Project: Omega
Chapter 3: Welcome to NERV
Ritsuko was looking at another block of data that Maya had dug up. This time it was in that odd language that MATRIX still could not translate. She closed the window and went back to examining the first block of data Maya had found. Something was off. The three technicians had found more matches and now Ritsuko was beginning to suspect that these were actually coordinates for star systems. That means they had tapped into its navigational logs. Her phone rang and she picked it up.
"Akagi."
"Hey Rit-chan."
"Misato? How did you get this number?"
"Kaji gave it to me. Thought I'd let him off the hook that way. Speaking of Kaji, I need help."
"Let me guess. You want him to leave you alone."
"Well, yeah."
"Misato, the last time I saw you the two of you seemed perfect for each other. Then you wrote to me you had dumped him though you still loved him."
"I'm serious! You have to help him!"
"Misato, just get drunk like you usually do and confess to him while you're drunk!"
"And how am I supposed to know what I tell him?"
"Good point," said Ritsuko, "Well, I really can't help you."
"Some friend you are."
"Misato, get over all this negative feeling you have. Just confess to Kaji. One of you will get hurt if the two of you play games."
"There is nothing to confess," Misato said stubbornly.
"Fine. I have work I need to finish, so goodbye."
"Bye Rit-chan."
Ritsuko hung up the phone. Misato could be very childish at times, and this was a fine example. She reread the file Maya had sent. They had managed to extract a sample from each of the aliens' DNA from the fluid that they were soaked in. Currently they were still looking at the samples but they had found that the DNA of these creatures was very close to that of a human. However, the few differences there were seemed to make them entirely different from humans. They might even be carbon-based lifeforms.
James finished brushing his teeth and changed into his uniform. At the age of twenty-six, he felt that he was too young to be a general. But the president hadn't asked his opinion when he was promoted to head this project. Ensuring the survival of humanity was a hard job and paid little, but at least the work was interesting. His secretary handed him the daily report and he flipped over it. The girl was still asleep and would probably remain so for a while. Two more reports had come in from agents that were in MATRIX and Seele. It seemed that more embryos had been discovered in the spaceship itself. He signed the report and handed it back to his secretary. James then went down to the cafeteria for breakfast. He had more work today and it would be tiring as usual. Pity the Pentagon didn't issue any free time. He could really use some of it.
"General."
James stopped and a scientist caught up with him. It was Dr. Vincent Ovre, the head of the research department.
"What is it?" James asked.
"That girl is awake," said Vincent, "and she's throwing a tantrum down in the labs. She seems to have powers and can barely control them. She's already destroyed a lot of equipment."
"Bloody hell," James muttered, "Lead me to her. I'll have to explain why I need more money again."
"This time it is rather important," said Vincent, "The girl did destroy them, and that might keep you from getting your head bit off."
"That report I just got said she was asleep."
"Well, that report is now out of date."
Vincent led the general to the lab. Before he had even opened the door, James could hear someone inside screaming and crying. When the doors slid open, it was much worse.
"Why the hell am I here!" the girl screamed, "I haven't done anything, and I'm not some specimen you have a right to study!"
James walked in and the girl saw him. She quickly looked him over and glared at him.
"You're the one in charge! Tell me why I am here!"
"She certainly has a temper," James whispered to Vincent. Vincent only nodded in agreement. "I am Lieutenant General James Walker and I apologize for your treatment. We did not know what exactly you were before."
"I'm a human girl, and I would thank you kindly if you let me go."
"Go where?" James asked, "Most of the planet is starving and even the well- off countries have extremely high poverty levels. Even in the United States it is as if the Great Depression has come around again, but this time we simply can't grow enough food to feed everyone."
"I'll survive," the girl said stubbornly.
"There is another thing," James went on, "Three days ago, you were still an embryo."
"So?"
"That kind of accelerated growth shouldn't be possible. What are you?"
"I'm human," the girl stated.
"Fine. What is your name?"
The girl continued to look at him defiantly.
"I have my orders," James said, "If you will not cooperate, there is nothing I can do about it except use force."
"Let's see how far you get," the girl snapped.
