Chapter 14 - Five against the World
EVA-hangar
The machine-like man stood in front of the man-like machine, communicating without
speaking, only forming words within his mind.
Are you ready?
Repairs completed. Data of Pilot Horaki, Hikari uploaded. Internal batteries charged.
All systems working.
Good. Look after your new pilot.
He smiled. For more than ten years the machine had been part of his life and now someone
else was piloting it into battle.
I will. Good luck, Commander.
Larsen nodded, noticing the hint of emotion within the artificial voice of the hybrid.
And to you, and to you...
***
NERV-HQ, control center, three days later
"Troop movements within the area! The JSSDF assembled severals squads at the north and
the west, shall I radio them and ask for the reason?"
"No." the older Ikari asked and turned to Fuyutsuki. "It begins, Professor."
"Yes." the older man offered him his hand. "Just in case I won´t be able later... I am
glad about your change of mind, Ikari."
Gendo took the hand.
"You´ve always been a very good advisor... and friend, Professor."
Then he turned towards the crew.
"Begin evacuating the city. Prepare for combat!"
"Sir, the JSSDF is on our side!"
"We´ll see... Hyuga?"
"Sir?"
"Within your terminals memory is a file called ´Revelation´. The moment JSSDF units are
setting foot on our territory or I am giving the order, you will send it via all available
channels."
"Yes, Sir."
"Ikari, what kind of data is it?"
"Something you gave me ten years ago, Professor, and a bit more... The truth about SEELE,
NERV, Project E and Second Impact... Don´t fear, I´m taking most of the responsibility."
***
Terminal-Dogma:
Wolf Larsen and his adopted daughter left the elevator and walked down the main corridor
towards the room with the clone vat.
Rei Ayanami was just leaving her room, following the call to the briefing. She saw the
other girl, stopped in her tracks.
For a moment she thought to hear another heartbeat. And before her mind´s eye she saw
blurry memories of a happy childhood.
"Who..."
The feint sound of her voice made Larsen stop and turn around.
"Who´s that girl, Papa?" the little Rei asked. "She looks like me..."
"Yes..."
The older Rei regained her composure.
"Lieutenant... is that... my sister?"
Larsen just nodded.
The younger Rei looked up to him.
"Daddy, I´ve a sister?"
She wanted to move, but he didn´t let her go.
"Later", he whispered.
Rei´s gaze was fixed upon her younger image.
"I..."
"You have to go up, they are waiting, it has begun." the sound of his voice made it an
order.
"Yes, Sir..."
She slowly moved to the elevator, still gazing at the child.
***
They stood in front of the clone vat, now empty with the exception of the cleaned LCL.
"And I shall enter it, Papa?"
Larsen went to knees, a sad smile on his face.
"Yes, you will be secure within."
"Can´t I stay with you? I´m afraid of this room."
"It´s not possible."
He caressed her hair.
"Come on, I help you."
The small Rei entered the vat, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Larsen took a deep breath when fire seemed to consume him, when heat and cold raced
through his body. Stumbling he left the room, kept the light on.
***
NERV-HQ, corridor in front of the briefing room
Misato and Asuka were on their way to the briefing.
"Misato, why aren´t we at the hangar now and prepare for combat? That must be a angel!"
"The commander ordered everyone to the briefing."
The entered the room. At the large table two persons were already sitting, Ryoji Kaji
and Rei Ayanami, the latter with a look of confusion on her face.
"Kaji, you are ba... - Rei???"
Asuka had to find support with the table.
Rei got up.
"Asuka."
"Misato, how... why is she alive? You told me..."
"A maneuver of deception for our enemies."
"What? And you knew? And you too, Kaji? Why did nobody tell me?" Her gaze moved from
one to the next.
"As few people as possible were to be told."
"Not I wasn´t? Who did know it? Who?"
Lights flackered.
"Emergence" it come from the hidden speaker. "MAGI are under attack!"
