Imagine a world without Evangelions but the EVA cast still exists. Want to
know what insane plan Gendo Ikari is cooking up this time? What about
Shinji? Is he still wimpy? And Asuka? Is she still a total bitch? This
will answer all those questions. And seriously do not give me crap about
people being out of character or like that, this is a fanfic. They're
supposed to be out of character. Oh, and sorry about the formatting
problem before. Forgot to change it.
I don't own EVA.
Project: Omega
Episode 1: There Always are Secrets
"Shinji! Wake up!"
Shinji's eyes snapped up and found himself staring at Asuka's face.
"Huh? Asuka? What are you doing in my room?"
"Waking you up," she snapped, "Come on. We'll be late for school of you don't hurry up!"
"Let me sleep for a few more minutes," Shinji said and rolled over, pulling his sheets up.
Asuka's face turned red with anger.
"Get up you idiot!"
She tore the sheets off and this time her face was red from embarrassment. That didn't last for long.
"You pervert! I didn't mean that!"
She pounded him on his head and Shinji fell out of bed.
"It's the morning!" he complained, "I can't help it!"
Yui was washing the dishes when she heard the commotion inside Shinji's room.
"Oh dear," she said, "It seems Asuka's having trouble getting Shinji up. You had better get ready too Gendo. You have a meeting today."
"Yes Yui."
"If you're late I'm the ones getting the complaints from Professor Fuyutsuki if you're late."
"Well that's probably because he's your greatest fan."
"Oh you."
Asuka had dragged Shinji out of bed and he had pushed her out of his room to change. He grabbed his bookbag and lunch and was putting on his shoe.
"Hurry up Shinji!"
"I am! Jeez, sometimes you can be a real ass."
"What did you say!"
There was a red hand mark on Shinji's face when he finishes putting on his shoe.
"We're leaving!" Asuka yells to Yui.
"Goodbye kids!" Yui answers, "Honey, put down that newspaper. Why can't you be more like Rei? She's so much more responsible. I mean, she's already on her way to school."
"Yes Yui."
The two teens were running down the street to their school.
"Where's your sister?" Asuka asked, "I wanted to talk to her."
"I really don't know," said Shinji, "Whenever I get up she's always already on her way to school."
"Well I guess it's a good thing one of you will amount to something in your family," Asuka teased.
"Don't even get me started about your family," Shinji threatened.
"Humph. So you do have some backbone in you. I was starting to think you were a coward."
"If that's so why are you going out with me? You always said you'd never go out with a fool or a coward."
Asuka let out a merry laugh.
"That's because you are neither. I just like to poke fun at you."
They arrived at the school and charged up to the classroom. A lot of the other students were already present. Hikari was already bugging her boyfriend, Toji.
"Ah, come on Hikari! Why is it my job to water the plants every morning!"
"Because you're my boyfriend," Hikari answered in a sweat voice, then in a louder one, "and I'm the class rep and I assigned you the job! Now go!"
Shinji took a seat next to Kensuke, who was looking at Rei.
"Hey Shinji, any chance I can get Rei out on a date with me?" he asked.
Shinji looked at is twin sister. He was the older of them and he was rather protective of his sister.
"Kensuke, even if I ever let you take my sister out," he said, "She would never want to go out with you."
"Nice way to cut down a guy's hopes," Kensuke replied, "Ah well. There's plenty of fish in the sea."
"And you're out of bait," Asuka said.
Kensuke glared at her but didn't dare say anything for four reasons. One, Shinji would probably kill him, two, Asuka would probably help him, and three, Hikari would help them, and four, Hikari would make Toji help them. It was a very unfair world in his opinion. He leaned against the window and was just in time to see Misato's blue car race into the parking lot and slide to a stop.
"It's Ms Katsuragi!" he said happily.
"You're a sad boy if you still have a crush on your teacher," Asuka joked.
Kensuke ignored her as he videotaped her walking in.
"Everyone get in their seats!" Hikari ordered, "Class will start soon!"
Gendo walked into the large conference room and sat down at the head of the table. A gathering of people from Japan, America, the European Union, and the UN were here.
"Ikari. Took you long enough."
"This meeting is now started," said Keel.
"I am sure all of you know of our current situation," said Fuyutsuki, "The meteor that melted the Antarctic was not a meteorite at all. It was a large ship."
"Our salvage crews have recovered everything that was salvageable, and we've sneaked it all into the Geo-Front," said Gendo, "Our scientists are still researching it."
"The question remains," said Keel, "What is it?"
"It looks like a large transport," said Fuyutsuki, "Besides that, we are still studying it."
"I hope we didn't choose the wrong man for this job Gendo," Keel warned, "We have replacements."
"You have no need to worry," said Gendo, "Everything is on schedule. Everything."
"Good."
Keel pressed a few keys and the reconstructed image of the ship appeared.
"According to this report, this is what the ship should look like if it wasn't damaged," Keel said, "Its weapons technology are positron based, like that of our newest artillery."
"It also has a powerful shield," Fuyutsuki continued, "Our researchers have named it the All Terror Field. An AT-Field."
"There is also something else inside the ship," said Gendo, "A large matter- energy converter. We believe that is the power source for the ship."
"So what is this ship for?" the EU representative asked.
"It wouldn't be inappropriate if we called it Noah's Ark," Gendo answered.
