I had not realized that my fic was so tense right now. Well, it's to be expected.

Adaptation

Scenario 10: Convergence

"That was really pathetic," Asuka muttered, "How did I get my butt kicked like that?"

"Because the Angel was a lot more powerful than anyone realized," Shinji replied, "Now stop blaming yourself."

"Yeah right. I used to be able to really hick an Angel's ass, but now I can't do anything."

"Asuka, if you couldn't do anything, would you have a job here?"

This kind of approach always worked with Asuka. Instead of questioning her strengths, Shinji questioned her commitment. Asuka knew what he was doing, but could never find a way to get around it. She simply nodded, trying to not get into an argument. She tried to hit him playfully, but Shinji easily caught it.

"Come on. I'm sure the hospital food isn't that good."

"Especially in a Japanese hospital. I remembered the food in Germany was much better."

Shinji chuckled. "I visited there a few times. The sad thing is, I agree with you. In the US, hospital food was worse than what they fed us in the army."

"I doubt it. I've tasted those MREs and even that new stuff the Special Forces used to eat. I still like the German food."

"Even if you're an American?" Shinji joked.

"I'm German," Asuka said defiantly.

"Right. Anyways, I can get you out tomorrow. The doctors want to keep you here for one more day for observation. Okay?"

"No, but I assume I don't have a choice."

"Nope. Doctor's authority is greater than mine in this case."

"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

Shinji waved one last time before leaving the room. He checked the time and walked out of the wing. Asuka was currently in the medical wing deep underground in NERV, an area that was full of MATRIX soldiers because of the two Angels that currently lived there. They were mostly kept there because the scientists wanted to observe them and study them. Shinji ensured that the two were comfortable, more or less. However, it wasn't like he was really that ready to trust either Angel. But there was a time for everything. Right now, he just needed to find Mana.

Mana was talking with one of the techs that had remained with the single Trident the Japanese government left behind. The US government hadn't cared that much, though it meant letting a Japanese military attaché in the complex.

"Mana."

Mana saw Shinji and waved the tech aside. The tech gave Shinji a look before walking off. Mana approached him with a smile.

"Yes Shinji?"

"I want you to take Rachel to the Tokyo 4 mall. She will be moving to a more permanent residence and she will be needing some decent clothes. Up to the challenge?"

"How challenging can it be?" Mana asked.

"She took a very long time choosing her name. That ought to tell you something."

"Of course I'll take her."

"Oh, and there will be a security detail with you. Don't be too surprised if you see people watching you."

"I'd rather not think about it. Besides, it would be pretty strange if there wasn't some kind of security."

Shinji nodded. "Later today sound fine?"

"Of course."

Shinji walked off to another part of the complex. He entered Section 2's main command center and found Toji leaning over one of the security officer's shoulders.

"Did you get it?" Shinji asked.

"Of course. The Japanese military attaché is already sending a report back to the Japanese government."

"I wonder how long it'll take for them to realize it's a setup?"

"Long enough for us to spring the trap."

"I never realized you had such a head for this kind of stuff," Toji said to his friend.

"That's what I get for becoming a three-star general."

"And the youngest one in history too."

Shinji didn't bother saying anything. Instead he simply looked at the video of the Japanese military attaché running up to Mana.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Lieutenant Kirishima."

Mana stopped and turned around, finding the SSDF attaché standing behind her.

"Is there something I could do for you?" she asked.

"Is it true that General Ikari is allowing this Angel to roam around outside of NERV?" the attaché replied.

"I'm not sure how this concerns you," Mana replied.

"That Angel is a danger to society and if General Ikari refuses to keep it under restraints, it should be destroyed. The Angels nearly destroyed humanity once, and the JSSDF will not allow it to happen again."

"What are you implying?"

"General Ikari is not to be trusted," the attaché said, "His father tried to initiate the Third Impact too, and who knows why he's keeping the Angels alive."

"Major, the reason you do not know is probably because General Ikari does not want you to know," Mana said, "The reason behind that is he most likely does not trust the JSSDF after we nearly killed him. I find that to be quite understandable."

"Are you saying that you side with General Ikari?"

"Yes sir, I am. I trust in his judgment as he has the most experience in dealing with these Angels. Is there anything else?"

"You still have not answered my question," the attaché said, "Is General Ikari going to let the Angel wander around outside of NERV?"

