How many ways is there to kill Gendo Ikari? I can personally think up of
one that is clean and efficient. Just snap his damn neck. Of course, it's
a pity he's behind bars and Shinji can't get to him to kill him. Real pity
indeed. Oh, another thing. Everyone remember the song Asuka uses to warm
up during the EVA movie? Before the entire quartet plays Canon in D? The
song is called Gavotte en Rondeau and I just got assigned it by my private
teacher. I play the violin too. Anyways, I'd just like to say the cords
in the piece are annoying as hell but I enjoyed playing it. Also, I've
noticed that in any fic where Shinji doesn't fall in love with Asuka, a lot
of authors feel the need for Asuka to become romantically involved with
someone else. Just an observation.
Adaptation
Scenario 4: The Future
Shinji and Asuka rode a train to work while Jessica was drive to her new school by one of the MATRIX soldiers. Shinji was reading a report silently, but Asuka still had too much energy to control. She kept twitching and looking over at Shinji. Finally she lost all control. She nearly leapt onto Shinji and kissed him. Shinji was taken by surprise, but didn't resist. After a little while, she broke it.
"Now that was rather random," Shinji said, "What made you do that?"
"Well, I've always been rather impulsive," Asuka replied, "Why do we have to act all responsible while the others can goof off?"
"Asuka, you never acted responsible. I'm currently reading your old file when you were still in charge of the Science Division."
Asuka flinched and sighed.
"So how much is in there?"
"Well, after I left, you kept showing up drunk for a while," Shinji said, "That's a good start."
"All right, I'm not exactly responsible if I don't want to be," said Asuka, "but I am trying."
"Good. Oh, one other thing."
Shinji took Asuka by the waist and kissed her passionately. He then let her go.
"Let me be the one that makes the moves."
"Yeah right."
Asuka was relatively quiet for the rest of the ride. When they got off and entered the NERV complex, a lot of the soldiers saluted when they saw Shinji. Shinji found Rei on the command deck and approached her.
"How is the Angel?" he asked her.
"Fine. She isn't resisting much and allowing the doctors to run some tests on her. So far, she is very much like an Angel. But Shinji, why did you not remove her S2 organ?"
"Would you like it if I had removed yours?" Shinji replied, "No, I didn't think so. But that's besides the point. She may very well be more useful to me with the S2 organ. We need people capable of fighting these new Angels. If we can gain the allegiance of a few of them, that levels the playing field."
"True. Is there something else you're not telling me?" Rei asked.
"Actually, I have no idea how to remove an Angel's S2 organ without killing it. If you can figure a way out, that would be nice. But for now, don't experiment. I want this Angel alive."
Rei nodded and went back to reading the report. Shinji checked the time before going down to the infirmary. Five MATRIX guards were outside the room where the Angel was held, while two others waited inside. Shinji took the retinal scan and walked in. The Angel was still strapped down to the table.
"I know that isn't the most comfortable of positions, but it will have to do for now," Shinji said to her.
"Hmm. It doesn't surprise me that you lilliums would react this way to having a live Angel this close to you."
"Of course. When was the last time we tried to take an Angel captive? Didn't exactly work out too well."
The Angel closed her eyes and smiled.
"Yes. I remember the incident as well."
"Collective memory," Shinji noted.
"In a way. We can sense the emotions and memories of each other, but it is faint. I only remember what I sensed, nothing more."
The Angel opened her eyes again and looked at Shinji. He didn't know why, but her brown eyes looked tired. Perhaps she was tired of living.
"Mind answering some of my questions?" Shinji asked.
"Shoot. It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"Is it possible to remove an S2 organ from an Angel without killing it?"
"I don't know," the Angel admitted, "That has never been attempted before. I don't think anyone would survive to do it anyways. You have to destroy the S2 engine in battle if you wish to neutralize it."
"Is there a way to keep an Angel from tapping into the S2 organ?"
"Yes, though it is extremely difficult. It would require cutting off the matter that gets fed into the engine itself. However, how anyone would do that I don't know."
"It's a start," Shinji said dryly, "You were able to recall the past using my memories. Can I do such a thing?"
"Of course. We are descended from Adam, and all of our abilities are gifts from Adam."
"Very well. Can I hear the thoughts of people from the past?"
"Ah, an echo. I did not think any lillium would be capable of sensing the echoes."
"So they're echoes. Can I sense them from any human?"
"I do not know," said the Angel, "Whose echo did you sense?"
"Lilith's."
The Angel couldn't help but smile. Lilith had always been the favorite child of Adam, but Shinji treated Rei like a sister instead of a daughter. A very strange situation. However, there was more. Rei Ayanami, otherwise known as Lilith to other Angels, was as powerful as Adam. Though the two had never had a confrontation, it was always suggested that Lilith could overpower Adam if she truly needed to. Perhaps in the near future such an event would occur. But with the help of the Messiah, Adam may very well win.
"Unfortunately, that complicates matters," she replied, "I do not know."
"Very well. Is there anything you need?"
"Not at the moment."
