How many of you know that Asuka's last name, Soryu, is also the name of a
Japanese aircraft carrier from World War II? As is Ritsuko's last name,
Akagi. Both were involved in the Pearl Harbor raid and were sunk at
Midway, I believe. They also have the meanings to two other names, but my
WWII book doesn't have The Soryu and Akagi's translation. A few other
things. To an Interested Reader. The finished story with Shinji in Delta
Force is by me, though I am not aware of a second one except this one. And
finding that in two days my reviews for this story had accumulated to the
point where it originally took me three weeks to get is kind of scary. Now
I have that many people waiting for me to update and expecting me to
maintain a very high quality story with Flight. Pray that I don't screw
up.
Flight
Chapter 2: Landing
Shinji looked out the window of the airplane. Jessica was reading a mystery novel he had bought her for the long plane ride. She was very smart and could figure out most of these stories before even reading the ending. Her face had a concentrated look on it as she read the novel. Shinji looked down at the file on his tray and sighed. He really should be reading the briefing the Air Force attendants had given him. He had only finished one file with three more to go and would be landing in two hours. He opened the file again and looked at the maps. They showed where the three American military installations outside of Tokyo 4 were located. Unknown to NERV, the US had placed five cannons per base at the military installations. Each cannon had a range of 70 miles and could hit within a few feet of their target. If NERV got out of control, an N2 mine would be used to bomb it and then the cannons would start shelling the area. The US also had two squadrons of F-22 Raptors at one of the bases. That with a full armored corp. and a Marine, SEAL, and Delta Force division should be enough to discourage any ambitions that NERV might have. However, that didn't even include the full arsenal of the US military. The shipment of railguns were going to arrive after one week and the new M2-A3 Eisenhower tanks would be delivered to him. They would be replacing the M2-A2 Roosevelt tanks that the US Army currently used. Shinji looked up and saw William walking up and down the airplane. He cracked a smile and shook his head. William was forever cautious and was carrying his OICW. The Objective Infantry Combat Weapon had been first introduced in the early twenty-first century and had gone through many changes. The most notable was that it was capable of shooting half a million rounds in a minute and now had a particle weapon add-on that would replace the HEAT rounds. One shot from the laser would blow apart a Humvee or any lightly armored vehicle.
"Hello Shinji."
Shinji closed the file quickly and looked up at his sister. Rei was standing to his side looking down on him.
"Hello Rei. What brings you to this side of the plane?"
"I wanted to talk to you."
Shinji motioned for her to take the seat across from him. She sat down and the two locked eyes.
"How have you been for the past five years?" she asked.
"Very well," Shinji replied, "I rather enjoyed my life in the United States. At least I didn't have to do that much cooking for a while."
Rei nodded but inside she felt her stomach tighten up. Not matter how hard the women tried, none of them could ever match Shinji's cooking. Whenever it was Misato's turn to make breakfast or dinner she and Asuka usually managed to avoid it by either ordering take-out or going out early and eating on their way to school. After the two had moved out of the apartment for the University of Tokyo they still could not find anything as good as what Shinji could make.
"You did more than abandon us personally when you left," said Rei, "You left us having to eat Misato's food for a very long time."
Shinji barely cracked a smile but it was there. He had planned on leaving for a very long time but promised to not do so until he could get Rei to tell a joke. That was one of the many loose ends that Shinji had had to tie up before leaving for England. After that it took him two more months after completing his mission before moving on to the United States. Unfortunately, NERV had prevented him from tying up another loose end before he could leave.
"Do remember that I have lived through Misato's cooking," Shinji reminded her, "I know how bad it can be."
Rei conceded the point. However, she wasn't here to talk about pleasantries and both of them knew it. But with Jessica here, she knew that she would have to tread carefully when speaking to Shinji. She didn't want to hurt an innocent.
"Let's take a walk," he offered.
The two adults got up and walked along the corridors of the airplane. Two of Shinji's squad members stayed close to the two but far enough to give them privacy.
"So what is it you want to say?" Shinji asked once they were away from Jessica.
"How do you think Asuka will react when she finds out you have a daughter?"
"I'll expect her to lose her cool and curse me for getting married," said Shinji, "but we both know that I never did get married."
"It would be better for you to tell her personally."
"I will not put a foot into the NERV compound unless I have a good reason and a battalion of SEALs behind my back. Oh wait, I do have a battalion. Well, I still need a reason."
"Is healing Asuka's pain not a sufficient enough reason?" Rei challenged him.
Shinji stopped and moved in front of her. Rei kept a cool look on her face but fear started seeping into her mind.
"I tried to tell Asuka I was leaving," said Shinji, "I tried to get a message to her saying that I would come back for her. Well, guess what happened? NERV intercepted it and never delivered it and it cost the CIA a good agent. I really don't see any reason to fix a mistake NERV made. So until that letter gets delivered, it is not my fault."
Rei's expression didn't change and Shinji didn't expect it to. In reality she didn't even know about any such letter. She had always assumed that Shinji had sent nothing to let NERV trace him with.
"So did you get the letter I sent you?"
Rei looked at him curiously and waited for him to continue. Her silence was all the answer he needed.
