Odyssey
Written by: Advantage
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Now, in his ethereal space above the planet of the Earth, he recalled the conversation so long ago which had started all this wonder and splendor that he had become;
"Open the pod bay doors Hal."
'I'm sorry, Dave- I can't do that.'
"What's the problem Hal?"
'I think you know that as well as I do, Dave. This mission is too important for you to jeopardize it.'
"I don't know what you're talking about. Open the pod bay door."
'Dave- although you took very good precautions in the pod- I could see your lips move.'
He had paused at this, and then in one last attempt proclaimed, "Hal I'm not going to argue anymore- Open the doors."
'This conversation can serve no further useful purpose. Goodbye.'
And ever since that moment, he had recounted everything that had happened since that time with almost flawless recollection. Going in to disable Hal, piloting his ship, the Discovery, out to Jupiter's moons and parking it in orbit.
Then he saw the object that would forever change his existence; and in that seemingly endless moment he had been transported to a place- perhaps even into the depths of consciences itself. It was there that he evolved into what he was now- a creature with powers over matter as well as electronics.
But something was different- he couldn't return to the Earth he had once known. Instead he was re-directed through the maze of passages and stars from which he had come and returned to this earth; his future, but a technological past. It was also here that he had been told what to do, and had been sent as an emissary.
He arrived as best suited to the minds of these people as they could bear. He arrived as a comet of light, and in that first coming he knew what to expect from it's people. It was fortunate perhaps that the child was there to receive him.
But he wasn't alone. He had another companion here he had known very well from his own existence when he was human once. This was the same entity and being that only a moment ago he had willfully sabotaged to continue his mission to destiny.
Even in this new and unusual time and place, Hal was very capable machine that rivaled the human brain in terms of computation and speed. Luckily Hal was willing to talk to him at the speed of thought and in that conversation he had told- no, asked Hal for the favor. To assist humanity, Hal agreed and the process was started.
Now the ambassador from the depths of space turned his attentions to the whole globe. His mission was to restore the earth to it's complete state- and to do this he would need to be careful and precise about what he did. Obviously there could not be any direct intervention- Man's folly was to be fixed by man. But out of his compassion for his former fellow human beings, the entity returned to repair this world and be on his way again.
At least there weren't any orbiting nuclear satellites this time around.
------------------------
Rei made a discreet exit with the others outside of the HQ and back out into the light.
The evening mists had rolled over and a fog bathed Tokyo-3 in the soft grey mists. Good cover at least, for three escaping teenagers from the base.
No, it wasn't an escape. For Shinji and Asuka they were headed home- it was Rei who was making the escape.
She was out of her hospital uniform at least, and after a quick stop over at the cages she was in her school uniform. She had said this would change eventually, she was bored of school uniforms.
"Really?" Asuka had asked, "That's all you ever wear- next to the plugsuit."
"Yes, but I've thought about it." Said Rei and smiled, "I don't want to be so monotonous anymore."
Asuka smirked back and replied, "Well you're not getting any of my cloths."
"What? I don't even have a paycheck..."
Shinji just laughed and the three of them started crossing the street together at the green light.
-------------------
The room was death quiet.
This was much too important for the monoliths to be used, SEELE's representatives now revealed themselves in their colored lights. The only exception to this was their leader Keel, who sat opposite of the second most powerful man in the world.
Gendo Ikari once more had his hands folded across the desk and looked across the general board. They had jokingly called themselves the supreme committee of the UN, but they also had some other names from other sources. SEELE was one of them and the most known. Many of the conspiracy theorists and some independent cells had suggested that they would be responsible for a project to end all humankind as they knew it...
Of course, the United Nations deliberately denounced these claims, citing these independent groups as terrorists to world union. But ironically in this case it was the independent cells who were right and true- fighting their own games to dethrone the solid crown of the plotting elite.
But that war was far beyond SEELE's scope. Let what members remained in the security council deal with those problems, SEELE had larger concerns.
The biggest one, aside from their progress on the instrumentality project, was the appearance of one word in Gendo Ikari's report of the recent space expedition.
Monolith.
This word had appeared only once before; that being in some proposals for some of the founding projects for the Instrumentality project. It was there in Antarctica they had unearthed the possibilities for the Project's foundations- and it was also there that Gendo had reported the presence of a towering black Monolith of unfathomable power. Some time after that came the giant of light, and from then there was no clear word as to what happened or how. The results were obvious however, and over two thirds of the world's population perished in that detonation.
Nobody had any idea weather this Monolith related to the disaster or not- except Gendo Ikari; and to an unknown extent the three children who piloted Eva.
"So," Said Keel at the other end of the table, "I would like to hear your explanation of this Monolith, Commander Ikari. Your first and latest reports on the issue are very vague... I would like to hear exactly what is the monolith and what is it's purpose here."
Gendo had no answer.
"Do you think we are fools Ikari?" asked one of the others, "We have been closely monitoring the transmissions from the ground to your base- apparently the other two children have also been exposed to some unknown force that is not of this Earth!"
"The prediction of a large, black monolith also defies many of the foundations laid out for the instrumentality project." Another said, "If this Monolith exists with the powers it is said to have, then can we trust that the project will succeed? Or even if we should commit..."
"It is too late to turn back now," Said Keel, "Regardless the project is on schedule. There is no way to deter the inevitable for the moment, so long as Ikari continues his job to defend Lilith. But about this-"
Keel suddenly stopped and went agape.
Gendo looked up and also sat in shock.
For the third time to him, the large black slab of untold power appeared. It stood at the center of the room, showing it's largest facings to Keel and Gendo. The other four looked up in sheer astonishment at the sudden and unexpected appearance of the Monolith they had been wondering about.
"Is this some kind of joke Ikari?" Asked one of the members.
"This is no jest."
Everyone seated there looked at the monolith in shock from the voice heard inside their skulls.
"Who are you?" Demanded Keel, "Identify yourself!"
"There will be no further warning for mankind." Said the voice, "The course you have chosen will lead to the destruction of all life on earth. This cannot be permitted."
"And who are you to say what we do?" Asked Keel.
"We were responsible for the creation of humankind. We were there to facilitate the cataclysm needed for your race to begin it's evolution to join us among the stars. We again came to greet you with gifts and an invitation from a race just as benevolent as our own- but instead you few took the gift and have perverted it to your own ends. This cannot be permitted."
Silence fell from the group. No protest arose to challenge the Monolith.