It was lunchtime and the entire gang was hanging out together. Asuka and Shinji were arguing as usual, while Hikari and Toji just stayed by each other. However, whenever Kensuke tried to move closer to Rei, she moved away. The others watched with amusement as Kensuke tried to talk to Rei. Finally, she had it.
"Kensuke, I am not interested in dating you or anyone at the moment."
The entire gang broke out in laughter except for the two of them. Kensuke's face was bright red while Rei's was calm and composed. Asuka leaned against Shinji and he held her with one arm. Even though the two of them did argue a lot, they cared for each other all the same.
"Let's finish eating," said Hikari, "Class is going to start soon."
"Toji Suzuhara, report to the principal's office," the voice said over the announcer.
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji complained.
"Hikari's dad wanting you because of something you did?" Kensuke teased.
Two bookbags struck Kensuke, one from Asuka and the other from Hikari.
"Go Hikari!" Toji cheered as he walked off.
He walked slowly to the office and when he came in he found that the principal was waiting impatiently for him.
"I'm sorry if I didn't get here fast enough," he said quickly.
"Well Mr. Suzuhara, what do you have to say about your latest prank?"
"Huh?"
"Don't act innocent with me," the principal snapped. He turned and motioned for Toji to follow him. They walked into his office. There was graffiti all over the walls.
"Wow! I'd like to meet whoever did this!"
The principal glared at him.
"I mean, whoever did this should be punished."
"I'm glad you agree. You have one week to wash this all off of my walls and clean this office."
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji complained.
"I'll believe that when I see some proof," the principal replied, "Now get back to class before you get into more trouble."
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji kept saying as he left.
He broke into a run and found the others in the classroom.
"All right, who set me up!" he yelled.
The class looked at him in surprise.
"I know one of you did!" he raged.
"Toji, what happened?" Hikari asked.
"Some bastard messed up the principal's office and I got blamed for it!"
"Doesn't his office have security cameras?" Kensuke asked.
"Uh, I think so."
"I'll hack in tomorrow and get you the proof," said Kensuke, "The schools' firewall is pathetic compared to others I've seen."
"All this happens in one bloody day!" Toji screamed.
"Watch your mouth!" Hikari warned.
"Yes class rep," Toji replied meekly.
"Hmm. Hikari, you have to teach me how to make Shinji obey like that."
Shinji growled.
"Don't worry pet, I won't make you act like Toji all the time.
Both of the boys glared daggers at the girls but let it go. Toji then turned his attention to Kensuke.
"How soon can you get me the evidence?"
"Tonight," he said, "You'll be able to blackmail the principal for ignoring and withholding evidence. If he doesn't want to lose his job he'll let you off and punish whoever really did it."
Toji nodded.
Misato came in then and class started.
"I have your grades from the physics test we took yesterday," she said, "I must say, I am not pleased."
The entire class stiffened.
"All of you passed with an A!"
The class was quiet for one second. The next, everyone was cheering.
"As a reward, no homework for the rest of the week!"
That caused even more cheers.
"Now, get out your math books and turn to page one hundred thirty. Do problems one through fifty. Your math scores were nothing like your physics scores.
A few students groaned but they shut up when Misato looked at them. She settled back in her chair. This would take the students a while. However, their reaction would be interesting when they saw their actual math scores. All of them had passed with an A again.
Shinji, Asuka, and Rei were walking home together as usual. Asuka held one of Shinji's arms as the couple walked.
"So Shinji, when is Rei going to come out of the closet?"
Rei stuck her tongue out at Asuka. Asuka grinned.
"Asuka, my sister isn't a lesbian. What ever gave you that idea?"
"The fact that she isn't going out with any of the guys in the school," said Asuka.
"The only one that ever tried to ask me out was Kensuke," Rei said, "and there is no way I am going out with him."
"I do see your point there," said Asuka, "Well, two of the three stooges are taken by me and Hikari. I guess the one left over is the one that will never get taken."
"It's a mercy for all the girls in the world," Rei added.
They took the elevator to their floor and Asuka left them. She lived across the hall from Shinji and Rei. When the Ikari twins walked in they found that their parents weren't home yet.
"I wonder why Dad suddenly has all these meetings," said Shinji.
"Dad does work for the government," Rei reminded her brother, "I'm going to start on this homework. I can't believe Ms Katsuragi gave us all this math homework, even after we all got As!"
"How do you know our grade?" Shinji asked.
"Kensuke isn't the only one that can hack through the school's firewalls."
"And what other dirty secrets have you kept from me?"
"Maybe you'll find out. But then again, it's a little sister's job to annoy a big brother."
Shinji groaned.
"Dr. Akagi?"
"What is it Maya?"
"Umm, why did I get transferred to here?"
Ritsuko smiled. Maya was the latest addition to the staff at the Geo- Front. They were taking an elevator down very far.
"Your expertise on advanced artificial intelligence is needed here," said Ritsuko, "This job pays about the same as your old job, but it is far more rewarding."
They stepped out of the elevator and walked on a glass floor. Maya looked down nervously.
"Umm, is this plastic strong enough?"
"It had better be," said Ritsuko, "This synthetic glass itself cost us a million dollars."
"Dollars? Not yen?"
"Most of our funding is in dollars," Ritsuko explained.
Maya looked down again. There was what looked like a large garden as well as a white pyramid in the center.
"What is this place called?" she asked.