James raised an eyebrow. Her look seemed to pierce into his soul and see the darkness in it. However, what she did not see was a power hidden away. Very few things could trigger it, but the girl came close. If she actually tried anything, it would be unleashed.
"Dr. Ovre, inform Major Steele that she has custody of the girl and she is to get some answers out of her, but she is not to be abused."
"Sir, are you sure-"
"Do it!" James yelled at the man.
The doctor jumped but nodded and walked off. James sat down in a chair in the lab and continued to watch the girl. If she tried to run for it, she might get hurt. However, she was valuable and he would do what he could to keep her safe. Vincent returned with Major Samantha Steele, a member of the Navy SEALs. The major had been transferred from Fort Bragg and studied engineering at the college in the city over NERV. Like MATRIX, NERV also had a fortress city built over it, though few outside the Pentagon and the Special Warfare Department knew much about it. The city was called Novaya Star, novaya being Russian for new. Samantha was still twenty but she already had an almost motherly look. James had chosen her for her compassion. If he had wanted to beat an answer out of the girl he would have done it himself. Subtlety did pay in certain situations.
"Hello," said Samantha, "I'm Samantha Steele and I'll be your guardian. What's your name?"
The girl gave James a slightly surprised look.
"It seems you do have a heart, General," she said, then to Samantha, "My name is Sentoki."
"An interesting name," James noted.
"My name is my name."
James nodded and didn't press for any further explanation. Samantha took Sentoki away. When they were gone, Vincent turned to James.
"Sir, are you sure that was wise?" he asked.
"I've seen other people like her, though perhaps not completely like her. The way to get information out of them is to get them to trust you."
"But we need to study her."
"Do remember that she is a sentient being," said James, "Would you like to be put under a microscope by people you do not know?"
"Well, no," Vincent confessed, "By the way, what does Sentoki mean? It sounds Japanese."
"Fighter. I'm afraid that things are only going to get more interesting from this point on."
Ritsuko took off her glasses as she looked up at Kaji.
"You have a very interesting way with women," she said, "Misato called me to ask my advice in dealing with you."
"She must be rather desperate," said Kaji, "to ask you. No offense intended."
"None taken. I simply don't have the time for men. Anyways, that's beside the point. In my opinion, she is still in love with you and all you have to do is get her drunk to confess it."
"That wouldn't really be an honest way to go about things," said Kaji.
"Since when have you ever been worried about honesty?" Ritsuko asked, "Now, I'm doing this to help Misato and you. I really suggest you get together with her or something. That poor woman will pull her hair out soon with having to worry about you around every corner. But of course you'll think it will be funny."
"You know me too well Rit-chan," Kaji said with a smile, "but you are right about one thing. I should hook up with Misato again, no matter what she might do to me."
"Good. Now that's out of the way, I need you to deliver a message to Seele."
"What makes you think I know about them?" Kaji asked.
"You were originally sent as a special inspector. However, that job is only given to people Seele trust to give them information."
"So what's the message?"
"We have become aware that Seele is asking around about Commander Ikari's reliability. We want you to send in what we want you to."
"You do realize that Seele has other agents in MATRIX," said Kaji, "and even you could be one of them."
"I am well aware of that," said Ritsuko, "However, we want you to send in an honest report regarding your opinions on Commander Ikari."
"Honest huh? That's going to be tricky. I'll have to be sure it never gets into his hands."
"He will understand," said Ritsuko, "There is another matter. An American Lieutenant General stopped in Tokyo 3 on his way back to the States. Do you know why?"
"Maybe he just wanted to refuel before the long hop back to the States," said Kaji, "How would I know?"
"Because you met this American general."
"Am I to assume that the commander knows about this?"
Ritsuko nodded.
"Well, let's just say that this general is interested in MATRIX and wanted to know what our objective was. I told him I didn't know."
"I may even believe that," said Ritsuko, "However, consider this advice from a friend. Keep out of matters that don't concern you and don't try to interfere in matters of others."
"I'll take that advice as if it did come from a friend," said Kaji, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a report to send."