"Figures," Shinji muttered, "I guess Misato didn't want to pass along the message. I wonder if she even read the message I left for her? Well, no matter. As far as I'm concerned, it is NERV's responsibility to tie up the loose ends and fix the problems they created."
The two stopped as they reached the head of the plane and turned around. They continued walking together in silence until Rei reached her seat and separated from Shinji. He returned to find Jessica in the exact same position he had left her in. He took his seat and tried to read through the rest of the lousy briefing documents.
Misato Katsuragi, supreme commander of NERV, stood on the runway waiting for the USAF plane to land. When she had first found out Shinji was in Delta Force she was skeptical that it was really him. However, after the NERV agent managed to get a sample of his DNA and matched it with Shinji's, she no longer had any doubts. However, when the results were positive, she also nearly fainted. Kensuke Aida, acting vice-commander of NERV, stood next to her. Hikari was here for Toji but Asuka had refused to come. Misato could understand her reasons. The two had actually started dating but Shinji had disappeared completely, leaving no word whatsoever. He had sent messages later on but they had not been able to figure out who the agent was before he committed suicide. The letters were still classified and only Misato had the authorization to read them. She had never delivered them to Asuka or Rei and she still didn't not regret making that decision. And the news that Shinji had adopted a daughter added another twist to all this. The American ambassador to Japan had informed her that Shinji would be returning to Japan, but would not be handed over to NERV. Misato wasn't sure what the point of sending him here was then. Shinji could serve no purpose in Japan for the US. He was a captain of Delta Force, and that wouldn't count much with the colonel in command of the US forces here. The plane landed and taxied up to them. Toji and Rei were off first. Hikari ran up and hugged him. Misato hadn't wanted to send Toji around the world, but she really didn't have much of a choice. She was just glad it hadn't taken so long to get Shinji back to Japan. She had some choice words for your adopted son.
"Commander Katsuragi."
Misato turned and faced the American colonel.
"Your rank is equivalent with an American brigadier general, correct?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"You'll find out."
The American walked off. Misato didn't know whether to be annoyed or suspicious. Americans were so damn confusing. A soldier then appeared and carried a wheelchair down. Once he was on the ground he unfolded it. Shinji then appeared, helping a young girl walk down slowly. They were followed by five other soldiers, one of them a woman. All of them were armed and looked ready to start a fight at any moment. Once they were on the ground, the girl got into the wheelchair and Shinji started pushing her towards the crowd. Misato moved forward and was surprised when the American colonel also moved to receive Shinji. She was even more surprised by what he said.
"General Sam Richards. I am Colonel Ricky Ambers. Welcome to Tokyo Base. As of five minutes ago, command of all US forces in Japan has been transferred to you."
Shinji nodded and then looked at Misato.
"Hi Mom."
Misato carefully studied Shinji. Now she understood why the Americans had sent Shinji back to Japan.
"Well played Shinji. I must say, I am rather proud of my son."
"Yeah well, you were the tactical director. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work."
"What, you don't have time to even talk to your family? I was even going to offer you your old job back. And of course I wanted to get to know my granddaughter."
"Vice-commander of NERV? I left to get away from that job. As to getting to know Jessica, I'll leave that up to her. Honey, do you want to talk to your grandmother right now?"
Jessica yawned and shook her head. Shinji merely shrugged.
"Guess she's tired. Maybe when she's rested Misato. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my daughter to attend to. Colonel, who can show us to our rooms? It'd be nice to rest off that jetlag."
"Right this way sir," Ricky replied.
Shinji pushed his daughter to the base with the other soldiers behind him, leaving Misato simply standing there, wondering what the hell she was going to do about all this.
"Well, that was certainly unexpected," said Kensuke.
"Yes. None of the reports said that Shinji was being promoted so quickly. Now he commands enough firepower to lay waste to NERV."
"That is not a happy thought," said Kensuke, "So are you going to continue trying to convince the US to hand over Shinji?"
"I don't think it'll do any good," Misato admitted, "Right now, Shinji and I are on equal rank, and if he gets promoted any further he could start pressuring me to do what he wants."
"Good point. Well, I guess we should go back to NERV."
"No. I'm not leaving until I get at least ten minutes to speak with Shinji. You go back and inform Asuka that Shinji's back."
Kensuke flinched visibly at the order. He did not want to confront the Second Child at all, especially not with something this sensitive. Misato didn't notice his nervousness and walked over to the main building. Toji, Hikari, and Rei walked over to him.
"So where's the commander going?" Toji asked.
"Going to talk to Shinji," Kensuke replied, "and I have to inform Asuka that Shinji is back in the country and just outside the city. Personally I think Misato just wanted to dodge having to tell Asuka herself."
Toji winched, feeling great sympathy for his friend.
"I'll tell her," Hikari offered, "It might be better if a friend told her."
"Thank you," said Kensuke, "I owe you big for that one."
"Let's get back to NERV," said Toji, "I need sleep and some decent food."
"Don't worry about food," said Hikari, "I'll scrap up something. As for sleep, you might not get the kind you want right now."
Toji smiled and kissed Hikari on the cheek. She had changed from that shy girl he used to know.