"This is the Geo-Front," said Ritsuko, "Ever since the Second Impact, this site has been the only one that is fully funded, this and its partner projects."
"So what is this place for?"
"Come with me."
They got back into the elevator and Ritsuko slid her keycard through.
"Bottom floor," she said.
The elevator floor closed and they shot down. It was faster than the elevator normally would go but they still took several minutes before reaching their destination. The doors opened and a dim light shone through. Maya's eyes took a few seconds before getting used to the low light.
"Lights on."
Maya shielded her eyes with her hand, the bright light nearly blinding her. When they had adjusted again, she gasped. Ritsuko walked into the massive chamber, Maya looking on dumbly, still standing in the elevator.
"You can come out of there," Ritsuko said.
Maya snapped out of it and walked out, the doors closing behind her. They were on a catwalk that looked down on a massive chamber. The structure beneath them spread out beyond their sight.
"What is this thing?" Maya finally asked.
"This is what caused the Second Impact," said Ritsuko, "This is an alien ship."
Maya looked down in wonder. Sweat dripped off of her forehead as she took in all that her eyes saw. However, it seemed impossible.
"This thing is incredible," she finally said.
"Incredible is an understatement," said Ritsuko, "This ship's technology is beyond that of the human race by possible thousands of years. We just managed to get it to Tokyo 3. The city was built just so the researchers and scientists could live here with their family."
"That explains all the security," said Maya.
"That's right. We don't want anyone stealing technology from this."
"How much was invested in the construction of all this?"
"Enough to feed the entire planet, or what's left of it, for a decade," Ritsuko answered, "but it has all been given to us so we can study this technology and make use of it for humanity."
Maya swallowed nervously.
"Why was I chosen?" she asked.
"I already answered that. You're expertise in artificial intelligence will help us greatly when we study this ship's computer core."
The elevator suddenly opened and Gendo walked out.
"Dr. Akagi."
"Commander. I was just showing Dr. Ibuki what she can expect."
"The other new personnel are here," Gendo said, as if Ritsuko hadn't spoken a word, "I'll expect them to be briefed by tomorrow."
"Yes sir."
Gendo walked back into the elevator and the doors closed.
"Who is he?" Maya asked.
"He is Gendo Ikari. He's been put in charge of the project."
"Isn't his wife Dr. Yui Ikari?"
"Yes. I see you've heard of her."
"I've heard of you and your mother too," Maya said quickly, "All three of you are geniuses."
"Thank you," said Ritsuko, "My mother would have appreciated that comment. Come. Let's meet these new personnel."
They got in the elevator and went back up. When they exited there were three men waiting for them.
"Ah, you're all here. Good. What are your names?"
"I'm Kaji Ryoji, and I must say, this place must be pretty good with two beautiful women like you working here."
Maya blushed but Ritsuko wasn't affected in anyway.
"Charmed," she said in an even voice, "and what about you two? I hope both of you aren't also leeches like this one here."
The other two men shook their heads frantically.
"Good. Now what are your names?"
"I'm Makoto Hyuga," the one with glasses said.
"I'm Shigeru Aoba," the man with tall hair replied.
"All of you are assigned military ranks and I suggest you pay attention to them when you are addressed," Ritsuko went on, "Maya, Makoto, Shigeru? The three of you are lieutenants. Mr. Ryoji, since you have been placed in charge of Section 2, security, you have the rank of colonel, though I don't know why you were chosen."
"Think of me as a guy who got dragged into this," he said with a smile.
"When will you ever change Kaji? Hmm. Perhaps seeing Misato will knock some sense into you."
"She's here?" Kaji said excitably.
"She doesn't work here," said Ritsuko, "She's a teacher though how she's kept her job I don't know."
"Umm, Dr. Akagi?" Maya said quietly, "What is your rank?"
"I'm a director so technically I'm a colonel, but since my section is usually more important than Mr. Ryoji's, I outrank him unless we're in a combat situation."
"So why are we here?" Makoto asked.
Ritsuko looked at Maya and nodded. Maya wasn't so sure of herself but spoke anyways.
"We're here to study an alien spacecraft."
All of the men looked at her as if she was joking.
"I'm not crazy!" she protested, "I just went down there to see it!"
"Uh, Rit-chan? Is she telling the truth?" Kaji asked, "Though I wouldn't dare disbelieve such a beautiful young woman like yourself."
"Colonel, but a lid on it," Maya snapped.
Ritsuko smiled while the men looked slightly surprised. Kaji, however, managed to speak first.
"Well, you do have a bite after all. So, Rit-chan. Is she telling the truth?"
"She is," said Ritsuko, "Come with me. I'm to brief all of you."
They walked across the glass floor and took yet another elevator down. This time they came out in a large corridor. Ritsuko led them into what looked like a conference room. It had a rectangular table as well as eight chairs, three on the lengths and one at each end. Ritsuko took the seat at the end. She motioned for them to sit down, which they did. All of the chairs had cushions and even had armrests.
"Welcome to the Geo-Front," said Ritsuko, "You might say this is humanity's last fortress. Under here, we have stored a large alien ship the size of Tokyo 3. This ship is what crashed into the Antarctic and melted it. We're here to study it."
The three men's mouths were all wide open. Ritsuko cleared her throat and they quickly shut their mouths.