Shinji nodded and left the infirmary. He returned to his main office and found a briefcase inside. He recognized as the one that was used to transport the most sensitive papers that were delivered to him. He unlocked it and had to admit, he was surprised. There were three files in the briefcase, all of them labeled Project MATRIX-II. Apparently the Pentagon had advanced the project enough that they would be entering the second stage. Shinji opened the first file.
Project MATRIX Phase II
With the completion of research for Project MATRIX Phase I, it is the decision of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President of the United States that Phase II begin. The artifact found within the blast zone of the former NERV Second Branch located in the United States has been under intensive study and research. It has been determined that the artifact is in fact a repository of information. With the development of technology that can read the information, Army R&D has been able to utilize it in pursuit of the human/Angel hybrid. The first such attempt was Rei Ayanami, which ended in failure. The subject became biologically an Angel and retains little of the human genome in her body. It has also come to the attention of the committee placed in charge of MATRIX that Lieutenant General Shinji Ikari is a product of the radiation from the Second Impact and the side affects of the averted Third Impact. With the cooperation of the general, R&D has extracted genetic material and found that the DNA has mutated. Currently the Committee is withholding its final judgment regarding this fact, as it is unsure whether the mutations have been completed or more will occur.
Shinji sighed. He had hoped that whatever was happening in his body would be over soon, but apparently it wouldn't be. Well, he might as well finish reading.
It is also the opinion of the Committee that General Ikari is trustworthy and is capable of carrying out Phase II. The first prototype is and will be the only one, as her progress is enough that we shall retain her. The muscle condition will subside once the subject reaches the age of fourteen. Aside from the temporary condition, the subject is in good health and has already demonstrated the capability of creating an AT-Field, though with assistance. With any potential problems having been rectified, Phase II may begin.
There was some good news. He had always feared that Jessica's muscle condition might kill her. Now she would at least survive. Unknown to Jessica, she had no biological parents. She was very much like Rei Ayanami, except that the Pentagon wasn't after an Angel. They were after an advanced human. And unlike Seele and NERV, the Committee, a group of nine men from the US, Russia, England, Japan, and China, were out to ensure that humanity survived as individuals. The entire incident with Unit 14 had been staged and though it had cost the Committee a large amount of resources, it was still worth it. Adam had been destroyed, and all remaining Evangelions were destroyed. It also ensured that NERV wouldn't try to approach any other governments with a deal to build an EVA. The Russian government had actually told the truth when they said they were not involved with the construction of Unit 14. A pity it was destroyed, though. If NERV encountered another large Angel, it might have been useful. He continued reading.
To this end, the Committee has decided that Phase II must begin in earnest. Scientific support will be arriving shortly and General Ikari will have the means to ensure that the prototype survives, and that she can breed, unlike Rei Ayanami. Once Phase II is underway, the general is to focus his attention on eliminating the remaining Angels that survived the Ark incident.
So, the Committee was actually going to attempt it. This was actually very good news. With the survival of Jessica, humans would have a better chance of living through the years when humanity would leave Earth. Shinji flipped over to the other papers in the first folder. There was information on the genetics of a human/Angel hybrid, data on the development of the fetus, as well as a lot of other statistical things that the people who created and nurtured Jessica had recorded. Shinji remembered the mission well. A group of religious extremists had stormed the labs and had kidnapped Jessica, believing she was some kind of Messiah, which she was, in a way. They had killed most of the scientists involved in the project, including her 'parents'. Shinji's team had been called in and they had killed the extremists. He had taken her in, which was allowed as Shinji was very much like her. However, she was still watched and tests were still run. Shinji just hoped she would survive.
After finishing the first folder, Shinji moved onto the second one. This was more on some of the technological developments of Project MATRIX, most especially the new bio-fusion reactor that was based off of the S2 organ. An actual S2 organ was considered too dangerous, but a bio-fusion reactor was deemed safer than normal fusion and supplied much more energy. A prototype of the system was being transported to the NERV complex for use. The device had been tested many times and was stable. Another new piece of technology was a sort of shield generator. While it was technically impossible to artificially create an AT-Field, it was possible to make something like it. An AT-Field was made purely of energy, and was condensed so much that it was considered one thing, not overlapping fields of energy like Shinji knew it to be. The military had been researching ways to develop fields similar to this, and while they wouldn't be impenetrable, they would be useful. The encounter with the fifth Angel had proved this fact. Though powerful, an AT-Field can be broken. The new shield had overlapping fields of energy that were meshed together, but they were no where close to producing something like an AT-Field. Still, it would be enough to cover all of Tokyo 4 and keep it relatively safe.
Shinji rubbed his eyes before going on. It would be a long morning.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Though she was technically second in command now, Asuka still enjoyed working with technology, and the suit Shinji had brought back was something she just couldn't pass up. The thing was an incredible piece of technology, and after a while the US soldiers had been able to pry out some more information from the scientists working there. Apparently it used a miniature core that had something written into it. She still wasn't too clear on the details, but she had only skimmed the report. At least whoever wrote the report knew something about biotechnology and engineering. The rest of the suit apparently was designed to protect the user from feedback and from other unknown effects of using an AT-Field. She finished skimming the file as she entered the room. A few techs under Maya's supervision were looking over the suit. It was indeed a very impressive creation, and might be considered a tiny version of an EVA.
