We Came To Help

by Mercaba

While on a journey to visit a new planet, Eris encounters an angel and crashes only to be found by the pilots. Now forces try to capture or control the alien for their own wishes.

3. Chapter 3

Standard Disclaimer

Halloween has come and gone, was fun. Saw some haunted houses and some good horror movies. Terraform is a horrible monster to code for. Family that moved out of state is going to visit for a bit so that will be cool

X-X

We Came To Help

Chapter – 3

Once again in the relatively nice gymnasium at Nerv, Asuka was doing her best to not let her frustration show. The gym in Germany was much better, new equipment and more options, but the pool here was much nicer. They were all wasting time waiting for Nerv to align its satellites or something to contact Eris's mothership. First official contact between humanity and the Catian species. The ship arrived yesterday but was hiding in the moon's shadow to prevent fear. Earth didn't have a lot of good luck with alien species, the Angels left a bad taste in humanity's mouth. So until things could be carefully announced, secrecy was best. Asuka just suspected somebody wanted to get a payday or something so they kept it hush.

"So any idea how long its going to take? I don't mind missing a day of school, but I'd rather be able to do something more enjoyable than play cards here or whatever it is you're doing," Asuka grumbled. Deftly shuffling cards, being a 'base kid' Asuka knew how to entertain with a set of cards. Her companions were all sitting on the ground in a small circle, Ayanami seemed to be oddly close to Shinji who didn't even notice. "Earth to Idiot, are you in there? Could you stop looking at her tits please? Being a pervert," Asuka muttered the last part. He never so blatantly eye humped her!

Shaking his head so hard, Shinji fell over onto his back, "I was not doing that! And…Misato-san said she'd get us when they needed us. E-Eris-san what did your captain say about today's plans anyway?" Shinji was being such a goober, it was annoying! Ever since that drunken little kiss, he'd been extra on guard whenever Eris was concerned. A geek getting a girl of Eris's caliber, go figure his brain was frazzled. Why did Eris have to pick Shinji over all the other options she had, made this whole integration thing Kaji asked for harder.

Pouncing atop Shinji's prone body, her hair making a small screen, Eris's tail flickered about in slow rolling waves. Something in Eris's voice was off, "They just want to start talking about how to announce their arrival. With earth having its issues with those monsters, best to be cautious. And aren't you supposed to say a different suffix for me?" Oh how Eris's backend wiggled, and since she was in her suit both Asuka and Rei got to see the moons sway.

"Don't overload his poor little boy brain," Asuka grabbed Eris by the shoulder and pulled her back. If those two were always in their own little world, Asuka couldn't befriend Eris. If Asuka couldn't be a friend she'd not get info on that tech. If no info on tech she'd upset Kaji-san! Yup, that was all of it, nothing else. Seeing Shinji's red cheeks and closed eyes…and was that spittle on his lips? Blinking hard as Eris's cheeks went red as she sat on a certain part of Shinji's anatomy, Asuka did her best not to think about THAT. Catian's only had sex when in heat, right? Eris said enough about her 'first heat', gave Asuka that impression at least. Being a bit more firm, inserting herself into the talk more, "So what should we do to pass the time? Play some cards?"

Pulling Shinji out from under the prone Eris, Rei's hand stayed on his shoulder after he was sat up. Shaking her head slowly, "I do not know card games. We could train, or swim." Another thing Asuka was learning was Ayanami was a sad and pathetic creature. Girl didn't know anything worth knowing! No television, gossip, games, movies, or anything the other kids enjoyed! What a sad and boring life, only knowing Nerv. Go figure she'd latch onto Shinji and Eris, any form of entertainment was better than nothing! Asuka was afraid to think of how boring Rei's apartment would be. With all eyes on her, Rei actually withdrew a little, "And the suffix is chan," Rei's eyes were downcast.

"I don't know many earth games either, Rei! Asuka will you teach us? Let's get you off the ground…Shin-chan!" Eris was ever the fount of positivity. Grabbing his hands, she yanked him up and to her side, an arm wrapping around his waist keeping him close. Oh and her tail curled around his leg and thumped, "Thanks for reminding me that too! I wouldn't be opposed to a little physical activity either! I'm full of energy today. I'll be getting to see my shipmates soon, and just wait until the exchange of ideas begins! Culteral exchange is so much fun!" Eris literally waggled Shinji back and forth as she swayed with her enthusiasm.

Letting out a little whooping laugh mixed with concern, "Eris-c-chan could you slow down! D-don't wave me about to hard!" Shinji gasped out. Then he went flying as Eris over corrected and let him go. Rolling around the ground and colliding with the portable table/chairs that he had set up for them, he just lay their groaning. Under the pile of furniture, "Maybe not that fast next time?"

"You alright?" Asuka rushed over and threw off the table. Looking back to Eris who hadn't moved since she flung him a good twenty feet, horror awash on her face, Asuka was a bit nervous now. "Bit to strong for your own good?" she asked Eris who then did start slowly walking over along with Rei. Finding Shinji's head wobbling back and forth, she grabbed his cheeks softly, "You alright Idiot? You're bleeding a bit. How many fingers am I holding up?" She held up four fingers, Asuka wasn't going to be a jerk in times when somebody might actually be hurt. He was an idiot, but she'd not toy with him.

Blinking a few times, keeping his eyes shut for a few moments, Shinji finally pushed Asuka's hand away. "Four, I think, an my head hurts a bit, thanks for checking," Shinji offered her a small smile. Stupid kid didn't realize he had such a nice smile for a boring little boy. He was going to sit up, but Asuka kept him laying, "What?"

"Just stay still for a moment, head injuries are best treated quickly, and your girlfriend has that thing of hers out," Asuka didn't like how curt that sounded. They weren't really a couple, not officially since a drunk kiss did NOT make for a couple. Plus as far as Asuka knew, they hadn't talked about it since the event. Since Shinji was a coward he likely didn't really trust Eris meant it since booze was involved. Why did it matter though? Asuka's mission was to befriend Eris, if she dated (or mated) Shinji it wouldn't matter! So why did that small twitch of emotional pain exist? Well because she was attractive and gave him time, why did Eris get all the attention! Big tits, cat ears, maybe the tail?

Taking her bell off as she slide over to Shinji's side, Eris had her medical device out, "Hold still Shinji-san!" Asuka noticed the suffix change, guess after such an pitch she wasn't on cloud nine anymore. Waving the device over his body, a green light immitted from the device and Asuka gasped as the injury healed in seconds. "Are you alright? Any more pain?" Eri's voice was equally skilled at concern as it was peppy, guess she really DID like the idiot.

Sitting up and rubbing at where he had a bruise already forming that was gone, "Amazing, as if nothing happened at all. That tool of your is amazing. What else can it do?" Shinji carefully pushed Eris's wrist away from him, she had become uncomfortably close for public display. Righting the table and chairs, they all sat down a little uncomfortably, well aside Ayanami who showed no concern after the injury was gone.

"It can do a health scan, heal surface level injuries, and prescribe medication for any illnesses it detects. According to this your heart rate is high and your in h-he-heat…oh yeah…humans al-always are," Eris ears smoothed against her head. All the girls saw a holographic projection of Shinji's body with readouts. It gave everything Asuka would expect and a few more that she didn't know, go figure for alien tech, but they all did see a growing number of red lines going to a certain part of Shinji's anatomy. "W-would you two like to see what your readings are?" Eris was quick to pointed the tiny device at Asuka.

Normally she'd say no, but Asuka was going to have to resist her base instincts if she wanted to continue this whole 'befriending' thing. "Sure, and you should be ashamed of yourself ya little pervert. Be careful Eris, boys on earth really are in heat all the time, even boys like Idiot here," Asuka glared at Shinji who was just mollified that they all knew his state of arosal. Expecting to feel some pain for at least uncomfortable, she felt nothing when the green light wafted over her. "That was it? I'll admit, that is actually pretty crazy," It was basically magic compared to human level technology.