"General Ikari is moving the Angel to a more permanent residence, and believes that she requires some clothes. He feels that, as the Angel has a female form, I could be of assistance."

"And you accepted."

"Naturally."

"I will expect a full report regarding the event," the attaché said.

"You will have to ask General Ikari for one," Mana shot back, "The Angel is his responsibility and I am currently under his command. Also, I am rather sure that General Ikari is listening to our conversation even now."

"As am I. But General Ikari is not infallible. He is only human."

The attaché walked off, leaving Mana very worried. The JSSDF was planning something, but she didn't know what. Were they going to try to kill Shinji? No, they couldn't be that stupid. Or could they?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"She's pretty smart," Toji observed.

"That she is. Double the security detail for Rachel."

"Yes sir."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hikari was finishing reviewing the plans for the construction of the massive defensive wall around Tokyo 4 when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in," she said.

The door opened revealing Mana. She walked in and sat down in front of Hikari.

"Hi Mana. What can I do for you?"

"I'm worried about the JSSDF," Mana said to her, "I think they're going to try to pull something, and it might involve hurting Shinji."

"Oh? Why don't you tell him?"

"I think he already knows, but he isn't acting upon it in any way."

Hikari nodded. "Shinji probably has a handle on the situation. But for now, try not to worry about it. Just trust him. He's gotten us this far and no one has gotten killed yet."

"That's true. Hey, do you want to come shopping with me? Shinji wanted me to help Rachel pick out some clothes."

"Rachel? The Angel? Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Hey, you're the one that said trust in Shinji," Mana reminded her, "Come on, it'll be fun! When was the last time you had a chance to really go shopping? Besides, it's all covered."

Those last few words caught Hikari's attention.

"Really? Then I don't see why not. What time?"

"I'm thinking around one. Think you'll be free?"

"Sure," Hikari confirmed, "Just let me wrap up this report and I'll be there. After lunch at one."

"Agreed. I'll see you at Rachel's room in the medical wing."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kensuke read the intercepted SSDF message and frowned. Shinji couldn't have been that stupid. This almost had to be a trap, and yet the SSDF was still willing to walk into it just to get a chance to get their hands on an Angel. Well, they could try, but they would not succeed. But if such an attempt was made public, the Japanese government would lose a lot of face for screwing up such an operation. That meant they must have some kind of insurance policy to make sure it would not fail. But what?

"Kaji, I think you should see this."

Kaji walked over and took a seat next to Kensuke. He was handed some papers which he looked over quickly.

"Doesn't look good," Kaji said, "Shinji at least knows what he's doing with the Angels. The SSDF might screw everything up."

"And also destroy whatever chance we have. I'm starting to think Misato's plan to bring the Ark to Earth would have been a good thing."

"Not really. But I don't think the SSDF can pull this off."

"Neither do I, so they must have some kind of insurance in case they screw up. Mind sharing any thoughts you have on this?"

Kaji reread the paper, looking for any indication of something the Japanese government could use. So far, most of the legal stuff was flimsy at best, though could become annoying. But it wasn't enough. There had to be something else, but what?

"I have no idea what the SSDF plans, but I just hope it isn't suicidal," he said.

"Couldn't you find out?" Kensuke asked.

"Maybe, but I'm not going to test that right now. For now, we watch and wait. But I don't think the JSSDF can maintain control over an Angel, so they're probably going to try to kill her."

"Shinji's amassing an army of Angels. We should just be glad that he hasn't tried to control any of the larger ones. But what if he does?"

Kaji shrugged. "Then he becomes invincible. We have to make sure something balances him out. Perhaps Rei could do that."

"Perhaps."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"I want a warning sent to Kensuke and his friends," Shinji said, "Make sure they understand they are not to interfere."

"You sure you want to do that to your friend?" Toji asked.

"No, but he's digging far too deep. If he stays out of this, then at least he'll be partially safe."

"Fine. By the way, I have a question for you. How the hell did you get this much freedom to do all this?"

"Here."

Shinji threw a folder onto the table and Toji placed his hand down, stopping it. He opened the folder and started reading, an eyebrow rising as his eyes ran down the paper.

Orders to Lieutenant General Shinji Ikari.

Utilize whatever means necessary to ensure destruction of Angels. Study any Angels that are captured. Maintain friendly relations with the Chinese government. Ensure Japanese government learns nothing regarding Angels and US technology. Ensure Japanese government does not interfere with US operations.