"How long before it's operational?" Asuka asked Maya.
"Not sure. We just finished mapping its circuits and right now I don't know where to start. Apparently they had to miniaturize a lot of things from the EVA, including whatever created an AT-Field."
"I heard that this thing has a core."
Maya nodded. "Or at least that's what we think it is. To tell you the truth, we're only calling it that because that's the closest thing we can think of that is similar to it."
"Okay. So, Maya, what's the latest gossip on the bridge?"
"You and Shinji are sleeping together again," Maya replied, not looking at her boss.
"True enough. We do share a bed."
"Dr. Soryu, I know you are not that naïve."
"As do I," Asuka answered, "Besides me and Shinji, what else is there?"
"Something about Hikari and Toji, though I better not repeat it."
That was a planned bait to get Asuka's attention, and it worked. She looked over at Maya and stared at her subordinate.
"Maya, do I have to make it an order?"
"No, it's merely the fact that Hikari may be pregnant."
Asuka blinked a few times before fully comprehending the news.
"Is that true?" she asked, after absorbing the information.
"Yes. I did the test myself. In a few weeks we can figure out what sex it is."
"Well, that's good news, isn't it?"
"Of course."
"And why are you so calm about it?" Asuka asked.
"I've already had my chance to get excited," Maya said, now looking at her boss with a smile. "If you need to start shouting, you might try doing it outside so the guards don't get worried."
Asuka nodded and took Maya's advice. The guards gave her weird looks but she didn't care. She was just happy for Hikari. And Toji, but that was a reluctant afterthought. She still didn't like the stooge very much. However, her jubilation was short lived. Alarms started blaring throughout the installation. A voice was soon shouting over the intercom, a voice she recognized as Toji's.
"All personnel, go to level one combat status. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill."
Maya ran out of the room and Asuka quickly raced after her as the two worked their way to the command deck. When they appeared, they found that most of the others were waiting for them. Maya took her station and an image appeared. A large storm was brewing and at the center four huge wings had sprouted. They were crystal white and shined magnificently but everyone knew what the source was.
"AT-Field confirmed, pattern blue," reported Makoto, "It's an Angel. How shall we handle it?"
"Where is the Angel currently located?" Toji asked.
"Outside of Old Shanghai," said Shigeru, "We can't do much right now."
"Can we just nuke it?" Asuka asked Shinji.
"No," Shinji replied, "The Chinese government won't be happy if we just drop an N2 mine on their land. Besides, I doubt it will work. Is the positron gunship ready?"
"Yes," said Makoto, "Shall we deploy it?"
The positron gunship was simply a VTOL craft that had been designed to carry a positron cannon. The weapon could be fired while in flight and had an extra power system to ensure it stayed online. Unfortunately, this made the gunship a bit hard to maneuver quickly, but providing the target was big, that wasn't going to be too much of a problem.
"Send it over," Shinji ordered, "Notify the Chinese government of our actions and tell them to stand down until we ask for assistance. We can't have people screwing this up and dying because of careless mistakes."
"Yes sir."
Shinji crossed his arms and looked at the display. Something was wrong. An Angel would never attempt something like this unless it was doing something important enough to risk destruction. He should go over and investigate.
"Asuka, you have the command."
Shinji walked over and took the elevator down. He was quite sure that the bridge crew had at least an idea of what he was up to. However, they wouldn't be able to stop him. He turned on his radio and put on the headset.
"This is General Ikari. Prepare a transport for me. I need to be in Shanghai within the hour."
"Yes sir."
Shinji took off the headset and folded it up again. The game's afoot, he thought.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"He did what!" Asuka screamed.
She was beyond pissed. She had thought Shinji was smarter than this, but apparently he had gone to Shanghai anyways. Shinji had hitched a ride with the positron gunship and would be in Shanghai in about five minutes. So far, the Angel was still visible and the wings were slowly folding in. By the time the Angel was done, Shinji would be at the front lines.
"Damn it! Why did he have to do this again!"
"Again?" Maya said nervously.
"Do remember he went down into that installation to retrieve the suit by himself," Asuka reminded everyone, "and he did face down the Angel to do so."
"You know, maybe this won't be so bad," said Toji, "If Shinji can take them down, we won't have much to deal with."
"Yeah right," said Asuka, "He was exhausted from his last battle. I doubt he can keep taking them on constantly."
"He can't."
The command crew's views turned and found Yui and Kyoko walking in. Asuka smiled at her mother, who returned it.
"What was that?" Hikari asked Yui.
"He can't," Yui repeated, "Shinji's body is unable to support that kind of energy production. He has to rest after every battle or he'll die from exhaustion. After this, I'm going to have to get him to rest. If he won't follow my orders as a doctor, I'll have to use a tranquilizer on him."
"It's that bad?" Asuka asked worriedly.
"Why do you think Shinji was preparing to train you to use your powers?" Kyoko asked, "He knew that he couldn't keep going at this pace."