"Yup, that is all it takes! And according this this…you're a little underweight and it looks like…huh…do humans girls have a…" Eris found her mouth covered by Asuka. Without that bell, Eris was not able to pull away or push off Asuka's hand. Slowly Asuka removed her muzzle and pointed at Shinji and signaled for silence. The goober was still to embarrassed to notice what was going on, good. Shinji did not need to know Asuka's next cycle was to start in a few days. But the fact that the device could detect even that for an 'alien' species spoke leagues about not only the tech but the nature of living creatures. "Um…Rei-san would you like to have yours scanned?" Eris took the hint.

Still probing and prodding Shinji's non-existent wound, "I have no reason to deny it." Once she was content that the male pilot wasn't injured, and Asuka thought Rei gave his crotch a glance, she sat prim and proper with her hands on her lap. "That bell of yours, why did you take it off?" Rei reached out for it, but pulled away just shy of actually touching it.

"Well…safety actually. Anybody can wear the bell and use the suit. But if it scans a hormonal imbalance it lowers the power it can use. I'm getting…close to imbalance but not enough for it to limit me. So I took it off," Eris ran the scan over Rei. Clad in that stupid "Sugoi Dekai" shirt, Asuka hated Misato for giving Eris that damn thing. They weren't that great, and in time if Asuka ate enough fatty foods as Eris did she'd have cans like that too! Anyway, clad in her 'normal' non-Shinji's shirt attire, Eris frowned as Rei's readings showed. Eris was quick to shut it down, but Asuka had seen enough red warning signs and she was pretty sure the double helix was shown with a warning Asuka couldn't read. Just what was that? "This is…I'll have Durel-sensei take a look at this, Rei-san. Nothing is bad, just not something I understand. Did…you want to see how the bell works on somebody else?" Eris was quick to put the medical device away and hand the bell to Shinji.

Holding the bell with reverence, or fear, Shinji had both hands cupping the thing up to his nose. "Is that really a good idea, Eris-san?" he was to much a coward to say chan and all the girls noticed. The bell tickled in his hand as he rolled it about. "How about you just explain it a bit more, are all them like yours? Or is this something only a scout like yourself have?" Shinji handed back the bell, Asuka wanted to throttle him for that! Any smart human would have taken that bell and ran! Get it analyzed and replicated just like Kaji wanted!

"Well why we have our science lesson, I'll deal out some cards. We can play some rummy, its an easy game and fast," Asuka started dealing as she casually hit the record button on her phone. Maybe it wasn't anything to important, but she wasn't going to let a chance to please Kaji slip by. Eris didn't offer the bell to anybody else after Shinji handed it back, guess she wasn't going to try and offer her 'rivals' over that idiot any advantages. Or…since Asuka was nearing her period and whatever Rei's readings told her Eris was being cautious.

Not the first game of cards Asuka forced Shinji and Eris to play, they scooped up the cards as they were given, Ayanami let them pile up. Arranging them as she did, Asuka was an avid player watcher knew more about Eris's cards already, "I've actually the lowest grade bell. All crew have a bell, but higher rank officer bells can actually do a lot more. Captain Kuune's bell can even do on the spot genetic manipulation! She's never had to use it, not that I've seen, but there are cases when captains need to change their lungs to breath CO2 or methane."

"That is…I cannot believe it!" Shinji just said what the whole table of earthlings was thinking. How could such a light hearted race of people come up with crazy technology! Eris was smart, Asuka begrudgingly acknowledged that, but how Eris spoke of her species, they were all similar to her in mentality. A race of leotard wearing cat women with few males looking over the galaxy to 'play' with other species. And now Asuka just heard that some of those playful little sex kittens can change their genetics on the fly? "And you say they're out behind the moon now? Wi-will you be going back up to the ship once contact is officially made?" Shinji didn't look at her as asked. Asuka knew why, she had teased him enough that Eris was going to leave eventually, and he was asking when she planned to.

"They are trying not to terrify countries. With satellites still recovering, nations would panic if aliens were seen," Rei fumbled with her cards. Never had anybody, well anybody Asuka saw, examined playing cards so intensely. For a girl that never played any games, Ayanami had the perfect poker face as every card was a mystery she was trying to discern.

Scooting over to Rei's side, sharing a view of her cards and rearranging Rei's as best Eris knew to expect, Eris's tail flickered. "Was going to let it be a secret until we knew for sure. But Misato was able to get the apartment next to ours. Kuune and the others will be using that as a temporary embassy, well both apartments really, until we have a formal one made. Then…typically first contact exchanges last about a year. W-with a good number of the crew staying longer if they…have a reason to stay," Eris tried playing coy gazing at Shinji over her cards. He saw, Asuka saw him seeing, Shinji saw Asuka seeing her seeing him see…and Eris just rubbed shoulders with Rei content with the sharing of emotions.

Asuka cut the love-in short by teaching them how to play the game. Watching people in love was annoying and Asuka didn't want to see it. Eris was smitten, Shinji was head over heels, and Asuka wanted to gag. Lame little boy being led by an alien that just looked a little (a lot) different. After the first few tutorial rounds they played a real hand…and Ayanami destroyed all of them.

X-X

The thrill of technology, excitement about meeting more Catians, and general wonder about the future was being tested against Ritsuko's want to smash her keyboard against the back of Misato's skull. Various life pursuits were at risk due to Misato's mother hen tendencies and general annoying personality traits all ramped up to their highest degree. Just keep calm, filter out the ambient frequency of radiation that Eris informed her about, and Ritsuko would be done. Don't think about how that delicious cat girl is off on the base right now doing cute and adorable things. A single cat girl today was great, a fleet of cat girl overlords…divine!

"Have you tried changing the amplitude? The instructions from Eris-kun say we have to compensate for the uh Vans radiation belt? That doesn't make sense," Misato re-read the instructions for the umpteenth time. No help at all when it came to science terms not typically seen in movies or television, Misato did give it the old college try. Sadly Misato's college try was things not allowed on television unless an extra service charge was applied.

Having already compensated for the VanAllen Radiation belt, Ritsuko was more than eight steps ahead. Squeezing her eyes shut so hard she saw stars, Ritsuko just repeated, "She means well, she means well." It helped to say that mantra as Misato continued to pace the small room. They were in Ritsuko's lab as it was the easiest place on base to keep empty, Ritsuko knew it was checked for listening devices, and random people didn't just walk in. The bridge had Misato fans trying to get a glimpse of Misato in a good mood and in questionable positions, people came to Ritsuko's lab when ordered. But Misato's talking was distracting, "Misato, sit down and have some coffee. I'm nearly done, so why don't you tell me what has you wearing a hole in my floor? Eris have a litter of kittens already?" They would be adorable.

"That would be adorable! But after that little kiss I think Eris came to her senses a little and cooled off. They're still cute together when they think nobody is watching, Eris-kun a few times when she doesn't care. Just thinking what this could mean for Nerv and earth really. What if…what if this is all a lie? A big ploy to open the gates for the alien fleet to come in and take over," Misato did sit down thankfully. Her legs crossed and re-crossed, things people did go to the bridge to see. Rocking in the chair, "I mean we have Eris-kun as the face of a whole race. If they're like her, great…but what if she is an outlier?"

Ritsuko wouldn't care, she'd serve her new feline overlords if asked, obsession was a thing. The Underside of the Kitten's paw would all serve willingly, and the order was foaming at the mouth for more of the videos Ritsuko liberated from the Katsuragi apartment. Eventually Misato would learn that Nerv had her place bugged, videos of Shinji and Eris on the couch doing a little hand holding was likely to leak, but Ritsuko could always blame somebody else. Shrugging as she pulled out a screwdriver for fine tuning, "If it is, what would it matter? We can barely fight one angel at a time, what could we do against a race with Eris's level of technology? They're so much more advanced than us, I believe most are like her. If we had every whim cared for, those cute little robots doing the menial work and enjoying it, and if what those simulations sound like…why be angry? I'd go hunting space to have fun!"