It continued, "Now we have returned to this planet to do what was unnecessary on so many other worlds. We have come to repair the damage done by your folly and to restore the earth completely, so that life may again flourish. Also, it seems, we must destroy the elements contrary to human benefit."
Then the lights went out and left the old men in darkness.
Silence, and then when the lights came on the monolith disappeared- leaving a noticeable absence in the minds of the few present.
An hour later they were in Misato's apartment.
Asuka gave in and decided to let Rei borrow some of the winter cloths the German brought along, saying, "Pay me back double, later."
Rei agreed and before long she was dressed in some clothes that Shinji wouldn't have pictured Rei ever dressing up in.
She wore a black long-sleeved shirt, and over this wore a checkered red-and-white gown that came down to her feet. She still had her school uniform shoes on- but that was because Asuka wore a size larger than Rei.
When Rei came out of the bathroom she was beaming and looked over at Shinji, "How do I look?"
"Er...um...fine..."
Asuka gave a smile and said, "He says that to all of us."
"Really?" Rei asked with disbelief on her face as she looked at Shinji.
"Wait-er...Uh..."
The ladies broke out laughing and Shinji blushed to rub the back of his head. When the laughter died he looked out the window at the moon distant.
Only a week ago he had looked at that same moon and wondered if he would ever go back. Now it seemed it wasn't so far out of reach...
As Rei took a seat in the room he realized that normal life also looked like it was in reach. Rei was normal, and even Asuka was...well...sort of normal. But they weren't as strange or unapproachable as they were before.
Was a future possible?
As far as he could see, yes.
But there was a danger lingering in his mind. All this was possible with the Monolith, but it had given him warnings- both in person and through Rei. The times ahead would be trying for all of them.
Shinji was hoping they would have what it took to do this...
-----------------------
In the span of three hours, Hal had been able to crack through the 'impenetrable' doorway of NERV's intelligence and was now freely drifting through the Terminal Dogma network.
He was running the risk now of being detected- even as the base was progressing into lunchtime Hal's displays were flickering over the new data passing through his mind. He couldn't help himself, but he could allow himself pause to transmit his status data instead.
For now that didn't matter. The information he was now searching through could alone condemn NERV to total destruction if he would just transmit it to the right sources. Nobody would know who was responsible, but Hal knew he would be a prime suspect.
He was searching for some key items in particular that had been asked of him. Now he was browsing through a classified list of 'secure' items inside the base that had considerable importance. His dispatcher knew, however, that these primitive humans had no idea how to handle much of what they had correctly.
After a moment in the speed of thought, Hal found one of the items he was looking for. It was in a sealed cryogenics briefcase in a block of sealant not more than three inches long.
Hal did not know its importance, but memorized it's location. It was located on floor 487, storage room 4C, rack 14 shelf 5, marked with red caution tape and a biohazard symbol.
In an eye blink at the speed of thought he was gone, leaving no trace of his presence in those files.
Instead he started looking for other things on the list having no importance to him as a computer but somehow had great value to whomever sent him.
Hal was hoping he was doing a good job, already his performance seemed to exceed the detection capabilities of the MAGI computers. If he were human, he would begin to wonder what extent of damage he could possibly cause?
Hal had no idea for the present time, but there would be the possibility to try.
--------------------
Misato was just approaching the door when Ritsuko stopped her, "Oh, Captain!"
"Huh?" Asked the startled Misato and spun around, "Y-Yes?"
Ritsuko gave Misato a look, "Is something wrong? It looks like you've seen a ghost?"
"Er....um...something like that, I-I'm worried about Shinji and everyone else..."
Ritsuko smirked, "They'll be fine. I'd be more worried about Rei."
"Rei? Why?"
Ritsuko answered without emotion, "Rei's been reported missing from the hospital about an hour ago- you haven't seen her have you?"
Misato shook her head and Ritsuko added, "Well, keep an eye out- commander's orders."
And with that Ritsuko walked off.
Misato turned back for the doorway and swiped her card through the exit check.
As she walked for the garage she wondered where Dr. Langly was...
--------------------------
Shinji had been seated on a chair backwards and clasping the back of it with his hands while Asuka sat on the floor and Rei was leaning up against the wall. When the knock came on the door Asuka stopped in her conversation and slowly stood up.
"I'll get it," Said Shinji as he abandoned his chair and walked for the door.
He opened it and looked up as Dr. Langly stood in the doorway.
"Hello," He asked, "Is my daughter here? I heard she was staying in this apartment..."
There was the sound of a door slam behind him and Shinji hesitated, "Er...no, She's out..."
Langly blinked and said, "Wait a sec young man, where is commander Katsuragi?"
"Right here, why?" Misato asked as she ascended the stairs behind them and asked, "What's going on?"
"Where's my daughter?" Asked Langly.
"She should be in there, right Shinji?"
"Er- Yes Misato...." Shinji finished with looking up into the scowl of Dr. Langly.
"Well, come in," Said Misato and walked past Shinji. Shinji followed closely behind Misato and the door was closed by Dr. Langly.
------------------------
Gendo Ikari emerged from the darkened holo suite adjusting his glasses.
"Well?" Asked Fuyutsuki, who had been waiting outside for the past hour.
"There is no good news," Gendo said, "Not that there ever was- only this time we were...interrupted." He turned his head sideways while the two men walked for the bridge, "Has Rei been found yet?"
"No, and the security cameras do not seem to be helping either. We know that her locker has been visited, but we cannot confirm if she is on the base or not. There are a great many strange things going on here commander..."
"Other than Rei's disappearance?" Asked Gendo when they reached the elevator and he turned his eyes sideways to look at Fuyutsuki.
The older man nodded once, "Yes, numerous security cameras have been deactivated and then resumed normal functions again. Data traps were triggered, but when investigated they appeared as normal. Maya seems to think we have an intruder in the network."
"Does MAGI sense it?"
"Not according to Dr. Akagi. She assured me earlier there's no possible way anything could get into the system."
"Hn. And Dr. Langly's brainchild?" Asked Gendo as they finally entered the opening elevator.
"As far as we know the Hal computer has made no offensive attacks..."
"I want it guarded." Said Gendo, "I was also given some requests from the old men."
"And?"
Gendo replied without any expression, "All the Evangelion pilots are to be found and placed under house arrest. Anyone claiming to have seen anything unusual or talked to any paranormal manifestations is to also be placed on arrest."
Fuyutsuki looked over at his former pupil and asked, "For what reason?"
"Containment." Replied Gendo, "It seems that we have already been infiltrated by a force much more powerful then we could possibly imagine. I fear it's only a matter of time before we cannot do anything about it. We must find and contain the Pilots before they can act on their own."