They got onto the NERV limo and were driven back to Tokyo 4. Misato walked into the main building and followed Shinji. He noticed her and ordered the female member of his squad to take care of Jessica. After a few reassuring words to his daughter, he turned around and faced Misato.
"Finally coming back?" Misato said.
"Coming back? I just got here. And what exactly am I coming back to?"
"Your family."
Shinji glanced back once at the receding form of Sarah pushing Jessica. The message was clear enough.
"Any particular reason you want to use Unit 01?" Shinji asked.
"Take your real job and you'll find out," Misato replied.
"Well, let me see. I'm in my real job, and I don't know. Hmm. Guess I'll just wait to find out."
"Damn it Shinji, do you think this is a joke? Do you have any idea how much trouble I went through to get you back into the country?"
"All I know is that you gave the US rights to put a battalion of their SEALs in NERV," said Shinji, "and I'm pretty happy about that since they're under my command."
"So you can launch another massacre?" Misato blurted out.
"If I remember correctly, you're only alive because of me. You don't owe me anything, and I don't owe you anything. We're even as far as I'm concerned. And if you even think of using my daughter against me, I will order NERV's destruction."
"You're forgetting who has the Evangelions," said Misato.
"And you're forgetting that I can control Unit 01, the only surviving Evangelion, from outside its cockpit. A very nice gift Kaworu gave me. Now, if there's anything else you want to discuss, Mother, you'll have to go through normal channels."
Misato flinched at Shinji's use of the word mother. She really did care for Shinji as if he were her biological son. However, he had changed so much from what she had remembered. Even after she had asked him to take on that assignment, she still thought Shinji would remain with NERV for the rest of his life. However, all she had done was give Shinji the chance to run and he did. Now he was back with a vengeance and willing if not eager to destroy NERV. Perhaps it really was Shinji that made Unit 01 go berserk and wreck that area. Misato turned around and walked out of the building, barely able to hold back her tears. She got into the other NERV limo and was taken back to NERV.
Asuka Langley Soryu, director of Project E and head of the science department, was working in the main office, her assistant Maya working on another project in another part of NERV. When she found out that Shinji was coming back from Japan, she almost broke into sobs. He had left him and run away, breaking his promise of never leaving her. Worse, he offered no reason and sent no messages to her. Misato had tried to comfort her, saying that if Shinji didn't want to be found he wouldn't send messages easily traced. But that only made her feel worse. If Shinji had really loved her, he would have let her know no matter the risk. She sighed. She had given up ever finding anyone that would ever love her and just tried to bury herself in her work. Currently her department was working on bringing Unit 01 back to readiness. She had just finished looking over the activation program when Kensuke, Toji, Hikari, and Rei appeared in the main office. Hikari was Asuka's assistant in the science department and technically the co-sub-director with Maya.
Asuka looked at the group and was afraid to ask. However, Hikari didn't wait for her.
"Asuka, Shinji's not coming."
Asuka didn't know whether to let out a sigh of relief or start crying. However, Hikari wasn't finished.
"He came on the plane but won't come to NERV. Apparently he's been put in charge of the US forces in Japan and NERV."
This time Asuka was simply shocked. She knew Shinji hated NERV with a passion and him in control of N2 mines was not a safe thing.
"That's not a good thing," she managed to say.
"Hell no," said Kensuke, "Shinji also refused to take back his old job. Right now, he's the same rank as Command Katsuragi, and if he did take back his old position he would have to follow her orders. I can certainly see why he doesn't want the job, but he seemed rather cold when he refused the offer. Oh, and Shinji has a daughter."
Kensuke quickly left the main office, leaving the others to deal with Asuka. Toji tried to follow him, but Hikari caught his arm and made him stay put. Surprise was written on Asuka's face. It was a very silent five seconds before she spoke.
"He WHAT!"
Nearly everyone in the main office looked up at her, her scream having been carried through Central Dogma.
"Told you we shouldn't have done that," Toji whispered to Hikari. She shot him a warning glare before speaking.
"He got married to someone else and had a daughter!" Asuka screamed, "I'm going to fucking kill him!"
This time the others were ready and had already braced themselves for Asuka's outburst. Unfortunately, the cushioning affect of steel rails wasn't very comfortable. Asuka's face now had fury written all over it, something that made the others increasingly uneasy.
"Kensuke, I'm going to kill you for this," Toji muttered.
"I'm going to kill him!" Asuka screamed.
She tried to run past Toji and the others but he grabbed her. Even though he only had one working arm he was still able to hold her with Hikari's help. She continued to struggle but soon all she could do was cry. Toji let her go and Hikari embraced her, holding her to try to make her feel better. Asuka kept crying in Hikari's arms, unable to keep the pain out of her heart.
"He left me for someone else and got a daughter!" she cried, "How could he? He had me and left."
"Asuka, it's not what you think," Hikari assured her friend, "She's only adopted."
"How do you know that! We didn't know that he had a daughter!"
Hikari held her friend tightly, not wanting to give Asuka a chance to run away. However, that didn't seem to be a possibility considering Asuka was clinging onto Hikari and had broken down completely.