Taking the steaming cup of coffee, Misato's drink kept the proper temp thanks to Shinji's birthday gift for her, Misato sighed deeply. "You have a point. If they are that advanced, why travel the infinite gulf of space just to bother other people," sipping her coffee and wincing, "Damn forgot how good this thing works. Kid got me the perfect present. You should get one. So…how much longer?" Misato's attention span was extra thin today. Normally she could focus long enough. Put Shinji in danger, offer her free booze, or put a promotion on the line and Misato's brain was a cat following a laser pointer.

As she neared completion of the communication upgrades, Ritsuko's hand stopped. "I wonder how Eris-kun would react to a laser pointer or catnip. Shinji ever try something like that with her?" Ritsuko asked knowing the answer. It was on accident, Shinji had checked the temp of the food he was cooking with a remote temperature gauge and the two of them played for about twenty minutes while the food finished. That video hadn't been given to the Underside yet. Forcing her brain back onto task, catnip would be tried later, "And I'm just about…why couldn't we have Eris-kun in here to do this? Why not use HER comm for this?"

"Because we are humans, and we cannot use other people's stuff! Can't have Eris-kun here all the time to do this for us. And she told us how to contact her ship so she already did enough," Misato defended herself. At times Ritsuko wondered why Misato was so damn clean. No cheating when talking to the aliens, humans had to it. Utter stupidity, nobody would know about this, but Misato just couldn't cheat. It was endearing though, like mother like son…Ritsuko dropped the screwdriver. Did she just correlate Shinji and Misato as son/mother…did she just have a quick fantasy about both of…

"Hello? Hello? I don't think they have it yet. Maybe we should send somebody else down to aid them," a rich and motherly voice wafted over the speaker with only a little crackle.

Body frozen for a few seconds, Ritsuko couldn't believe it, she'd done it! Leaving the fallen tool on the ground, Ritsuko adjusted her dials just a smidge, "Hello this is Akagi Ritsuko…is this Kuune?" Eris had given Misato and her a small overview of the command staff of the Catian ship. Kuune was the captain and from description was much akin to Misato. A motherly type of older woman, just this woman knew shame. Static greeted Ritsuko's comment, was it all a dream, "Hello, is this…you-know-who?" With the nature of the broadcast it COULD be picked up by spy agencies so keeping things vague was best.

"It is, and if you adjust your bandwidth a little greater, we'll have perfect connection," a different voice, this one calm and collected cut off the squeal of the first voice. "This is Durel, a doctor. Pleasure to finally talk with you. Eris you there?" Durel must be the smart one of the group as Ritsuko could recognize a fellow abusee of an emotional boss/friend.

Following the command, Ritsuko felt that pain of being ignored as Misato was already hovering over the microphone. Not even a word of thanks, just right to work, but that was how Misato worked. Mission first, even if it was a rude thing to do.

"Durel, Kuune, and…whoever else is listening. I would like to greet you informally. Thank you for listening to our request about taking things slow. I don't know all of what Eris-kun told you, but we're a little…fearful of visitors right now. But if you're willing to work with us, we're already gathering people for a formal gathering in a few days," Misato was in full military mode. The warmth was still there but the joking personality was gone, replaced with formality and care.

If only this stupid comm had visuals, Ritsuko was left to imagine how these two voices looked. They'd be trim and proper, short haired, formal suits, and very dignified. Kuune took the mic again, "Thank you Katsuragi-san for tending to our missing scout. And we understand your need for secrecy, and we will abide by it. We do ask for access to your home network to better understand your culture before that meeting."

"Sure you can," Ritsuko winked at Misato and gave her a little sneer. Whatever Misato was hiding on her home drive, well that was the aliens problem now. For the next twenty minutes the four women hammered out a small accord regarding the future events. Nerv would facilitate a meeting between the Catian meeting team and whatever Earth agencies they could arrange. For now Misato wanted Japan and Nerv represented and whoever else could be trusted to not terrify humanity with this. They spoke in code, just in case the transmission was leaked it wouldn't easily be known as a communique with an alien ship. Once things were as best as they could be for now, "I'll keep this channel open in case anything happens that needs to be told. Thank you again."

More random chatter on the Catian side, excited and happy voices, ended when Durel came back with, "That is a prudent move. We won't say anything unless necessary, we'll talk via Eris is necessary. But she is nearing her first mating cycle so she might not be thinking straight soon. I'd like to meet with her for a physical once able."

With nothing else to do, Ritsuko turned the sound down to prevent any Catian bridge talk from being broadcast to the room. Maya had the habit of visiting from time to time, and so far the number of humans that knew about the Catians, well…Ritsuko didn't know. Gendo knew, which mean Seele knew, and the allusive Jens and their agency. More knew about the new aliens than Misato realized. "So you're making me food right? Dinner and drink was what you said, something Shinji-kun was making. He does know right?" Ritsuko felt the adrenaline dripping out of her so her fatigue was maxed.

"He doesn't know you're coming, but since he's been cooking up a storm to feed Eris-kun as much new stuff…we'll have extra," Misato didn't sound so sure. Of course Misato didn't tell Shinji either, poor kid was never told anything unless it was 'deemed necessary.' All around him people were lying to him, using him, or neglecting him. Ritsuko could understand that feeling. But where Ritsuko now had her secret life's true desire, he was at least maybe dating that beautiful cat woman. "Kids, meet you in the garage, mission was a full success. Asuka don't dawdle outside Kaji's office either, just show up," Misato called the pilots while Ritsuko reminisced.

Checking her phone as they walked to the carpark, Ritsuko nearly screamed at the simple order she was given. "I'll take Ayanami home and give you time to get something good to drink. And pick a good movie too, going to demand you pay me back in full. Just don't make those machines do all the work," Ritsuko tried to sound polite. But Gendo's order of 'debrief Ayanami regarding current objective' made the good doctor want to throttle the bearded old goat! To think she had once thought him mysterious and attractive. Well he used to be, now Ritsuko had space fairing cat overlords to serve. Just had to insure she lived long enough to learn if they had scratchy tongues.

Pulling her keys out, Misato let out a confused sound, "She's been eating over lately, figured she'd do the same today. But if you want to drive her over feel free. With all of them the car is…interesting. If I have Shinji-kun in back with Eris-kun pretty sure she'd do something. Ayanami might be in on it as something is odd with those three. Have Asuka in the back then it's a fight. If it isn't a tight fight in the back…." Misato waited for Ritsuko to roll her eyes at the bad joke. Laughing at her own joke, "If it isn't…that…I can put Asuka in back and not worry about hearing hanky-panky."

"Do you really think Ikari-kun would fuck in your car while you were driving? Even Eris-kun isn't THAT brazen. She's open hearted from what I've seen, but she isn't…lewd," Ritsuko grabbed her own keys. Her car wasn't the fancy thing Misato had, but it had four wheels and could get from location to location with most of the time. Thinking about Misato's comment, "And I guess I could bring her with me." She could question Rei on her status AND keep that odd mission on target. Not that Ritsuko expected anything to come from it.

The kids were already at the cars by the time they got to the garage, go figure they were likely bored. Asuka was teasing/goading Shinji as normal, Ayanami just stood there akin to a bump on the wall, while Ritsuko's main fixation was cheering on all of the pilots. Before Ritsuko could gleam what they were even fighting over, Misato clapped her hands, "Break it up you two. Don't want to spoil the good mood I'm in. Shinji, Ritsuko is going to eat with us today so make a bit more alright? Ayanami she'll be your ride so you can all spread out a bit." The military conditioning kicked in an the kids stopped openly antagonizing one another and got into their respective cars.

Unlocking the doors, Ritsuko flinched her head at the car, "Get in, we can have a small talk." At one point Ritsuko was jealous of this girl, this empty shell of scientific nightmares, all because the only man in her life doted on her. Without the fog of emotion, Ritsuko saw the Gendo/Rei dynamic not as a father/daughter or even creepier possibility of man/woman but more man and tool. Everything was a tool, and that was all. Rei did what was asked, and the two kept close behind Misato until they got onto the street and Misato's lead foot took over. Flashing Rei the phone message, "He wants an update. Any progress? We're about to have formal communication with the mother ship."