"Oh. Wait, who has this power to manipulate their AT-Fields?"
"You, Toji, Hikari, and Rei," Kyoko answered, "Apparently all of the pilot candidates had some potential, but right now you're all we have."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji waited until the gunship was close enough to the ground. He jumped off and used his AT-Field to block off the fierce wind and dust. As he approached the center of the storm, he finally got a hint of how powerful this Angel truly was. Evolution had not just been working on humans, but apparently on Angels as well. This Angel had the ability to initiate another Second Impact. Well, he'd just have to prevent that, wouldn't he. However, this wasn't over yet.
"This is General Ikari. What is the situation?"
"This is General Li Gordon. Your gunship will be in striking range within five minutes. Do you require transportation?"
"Yes. Your cooperation is appreciated," Shinji added. It didn't hurt to be polite.
A VTOL craft arrived and Shinji got on board. From there he was flown closer to the Angel. Data was still being sent in from satellites and other sensors around the area.
"Gunship, open fire when within range," Shinji ordered.
"Yes sir."
The gunship fast approached the target. Finally, the cannon was ready and the craft opened fire. A bright beam of light shot out and struck the Angel. Shinji didn't look away was the light engulfed his transport. The pilots were wearing helmets with covers over them so they were protected from the light. They kept the craft steady, no small task with the shockwave hitting them.
"Status," Shinji said into the radio.
"Unknown. Wait, something's appearing. Oh shit!"
The image from the gunboat was being transmitted to Shinji's vehicle. It showed a large serpent-like creature with a massive head, similar to that of one of the MP EVAs. This creature also had a horn on its head and a large red core on top of the head. Two arm-like appendages were attached to the head, right underneath the core. Behind the core were two wings. They seemed rather small when compared to the creature itself. On its arms the creature had what looked like emitters for some kind of beam weapon. Behind its jaws two massive tusks came out. The creature then roared, showing its many teeth and what looked to be a green core right in the back of its mouth. The green core started shining and shot a green beam right at the gunship. Shinji heard the pilots start to scream before the connection was terminated.
"Did you get that?" he asked the two pilots.
"Yes sir," one answered nervously.
"Good. We'll return back to the airfield for now. I really don't know if we can handle this thing alone."
"Yes sir. Thank you sir."
The aircraft turned and raced away from the creature. Shinji wasn't surprised that the pilots were scared. In truth, he was a little nervous about the creature too. He had never dreamed of anything like that. Not for the first time, he considered simply calling the Angels demons instead.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"The Japanese Special Self Defense Force is offering NERV a piece of technology that has been under development for many years now," the Japanese general said, "This weapon was intended to be used against Angels, and we believe it is ready."
"Very well," Asuka said, "We accept this offer. What exactly is this weapon?"
"It was started during the Angel Wars and is a similar weapon to that of an EVA, though the cockpit technology was never perfected before the defeat of the Angels."
Asuka nodded. She had expected this. The SSDF had persisted in developing their own units, and apparently they were ready to send one into battle.
"You have NERV's cooperation and permission to send this unit to China. I will inform the Chinese government, but it may be best that we retain authority over this unit."
The Chinese government had not forgotten what the Japanese military had done to their nation.
"Of course."
The connection terminated and Asuka sighed. If this weapon could replace the EVAs, that was fine. However, these new Angels came in some new forms. NERV would still need the pilots to train their abilities before more showed up. Hopefully Shinji wouldn't be too tired to teach them when he got back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji nodded and dismissed the lieutenant. The Japanese transport plane would be arriving with the unit in one hour, but an advance team would be here in five minutes. He made sure his clothes were decent and walked out onto the airfield. Dozens of Chinese soldiers and some American ones were on patrol. He soon heard a plane coming in and stood to the side. The plane landed and several Japanese soldiers came out first. Then a few techs got off. They started talking with the Chinese soldiers and were escorted inside. Shinji turned his attention back to the plane and for the second time today he received a rather interesting surprise. The woman was about his age and had short brown hair. She also had pale green eyes and a comforting smile. The officer walked up to him and saluted. Shinji returned it.
"It's been a while, Shinji."
Shinji nodded. "Indeed. I had not expected you to be here, Mana. Though I guess that's a mistake on my part."
Mana continued smiling and looked him over.
"You've grown."
"As have you."
Mana Kirishima was the first girl that had ever reached out to Shinji. If circumstances had been different, he might have fallen in love with her like he did with Sarah and Asuka. But after the incident with the SSDF the two had never met again.
"I assume you're the pilot of this machine I heard about," said Shinji.
"Of course."
Shinji moved to the side and motioned with his arm. Mana started walking towards the main compound with Shinji right next to her.
"I heard that you had defected to the Americans," said Mana, "and that you led the assault that brought NERV down."
"All true."
"You really have grown up from that shy little boy I had a crush on," Mana said.
"What did you expect? Time changes people."
Mana simply nodded. They walked in silence and entered the compound.
"Where can I get some food?" Mana asked, "I'm starving."
"Follow me."
The two walked down to the cafeteria, both with questions for the other.