"That does leave you with a lot of freedom," Toji noted, "Okay, how are we going to ambush the SSDF?"

"Five teams of MATRIX soldiers are waiting them and right I really don't think that Rachel should have any problems."

"Okay."

The phone rang and Shinji picked it up.

"Yes?"

"Shinji, it's Mana. Rachel, Hikari, and I are going shopping now. Just wanted to let you know."

"Very well. Be careful."

"Of course." Shinji hung up and looked at Toji. "They're on their way."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Here we are," Hikari said happily, "This is such a great store to buy things in."

The three women entered The Gap and started browsing through clothes. Mana and Hikari did most of the browsing and showed Rachel some of the latest fashions. The Angel wasn't too sure about why certain things seemed acceptable and some things weren't, but she hadn't spent enough time around humans so she didn't expect to understand.

Rachel had changed into one of the shirts that Hikari had chosen for her when she walked out of the dressing room. She was then promptly pushed back in by Mana.

"What's wrong?" Rachel asked.

"You didn't put on any pants," said Mana, "That's what's wrong. You can't do that."

"Oh. Is it inappropriate?"

"Yes. Now at least put on a skirt."

Mana showed Rachel the right direction the skirt should go and left the Angel to figure out the rest of it. She came out, this time dressed in a blue skirt and white blouse.

"That looks good on you," Hikari complimented.

"Thank you."

They had picked out their clothes and headed up to the food court. Rachel didn't really have to eat but she tasted some of the food. Hikari had a traditional Japanese lunch while Mana ate something called McDonalds. Mana's meal was rather greasy.

"Where should we go next?" Hikari asked.

"Don't know. Maybe we should take Rachel to some of the music and video stores. How about it?"

"It is fine with me," Rachel replied.

Suddenly dozens of soldiers in uniform burst into the food court, rifles out and aimed.

"Get down!" they shouted.

Several people started screaming and they quickly got down onto the ground. A soldier ran up to Rachel and grabbed her arm. Hikari tried to get up and stop him but was clubbed on the head by another soldier's rifle butt. Mana kicked one of the soldiers aside and attacked the one holding Rachel but was also knocked unconscious.

"You're coming with us," the soldier said to Rachel.

Rachel's red eyes flashed and suddenly the soldier was thrown off of the level and fell down the ground floor. He screamed as he fell to his death, finally silenced when he hit the ground. Other soldiers opened fire but their bullets struck an AT-Field and bounced off. Rachel waved her hand and several of the soldiers simply exploded, their organs raining down on everyone else.

Flashes exploded and several other soldiers suddenly dropped. Soldiers in large black armor appeared and opened fire, killing the remaining enemy troops.

"Clear!" one shouted.

"Ms Rachel, are you okay?" a soldier asked.

"I am fine, but what about the others?"

One of the medics was looking over Hikari and Mana.

"They'll be okay," he said, "We'll get them out of here."

The civilians were being rounded up and escorted out of the building by the soldiers while other men came in and examined the bodies of the dead soldiers.

"I'd say SSDF Special Forces," one said.

"Hell. All right, get the cleanup crew in here. Ms Rachel, we have to get you out of here."

Rachel nodded and was escorted out. She saw Hikari and Mana being loaded up into two ambulances and driven off. She hoped they would be okay. Both had shown kindness towards her and if they had been harmed the Japanese government would pay in blood.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Ms Hikowa, the United States government demands an explanation to this operation," Larson shouted, "This is an act of war and the US is treating it as such. In reality, we would have already declared war. We are now providing your government with a chance to explain yourself."

"Members of the United Nations," Hikowa said, "The Japanese government noticed that the US forces were foolish enough to allow an Angel to go out unsupervised and to a place where civilians frequented. If you expected us to stand still and let such a potential danger to our citizens wander around free, you are sadly mistaken."

"Ms Hikowa, the Angel was not unsupervised. There were three teams of our elite Special Forces watching over her as well as one of your officers, which I might add your forces attacked and rendered unconscious. Also, your troops attacked a pregnant woman, the head of the engineering department and wife to the head of Section 2, in your attempt to kidnap the Angel. If you do not apologize and claim full responsibilities for these irresponsible and stupid actions, the United States will be very displeased. Also, we demand that you pay reparations for your actions."