Ritsuko watched him leave and sighed. Kaji had dug himself into another hole. There was a very thick file on the American general waiting for him when he got back to his office. Another copy was on her desk. It seemed that the American was very young to be so high ranking, but he had proved extremely capable of the job the president had given to him, which was ensure the survival of humanity at any cost. He might actually stop MATRIX from accomplishing its objectives. NERV, the organization that this American was in charge of, was still a mystery, though most reports agreed that it was headquartered at Novaya Star. She cracked her neck and went back to studying all of the information that Maya and the others had pulled off the computer core. This time it was very possible they had actually found the computer code.
Shinji shot another basket and made it. His turn then ended and he went to sit on the sidelines, joining all of the boys looking at the girls at the swimming pool. Kensuke had his trusty videocamera and was letting other boys have a close up look of the girls by using the zoom feature. Shinji didn't bother to take a turn. He could already hear the girls calling all of them perverts. Fortunately Asuka wasn't standing by the other girls at the fence. That girl had a foul mouth and knew how to use it, though usually in German. He turned his attention back to the basketball game. His team was actually winning for a change but Shinji wasn't paying that close attention. He laid back against the slanted wall and just enjoyed the fresh air.
"Hey Shinji!"
Shinji turned his head and saw Toji looking at him.
"Come on! You'll have to take another turn. Atoko just busted up his knee."
Shinji sighed and got back onto the court. The ball was quickly passed to him and he made it down the court. However, three guys immediately started playing defense against him and he had to pass it to someone else. At least he was getting some exercise.
"Kensuke is such a geek," said Asuka.
"That's one way of looking at it," said Hikari, "though he didn't have to let the guys use his camera to spy on us."
"What else do those perverts have to do?" Rei put in, "All of them are just trying to get a show."
"Except for your brother," said Hikari, "He's one of the few decent ones down there."
"Shinji wouldn't dare," Rei said, grinning, "Asuka keeps him in line."
"What about Toji?" Asuka asked, "He certainly hasn't tried anything."
"Well, I did lay down the ground rules for him," Hikari said, her face slightly red, "He knows to behave."
Just then the bell rang and the girls went to change back into their uniforms. Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke were waiting for them when they came out. Asuka wrapped an arm around Shinji's neck and hung onto him. Hikari and Toji just walked next to each other.
"Now that school is finally out," she said, "Let's go have some fun."
"Where should we go?" Shinji asked.
"There's that ice cream place," Hikari offered, "I heard they have a great double chocolate Sunday. And it's also next to a movie theater."
"We can get a Sunday after a movie," said Asuka, "Let's go!"
She dragged Shinji behind her as she ran to the theater. Hikari, Toji, Kensuke, and Rei had to sprint all the way to keep up with the two of them. When they got there, all of them except Asuka were panting heavily.
"All of you need to exercise more," she said.
"Asuka, how, the, hell, do you run so fast?" Shinji said between breaths.
"Oh, I don't know," said Asuka, "I guess I'm naturally more athletic."
They looked at the movies playing and finally the guys managed to convince the girls to watch an action adventure movie.
"This had better be worth is," Asuka mumbled.
"We are paying," said Shinji, "so I don't think you should be complaining."
"Well, at least we could have seen something a bit more romantic," said Hikari, "but I'll settle for this."
The gang walked into the movie theater.
"General Walker?"
James grunted in reply.
"The president wants to talk to you.
James nodded and activated his console.
"Hello Mr. President."
"Hello James. I hoped you had a good flight back."
"Jet lag does not care wherever we're going," James replied.
The president smiled and nodded understandingly.
"I received a report saying that you have possibly an alien girl."
"She's human," James said quickly, "We've done DNA tests and she is human, though there are a few other things we are trying to understand about her, like her accelerated growth."
"Well, perhaps Project NERV is repaying the earlier investments."
"I'd say we have more than repaid them," said James, "It was the biochemical that we found spreading across the Antarctic that is allowing us to expand our farm installations."
"That is a good point, and you did lead that expedition. However, there are other issues at hand. MATRIX has just released its briefing on what they have found out so far regarding the Ark."
"Ark. Interesting name. I was just reading the report when you called. They're obviously hiding a lot of things. I just received a report from one of our agents and he's informed me of another discover in the Ark. Apparently there are seventeen other embryos in the ship and one empty tank."
"We'll have to assume the girl is the eighteenth embryo," said the president, "So what are you calling her?"
