared at the blank main screen for a few minutes before returning to his work.
Kensuke quickly typed the IP address into his Telnet communication device and waited the few excruciating seconds as the software activated, then accessed and validated the entered address, then connected his computer to the remote computer.
Kensuke: I hope it's still valid.
Finally the word 'Connected' was broadcast on Kensuke's screen and a chat window was opened, before the boy could even press his first key a message was displayed.
- Good afternoon Kensuke.
- How did you know it was me?
- My IP is static because my terminal is
permanently connected to the network, however my connection speeds are vastly
superior. By the time your terminal has recognized a connection has been validated
and established, I had already
scanned your system and found the marker file I placed there.
- You placed a file in my computer?
- In order to quickly identify you.
- I see. Hey, you have access to NERV files and records don't you?
- I can access them.
- What do they say about the hostage situation at the airport?
- I might be able to do better than just situation reports and transmission scripts.
- What do you mean?
Kensuke started to worry after a minute since he received no reply. As he began typing in a new message a media window popped up on his screen with the word 'Synchronizing' displayed, after a few moments the word disappeared and was replaced with a blurred video image which slowly improved.
Kensuke: The NERV command center!
Fuyutsuki: Get me captain Katsuragi.
Bridge Operator 3: Affirmative sir.
Fuyutsuki: Status report.
Misato: No change from last check in sir. Lieutenant Hyuga still remains in his current position and the group leader still demands that NERV admits responsibility for it's so called actions.
Fuyutsuki glanced at the mission clock underneath the main screen.
Fuyutsuki: Continue to try and negociate with them, see if we can wear them down.
Misato: Yes sir.
The picture of Misato blinked off the main screen and everyone in the command center returned to work.
- I told you I could do better.
- Wow. Where did you get that?
- This transmission was recorded less than half an hour ago.
- Won't you get in trouble for sending me this?
- They won't find me.
- You're amazing Rei.
Rei looked at her feet for a moment as she released a brief smile before returning her gaze to dazzling blue sky of circuit patterns.
Asuka (outraged): What do you mean we can't leave?!
Agent: Commander Fuyutsuki has ordered that you two are not to leave this room.
Asuka: Why the hell did he order that?!
Agent: For your own safety.
Asuka: That's a load of bullshit!
Agent: Please cooperate and everything will be much easier for all of us.
Asuka: Oh, you'd like that, WOULDN'T YOU?!
Asuka's outburst didn't seem to phase the agents who stood in the doorway to the lounge. Actually it was a rather large room with comfortable looking seats and couches, a large wall mounted television with VCR/DVD hookup, a stereo system in one corner, assorted pinball and arcade machines, a small kitchen containing a fridge and microwave, several large tables coated in magazines, books and board games, it even provided an interesting view of the geofront from the re-enforced Plexiglas viewing windows to the right of the room.
Hikari: Well I suppose we can make the best of it until we get let out Asuka.
Asuka grunted slightly and stomped off to flop down in one of the couches before the TV, soon the room was filled with the sounds of channel hopping. Hikari sighed and made her way towards the kitchen.
Voice: Shinji?
Shinji (groggily): Huh?
Voice: Shinji, are you alright?
Shinji: M-Mistao?
Slowly Shinji Ikari opens eyes to find that he is no longer in his hospital room, but rather lying on the couch in Misato's apartment. The boy leans his arms back to gain support so he can sit up.
Misato (smiling): Feeling better are we?
Shinji: I-I guess so.
Misato (frowning): Is something wrong Shinji?
Shinji (startled): N-no of course not.
Misato (frowning further): Why can't you ever tell me the truth anymore Shinji?
Shinji: M-Misato I...
Misato: What did I ever do to you? I took you into my home...
*Flashback*
Misato: This is your home now.
Shinji sucked in a breath and took a step forward.
Shinji: I-I'm home.
Misato (smiling): Welcome home.
*End flashback*
Misato: I was your friend...
*Flashback*
Misato: Three, two, one, go!
Misato and Shinji both make objects with their fists.
Misato (grinning): Sorry Shinji, scissors cuts rock.
Shinji blushed and lowered his head, while Misato
decided to grab him in a headlock and give him a noogie. Soon both
of them are rolling on the carpet with laughter.
*End Flashback*
Misato: I was more than your friend, a sister... a mother.
Shinji: Mother?
Misato's figure slowly faded out of Shinji's vision before a bright flash of light engulfed the apartment. Shinji stood alone in a white room with no visible entrances or exits.
Misato's voice: Why don't you like me Shinji?
Shinji: Misato I...
Misato's voice: Why don't you trust me Shinji?
Shinji: Misato...
Misato's voice: Why do you hate me Shinji?
Shinji: I-I don't...
Kensuke's voice: Shinji, man, how could you hate such a mega-babe like her?
Shinji: It's not that I hate her...
Toji's voice: I bet she would take a bullet for you too.
Shinji:...
Hikari's voice: Captain Katsuragi is one of the most nicest and cheerful people you'll ever meet, how could you hate someone so kind?
Shinji: It isn't that she is kind that I...
Asuka's voice: Or was it all because of me Shinji?
Shinji:...
Asuka's voice: Did I change everything?
Terrorist Leader: Did you find them?
Terrorist 1: Negative sir. A full sweep of the building has turned up nothing.
Terrorist Leader (into radio): Has there been activity detected by the security systems?
Terrorist 2 (over radio): No sir. All cameras show nothing.
Terrorist Leader: Could they have escaped before we could seal the building?
Terrorist 1: Possible sir, there was a lot of confusion.
Terrorist 2 (over radio): I might have something here sir.
Terrorist Leader (into radio): Yes?
Terrorist 2 (over radio): The temperature monitor in baggage line two is showing up higher than normal.
Terrorist Leader (into radio): Does that mean something?
Terrorist 2 (over radio): It is a small enclosed space, but it is still fed by the terminal's internal climate control system. This heat discrepancy could be the result of a malfunction, a leak of some sorts or more likely, some heat generating bodies squeezed up in an enclosed space.
Terrorist 1: People...
Terrorist leader (into radio): Can you confirm human presence in the line?
Terrorist 2 (over radio): Negative sir, visual confirmation is required. Security cameras don't cover that area.
Terrorist Leader: Did you check that line properly?!
Terrorist 1: Well sir...
Terrorist Leader: I'LL TAKE THAT AS A NO! GET BACK TO THAT LINE AND CLEAR IT!
Terrorist 1 (saluting): Yes sir!
Rebecca: What's that sound?
Hyuga (gripping his gun): I think we've been found out.
Rebecca: You can't be serious, there are at least half a dozen men out there armed with automatic weapons. You start shooting and we are both dead, do you want to exchange your life for one of theirs?
Hyuga: And if they take us then we might end up dead before NERV infiltrates this place, better to at least take out one defender than none at all.
Rebecca clamped her hand down on the gun.
Rebecca: I won't let you do it.
As the thumping of boots on carpet and clacking of weapons and ammo belts drew closer, Hyuga was able to wrestle Rebecca's hand from his gun and inched forward.
Rebecca (whispering): Don't do this.
Hyuga ignored the woman's pleas and continued to crawl forward through the tunnel, he came to rest at the junction where he could hear the flap being lifted up and the sound of someone climbing up into the tunnel. Hyuga crawled back slightly and looked back at Rebecca, her eyes still pleading for him not to follow through with his plan, he shook his head and faced forward once more.
Terrorist 1 (into radio): Negative contacts so far, proceeding.
As the fatigue clad man reached the junction, he pulled a suppressed pistol from his belt and held it in his right hand as he maneuvered himself to crawl around the corner. As his helmeted head poked around the corner, Hyuga struck him in the head with the butt of his pistol, the blow was not enough to hurt the man but enough to daze him so Hyuga could reach for his pistol. Before the Terrorist could wrestle his gun back from Hyuga's grasp, the NERV technician had managed to aim it at the Terrorist's neck which wasn't covered by body amour. Two suppressed shots later the Terrorist was near death, unable to breathe let alone scream, finally he stopped his feeble struggles and crumpled lifelessly. Hyuga then took the pistol from the Terrorist's hands and crawled forward through the tunnel.
Terrorist 2 (into radio): Ryo, are you okay?
Receiving no reply the man tried again.
Terrorist 2 (into radio): Ryo?
Cautiously the Terrorist inched his way up to the tunnel access, while pointing his gun he lifted the flap cautiously only to have the rifle snatched from his grasp by Hyuga, but before he could react he was also pulled into the tunnel where another few shots from the silenced pistol ended his life.
Hikari: Tea Asuka?
The annoyed girl casted her eyes up from her TV program to lock with Hikari's.
Asuka (coldly): No thanks.
Hikari (flatly): Okay...
She turned and walked towards the two agents standing in front of the doorway and offered them the same, both refused as it was not policy to be offered drinks under any circumstances while on duty.
Hikari (thinking): It's not like I was going to put sleep pills in their tea or anything.
Sighing Hikari placed the tray containing a teapot and several small cups on one of the tables. She reached over and picked up a magazine before she sat herself down.
Hikari: Do you think he is okay... I the surgery must have been completed by now.
She noticed that Asuka seemed to twitch rather violently when she mentioned 'him'. Asuka didn't say anything and continued to watch her program for a few moments more.
Asuka: It's appendicitis, he'll be fine.
Hikari decided to test the waters.
Hikari: So what's it like... living with Ikari?
Asuka twitched again, but said nothing. Hikari lowered her head to go back to her magazine.
Asuka (irritated): I only do it because they force me to, it's not like we sleep together anymore.
Hikari (shocked): You slept together?!
Asuka blinked at Hikari's comment then retraced along her conversation and realised her error.
Asuka (reddening): It wasn't like that, we slept in the same room but on different beds. For synch training, we have our own rooms.
Hikari: So you two don't spend any real time together?
Asuka menacingly turned her head in Hikari's direction.
Asuka (angered): We might be teammates but we are far from friends, but at the moment that's more then between you and I. I have to work with you, but I don't have to like it!
Hikari: You don't like anyone do you?!
Asuka pulled back at Hikari's snide comment.
*Flashback*
Asuka: What's that?
Boy (looking up from his drawing): Elephant... I think.
Asuka let out a small giggle.
Asuka: You don't know what you drawing?
Boy (sheepishly): Um... nope.
Asuka reached over and drew a squggly tail on the end of the picture.
Asuka (giggling): Now it's a piggy elephant.
The boy added a pair of wings to the drawing
Boy (laughing): Birdy, piggy elephant... a pelephanty!
Asuka (giggling): You're fun, I like you.
Boy (laughing): I like you too.
Both children continued to laugh as they worked on their drawings.
*End Flashback*
Asuka: I do too!
Hikari: Name one.
Asuka: His name is... its... shiesse!
Hikari: Why am I not surprised.
Asuka (snarling): You may need all your pathetic little friends, but I'm just fine the way I am!
Hikari (sipping her tea): Sure Asuka, sure.
Asuka saw the glare that Hikari cast at her before returning to her tea.
Rebecca: This isn't going to work. They've probably already know two of them are dead and are sending the rest to kill us.
Hyuga (slipping on a helmet): We've come too far to go back now.
Rebecca (sighing): Right, you've committed us.
Hyuga (putting on gloves): I'm sorry you had to be dragged into this.