"We're calling the ship the Ark mainly because we don't have a better name for it at the moment. The Ark is very old and we just managed to open a door. So far our search teams have found no one inside, and the gas let out was methane, not oxygen. Therefore, we've made the assumption that these aliens are methane-breathers and most likely not carbon-based lifeforms. Any questions so far?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Good. Besides that, we don't know much more. We've been gathering the finest scientists from all around the world, in nearly every field. Genetics, engineering, physics, bio-mechanics, all sorts of things. All of them are gathered here to try to figure out how that ship works."
"So why are we here?" Makoto asked.
"I asked for three people to become my assistants," Ritsuko answered, "You, Shigeru, and Maya fit the requirements and all three of you have been considered trustworthy."
"And why did I get dragged into this?" Kaji asked.
"I had no part in choosing you," Ritsuko replied, "though I would have advised against it considering you'd be flirting half the time."
"Right through the heart. Is that any way to treat an old friend?"
"If you want Misato's address you can look it up from the directory."
"Thanks. Now, is there anything else I need to know?"
Ritsuko took out four keycards from her pocket, handing each one their own.
"You'll need these. Now, Kaji, Commander Ikari wanted to have a word with you once the briefing was done. I suggest you go to his office now."
"I don't even know where it is!"
"Use the directory," said Ritsuko, "The rest of you, come with me."
Ritsuko left Kaji complaining about directions, but she was confident he could find his way. He usually could find his way even in the worst places.
Kaji wandered a bit before he found a directory, but was able to quickly figure out how to get to the commander's office. He knocked and the door opened. He walked into a rather foreboding room with little light except from a set of windows behind the commander's desk. Gendo was standing, looking down. Kaji walked over.
"You wanted to see me?" he said.
"Mr. Ryoji. I suspect you know why I asked for you to be transferred to here."
"Well, you did drag me all the way from the Japanese embassy in Berlin."
"You also handled security and intelligence there. Now, you've been given a chance to work for something greater."
"So who are you after this time, Ikari?"
"The Ark is the most important thing that humanity has ever discovered. Did you know that the coming of the Ark was foretold in the Bible?"
"Really? I did not know that."
"But it forgot to mention all the destruction that it would bring. We still have to weather the storm to come."
"Poetic."
"Practical. Mr. Ryoji, I know your history. I suggest you just do your job."
"If you know my history then why did you put me in charge of security and intelligence?"
"Because you're good at that. Dismissed."
Kaji walked out of the room. He took a deep breath when the doors closed behind him. Gendo could be a very scary person wanted to, and Kaji knew enough about the man that he would most definitely not try to cross him. He turned and walked off looking for the city directory, whistling as he went. His footsteps were soon in tempo with the song he was whistling. Maybe there was a chance Misato would hook up with him again, slim as it was.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome home!" Shinji and Rei said at the same time.
Yui closed the door behind her and set her briefcase down.
"Sorry about not leaving dinner," she said, "I didn't think I would get home so late."
"It's okay," said Shinji, "I cooked."
"Well, the two of you are growing up. Did you finish your homework?"
Shinji pointed at a pile of papers on the living room table. There was a pile of three books as well.
"So much for no homework for the rest of the week," he muttered.
"I think Ms Katsuragi meant we wouldn't get any more physics homework for the rest of the week."
"But we all did well on all of the tests!" Shinji complained, "Why did she still pile that much homework tonight?"
"Busy work," Rei replied.
"Well, now that you've finished your homework you can enjoy yourselves."
Shinji was still on the couch flipping through channels.
"Shinji, why don't you go over to Asuka's?"
"Her dad'll probably chase me out."
"Probably doesn't want you to do anything naughty with Asuka," Rei said.
Shinji glared at his sister but she smiled innocently at him.
"Rei, don't make fun of your brother like that. Shinji, I'm sure Mr. Langley will be willing to let you stay for a while as long as you behave."
Shinji sighed. He put on his shoes and left the apartment. He knocked on Asuka's apartment and Kyoko opened the door.
"Oh, hi Shinji. Asuka's still doing her homework. Come in."
Shinji nodded and walked in. He took off his shoes and found Asuka sitting in the living room listening to music and writing down the answers for her homework. He tapped her shoulder and she looked up at him. She squealed with joy and hugged him.
"Shinji! Here to help me with my homework?"
Shinji smiled weakly. This wasn't exactly what he had in mind.
"Sit down," Asuka said, literally dragging him down onto the floor. "Now, what is the answer to question five?"
Shinji read it over. It was about Operation Torch, a landing in World War II.
"I believe it's General Eisenhower."
Asuka scribbled the name down.
"And the next one?"
"Asuka, I'm not going to tell you all the answers. Besides, your mom wouldn't exactly be happy with either of us if I did."
"Fine, I'll do it myself. But you're going to help me."
Shinji leaned back on the sofa as Asuka wrote furiously. She only asked him five more questions before finishing her homework.
"I'm surprised it took you this long to finish it," Shinji said when she put the last book away.
"I started after dinner," Asuka replied, "I didn't feel like doing it when I got home."
"How like you, my dear Asuka."
Asuka smiled and gave Shinji a peck on his cheek.
End of Chapter 1
I am tired and I want to sleep.
Gendo: This is an insult.
Me: What the hell do you mean?
Gendo: I know what you're planning with this story.
Me: So? You're supposed to. This is your plan.