"She says her name is Sentoki," James answered, "Right now, I have placed her in the care of Major Steele. She'll watch over the girl. We first need more information and hacking into their Magi systems is not an option we can use right now."
"What of our other source?"
"We will have to wait."
"Very well. There is another matter I have to clear up with you. We want Gendo Ikari to remain commander of MATRIX. Why?"
"Because he believes he is manipulating everyone to do what he wants," said James, "However, the problem isn't Ikari. It is Seele."
"Yes. How do you propose we deal with them?"
"Eliminate them," James said immediately, "There are some uses for dangerous pets, but Seele is uncontrolled. Therefore, we must do what we must and ensure that they do not interfere."
"The airfield outside of Tokyo 3 will be manned with American soldiers," said the president, "How many soldiers do you suggest we send in?"
"I would put in a full Marine battalion," said James, "The Japanese SSDF is powerful and could easily overwhelm our forces if they wanted to, but a full battalion might give them pause. And besides, our fighters will be stationed there."
"General Anderson is suggesting I move in N2 mines."
"I agree with him. With N2 mines present, I don't think the Japanese or Seele will be that eager to attack our base."
"Good. Unfortunately, we cannot expect the UN carrier taskforce to follow our orders."
"But Taskforce 4 is in the Pacific," James pointed out, "They are currently docked in Singapore. I suggest they remain there for the time being."
"I'll think about it. It is rather expensive and we don't exactly have money to throw away."
"I understand Mr. President."
"I'll speak with you later James. Good work so far. Keep it up. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Mr. President."
The window closed and James settled back into his chair. He flipped open the folder again and continued to read the report MATRIX had released. They spoke of a promising biochemical, but the US had already patented it. MATRIX's official comment on that was a question asking the US how it got a sample of the compound. James didn't know how the president would handle that one, but his secretary of state should be able to handle it well enough. Other parts were about a possible matter-energy converter that held great promise for power generation. However, what James saw was a potential weapon that could be used against him and the United States. He would have to be careful regarding this thing. Most of the other stuff was something about a navigation log and possibly computer code. That he would hand over to the scientists and let them worry about it. Now all he had to do was figure out what to do regarding the Russian MATRIX Second Branch at Vladivostok.
"The movie wasn't too bad," Asuka admitted, "but I would have still wanted to see the other one."
"It certainly sounded romantic," said Hikari, "I mean, 'Roses for My Beloved' definitely sounds like an interesting movie."
"For you three, perhaps," Shinji said, "but to us, we would probably fall asleep during it."
"Let's get some Sundays now," said Asuka.
The gang walked into the café and each of them ordered a small Sunday. The guys ended up paying again, though none of them dared complain.
"This Sunday is really good!" Asuka declared, "What else are we going to do today?"
"We really should be getting home," said Hikari, "Besides, tomorrow the three of us are going to that new game corner place."
"Well, I guess that's fine," said Asuka.
They threw away their trash and walked back home. Toji escorted Hikari while Kensuke walked home by himself. Asuka leaned against Shinji's shoulder as they walked home, not caring that Rei was with them.
"Rei, when are you going to start dating?" Asuka asked.
"I'm not interested in dating right now," said Rei.
"Then when are you going to start becoming interested?" Asuka persisted.
"When I actually meet someone I like."
"Whatever. You're probably going to stay a virgin until you're married."
Rei wasn't even fazed by the comment. Shinji grinned, enjoying the little duel of words between Asuka and Rei. The two always played word games against each other around him. They had never gotten past words, and the two seemed to enjoy sparing against one another. They reached their apartment and Shinji and Rei said goodbye to Asuka. The twins found Yui waiting for them when the walked into the apartment.
"There you are," Yui said when they entered, "Come on. We have to get to the institute."
"What's going on?" Shinji asked.
"The two of you were supposed to be tested earlier, but no one knew where you were. Come on! We don't have all day!"
The two groaned and followed their mother out.
"By the way, what exactly are we being tested for?" Shinji asked.
Yui's eye twinkled. "You'll see."
She got them into the car and drove them down to the MATRIX Geofront.
End of Chapter 3
Haven't updated in a while because I was busy with Flight.