"Asuka, you know Shinji. He cares for other people and he's taking care of a young girl that's sick. He adopted her. He didn't marry anyone and he would never intentionally hurt you."
"Then why did you he leave me?" Asuka asked through her tears.
Hikari didn't know what to say and looked at Toji. He simply shrugged, having no idea himself. Hikari tried to comfort Asuka as best she could, but she knew that the only one who could heal her completely was Shinji and right now no one knew what was going on with that man. She kept whispering soothing words to Asuka but the redhead continued sobbing. Hikari wasn't sure how to help her friend.
"General Richards."
Shinji looked up and took the file the sergeant handed to him.
"This is the daily NERV report," he said.
"Thanks."
Shinji let a grin appear on his face as he opened the NERV file. The name that the sergeant had called him wasn't really his, and might not have even been what the sergeant would have called him. He had originally thought to use his father's original last name, but discarded it on the basis that NERV could trace it too easily. However, the irony of it had almost made him discard caution instead.
He kicked his feet onto his desk and leaned back on his chair. The report was mostly on the current readiness on NERV, which Shinji knew to be false. NERV only had one Evangelion, Unit 01, and he was the only one who could pilot it. Right now, that meant NERV itself was completely paralyzed and combat ineffective if it came under attack. If Shinji wanted to, he could destroy NERV itself. However, that would not get him anything he wanted. Patience would.
"General."
Shinji peeked over his shoes and saw a lieutenant standing at attention.
"At ease lieutenant. What is it?"
"Per your orders, our MAGI systems are ready to hack into NERV's mainframe immediately."
"Good."
"Sir? May I ask a question?"
"Go ahead lieutenant."
"Are you sure it's wise to do something like this?" the lieutenant asked after taking a deep breath, "I mean, NERV can be considered a superpower and now you threaten their security?"
"NERV is not a superpower," Shinji replied, "It's a monster without any fangs, though its brain may still pose a danger to the world. I intend to make sure that brain never gets too ambitious. Dismissed lieutenant."
"Yes sir."
Shinji dropped the report into one of his bins. He then brought up the newest intelligence report that CIA agents had sent regarding NERV's intentions. Unfortunately for NERV, Shinji was well aware of this plan. Russia had begun construction of another EVA unit. Unit 14 was the next generation of EVA units. Equipped with wings like the MP EVAs, it didn't have that monster-like head. It was also armed with a replica Lance and therefore could be considered a danger to the world. NERV was going to receive it in two months. Shinji had already written up a request to intercept and seize Unit 14. NERV did not need another working Evangelion under its control. And besides, there were only two people that could pilot it and he really didn't want to hurt either of them. He really didn't want to hurt any EVA pilots again, or anyone that worked at and for NERV. It was the institution itself that he was going to destroy.
"The game's afoot," Shinji said with a cold smile.
Misato looked out of the window of the NERV limo. Buildings passed by her quickly and she barely noticed anything. Even as they passed her favorite bar she didn't blink. She continued staring out the window for most of the ride back. As they halted at the entrance to NERV, Misato couldn't help but sigh and relax on the leather seats. One advantage of being in charge of NERV was that you got perks like this. The car drove down a rather dimly light ramp before coming out into the garage. Misato got out and walked to the elevator, her bodyguard closely following her. All of the Section 2 agents were rather dull in her opinion. They spent most of their time guarding the key personnel with NERV and gathering intelligence around the city. When the elevator doors opened Asuka nearly ran into her. The redhead ignored Misato and pushed the button to go down. Misato didn't try to stop her and Hikari joined her friend in the elevator.
"So how'd she take it?" Misato asked.
"Even you should be able to see it for yourself," Toji replied, "Not very well. I assume that you're going to do something about this."
"Like what?"
"Like arrange a meeting between Shinji and Asuka. That girl needs to see him soon or she might do something to endanger her health."
"Oh please tell me Asuka isn't considering suicide again," Misato pleaded.
"I'm not expert but that would be my guess."
Misato frowned. Asuka had already tried to kill herself three times in the past five years. She did not need another attempt. She might very well succeed the next time.
"I'll see what I can do," said Misato, "but I doubt that Shinji is in the mood to grant us any favors."
"So how did the meeting go?" Toji asked.
"Not well. Shinji refused to even consider coming back to NERV and right now it looks like we will have no friends in high places in the US camp."
"The President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, all of them seem to be against us," Toji agreed, "Do you think they know?"
"Possibly. However, it all comes down to which one do they know about?"
"Perhaps they know both."
Misato dismissed the possibility with a wave of her hand. She turned and walked down the main office, Toji following her.
"Do not underestimate the American CIA and FBI," Toji said to her, "Do remember that they laid a false trail that led me and Rei across half the world."
"I do remember. However, in the end we were still able to find him. Don't you forget that Section 2 is just as formidable. It is your department after all."
Toji grunted an acknowledgement. He had inherited Section 2 only six months ago and he was still working on getting it to work more efficiently.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You'll have to get someone to repair all the damage in Asuka's office."
Misato sighed. All Shinji had to do was be present and everything would start falling apart. She really needed to get him back with NERV.