End of Scenario 4
That creature I described is actually in an official Gainax picture, and I'm sure some of you have seen it. Anyways, Mana is back and the plot thickens. And does anyone have a picture of the machine Mana pilots? That would really help me. Also, this story isn't going to be a Shinji solves everything. He's ready to get some R&R, but the world just won't let him.
Z98
Adaptation
Scenario 4: The Future
Shinji and Asuka rode a train to work while Jessica was drive to her new school by one of the MATRIX soldiers. Shinji was reading a report silently, but Asuka still had too much energy to control. She kept twitching and looking over at Shinji. Finally she lost all control. She nearly leapt onto Shinji and kissed him. Shinji was taken by surprise, but didn't resist. After a little while, she broke it.
"Now that was rather random," Shinji said, "What made you do that?"
"Well, I've always been rather impulsive," Asuka replied, "Why do we have to act all responsible while the others can goof off?"
"Asuka, you never acted responsible. I'm currently reading your old file when you were still in charge of the Science Division."
Asuka flinched and sighed.
"So how much is in there?"
"Well, after I left, you kept showing up drunk for a while," Shinji said, "That's a good start."
"All right, I'm not exactly responsible if I don't want to be," said Asuka, "but I am trying."
"Good. Oh, one other thing."
Shinji took Asuka by the waist and kissed her passionately. He then let her go.
"Let me be the one that makes the moves."
"Yeah right."
Asuka was relatively quiet for the rest of the ride. When they got off and entered the NERV complex, a lot of the soldiers saluted when they saw Shinji. Shinji found Rei on the command deck and approached her.
"How is the Angel?" he asked her.
"Fine. She isn't resisting much and allowing the doctors to run some tests on her. So far, she is very much like an Angel. But Shinji, why did you not remove her S2 organ?"
"Would you like it if I had removed yours?" Shinji replied, "No, I didn't think so. But that's besides the point. She may very well be more useful to me with the S2 organ. We need people capable of fighting these new Angels. If we can gain the allegiance of a few of them, that levels the playing field."
"True. Is there something else you're not telling me?" Rei asked.
"Actually, I have no idea how to remove an Angel's S2 organ without killing it. If you can figure a way out, that would be nice. But for now, don't experiment. I want this Angel alive."
Rei nodded and went back to reading the report. Shinji checked the time before going down to the infirmary. Five MATRIX guards were outside the room where the Angel was held, while two others waited inside. Shinji took the retinal scan and walked in. The Angel was still strapped down to the table.
"I know that isn't the most comfortable of positions, but it will have to do for now," Shinji said to her.
"Hmm. It doesn't surprise me that you lilliums would react this way to having a live Angel this close to you."
"Of course. When was the last time we tried to take an Angel captive? Didn't exactly work out too well."
The Angel closed her eyes and smiled.
"Yes. I remember the incident as well."
"Collective memory," Shinji noted.
"In a way. We can sense the emotions and memories of each other, but it is faint. I only remember what I sensed, nothing more."
The Angel opened her eyes again and looked at Shinji. He didn't know why, but her brown eyes looked tired. Perhaps she was tired of living.
"Mind answering some of my questions?" Shinji asked.
"Shoot. It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"Is it possible to remove an S2 organ from an Angel without killing it?"
"I don't know," the Angel admitted, "That has never been attempted before. I don't think anyone would survive to do it anyways. You have to destroy the S2 engine in battle if you wish to neutralize it."
"Is there a way to keep an Angel from tapping into the S2 organ?"
"Yes, though it is extremely difficult. It would require cutting off the matter that gets fed into the engine itself. However, how anyone would do that I don't know."
"It's a start," Shinji said dryly, "You were able to recall the past using my memories. Can I do such a thing?"
"Of course. We are descended from Adam, and all of our abilities are gifts from Adam."
"Very well. Can I hear the thoughts of people from the past?"
"Ah, an echo. I did not think any lillium would be capable of sensing the echoes."
"So they're echoes. Can I sense them from any human?"
"I do not know," said the Angel, "Whose echo did you sense?"
"Lilith's."
The Angel couldn't help but smile. Lilith had always been the favorite child of Adam, but Shinji treated Rei like a sister instead of a daughter. A very strange situation. However, there was more. Rei Ayanami, otherwise known as Lilith to other Angels, was as powerful as Adam. Though the two had never had a confrontation, it was always suggested that Lilith could overpower Adam if she truly needed to. Perhaps in the near future such an event would occur. But with the help of the Messiah, Adam may very well win.
"Unfortunately, that complicates matters," she replied, "I do not know."
"Very well. Is there anything you need?"
"Not at the moment."
Shinji nodded and left the infirmary. He returned to his main office and found a briefcase inside. He recognized as the one that was used to transport the most sensitive papers that were delivered to him. He unlocked it and had to admit, he was surprised. There were three files in the briefcase, all of them labeled Project MATRIX-II. Apparently the Pentagon had advanced the project enough that they would be entering the second stage. Shinji opened the first file.