Gendo: Compared to my original, this is the product of a five-year old.
Me: I'd say about three and a half.
Me points to a little girl drawing the storyboards. Gendo gaps and looks at me disapprovingly.
Z98
I don't own EVA.
Project: Omega
Episode 1: There Always are Secrets
"Shinji! Wake up!"
Shinji's eyes snapped up and found himself staring at Asuka's face.
"Huh? Asuka? What are you doing in my room?"
"Waking you up," she snapped, "Come on. We'll be late for school of you don't hurry up!"
"Let me sleep for a few more minutes," Shinji said and rolled over, pulling his sheets up.
Asuka's face turned red with anger.
"Get up you idiot!"
She tore the sheets off and this time her face was red from embarrassment. That didn't last for long.
"You pervert! I didn't mean that!"
She pounded him on his head and Shinji fell out of bed.
"It's the morning!" he complained, "I can't help it!"
Yui was washing the dishes when she heard the commotion inside Shinji's room.
"Oh dear," she said, "It seems Asuka's having trouble getting Shinji up. You had better get ready too Gendo. You have a meeting today."
"Yes Yui."
"If you're late I'm the ones getting the complaints from Professor Fuyutsuki if you're late."
"Well that's probably because he's your greatest fan."
"Oh you."
Asuka had dragged Shinji out of bed and he had pushed her out of his room to change. He grabbed his bookbag and lunch and was putting on his shoe.
"Hurry up Shinji!"
"I am! Jeez, sometimes you can be a real ass."
"What did you say!"
There was a red hand mark on Shinji's face when he finishes putting on his shoe.
"We're leaving!" Asuka yells to Yui.
"Goodbye kids!" Yui answers, "Honey, put down that newspaper. Why can't you be more like Rei? She's so much more responsible. I mean, she's already on her way to school."
"Yes Yui."
The two teens were running down the street to their school.
"Where's your sister?" Asuka asked, "I wanted to talk to her."
"I really don't know," said Shinji, "Whenever I get up she's always already on her way to school."
"Well I guess it's a good thing one of you will amount to something in your family," Asuka teased.
"Don't even get me started about your family," Shinji threatened.
"Humph. So you do have some backbone in you. I was starting to think you were a coward."
"If that's so why are you going out with me? You always said you'd never go out with a fool or a coward."
Asuka let out a merry laugh.
"That's because you are neither. I just like to poke fun at you."
They arrived at the school and charged up to the classroom. A lot of the other students were already present. Hikari was already bugging her boyfriend, Toji.
"Ah, come on Hikari! Why is it my job to water the plants every morning!"
"Because you're my boyfriend," Hikari answered in a sweat voice, then in a louder one, "and I'm the class rep and I assigned you the job! Now go!"
Shinji took a seat next to Kensuke, who was looking at Rei.
"Hey Shinji, any chance I can get Rei out on a date with me?" he asked.
Shinji looked at is twin sister. He was the older of them and he was rather protective of his sister.
"Kensuke, even if I ever let you take my sister out," he said, "She would never want to go out with you."
"Nice way to cut down a guy's hopes," Kensuke replied, "Ah well. There's plenty of fish in the sea."
"And you're out of bait," Asuka said.
Kensuke glared at her but didn't dare say anything for four reasons. One, Shinji would probably kill him, two, Asuka would probably help him, and three, Hikari would help them, and four, Hikari would make Toji help them. It was a very unfair world in his opinion. He leaned against the window and was just in time to see Misato's blue car race into the parking lot and slide to a stop.
"It's Ms Katsuragi!" he said happily.
"You're a sad boy if you still have a crush on your teacher," Asuka joked.
Kensuke ignored her as he videotaped her walking in.
"Everyone get in their seats!" Hikari ordered, "Class will start soon!"
Gendo walked into the large conference room and sat down at the head of the table. A gathering of people from Japan, America, the European Union, and the UN were here.
"Ikari. Took you long enough."
"This meeting is now started," said Keel.
"I am sure all of you know of our current situation," said Fuyutsuki, "The meteor that melted the Antarctic was not a meteorite at all. It was a large ship."
"Our salvage crews have recovered everything that was salvageable, and we've sneaked it all into the Geo-Front," said Gendo, "Our scientists are still researching it."
"The question remains," said Keel, "What is it?"
"It looks like a large transport," said Fuyutsuki, "Besides that, we are still studying it."
"I hope we didn't choose the wrong man for this job Gendo," Keel warned, "We have replacements."
"You have no need to worry," said Gendo, "Everything is on schedule. Everything."
"Good."
Keel pressed a few keys and the reconstructed image of the ship appeared.
"According to this report, this is what the ship should look like if it wasn't damaged," Keel said, "Its weapons technology are positron based, like that of our newest artillery."
"It also has a powerful shield," Fuyutsuki continued, "Our researchers have named it the All Terror Field. An AT-Field."
"There is also something else inside the ship," said Gendo, "A large matter- energy converter. We believe that is the power source for the ship."
"So what is this ship for?" the EU representative asked.
"It wouldn't be inappropriate if we called it Noah's Ark," Gendo answered.
It was lunchtime and the entire gang was hanging out together. Asuka and Shinji were arguing as usual, while Hikari and Toji just stayed by each other. However, whenever Kensuke tried to move closer to Rei, she moved away. The others watched with amusement as Kensuke tried to talk to Rei. Finally, she had it.