"We played cards today, I won," Rei didn't bother with a seatbelt. Where Shinji and Asuka had been in casual clothing, Rei was in her school uniform. Sitting painfully proper in her seat, hands on her lap, Rei really did appear as a living doll.

Watching as Misato's car became a blue dot blurring through yellow lights, Ritsuko grumbled at her own lack of driving skills. But she had her own role to play, so offering to drive Eris and leaving the pilots to Misato would blow her cover. Playing cards, Ritsuko hadn't done that in ages, "Fun. How about the mission though? Are you getting closer to the target? What of their technology, any progress?" Rei was a blunt instrument being asked to perform precise actions, never going to succeed.

Rei was silent for a few moments, her nose wiggled akin to a rabbits, "Progress is…slow. Seduction is harder than anticipated. Eris is accepting of me, just as Ikari-kun is. But they are fixated with one another so attempts to integrate has increased. Soryu continually impedes my efforts, and claims both are peverts. As such I am trying to join that circle. Having spied Ikari-kun in the showers however and his…"

"You're trying to…you saw him in the shower? Kids that age are small, don't worry he'll grow," Ritsuko nearly laughed, and then nearly hit a car in front of her. Kids watching kids and thinking about some adult games. If Gendo didn't care, Ritsuko wasn't going to. "But if you see Eris AND Ikari-kun…try to use your phone to record it…for science," Ritsuko added after she realized just how off that sounded.

Rei did turn to Ritsuko with wide eyes and what was almost fear, "That was small? It will get…bigger? Statistics state otherwise…but if you are certain." What statistics was Rei looking at? Why was she afraid? Ritsuko suddenly felt she was ill prepared to continue, so aborted that line of talk and got a general debriefing of the pointless mission. She had a few more questions left when they got to Misato's, she'd ask them when driving Rei home. For now it was time to eat some good food, steal Misato's booze, and watch Eris. A blessed evening.

X-X

It wasn't the first time they were out in public together, but something about it felt different today. They were just shopping for a few necessities for the temporary 'Catian embassy' which would start getting used in a few days. Towels, food, cutlery, and the like were all planned to either get ordered or picked up. Nothing special, but Shinji just kept thinking about this little outing. Was it a date? Eris said she liked him, she had kissed him, and ever since then they'd been closer. But his mind just kept resisting it. Alien ideology, a joke, or maybe just she didn't have any options and that whole 'heat' thing was making her think strange. Low self-esteem didn't really give Shinji a lot of reasons to think she was genuinely liking him…as he did her.

"The sun on your pla…the sun here feels so good! Makes me want to curl up and take a nap! Maybe later!" Eris pranced about as they walked. They were heading towards the larger mall that would make up most of the day's shopping. People took notice of the 'cosplayer' and her handler, they took photos, and gaped at how blaze Eris carried herself. In her battle suit, Misato rightly figured people would assume it a costume, Eris didn't have any concern about it, "So where should we go first?"

Envious of Eris's confidence and overt joy, Shinji fought hard to not smile. Falling into the trap of emotions was not going to go well. Once the embassy was set up a Catian male would show up or something, right? Nothing good happened to Shinji without a big cost. Media was all about how the loser guy will eventually lose the girl to the outgoing guy. Misato was on a bender of those movies lately, made Shinji upset. They boiled women down being led by their crotch, and men as either idiots or rapists. Even he wouldn't just stand for some of the things Misato's movies had in them!

Shaking his mind free of the last movie he walked in on a drunken Misato watching, "We have the whole day, and we can have what we can't carry shipped. Asuka said she might join us later." He wasn't sure if he wanted that or not. If this was the last real outing they'd have together, he was selfish enough to want to have her to himself. Counting the number of phones on them in the dozens, "So what are you feeling like shopping for first? We need just about everything."

"Well if we need that much, lets just go room by room! So lets get the bathroom first!" Eris had a point. Shinji opened the door to the shopping center for Eris, she playfully batted at his hand, and they started their shopping adventure. Fun and oddly exciting for Shinji, and with how Eris looked at him he suspected she did as well. The embassy wasn't going to host ALL of the landing party, just two or three at a time so they kept that number in mind. After a good couple of hours, Eris's nose started to twitch, "I smell something really good! Want to get something to eat?"

Arms laden with bags of various goods, enough weight to cause lingering ache, Shinji was ready for a brake. Finding a table in the dining area, "What looks good. I'll go get us something if you'd watch the bags." A real big man, tired from holding bags, Shinji felt his worth tied to stupid things and always felt it slipping. Each place they shopped the clerk would do a double take at Eris, either wondering why the costume or her attractiveness. But then they'd see Shinji and (he suspected) wonder why a girl like that was with a nobody like him.

Closing her eyes and leaning just enough that her behind was easily seen wiggling, tail rod straight, Eris sniffed the air. Shinji did his best to stand behind her, blocking the view for those that would gap but his chronically ill libido couldn't help but realize the position he was in. Was she releasing pheromones or something? Shinji's mind kept thinking of things like that, didn't help that Eris hinting at her "heat" and that word was very red. Pointing at a stall, "How about that! O-oh there you are Shinji-san…sorry I got distracted by-by all the smells." Eris quickly stood up and daintily put her hands down while blushing softly.

Locking eyes with her, knowing she saw him seeing, and she didn't appear upset by it, Shinji stammered a few sounds then scampered off. Face burning, Shinji's chest felt tight and he had to squeeze his fist hard to keep a part of his anatomy from responding. Stop thinking bad things, stop thinking dirty things, stop thinking…about submitting to emotions. Standing in line for the beef bowls that Eris pointed at gave Shinji time to calm down, well at least a little. "Don't let her make a mistake, you have to be the strong one," Shinji muttered to himself. The people behind him heard and chuckled, so he promptly shut up.

A girl's…anybody's first time should be special right? Eris kept saying it was her first heat, and it wasn't as if Shinji was some grant romantic. He wouldn't, but what if Eris came to regret her actions? On an alien planet with some loser of a guy who just got lucky by camping alone and found her. "Just continue to be her friend…that is best," it was a cowards action, but his shell was tight. Placing his order for food and drinks, Shinji stood in the waiting area while it was prepared. As he waited his mind wandered from Eris herself to her species. If this whole 'first contact' and 'information exchange' was to happen, would that mean Earth was safe?

Eris was able to accidently take out an angel in a scout ship. At this very moment it was possible that the others that came for her knew what the angels were and how to deal with them! How would earth change with the Catian…the Milky Way Alliance allowing them to join! New science, no threats, and new alien species to interact with! With all that change, what did he have now? His life was bound to Eva, but now that connection could be cut! Would that mean he'd have to move out of Misato's place? Asuka would leave, Ayanami wouldn't have a need to interact with him, and father would vanish again. Everything he'd had gained…changed.

"W-what will I do?" Shinji asked the man that handed him the order. Getting a silly answer of 'enjoy your food', Shinji took his tray and started back towards Eris. The want to please everybody was already reminding him that he didn't get a drink order and likely got the wrong one and Eris would be upset. A mind that fed on itself never stopped and found new ways to turn good to bad. He nearly dropped the food however when he saw what he always knew he would, an older guy was talking to Eris and she was smiling. A small fire in him kindled however, "She's always smiling, she's a happy and upbeat person."

Not just laying down, the tiny part of the Shinji in the entry-plug peaked through. Approaching the table, he listened and it was as he expected it to be. Having went out 'palling around' with Touji and Kensuke, Shinji saw this type of act before. The guy was casually flirting with and trying to get Eris's attention. Why wouldn't somebody try? An attractive woman, cosplayer in their mind, alone in a shopping center was worth at least talking to. If they were single maybe take them out on a date, if they were busy…well at least you tried. Shinji never would try such an act, social situations weren't his thing, but he didn't fault somebody who did.