Z98
Chapter 3: Welcome to NERV
Ritsuko was looking at another block of data that Maya had dug up. This time it was in that odd language that MATRIX still could not translate. She closed the window and went back to examining the first block of data Maya had found. Something was off. The three technicians had found more matches and now Ritsuko was beginning to suspect that these were actually coordinates for star systems. That means they had tapped into its navigational logs. Her phone rang and she picked it up.
"Akagi."
"Hey Rit-chan."
"Misato? How did you get this number?"
"Kaji gave it to me. Thought I'd let him off the hook that way. Speaking of Kaji, I need help."
"Let me guess. You want him to leave you alone."
"Well, yeah."
"Misato, the last time I saw you the two of you seemed perfect for each other. Then you wrote to me you had dumped him though you still loved him."
"I'm serious! You have to help him!"
"Misato, just get drunk like you usually do and confess to him while you're drunk!"
"And how am I supposed to know what I tell him?"
"Good point," said Ritsuko, "Well, I really can't help you."
"Some friend you are."
"Misato, get over all this negative feeling you have. Just confess to Kaji. One of you will get hurt if the two of you play games."
"There is nothing to confess," Misato said stubbornly.
"Fine. I have work I need to finish, so goodbye."
"Bye Rit-chan."
Ritsuko hung up the phone. Misato could be very childish at times, and this was a fine example. She reread the file Maya had sent. They had managed to extract a sample from each of the aliens' DNA from the fluid that they were soaked in. Currently they were still looking at the samples but they had found that the DNA of these creatures was very close to that of a human. However, the few differences there were seemed to make them entirely different from humans. They might even be carbon-based lifeforms.
James finished brushing his teeth and changed into his uniform. At the age of twenty-six, he felt that he was too young to be a general. But the president hadn't asked his opinion when he was promoted to head this project. Ensuring the survival of humanity was a hard job and paid little, but at least the work was interesting. His secretary handed him the daily report and he flipped over it. The girl was still asleep and would probably remain so for a while. Two more reports had come in from agents that were in MATRIX and Seele. It seemed that more embryos had been discovered in the spaceship itself. He signed the report and handed it back to his secretary. James then went down to the cafeteria for breakfast. He had more work today and it would be tiring as usual. Pity the Pentagon didn't issue any free time. He could really use some of it.
"General."
James stopped and a scientist caught up with him. It was Dr. Vincent Ovre, the head of the research department.
"What is it?" James asked.
"That girl is awake," said Vincent, "and she's throwing a tantrum down in the labs. She seems to have powers and can barely control them. She's already destroyed a lot of equipment."
"Bloody hell," James muttered, "Lead me to her. I'll have to explain why I need more money again."
"This time it is rather important," said Vincent, "The girl did destroy them, and that might keep you from getting your head bit off."
"That report I just got said she was asleep."
"Well, that report is now out of date."
Vincent led the general to the lab. Before he had even opened the door, James could hear someone inside screaming and crying. When the doors slid open, it was much worse.
"Why the hell am I here!" the girl screamed, "I haven't done anything, and I'm not some specimen you have a right to study!"
James walked in and the girl saw him. She quickly looked him over and glared at him.
"You're the one in charge! Tell me why I am here!"
"She certainly has a temper," James whispered to Vincent. Vincent only nodded in agreement. "I am Lieutenant General James Walker and I apologize for your treatment. We did not know what exactly you were before."
"I'm a human girl, and I would thank you kindly if you let me go."
"Go where?" James asked, "Most of the planet is starving and even the well- off countries have extremely high poverty levels. Even in the United States it is as if the Great Depression has come around again, but this time we simply can't grow enough food to feed everyone."
"I'll survive," the girl said stubbornly.
"There is another thing," James went on, "Three days ago, you were still an embryo."
"So?"
"That kind of accelerated growth shouldn't be possible. What are you?"
"I'm human," the girl stated.
"Fine. What is your name?"
The girl continued to look at him defiantly.
"I have my orders," James said, "If you will not cooperate, there is nothing I can do about it except use force."
"Let's see how far you get," the girl snapped.
James raised an eyebrow. Her look seemed to pierce into his soul and see the darkness in it. However, what she did not see was a power hidden away. Very few things could trigger it, but the girl came close. If she actually tried anything, it would be unleashed.