***
The MAGI ware forming a triangle and in the triangle´s center a platform with a metal cage
had been errected, a cage not unliked the cages of the EVAs. On the plattform Larsen and
Tabris stood, both connected via cables to the MAGI. Lots of wires were connecting Larsen´s
headimplants to the super-computers.
When Tabris´ gaze met Larsen´s, the angel shivered.
His soul is back... like a beacon in the dark...
Akagi, Takanawa, Walker und Maya stood at the terminals, checking the readings.
"Unallowed access!" Maya shouted. "Somebody tries to invade our systems!"
"As expected... they are using the backup-MAGI." Ritsuko growled and smirked darkly.
"Initiate program 666! Establish contact with MAGI-system HEIMDALL."
"Initiated. ODIN-central system is answering."
"Commander, are you ready?"
"Ready." Larsen answered.
"Links are closed. - Kaworu?"
"Ready."
The angel smiled.
They don´t trust me... of course... So they synched the lilim first... Were I able to
overcome a soul that strong if I wanted?
"Program 666 succeeded. Intruders turned away. Encrypted feedback: contact with HEIMDALL
established. Backup-MAGI are under our control! Beginning of operation Ragnarok confirmed!"
***
Somewhere, the Council of ODIN
"Our MAGI-system HEIMDALL has gained control over the backup-MAGI. Our agents are ready to
arrest the members of SEELE."
"Confirmed. Status of Agent Seraph?"
"Seraph´s online."
"So SEELE is daring it... they are attacking NERV..."
"They have no other choice left."
"Tell our agents to stop Keel and his followers by any means available."
"But they are at the asian UN-headquarters!"
"Use the PALADINs."
"Sir, it´s the UN-HQ, there are our people..."
"If it has to be the UN-HQ will be destroyed to the last stone. SEELE must be stopped."
***
NERV-HQ, control center
"JSSDF-troops advancing!" - "They are crossing perimeterboundaries!"
Makoto Hyuga looked up, his gaze met the vice-commander´s.
Fuyutsuki nodded.
"Send the data before they cut us off."
"Data sent, Sir."
"State of evacuating measures?"
"Everyone will be within the shelters in a few moments."
"Defense systems?"
"MAGI take over coordination. EVANGELIONs ready." - "Activities above! Bomber squad
advancing!"
"Blue pattern within Central Dogma detected!"
Kozo twitched.
"Ignore it! The situation above has priority!"
"Blue pattern unmoving!"
"I said: Ignore it!"
"Bombers are dropping of cargo. It´s N2-Mines!" - "Why are they doing this? Are they
trying to kill us?" - "That´s no drill..." - "The city..."
"What´s that?" Makoto whispered when his readings flackered.
The main screen was showing the bombers and their cargo, a lot of small dark spots, each
of them with enough destructive potential to remove a city like Tokio-3 from the face of
the world.
The mines were stopped in midair by an invisible obstacle, exploded without doing harm
to the town.
"An AT-field of unknown strenght is protecting Tokio-3!" Hyuga gasped.
Fuyutsuki sank down into the Commander´s chair, allowing himself to collect his thoughts,
before opening a com-channel to the MAGIs´ room.
"Doctor Akagi, the plan is working..."
"Troops hindered from advancing further!" - "Satellite-links interrupted! Communication-
channels to the outside jammed!" - "JSSDF´s proceeding with bombandment!"
***
Briefing-room
"You knew it, didn´t you?" Asuka shouted at Shinji when he entered the briefing-room with
Touji and Hikari.
"Uhm..."
"And you lied to me all the time! Why did you lie to me? Argh, I could..."
Touji wanted to intercept but was stopped by Hikari.
"Don´t, in her anger she´s able to kill somebody."
"Pilot Asuka Soryu Langley!" Gendo Ikari´s voice thundered. Unnoticed by the children and
the adults the Commander had entered the room. "Situation´s serious, you´re wasting our
time!" His gaze made her fall silent.