End of Chapter 2
Now that I've actually gotten to the plot of this story, I think it's time I slow down and see if I can keep Asuka from killing herself. Oh crap. Misato! Put Asuka in cell 8 and keep her watched! I do not need a main character committing suicide before I actually do something about it!
Misato: Right away commander.
Oh shut up.
Z98
Flight
Chapter 2: Landing
Shinji looked out the window of the airplane. Jessica was reading a mystery novel he had bought her for the long plane ride. She was very smart and could figure out most of these stories before even reading the ending. Her face had a concentrated look on it as she read the novel. Shinji looked down at the file on his tray and sighed. He really should be reading the briefing the Air Force attendants had given him. He had only finished one file with three more to go and would be landing in two hours. He opened the file again and looked at the maps. They showed where the three American military installations outside of Tokyo 4 were located. Unknown to NERV, the US had placed five cannons per base at the military installations. Each cannon had a range of 70 miles and could hit within a few feet of their target. If NERV got out of control, an N2 mine would be used to bomb it and then the cannons would start shelling the area. The US also had two squadrons of F-22 Raptors at one of the bases. That with a full armored corp. and a Marine, SEAL, and Delta Force division should be enough to discourage any ambitions that NERV might have. However, that didn't even include the full arsenal of the US military. The shipment of railguns were going to arrive after one week and the new M2-A3 Eisenhower tanks would be delivered to him. They would be replacing the M2-A2 Roosevelt tanks that the US Army currently used. Shinji looked up and saw William walking up and down the airplane. He cracked a smile and shook his head. William was forever cautious and was carrying his OICW. The Objective Infantry Combat Weapon had been first introduced in the early twenty-first century and had gone through many changes. The most notable was that it was capable of shooting half a million rounds in a minute and now had a particle weapon add-on that would replace the HEAT rounds. One shot from the laser would blow apart a Humvee or any lightly armored vehicle.
"Hello Shinji."
Shinji closed the file quickly and looked up at his sister. Rei was standing to his side looking down on him.
"Hello Rei. What brings you to this side of the plane?"
"I wanted to talk to you."
Shinji motioned for her to take the seat across from him. She sat down and the two locked eyes.
"How have you been for the past five years?" she asked.
"Very well," Shinji replied, "I rather enjoyed my life in the United States. At least I didn't have to do that much cooking for a while."
Rei nodded but inside she felt her stomach tighten up. Not matter how hard the women tried, none of them could ever match Shinji's cooking. Whenever it was Misato's turn to make breakfast or dinner she and Asuka usually managed to avoid it by either ordering take-out or going out early and eating on their way to school. After the two had moved out of the apartment for the University of Tokyo they still could not find anything as good as what Shinji could make.
"You did more than abandon us personally when you left," said Rei, "You left us having to eat Misato's food for a very long time."
Shinji barely cracked a smile but it was there. He had planned on leaving for a very long time but promised to not do so until he could get Rei to tell a joke. That was one of the many loose ends that Shinji had had to tie up before leaving for England. After that it took him two more months after completing his mission before moving on to the United States. Unfortunately, NERV had prevented him from tying up another loose end before he could leave.
"Do remember that I have lived through Misato's cooking," Shinji reminded her, "I know how bad it can be."
Rei conceded the point. However, she wasn't here to talk about pleasantries and both of them knew it. But with Jessica here, she knew that she would have to tread carefully when speaking to Shinji. She didn't want to hurt an innocent.
"Let's take a walk," he offered.
The two adults got up and walked along the corridors of the airplane. Two of Shinji's squad members stayed close to the two but far enough to give them privacy.
"So what is it you want to say?" Shinji asked once they were away from Jessica.
"How do you think Asuka will react when she finds out you have a daughter?"
"I'll expect her to lose her cool and curse me for getting married," said Shinji, "but we both know that I never did get married."
"It would be better for you to tell her personally."
"I will not put a foot into the NERV compound unless I have a good reason and a battalion of SEALs behind my back. Oh wait, I do have a battalion. Well, I still need a reason."
"Is healing Asuka's pain not a sufficient enough reason?" Rei challenged him.
Shinji stopped and moved in front of her. Rei kept a cool look on her face but fear started seeping into her mind.
"I tried to tell Asuka I was leaving," said Shinji, "I tried to get a message to her saying that I would come back for her. Well, guess what happened? NERV intercepted it and never delivered it and it cost the CIA a good agent. I really don't see any reason to fix a mistake NERV made. So until that letter gets delivered, it is not my fault."
Rei's expression didn't change and Shinji didn't expect it to. In reality she didn't even know about any such letter. She had always assumed that Shinji had sent nothing to let NERV trace him with.
"So did you get the letter I sent you?"
Rei looked at him curiously and waited for him to continue. Her silence was all the answer he needed.
"Figures," Shinji muttered, "I guess Misato didn't want to pass along the message. I wonder if she even read the message I left for her? Well, no matter. As far as I'm concerned, it is NERV's responsibility to tie up the loose ends and fix the problems they created."