"Dr. Ovre, inform Major Steele that she has custody of the girl and she is to get some answers out of her, but she is not to be abused."
"Sir, are you sure-"
"Do it!" James yelled at the man.
The doctor jumped but nodded and walked off. James sat down in a chair in the lab and continued to watch the girl. If she tried to run for it, she might get hurt. However, she was valuable and he would do what he could to keep her safe. Vincent returned with Major Samantha Steele, a member of the Navy SEALs. The major had been transferred from Fort Bragg and studied engineering at the college in the city over NERV. Like MATRIX, NERV also had a fortress city built over it, though few outside the Pentagon and the Special Warfare Department knew much about it. The city was called Novaya Star, novaya being Russian for new. Samantha was still twenty but she already had an almost motherly look. James had chosen her for her compassion. If he had wanted to beat an answer out of the girl he would have done it himself. Subtlety did pay in certain situations.
"Hello," said Samantha, "I'm Samantha Steele and I'll be your guardian. What's your name?"
The girl gave James a slightly surprised look.
"It seems you do have a heart, General," she said, then to Samantha, "My name is Sentoki."
"An interesting name," James noted.
"My name is my name."
James nodded and didn't press for any further explanation. Samantha took Sentoki away. When they were gone, Vincent turned to James.
"Sir, are you sure that was wise?" he asked.
"I've seen other people like her, though perhaps not completely like her. The way to get information out of them is to get them to trust you."
"But we need to study her."
"Do remember that she is a sentient being," said James, "Would you like to be put under a microscope by people you do not know?"
"Well, no," Vincent confessed, "By the way, what does Sentoki mean? It sounds Japanese."
"Fighter. I'm afraid that things are only going to get more interesting from this point on."
Ritsuko took off her glasses as she looked up at Kaji.
"You have a very interesting way with women," she said, "Misato called me to ask my advice in dealing with you."
"She must be rather desperate," said Kaji, "to ask you. No offense intended."
"None taken. I simply don't have the time for men. Anyways, that's beside the point. In my opinion, she is still in love with you and all you have to do is get her drunk to confess it."
"That wouldn't really be an honest way to go about things," said Kaji.
"Since when have you ever been worried about honesty?" Ritsuko asked, "Now, I'm doing this to help Misato and you. I really suggest you get together with her or something. That poor woman will pull her hair out soon with having to worry about you around every corner. But of course you'll think it will be funny."
"You know me too well Rit-chan," Kaji said with a smile, "but you are right about one thing. I should hook up with Misato again, no matter what she might do to me."
"Good. Now that's out of the way, I need you to deliver a message to Seele."
"What makes you think I know about them?" Kaji asked.
"You were originally sent as a special inspector. However, that job is only given to people Seele trust to give them information."
"So what's the message?"
"We have become aware that Seele is asking around about Commander Ikari's reliability. We want you to send in what we want you to."
"You do realize that Seele has other agents in MATRIX," said Kaji, "and even you could be one of them."
"I am well aware of that," said Ritsuko, "However, we want you to send in an honest report regarding your opinions on Commander Ikari."
"Honest huh? That's going to be tricky. I'll have to be sure it never gets into his hands."
"He will understand," said Ritsuko, "There is another matter. An American Lieutenant General stopped in Tokyo 3 on his way back to the States. Do you know why?"
"Maybe he just wanted to refuel before the long hop back to the States," said Kaji, "How would I know?"
"Because you met this American general."
"Am I to assume that the commander knows about this?"
Ritsuko nodded.
"Well, let's just say that this general is interested in MATRIX and wanted to know what our objective was. I told him I didn't know."
"I may even believe that," said Ritsuko, "However, consider this advice from a friend. Keep out of matters that don't concern you and don't try to interfere in matters of others."
"I'll take that advice as if it did come from a friend," said Kaji, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a report to send."