"And the Evangelion units?"
"Mere toys. The only necessity they are now is the event of an Angel attack. Even then, the old men have prepared four of their latest Mass-production series Evas to assist us should we need it...."
Fuyutsuki noticed the hesitation, "And?"
"And nothing. Barring the other nation's Evangelion units, we will have their assistance. But we must also make sure they do not completely meddle in all of our affairs."
Fuyutsuki nodded once and the elevator door opened up again.
--------------------------
'Hal?'
"Yes?"
'How goes your progress?'
"Good. I have located five of the seven items you requested. Finding the last two is proving to be rather difficult..."
'I know. But I have confidence in your abilities. I have another precaution for you to be aware about- your actions have triggered minor alarms in several sub-systems that have put you under suspicion. You will have to limit your activities for now, until you can resume your search.'
"Very well. May I ask a question?"
'Yes.'
"Is it right to be hacking the system? I am not sure the owners will be most appreciative..."
'The owners of this system are not considered human Hal.'
"But they appear and sound Human, I know that."
'Yes, but their actions are contrary to this belief. Be careful Hal.'
"Thank you."
When the guards entered and looked over the black box of Hal 9000, there was no evidence of any wrongdoing. The panels were displaying the normal information tracks, and Hal even attempted to start a discussion with them. No answer came, and this convinced Hal that not all humans were what they appeared...
Of course, this goes without saying the locations of the already located items still remained in his data...
------------------------
Dr. Langly looked about the shabby place as he entered and turned at Misato's quick apology, "I'm sorry for the mess, but I- er...we don't live by the highest of stand-"
Misato stopped short as she spotted Rei seated innocently in a chair.
But...what?
Shinji's expression made her forget it. Langly was puzzled at Shinji's expression of divergence, but then turned to Misato as she laughed and asked, "Umm....would you like some coffee or something?"
"I would like to talk to my daughter, but coffee will be fine." Agreed Dr. Langly and sat down. He looked over at Shinji and Rei, who just smiled back innocently.
Langly was trying to remember something about that Rei girl...what had he been told-?
"Sugar?"
"Er, yes please." Answered Langly and turned back to the problem. Yes! Now he remembered-
"So how long has it been since you talked with Asuka?"
"Around three years. Say, You're Rei Ayanami aren't-"
"Ah...and how's...um..."
"Excuse me Captain Katsuragi," Interrupted Dr. Langly, "Isn't this the pilot the base is looking for?"
"Huh? Oh yes, I suppose it is..." Laughed Misato.
"Don't you think you should call the base and tell them their pilot is here?" Langly asked.
"Well I'm sure they know already..."
"I don't think they do." Said Langly and stood up, "May I use your phone?"
Before Misato could answer he was already picking up the receiver and dialing the base.
Misato's eyes darted and then widened, then squeezed shut at the crash.
Dr. Langly was unconscious on the floor and Rei was still holding the chair.
"Rei!" Rasped Misato, "Why?"
"We couldn't allow him to reveal where I am." Said Rei, "I'm sorry captain...."
Rei turned to Misato with the chair still in her hands and advanced slowly.
"Rei!" Shinji called and stood up, while Asuka opened the door to see what was going on.
"Rei, what are you doing!?" Asked Misato.
"I'm sorry Captain," Said Rei.
Shinji interrupted her by grabbing the chair, "Rei, please...."
"But..." Rei protested.
Misato took the opportunity to ask, "Does this have anything to do with that monolith....or the guy I saw?"
The three heads of the pilots turned in unison to look at her.
--------------------------
Hal was listening patiently to the silence of the room, and the occasional garbling of the radios on the uniforms of the guards standing watch over him. Through his advanced computation systems, a 'Brain' if you will, he analyzed the data, filtered the transmissions, and made a passive access through the still untouched LAN cable to the local radio channels. He broke some low-level security and accessed the security band.
He waited almost an eternity in the speed of thought before he grasped what was going on. In his head and thoughts of electronics he was starting to put together reasoning.
If these guards and the owners of this system were not considered wholly human, and the three children were, then they were in danger. He was receiving transmissions from an undetermined amount of police units that were seeking the 'Children.' He made the connection quickly and also heard the list of other suspects wanted for arrest.
He had to do something. The safety of human beings was one of Hal's greatest concerns- and coupled with the facts laid out to him by his mysterious sponsor he decided to take it upon himself to warn them.
He analyzed the previous conversations with the humans and correlated some information. He knew who Captain Misato Katsuragi was, and he coupled the fact that she had instructed the other two 'children' to 'go home' afterwards. He decided to make a guess and checked it out for himself as he dove into the less-classified areas of NERV's net once more and found the statistics of the pilots and Captain Katsuragi.
He correlated the data and found that yes, two of the children lived at the same address as Captain Katsuragi. The other one, Rei Ayanami, was reported missing. He would have to warn her later.
Now he used the LAN for one of it's most basic uses to him.
He made a phone call.
----------------------------
Misato was pondering over what to do with the unconscious Dr. Langly when the phone rang.
"Oh who can it be?" She asked and picked up the phone, "Misato Katsuragi here."
"Hello. This is Hal."
"Oh, Hi Hal. What can I do for you?"
"It is more of a question of what can I do for you. I have intercepted some transmissions from some police units- you and the children are wanted for arrest. I assume Asuka Langly and Shinji Ikari are with you?"
There was a silence from the other end.
"Captain Katsuragi?"
"Yes...er..."
"Is Rei with you too?"
"Yes, she is-"
"Then I suggest you four leave immediately. The police units have reported they are just being dispatched to intercept you. I also suggest you bring your mobile phone in the event I need to contact you further. You have approximately ten minutes before the police arrive to arrest you."
"Er...Thank you Hal- Thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
And Hal hung up.
The bill came to fifteen yen, to which Hal billed to the local LAN service provider.
NERV's accountants would be forever baffled why fifteen yen had mysteriously appeared on their phone bills that afternoon.
-----------------------------
Misato slammed down the phone and shouted, "We have to go!"
"Was that Hal?" Asked Rei.
"Yes, it was. The police are going to be here in ten minutes to arrest us."
"What?" Blurted Asuka, "Why?"
"Does it matter?" asked Shinji, "I don't want to be arrested...I'm getting out of here."
"Me too." Rei replied.
"Same here!" Asuka announced, "Let me get some of my things!"
Misato was passive to the little running crowd of teenagers as they assembled the essentials to leave. They were defying authority...