Rebecca noticed Hyuga's shaking hands as he fumbled with the gloves.
Rebecca: Looks like you're pretty sorry for dragging yourself into this.
The man looked at his shaking hands.
Hyuga: W-well this is our only shot. I have to shutdown the security system in order to get a team in here without the SSDF blowing a hole in the side of the terminal.
Rebecca: I still wish it hadn't come to this.
Hyuga: They found us once, they could do it again. This is our only shot. Just check in with captain Katsuragi every ten minutes so she knows you're still here.
Rebecca (startled): You're not telling her of your plan?!
Hyuga: It would only give her a chance to say no.
Rebecca: I guess I understand.
Hyuga: Wish me luck.
Rebecca: I'll be praying for a miracle.
Hyuga turned and began to crawl back towards the entrance.
Voice (over radio): Kenada, Ryo, do you copy over?
Hyuga stopped and searched through his vest pockets looking for any semblance of a radio.
Voice (over radio): Kenada, Ryo, do you copy over?
After a fruitless search in over eight pockets, Hyuga finally realised there was a microphone inside the helmet and a small device in his pants pocket to trigger it.
Hyuga (muffling his voice): Ah, Kenada here. There was nothing in here, must have been a malfunction.
Voice (over radio): Where's Ryo?
Hyuga (into radio): He exited first to go to the bathroom.
Voice (over radio): You let him go alone?!
Hyuga (into radio): I'll catch up with him.
Voice (over radio): See that you do!
Hyuga (into radio): Copy that.
Fuyutsuki: Recall technician Hyuga immediately!
Misato: I can't sir, he's operating on a different frequency altogether. If we did find his frequency he must be working on the terrorist band and we'd tip them off to subterfuge.
Fuyutsuki: This stunt he has pulled may escalate the situation further!
Misato: I know sir, but it might be the chance we need.
Fuyutsuki: Explain yourself captain.
Misato: His liaison, UN inspector Rebecca Simmons has told us that he intends to shut down the security system. We could use that to our advantage to slip a team in using stealth tactics.
Fuyutsuki: If he fails however, it is certain that the terrorists will resort to more drastic measures.
Misato: We can't be sure, there are too many probables in this situation.
The sub-commander casted his eyes back to the mission clock which read 2:04:32.
Fuyutsuki: Prepare two teams for stealth entry.
Misato: Understood sir.
Shinji: Misato Katsuragi, I didn't know what to make of her the first time I met her.
*Flashback*
Misato (pouting): You're not as cute as I thought you'd be.
Shinji: Well you're not as mature as I thought you'd be.
*End Flashback*
Shinji: At first it was a relationship based purely on respect. She was my commanding officer, I was her subordinate.
*Flashback*
Misato (crossing her arms): Get inside.
*End Flashback*
Shinji: Then my guardian...
*Flashback*
Misato (smiling): You'll be coming home with me.
Shinji (startled): W-what?
Misato: Through the power vested in NERV I, Misato Katsuragi have legally become your guardian Shinji Ikari.
*End Flashback*
Shinji: She became something even more than that; a friend, a sister... a mother. Those were happy times.
Misato's voice: Then what changed you Shinji?
Asuka's voice: It was because of me wasn't it?
Shinji: Yes it was, you ruined everything!
Suddenly a boy who looked exactly like Shinji appeared opposite the confused teenager.
Shinji 2: That's not true. Things changed because you let them change.
Shinji: I didn't change, I never change... everyone else does.
Misato's voice: Do you really believe that Shinji?
Shinji (holding his head): YES! I'm still a coward, I'm still pathetic and weak!
Misato's voice: Would a coward stand in the way of a robot which was going to explode?
Shinji: You told me that I wouldn't get hurt.
Misato's voice: But do you remember what you said?
Shinji: I...
*Flashback*
Shinji: Not for Eva, I meant for you!
*End Flashback*
Misato's voice: You cared for me then, don't you care now?
Shinji: I... I do care about you.
Misato's voice: Then why do you push me away?
Shinji: Because if I care, I will abandoned.
Misato's voice: I wouldn't abandon you.
Shinji 2: Mother did, father did, when Asuka arrived, Misato did!
Asuka's voice: Shinji couldn't compete with me, he didn't deserve to live with Misato.
Shinji 2: Only the best are worth something, only the best are cared about.
Shinji: I believed that. And it hurt.
Misato's voice: It was a misguided judgment.
Shinji: It still hurt!
Misato's voice: You must learn to place your trust in others otherwise how can you ever feel accepted?
Shinji: I... can't.
Hyuga tried to walk at a regular pace, trying to create the illusion that he was totally under control. However every time he saw a surveillance camera he had to restrain himself from not jumping with fright.
Voice (over Radio): Is everything okay there?
Hyuga (into radio): Uh, yeah, why?
Voice (over radio): The toilets are at the other end of the building.
Hyuga (into radio): Right.
Voice (over radio): Well hustle it up, Kenji isn't going to like you two dawdling around.
Hyuga (beginning to jog): Yeah, copy.
Bridge Operator 2: Sir, I know that you don't need anymore bad news but...
Fuyutsuki: Speak lieutenant.
Bridge Operator 2: The Magi have just picked up a faint blue pattern outside the city near Mt Asuma.
Fuyutsuki: Can angel activity be confirmed?
Bridge Operator 2: There are no visual confirmations of this data and the pattern is holding at Mt Asuma.
Bridge Operator 1: I just received a call from the Mt Asuma geological station. They are reporting an unusual anomaly in the volcano.
Fuyutsuki: It's in the volcano?
Bridge Operator 1: The Magi give a probability of sixty-six percent on that hypothesis.
Fuyutsuki: We need more precise figures than that. Assemble a team with the correct detection equipment and deploy them at the monitoring station.
Bridge Operator 1: Affirmative.
Fuyutski: Summon doctor Akagi from the medical wing and inform her of the presant situation.
Bridge Operator 2: Roger.
Fuyutsuki sat back down at his place and turned to a red phone on the desk. He picked it up and waited as the phone began to automatically ring, on exactly the fourth ring it was answered.
Gendo (over phone): Yes?
Fuyutsuki (into phone): A new situation has developed. The presence of an angel has been detected at Mt Asuma. I have dispatched a team to confirm this.
Gendo (over phone): And the presant status of our other situation?
Fuyutsuki (into phone): A more disturbing development has occurred. It seems one of our bridge technicians has gone on the offensive inside the terminal.
Gendo (over phone): This may prove useful.
Fuyutsuki (over phone): But the risk is too great, if he is caught the situation may very well end in a slaughter.
Gendo (over phone): Indeed.
Fuyutsuki was about to reply when the line went dead. Slowly the sub-commander replaced the phone, but never took his eyes off it.
Hyuga (into radio): He isn't in here.
Voice (over radio): WHAT?!
Hyuga (into radio): I-I dunno where he went, but he isn't in here.
Voice (over radio): Get back up here, help me run through these recordings. If we don't find him Kenji with leave us both behind!
Hyuga (thinking): Out of the frying pan...
Voice (over radio): MOVE!
Ritsuko: Drop the probe another hundred meters.
Probe controller 1: Affirmative.
Probe controller 2: Ma'am you're sending the probe too deep, another hundred meters and it will exceed it's crush limit.
Ritsuko: You requested our presence here, this is imperative to confirm the location of the angel.
The scientist turned to her laptop and began working on some small calculations.
Ritsuko: Based on the lava current data, the anomaly should be within the next thirty to fifty meters.
Probe controller 1: Anomaly in sight.
Ritsuko: Start analysis.
Probe controller 1: Roger.
Probe controller 2: The probe is imploding!
The control room looked on as the probe status meter went from green, to yellow, to red. A dull buzzing sounded through the room as the words 'Probe crushed' were displayed on all the surrounding monitors.
Ritsuko: Did you get the data?
Probe controller 1: Barely. The pattern is blue.
Ritsuko: Get me NERV command.
Fuyutsuki: So what exactly are we look at here doctor?
Ritsuko walked around the edge of the large videocreen embedded in the floor which was displaying a type of X-ray photograph of some alien being inside a black egg.
Ritsuko: This is our angel sir.
Fuyutsuki: Not exactly a menacing looking fellow is he?
Ritsuko: Our best guess is that this is some type of chrysalis form which proceeds the adult stage, which we are more... familiar with.
Fuyutsuki: Can you determine when it might... hatch so to speak?
Ritsuko:At first that seemed impossible, but our energy readings taken at the time the angel was found showed that it seemed to be releasing energy into the lava. When the probe first made some type of contact it recorded an energy spike but not as severe.
Fuyutsuki: So when it's energy is depleted...
Ritsuko: It will 'hatch'. We have no idea what it's energy limits are, however with the graph the Magi have been able to devise from the two readings, we have extrapolate and at best guess is we have four hours give or take.
Fuyutsuki: Four hours to do exactly what doctor?
Ritsuko: To capture the angel sir.
Fuyutsuki: Did I hear you correctly?
Ritsuko: This is our first chance to capture a live specimen with minimal risk sir.
Fuyutsuki: You just told me we have four hours before the angel hatches. It will take at least that long to setup and catch it.
Ritsuko: Four hours if it remains in the volcano. Why did we find the angel in a volcano of all places, the lava and extreme head must act as a catalyst of some sort. I'm guessing that if it is removed from the lava it's energy release will either stop or slow to negligible levels.
Fuyutsuki: I don't like your hypothesis one bit doctor, but it is not my decision. Captain!
Another man in an official NERV uniform turned towards Fuyutsuki and saluted.
Captain: Yes sir!
Fuyutsuki: Take command of the situation already in progress until my return. I have some more pressing matters.
Captain: Affirmative sir.
Fuyutsuki: The rest of you return to your stations, except for you doctor. We have someone to see.
Hyuga (thinking): Finally.
Hyuga (into radio): I'm outside.
Voice (over radio): Okay, I'll unlock the door.
Hyuga turned quickly and pointed his MP-10 down the stairway.
Hyuga (to himself): Great, I'm hearing things.
The man turned around again as the sound of a doorcatch coming undone. Finally the door opened and another armored man stood before him, Hyuga had to fight his urged to pull the trigger right there and then.
Terrorist: Woah easy!
Huyga noticed his error nervously slung his rifle on his shoulder and stepped inside.
Terrorist: Okay, you take bank one and I'll take bank two. Rewind the tapes about twenty minutes and keep your eyes peeled. Hyuga nodded.
Gendo: An offensive?
Ritsuko: That is my plan sir.
Gendo: You do realise the consequences of such a plan.
Ritsuko: I do.
Gendo: Then I see no reason to impede this plan.
Fuyutsuki: Ikari, this is insane! What happened in Antarctica...
Gendo: Will not happen here. I have complete... faith in doctor Akagi's abilities.
Fuyutsuki: I will not be a part of this plan in any form.
Gendo: Your protest is duely noted. You may resume your presant assignment.
Fuyutsuki: Of course.
As the elderly man began to walk out of the office, Gendo turned to Ritsuko who was still standing before his desk.
Gendo: You are authorised to carry out your plan, but failure is not an option.
Ritsuko: No sir.
Once certain that Fuyutsuki was out of the massive room Gendo stared directly into Ritsuko's eyes.
Gendo: How are the second and fourth children's bloodwork?