"So you're a cosplayer? Is it for a movie or show?" the guy was older than Shinji, maybe sixteen or seventeen. Shinji could tell that Asuka would say this guy was more attractive than him, being taller with more defined 'masculine' features. Not pushy, not overly aggressive, but obvious with his attraction with a wide but not creepy smile and just pleasant demeanor.

Sitting primly on a chair, her tail flickered about playfully and not the agitated Shinji had seen rarely, Eris played along with the lie she was given. Wobbling back and forth, a nervous tick, "Y-yeah I am! I'm a Catian alien from a new show. J-just getting people used to the idea before the show drops." Ritsuko had come up with that lie, and everybody that heard it believed it as such things did happen in the past.

Standing back, Shinji wasn't going to cut into Eris's potential happiness. He knew he had feelings, confusing and at times lustful feelings…but he wanted HER happiness before his own. So if she DID like this guy, he'd let her find her true path and not the first available. It was hard, but at any moment Eris didn't appear to be enjoying the encounter he'd interrupt.

"Want some company? Or…after your done working want to go out and sing karaoke or something? I can call some friends if you're worried about going with just me," just enough uncertainty was in the voice to make the request genuine and likely not a con. Laughing a little, "Wow those things really are lifelike. They move just like a real cats."

Now Eris's tail started to make wider and thumping into the bags, "Well…I'm not sure if that is a good idea. You seem like a nice guy and all but…" Eris turned around and when she saw Shinji standing there, her eyes went wide and that smile just laced Shinji's heart and shattered the ice around it. "But I'm with my boyfriend so if you don't mind him coming as well," Eris pointed right at Shinji without a moment of hesitation. Her finger was a siren song to the lad and he succumb to her call, if she was willing to downgrade to him, who was he to tell her no.

"Sorry, the line at the counter was longer than expected. Hope you don't mind tea to drink," Shinji's heart was just bursting. With given an option and she still claimed she wanted to be with him, Shinji wasn't going to turn it down. Sitting down and dispersing the food, Shinji did notice the disbelief on the guy's face but it wasn't hurtful. Wanting to be polite, "If you'd like to join us, feel free. As for singing…I'm not good at it but if Eris-c-chan wants to…"

Scooping up her cup of tea, Eris took a long drink, "We still have a lot of shopping to do right? How about you give us your number and if we're not tired we'll contact you!" Eris and the guy exchanged contact info, they all exchanged pleasantries a for a few more minutes and then left with a hearty goodbye, guy even winked at Shinji and gave him a thumbs-up, nice dude. "So where should we go after we eat? Any word from Asuka?" Eris was already digging into her junk food.

"Next would be larger items, couch, chairs, and bedding type things. So we won't need to carry any thing else. Any n-non-shopping places you'd like to go? If you want to go sing with that guy or the arcade…anything. As for Asuka…" Shinji pulled out his phone and looked through his messages. A few were from Touji and Kensuke regarding the 'cosplay girl found again in mall!' and they teased him about it. Misato just had to joke about not going to a love hotel, and Asuka…nothing. "Nothing from Asuka, she was going to hang out with Hokari-san so maybe that is going long," Shinji wasn't totally upset. Asuka had been MUCH nicer over the last week, made his initial emotions regarding that girl extra confusing.

Slurping up some of her beef, the broth leaving a glossy trail on her lips and chin, Eris's eyes gleamed with just a smidge of feral light. "I'll think about it! There are a few places I haven't had a chance to get to yet. If you'd be willing, we could go. With the others showing up soon…I'll have to help them more often and not get to play unsupervised a much. Today might be the last unsupervised day we have…" she lingered a little eyes going just a smidge unfocused before finishing her food.

Feeling the same way, but not wanting to say it, Shinji just ate and enjoyed the rarity of junk food. After the meal the pair went about finishing the shopping trip. Eris just had to flop on the bed they were going to get for one of the rooms and insisted Shinji get on as well. That ended with Shinji 'pinning' Eris down on accident and at discreet cough from the clerk to break them out of their own little world. After paying for the lot to be delivered, Shinji felt a ping from his phone, a reminder to head home before late. "I guess we should start heading back. Misato and Asuka will want supper, and I'm betting…" Shinji just didn't want to go yet.

"How about we walk back, if they get hungry I'm sure they'll find something…you don't mind spending time with me, do you?" Eris had the audacity to appear worried. Seeing her hand doing the small nervous tick that Shinji himself had with opening and closing. But in one burst of action she grabbed Shinji's hand. When they watched a few movies over the whole month of living together they had held hands a few times, but this just felt different. Holding it up, "This is fine right…couples on earth do this right?"

Alright, you can do this, you CAN do this…just confirm it, don't doubt it. Maybe it wouldn't last forever, but couldn't he just enjoy it while it lasted? But his brain cut his past his heart, "Eris…are you sure you're alright with me? That guy earlier was closer to your age…a lot of other guys out there…I don't want you to regr…" Eris shut him up easily by covering his mouth and holding his head, with her suits strength he couldn't move even if he wanted to. Time stopped while Shinji just enjoyed it, after a few people started clapping and wolf whistles, Eris let go of him, "If…if you'd have me…I'll be in your care."

"I thought the girl was supposed to say that, the documents state that I should be. But I'm alright with taking the lead if you want! Now lets get going…" Eris was about to lead them away from the apartment but suit started to chirp at her. "Oh drat, captain Kuune needs me…next time we can move on to the next stage of human courtship! Now lets go!" Eris recaptured Shinji's hand and the two ran off sharing the load of packages back to the apartment. Once they got back Eris went to the 'temporary embassy' to take whatever call she was summoned for. Shinji, well he just remembered that feeling of heat and moisture on his lips, how his heart hammered, and that Asuka gave him a very strange look when he got home. Not that he noticed much, his head was fully in the clouds.

X-X

Kozo wasn't keen on meetings with other parties involved, everybody had their own agendas and the tension was high. Nobody told the whole truth, lies flowed liked water, and the tension was always thick as every word was overly analyzed for alternate meanings. Seele meetings were straight forward compared to these group meetings. Seele wanted to push its scenario to evolve humanity into a new communal form. Who knows what the UN wanted, Japanese government, or mayor of Tokyo-3! Yet he sat in an upscale hotel lobby with a representative of each of those groups as Nerv's representation. Part of him really wished he could have sent Katsuragi or somebody else on the command staff.

"So it seems Nerv is still having issues with their satellites as well? Any word on when you'll get those things up and working again, been missing my favorite American television shows," the mayor of Tokyo-3 joked. A jolly man, a little rotund and balding, but of all those gathered he was the one Fuyutsuki interacted with the most. Drinking the provided coffee slowly, the man swabbed his glistening head, "That is why you called his meeting correct, to talk about the satellites and that false scare last month?"

Clad in very expensive looking suit, one of the men representing the UN poured himself some coffee as well. Grunting alongside the mayor, the foreigner nodded firmly, "Exactly what Yamamoto said, Fuyutsuki. The global satellite system is in turmoil and the last we heard from you was one of your angels was dropping parts of itself and you were readying a counter. Next we have a blackout and now nothing until this meeting? We give you a lot of authority to deal with that treat, but we do require some accountability. You better have a good explanation here."

Holding his hands out, Kozo gestured for calm, always so quick to accuse Nerv of some duplicity. They were not wrong to have those ideas, Nerv did have its own secret aims that even Seele didn't know. Kozo knew of them, was helping Gendo in his alternate scenario, and Kozo suspected some of the UN agents in the room knew of it as well. But things were likely going to change due to the real nature of the meeting. Kozo was re-evaluating his loyalties now that actual aliens were here…what did they know of what Seele and Gendo were doing? His phone chimed, reading the message his anxiety spiked, "Gentlemen please calm down. The reason for this meeting has finally gotten here and are ready to talk to us. I know this will sound fantastical, but the previous angel was intercepted by an alien race visiting our planet. If you'd please sit, I have the command staff of the ship that saved us here to talk with us today."