"Mr. Larson, the United States does not dictate to the Japanese government. It was your government that allowed an Angel to walk around in a major city. That would be your fault and we took the actions that seemed necessary. Also, the Secretary General was well aware of this and approved it."

"Is that true?" Larson demanded.

"It is," Karina said, "I made a decision to rectify a situation that has been growing dangerously. The United States will desist in these actions and follow the UN's orders. These Angels are to be placed at an UN controlled base, not just US. Also, Japanese soldiers are to be stationed in and around NERV. It is unacceptable for the US to control NERV by itself."

Technically, the Secretary General had the powers to order such things, though none had ever used it like this. These powers had been given to the Secretary General after the Second Impact to avoid complete chaos, and had worked. Now, Karina was invoking them. This should have worked, but the US had one final card to play.

"No."

The chamber fell deathly silent.

"What did you say?" Karina demanded, her voice rising.

"I said no. The United States of America will not bend to some foreign power. As of now, we are declaring ourselves independent from the United Nations. We are a sovereign nation and if what you say is true, than the actions of the UN is an act of war. If you continue to pursue this course of action, then there will be a state of war between the UN and the United States. Make no mistake, we are ready to fight it and we will be the winners."

The statement Larson had made was unprecedented. No nation dared leave the UN because of the power it represented, but now the US had just done it. However, that was not the only surprise.

"We, the Federal Republic of Germany, also are leaving the United Nations," the German ambassador said, "The German government fully agrees with the United States in this matter and we believe that the UN does not have the authority to hold any nation within its collective by force. The time for the UN is past. It is time for the nations to decide on their own how to grow."

"You cannot do this!" Karina screamed, "No nation is allowed to leave the UN. Doing that is an act of war and it would not matter if you do not have a state of war with the UN. Consider carefully what you are doing."

"We have considered it," said Larson, "I suggest all of you vacate this building within the next thirty minutes. Any foreign UN personnel found within these walls will be considered a spy and will be treated as such. You said that there is now a state of war between the UN and the United States and Germany. Very well. But be warned. We control two Angels and do not think we won't hesitate to attack. If we did, Japan would fall within a week and most of North America will be in our hands very quickly. Any other nations that wish to leave the UN simply have to contact us and we will offer whatever assistance we can."

Larson and the German ambassador and their staff left the chamber. Within seconds the many other UN delegates started running out. They did not want to be caught within the UN building. All of them started making calls to get their planes ready to go. Larson had said that there was a state of war between the UN and the US. None of them wanted to be here when the thirty minutes expired.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hikari woke up slowly. She blinked a few times but quickly figured out where she was. She was at home and in bed. Toji was sitting next to her, watching her. She turned her head and looked at him, smiling.

"Hey. What happened?"

"Japanese troops jumped you," he replied, "The Americans stopped them though."

He bent down and kissed her, holding it for quite some time.

"I was worried," he said after breaking it.

"Is the baby okay?" Hikari asked.

"Yes. Dr. Ikari gave you a checkup while you were unconscious. Everything is going to be okay."

Hikari smiled. Maybe it would be.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Mana woke up in a hospital room and found Shinji reading next to her bed. Noticing she was awake, he closed the folder and looked at her.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Though I'd like to give the guy who did this to me a piece of my mind."

Shinji didn't smile. "Get some rest. You'll be out of here by tomorrow."

He then got up and left. Mana couldn't help but notice how distant he seemed to be. Something had happened, but what? Tomorrow, she would find out.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Shinji walked down the hallway to an isolated containment area. He walked in and looked down the window. Several doctors in environmental suits were working in the room, his mother one of them.

"How is she?" Shinji asked one of the doctors in the room with him.

"We don't know. This virus is like nothing we've ever seen before. But the MAGI are detecting an AT-Field. This may be one of the Angels that survived the destruction of the Ark."

Shinji nodded. That was no comfort whatsoever. He placed a hand on the window and gazed down.

"We'll get you out of this mess Rei, you have my promise on that."

Deep within him, Shinji felt Adam stir. He wasn't sure why, but it felt wrong. Was the end so near? They'd only faced four Angels this time. Was that all that was needed to defeat humanity?

End of Scenario 10

The series is drawing to its greatest conflict. Please hold on as I am occupied with having to study for exams.

Z98