Ritsuko: I have a more recent sample from Shinji today but the evidence is clear, the neural agent is losing it's potency rapidly.
Gendo: Schedule more boosters.
Ritsuko: It's not as easy as you assume. We cannot supplement their systems full of the agent, introducing more would be a very short fix because their bodies would learn to break through it faster.
Gendo: Have you determined why this is happening?
Ritsuko: LCL sir. It acts as a neural stimulant and seems to assist the cells of the body with cleaning brain neurons. Asu... the second child has had a lot longer exposure to LCL so her case is obviously more advanced, yet Shinji seems to be rapidly catching up with her.
Gendo: Can you explain this?
Ritsuko: Not at this stage.
Gendo: What would they be experiencing?
Ritsuko: Scattered memory traces, they might be able to remember situations but not names or faces.
Gendo said nothing.
Ritsuko: Of course we could always try them on be third generation of the substances, I'm sure it might be able to stave off...
Gendo: It will not be required.
Ritsuko: Sir?
Gendo: The use of the agent has been successful enough, by the time anything potent returns the scenario will be too late to stop.
Ritsuko:...
SEELE 07: An A-17? You wish to mount an offensive against the 8th angel?
Gendo: That is correct.
SEELE 03: No. The events that occurred in the year 2000 tell us that the price is too great.
SEELE 05: It is too early for man and angel to come into contact once again.
Gendo: However we successfully capture the angel, our other goals can be advanced greatly.
Kihl: The risks outweigh the benefits in this course Ikari.
Gendo: Nothing can outweigh the benefits of the project.
Kihl: It has been altered too much already, with the loss of the Yansa type and the threat of public exposure, toying with the schedule risks the contamination of the whole project.
Gendo: The Yansa type is being resurrected, those trying to uncover us shall die at our hands. This is our chance to seize what will bring us closer to what we seek.
Kihl: You walk a very fine line Ikari. Failure will not be accepted in any form.
The twelve monoliths vanished from Gendo's view, yet he continued to sit at his illuminated desk.
Gendo: I know the consequences of failure in this case all too well.
Hikari (stunned): What?
Asuka (excited): Another angel? Where? When do we leave?
Ritsuko: We detected it in Mt Asuma.
Hikari: The volcano?
Ritsuko: Apparently it needs the extreme heat in order mature. We plan to capture it.
Asuka: Are you crazy? Those things try to kill us and you want to catch it?!
Hikari: I'm with Asuka on this one doctor Akagi.
Ritsuko: Once we remove the angel from the lava we predict it will stop it's maturing process, so at the moment it's in no form to fight.
Asuka (crossing her arms): It still sounds crazy to me.
Ritsuko: Oh so I guess you don't want to take lead on this mission then?
Asuka (exhilarated): Me? Really?
Ritsuko: Well the equipment we have to utilise in order for an Eva to survive the extreme pressure and heat has only been standardised for use with a production model Eva, only unit two can carry out the operation.
Asuka grinned.
Ritsuko: However with Shinji still in recovery
from surgery Hikari is our only other pilot. Unit zero shall be
transported to Mt Asuma to act as backup.
Asuka: But you said the prototype can't use the anti-heat gear!
Ritsuko: There are other contingencies to be thought of, not just the diving part of the operation.
Asuka: Yes ma'am.
Ritsuko: Both of you suit up, we don't have much time.
- Another angel? Where?
- It has been detected at Mt Asuma. Unit's 2 and 0 are responding.
- Where's Shinji?
- Records show he is in the medical bay.
- Is he hurt?
- He was suffering from acute appendicitis, he came out of surgery an hour ago. He is stable.
- That's good to know. Do you have any details on the angel.
- They are very vague and incomprehensible at this time. I do have a picture however.
Kensuke eagerly waited as the high definition image downloaded onto his hard drive.
Kaji studied his surroundings carefully, he took notice of large building before him. It was the railcar housing station for the cars that traveled the mountain ranges around Tokyo-3, the two story concrete structure stuck out like a sore thumb in the greenery but still there was no-one around anyway after the declaration of an A-17. Cautiously he made was up to the main door with one hand inside his jacket, he twisted the doorknob and found it had already been opened. Carefully he made his way inside.
Kagi (sarcastically): Now if I could only find a lightswitch.
Ami (from the shadows): Oh I don't think there will be any need.
Kagi: Well the lady is always right.
Ami: Isn't captain Katsuragi enough for you?
Kagi: Doing a little spying of your own I see.
Ami: Remember, we women always did make the better spies Ryougi.
Kaji (grinning): Of course.
Ami: However, there are more important things right now. An A-17 has been declared, and I thought only your dear captain would have enough guts to do something like that.
Kaji: Obviously not. It seems I underestimated the drive of Ritsuko.
Ami: Understandable, she has never been one to deviate from NERV protocol before. I think you'll have to keep a closer eye on her.
Kaji (smiling): Perfect.
Ami: I wouldn't be so happy if I were you, afterall if Akagi's... ambition overrides her rational decisions we could very have another second impact to deal with.
Kaji: I don't think that she or NERV as an organisation are that arrogant.
The two pause while the dull roar of a helicopter passes overhead.
Ami: Which brings me to my next point. The terrorist takeover at Tokyo-3 international airport. Afterall NERV does operate under special security clauses that prevent public, commercial and governmental prosecution we have no idea why they would take command of such a task that is way out of their operating capability. Their cover story is that they assume responsibility for the UN inspectors delegated to them.
Kaji: Well it's not a big secret that they're demanding the truth behind Second Impact and what role NERV played with that little piece of history.
Ami: You mean the committee might have put them up to this?
Kaji: No, I think NERV is acting on their own on this one, probably more a case of protecting ones own interests. As for SEELE...
Ami: A possible connection to either NERV or the terrorists, well we have to know which.
Kaji: I thought you might say that. But you know on a side note, commander Fuyutsuki seems to be doing a rather relaxed attempt at commanding the whole operation.
Ami: Well I beielve that captain Katsuragi was given designation as field commander, therefore not every decision would come across him. Afterall he has some even more pressing problems to occur with now.
Kaji (distantly): True enough.
Ami: What's the matter, don't trust him?
Kaji: Fuyutsuki... knows things, but how much and in what detail he doesn't let on. Otherwise I don't really see him in the sub-commander position.
Ami: Keep those thoughts on hold, there are more important issues here at the moment.
Kaji (smiling): Anything to keep you happy.
Misato: Any transmission yet?
Shigeru: It's been silent since Hyuga reached the security station.
Misato: Have both assault teams prepare to make entry.
Shigeru: Roger.
Misato (to herself): We can only hope that his plans coincide with ours.
Kensuke sat cross legged on the lightly padded floor of the shelter, his laptop already open and in the process of booting up. While he was waiting he took a look around, the shelter wasn't very full but people were still filing in, he noticed a couple that went to his school and a few other families he had been with during a previous attack but that was all. Grumpily he returned to his laptop which was now prompting him for a password, his hands flew over the keys typing the 10 character string in mere seconds.
Kensuke (thinking): Just when things get interesting the attack alarm sounds. I just hope that I got everything transferred.
In his default text editor he browsed the log entries of his chat sessions till he found the one he marked #rei2 and opened it, before him was the chat log of just previously.
Kensuke (thinking): Yes! And now...
He then opened his picture editing software and browsed to his ghost hidden directory and typed in the access password to reveal a folder marked 'NERV' which he opened and then browsed the picture files until he reached 'Angel5.jpg' and opened it. There the high definition picture of the angelic chryalsis was displayed on his screen. Kensuke minimised the screen then took a look back at his chat log and he reviewed Rei's last entry.
- They propose to use D-type equipment to send an Evangelion into the volcano.
Kensuke (thinking): What's D-type equipment. I've heard of B-type...
*Flashback*
Captain: Oh dear lord it's using the B-type equipment!
Misato: Asuka, remember that means you can't fight underwater!
*End Flashback*
Kensuke (thinking): So different conditions determine an Eva's fighting equipment. So B-type must be used for land combat, but what about A and C, one of them must be used for water based attacks. But if they're going to drop an Eva into a searing hot volcano D-type must be something that can function in very high temperature situations. But how many different types could there be?
The boy opened another text document.
Questions
1. What are the specifics of D-type equipment?
2. How many types of equipment (A to D to ...) are there for Evangelions?
3. What are the specifics of those types of equipment?
4. Why do Evangelions require different types of battle equipment.
He pressed save on his document then went back to reviewing the chat session.
Voice (over radio): Takuma!
Takuma (into radio): Yes sir!
Voice (over radio): Where are Kenada and Ryo?
Takuma (into radio): Ryo has gone missing, Kenada is here with me trying to find out what happened to him.
While the terrorist was talking on the radio, Hyuga took the opportunity to sneak a glance at his control panel, he felt the butterflies in his stomach begin to return as he saw the replay of his two victims walking towards the baggage line. Slowly Hyuga inched his way towards the control bank, with one hand on his pistol.
Voice (over radio): This is unacceptable I'm on my way!
Takuma (into radio): A-affirmative.
The terrorist took his hand off his transceiver and turned around.
Takuma: Now you've done it, we're both in... what are you doing?!
The terrorist reached forward and grabbed Hyuga's hand and turned his attention to the monitor which showed two terrorists enter the tunnel and only one emerge.
Takuma (reaching for his sidearm): You're not...
However Hyuga had been tensed up for that occurrence and had already upholstered his pistol and pressed it to the terrorist's unprotected neck while moving around behind him.
Hyuga: Make a move or a sound and you get it, understand me?
Takuma: Y-yeah.
Voice (on other side of door): Takuma, open the door!
Takuma (whispering): You won't make it out of here alive.
Hyuga (whispering): Then neither will you.
The terrorist gulped and pulled forward slightly.
Hyuga (whispering): Don't.
The man on the other side of the door began bashing against the thin metal of the door.
Voice (on other side of door): Takuma, open the door immediately!
Without warning the terrorist let out a loud scream which ended with a slight gurgling after Hyuga punctured his larynx with two bullets.
Hyuga (to himself): Stupid idiot.
Before Hyuga could react a volly of bullets punctured the door and embedded themselves in Hyuga's body amour, knocking the man to the ground. The door smashed in as the man outside kicked it in and Hyuga quickly found his helmet removed and a gun pressed against his temple. Hyuga slowly reached down to his radio and pressed the channel button three times before holding down the talk button.
Terrorist: Who are you?!
Hyuga (dazed): L-lieutenant Makoto Hyuga.
Terrorist: You killed three of my men!
Hyuga didn't speak. The terrorist growled and clubbed Hyuga with the butt of his gun before placing it back against his temple.
Terrorist: You're still hiding that other UN woman aren't you?!
Hyuga didn't respond, again he was clubbed.
Terrorist: You think you're so very smart don't you? Well your arrogance has condemned everyone here!
Shigeru (putting down his headset): Ma'am, you might want to hear this.
The NERV tactical pressed a headphone to the side of her ear, slowly her face turned white from shock.
Misato (whispering): Hyuga...
Shigeru: What do we do now?
Misato let the headset drop to the table.
Shigeru: Ma'am?
Misato: ...
Shigeru: Ma'am?!
Misato: Oh, I...Hyuga is in trouble. Reconfigure the entry teams prepared for dynamic entry.