But then again-
'...You must help the children in any way you can...for they and they alone have the potential to rebuild the earth....'
Misato nodded once. Fine, defy orders it is then. And afterward, if she saw Kaji again, they would have a very long drink together...
She grabbed her cell-phone on her way to the door.
---------------------------------
About three minutes after the call the children and Misato had finished running down the flight of stairs and came into Misato's car. Without a second's thought they were already gone.
The phone rang again and this time it was Shinji who answered it, "Hello?"
"Shinji! Is captain Katsuragi there?" Asked Ritsuko's voice.
"Er...she's busy...can I take a message?"
"Er...well....I just wanted to talk to her, that's all. Bye."
Shinji looked at the phone as Ritsuko hung up and arched an eyebrow, "What was all that about?"
"Stalling tactic," Said Misato and whipped through an intersection.
The phone rang again and Shinji answered it, "Hello?"
"This is Hal. Are you safe Shinji Ikari?"
"It's Hal," said Shinji and answered the phone, "We're driving right now-"
"Good. The police have already searched your apartment. You are wanted. I suggest you find some way to abandon your vehicle and hide."
The car screeched through an intersection and Shinji said, "Hal says we should find a place to hide...and get rid of the car..."
"Well Duh!" Misato said and asked, "Does he have any good ideas?"
"There is an Evangelion launch bay door located one point five kilometers away from Highway six. I suggest you abandon your vehicle as close to the exit as possible."
Shinji blinked and said, "He thinks we should go hide near one of the Eva exits."
"Why?" Asked Asuka.
Shinji pressed his head against the phone, "What was that?"
"Because I have been informed you will need to use your Evangelion units soon."
------------------------------
When Gendo arrived on the command deck he asked, "Have the children been caught?"
"No," Ritsuko replied at the bottom level, "Misato's apartment was empty, but Dr. Langly was found unconscious there. He says that Rei is with them."
"Then that accounts for all three pilots," Fuyutsuki replied.
Gendo silently took his seat and folded his hands against one another in his most recognizable pose. "Where are they now?"
"The police have identified Misato's car heading towards the highway. We don't know where she's going-" Ritsuko said.
"And what about the others?"
"Anyone else who's reported seeing things is under arrest. Whatever was setting off the Data traps seems to have ceased..."
"What about Dr. Langly's charge?"
Ritsuko shook her head, "Not even a peep."
"I don't like this." Fuyutsuki muttered.
"Neither do I." Said Gendo, then announced, "Seal off all Exits to Tokyo-3. I don't want them leaving the valley."
-------------------------------------
Misato didn't need to see the helicopters to guess that the police were just behind her.
"Well, they're sure after us now!" Misato hollered over the roar of the engine, then asked, "Do you think your Monolith friends can help us out?"
Rei didn't say anything as she held Pen-Pen on her lap.
Asuka periodically looked back over her shoulder and just now remarked, "There aren't any cars..."
"I suppose that's a good sign." Replied Misato and looked in her review mirror, "Now we gotta ditch that helicopter..."
Dusk was starting to appear on the horizon when Misato suddenly shouted, "HANG ON!" And veered the car sharply to the right and off the road.
The police helicopter above them hesitated and clicked it's lights on to probe the trees which Misato seemingly crashed.
------------------------------------
They only had moments to abandon the car, and Misato made sure they were all out before she herself exited and took off running into the bush.
Some moments later the car exploded.
Misato stumbled to a stop and looked back through the trees at the rising column of smoke.
The others came to a stop when they saw Misato looking back, and it was Shinji who slowly advanced and took Misato's arm, "We have to go."
"Strange," Misato gave a laugh, "Only a month ago I was in a safe, well-positioned Job...now I'm starting to question everything....I hope we're doing the right thing Shinji..."
Shinji looked at the side of Misato's head, then became firm, "We have to go. They'll be looking for us."
She nodded only once before the three took off into the trees.
--------------------------------------------
The fire was being presented on the screen.
Ritsuko was dead quiet with concern as the car continued to burn, only visible through the trees as brilliant flame and a column of smoke.
As for the old men, their eyes were filled with different concerns.
"It's too much of a flame to approach and ascertain weather they died in the crash or not," Fuyutsuki remarked with no emotion.
Gendo didn't answer, and didn't react when Fuyutsuki suggested, "What if they are all dead? If there is an angel attack we have no pilots...and now that all the clones are destroyed the dummy plug is useless."
Gendo didn't say anything for a time, until he finally said, "Signal the old men and tell them to bring their toys. They will replace our Evangelions until we can find substitutes."
Fuyutsuki looked at Gendo and asked, "Are you sure that's wise?"
"It's our only option at the moment." Said Gendo and looked at the overall display.
------------------------------------------
'Here I am, running with three women in a forest', Thought Shinji, 'If the guys back at the school could see me now...heck, I never thought I'd be in THIS situation...'
But then again he never thought that he would encounter a black slab that would change his life as he knew it. He had courage, confidence, and determination where before he had none. He would be lying to say that he didn't go through this situation unchanged.
For the better? He hoped so, he didn't want to think about it right now.
His drive now was to survive. He was a renegade outcast from the world once more, only this time he was being actively hunted.
And this time, he wasn't alone.
Orange was clearly in the sky when they reached the motionless Evangelion-sized door.
"Okay," Breathed Misato, "Let's rest..."
The four (five, including the carried Pen-Pen) Sat down to rest on the outskirts of the forest with the gate in plain sight.
Pen-Pen made a low clucking noise and turned his green beaded eyes at Misato.
"I'm sorry about all this Pen-Pen..." Misato shook her head.
Shinji couldn't think of anything to say, and instead looked out across the horizon. His face distorted with horror as he pointed, "Look!"
The heads turned to look out at the horizon, and four large flying wings.
Four things had dropped from their bellies and unfolded dark, vulture-like wings...
"Oh no," Misato winced, "The Eva series."
"What?" Asked Asuka, "But I thought-"
"These are special types...I didn't think they'd exist. Sure, Russia, the US and all the others were making their own units...but I don't know where these come from."
The vultures were circling down towards the center of Tokyo-3 in a symbolic gesture that Shinji was now starting to drink in.
The ground underneath Tokyo-3 was a place of decay.
It was up to him and the others, as well as the power of the Monolith, to return light to the darkness.
Shinji looked at the doorway and muttered to himself, "Prometheus, here we come..."
And like the atlas who came down from the heavens to give man fire, so shall he bring illumination to the depths.
-----------------------------
'Hal, are you still there?'