"Kensuke, I am not interested in dating you or anyone at the moment."
The entire gang broke out in laughter except for the two of them. Kensuke's face was bright red while Rei's was calm and composed. Asuka leaned against Shinji and he held her with one arm. Even though the two of them did argue a lot, they cared for each other all the same.
"Let's finish eating," said Hikari, "Class is going to start soon."
"Toji Suzuhara, report to the principal's office," the voice said over the announcer.
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji complained.
"Hikari's dad wanting you because of something you did?" Kensuke teased.
Two bookbags struck Kensuke, one from Asuka and the other from Hikari.
"Go Hikari!" Toji cheered as he walked off.
He walked slowly to the office and when he came in he found that the principal was waiting impatiently for him.
"I'm sorry if I didn't get here fast enough," he said quickly.
"Well Mr. Suzuhara, what do you have to say about your latest prank?"
"Huh?"
"Don't act innocent with me," the principal snapped. He turned and motioned for Toji to follow him. They walked into his office. There was graffiti all over the walls.
"Wow! I'd like to meet whoever did this!"
The principal glared at him.
"I mean, whoever did this should be punished."
"I'm glad you agree. You have one week to wash this all off of my walls and clean this office."
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji complained.
"I'll believe that when I see some proof," the principal replied, "Now get back to class before you get into more trouble."
"But I didn't do anything!" Toji kept saying as he left.
He broke into a run and found the others in the classroom.
"All right, who set me up!" he yelled.
The class looked at him in surprise.
"I know one of you did!" he raged.
"Toji, what happened?" Hikari asked.
"Some bastard messed up the principal's office and I got blamed for it!"
"Doesn't his office have security cameras?" Kensuke asked.
"Uh, I think so."
"I'll hack in tomorrow and get you the proof," said Kensuke, "The schools' firewall is pathetic compared to others I've seen."
"All this happens in one bloody day!" Toji screamed.
"Watch your mouth!" Hikari warned.
"Yes class rep," Toji replied meekly.
"Hmm. Hikari, you have to teach me how to make Shinji obey like that."
Shinji growled.
"Don't worry pet, I won't make you act like Toji all the time.
Both of the boys glared daggers at the girls but let it go. Toji then turned his attention to Kensuke.
"How soon can you get me the evidence?"
"Tonight," he said, "You'll be able to blackmail the principal for ignoring and withholding evidence. If he doesn't want to lose his job he'll let you off and punish whoever really did it."
Toji nodded.
Misato came in then and class started.
"I have your grades from the physics test we took yesterday," she said, "I must say, I am not pleased."
The entire class stiffened.
"All of you passed with an A!"
The class was quiet for one second. The next, everyone was cheering.
"As a reward, no homework for the rest of the week!"
That caused even more cheers.
"Now, get out your math books and turn to page one hundred thirty. Do problems one through fifty. Your math scores were nothing like your physics scores.
A few students groaned but they shut up when Misato looked at them. She settled back in her chair. This would take the students a while. However, their reaction would be interesting when they saw their actual math scores. All of them had passed with an A again.
Shinji, Asuka, and Rei were walking home together as usual. Asuka held one of Shinji's arms as the couple walked.
"So Shinji, when is Rei going to come out of the closet?"
Rei stuck her tongue out at Asuka. Asuka grinned.
"Asuka, my sister isn't a lesbian. What ever gave you that idea?"
"The fact that she isn't going out with any of the guys in the school," said Asuka.
"The only one that ever tried to ask me out was Kensuke," Rei said, "and there is no way I am going out with him."
"I do see your point there," said Asuka, "Well, two of the three stooges are taken by me and Hikari. I guess the one left over is the one that will never get taken."
"It's a mercy for all the girls in the world," Rei added.
They took the elevator to their floor and Asuka left them. She lived across the hall from Shinji and Rei. When the Ikari twins walked in they found that their parents weren't home yet.
"I wonder why Dad suddenly has all these meetings," said Shinji.
"Dad does work for the government," Rei reminded her brother, "I'm going to start on this homework. I can't believe Ms Katsuragi gave us all this math homework, even after we all got As!"
"How do you know our grade?" Shinji asked.
"Kensuke isn't the only one that can hack through the school's firewalls."
"And what other dirty secrets have you kept from me?"
"Maybe you'll find out. But then again, it's a little sister's job to annoy a big brother."
Shinji groaned.
"Dr. Akagi?"
"What is it Maya?"
"Umm, why did I get transferred to here?"
Ritsuko smiled. Maya was the latest addition to the staff at the Geo- Front. They were taking an elevator down very far.
"Your expertise on advanced artificial intelligence is needed here," said Ritsuko, "This job pays about the same as your old job, but it is far more rewarding."
They stepped out of the elevator and walked on a glass floor. Maya looked down nervously.
"Umm, is this plastic strong enough?"
"It had better be," said Ritsuko, "This synthetic glass itself cost us a million dollars."
"Dollars? Not yen?"
"Most of our funding is in dollars," Ritsuko explained.
Maya looked down again. There was what looked like a large garden as well as a white pyramid in the center.
"What is this place called?" she asked.
"This is the Geo-Front," said Ritsuko, "Ever since the Second Impact, this site has been the only one that is fully funded, this and its partner projects."
"So what is this place for?"
"Come with me."