Shigeru: Roger.
Misato: Get me commander Fuyutsuki.
Fuyutsuki: Do not enter, that is a direct order captain.
Misato: But if we wait any longer...
Fuyutsuki glanced at the mission lock which now read 3:36:58.
Fuyutsuki: This could be a ploy captain.
Misato: But if Hyuga ...
Fuyutsuki: I have no intention of ending this in a violent gunbattle. We will get them to come out peacefully. Technician Hyuga has upset the current situation, we can only hope that this does not escalate further than it already has.
Misato: We've come to far for a peaceful resolution sir, we have to act soon or there will be no-one left to save!
Fuyutsuki: How can you know that?!
Misato: How can you know this will end the way you want it?!
Fuyutsuki: ...you will hold your position captain. Is that UNDERSTOOD?!
Misato (angrily): Yes... SIR.
The picture of Misato blinked off the main screen.
Fuyutsuki (rubbing his forehead aggressively): This can't get any worse.
Misato dropped back into her seat defeated. She looked over at the bank of radios Shigeru was presently working at and slammed her fist down on the adjacent table, knocking several files off.
Misato (thinking): Just don't get yourself killed now Hyuga.
Asuka: This heat resistant plugsuit doesn't feel much different from our regular ones, a little bit thicker maybe.
Ritsuko (looking at her clipboard): Press your left wrist switch.
Asuka: Okay.
Before the girl knew what was happening, her suit had expanded to rather gigantic proportions.
Asuka (shocked): Gott in Himmel!
Hikari turned from her locker to see the spectacle, her eyes went wide for a few moments before she burst out laughing.
Asuka: HEY SHUTUP. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE LAUGHING!
Hikari (still giggling): P-perhaps not...b-but it's just so...f-funny.
Asuka continued to glare at Hikari while even Ritsuko stifled a small laugh.
Asuka (crossing her arms): I'm not going out in public like this. This is the type of thing you have Shinji for.
Hikari: If you remember correctly, he's unconscious at the moment.
Asuka (turning to Ritsuko): Hikari gets one of these...suits too right?
Ritsuko: Of course. You both must have the best protection we can provide.
Asuka (grinning): Suit up... dear friend.
Ritsuko: However, Hikari doesn't need hers activated while remaining in the backup role.
Asuka: WHAT?!
Hikari (smiling): Well it looks like you're the only one making a fashion statement today Asuka.
Asuka hung her head in defeat while Ritsuko finally looked up from her clipboard.
Ritsuko: Unit two should be ready by now.
Asuka (horrified): THAT's my unit two? The poor thing.
Asuka heard Hikari begin to giggle again, she tried to turn around sharply but it was fairly impossible in her enlarged state. The pure effort of Asuka trying to turn was enough to send Hikari into another fit of full blown laughter, both at Asuka's movement and at the hazsuited Evangelion.
Asuka (agitated): This isn't funny!
Hikari (still giggling): N-no, it's s-serious!
Asuka turned red from both anger and embarrassment, she felt all the eyes the technicians and other assorted personnel in the hangar looking down and laughing at her.
Asuka (stomping towards the elevator): Let's get this going!
Asuka (grumbling to herself): First chance I get I'm squashing doctor Akagi with my unit two...
Hikari wouldn't help but grin at Asuka's verbal list of revenge subjects during the ride up.
Terrorist: Where is she?!
Again Hyuga's face met with the butt of the man's pistol.
Terrorist: WHERE IS THE WOMAN?!
Another blow to the head.
Terrorist: Fine. We do it the hard way then.
The terrorist let go of Hyuga's lapels causing the half conscious man to drop heavily onto his back. The terrorist then keyed the cross terminal communications system and plugged in a microphone.
Terrorist (into radio): Bring me a few... volunteers.
Asuka (arrogantly): There has to some more graceful way to travel you know. I mean being slung under these rickety deathtraps isn't very fitting for something as prestigious as an Eva.
She turned her head to the open comm window displaying Hikari's face.
Asuka (grinning): Well maybe fitting for you and your rust bucket prototype.
Hikari: And what would you suggest is fitting transport?
Asuka: If only that hadn't been so skimpy with the funding our Eva's could have had wings in order to soar into battle under their own power.
Hikari (frowning): Is that all you care about, making a show?
Asuka: Anything with as much power as Eva needs to be presented properly.
Hikari: You can be so full of it sometimes.
Asuka: Take that back!
Hikari: You have GOT to be kidding. Only a stuck up bitch would start complaining on how we get to a fight or another.
Asuka: You just haven't any respect for your Eva!
Hikari: I think it's you who doesn't respect your Eva, you treat it like doll.
Asuka: It's a machine, nothing more.
Hikari: You'd like to think so wouldn't you...
Asuka was taken back by Hikari's statement, but just as she was going to ask what she had meant by it, another communications window opened up on her monitor.
Ritsuko: That's enough both of you. You both have been tasked with a very critical mission and we expect the utmost professionalism used while carrying that mission out. To that end, you both are not just being asked to work together, you are being ordered to work together.
Asuka: But I'm the one performing the capture, why do I need her?
Ritsuko: Chaos theory suggests that if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. By having backup we can reduce those risks if a contingency plan has to be formed.
Asuka (thinking): Why is everyone so scared of what could happen?
Ritsuko: And besides you two had to work together sometime. I would suggest that instead of bickering that you focus on the task at hand.
With that the communication window blinked off.
Hikari: Well she didn't have to be so rude about it.
Voice: Why can't you trust anymore?
Shinji: Because if I trust someone, they end up hurting me.
Voice: Can you really live your life without placing your trust in someone?
Shinji: I can try!
Voice: Do really believe that?
Shinji: I can believe what I want.
Voice: So you'll spend your life wondering what could be?
Shinji:...
Asuka suddenly appeared behind the boy.
Asuka: Do you know how stupid that sounds?
Shinji: I...
Asuka: So afraid of contact that you'll watch from afar!
Shinji: Eva forced me to change.
Asuka: You're blaming Eva now, geeze you are stupid!
Shinji: I never used to care if others existed around me or not... since I came here I...
Just like Asuka, Misato appeared out of thin air, except on the other side of Shinji.
Misato: Began to appreciate having others around?
Shinji: Yes.
Misato: We trust you with our lives Shinji.
Shinji:...
Misato: Isn't that enough?
Shinji:...
Misato: Why can't you trust us?
Shinji: I want to...
The boy looked at his feet and sighed.
Shinji: I really want to...
Hyuga returned to consciousness to see a number of UN delegates he had previously met being filed into the room, escorted by another masked guard. He slowly turned his aching head to see his captor pointing a gun at a man's head while holding a microphone in his other hand.
Terrorist (in english): Attention inspector Simmons. I now have in my custody NERV technician Makoto Hyuga, along with the rest of the airport patronage. However I have someone who would like to say a few words.
Michael (in english): R-Rebecca... give y-yourself up.
Terrorist (in english): And why should she do that?
Michael (in english): B-because... you're pointing a g-gun at me.
Terrorist (in english): You have one minute to show yourself, or he dies.
Rebecca cowered in the dim light of the access line, holding the radio as if it was her only anchor in a sea of despair. Hyuga had been caught, possibly killed and now the terrorists were threatening to kill the people which she had worked with for several years. She knew she was in over her head.
Rebecca (into radio): Captain Katsuragi?
Misato (over radio): Is everything alright Miss Simmons?
Rebecca (into radio): It isn't. Hyuga has been caught now they want me to come out or they will start shooting hostages.
Misato (over radio): Under no circumstances do you come out, do you hear me?
Rebecca (into radio): But they'll kill Michael in less than a minute!
Mistao (over radio): And if you do come out they'll kill both you and him!
Rebecca (into radio): You can't know that!
Misato (over radio): Do you really want to take that risk?!
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): Fifteen seconds left...
Michael (over loudspeaker - in english): For god sakes Rebecca, do what he says!
Misato (over radio): Don't do it!
Rebecca: I...
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...
Michael (over loudspeaker - in english): REBECCA PLEASE!
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): ...three, two, one... good-bye.
The sound of the gunshot rang through the terminal, echoing all around Rebecca in her confined space. She heard the cries of the others who were with the terrorist before they were suddenly silenced.
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): We start again in that case. You have another minute to surrender yourself.
Misato (over radio): Miss Simmons? Miss Simmons please respond...
However Rebecca had long since dropped the radio and curled up into a tight ball.
Rebecca (crying): Forgive me Michael...
Technician (over loudspeaker): Maneuvering Evangelion unit two to the drop point.
The large travel system groaned as it drew the large frame of the Eva out to suspend it over the volcano. Even at that height and despite the hazmat suit, Asuka could still feel a slight tingle in her feet. However the girl's attention was distracted by a loud roaring overhead. Asuka looked up as far as the Eva's neck would allow and saw dozens of silver shapes in the sky circling the area.
Asuka: What are all these aircraft doing here?
Ritsuko (over radio): Just another contingency plan.
Asuka (narrowing her eyes): What exactly do you mean by that?
Ritsuko (over radio): They are ordered to destroy the angel using N2 depth charges should the operation fail.
Asuka (shocked): Are you serious?!
Ritsuko: It is the only way this operation would be allowed. You wanted this assignment remember, the opportunity window is closing so you're our only option.
Asuka (grumbling): Yeah, yeah.
Despite her grumbling Asuka let a small grin pass after hearing the words 'you're our only option'.
Asuka (to herself): When it comes to the wire, those idiots Shinji and Hikari just don't stand a chance against me.
Technician (over loudspeaker): Beginning operation.
Slowly the giant winch holding the Eva began to move and the Eva descended towards the molten depths.
Asuka (to herself): Oh man talk about hot.
The girl then looked up from the bottom of the plug to face the communication window displaying Hikari's face.
Asuka (grinning): Just sit back and watch how a pro does it.
Hikari (sarcastically): Oh how I am humbled by your greatness pilot Sohryu.
Asuka looked up at the rim of the volcano where she could see Unit zero looking out over the edge. Her smile grew broader as she descended into the lava.
Asuka (to herself): You will be.
A third gunshot silenced another person's cries before the terrorist once again demanded Rebecca's appearance.
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): It seems I have run out of volunteers. Oh, it seems I still have one left. Please tell our guest your name.
There was silence, then a muffled sound of a struggle.
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): Answer!
Voice (over loudspeaker - strained): M-Makoto Hyuga.
Terrorist (over loudspeaker - in english): Thankyou. You have another minute to surrender yourself before he joins you other three comrades.
Finally Rebecca was able to regain enough composure to make a decision. Shakily she gripped the radio.
Rebecca (into radio): I-I'm surrendering myself.
Misato (over radio): Don't do that, it's suicide!
Rebecca (into radio): T-they've killed three people already... a-and Hyuga's next.
There was a gasp.
Misato (over radio): ...stay there.
Rebecca (into radio): NOTHING CAN BE GAINED FROM STAYING HERE!
Misato (over radio): And everything could be lost if you do go out!
Rebecca (into radio): You might not care about everyone in here, but I do...
Misato's protests came clearly from the radio but Rebecca had already left it behind, crawling through the baggage line.
Knowing that Rebecca wasn't going to respond further Misato dropped the receiver and slumped back into her chair. Memories of Hyuga filled her mind.
Misato (to herself): You're wrong you know...