The room erupted into various denials and declarations of disbelief. Aliens didn't truly exist!? Well aside the angels which everybody agreed were aliens. Kozo wasn't sure, the antient texts claimed them to be alternate forms of humanity. They appeared alien enough to warrant a planet sized war against them, and the looked strange enough to be aliens. Since they came from space most of the time, made that narrative easier to push. "Please sit down in the provided chairs as I bring them in to answer questions and explain what they hope will happen next," Kozo felt he was herding cats.

Waiting for the grumbling dozen or so people to sit down in their assigned chairs on one half of the room, Kozo went to the large conference room door and opened it. His first meeting with the Catians aside the videos from the Katsuragi apartment, Kozo's chest tightened and he felt a stirring in his pants he hadn't felt in a long time. Five beauties were standing there, all wearing what could only be elementary school swimsuits each emblazoned with a name. Kuune, Melwin, Chaika, Durel, and the already known Eris. What the hell were they doing? Why were they dressed like this? Nobody was going to believe this?

"Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki, a pleasure to finally meet you. I am the commanding officer here, Kuune. My science officer Kurel, security chief Chaika, first officer Melwin, and Eris is our wayward scout that arrived. We thank you for this time to speak with not only you but others in of prominence on your planet," Kuune appeared dignified and refined as she spoke…but she swayed with a hypnotic motion as her quite massive bust and luscious dark purple hair appeared meticulously maintained. Extending her hand, Kozo gave it a shake and oh boy did his throat clench up. Not one of the most powerful men on the planet, he was a shy teenager again before the pretty girls in class!

But the consummate officer, Kozo swallowed his resurgent sexual awakening, and opened the door widely. "The pleasure is all my Kuune-san. P-please sit in the chairs before us so we can all talk as equals. Everybody, I present to you the command staff of the Catian ship currently in orbit above our planet," Kozo gestured for them all to enter. And when they did, the room took it exactly as Kozo feared. Nobody believed the models that paraded themselves into the room in fetish gear were actually aliens. Letting them get out their disbelief, Kozo allowed them five minutes before waving for silence, "Gentlemen you are being rude. Captain Kuune and her crew are prepared to proof what they say, and having already seen some of their technology you will be convinced. Ladies, my apologies but would you be so kind?"

Waiting for Kozo to take his seat, the Catain with the second largest bust, her swimsuit claimed her name was Durel stood up. "You are not the first species we have made first contact with, and you are at least polite about it. Some are aggressive and have religious reasons to think we are lying or demons," her close cropped brown hair accentuated her ears perfectly. Sucking on a candy, she pulled out a small device that quickly silenced any disbelief from the assembled. Various screens were displayed before all of the council, showing space, their ship, and a live feed of the ship where even more cat eared women were moving about, at least those appeared in more 'formal' work attire.

"As you can see, our ship is currently masking itself behind your moon," Melwin wasn't as confident it seemed as her voice cracked just a little. Smallest of the formal Catian ambassadors, the blue haired cat girl tugged on her suit awkwardly. Doing her best to press on despite the obvious embarrassment, "We have been working with Nerv to learn your customs, while we waited to have this meeting. With the nature of what is happening to your planet, it was deemed best to maintain secrecy until you feel your populace is ready to learn of us." A well scripted and written speech that sounded practiced many times.

The room was silent as they took in the reality of everything. Aliens existed, they had saved earth from an angel attack, and they were very attractive women with cat ears and tails. Oh and they some of them had no sense of shame as they sat in those form fitting suits before a room of older men. Durel and Eris appeared nonplused by it, Kuune was a stelar politician who did her best to not show much embarrisment but cracks could be seen, Melwin was mollified but still did it, and Chaika's vacant expression lead Kozo to think the girl was sleeping with her eyes open.

It was the mayor of Tokyo-3 that got the ball rolling. "S-so…will you be staying long? Do you know where you'll be staying? I'd like to offer you whatever what ever amenities you need to stay in my lovely city," and with that blatant offer of service things quickly changed. The UN wanted to provide the Catians with housing while the Japanese government was defending Tokyo-3's claim. Wherever the Catians ended up would have the easiest access to the aliens, their technology, and everybody wanted to get that leg up. Kozo was going to promote Katsuragi for her quick thinking and solution to the embassy issue.

"Now everybody, I understand the concern and excitement. But until a formal embassy or multiple are created, a solution has been found already. As Eris-kun is friends with one of our pilots, they will be staying near them to proctor friendship. As Nerv is independent and have our own security we will take responsibility for housing and protecting them while formal work is carried out. Is that acceptable to you Kuune-san?" Kozo hoped he didn't sound as stupid as he felt. He wasn't a teenager or even a young man, but he felt a powerful attraction to that captain.

Eris had a thousand watt smile that was punctuated with a healthy blush, girl was in love or was trying to make the room fall for her. Kuune stood up again and jiggled with hypnotic powers, "It is as Fuyutsuki-san says. We will use the provided apartment as our base on your lovely planet until formal treaties can be brought up. Today we wished to get to know you, provide you with information, and ask if you'd like to engage with more formal declarations of peace." Everybody did, they all jumped at the chance to get the tablets Durel provided…and Kozo was pretty sure the science officer knew the men were eating her up with their eyes as she moved in ways to accentuate it and make fools of all of them. Somebody start taking bad or questioningly, she'd twist or tug on her suit and they'd shut up, clever girl.

In the end everybody present was onboard with the Catian and Earth friendship progressing to the next stage. A communication device was to be made to allow for easier exchange of data, Nerv would serve as the go-between while each nation of the world prepared its population for the new knowledge, but until then the Catians would continue to hide. Eventually the last of the human ambassadors left, it was the mayor, who handed Kuune a handful of tickets, "I hope you enjoy your time in our lovely city. Nerv works with my office and we have a great working relationship. Here is some free tickets to a soon to open onsen, I hope you and your crew can enjoy it before we open it to the general public." Man could lie perfectly.

"Well that seems to have gone well. In a few days most of the world's governments will know of you and will be working with you in the spirit of…are you alright?" Kozo couldn't help himself from asking. Kuune went from being a firm yet gentle looking leader to a quivering mess.

Swaying back and forth, her left hand was lodged firmly between her cantaloupes as she whined, "Oh I am so embarrassed! Eris are you sure this is formal attire for meetings? This doesn't seem right at all! Those men all had suits on!"

Grabbing the top straps of her own suit, Durel gave it a playful tug upward letting it drop and swaying to Fuyutsuki's delight. "I don't know Kuune, I like the snugness of it. Makes me a bit frisky with how it tugs and pulls. And it allowed us to cut short a few possibly annoying conversations. Oh, while you're here Fuyutsuki-san, can I make a small request of you?" Durel turned to the man and for a moment he thought her smile was feral. The woman that was the calmest and collected of them, suddenly Kozo wondered how much was a controlled act akin to Gendo's mask of control!

"Su-sure you can ask whatever you like. If it's in my power to help I will. And…who said that was formal attire? Not going to lie…they were very distracting. I thought you'd be wearing those outfits that Eris-kun wears on base to test with. S-swimsuits are hardly a uniform," Kozo had the odd need to calm Kuune. He had a type, and Kuune was right in that strike zone.

As Kuune and Melwin turned to Eris to demand an explanation, Durel turned Kozo away from the brewing catfight. "Normally we like to have a small sampling of a new species to run some scans on. Check for viruses, incompatibilities, and the like. We've access to a wide amount of women…but men is a different thing. Our species has a rather odd approach to males, and right now Eris and one of your pilots are quite close. Would you allow me to use this Ikari Shinji as our example of human males? I won't do anything damaging or even risky. Just get a baseline of what to expect. Run a few tests much like your Akagi did with our Eris?" Her tail was slowly moving and how she rotated that sucker in her mouth made Kozo's own mouth go dry. Was this Durel asking to run tests on Shinji since Ritsuko did the same on Eris?