Ikari looked at the pilots, one after the other, then he nodded.
"NERV and Tokio-3 are under attack, but not by an angel, the final angel was beaten a week
ago. The opponents are our own strikeforces. the JSSDF has been ordered to destroy NERV
and the EVAs. Thanks to the Fifth Child they are unable to enter the city or demage head-
quarters."
"I do not understand, but why don´t we start start and show them our opinion about their
actions?" The anger Asuka was felling made her speak her thoughts
"You should only send into battle against the angel, not to fight other human." Gendos
eyes were fixed on his son while he said that. "We have found a possibility to control
the EVAs remotely."
"But, father, a remote is not as efficient as a human pilot. But with Kaworu keeping
the troops at bay, why are we here?"
"The SEELE-Committee that´s the power behind NERV... or better, was it... controls several E
VA units of series five. We are expecting nine units, most probably they will be able to
pierce our defenses."
"So you will need pilots, Sir." Rei explained from aside and stepped forward. "I volunteer."
"No, denied. I won´t send you out alone. Your sense of duty to be honored, but I can´t
allow it, not anymore..."
"Commander..."
"That´s an order."
"She won´t go alone, father."
Shinji stepped forward, to Rei´s side.
"Pilot of unit one ready."
Gendo looked into the determination on Shinji´s face, found neither fear nor doubt.
"Shinji... it´s more dangerous than ever before..."
"I won´t ask you, I won´t beg, father, but the people of Tokio-3 are counting on us
protecting them. And we the duty to do everything within our might. And that means the
the EVAs have to be piloted by humans... I have something, I can fight for, now."
Silently Asuka stepped to Shinji´s side.
Touji looked at Hikari, then he stepped to the others´ side.
"Pilot of unit three reporting for duty, Sir."
For a moment Hikari closed her eyes, straightened and stepped to Touji´s side.
Again Gendo Ikari looked at them, then he nodded.
"The fate of the world is within your hands... I am trusting it to you."
EVA-hangar
The machine-like man stood in front of the man-like machine, communicating without
speaking, only forming words within his mind.
Are you ready?
Repairs completed. Data of Pilot Horaki, Hikari uploaded. Internal batteries charged.
All systems working.
Good. Look after your new pilot.
He smiled. For more than ten years the machine had been part of his life and now someone
else was piloting it into battle.
I will. Good luck, Commander.
Larsen nodded, noticing the hint of emotion within the artificial voice of the hybrid.
And to you, and to you...
***
NERV-HQ, control center, three days later
"Troop movements within the area! The JSSDF assembled severals squads at the north and
the west, shall I radio them and ask for the reason?"
"No." the older Ikari asked and turned to Fuyutsuki. "It begins, Professor."
"Yes." the older man offered him his hand. "Just in case I won´t be able later... I am
glad about your change of mind, Ikari."
Gendo took the hand.
"You´ve always been a very good advisor... and friend, Professor."
Then he turned towards the crew.
"Begin evacuating the city. Prepare for combat!"
"Sir, the JSSDF is on our side!"
"We´ll see... Hyuga?"
"Sir?"
"Within your terminals memory is a file called ´Revelation´. The moment JSSDF units are
setting foot on our territory or I am giving the order, you will send it via all available
channels."
"Yes, Sir."
"Ikari, what kind of data is it?"
"Something you gave me ten years ago, Professor, and a bit more... The truth about SEELE,
NERV, Project E and Second Impact... Don´t fear, I´m taking most of the responsibility."
***
Terminal-Dogma:
Wolf Larsen and his adopted daughter left the elevator and walked down the main corridor
towards the room with the clone vat.
Rei Ayanami was just leaving her room, following the call to the briefing. She saw the
other girl, stopped in her tracks.
For a moment she thought to hear another heartbeat. And before her mind´s eye she saw
blurry memories of a happy childhood.
"Who..."
The feint sound of her voice made Larsen stop and turn around.