Slowly the woman turned to Shigeru who was starting at her with rapt interest.
Shigeru (weakly): What now?
Misato (softly): Get commander Fuyutsuki.
Shigeru (turning to his consoles): Right away ma'am.
After a few moments Shigeru turned away from his equipment.
Shigeru: He's ready.
Misato sighed and turned in the direction of the videocamera beside a videoscreen displaying Fuyutsuki's face.
Fuyutsuki: Another development captain?
Misato: Yes sir. It appears that the terrorists have begun to execute hostages and the other UN inspector who was hiding has decided to surrender herself.
Fuyutsuki: Can this be confirmed?
Misato: She told me herself sir.
Fuyutsuki: It could be a ploy, she might have already been captured and they are trying to force our hand.
Misato (irritated): Sir, we have sat down and done nothing for too long. They've been in there almost six hours now, and now people are dying because of your unwillingness to make a move!
Fuyutsuki (angered): Captain, this obsession of yours to storm the building is shattering my faith in your ability to head up field operations at this time.
Misato: We're out of time, by shooting hostages they have committed them...
Fuyutsuki: Our ther options have not been exhausted, until that time force will not be authorised!
Misato: Sir, I request permission to speak to commander Ikari.
Fuyutsuki: He is unavailable at this time.
Misato: Sir, this is...
Fuyutsuki: That's enough captain! Your orders will not change, attack is not yet an option!
Saying that Fuyutsuki's face disappeared from the videoscreen. Misato grunted and bowed her head for several minutes before snapping upright.
Misato: We've sat on our hands too long. I want four teams geared up for dynamic assault, and get me the police and SSDF liaison.
Shigeru: But ma'am, commander Fuyutsuki...
Misato (menacingly): Stuff him.
Asuka: Man, I can't see thing down here. Switch to CT monitor.
The displays through the plug shimmered as the new vision setting took effect, although everything seemed just slightly clearer.
Asuka: Even with this I can barely see anything. I'll try ultrasonics... damn, nothing.
Ritsuko (over radio): You're only at a depth of one hundred meters, the target is at three hundred.
Technician (over radio): Seals looks good, no problems detected. Descending to one fifty meters.
Asuka fidgeted in her seat.
Asuka (sighing): My plugsuit feels so sticky. I just want to get out of here and take a cold shower.
Hikari: Whimpering out already Asuka?
Asuka (surprised): What?! No way!
Hikari (grinning): You know what they say; if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Asuka grunted and disabled all incoming communications from Unit zero.
Technician (over radio): Descending to one seventy five meters.
Rebecca entered the security room with another terrorist pointing a gun to her back. Her eyes went wide as she saw the three corpses littering the floor and Hyuga with his forehead resting on a console and a gun pressed to the back of his head.
Terrorist (in english): So glad that you could join us miss Simmons. I was starting to get the impression you had fled the building in the inital raid.
Rebecca: That's enough you monster. I'm here now, you can let him up.
Terrorist: So you speak Japanese, that could have been such a time-saver. Besides your reluctance has already caused the deaths of three people.
Rebecca: You killed them!
Terrorist: I did not, you killed them by not coming forward, such selfishness...
Rebecca: Stop it!
The terrorist regarded Rebecca with mock interest before hauling Hyuga up off the console.
Terrorist: You seem to forget you aren't the one in control here!
Rebecca: But you said if I came forward no-one else had to die.
Terrorist (pointing his gun at Hyuga): Perhaps the offer has changed now.
Rebecca: Please... don't!
The man didn't even acknowledge her cry, instead he shot three times,twice in the chest and one in the shoulder. Hyuga dropped to the ground almost instantly, Rebecca tried to rush over to him but was restrained by another terrorist.
Terrorist: We're already far past that point. You don't seem to realise that.
Rebecca (crying again): Why did you do that?!
Terrorist (bolstering his gun): Reality is harsh isn't it?
Rebecca (crying): You shot him!
Terrorist: Put her with the others.
Rebecca (crying): You shot him you bastard!
The terrorist turned back to the control consoles while Rebecca was dragged from the room kicking and screaming.
Technician (over radio): Depth, three hundred meters, everything is nominal.
Ritsuko (over radio): Can you detect it Asuka?
Asuka switched through her detection modes while also peering out into the murky depths of the volcano trying to find something that stood out in the dull red surrounding her.
Asuka: I don't see anything and nothing is showing up on radar or ultrasound, I don't think thermographics are really an option down here.
Ritsuko (over radio): It seems that the lava currents are moving faster than we expected. We're recalculating, standby.
Asuka (grumbling): Like I have a choice if I want to sit in this sauna for a little bit longer.
Ritsuko (over radio): The new depth has been recalculated at four hundred and fifty meters.
Asuka: Are you mad? Submarines don't go that deep!
Ritsuko (over radio): Remember Asuka, Evangelion is not like a mere submarine.
Asuka: I'm not familiar with crush depth specifications on Eva, so all I have is your word.
Ritsuko (over radio): That's all you need Asuka.
Asuka (sarcastically): Oh I'm real sure.
Ritsuko (over radio): We're reaching the point of no-return Asuka. If you don't make it to the angel in the next ten minutes the operation will be aborted.
Asuka: I understand perfectly.
Asuka (thinking): It's not like I have a choice on the matter anyway.
Police commander: A dynamic entry isn't very wise captain. There are too many unknowns, the number of terrorists still active, their locations, the status of the hostages and their locations. Basically a dynamic entry from even four different locations would be... messy.
SSDF liaison: Additionally on the location of the hostages, if we were to demolish part of the building in order for entry teams to gain access, we have no guarantee that there won't be hostages in front of the wall or door.
Misato: Well is there any way to override the airport security system?
Engineer: We already considered that, however once the shields come down the system locks out all outside access, disconnecting itself from the network.
Misato: Why?
Engineer: It's a protocol to avoid tampering with the system. An override can come from any terminal with the right clearance inside however those are located in the security room and selected offices on the third floor.
Misato: Is there a roof access?
The Engineer looked at the assembled officals then dug into a bag and retrieved a large blueprint of the airport.
Engineer (pointing at a spot): Right here was designated to be a helipad on the main terminal for officals and such, however the idea was recidnded when the budget was cut. But the importantly thing is the stair access from the third floor to the roof is still there, but it's more like a maintenance hatch now for technicians to repair antennas.
Misato: Is there a shield that covers it?
Engineer: No need, the hatch is two centimeters of steel thick, although it does have remote controlled locks which are certainly closed at the moment.
Shigeru: Ma'am, we're getting another radio transmission from inside the airport.
Misato: Put it on the speaker.
Shigeru: Yes ma'am!
Terrorist (over radio): You try our patience.
Misato: You are asking for things which cannot be granted.
Terrorist (over radio): Not even the truth?
Misato: There is not truth to be told. In the year 2000 a giant meteor struck the plan...
Terrorist (over radio): How quickly I forget, you're part of NERV, the conspirators. However no doubt the media has already tuned into this frequency and this conversation is being recorded.
Misato scowled.
Misato: These transmission have been scrambled, there is no way that anyone without the proper decoders can listen in. And as I said before, there was no cover-up. How could anyone cover up such a major event as Second Impact?
Terrorist (over radio): You tell me captain.
Misato (angered): Stop asking for things we cannot deliver. There is no way NERV is going to lie to the public to satisfy your own interests.
Terrorist (over radio): Not even to humor us? Or are you afraid of the seeds of doubt?
Misato: We aren't afraid of you.
Terrorist (over radio): Perhaps you should be. Afterall Makoto Hyuga seemed to swallow his fear, it got him killed.
Misato (furious): YOU GOD DAMN SON OF A BITC...
Misato tried to continue her cursing but was restrained by several SSDF officers. Her screams and struggles of protest soon weakened and they released her, she sank to the floor sobbing quietly.
Police Commander: I apologise, the actions of captain Katsuragi have been totally inappropriate. However we still have in mind the best interests for the well-being of the hostages. If you continue to kill...
Terrorist (over radio): LISTEN TO ME! I want a public confession by NERV of their responsibility in causing Second Impact in twenty minutes or everyone in this airport will die!
Police Commander: Surely you...
Terrorist (over radio): TWENTY MINUTES!
Shigeru (looking up): He's disconnected from the frequency.
Police Commander: Get NERV command on the line now.
Shigeru looked at Misato who was sitting in a chair, trying to dry her face with the arm of her jacket. He sighed and turned back to his equipment.
Shigeru: Yes sir.
Terrorist leader: Are the charges set?
Terrorist: Yes sir. There won't be anything left.
Terrorist leader: Then return to your station, airtrans will be here in fifteen.
Terrorist (saluting): Yes sir.
Hyuga slowly closed his right eye which had been half open during the conversation. He was rather thankful of the facts that his bodyarmour had saved him from the fatal shots only wounding his shoulder, and that the amour was masking his chest rising and falling.
Misato's voice: You think you can live the rest of your life devoid of human contact?
Asuka's voice: Never talking with someone, never touching them or just enjoying their company?
Hikari's voice: Never experiencing what opening one's self to another means?
Shinji: It means pain.
Misato's voice: For who?
Shinji: For me.
Asuka's voice: That's rather selfish isn't it?
Shinji: I also end up hurting others too.
Hikari's voice: That isn't your fault Shinji.
Shinji: Yes it is, I always ending up hurting someone!
Toji's voice: My little sister did. She was crushed under a pile of debris, she survived, but she's been in the hospital ever since.
Misato's voice: But you did do some nobel things.
Shinji: Is that supposed to make me feel better?
Asuka's voice: Of course it should. Afterall everyone looks up to you, you're a pilot!
Shinji: But it's because I'm a pilot they look up to me.
The boy slowly raised his head.
Shinji: But Misato liked me even though I was a pilot.
Misato's voice: I would like it if you didn't have to pilot, but you're our only hope Shinji.
Shinji: I know that.
Asuka's voice: Isn't that enough?
Hikari's voice: What do you want?
Misato's voice: What do you want?
Asuka's voice: What do you want?
Shinji: I...
Fuyutsuki: This operation has been an embarrassment to all who concerned. And now we must face the real possibility that several of the hostages are dead!
Police Commander: We understand this sir, however in light of current events wouldn't it be at least feasible to humor them?
Fuyutsuki: Completely out of the question!
Police Commander: But the tragedy of an attack on a heavily fortified position would be disastrous for both us and the terrorists.
Fuyutsuki: They have left us with little option.
Police Commander: Except grant their demands.
Fuyutsuki: You seem to have a problem comprehending that we cannot give what does not exist.
Police Commander: An acknowledgment that Second Impact wasn't caused by a comet? What else could it be, what has anyone got to hide over this?
Fuyutsuki: NERV has already lost face accepting responsibility over this entire operation, we do not intend to lose any more.
Police Commander (sighing): Understood.
Fuyutsuki: Take the elements that captain Katsuragi has setup for you and retake the building before their deadline.
Police Commander: Yes sir.
The picture of the Police Commander blinked off the screen, Fuyutsuki turned his head towards the mission clock which reported 5:41:22
Fuyutsuki: Get me a live feed of the retrieval operation.
Asuka looked up nervously as she heard another loud creak resonate through the entry plug.
Technician (over radio): Depth, four hundred and fifty meters.