The two stopped as they reached the head of the plane and turned around. They continued walking together in silence until Rei reached her seat and separated from Shinji. He returned to find Jessica in the exact same position he had left her in. He took his seat and tried to read through the rest of the lousy briefing documents.
Misato Katsuragi, supreme commander of NERV, stood on the runway waiting for the USAF plane to land. When she had first found out Shinji was in Delta Force she was skeptical that it was really him. However, after the NERV agent managed to get a sample of his DNA and matched it with Shinji's, she no longer had any doubts. However, when the results were positive, she also nearly fainted. Kensuke Aida, acting vice-commander of NERV, stood next to her. Hikari was here for Toji but Asuka had refused to come. Misato could understand her reasons. The two had actually started dating but Shinji had disappeared completely, leaving no word whatsoever. He had sent messages later on but they had not been able to figure out who the agent was before he committed suicide. The letters were still classified and only Misato had the authorization to read them. She had never delivered them to Asuka or Rei and she still didn't not regret making that decision. And the news that Shinji had adopted a daughter added another twist to all this. The American ambassador to Japan had informed her that Shinji would be returning to Japan, but would not be handed over to NERV. Misato wasn't sure what the point of sending him here was then. Shinji could serve no purpose in Japan for the US. He was a captain of Delta Force, and that wouldn't count much with the colonel in command of the US forces here. The plane landed and taxied up to them. Toji and Rei were off first. Hikari ran up and hugged him. Misato hadn't wanted to send Toji around the world, but she really didn't have much of a choice. She was just glad it hadn't taken so long to get Shinji back to Japan. She had some choice words for your adopted son.
"Commander Katsuragi."
Misato turned and faced the American colonel.
"Your rank is equivalent with an American brigadier general, correct?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"You'll find out."
The American walked off. Misato didn't know whether to be annoyed or suspicious. Americans were so damn confusing. A soldier then appeared and carried a wheelchair down. Once he was on the ground he unfolded it. Shinji then appeared, helping a young girl walk down slowly. They were followed by five other soldiers, one of them a woman. All of them were armed and looked ready to start a fight at any moment. Once they were on the ground, the girl got into the wheelchair and Shinji started pushing her towards the crowd. Misato moved forward and was surprised when the American colonel also moved to receive Shinji. She was even more surprised by what he said.
"General Sam Richards. I am Colonel Ricky Ambers. Welcome to Tokyo Base. As of five minutes ago, command of all US forces in Japan has been transferred to you."
Shinji nodded and then looked at Misato.
"Hi Mom."
Misato carefully studied Shinji. Now she understood why the Americans had sent Shinji back to Japan.
"Well played Shinji. I must say, I am rather proud of my son."
"Yeah well, you were the tactical director. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work."
"What, you don't have time to even talk to your family? I was even going to offer you your old job back. And of course I wanted to get to know my granddaughter."
"Vice-commander of NERV? I left to get away from that job. As to getting to know Jessica, I'll leave that up to her. Honey, do you want to talk to your grandmother right now?"
Jessica yawned and shook her head. Shinji merely shrugged.
"Guess she's tired. Maybe when she's rested Misato. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my daughter to attend to. Colonel, who can show us to our rooms? It'd be nice to rest off that jetlag."
"Right this way sir," Ricky replied.
Shinji pushed his daughter to the base with the other soldiers behind him, leaving Misato simply standing there, wondering what the hell she was going to do about all this.
"Well, that was certainly unexpected," said Kensuke.
"Yes. None of the reports said that Shinji was being promoted so quickly. Now he commands enough firepower to lay waste to NERV."
"That is not a happy thought," said Kensuke, "So are you going to continue trying to convince the US to hand over Shinji?"
"I don't think it'll do any good," Misato admitted, "Right now, Shinji and I are on equal rank, and if he gets promoted any further he could start pressuring me to do what he wants."
"Good point. Well, I guess we should go back to NERV."
"No. I'm not leaving until I get at least ten minutes to speak with Shinji. You go back and inform Asuka that Shinji's back."
Kensuke flinched visibly at the order. He did not want to confront the Second Child at all, especially not with something this sensitive. Misato didn't notice his nervousness and walked over to the main building. Toji, Hikari, and Rei walked over to him.
"So where's the commander going?" Toji asked.
"Going to talk to Shinji," Kensuke replied, "and I have to inform Asuka that Shinji is back in the country and just outside the city. Personally I think Misato just wanted to dodge having to tell Asuka herself."
Toji winched, feeling great sympathy for his friend.
"I'll tell her," Hikari offered, "It might be better if a friend told her."
"Thank you," said Kensuke, "I owe you big for that one."
"Let's get back to NERV," said Toji, "I need sleep and some decent food."
"Don't worry about food," said Hikari, "I'll scrap up something. As for sleep, you might not get the kind you want right now."
Toji smiled and kissed Hikari on the cheek. She had changed from that shy girl he used to know.
They got onto the NERV limo and were driven back to Tokyo 4. Misato walked into the main building and followed Shinji. He noticed her and ordered the female member of his squad to take care of Jessica. After a few reassuring words to his daughter, he turned around and faced Misato.
"Finally coming back?" Misato said.