"Who´s that girl, Papa?" the little Rei asked. "She looks like me..."
"Yes..."
The older Rei regained her composure.
"Lieutenant... is that... my sister?"
Larsen just nodded.
The younger Rei looked up to him.
"Daddy, I´ve a sister?"
She wanted to move, but he didn´t let her go.
"Later", he whispered.
Rei´s gaze was fixed upon her younger image.
"I..."
"You have to go up, they are waiting, it has begun." the sound of his voice made it an
order.
"Yes, Sir..."
She slowly moved to the elevator, still gazing at the child.
***
They stood in front of the clone vat, now empty with the exception of the cleaned LCL.
"And I shall enter it, Papa?"
Larsen went to knees, a sad smile on his face.
"Yes, you will be secure within."
"Can´t I stay with you? I´m afraid of this room."
"It´s not possible."
He caressed her hair.
"Come on, I help you."
The small Rei entered the vat, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Larsen took a deep breath when fire seemed to consume him, when heat and cold raced
through his body. Stumbling he left the room, kept the light on.
***
NERV-HQ, corridor in front of the briefing room
Misato and Asuka were on their way to the briefing.
"Misato, why aren´t we at the hangar now and prepare for combat? That must be a angel!"
"The commander ordered everyone to the briefing."
The entered the room. At the large table two persons were already sitting, Ryoji Kaji
and Rei Ayanami, the latter with a look of confusion on her face.
"Kaji, you are ba... - Rei???"
Asuka had to find support with the table.
Rei got up.
"Asuka."
"Misato, how... why is she alive? You told me..."
"A maneuver of deception for our enemies."
"What? And you knew? And you too, Kaji? Why did nobody tell me?" Her gaze moved from
one to the next.
"As few people as possible were to be told."
"Not I wasn´t? Who did know it? Who?"
Lights flackered.
"Emergence" it come from the hidden speaker. "MAGI are under attack!"
***
The MAGI ware forming a triangle and in the triangle´s center a platform with a metal cage
had been errected, a cage not unliked the cages of the EVAs. On the plattform Larsen and
Tabris stood, both connected via cables to the MAGI. Lots of wires were connecting Larsen´s
headimplants to the super-computers.
When Tabris´ gaze met Larsen´s, the angel shivered.
His soul is back... like a beacon in the dark...
Akagi, Takanawa, Walker und Maya stood at the terminals, checking the readings.
"Unallowed access!" Maya shouted. "Somebody tries to invade our systems!"
"As expected... they are using the backup-MAGI." Ritsuko growled and smirked darkly.
"Initiate program 666! Establish contact with MAGI-system HEIMDALL."
"Initiated. ODIN-central system is answering."
"Commander, are you ready?"
"Ready." Larsen answered.
"Links are closed. - Kaworu?"
"Ready."
The angel smiled.
They don´t trust me... of course... So they synched the lilim first... Were I able to
overcome a soul that strong if I wanted?
"Program 666 succeeded. Intruders turned away. Encrypted feedback: contact with HEIMDALL
established. Backup-MAGI are under our control! Beginning of operation Ragnarok confirmed!"
***
Somewhere, the Council of ODIN
"Our MAGI-system HEIMDALL has gained control over the backup-MAGI. Our agents are ready to
arrest the members of SEELE."
"Confirmed. Status of Agent Seraph?"
"Seraph´s online."
"So SEELE is daring it... they are attacking NERV..."
"They have no other choice left."
"Tell our agents to stop Keel and his followers by any means available."
"But they are at the asian UN-headquarters!"
"Use the PALADINs."
"Sir, it´s the UN-HQ, there are our people..."
"If it has to be the UN-HQ will be destroyed to the last stone. SEELE must be stopped."
***
NERV-HQ, control center
"JSSDF-troops advancing!" - "They are crossing perimeterboundaries!"
Makoto Hyuga looked up, his gaze met the vice-commander´s.