Project MATRIX Phase II
With the completion of research for Project MATRIX Phase I, it is the decision of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President of the United States that Phase II begin. The artifact found within the blast zone of the former NERV Second Branch located in the United States has been under intensive study and research. It has been determined that the artifact is in fact a repository of information. With the development of technology that can read the information, Army R&D has been able to utilize it in pursuit of the human/Angel hybrid. The first such attempt was Rei Ayanami, which ended in failure. The subject became biologically an Angel and retains little of the human genome in her body. It has also come to the attention of the committee placed in charge of MATRIX that Lieutenant General Shinji Ikari is a product of the radiation from the Second Impact and the side affects of the averted Third Impact. With the cooperation of the general, R&D has extracted genetic material and found that the DNA has mutated. Currently the Committee is withholding its final judgment regarding this fact, as it is unsure whether the mutations have been completed or more will occur.
Shinji sighed. He had hoped that whatever was happening in his body would be over soon, but apparently it wouldn't be. Well, he might as well finish reading.
It is also the opinion of the Committee that General Ikari is trustworthy and is capable of carrying out Phase II. The first prototype is and will be the only one, as her progress is enough that we shall retain her. The muscle condition will subside once the subject reaches the age of fourteen. Aside from the temporary condition, the subject is in good health and has already demonstrated the capability of creating an AT-Field, though with assistance. With any potential problems having been rectified, Phase II may begin.
There was some good news. He had always feared that Jessica's muscle condition might kill her. Now she would at least survive. Unknown to Jessica, she had no biological parents. She was very much like Rei Ayanami, except that the Pentagon wasn't after an Angel. They were after an advanced human. And unlike Seele and NERV, the Committee, a group of nine men from the US, Russia, England, Japan, and China, were out to ensure that humanity survived as individuals. The entire incident with Unit 14 had been staged and though it had cost the Committee a large amount of resources, it was still worth it. Adam had been destroyed, and all remaining Evangelions were destroyed. It also ensured that NERV wouldn't try to approach any other governments with a deal to build an EVA. The Russian government had actually told the truth when they said they were not involved with the construction of Unit 14. A pity it was destroyed, though. If NERV encountered another large Angel, it might have been useful. He continued reading.
To this end, the Committee has decided that Phase II must begin in earnest. Scientific support will be arriving shortly and General Ikari will have the means to ensure that the prototype survives, and that she can breed, unlike Rei Ayanami. Once Phase II is underway, the general is to focus his attention on eliminating the remaining Angels that survived the Ark incident.
So, the Committee was actually going to attempt it. This was actually very good news. With the survival of Jessica, humans would have a better chance of living through the years when humanity would leave Earth. Shinji flipped over to the other papers in the first folder. There was information on the genetics of a human/Angel hybrid, data on the development of the fetus, as well as a lot of other statistical things that the people who created and nurtured Jessica had recorded. Shinji remembered the mission well. A group of religious extremists had stormed the labs and had kidnapped Jessica, believing she was some kind of Messiah, which she was, in a way. They had killed most of the scientists involved in the project, including her 'parents'. Shinji's team had been called in and they had killed the extremists. He had taken her in, which was allowed as Shinji was very much like her. However, she was still watched and tests were still run. Shinji just hoped she would survive.
After finishing the first folder, Shinji moved onto the second one. This was more on some of the technological developments of Project MATRIX, most especially the new bio-fusion reactor that was based off of the S2 organ. An actual S2 organ was considered too dangerous, but a bio-fusion reactor was deemed safer than normal fusion and supplied much more energy. A prototype of the system was being transported to the NERV complex for use. The device had been tested many times and was stable. Another new piece of technology was a sort of shield generator. While it was technically impossible to artificially create an AT-Field, it was possible to make something like it. An AT-Field was made purely of energy, and was condensed so much that it was considered one thing, not overlapping fields of energy like Shinji knew it to be. The military had been researching ways to develop fields similar to this, and while they wouldn't be impenetrable, they would be useful. The encounter with the fifth Angel had proved this fact. Though powerful, an AT-Field can be broken. The new shield had overlapping fields of energy that were meshed together, but they were no where close to producing something like an AT-Field. Still, it would be enough to cover all of Tokyo 4 and keep it relatively safe.
Shinji rubbed his eyes before going on. It would be a long morning.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Though she was technically second in command now, Asuka still enjoyed working with technology, and the suit Shinji had brought back was something she just couldn't pass up. The thing was an incredible piece of technology, and after a while the US soldiers had been able to pry out some more information from the scientists working there. Apparently it used a miniature core that had something written into it. She still wasn't too clear on the details, but she had only skimmed the report. At least whoever wrote the report knew something about biotechnology and engineering. The rest of the suit apparently was designed to protect the user from feedback and from other unknown effects of using an AT-Field. She finished skimming the file as she entered the room. A few techs under Maya's supervision were looking over the suit. It was indeed a very impressive creation, and might be considered a tiny version of an EVA.
"How long before it's operational?" Asuka asked Maya.
"Not sure. We just finished mapping its circuits and right now I don't know where to start. Apparently they had to miniaturize a lot of things from the EVA, including whatever created an AT-Field."