They got back into the elevator and Ritsuko slid her keycard through.
"Bottom floor," she said.
The elevator floor closed and they shot down. It was faster than the elevator normally would go but they still took several minutes before reaching their destination. The doors opened and a dim light shone through. Maya's eyes took a few seconds before getting used to the low light.
"Lights on."
Maya shielded her eyes with her hand, the bright light nearly blinding her. When they had adjusted again, she gasped. Ritsuko walked into the massive chamber, Maya looking on dumbly, still standing in the elevator.
"You can come out of there," Ritsuko said.
Maya snapped out of it and walked out, the doors closing behind her. They were on a catwalk that looked down on a massive chamber. The structure beneath them spread out beyond their sight.
"What is this thing?" Maya finally asked.
"This is what caused the Second Impact," said Ritsuko, "This is an alien ship."
Maya looked down in wonder. Sweat dripped off of her forehead as she took in all that her eyes saw. However, it seemed impossible.
"This thing is incredible," she finally said.
"Incredible is an understatement," said Ritsuko, "This ship's technology is beyond that of the human race by possible thousands of years. We just managed to get it to Tokyo 3. The city was built just so the researchers and scientists could live here with their family."
"That explains all the security," said Maya.
"That's right. We don't want anyone stealing technology from this."
"How much was invested in the construction of all this?"
"Enough to feed the entire planet, or what's left of it, for a decade," Ritsuko answered, "but it has all been given to us so we can study this technology and make use of it for humanity."
Maya swallowed nervously.
"Why was I chosen?" she asked.
"I already answered that. You're expertise in artificial intelligence will help us greatly when we study this ship's computer core."
The elevator suddenly opened and Gendo walked out.
"Dr. Akagi."
"Commander. I was just showing Dr. Ibuki what she can expect."
"The other new personnel are here," Gendo said, as if Ritsuko hadn't spoken a word, "I'll expect them to be briefed by tomorrow."
"Yes sir."
Gendo walked back into the elevator and the doors closed.
"Who is he?" Maya asked.
"He is Gendo Ikari. He's been put in charge of the project."
"Isn't his wife Dr. Yui Ikari?"
"Yes. I see you've heard of her."
"I've heard of you and your mother too," Maya said quickly, "All three of you are geniuses."
"Thank you," said Ritsuko, "My mother would have appreciated that comment. Come. Let's meet these new personnel."
They got in the elevator and went back up. When they exited there were three men waiting for them.
"Ah, you're all here. Good. What are your names?"
"I'm Kaji Ryoji, and I must say, this place must be pretty good with two beautiful women like you working here."
Maya blushed but Ritsuko wasn't affected in anyway.
"Charmed," she said in an even voice, "and what about you two? I hope both of you aren't also leeches like this one here."
The other two men shook their heads frantically.
"Good. Now what are your names?"
"I'm Makoto Hyuga," the one with glasses said.
"I'm Shigeru Aoba," the man with tall hair replied.
"All of you are assigned military ranks and I suggest you pay attention to them when you are addressed," Ritsuko went on, "Maya, Makoto, Shigeru? The three of you are lieutenants. Mr. Ryoji, since you have been placed in charge of Section 2, security, you have the rank of colonel, though I don't know why you were chosen."
"Think of me as a guy who got dragged into this," he said with a smile.
"When will you ever change Kaji? Hmm. Perhaps seeing Misato will knock some sense into you."
"She's here?" Kaji said excitably.
"She doesn't work here," said Ritsuko, "She's a teacher though how she's kept her job I don't know."
"Umm, Dr. Akagi?" Maya said quietly, "What is your rank?"
"I'm a director so technically I'm a colonel, but since my section is usually more important than Mr. Ryoji's, I outrank him unless we're in a combat situation."
"So why are we here?" Makoto asked.
Ritsuko looked at Maya and nodded. Maya wasn't so sure of herself but spoke anyways.
"We're here to study an alien spacecraft."
All of the men looked at her as if she was joking.
"I'm not crazy!" she protested, "I just went down there to see it!"
"Uh, Rit-chan? Is she telling the truth?" Kaji asked, "Though I wouldn't dare disbelieve such a beautiful young woman like yourself."
"Colonel, but a lid on it," Maya snapped.
Ritsuko smiled while the men looked slightly surprised. Kaji, however, managed to speak first.
"Well, you do have a bite after all. So, Rit-chan. Is she telling the truth?"
"She is," said Ritsuko, "Come with me. I'm to brief all of you."
They walked across the glass floor and took yet another elevator down. This time they came out in a large corridor. Ritsuko led them into what looked like a conference room. It had a rectangular table as well as eight chairs, three on the lengths and one at each end. Ritsuko took the seat at the end. She motioned for them to sit down, which they did. All of the chairs had cushions and even had armrests.
"Welcome to the Geo-Front," said Ritsuko, "You might say this is humanity's last fortress. Under here, we have stored a large alien ship the size of Tokyo 3. This ship is what crashed into the Antarctic and melted it. We're here to study it."
The three men's mouths were all wide open. Ritsuko cleared her throat and they quickly shut their mouths.