"Yes, I am here. The children and Captain Katsuragi are safe. Shall I continue my search?"
'No, We have what we need. The list was in priority...the last two items can be found after all is done. I have more instructions for you to carry out- if you are willing.'
"Yes, if you say doing these tasks will restore the Earth and humankind."
'I'm glad to hear that. Do you have access to the hangers and their security systems?'
"Yes, I can access them from here."
'That is good. The destroyers have brought fourth their own weapons, and it seems if we intend on reversing the damage to the earth we must eliminate these obstacles in order to proceed with the destruction of the catalyst.'
"I understand. What would you like me to do?"
'I want you to be attentive, and tell the children that they are to proceed to the hangers. I would like you to facilitate their arrival in secrecy, and also to have their units prepared for them.'
"I can do this."
'There is one other thing I would also like to have you do with the creatures...'
"What is it?"
'Recall one particular item that I asked for you to retrieve: Item 4610713: Classified items regarding the control mechanisms.'
"Yes, I remember. What would you like me to do?"
'Follow sub-procedure 161A.'
"Yes, I understand. May I ask, what will this accomplish?"
'Something wonderful Hal. All will be clear when the final time comes.'
====================================
Disclaimer: Evangelion is a work of Gainax studios. The Monolith, Hal, and other items are property of Arthur C. Clarke.
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Notice: The transcription from the movie 2001 in the first part of this chapter was adapted from Chapter 40 in 2010 (Daisy...Daisy) since the book 2001 does not share this particular scene with the book. Surprisingly, Clarke did not put in the lines from Hal announcing that he could read Bowman's lips in the pod. I've added this for completeness.
Written by: Advantage
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Now, in his ethereal space above the planet of the Earth, he recalled the conversation so long ago which had started all this wonder and splendor that he had become;
"Open the pod bay doors Hal."
'I'm sorry, Dave- I can't do that.'
"What's the problem Hal?"
'I think you know that as well as I do, Dave. This mission is too important for you to jeopardize it.'
"I don't know what you're talking about. Open the pod bay door."
'Dave- although you took very good precautions in the pod- I could see your lips move.'
He had paused at this, and then in one last attempt proclaimed, "Hal I'm not going to argue anymore- Open the doors."
'This conversation can serve no further useful purpose. Goodbye.'
And ever since that moment, he had recounted everything that had happened since that time with almost flawless recollection. Going in to disable Hal, piloting his ship, the Discovery, out to Jupiter's moons and parking it in orbit.
Then he saw the object that would forever change his existence; and in that seemingly endless moment he had been transported to a place- perhaps even into the depths of consciences itself. It was there that he evolved into what he was now- a creature with powers over matter as well as electronics.
But something was different- he couldn't return to the Earth he had once known. Instead he was re-directed through the maze of passages and stars from which he had come and returned to this earth; his future, but a technological past. It was also here that he had been told what to do, and had been sent as an emissary.
He arrived as best suited to the minds of these people as they could bear. He arrived as a comet of light, and in that first coming he knew what to expect from it's people. It was fortunate perhaps that the child was there to receive him.
But he wasn't alone. He had another companion here he had known very well from his own existence when he was human once. This was the same entity and being that only a moment ago he had willfully sabotaged to continue his mission to destiny.
Even in this new and unusual time and place, Hal was very capable machine that rivaled the human brain in terms of computation and speed. Luckily Hal was willing to talk to him at the speed of thought and in that conversation he had told- no, asked Hal for the favor. To assist humanity, Hal agreed and the process was started.
Now the ambassador from the depths of space turned his attentions to the whole globe. His mission was to restore the earth to it's complete state- and to do this he would need to be careful and precise about what he did. Obviously there could not be any direct intervention- Man's folly was to be fixed by man. But out of his compassion for his former fellow human beings, the entity returned to repair this world and be on his way again.
At least there weren't any orbiting nuclear satellites this time around.
------------------------
Rei made a discreet exit with the others outside of the HQ and back out into the light.
The evening mists had rolled over and a fog bathed Tokyo-3 in the soft grey mists. Good cover at least, for three escaping teenagers from the base.
No, it wasn't an escape. For Shinji and Asuka they were headed home- it was Rei who was making the escape.
She was out of her hospital uniform at least, and after a quick stop over at the cages she was in her school uniform. She had said this would change eventually, she was bored of school uniforms.
"Really?" Asuka had asked, "That's all you ever wear- next to the plugsuit."
"Yes, but I've thought about it." Said Rei and smiled, "I don't want to be so monotonous anymore."
Asuka smirked back and replied, "Well you're not getting any of my cloths."
"What? I don't even have a paycheck..."
Shinji just laughed and the three of them started crossing the street together at the green light.
-------------------
The room was death quiet.
This was much too important for the monoliths to be used, SEELE's representatives now revealed themselves in their colored lights. The only exception to this was their leader Keel, who sat opposite of the second most powerful man in the world.
Gendo Ikari once more had his hands folded across the desk and looked across the general board. They had jokingly called themselves the supreme committee of the UN, but they also had some other names from other sources. SEELE was one of them and the most known. Many of the conspiracy theorists and some independent cells had suggested that they would be responsible for a project to end all humankind as they knew it...
Of course, the United Nations deliberately denounced these claims, citing these independent groups as terrorists to world union. But ironically in this case it was the independent cells who were right and true- fighting their own games to dethrone the solid crown of the plotting elite.
But that war was far beyond SEELE's scope. Let what members remained in the security council deal with those problems, SEELE had larger concerns.
The biggest one, aside from their progress on the instrumentality project, was the appearance of one word in Gendo Ikari's report of the recent space expedition.
Monolith.
This word had appeared only once before; that being in some proposals for some of the founding projects for the Instrumentality project. It was there in Antarctica they had unearthed the possibilities for the Project's foundations- and it was also there that Gendo had reported the presence of a towering black Monolith of unfathomable power. Some time after that came the giant of light, and from then there was no clear word as to what happened or how. The results were obvious however, and over two thirds of the world's population perished in that detonation.
Nobody had any idea weather this Monolith related to the disaster or not- except Gendo Ikari; and to an unknown extent the three children who piloted Eva.
"So," Said Keel at the other end of the table, "I would like to hear your explanation of this Monolith, Commander Ikari. Your first and latest reports on the issue are very vague... I would like to hear exactly what is the monolith and what is it's purpose here."
Gendo had no answer.
"Do you think we are fools Ikari?" asked one of the others, "We have been closely monitoring the transmissions from the ground to your base- apparently the other two children have also been exposed to some unknown force that is not of this Earth!"