"As long as you ask him first, he is a good boy but a little to quick to please I am afraid," Kozo knew he shouldn't say that, but he couldn't resist. Those ears, that slowly tail, and the ever twirling stick dangling out of Durel's mouth. Added the distracting of Kuune chasing after Eris demanding the girl 'give her honor back', Kozo just wanted to get out. "Katsuragi-kun is his primary guardian, if you need anything you can ask her," Kozo took a small step back.

Now all of the Catians turned on Kozo's little comment and advanced on him. His back to the door, it was Melwin that asked simply enough, "Wait. Isn't his father in charge of Nerv? Why would he be living with a non-family member when he is so close?"

"You'll have to ask Shinji-kun I'm afraid, family issue that is not my preview. Now if you'll excuse me, I have another meeting. Katsuragi-kun will take you to the residence I believe she has readied for you," Kozo quickly opened the door and escaped through it. He was to old for that much stimulation, bad for his heart. Rushing out of the fancy building that was used as the neutral ground for meeting the aliens, Kozo found his car waiting for him and quickly got in. "Take me back to…Nerv," Kozo saw he wasn't alone in his vehicle. "Jens, how are you this afternoon?" the company was no less stimulating, just for other reasons.

The Dogsian agent was clad in her formal military attire, smoking a cigarette. It was the glowing ember of that stick that got Kozo's attention before the smell got him. It wasn't human make, it smelled sweet and enjoyable, and she blew the smoke out directly at him. "How went playing with the kittens? Do they suspect anything?" straight to business as always, Jens did not mince words or play around like the Catians seemed to enjoy.

Rolling down the window to let the smoke out, Kozo didn't care if Jens claimed it wasn't cancerous, "They do not. And they'll be taking up the apartment next to one of my officers. The others that met with them are quite smitten. If we don't act fast I fear our plans will irrevocably need to change." If it hadn't already breeched that point of no return, Kozo feared it had…but in that fear was freedom. If they didn't need to deal with all the secrecy, if they could just end the angel threat, maybe life would be fine.

"Of course those fools are, they like soft and squishy things. Saw the Catians parade about in basically underwear. Those old fools would follow them everywhere now to get another look. But the Catians are soft. If an accident were to happen before the formal embassy is opened they'd leave. Writing earth off as to dangerous. And then we could go back to the real mission, and I've been licensed to give you more tech to aid with that. Kehl and Ikari are already onboard, but we'll have to act fast. Give them to much time and everything you've worked so hard for will be lost. You don't want that, correct?" Jens handed Kozo a small usb device.

Sliding the thumb drive into his pocket, Kozo felt old but for a worse reason. "I want to see Yui's dream come a reality," Kozo just didn't know what that dream was anymore, or which to care for. Humanity wasn't on the verge of collapse anymore, not if aliens could help right? Maybe…maybe this was wrong. But right now he was loyal to Gendo, and that meant loyal to Jens.

X-X

It hadn't been that long since she was on the main ship, but there was an odd feeling of nostalgia about it. Only gone a month, and Eris walked the halls with a bursting of reminiscences. The crew all flocked about her asking how she had been, she found some of her old entertainment venues updated since she was gone, and her room was…well it was a little dirty. Shinji and the Assist-aroids had been very good at keeping her current room clean, on the ship it was mostly on the crew to keep clean. It wasn't that they didn't have assistants, but it was one of the few places each member was meant to deal with personally.

The trip up to the ship had been a little nerve wracking for Eris, not that she developed a phobia from the crash thankfully. Her anxiety was present due to her passenger! A day after the meeting with all of those people, Eris wasn't really sure WHO they were, Durel asked both Shinji and her up to the ship to get a checkup. Took a little convincing for Misato to allow it, a personal Assist-aroid was in development for Misato now, but the woman eventually allowed it. No school meant Shinji had no objection to flying into space, behind the moon, and onto a ship full of female cat eared space aliens. Eris had no idea why he was a little worried about the trip.

So she took the flight extra carefully, fully aware he was in awe of space, his planet, and everything around him! Oh she wanted to impress him, show him how beautiful space could be, and…well…get him in a real romantic mood! Eris found space a wonderful place, and the backdrop of the ships hum and a planet in the background…well Eris had watched a few vids about that in the past. The flight hadn't taken long, Earth's moon wasn't that far and Shinji hadn't relaxed until they were in its shadow, but the flight back however would be a different thing! Durel however was waiting for them when they arrived and quickly sped off with Shinji to keep the crew calm. They weren't used to a man being on board.

Left to her own devices, and needing to give Durel time to perform Shinji's examination, Eris wandered the ship and basked in the accolades of the returning hero! Free food at the café, fast passes for the entertainment lounge, and well…knowledge of her heat was common so a gift waiting in her room. After making her rounds of the ship, Eris only had two places left to go and now she DID feel some true anxiety. The bridge had all the command crew, some of which she considered family, and then Durel to learn of Shinji's checkup then her own!

"Well, if I don't go in, I can't get this over with," Eris gave her cheeks a few good encouragement smacks. Not nervous about meeting with Kuune at all, nope, not dragging her feet with drooping ears. Kuune would be upset with her, she had breeched protocol and caused a lot of problems because she wanted to try new food first. Eris had rarely broken rules, and from what she heard from the rest of the crew Kuune had been VERY worried about her. Causing problems for everybody, Eris felt bad about having fun while they were hunting for her fearing the worst. Opening the door, she put on a brave face, "Hello everybody! Greetings from earth!"

They had all met for the first pre-meeting with the representatives of earth, but they hadn't spent much time outside of that actual meeting. Kuune and the crew left nearly immediately to prep for first contact meetings and to ready themselves for moving into the temporary embassy. So when Eris walked into the command bridge, it was the first social gathering of Eris and her quasi-family meant just for them. It was a cold entrance. They all just stared at her, tails flickering about with anxiety, nobody spoke, but several times Chaika or Melwin opened their mouths, but Kuune silenced them with a gesture.

"I didn't want to have this discussion before the humans, it wasn't for them. Eris, step up here please," Kuune's tone had none of its softness. Seriousness exuded from every pore of the captain of the vessel. The crew stopped what they were doing and watched, all eyes were on the captain and her surrogate daughter. Ears laying flat against her head, hands at her side and in fists, each heavy breath caused her bell to tinkle, Kuune waited patiently for the Eris to ascend the stairs to stand before everybody. Now crossing her arms under her bust, making it look even more spectacularly large, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Expecting something to be bad still wasn't the same as having it actually happen, Eris realized. Standing before the command crew, before Kuune with her disapproving stare, Eris felt every bit like the kitten caught stealing extra cookies. Small and weak, a fool that thought with her stomach not her head, and more important…a disappointment to her captain. Closing her eyes for a moment to collect herself, and to insure she didn't actually start to cry, Eris organized her thoughts. Saluting Kuune, "I wish to request disciplinary actions. In my haste to try new foods I put not only myself, the scout ship, and the rest of you in jeopardy. It was a poor decision on my part, and I accept full responsibility for my actions."

"Even if that punishment is no longer being able to step foot on the Earth? Being barred from First Contact procedures? Plus being forbidden from interacting with the humans?" Kuune's left eye crooked open higher as her tone rose to painful decibels. Hushed talks from the others were muted but Eris knew they were talking about her. Eris had brought a human up, they all KNEW it, but nobody saw Shinji. They all knew Eris had a great time on earth, she had seen the views on her report were high. Being banned from First Contact procedures was a serious punishment as ship's whole purpose was to seek out such.

Hand still up at her head in salute, Eris felt each and every barb of Kuune's question. Not being able to see any of the humans again, eat their food, enjoy their odd entertainments, and…not seeing Shinji again. She swallowed hard, and felt that pain in her heart, "If that is what you'd request of me, I will accept it for the pain I caused you and the others." Now her eyes were ringed red, she felt them sting, but this was needed. They had rules, Eris knew that, but she broke them and caused everybody trouble. If she had to lose somebody she was growing to care very much for…it would hurt, but she had to be punished.