Ritsuko watched him leave and sighed. Kaji had dug himself into another hole. There was a very thick file on the American general waiting for him when he got back to his office. Another copy was on her desk. It seemed that the American was very young to be so high ranking, but he had proved extremely capable of the job the president had given to him, which was ensure the survival of humanity at any cost. He might actually stop MATRIX from accomplishing its objectives. NERV, the organization that this American was in charge of, was still a mystery, though most reports agreed that it was headquartered at Novaya Star. She cracked her neck and went back to studying all of the information that Maya and the others had pulled off the computer core. This time it was very possible they had actually found the computer code.
Shinji shot another basket and made it. His turn then ended and he went to sit on the sidelines, joining all of the boys looking at the girls at the swimming pool. Kensuke had his trusty videocamera and was letting other boys have a close up look of the girls by using the zoom feature. Shinji didn't bother to take a turn. He could already hear the girls calling all of them perverts. Fortunately Asuka wasn't standing by the other girls at the fence. That girl had a foul mouth and knew how to use it, though usually in German. He turned his attention back to the basketball game. His team was actually winning for a change but Shinji wasn't paying that close attention. He laid back against the slanted wall and just enjoyed the fresh air.
"Hey Shinji!"
Shinji turned his head and saw Toji looking at him.
"Come on! You'll have to take another turn. Atoko just busted up his knee."
Shinji sighed and got back onto the court. The ball was quickly passed to him and he made it down the court. However, three guys immediately started playing defense against him and he had to pass it to someone else. At least he was getting some exercise.
"Kensuke is such a geek," said Asuka.
"That's one way of looking at it," said Hikari, "though he didn't have to let the guys use his camera to spy on us."
"What else do those perverts have to do?" Rei put in, "All of them are just trying to get a show."
"Except for your brother," said Hikari, "He's one of the few decent ones down there."
"Shinji wouldn't dare," Rei said, grinning, "Asuka keeps him in line."
"What about Toji?" Asuka asked, "He certainly hasn't tried anything."
"Well, I did lay down the ground rules for him," Hikari said, her face slightly red, "He knows to behave."
Just then the bell rang and the girls went to change back into their uniforms. Shinji, Toji, and Kensuke were waiting for them when they came out. Asuka wrapped an arm around Shinji's neck and hung onto him. Hikari and Toji just walked next to each other.
"Now that school is finally out," she said, "Let's go have some fun."
"Where should we go?" Shinji asked.
"There's that ice cream place," Hikari offered, "I heard they have a great double chocolate Sunday. And it's also next to a movie theater."
"We can get a Sunday after a movie," said Asuka, "Let's go!"
She dragged Shinji behind her as she ran to the theater. Hikari, Toji, Kensuke, and Rei had to sprint all the way to keep up with the two of them. When they got there, all of them except Asuka were panting heavily.
"All of you need to exercise more," she said.
"Asuka, how, the, hell, do you run so fast?" Shinji said between breaths.
"Oh, I don't know," said Asuka, "I guess I'm naturally more athletic."
They looked at the movies playing and finally the guys managed to convince the girls to watch an action adventure movie.
"This had better be worth is," Asuka mumbled.
"We are paying," said Shinji, "so I don't think you should be complaining."
"Well, at least we could have seen something a bit more romantic," said Hikari, "but I'll settle for this."
The gang walked into the movie theater.
"General Walker?"
James grunted in reply.
"The president wants to talk to you.
James nodded and activated his console.
"Hello Mr. President."
"Hello James. I hoped you had a good flight back."
"Jet lag does not care wherever we're going," James replied.
The president smiled and nodded understandingly.
"I received a report saying that you have possibly an alien girl."
"She's human," James said quickly, "We've done DNA tests and she is human, though there are a few other things we are trying to understand about her, like her accelerated growth."
"Well, perhaps Project NERV is repaying the earlier investments."
"I'd say we have more than repaid them," said James, "It was the biochemical that we found spreading across the Antarctic that is allowing us to expand our farm installations."
"That is a good point, and you did lead that expedition. However, there are other issues at hand. MATRIX has just released its briefing on what they have found out so far regarding the Ark."
"Ark. Interesting name. I was just reading the report when you called. They're obviously hiding a lot of things. I just received a report from one of our agents and he's informed me of another discover in the Ark. Apparently there are seventeen other embryos in the ship and one empty tank."
"We'll have to assume the girl is the eighteenth embryo," said the president, "So what are you calling her?"