Ritsuko (over radio): Can you see the target Asuka?
Asuka once again flipped through her various detection systems.
Asuka: I'm picking it up on radar, and now I can see it using ultrasound. Eww is it ever ugly!
Ritsuko (over radio): Target confirmed, begin capture.
Asuka: Roger.
The Eva reached out with both it's arms which were attached to a large set of what looked like handlebars, slowly it maneuvered the apparatus around the large chrysalis.
Asuka: Got it.
Ritsuko (over radio): Energising cage.
Asuka grinned savoring her victory when the plug was flooded with error messages.
Asuka: What the hell?!
Ritsuko (over radio): The calibrations for the energy cage aren't enough to hold the weight, we're recalibrating.
Another creaking of metal being forced to bend inwards made Asuka cringe.
Asuka (grumbling): Great, just great.
Ritsuko (over radio): This should do it, re-engage capture.
Asuka: Everything is okay on this end.
Technician (over radio): Re-energising.
The large black egg was surrounded by a dull orange rectangular prism.
Technician (over radio): Capture successful. Retrieving the Evangelion.
Ritsuko (over radio): Excellent work Asuka.
Asuka (smirking): Oh this, this was just a walk in the park. So what did you think of that Horaki?
Hikari (sarcastically): Astounding.
Asuka: Why thankyou. I know you're really jealous, afterall its one thing to kill an angel, it's an entirely different matter to capture one.
Hikari: I'm so sure.
Hyuga again opened his right eye just enough to get a view of what was happening before him. The pain rippled through his right shoulder but he fought back the pain because he knew that there were more important things at stake. He watched as the terrorist commander typed something at a nearby keyboard before keying his mike and leaving the room. Slowly he trailed his down to his side where his transceiver was located, he mentally cursed as he found that it must have smashed during his fall.
Hyuga (thinking): If they're leaving and planning on blowing up the airport soon I only have one chance at this.
The NERV technician staggered to his feet, clutching his right shoulder as a new wave of pain flowed through him. Cautiously he made his way over to a monitor which had 'Security protocols active' displayed across it. With his left hand he reached out and took hold of the mouse and began to work. Soon he had the list of security sectors displayed on the monitor.
Hyuga (to himself): I could only open one of these doors to avoid detection, and it has to be one out of the way. But then, how are the assault teams supposed to know about it?
He quickly scanned the possible entryways until he found one which looked promising. A creak from the outside made the man jump slightly, but only served to spur his work on.
Hyuga (to himself): It's the perfect position for a tactical entry, no-one to watch it and almost direct access into the building all all the required facilities.
He moved the mouse and clicked on the rooftop entryway and selected unlock from list of options. He also mentally thanked the terrorist hacker who had already accessed all the system gateways requiring passwords and opened them, but more importantly he forgot to seal the sensitive ones again, like security.
Hyuga (thinking): I just hope we think the same way Misato.
Misato watched absently as the black clad tactical assault teams boarded waiting helicopters.
Misato: So it's come to this then.
Shigeru upon hearing Misato's voice turned in his chair.
Shigeru: Did you say something ma'am?
Misato: No, continue with the operation.
Shiger: Roger.
The woman cast her eyes over the monitor which she had conferred with Fuyutsuki with.
Misato (thinking): Did it take Hyuga's sacrifice to tell commander Fuyutsuki the time to move, or was it something more?
A tear rolled down her cheek.
Misato (whispering): Hyuga...
Shigeru: Assault teams are lifting off.
Both NERV members looked up as the four blackhawks roared overhead, heading towards the airport's main terminal.
Technician (over radio): Passing one seventy five meters.
Asuka grinned and leaned back into her chair, everything had gone to plan perfectly more or less. Even the creaks didn't phase her anymore, afterall she was the great and invincible Asuka Langly Sorhyu and nothing could go wrong for her. When something did.
Technician (over radio): Energy dissipation from the target has ceased.
Asuka: What?
Technician (over radio): Internal stress is increasing on the cage.
Ritsuko (over radio): It's hatching, abort the capture, abort the capture!
Asuka: Scheisse!
Asuka leaned forward and saw a massive black shape trying to break through the energy barrier, she quickly pulled back on her control levers commanding the Eva to release the cage. She watched as the cage sunk out of sight.
Technician (over radio): Cage compromised, the angel is free.
Ritsuko (over radio): Mission change Asuka, prepare to engage the target.
Asuka (surprised): What? Down here? I have no maneuverability, less than desirable conditions...
Ritsuko (over radio): Or would you prefer plan B which involved a payload of N2 mines causing the volcano to explode and collapse in on itself??
Asuka (annoyed): Roger.
Unsheathing her progressive knife Asuka looked around in the murky environment for any sign of the angel.
Asuka: I can't even see the damn thing, how can I fi... ahhhh!
The Evangelion tried to block the angel's sudden forward attack but the angel lashed out with it's tentacles knocking the Eva's arms back while it bit down on the facemask of the Hazmat suit the Eva was wearing. Reflexively Asuka ordered the Eva to plunge the progressive knife into the top of the angel's head hoever the knife merely scraped along the angel's hide.
Technician (over radio): It just... how can it open it's mouth in molten lava?
Ritsuko (over radio): Being exposed to this environment must have altered it's molecular structure, it carapace has mutated to deal with stress placed upon it.
Asuka: Which means the progressive knife is as useless as a pair of chopsticks against this angel. In this environment anyway.
The girl ordered the Eva to kick with both it's feet finally dislodging the angel which quickly swam away.
Asuka thought for a moment then grinned.
Asuka: Of course. Quick, get me to the surface as soon as possible!
Ritsuko (over radio): Asuka we have no alternative here, you have to defeat the angel or we have to resort to the backup plan.
Asuka: This is part of my plan. Just get me up there quick!
Shigeru: Assault teams alpha, bravo and charlie have rappelled onto the building and are proceeding to the hatch. Team delta is holding back until area is secured. Wait... please repeat that sir... ma'am we have a new situation.
Misato (sitting up): What is it?
The other officals closed in as Shigeru swiveled in his chair.
Shigeru: It seems the roof access hatch is unlocked and the stairwell is clear.
Police Commander: A trap?
Shigeru: Negative, no tangos in visual range.
Misato: Hyuga!
Police Commander: What?
Misato: Hyuga knew we would try for a rooftop access, he must have unlocked the door before he was...
Police Commander: Captain, I'm sure that lieutenant Hyuga did all that he could but do you really think he did that?
Misato: I do.
Shigeru: Team alpha is securing the nearby offices, team beta is heading towards the security station while charlie is holding at the stairwell entrance. No tangos is visual range.
Hyuga kept his eyes closed and tried to shallow his breathing as he heard a large number of soft footsteps coming towards him. He tensed up as he heard several people enter the room.
Voice 1 (quietly): Check them.
Voice 2 (quietly): Dead.
Voice 3 (quietly): Dead.
Voice 4 (quietly): Dead.
Hyuga felt a presence beside him which was then replaced by the sensation of two fingers wiggling under the neck of his fatigues and pressing against his neck.
Voice 5 (quietly): This one is alive.
Positive that whoever had entered the room wasn't part of the terrorist cadre which had siezed the airport Hyuga slowly opened his eyes and was greeted by the sight of five men all dressed in black with SSDF markings on their tactical gear.
Voice 5: He's coming around sir.
Another man with captain's markings on his fatigues knelt down beside Hyuga.
Captain: Who are you?
Huyga: Lieutenant Makoto Hyuga of NERV.
Captain: We received reports you were killed lieutenant.
Hyuga: They were bad shots.
Captain: Are you injured?
Hyuga: The bodyarmour took most of it but they hit me in the shoulder, I'm bleeding but not badly.
Captain: What can you tell me?
Hyuga: I killed two of them, there must be at least another four on the ground floor with the other hostages. Their leader also spoke of plans to blow up the airport and everyone in it.
Captain: Any idea on the location of the terrorists or their explosives?
Hyuga: No idea.
The SSDF captain nodded and pressed against a receiver placed in his ear.
Captain (into radio): Team alpha reporting. We have secured the third floor and have total control over the terminal security systems. We have also located lieutenant Makoto Hyuga who is still alive but injured, he reports that at least four terrorists are still active and that they have planted explosives inside the terminal.
The man listened for a few moments before standing up and unslinging his rifle.
Captain (into radio): Teams beta and charlie regroup at security station.
Shigeru: Third floor has been secured, they've taken control of the security station. There are three bodies, all UN inspectors... wait, they found Hyuga...
Misato leaned forward and unconsciously crossed her fingers.
Shigeru: He's alive!
Everyone in the command area began talking amongst themselves while Misato exhaled, releasing her pent up breath and smiled at Shigeru who smiled back.
Shigeru: Hyuga also reports that the terrorists are planning to destroy the terminal in the next ten minutes!
Misato: What?!
Shigeru: That's what has been relayed.
Police Commander: They're going to commit suicide?
Shigeru: I don't think so sir, I have an inbound aircraft which is ignoring any transmissions.
SSDF liaison: We can't shoot it down, not over a populated area.
Police Commander: And if we did, the terrorists might get desperate.
Misato: Don't be so sure about that.
Police Commander: What do you mean captain?
Misato: They expect to get out of this alive, they're not going kill themselves.
Police Commander: So what are you proposing?
Misato: We use team delta to seize control of the aircraft and wait for them.
Police Commander: You can't be serious, we could be giving them a clear getaway.
Misato: So place snipers at strategic positions if delta fails if it makes you feel comfortable.
Police Commander: They will no doubt use hostages as human shields if they have to walk out to the helicopter.
Misato: Then we either try to take them by force now, or we surprise them later.
The officals inside the command area all gave Misato a hard look before relenting one by one.
Misato: I'm glad you all see it that way, divert delta to sneak up on the helicopter as it lands. Alpha and beta should stage a diversion in order to direct the terrorists attention away from helicopter.
Police Commander: This is highly risky captain.
Misato: Risky is what NERV does.
Captain: We have new orders, we are to stage a diversionary assault in order to give team delta enough time to commandeer the terrorists escape vehicle. This will be a red light situation, no-one is to fire unless fired upon. Charlie team will remain here to protect lieutenant Hyuga and the security station.
The man then held up one finger and pointed to the left side of the staircase, the members of team alpha formed up into a single file column on the far left. He then held up two fingers and pointed to the right side of the staircase where team bravo formed up the same as team alpha. The captain then took up lead position in front of team alpha and pumped his fist forward, both teams began to creep forward in formation down the stairs.
Terrorist: It's been confirmed. Airtrans has set down thirty meters from gate three, engines running. No-one has opposed it's landing, although there is an SSDF helicopter set in orbit around the terminal.
Terrorist leader: It is of no consequence, our greatest threat will be snipers which will no doubt set up in the area to shoot us as soon as they get a clean line of sight. So let us begin our transition towards the aircraft. Ikuto open gate three blast doors.
Terrorist 2: Yes sir.
As the man began to climb the stairs ten men all dressed in black and hidden behind facemasks and helmets popped up along the railing of the second floor, each holding a sub machine gun.
Captain: Freeze! This is SSDF special operations. Lay down your arms and surrender peacefully.
Each terrorist took several steps back in shock and quickly hid themselves behind several other scared people while the SSDF soldiers kept following them with their weapons.