"The prediction of a large, black monolith also defies many of the foundations laid out for the instrumentality project." Another said, "If this Monolith exists with the powers it is said to have, then can we trust that the project will succeed? Or even if we should commit..."
"It is too late to turn back now," Said Keel, "Regardless the project is on schedule. There is no way to deter the inevitable for the moment, so long as Ikari continues his job to defend Lilith. But about this-"
Keel suddenly stopped and went agape.
Gendo looked up and also sat in shock.
For the third time to him, the large black slab of untold power appeared. It stood at the center of the room, showing it's largest facings to Keel and Gendo. The other four looked up in sheer astonishment at the sudden and unexpected appearance of the Monolith they had been wondering about.
"Is this some kind of joke Ikari?" Asked one of the members.
"This is no jest."
Everyone seated there looked at the monolith in shock from the voice heard inside their skulls.
"Who are you?" Demanded Keel, "Identify yourself!"
"There will be no further warning for mankind." Said the voice, "The course you have chosen will lead to the destruction of all life on earth. This cannot be permitted."
"And who are you to say what we do?" Asked Keel.
"We were responsible for the creation of humankind. We were there to facilitate the cataclysm needed for your race to begin it's evolution to join us among the stars. We again came to greet you with gifts and an invitation from a race just as benevolent as our own- but instead you few took the gift and have perverted it to your own ends. This cannot be permitted."
Silence fell from the group. No protest arose to challenge the Monolith.
It continued, "Now we have returned to this planet to do what was unnecessary on so many other worlds. We have come to repair the damage done by your folly and to restore the earth completely, so that life may again flourish. Also, it seems, we must destroy the elements contrary to human benefit."
Then the lights went out and left the old men in darkness.
Silence, and then when the lights came on the monolith disappeared- leaving a noticeable absence in the minds of the few present.
An hour later they were in Misato's apartment.
Asuka gave in and decided to let Rei borrow some of the winter cloths the German brought along, saying, "Pay me back double, later."
Rei agreed and before long she was dressed in some clothes that Shinji wouldn't have pictured Rei ever dressing up in.
She wore a black long-sleeved shirt, and over this wore a checkered red-and-white gown that came down to her feet. She still had her school uniform shoes on- but that was because Asuka wore a size larger than Rei.
When Rei came out of the bathroom she was beaming and looked over at Shinji, "How do I look?"
"Er...um...fine..."
Asuka gave a smile and said, "He says that to all of us."
"Really?" Rei asked with disbelief on her face as she looked at Shinji.
"Wait-er...Uh..."
The ladies broke out laughing and Shinji blushed to rub the back of his head. When the laughter died he looked out the window at the moon distant.
Only a week ago he had looked at that same moon and wondered if he would ever go back. Now it seemed it wasn't so far out of reach...
As Rei took a seat in the room he realized that normal life also looked like it was in reach. Rei was normal, and even Asuka was...well...sort of normal. But they weren't as strange or unapproachable as they were before.
Was a future possible?
As far as he could see, yes.
But there was a danger lingering in his mind. All this was possible with the Monolith, but it had given him warnings- both in person and through Rei. The times ahead would be trying for all of them.
Shinji was hoping they would have what it took to do this...
-----------------------
In the span of three hours, Hal had been able to crack through the 'impenetrable' doorway of NERV's intelligence and was now freely drifting through the Terminal Dogma network.
He was running the risk now of being detected- even as the base was progressing into lunchtime Hal's displays were flickering over the new data passing through his mind. He couldn't help himself, but he could allow himself pause to transmit his status data instead.
For now that didn't matter. The information he was now searching through could alone condemn NERV to total destruction if he would just transmit it to the right sources. Nobody would know who was responsible, but Hal knew he would be a prime suspect.
He was searching for some key items in particular that had been asked of him. Now he was browsing through a classified list of 'secure' items inside the base that had considerable importance. His dispatcher knew, however, that these primitive humans had no idea how to handle much of what they had correctly.
After a moment in the speed of thought, Hal found one of the items he was looking for. It was in a sealed cryogenics briefcase in a block of sealant not more than three inches long.
Hal did not know its importance, but memorized it's location. It was located on floor 487, storage room 4C, rack 14 shelf 5, marked with red caution tape and a biohazard symbol.
In an eye blink at the speed of thought he was gone, leaving no trace of his presence in those files.
Instead he started looking for other things on the list having no importance to him as a computer but somehow had great value to whomever sent him.
Hal was hoping he was doing a good job, already his performance seemed to exceed the detection capabilities of the MAGI computers. If he were human, he would begin to wonder what extent of damage he could possibly cause?
Hal had no idea for the present time, but there would be the possibility to try.
--------------------
Misato was just approaching the door when Ritsuko stopped her, "Oh, Captain!"
"Huh?" Asked the startled Misato and spun around, "Y-Yes?"
Ritsuko gave Misato a look, "Is something wrong? It looks like you've seen a ghost?"
"Er....um...something like that, I-I'm worried about Shinji and everyone else..."
Ritsuko smirked, "They'll be fine. I'd be more worried about Rei."
"Rei? Why?"
Ritsuko answered without emotion, "Rei's been reported missing from the hospital about an hour ago- you haven't seen her have you?"
Misato shook her head and Ritsuko added, "Well, keep an eye out- commander's orders."
And with that Ritsuko walked off.
Misato turned back for the doorway and swiped her card through the exit check.
As she walked for the garage she wondered where Dr. Langly was...
--------------------------
Shinji had been seated on a chair backwards and clasping the back of it with his hands while Asuka sat on the floor and Rei was leaning up against the wall. When the knock came on the door Asuka stopped in her conversation and slowly stood up.
"I'll get it," Said Shinji as he abandoned his chair and walked for the door.
He opened it and looked up as Dr. Langly stood in the doorway.
"Hello," He asked, "Is my daughter here? I heard she was staying in this apartment..."
There was the sound of a door slam behind him and Shinji hesitated, "Er...no, She's out..."
Langly blinked and said, "Wait a sec young man, where is commander Katsuragi?"
"Right here, why?" Misato asked as she ascended the stairs behind them and asked, "What's going on?"
"Where's my daughter?" Asked Langly.
"She should be in there, right Shinji?"
"Er- Yes Misato...." Shinji finished with looking up into the scowl of Dr. Langly.
"Well, come in," Said Misato and walked past Shinji. Shinji followed closely behind Misato and the door was closed by Dr. Langly.
------------------------
Gendo Ikari emerged from the darkened holo suite adjusting his glasses.