"She says her name is Sentoki," James answered, "Right now, I have placed her in the care of Major Steele. She'll watch over the girl. We first need more information and hacking into their Magi systems is not an option we can use right now."
"What of our other source?"
"We will have to wait."
"Very well. There is another matter I have to clear up with you. We want Gendo Ikari to remain commander of MATRIX. Why?"
"Because he believes he is manipulating everyone to do what he wants," said James, "However, the problem isn't Ikari. It is Seele."
"Yes. How do you propose we deal with them?"
"Eliminate them," James said immediately, "There are some uses for dangerous pets, but Seele is uncontrolled. Therefore, we must do what we must and ensure that they do not interfere."
"The airfield outside of Tokyo 3 will be manned with American soldiers," said the president, "How many soldiers do you suggest we send in?"
"I would put in a full Marine battalion," said James, "The Japanese SSDF is powerful and could easily overwhelm our forces if they wanted to, but a full battalion might give them pause. And besides, our fighters will be stationed there."
"General Anderson is suggesting I move in N2 mines."
"I agree with him. With N2 mines present, I don't think the Japanese or Seele will be that eager to attack our base."
"Good. Unfortunately, we cannot expect the UN carrier taskforce to follow our orders."
"But Taskforce 4 is in the Pacific," James pointed out, "They are currently docked in Singapore. I suggest they remain there for the time being."
"I'll think about it. It is rather expensive and we don't exactly have money to throw away."
"I understand Mr. President."
"I'll speak with you later James. Good work so far. Keep it up. Goodbye."
"Goodbye Mr. President."
The window closed and James settled back into his chair. He flipped open the folder again and continued to read the report MATRIX had released. They spoke of a promising biochemical, but the US had already patented it. MATRIX's official comment on that was a question asking the US how it got a sample of the compound. James didn't know how the president would handle that one, but his secretary of state should be able to handle it well enough. Other parts were about a possible matter-energy converter that held great promise for power generation. However, what James saw was a potential weapon that could be used against him and the United States. He would have to be careful regarding this thing. Most of the other stuff was something about a navigation log and possibly computer code. That he would hand over to the scientists and let them worry about it. Now all he had to do was figure out what to do regarding the Russian MATRIX Second Branch at Vladivostok.
"The movie wasn't too bad," Asuka admitted, "but I would have still wanted to see the other one."
"It certainly sounded romantic," said Hikari, "I mean, 'Roses for My Beloved' definitely sounds like an interesting movie."
"For you three, perhaps," Shinji said, "but to us, we would probably fall asleep during it."
"Let's get some Sundays now," said Asuka.
The gang walked into the café and each of them ordered a small Sunday. The guys ended up paying again, though none of them dared complain.
"This Sunday is really good!" Asuka declared, "What else are we going to do today?"
"We really should be getting home," said Hikari, "Besides, tomorrow the three of us are going to that new game corner place."
"Well, I guess that's fine," said Asuka.
They threw away their trash and walked back home. Toji escorted Hikari while Kensuke walked home by himself. Asuka leaned against Shinji's shoulder as they walked home, not caring that Rei was with them.
"Rei, when are you going to start dating?" Asuka asked.
"I'm not interested in dating right now," said Rei.
"Then when are you going to start becoming interested?" Asuka persisted.
"When I actually meet someone I like."
"Whatever. You're probably going to stay a virgin until you're married."
Rei wasn't even fazed by the comment. Shinji grinned, enjoying the little duel of words between Asuka and Rei. The two always played word games against each other around him. They had never gotten past words, and the two seemed to enjoy sparing against one another. They reached their apartment and Shinji and Rei said goodbye to Asuka. The twins found Yui waiting for them when the walked into the apartment.
"There you are," Yui said when they entered, "Come on. We have to get to the institute."
"What's going on?" Shinji asked.
"The two of you were supposed to be tested earlier, but no one knew where you were. Come on! We don't have all day!"
The two groaned and followed their mother out.
"By the way, what exactly are we being tested for?" Shinji asked.
Yui's eye twinkled. "You'll see."
She got them into the car and drove them down to the MATRIX Geofront.
End of Chapter 3
Haven't updated in a while because I was busy with Flight.
Z98