"I heard that this thing has a core."
Maya nodded. "Or at least that's what we think it is. To tell you the truth, we're only calling it that because that's the closest thing we can think of that is similar to it."
"Okay. So, Maya, what's the latest gossip on the bridge?"
"You and Shinji are sleeping together again," Maya replied, not looking at her boss.
"True enough. We do share a bed."
"Dr. Soryu, I know you are not that naïve."
"As do I," Asuka answered, "Besides me and Shinji, what else is there?"
"Something about Hikari and Toji, though I better not repeat it."
That was a planned bait to get Asuka's attention, and it worked. She looked over at Maya and stared at her subordinate.
"Maya, do I have to make it an order?"
"No, it's merely the fact that Hikari may be pregnant."
Asuka blinked a few times before fully comprehending the news.
"Is that true?" she asked, after absorbing the information.
"Yes. I did the test myself. In a few weeks we can figure out what sex it is."
"Well, that's good news, isn't it?"
"Of course."
"And why are you so calm about it?" Asuka asked.
"I've already had my chance to get excited," Maya said, now looking at her boss with a smile. "If you need to start shouting, you might try doing it outside so the guards don't get worried."
Asuka nodded and took Maya's advice. The guards gave her weird looks but she didn't care. She was just happy for Hikari. And Toji, but that was a reluctant afterthought. She still didn't like the stooge very much. However, her jubilation was short lived. Alarms started blaring throughout the installation. A voice was soon shouting over the intercom, a voice she recognized as Toji's.
"All personnel, go to level one combat status. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill."
Maya ran out of the room and Asuka quickly raced after her as the two worked their way to the command deck. When they appeared, they found that most of the others were waiting for them. Maya took her station and an image appeared. A large storm was brewing and at the center four huge wings had sprouted. They were crystal white and shined magnificently but everyone knew what the source was.
"AT-Field confirmed, pattern blue," reported Makoto, "It's an Angel. How shall we handle it?"
"Where is the Angel currently located?" Toji asked.
"Outside of Old Shanghai," said Shigeru, "We can't do much right now."
"Can we just nuke it?" Asuka asked Shinji.
"No," Shinji replied, "The Chinese government won't be happy if we just drop an N2 mine on their land. Besides, I doubt it will work. Is the positron gunship ready?"
"Yes," said Makoto, "Shall we deploy it?"
The positron gunship was simply a VTOL craft that had been designed to carry a positron cannon. The weapon could be fired while in flight and had an extra power system to ensure it stayed online. Unfortunately, this made the gunship a bit hard to maneuver quickly, but providing the target was big, that wasn't going to be too much of a problem.
"Send it over," Shinji ordered, "Notify the Chinese government of our actions and tell them to stand down until we ask for assistance. We can't have people screwing this up and dying because of careless mistakes."
"Yes sir."
Shinji crossed his arms and looked at the display. Something was wrong. An Angel would never attempt something like this unless it was doing something important enough to risk destruction. He should go over and investigate.
"Asuka, you have the command."
Shinji walked over and took the elevator down. He was quite sure that the bridge crew had at least an idea of what he was up to. However, they wouldn't be able to stop him. He turned on his radio and put on the headset.
"This is General Ikari. Prepare a transport for me. I need to be in Shanghai within the hour."
"Yes sir."
Shinji took off the headset and folded it up again. The game's afoot, he thought.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"He did what!" Asuka screamed.
She was beyond pissed. She had thought Shinji was smarter than this, but apparently he had gone to Shanghai anyways. Shinji had hitched a ride with the positron gunship and would be in Shanghai in about five minutes. So far, the Angel was still visible and the wings were slowly folding in. By the time the Angel was done, Shinji would be at the front lines.
"Damn it! Why did he have to do this again!"
"Again?" Maya said nervously.
"Do remember he went down into that installation to retrieve the suit by himself," Asuka reminded everyone, "and he did face down the Angel to do so."
"You know, maybe this won't be so bad," said Toji, "If Shinji can take them down, we won't have much to deal with."
"Yeah right," said Asuka, "He was exhausted from his last battle. I doubt he can keep taking them on constantly."
"He can't."
The command crew's views turned and found Yui and Kyoko walking in. Asuka smiled at her mother, who returned it.
"What was that?" Hikari asked Yui.
"He can't," Yui repeated, "Shinji's body is unable to support that kind of energy production. He has to rest after every battle or he'll die from exhaustion. After this, I'm going to have to get him to rest. If he won't follow my orders as a doctor, I'll have to use a tranquilizer on him."
"It's that bad?" Asuka asked worriedly.
"Why do you think Shinji was preparing to train you to use your powers?" Kyoko asked, "He knew that he couldn't keep going at this pace."
"Oh. Wait, who has this power to manipulate their AT-Fields?"