Snapping her finger, Kuune singled for Melwin to approach, "In light of your apology and acceptance of punishment. Eris, I have no choice but to…" Kuune reached out to Melwin but Eris no longer saw anything. Her eyes were blurry with tears as her mind swam with what to do and say. Could she at least say goodbye to Shinji? From all she heard from Misato, and knew of his personality, this would hurt him nearly as much as it hurt her! Claiming to want to be his girlfriend and now never seeing him again, it was not what she wanted to do. "Appoint you the ambassador in training at our embassy," Kuune finished and presented Eris a new bell, silver with blue highlights. Taking Eris's hand, Kuune placed the sign of her promotion into the girl's palm and closed Eris's fingers around it.

"I…I don't understand? Promoted? But I broke the rules and nearly lost a scout ship? W-what is going on?" Eris was beyond confused. All around her, her friends were clapping and congratulating them, they had all known this was going to happen. Kuune, her own eyes sparkling with tears turned away from her and took a few steps away letting the others close in.

Melwin handed Eris a handkerchief to dry her eyes, and offer a kind smile. Drying one of Eris's eyes herself, "Every officer will have accidents in the field. How they react to it, how they present themselves when fault is found, and what they offer in face of such is what separates a good crew member and not. Your willingness to request punishment and accept all Kuune was threatening you with…you passed the test. Congratulations Eris." The others all chorused the praise. A small party followed with everybody getting to chat with the girl of the hour, and each asked about how Earth really was.

With the fear of losing so much coming and going, Eris felt fatigue as adrenaline flooded her system and then left. She had only acted how she thought she should, nothing more. Once the excitement died down, Eris timidly approached Kuune, "Ma'am…why? I should have been punished for breaking your trust. I heard that you were burning fuel trying to find me after I hit that…thing. Yet I'm promoted? Aren't you…upset with me?" Eris had to ask, she never wanted to offend or disappoint Kuune, yet in her secret heart Eris felt she had.

"Did you know that creature existed? Did you intentionally damage your ship? Eris, I had expected you to rush off to Earth far sooner than you did. I won't hold you accountable for the unexpected," Kuune tried sounded exasperated, but it came out motherly. Knowing Eris wouldn't be comfortable with just words, she drew the girl in for a hug, well as good as their profiles would allow. Smoothing the girl's ears, petting her at the ridge where the ear met the scalp, "I was so worried about what happened to you. Durel spent days examining the remains of that creature. What she found…it is troubling. I'll tell you later, today is about reconnecting and celebration. And…tell me about that male you brought with you?"

After everything she expected, the warm embrace of Kuune was so inviting Eris nearly fell into a light doze. She muttered, "He's very kind. Plays with me, makes me delicious food, talks to me about his planet, and he…worries about me. Like you do, lets me be me, doesn't try to change me, and is always there for me. T-thank you." She felt like crying again, but kept it in, at least while on the bridge. In her arms, Eris let all that actually happened to her sink in. The crash, the fact she was nearly buried, a month on an alien planet, but now…she was home.

"There-there dear, he just knows you've nothing needing changing, like I do," Kuune soothed the girl, let her know that even 'adults' need to emotionally unwind and destress. It was fine to break down, to let the walls down, and get a good cry in. After a few minutes of just holding the girl, Kuune eventually let the girl go or Eris would have fallen asleep. Then Kuune played the part of the parent again and asked every type of question she could think of about Eris's trip. Of course the whole bridge was listening, and before to long they were all up and crowding around asking more questions and just enjoying having the wayward scout back.

After a very needed period of talking an image of a slightly blushing Durel appeared, "Eris, you can come down for your physical now. I'm nearly done with my…first of several sessions with this one. Kuune, request permission to make move down to the temporary embassy." Odd, Durel was always so calm and composed, to see her like this made Eris more than a little confused.

"Granted, we'll have Eris and you down on earth and rotate who else goes down until we have something formal. From what Eris has provided and what we've seen, we can expect Dogsian interference. We'll discuss it later. Eris, you heard the doctor," Kuune was reluctant to let go just as Eris was reluctant to go. They both needed that skinship and would have continued if life didn't need them.

Full of warm fuzzies, all fears of upsetting Kuune and the others gone, Eris skipped her way towards Durel's medical office. An ambassador, she'd be able to stay as long as she wanted and if she had to leave had cart Blanche to return! And that meant…her tail flickered around as more heated thoughts entered her pheromone filling brain. Getting to the office however, Eris heard an unexpected masculine yelp followed by Shinji asking, "D-do you really need that type of sample?"

"Of course I do. If you intend to mate with Eris, or any other Catain, we need to insure it wouldn't have any potential allergic reactions. And it is an early indicator of health issues. So as per the documents Kuune provided would you prefer my hand, my mouth, or my clevage? Sadly I haven't programmed your species nurses outfit into my bell to perform it one-hundred percent," Durel's calm voice had a hint of excitement to it.

Rushing into the room, finding Shinji sans clothing and wearing only a disposable smock, Eris's brain went full tilt. Shinji was much more defined than she expected, and from how he was holding himself…wait Catian anatomy was only…and that was…wait? Putting a hand over his growing issue, now that Eris had joined the fray, Shinji's other hand tried to block the vision of both women at the same time and accomplishing nothing, "That is just fi-fiction! Misato-san is teasing…embellishing the truth. T-that d-does happen, but only between l-lovers and on film! If-if you really need it…j-just give me the jar and point me at the b-bathroom. Akagi-san h-has me do this from t-time to time."

"Oh, well it seemed fun. If you change your mind," Durel gave Shinji a container and pointed him towards the restroom. He all but ran off, forgetting the gown didn't cover his back. Lighting pinching Eris's cheek to get her attention, "Nearly lost you there, Eris. But it was an interesting sight. Human's are very interesting, that one is…oddly fun to tease. Now, for your physical. I see you have your upgraded Bell, congratulations I knew you'd pass the final test. And I see our heat is going to be any day now, glad you have an actual male to enjoy it with. Few of us will ever know that."

Where Kuune was mother, Durel was father to Eris, so knowing Durel knew about the test and was proud of her, Eris stood proud with chest pushed out. "Sorry about that, my brain is getting fuzzy whenever I think about…" she flinched her head towards the bathroom. It was adjacent to Durel's examination room, everybody knew you could hear both inside and out, so the sounds Eris heard…and the faint smell were intoxicating.

"No issue at all. But if you get cold feet," Durel handed Eris some pills to artificially end her heat. Always pragmatical and willing to offer options, Durel wasn't going to make Eris do something she didn't want. With the pills put away, Durel went about the physical with all the clinical detachment Eris expected and saw in the Akagi woman. Both women however were aware of the time however, and that Shinji was still nearby and what he was doing. Asking more probing questions, always the scientist, Durel got a few clarifications from Eris's report. The alien Eris hit, it was very rare with little known reported sightings, Durel was excited. "But Eris, you said the humans don't have genetic modifications yet, correct? Then why is young Shinji's…I think cousin if the genetic markers are right…why is she a human hybrid? That reading you provided, whatever the humans did to that girl is unstable."

Quickly covering Durel's mouth, Eris looked at the closed door, "I…I didn't put this in the report. I'm not sure of it all myself. But that…Ayanami is the only person I saw with that type of DNA, and I'm not sure even she knows it. Shinji doesn't. Something at that Nerv place is fishy, but very few people know about it. Why I didn't put much of this in my report, just in case the Dogsians are aiding them and could have read it."

"Good thinking, I'll do a full scan of her when I land. You alright in there? If you need aid, I can send Eris in to assist," Durel called out to Shinji. A few seconds later he bashfully exited the room and handed Durel the sealed container. Oh she could still smell it, but her warm fuzzies were tampered with the fear for one of her friends. Just what happened to Ayanami to make her DNA not entirely human?

X-X

Notes

More changes and plot lines added, going to get some fun stuff soon.

Later

Mercaba