"We're calling the ship the Ark mainly because we don't have a better name for it at the moment. The Ark is very old and we just managed to open a door. So far our search teams have found no one inside, and the gas let out was methane, not oxygen. Therefore, we've made the assumption that these aliens are methane-breathers and most likely not carbon-based lifeforms. Any questions so far?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Good. Besides that, we don't know much more. We've been gathering the finest scientists from all around the world, in nearly every field. Genetics, engineering, physics, bio-mechanics, all sorts of things. All of them are gathered here to try to figure out how that ship works."
"So why are we here?" Makoto asked.
"I asked for three people to become my assistants," Ritsuko answered, "You, Shigeru, and Maya fit the requirements and all three of you have been considered trustworthy."
"And why did I get dragged into this?" Kaji asked.
"I had no part in choosing you," Ritsuko replied, "though I would have advised against it considering you'd be flirting half the time."
"Right through the heart. Is that any way to treat an old friend?"
"If you want Misato's address you can look it up from the directory."
"Thanks. Now, is there anything else I need to know?"
Ritsuko took out four keycards from her pocket, handing each one their own.
"You'll need these. Now, Kaji, Commander Ikari wanted to have a word with you once the briefing was done. I suggest you go to his office now."
"I don't even know where it is!"
"Use the directory," said Ritsuko, "The rest of you, come with me."
Ritsuko left Kaji complaining about directions, but she was confident he could find his way. He usually could find his way even in the worst places.
Kaji wandered a bit before he found a directory, but was able to quickly figure out how to get to the commander's office. He knocked and the door opened. He walked into a rather foreboding room with little light except from a set of windows behind the commander's desk. Gendo was standing, looking down. Kaji walked over.
"You wanted to see me?" he said.
"Mr. Ryoji. I suspect you know why I asked for you to be transferred to here."
"Well, you did drag me all the way from the Japanese embassy in Berlin."
"You also handled security and intelligence there. Now, you've been given a chance to work for something greater."
"So who are you after this time, Ikari?"
"The Ark is the most important thing that humanity has ever discovered. Did you know that the coming of the Ark was foretold in the Bible?"
"Really? I did not know that."
"But it forgot to mention all the destruction that it would bring. We still have to weather the storm to come."
"Poetic."
"Practical. Mr. Ryoji, I know your history. I suggest you just do your job."
"If you know my history then why did you put me in charge of security and intelligence?"
"Because you're good at that. Dismissed."
Kaji walked out of the room. He took a deep breath when the doors closed behind him. Gendo could be a very scary person wanted to, and Kaji knew enough about the man that he would most definitely not try to cross him. He turned and walked off looking for the city directory, whistling as he went. His footsteps were soon in tempo with the song he was whistling. Maybe there was a chance Misato would hook up with him again, slim as it was.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome home!" Shinji and Rei said at the same time.
Yui closed the door behind her and set her briefcase down.
"Sorry about not leaving dinner," she said, "I didn't think I would get home so late."
"It's okay," said Shinji, "I cooked."
"Well, the two of you are growing up. Did you finish your homework?"
Shinji pointed at a pile of papers on the living room table. There was a pile of three books as well.
"So much for no homework for the rest of the week," he muttered.
"I think Ms Katsuragi meant we wouldn't get any more physics homework for the rest of the week."
"But we all did well on all of the tests!" Shinji complained, "Why did she still pile that much homework tonight?"
"Busy work," Rei replied.
"Well, now that you've finished your homework you can enjoy yourselves."
Shinji was still on the couch flipping through channels.
"Shinji, why don't you go over to Asuka's?"
"Her dad'll probably chase me out."
"Probably doesn't want you to do anything naughty with Asuka," Rei said.
Shinji glared at his sister but she smiled innocently at him.
"Rei, don't make fun of your brother like that. Shinji, I'm sure Mr. Langley will be willing to let you stay for a while as long as you behave."
Shinji sighed. He put on his shoes and left the apartment. He knocked on Asuka's apartment and Kyoko opened the door.
"Oh, hi Shinji. Asuka's still doing her homework. Come in."
Shinji nodded and walked in. He took off his shoes and found Asuka sitting in the living room listening to music and writing down the answers for her homework. He tapped her shoulder and she looked up at him. She squealed with joy and hugged him.
"Shinji! Here to help me with my homework?"
Shinji smiled weakly. This wasn't exactly what he had in mind.
"Sit down," Asuka said, literally dragging him down onto the floor. "Now, what is the answer to question five?"
Shinji read it over. It was about Operation Torch, a landing in World War II.
"I believe it's General Eisenhower."
Asuka scribbled the name down.
"And the next one?"
"Asuka, I'm not going to tell you all the answers. Besides, your mom wouldn't exactly be happy with either of us if I did."
"Fine, I'll do it myself. But you're going to help me."
Shinji leaned back on the sofa as Asuka wrote furiously. She only asked him five more questions before finishing her homework.
"I'm surprised it took you this long to finish it," Shinji said when she put the last book away.
"I started after dinner," Asuka replied, "I didn't feel like doing it when I got home."
"How like you, my dear Asuka."
Asuka smiled and gave Shinji a peck on his cheek.
End of Chapter 1
I am tired and I want to sleep.
Gendo: This is an insult.
Me: What the hell do you mean?
Gendo: I know what you're planning with this story.
Me: So? You're supposed to. This is your plan.
Gendo: Compared to my original, this is the product of a five-year old.
Me: I'd say about three and a half.
Me points to a little girl drawing the storyboards. Gendo gaps and looks at me disapprovingly.
Z98