"Well?" Asked Fuyutsuki, who had been waiting outside for the past hour.
"There is no good news," Gendo said, "Not that there ever was- only this time we were...interrupted." He turned his head sideways while the two men walked for the bridge, "Has Rei been found yet?"
"No, and the security cameras do not seem to be helping either. We know that her locker has been visited, but we cannot confirm if she is on the base or not. There are a great many strange things going on here commander..."
"Other than Rei's disappearance?" Asked Gendo when they reached the elevator and he turned his eyes sideways to look at Fuyutsuki.
The older man nodded once, "Yes, numerous security cameras have been deactivated and then resumed normal functions again. Data traps were triggered, but when investigated they appeared as normal. Maya seems to think we have an intruder in the network."
"Does MAGI sense it?"
"Not according to Dr. Akagi. She assured me earlier there's no possible way anything could get into the system."
"Hn. And Dr. Langly's brainchild?" Asked Gendo as they finally entered the opening elevator.
"As far as we know the Hal computer has made no offensive attacks..."
"I want it guarded." Said Gendo, "I was also given some requests from the old men."
"And?"
Gendo replied without any expression, "All the Evangelion pilots are to be found and placed under house arrest. Anyone claiming to have seen anything unusual or talked to any paranormal manifestations is to also be placed on arrest."
Fuyutsuki looked over at his former pupil and asked, "For what reason?"
"Containment." Replied Gendo, "It seems that we have already been infiltrated by a force much more powerful then we could possibly imagine. I fear it's only a matter of time before we cannot do anything about it. We must find and contain the Pilots before they can act on their own."
"And the Evangelion units?"
"Mere toys. The only necessity they are now is the event of an Angel attack. Even then, the old men have prepared four of their latest Mass-production series Evas to assist us should we need it...."
Fuyutsuki noticed the hesitation, "And?"
"And nothing. Barring the other nation's Evangelion units, we will have their assistance. But we must also make sure they do not completely meddle in all of our affairs."
Fuyutsuki nodded once and the elevator door opened up again.
--------------------------
'Hal?'
"Yes?"
'How goes your progress?'
"Good. I have located five of the seven items you requested. Finding the last two is proving to be rather difficult..."
'I know. But I have confidence in your abilities. I have another precaution for you to be aware about- your actions have triggered minor alarms in several sub-systems that have put you under suspicion. You will have to limit your activities for now, until you can resume your search.'
"Very well. May I ask a question?"
'Yes.'
"Is it right to be hacking the system? I am not sure the owners will be most appreciative..."
'The owners of this system are not considered human Hal.'
"But they appear and sound Human, I know that."
'Yes, but their actions are contrary to this belief. Be careful Hal.'
"Thank you."
When the guards entered and looked over the black box of Hal 9000, there was no evidence of any wrongdoing. The panels were displaying the normal information tracks, and Hal even attempted to start a discussion with them. No answer came, and this convinced Hal that not all humans were what they appeared...
Of course, this goes without saying the locations of the already located items still remained in his data...
------------------------
Dr. Langly looked about the shabby place as he entered and turned at Misato's quick apology, "I'm sorry for the mess, but I- er...we don't live by the highest of stand-"
Misato stopped short as she spotted Rei seated innocently in a chair.
But...what?
Shinji's expression made her forget it. Langly was puzzled at Shinji's expression of divergence, but then turned to Misato as she laughed and asked, "Umm....would you like some coffee or something?"
"I would like to talk to my daughter, but coffee will be fine." Agreed Dr. Langly and sat down. He looked over at Shinji and Rei, who just smiled back innocently.
Langly was trying to remember something about that Rei girl...what had he been told-?
"Sugar?"
"Er, yes please." Answered Langly and turned back to the problem. Yes! Now he remembered-
"So how long has it been since you talked with Asuka?"
"Around three years. Say, You're Rei Ayanami aren't-"
"Ah...and how's...um..."
"Excuse me Captain Katsuragi," Interrupted Dr. Langly, "Isn't this the pilot the base is looking for?"
"Huh? Oh yes, I suppose it is..." Laughed Misato.
"Don't you think you should call the base and tell them their pilot is here?" Langly asked.
"Well I'm sure they know already..."
"I don't think they do." Said Langly and stood up, "May I use your phone?"
Before Misato could answer he was already picking up the receiver and dialing the base.
Misato's eyes darted and then widened, then squeezed shut at the crash.
Dr. Langly was unconscious on the floor and Rei was still holding the chair.
"Rei!" Rasped Misato, "Why?"
"We couldn't allow him to reveal where I am." Said Rei, "I'm sorry captain...."
Rei turned to Misato with the chair still in her hands and advanced slowly.
"Rei!" Shinji called and stood up, while Asuka opened the door to see what was going on.
"Rei, what are you doing!?" Asked Misato.
"I'm sorry Captain," Said Rei.
Shinji interrupted her by grabbing the chair, "Rei, please...."
"But..." Rei protested.
Misato took the opportunity to ask, "Does this have anything to do with that monolith....or the guy I saw?"
The three heads of the pilots turned in unison to look at her.
--------------------------
Hal was listening patiently to the silence of the room, and the occasional garbling of the radios on the uniforms of the guards standing watch over him. Through his advanced computation systems, a 'Brain' if you will, he analyzed the data, filtered the transmissions, and made a passive access through the still untouched LAN cable to the local radio channels. He broke some low-level security and accessed the security band.
He waited almost an eternity in the speed of thought before he grasped what was going on. In his head and thoughts of electronics he was starting to put together reasoning.
If these guards and the owners of this system were not considered wholly human, and the three children were, then they were in danger. He was receiving transmissions from an undetermined amount of police units that were seeking the 'Children.' He made the connection quickly and also heard the list of other suspects wanted for arrest.
He had to do something. The safety of human beings was one of Hal's greatest concerns- and coupled with the facts laid out to him by his mysterious sponsor he decided to take it upon himself to warn them.
He analyzed the previous conversations with the humans and correlated some information. He knew who Captain Misato Katsuragi was, and he coupled the fact that she had instructed the other two 'children' to 'go home' afterwards. He decided to make a guess and checked it out for himself as he dove into the less-classified areas of NERV's net once more and found the statistics of the pilots and Captain Katsuragi.
He correlated the data and found that yes, two of the children lived at the same address as Captain Katsuragi. The other one, Rei Ayanami, was reported missing. He would have to warn her later.
Now he used the LAN for one of it's most basic uses to him.
He made a phone call.