"You, Toji, Hikari, and Rei," Kyoko answered, "Apparently all of the pilot candidates had some potential, but right now you're all we have."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji waited until the gunship was close enough to the ground. He jumped off and used his AT-Field to block off the fierce wind and dust. As he approached the center of the storm, he finally got a hint of how powerful this Angel truly was. Evolution had not just been working on humans, but apparently on Angels as well. This Angel had the ability to initiate another Second Impact. Well, he'd just have to prevent that, wouldn't he. However, this wasn't over yet.
"This is General Ikari. What is the situation?"
"This is General Li Gordon. Your gunship will be in striking range within five minutes. Do you require transportation?"
"Yes. Your cooperation is appreciated," Shinji added. It didn't hurt to be polite.
A VTOL craft arrived and Shinji got on board. From there he was flown closer to the Angel. Data was still being sent in from satellites and other sensors around the area.
"Gunship, open fire when within range," Shinji ordered.
"Yes sir."
The gunship fast approached the target. Finally, the cannon was ready and the craft opened fire. A bright beam of light shot out and struck the Angel. Shinji didn't look away was the light engulfed his transport. The pilots were wearing helmets with covers over them so they were protected from the light. They kept the craft steady, no small task with the shockwave hitting them.
"Status," Shinji said into the radio.
"Unknown. Wait, something's appearing. Oh shit!"
The image from the gunboat was being transmitted to Shinji's vehicle. It showed a large serpent-like creature with a massive head, similar to that of one of the MP EVAs. This creature also had a horn on its head and a large red core on top of the head. Two arm-like appendages were attached to the head, right underneath the core. Behind the core were two wings. They seemed rather small when compared to the creature itself. On its arms the creature had what looked like emitters for some kind of beam weapon. Behind its jaws two massive tusks came out. The creature then roared, showing its many teeth and what looked to be a green core right in the back of its mouth. The green core started shining and shot a green beam right at the gunship. Shinji heard the pilots start to scream before the connection was terminated.
"Did you get that?" he asked the two pilots.
"Yes sir," one answered nervously.
"Good. We'll return back to the airfield for now. I really don't know if we can handle this thing alone."
"Yes sir. Thank you sir."
The aircraft turned and raced away from the creature. Shinji wasn't surprised that the pilots were scared. In truth, he was a little nervous about the creature too. He had never dreamed of anything like that. Not for the first time, he considered simply calling the Angels demons instead.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"The Japanese Special Self Defense Force is offering NERV a piece of technology that has been under development for many years now," the Japanese general said, "This weapon was intended to be used against Angels, and we believe it is ready."
"Very well," Asuka said, "We accept this offer. What exactly is this weapon?"
"It was started during the Angel Wars and is a similar weapon to that of an EVA, though the cockpit technology was never perfected before the defeat of the Angels."
Asuka nodded. She had expected this. The SSDF had persisted in developing their own units, and apparently they were ready to send one into battle.
"You have NERV's cooperation and permission to send this unit to China. I will inform the Chinese government, but it may be best that we retain authority over this unit."
The Chinese government had not forgotten what the Japanese military had done to their nation.
"Of course."
The connection terminated and Asuka sighed. If this weapon could replace the EVAs, that was fine. However, these new Angels came in some new forms. NERV would still need the pilots to train their abilities before more showed up. Hopefully Shinji wouldn't be too tired to teach them when he got back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shinji nodded and dismissed the lieutenant. The Japanese transport plane would be arriving with the unit in one hour, but an advance team would be here in five minutes. He made sure his clothes were decent and walked out onto the airfield. Dozens of Chinese soldiers and some American ones were on patrol. He soon heard a plane coming in and stood to the side. The plane landed and several Japanese soldiers came out first. Then a few techs got off. They started talking with the Chinese soldiers and were escorted inside. Shinji turned his attention back to the plane and for the second time today he received a rather interesting surprise. The woman was about his age and had short brown hair. She also had pale green eyes and a comforting smile. The officer walked up to him and saluted. Shinji returned it.
"It's been a while, Shinji."
Shinji nodded. "Indeed. I had not expected you to be here, Mana. Though I guess that's a mistake on my part."
Mana continued smiling and looked him over.
"You've grown."
"As have you."
Mana Kirishima was the first girl that had ever reached out to Shinji. If circumstances had been different, he might have fallen in love with her like he did with Sarah and Asuka. But after the incident with the SSDF the two had never met again.
"I assume you're the pilot of this machine I heard about," said Shinji.
"Of course."
Shinji moved to the side and motioned with his arm. Mana started walking towards the main compound with Shinji right next to her.
"I heard that you had defected to the Americans," said Mana, "and that you led the assault that brought NERV down."
"All true."
"You really have grown up from that shy little boy I had a crush on," Mana said.
"What did you expect? Time changes people."
Mana simply nodded. They walked in silence and entered the compound.
"Where can I get some food?" Mana asked, "I'm starving."
"Follow me."
The two walked down to the cafeteria, both with questions for the other.
End of Scenario 4
That creature I described is actually in an official Gainax picture, and I'm sure some of you have seen it. Anyways, Mana is back and the plot thickens. And does anyone have a picture of the machine Mana pilots? That would really help me. Also, this story isn't going to be a Shinji solves everything. He's ready to get some R&R, but the world just won't let him.
Z98