Fuyutsuki nodded.
"Send the data before they cut us off."
"Data sent, Sir."
"State of evacuating measures?"
"Everyone will be within the shelters in a few moments."
"Defense systems?"
"MAGI take over coordination. EVANGELIONs ready." - "Activities above! Bomber squad
advancing!"
"Blue pattern within Central Dogma detected!"
Kozo twitched.
"Ignore it! The situation above has priority!"
"Blue pattern unmoving!"
"I said: Ignore it!"
"Bombers are dropping of cargo. It´s N2-Mines!" - "Why are they doing this? Are they
trying to kill us?" - "That´s no drill..." - "The city..."
"What´s that?" Makoto whispered when his readings flackered.
The main screen was showing the bombers and their cargo, a lot of small dark spots, each
of them with enough destructive potential to remove a city like Tokio-3 from the face of
the world.
The mines were stopped in midair by an invisible obstacle, exploded without doing harm
to the town.
"An AT-field of unknown strenght is protecting Tokio-3!" Hyuga gasped.
Fuyutsuki sank down into the Commander´s chair, allowing himself to collect his thoughts,
before opening a com-channel to the MAGIs´ room.
"Doctor Akagi, the plan is working..."
"Troops hindered from advancing further!" - "Satellite-links interrupted! Communication-
channels to the outside jammed!" - "JSSDF´s proceeding with bombandment!"
***
Briefing-room
"You knew it, didn´t you?" Asuka shouted at Shinji when he entered the briefing-room with
Touji and Hikari.
"Uhm..."
"And you lied to me all the time! Why did you lie to me? Argh, I could..."
Touji wanted to intercept but was stopped by Hikari.
"Don´t, in her anger she´s able to kill somebody."
"Pilot Asuka Soryu Langley!" Gendo Ikari´s voice thundered. Unnoticed by the children and
the adults the Commander had entered the room. "Situation´s serious, you´re wasting our
time!" His gaze made her fall silent.
Ikari looked at the pilots, one after the other, then he nodded.
"NERV and Tokio-3 are under attack, but not by an angel, the final angel was beaten a week
ago. The opponents are our own strikeforces. the JSSDF has been ordered to destroy NERV
and the EVAs. Thanks to the Fifth Child they are unable to enter the city or demage head-
quarters."
"I do not understand, but why don´t we start start and show them our opinion about their
actions?" The anger Asuka was felling made her speak her thoughts
"You should only send into battle against the angel, not to fight other human." Gendos
eyes were fixed on his son while he said that. "We have found a possibility to control
the EVAs remotely."
"But, father, a remote is not as efficient as a human pilot. But with Kaworu keeping
the troops at bay, why are we here?"
"The SEELE-Committee that´s the power behind NERV... or better, was it... controls several E
VA units of series five. We are expecting nine units, most probably they will be able to
pierce our defenses."
"So you will need pilots, Sir." Rei explained from aside and stepped forward. "I volunteer."
"No, denied. I won´t send you out alone. Your sense of duty to be honored, but I can´t
allow it, not anymore..."
"Commander..."
"That´s an order."
"She won´t go alone, father."
Shinji stepped forward, to Rei´s side.
"Pilot of unit one ready."
Gendo looked into the determination on Shinji´s face, found neither fear nor doubt.
"Shinji... it´s more dangerous than ever before..."
"I won´t ask you, I won´t beg, father, but the people of Tokio-3 are counting on us
protecting them. And we the duty to do everything within our might. And that means the
the EVAs have to be piloted by humans... I have something, I can fight for, now."
Silently Asuka stepped to Shinji´s side.
Touji looked at Hikari, then he stepped to the others´ side.
"Pilot of unit three reporting for duty, Sir."
For a moment Hikari closed her eyes, straightened and stepped to Touji´s side.
Again Gendo Ikari looked at them, then he nodded.
"The fate of the world is within your hands... I am trusting it to you."