"Coming back? I just got here. And what exactly am I coming back to?"
"Your family."
Shinji glanced back once at the receding form of Sarah pushing Jessica. The message was clear enough.
"Any particular reason you want to use Unit 01?" Shinji asked.
"Take your real job and you'll find out," Misato replied.
"Well, let me see. I'm in my real job, and I don't know. Hmm. Guess I'll just wait to find out."
"Damn it Shinji, do you think this is a joke? Do you have any idea how much trouble I went through to get you back into the country?"
"All I know is that you gave the US rights to put a battalion of their SEALs in NERV," said Shinji, "and I'm pretty happy about that since they're under my command."
"So you can launch another massacre?" Misato blurted out.
"If I remember correctly, you're only alive because of me. You don't owe me anything, and I don't owe you anything. We're even as far as I'm concerned. And if you even think of using my daughter against me, I will order NERV's destruction."
"You're forgetting who has the Evangelions," said Misato.
"And you're forgetting that I can control Unit 01, the only surviving Evangelion, from outside its cockpit. A very nice gift Kaworu gave me. Now, if there's anything else you want to discuss, Mother, you'll have to go through normal channels."
Misato flinched at Shinji's use of the word mother. She really did care for Shinji as if he were her biological son. However, he had changed so much from what she had remembered. Even after she had asked him to take on that assignment, she still thought Shinji would remain with NERV for the rest of his life. However, all she had done was give Shinji the chance to run and he did. Now he was back with a vengeance and willing if not eager to destroy NERV. Perhaps it really was Shinji that made Unit 01 go berserk and wreck that area. Misato turned around and walked out of the building, barely able to hold back her tears. She got into the other NERV limo and was taken back to NERV.
Asuka Langley Soryu, director of Project E and head of the science department, was working in the main office, her assistant Maya working on another project in another part of NERV. When she found out that Shinji was coming back from Japan, she almost broke into sobs. He had left him and run away, breaking his promise of never leaving her. Worse, he offered no reason and sent no messages to her. Misato had tried to comfort her, saying that if Shinji didn't want to be found he wouldn't send messages easily traced. But that only made her feel worse. If Shinji had really loved her, he would have let her know no matter the risk. She sighed. She had given up ever finding anyone that would ever love her and just tried to bury herself in her work. Currently her department was working on bringing Unit 01 back to readiness. She had just finished looking over the activation program when Kensuke, Toji, Hikari, and Rei appeared in the main office. Hikari was Asuka's assistant in the science department and technically the co-sub-director with Maya.
Asuka looked at the group and was afraid to ask. However, Hikari didn't wait for her.
"Asuka, Shinji's not coming."
Asuka didn't know whether to let out a sigh of relief or start crying. However, Hikari wasn't finished.
"He came on the plane but won't come to NERV. Apparently he's been put in charge of the US forces in Japan and NERV."
This time Asuka was simply shocked. She knew Shinji hated NERV with a passion and him in control of N2 mines was not a safe thing.
"That's not a good thing," she managed to say.
"Hell no," said Kensuke, "Shinji also refused to take back his old job. Right now, he's the same rank as Command Katsuragi, and if he did take back his old position he would have to follow her orders. I can certainly see why he doesn't want the job, but he seemed rather cold when he refused the offer. Oh, and Shinji has a daughter."
Kensuke quickly left the main office, leaving the others to deal with Asuka. Toji tried to follow him, but Hikari caught his arm and made him stay put. Surprise was written on Asuka's face. It was a very silent five seconds before she spoke.
"He WHAT!"
Nearly everyone in the main office looked up at her, her scream having been carried through Central Dogma.
"Told you we shouldn't have done that," Toji whispered to Hikari. She shot him a warning glare before speaking.
"He got married to someone else and had a daughter!" Asuka screamed, "I'm going to fucking kill him!"
This time the others were ready and had already braced themselves for Asuka's outburst. Unfortunately, the cushioning affect of steel rails wasn't very comfortable. Asuka's face now had fury written all over it, something that made the others increasingly uneasy.
"Kensuke, I'm going to kill you for this," Toji muttered.
"I'm going to kill him!" Asuka screamed.
She tried to run past Toji and the others but he grabbed her. Even though he only had one working arm he was still able to hold her with Hikari's help. She continued to struggle but soon all she could do was cry. Toji let her go and Hikari embraced her, holding her to try to make her feel better. Asuka kept crying in Hikari's arms, unable to keep the pain out of her heart.
"He left me for someone else and got a daughter!" she cried, "How could he? He had me and left."
"Asuka, it's not what you think," Hikari assured her friend, "She's only adopted."
"How do you know that! We didn't know that he had a daughter!"
Hikari held her friend tightly, not wanting to give Asuka a chance to run away. However, that didn't seem to be a possibility considering Asuka was clinging onto Hikari and had broken down completely.
"Asuka, you know Shinji. He cares for other people and he's taking care of a young girl that's sick. He adopted her. He didn't marry anyone and he would never intentionally hurt you."
"Then why did you he leave me?" Asuka asked through her tears.