Terrorist leader: You are in no position to order us to do anything. Afterall your weapons do not carry enough power to penetrate our amour in a single shot and we also have our 'extra' protection here.
The man placed his rifle's muzzle against the temple of a woman who was crying to herself.
Terrorist leader: Lay down your weapons and be so kind to open the gate three blast doors for us.
Captain: I cannot comply with your request. I will ask you again to put your weapons down and surrender peacefully, you are running out of options quickly.
Terrorist leader: NO! YOU are the ones running out of options, my one is out there. Now let us through or people will die!
Captain (whispering into radio): Is delta setup yet?
Shigeru (over radio): Negative, two minutes at most.
The SSDF captain swore under his breath and gripped his gun tighter.
Captain: Command has given you passage. I will send two of my men up to the security station to comply with your request.
Terrorist leader: Thankyou for your cooperation.
With a quick hand signal the furthest two soldiers retreated slowly back up the stairs. While the terrorist commander smirked beneath his facemask.
Technician (over radio): Passing fifty meters.
Asuka: It's coming back!
The angel swam directly towards the Evangelion which could only dangle helplessly from it's lifeline as it was dragged towards the surface.
Asuka: Releasing diving weights!
The buckle which kept a belt of weights connected around the Eva's midsection blew apart releasing the Eva which floated upwards several meters, just enough for the angel to pass harmlessly underneath before it leveled out again. Not being able to turn around Asuka could only hope that the angel was circling around for another attempt but a loud crash from behind her confirmed her fears.
Asuka: Ahhhh it's bitten my ass, I can't fight it like this!
Ritsuko (over radio): Just hold on, twenty meters to go!
Asuka: IT'S GETTING THROUGH, HURRY UP!
Technician (over radio): Ten seconds to surface, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, zero!
The Eva now hanging in the air, suspended by it's drop cables began to kick and thrash furiously trying to dislodge the angel but getting nowhere, in a last ditch attempt the Eva reached behind with it's pincer hands.
Asuka: I can't get it... I... yes!
Finally the Eva's left arm pincer clamped down on one of the angel's tentacles and pulled hard. Noticing that something seemed to be attacking it the angel relinquished it's hold on the Eva's backside allowing Asuka to pull the angel around to face her front. Seeing another large part of bodymass to cling to the angel clamped it's mouth down on the Eva's chest and began to tear at the protective suit once again.
Asuka: Got you now you bastard.
The Eva brought the progressive knife in it's right pincer up as high as it could reach and plunged it down on the angel's head, this time the blade pierced the angel's hide and the creature immediately let go of the Eva and let out a piercing shriek as Asuka dug the knife in further. The angel tried to wiggle away from the Eva but Asuka had it firmly gripped with the Eva's left hand and even brought the Eva's knees up to cup the underneath of the angel.
Asuka: DIE DAMN YOU!
As the angel writhed around in Asuka's grasp the setup supports began to whine and buckle under the weight.
Ritsuko (over radio): Oh god, the supports were only designed with the Eva's weight in mind, it can't hold this much longer!
Hikari watched mortified as one by one the erected supports began to crumple inwards until one seemed to be lifting out of the ground.
Hikari: Oh no!
The girl ordered her Eva forward which then planted it's foot on the support to hold it in place. She then looked to her right to see another support being slowly torn from the ground. Without thinking she dove towards the support and clamped her hands over the support holding it in place while holding the first in with her Eva's feet.
Hikari (straining): Hurry it up Asuka, I can only hold these two in place!
Asuka: I'm trying dammit! DIE!
With renewed vigor Asuka dug the progressive knife along the angel's head until it opened it's mouth to shriek again and then she saw the dull red orb inside it's mouth. Knowing this was her last chance before the crange supporting her collapsed Asuka pulled the knife from the angel's head and jammed it into the angel's mouth, piercing the core directly. Asuka turned her head from the bright orange sparks which shot from the angel's mouth until it's struggles weakened.
Hikari: ASUKA IT'S GOING TO GO!
Asuka had only enough time to look up before the supports buckled inwards and broke off, everything slowed to a fraction as Asuka watched the sky disappear, sinking back into the molten sea. The girl hung her head in defeat as she traveled downwards, she had won but at a terrible cost, yet she felt strangely at peace. That was until her descent was stopped by a sudden jerk, then she began to rise slowly.
Asuka (confused): What the hell?
A communication box opened up in the bottom left of Asuka's screen.
Hikari (straining): Just because we lost the crane doesn't mean I can do it the old fashioned way, if only you and your Eva didn't weigh so much though.
Asuka tried to restrain a laugh as the tension and adrenaline seeped out of her, but couldn't.
Asuka: Just don't drop me fumble fingers.
Shigeru (over radio): Delta is ready, let them go.
Captain (into radio): Roger. Open gate three blast doors.
Soldier (over radio): Affirmative.
The terrorists turned their attention towards a loud clanking sound which was the heavy blast doors retracting back into ready positions.
Terrorist leader: Thankyou for being so cooperative, we shall take our leave now.
Each of the four men began pushing a group of three hostages each who all had their hands tied to their partners, forming a small shield.
Captain (into radio): They're going out now. Four tangos, each holding three hostages, many are UN delegates.
Shigeru (over radio): Copy. Secure ground floor and see to the rest of the hostages. Do not engage the terrorists, repeat do not engage.
Captain (into radio): Roger.
Soldier 1 (over radio): Delta here, I can see four groups exiting the terminal. One is female and has NERV markings on her uniform.
Shigeru (sighing): Maya's alive.
Misato nodded and gave a quick smile in Shigeru's direction.
Soldier (over radio): I count five other persons with UN formal attire on, there are six other civilians. They are now forming into a column, the hostages are being placed to the west of the targets. They are throwing objects towards us!
Shigeru (into radio): Grenades?
Soldier 1 (over radio): Smoke grenades. Visibility has been severely reduced.
Soldier 2 (over radio): This is high-ground one, we have negative sightings on tangos, repeat no shot.
Misato: Then it's all up to delta then.
Shigeru (into radio): Weapons free delta, you are clear to engage once they board the helicopter.
Soldier 1 (over radio): Copy, weapons free.
Soldier 1: Green light people.
The two soldiers in the cockpit watched anxiously as they could just make out the small convoy of people moving towards them. Another soldier hung onto the side of the waiting aircraft while two other soldiers took positions on the far side of the helicopter ready to move into a flanking pattern.
Terrorist leader (thinking): Nought without it's losses, but then Kenji and Ryo were dead weight anyway.
He smiled briefly then prodded his captives moving them along faster, he could feel the heavy breeze the helicopter was generating as it's rotors spun around at half power.
Terrorist leader (calling out): Mission accomplished!
The soldier on the door nodded while the faux pilot and observer each gave the thumbs up.
Slowly the terrorists formed the hostages into a crude line in front of the sliding door on the side of the helicopter then climbed inside while still training their guns on their backs. Feeling secure enough each of the terrorists removed their helmets and facemasks and laughed together.
Terrorist leader: Arm charges.
Terrorist 1 (working on remote control): Armed.
Soldier 1: Freeze! SSDF special forces, drop your weapons!
The two soldiers spun around in their places aiming semi automatic pistols at the terrorists while the doorman produced his own pistol and was quickly joined by the two remain black clad soldiers toting their sub machine guns. One of the terrorists scooped his rifle from his lap and tried to take aim but was quickly dispatched by two shots to the head, two other terrorists brought their guns up and got quick bursts off before also being taken out by the soldiers. The hostages by then were already sprawled out face down on the tarmac trying to crawl away from the gunfire.
Soldier 1: Put you hands behind your head!
The terrorist leader knowing that he was beaten slowly raised his hands and put them behind his head.
Soldier 1: Sieze that remote!
The doorman carefully inched towards the remote control while keeping his weapon trained on the terrorist, finally he quickly scooped up the transmitter and jumped back to a safe distance.
Soldier 2: Sir, two hostages have been hit.
Soldier 1 (into radio): Situation under control, three tangos down, one captured, two hostages have been hit, requesting medical assistance.
Shigeru (over radio): Copy, medical team is being dispatched. Good job.
Soldier 1: Shut this thing down.
The soldier posing as the observer nodded and cut the power to the engines, the high pitched sound of the helicopters engines quickly died off. The soldiers then disembarked to check the hostages while several military and emergency vehicles sped out onto the tarmac.
Terrorist leader: You know this isn't over, not by a long shot. It goes deeper than you think.
Soldier 1 (growling): Tell it to interrogation.
Ritsuko: I'm surprised at both of you. Asuka your theory plain and simple, I can't believe that I didn't think of it.
Asuka (grinning): Well it's simple, something that thrives in heat will more than likely become brittle in a cooler environment, like freezing metal which makes it brittle.
Ritsuko: True, and Hikari, your actions gave Asuka needed time to finish the operation. Not only that but saved her life in the end.
Asuka's expression turned sour.
Hikari (blushing): I did what I had to. Afterall we might not get along, but I wasn't ready to stand by and watch Asuka sink into that abyss again.
The girl turned towards Asuka who was more shocked than bitter after hearing her thoughts.
Hikari: What do you say Asuka, teammates?
Asuka: Sure, why not?
Ritsuko: Well now with that settled, how about you two go get cleaned up? Full debriefing in half an hour.
Asuka: Awww man.
Ritsuko: We could always start the debriefing now if you'd like.
Asuka (grumbling): Half an hour will be fine.
Asuka stormed off with Hikari in tow, although she was trying to hold back a giggle.
Asuka: Don't even think about it!
Hikari (giggling): O-of course n-not!
Shigeru: Are you okay Maya?
The woman shivered and wrapped her arms around her body while Shigeru placed a blanket over her shoulders. They both sat in the back of an ambulance starting at all the emergency lights blinking on and off in the late evening.
Maya (shakily): I-I... will be, t-thankyou.
Shigeru: I... was really worried about you Maya.
She blushed slightly but leant her head against's Shigeru's shoulder. Not knowing what to do Shigeru kept looking straight ahead.
Shigeru: I'm really glad you're okay.
Maya (sighing): So am I
The two shared a nervous laugh.
Hyuga strained to look up from his horizontal position on the stretcher but the cervical collar the paramedics had placed on him made that task close to impossible.
Voice: Hyuga?
Hyuga knew straight away who the owner of the voice was.
Hyuga: R-Rebecca?
The woman walked up to the stretcher draped in a thick blanket. Her face was streaked with tears and she had a bruise on her left cheek, other than that she seemed fine. Both remained silent for several moments.
Hyuga: I-I'm sorry I scared you.
Rebecca: You did what you had to do. It was very brave of you.
She made sure no-one was looking before leaning down and putting her lips right next to his ear.
Rebecca: But when you're better, I am going to slap you so hard for doing that.
Hyuga gulped while Rebecca let a small smile form on her face.
Rebecca: Get better soon okay, I still need a NERV escort.
Hyuga: Y-yes ma'am.
Rebecca: I have to go now. I'll come see you sometime.
Hyuga: Okay.
Misato had been watching from the cab of a HummVee only several meters from the ambulance Hyuga was lying next to, she had wanted to leap out of the vehicle and tell him what she had felt when she heard the report that he was dead and the joy she felt when they said he was alive. But the UN woman had beaten her to it, she startled herself by actually feeling jealousy about the exchange she had just witnessed. She pressed her hand against the glass of the window.
Misato (whispering): Hyuga, I'm glad you're alive.
She turned away away from the scene and folded her arms.
Misato: Lets get out of here.
Driver: Yes ma'am.
Gendo: So both operations had a successful completion?
Fuyutsuki: It wasn't exactly a happy ending on either account. The terrorists situation ended with three UN inspectors dead and several other hostages wounded. We are staving off any UN task forces to investigate the incident.. for the moment. As for our attempts at capturing a live angel, the process had to be aborted and we almost lost the Eva in the attempt, however the angel was destroyed.
Gendo: It is a sufficient resolution.
Fuyutsuki: But a costly one. NERV has lost face on both situations, plus the damage dealt to both property and personnel.
Gendo: We still exist, it is sufficient.
Rei sat listlessly as walls of glowing binary numbers flowed in front of her. Suddenly her head perked up and she waved once stopping the scrolling.
Rei: Sandaphalon file. It has been deleted and another has been put in it's place... by Gendo Ikari.
The girl waved her hand again and the code began to scroll once again.
Rei: This is all wrong, all of it. Something is amiss...
She continued looking along the seemingly endless columns of binary digits until she ordered them to stop again.
Rei: All the Sithe level records have been changed. This does not make sense...
Her eyes narrowed.
Rei: Project Yansa... stable?!
Misato slowly drew up to Shinji's hospitable room. Softly she knocked on the doorframe but heard no reply.
Misato (softly): Shinji?
The woman received no reply.
Against her better judgment Misato reached out to press the button which would open the door.
Shinji looked at his double who was standing before him. He wasn't sure how long they had been like that, but it had been an agonizing wait for him.
Shinji 2: If you don't reach out to her, you will lose her.
Shinji took a step back in amazement, his double had either read his mind or something more.
Shinji: Misato?
Shinji 2: Misato, Asuka, Hikari... everyone. But your first step is with Misato.
That Shinji had not been thinking or expecting.
Shinji: But if I try, she could hurt me.
Shinji 2: If you do not try you can never truly live. Pain is part of living. Don't you want to live?
Shinji: I-I do.
The faux Shinji then began to fade from the boy's sight, Shinji ran forward and reached out to grab his arm but his hand passed right through the other boy as if he was made of air.
Shinji 2 (fading): Then tell her what she means to you. There is no use hiding from her.
Shinji: Wait!
Shinji 2 (fading): Tell her.
Shinji bolted upright startling Misato who was settling into a chair next to his bed.
Shinji: Wait!
Misato (confused): Shinji?
Shinji stared at the front of the room for several moments before turning his head to meet Misato's curious gaze, he blushed.
Shinji: I... it must have been... a bad dream.
'If you don't reach out to her, you will lose her' Shinji blinked.
Misato (feeling Shinji's forehead): Are you sure you're okay? You're not running a fever.
Shinji: I-I'm fine. I've just had a lot to think about.
Misato: Oh, I have too. Want to talk about it?
Shinji (blushing): W-well it's just... I realised I haven't been very open with any of you, I don't think I even forgave myself for thinking the worst about you.
Misato: Shinji, I thought we talked about this.
Shinji: W-we did, but I still must have thought the worst of you, i-in the back of my mind that is. Like I didn't trust you.
Misato: Shinji...
Shinji: When I first came to Tokyo-3, I didn't expect I would experience anything like this. But you know... I'm glad I did.
For the first time in weeks Shinji Ikari smiled, Misato was stunned at first but soon found herself smiling back. She reached forward and grabbed Shinji in a gentle hug.
Shinji (whispering): I forgive you Misato.
Misato (softly): I forgive you too Shinji.
Asuka: I still don't see what we're doing here.
Hikari: Shinji might be awake now, don't you at least want to say hi?
Asuka was going to let another taunt loose when she stopped.
Asuka (arrogantly): Maybe he caught wind of my victory.
Hikari (sighing): Of course Asuka.
Asuka: Well it...
Hikari: Shhh... I can hear voices in there.
Both girls placed their ears against the door.
Hikari (whispering): That's captain Katsuragi isn't it?
Asuka (whispering): I think I have a better way of finding out.
Hikari (whispering): No, don't.
Despite Hikari's protests Asuka opened the door to Shinji's room to find Shinji sitting up in bed talking with Misato who was sitting in a chair next to the bed.
Asuka: See, much better!
Hikari groaned as she walked into the room behind Asuka.
Misato: Hi you two. I've read the preliminary report on your magmadiving operation.
Asuka (shocked): They called it operation magmadiver?! Geeze you guys can't come up with good names or anything?!
Hikari: Um, captain Katsuragi...
Misato: Misato.
Hikari: Um, miss Misato... why weren't you commanding the operation?
Misato: I, ahh had some other NERV matters which I was already assigned to.
Asuka: But you're operations director, what's more important than an angel attack I ask you?!
Misato: Asuka, it's not as simple as that.
Asuka (sarcastically): Fate of the world, paperwork, fate of the world... paperwork, the choice is so hard!
Misato (annoyed): Asuka...
Asuka: So did you heard about my latest triumph then Shinji?
Shinji: Well... Misato told me that you beat the angel. That was pretty impressive.
Asuka's grin gave way to a slight smile but she quickly covered it up.
Asuka (smirking): And...
Shinji: That Hikari saved you by pulling you out of the volcano by your support cables.
Asuka punched a part of Shinji's mattress which made the boy inch up to the top of his bed just in case she thought of making direct physical contact.
Asuka: AUGH! They tell that part in the greatest detail!
Shinji (thinking): Reaching out to Asuka seems hazardous to my well-being. Can really trust even myself on that one?
While Asuka began to rant off by herself while Shinji tried in vain to calm her down, Misato turned to Hikari.
Misato: So I take it that you two aren't mortal enemies anymore.
Hikari: Well I wouldn't call it that, more like we'll try and keep it professional at NERV and stuff. As for outside NERV I'm not so sure.
Misato: Maybe she'll come around.
Hikari looked over at Asuka who had Shinji by the scruff of his hospital gown.
Hikari: Um, maybe.
Asuka: Well at least with this over I don't think another angel will rear it's ugly head for at least another few weeks, which means Okinowa!
Hikari: Ah, Asuka.
Asuka: What?
Hikari: We're Eva pilots, we can't leave the city in case of an emergency.
Asuka (dumbfounded): Wha...
Misato: Those are priority orders.
Asuka (furious): WHAT?! WHAT IDIOT DECIDED THAT?
Misato (sighing): This one.
Asuka: WHUNDERBAR!
-----------------------------
**Omake**
The buckle which kept a belt of weights connected around the Eva's midsection blew apart releasing the Eva which floated upwards several meters, just enough for the angel to pass harmlessly underneath before it leveled out again. Not being able to turn around Asuka could only hope that the angel was circling around for another attempt but a loud crash from behind her confirmed her fears.
Asuka: Ahhhh it's bitten my ass! THATS IT, I'VE HAD IT WITH THIS SORT OF ABUSE! GET MY LAWYER!
Suddenly a man in a blue suit with slicked back brown hair appeared at the top of the volcano and leaned over.
Lawyer: Lionel Hutz, attorney at law.
The angel had no idea what was going on so it stopped it's assault.
Lionel: You do realise that you are committing sexual harassment by grabbing my client's backside?
Asuka: He's biting it!
Lionel: Well that's even worse I'm afraid. I'm going to have to issue you with this.
The lawyer removed a piece of paper from his briefcase and dropped it into the volcano, the angel lashed out a tentacle and grabbed the small A4 sheet.
Lionel: That's a summons. We'll see you in cout next week sir. Until then I'm issuing a restraining order, you have to keep at a distance of at least four hundred meters from miss Sohryu's buttocks and erm... the rest of her. Good day.
The angel sported a massive sweatdrop before relinquishing it's hold on unit two and slinking back into the lava.
Asuka (snorting): Pervert angels, as if baka-Shinji wasn't enough!
**Omake 2 (By Seph Khan)**
(*Hikari and Asuka are sitting outside the operating theatre, fresh from their victory over the 8th Angel. They are waiting for Shinji to come out of surgery*)
Hikari: Do you think Shinji will be okay?
Asuka: Of course! The Baka only has to have his appendix out! And Dr Akagi is doing the operation herself. He'll be fine!
Hikari: She must have studied a Double Major at university. That must have been real hard, even for a genius like her... (*Misato walks into the hallway and goes up to them*)
Misato: What are you to on about?
Hikari: Just talking about Dr Akagi. How she must have studied Medicine and Comp Sci at Uni...
Misato: Huh? I remember her doing a computer one, but I'm sure the other major was in horticulture. Or something like that...
Hikari: (*look of horror on her face*) Then... (*Opens the theatre doors. Inside is what remains of Shinji. Blood is splattered all over the walls, and various body organs are strewn across the floor. Ritsuko has opened up Shinji's skull case with a hacksaw and has attached two leads from her laptop into what is left of his brain. She is typing away furiously on the keyboard, and is using his empty skull case as a ash tray*)
Ritsuko: Damn CPU... still won't give me a signal! What kind of OS did they load into him, anyway?
Misato: RITSUKO!!!
Ritsuko: Huh? (*Looks up from screen*) Oh, it's you. Before you ask, no, I don't have any beer. Go pester Hyuuga...
Misato: What have you done!!! (*Ritsuko groans*)
Ritsuko: (*Whining*) Well, I keep on telling them I'm a Doctor of Computer Science, not Medicine! But do they ever listen? No!!!
Misato: But you... how could you..
Ritsuko: (*sighing*) Yeah, I know... it's my fault...
Asuka: Of course it's your bloody fault!!!
Ritsuko: I knew I shouldn't have lied on my resume in the first place...
Episode 9 coming soon:
"A power outage in the GeoFront? Is this the work of the latest angel or something much more sinister?"
Any comments and criticisms are welcome.
Writer/Storyboard: Les Robb aka Rion (rion@dingoblue.net.au)
Storyboard/Editing: KoalaKiller (Evadu01@aol.com)
Editing: Jonathan Gaters (katarnx2b@netzero.net)
NOTE:
Tangos - A term given to enemy units/forces
Dynamic - An assault style which incorporates distracting and dazzling the enemy with loud noises and bright lights while rushing forward.
Stealth - An assault style which revolves around not being detected by enemy forces.
Other notes:
Mein Gott it's done. If my apologies could be converted to html they would be longer than this document! I also realise that this episode was more of a focus on the terrorist situation rather than anything to do with an Eva situation, but rest assured all the projects (chapters) are linked and this happened for a reason. It is my hope that my next chapters won't take as long but I can't make promises I don't know if I can keep.
And thanks be to my pre-readers:
Worldmage drahcir_j@hotmail.com
Ken Stokes pariah-00@juno.com
Silencer mays@one.net.au
Seph Khan sephirothkhan@hotmail.com
Sarevock antoniogalvan@usa.net
Rugle s369520@student.uq.edu.au
Greywolfe mdt02@uow.edu.au
And all the members of the Evangelion Fanfiction mailing list.
Disclaimer:
Neon Genesis Evangelion is owned and copyrighted by Gainax, all characters used from that series as well as familiar plot links and scenarios. All names are (TM) and (C) by their respective owners.