Hikari didn't know what to say and looked at Toji. He simply shrugged, having no idea himself. Hikari tried to comfort Asuka as best she could, but she knew that the only one who could heal her completely was Shinji and right now no one knew what was going on with that man. She kept whispering soothing words to Asuka but the redhead continued sobbing. Hikari wasn't sure how to help her friend.
"General Richards."
Shinji looked up and took the file the sergeant handed to him.
"This is the daily NERV report," he said.
"Thanks."
Shinji let a grin appear on his face as he opened the NERV file. The name that the sergeant had called him wasn't really his, and might not have even been what the sergeant would have called him. He had originally thought to use his father's original last name, but discarded it on the basis that NERV could trace it too easily. However, the irony of it had almost made him discard caution instead.
He kicked his feet onto his desk and leaned back on his chair. The report was mostly on the current readiness on NERV, which Shinji knew to be false. NERV only had one Evangelion, Unit 01, and he was the only one who could pilot it. Right now, that meant NERV itself was completely paralyzed and combat ineffective if it came under attack. If Shinji wanted to, he could destroy NERV itself. However, that would not get him anything he wanted. Patience would.
"General."
Shinji peeked over his shoes and saw a lieutenant standing at attention.
"At ease lieutenant. What is it?"
"Per your orders, our MAGI systems are ready to hack into NERV's mainframe immediately."
"Good."
"Sir? May I ask a question?"
"Go ahead lieutenant."
"Are you sure it's wise to do something like this?" the lieutenant asked after taking a deep breath, "I mean, NERV can be considered a superpower and now you threaten their security?"
"NERV is not a superpower," Shinji replied, "It's a monster without any fangs, though its brain may still pose a danger to the world. I intend to make sure that brain never gets too ambitious. Dismissed lieutenant."
"Yes sir."
Shinji dropped the report into one of his bins. He then brought up the newest intelligence report that CIA agents had sent regarding NERV's intentions. Unfortunately for NERV, Shinji was well aware of this plan. Russia had begun construction of another EVA unit. Unit 14 was the next generation of EVA units. Equipped with wings like the MP EVAs, it didn't have that monster-like head. It was also armed with a replica Lance and therefore could be considered a danger to the world. NERV was going to receive it in two months. Shinji had already written up a request to intercept and seize Unit 14. NERV did not need another working Evangelion under its control. And besides, there were only two people that could pilot it and he really didn't want to hurt either of them. He really didn't want to hurt any EVA pilots again, or anyone that worked at and for NERV. It was the institution itself that he was going to destroy.
"The game's afoot," Shinji said with a cold smile.
Misato looked out of the window of the NERV limo. Buildings passed by her quickly and she barely noticed anything. Even as they passed her favorite bar she didn't blink. She continued staring out the window for most of the ride back. As they halted at the entrance to NERV, Misato couldn't help but sigh and relax on the leather seats. One advantage of being in charge of NERV was that you got perks like this. The car drove down a rather dimly light ramp before coming out into the garage. Misato got out and walked to the elevator, her bodyguard closely following her. All of the Section 2 agents were rather dull in her opinion. They spent most of their time guarding the key personnel with NERV and gathering intelligence around the city. When the elevator doors opened Asuka nearly ran into her. The redhead ignored Misato and pushed the button to go down. Misato didn't try to stop her and Hikari joined her friend in the elevator.
"So how'd she take it?" Misato asked.
"Even you should be able to see it for yourself," Toji replied, "Not very well. I assume that you're going to do something about this."
"Like what?"
"Like arrange a meeting between Shinji and Asuka. That girl needs to see him soon or she might do something to endanger her health."
"Oh please tell me Asuka isn't considering suicide again," Misato pleaded.
"I'm not expert but that would be my guess."
Misato frowned. Asuka had already tried to kill herself three times in the past five years. She did not need another attempt. She might very well succeed the next time.
"I'll see what I can do," said Misato, "but I doubt that Shinji is in the mood to grant us any favors."
"So how did the meeting go?" Toji asked.
"Not well. Shinji refused to even consider coming back to NERV and right now it looks like we will have no friends in high places in the US camp."
"The President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, all of them seem to be against us," Toji agreed, "Do you think they know?"
"Possibly. However, it all comes down to which one do they know about?"
"Perhaps they know both."
Misato dismissed the possibility with a wave of her hand. She turned and walked down the main office, Toji following her.
"Do not underestimate the American CIA and FBI," Toji said to her, "Do remember that they laid a false trail that led me and Rei across half the world."
"I do remember. However, in the end we were still able to find him. Don't you forget that Section 2 is just as formidable. It is your department after all."
Toji grunted an acknowledgement. He had inherited Section 2 only six months ago and he was still working on getting it to work more efficiently.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You'll have to get someone to repair all the damage in Asuka's office."
Misato sighed. All Shinji had to do was be present and everything would start falling apart. She really needed to get him back with NERV.
End of Chapter 2
Now that I've actually gotten to the plot of this story, I think it's time I slow down and see if I can keep Asuka from killing herself. Oh crap. Misato! Put Asuka in cell 8 and keep her watched! I do not need a main character committing suicide before I actually do something about it!
Misato: Right away commander.
Oh shut up.
Z98