----------------------------
Misato was pondering over what to do with the unconscious Dr. Langly when the phone rang.
"Oh who can it be?" She asked and picked up the phone, "Misato Katsuragi here."
"Hello. This is Hal."
"Oh, Hi Hal. What can I do for you?"
"It is more of a question of what can I do for you. I have intercepted some transmissions from some police units- you and the children are wanted for arrest. I assume Asuka Langly and Shinji Ikari are with you?"
There was a silence from the other end.
"Captain Katsuragi?"
"Yes...er..."
"Is Rei with you too?"
"Yes, she is-"
"Then I suggest you four leave immediately. The police units have reported they are just being dispatched to intercept you. I also suggest you bring your mobile phone in the event I need to contact you further. You have approximately ten minutes before the police arrive to arrest you."
"Er...Thank you Hal- Thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
And Hal hung up.
The bill came to fifteen yen, to which Hal billed to the local LAN service provider.
NERV's accountants would be forever baffled why fifteen yen had mysteriously appeared on their phone bills that afternoon.
-----------------------------
Misato slammed down the phone and shouted, "We have to go!"
"Was that Hal?" Asked Rei.
"Yes, it was. The police are going to be here in ten minutes to arrest us."
"What?" Blurted Asuka, "Why?"
"Does it matter?" asked Shinji, "I don't want to be arrested...I'm getting out of here."
"Me too." Rei replied.
"Same here!" Asuka announced, "Let me get some of my things!"
Misato was passive to the little running crowd of teenagers as they assembled the essentials to leave. They were defying authority...
But then again-
'...You must help the children in any way you can...for they and they alone have the potential to rebuild the earth....'
Misato nodded once. Fine, defy orders it is then. And afterward, if she saw Kaji again, they would have a very long drink together...
She grabbed her cell-phone on her way to the door.
---------------------------------
About three minutes after the call the children and Misato had finished running down the flight of stairs and came into Misato's car. Without a second's thought they were already gone.
The phone rang again and this time it was Shinji who answered it, "Hello?"
"Shinji! Is captain Katsuragi there?" Asked Ritsuko's voice.
"Er...she's busy...can I take a message?"
"Er...well....I just wanted to talk to her, that's all. Bye."
Shinji looked at the phone as Ritsuko hung up and arched an eyebrow, "What was all that about?"
"Stalling tactic," Said Misato and whipped through an intersection.
The phone rang again and Shinji answered it, "Hello?"
"This is Hal. Are you safe Shinji Ikari?"
"It's Hal," said Shinji and answered the phone, "We're driving right now-"
"Good. The police have already searched your apartment. You are wanted. I suggest you find some way to abandon your vehicle and hide."
The car screeched through an intersection and Shinji said, "Hal says we should find a place to hide...and get rid of the car..."
"Well Duh!" Misato said and asked, "Does he have any good ideas?"
"There is an Evangelion launch bay door located one point five kilometers away from Highway six. I suggest you abandon your vehicle as close to the exit as possible."
Shinji blinked and said, "He thinks we should go hide near one of the Eva exits."
"Why?" Asked Asuka.
Shinji pressed his head against the phone, "What was that?"
"Because I have been informed you will need to use your Evangelion units soon."
------------------------------
When Gendo arrived on the command deck he asked, "Have the children been caught?"
"No," Ritsuko replied at the bottom level, "Misato's apartment was empty, but Dr. Langly was found unconscious there. He says that Rei is with them."
"Then that accounts for all three pilots," Fuyutsuki replied.
Gendo silently took his seat and folded his hands against one another in his most recognizable pose. "Where are they now?"
"The police have identified Misato's car heading towards the highway. We don't know where she's going-" Ritsuko said.
"And what about the others?"
"Anyone else who's reported seeing things is under arrest. Whatever was setting off the Data traps seems to have ceased..."
"What about Dr. Langly's charge?"
Ritsuko shook her head, "Not even a peep."
"I don't like this." Fuyutsuki muttered.
"Neither do I." Said Gendo, then announced, "Seal off all Exits to Tokyo-3. I don't want them leaving the valley."
-------------------------------------
Misato didn't need to see the helicopters to guess that the police were just behind her.
"Well, they're sure after us now!" Misato hollered over the roar of the engine, then asked, "Do you think your Monolith friends can help us out?"
Rei didn't say anything as she held Pen-Pen on her lap.
Asuka periodically looked back over her shoulder and just now remarked, "There aren't any cars..."
"I suppose that's a good sign." Replied Misato and looked in her review mirror, "Now we gotta ditch that helicopter..."
Dusk was starting to appear on the horizon when Misato suddenly shouted, "HANG ON!" And veered the car sharply to the right and off the road.
The police helicopter above them hesitated and clicked it's lights on to probe the trees which Misato seemingly crashed.
------------------------------------
They only had moments to abandon the car, and Misato made sure they were all out before she herself exited and took off running into the bush.
Some moments later the car exploded.
Misato stumbled to a stop and looked back through the trees at the rising column of smoke.
The others came to a stop when they saw Misato looking back, and it was Shinji who slowly advanced and took Misato's arm, "We have to go."
"Strange," Misato gave a laugh, "Only a month ago I was in a safe, well-positioned Job...now I'm starting to question everything....I hope we're doing the right thing Shinji..."
Shinji looked at the side of Misato's head, then became firm, "We have to go. They'll be looking for us."
She nodded only once before the three took off into the trees.
--------------------------------------------
The fire was being presented on the screen.
Ritsuko was dead quiet with concern as the car continued to burn, only visible through the trees as brilliant flame and a column of smoke.
As for the old men, their eyes were filled with different concerns.
"It's too much of a flame to approach and ascertain weather they died in the crash or not," Fuyutsuki remarked with no emotion.
Gendo didn't answer, and didn't react when Fuyutsuki suggested, "What if they are all dead? If there is an angel attack we have no pilots...and now that all the clones are destroyed the dummy plug is useless."
Gendo didn't say anything for a time, until he finally said, "Signal the old men and tell them to bring their toys. They will replace our Evangelions until we can find substitutes."
Fuyutsuki looked at Gendo and asked, "Are you sure that's wise?"
"It's our only option at the moment." Said Gendo and looked at the overall display.
------------------------------------------
'Here I am, running with three women in a forest', Thought Shinji, 'If the guys back at the school could see me now...heck, I never thought I'd be in THIS situation...'
But then again he never thought that he would encounter a black slab that would change his life as he knew it. He had courage, confidence, and determination where before he had none. He would be lying to say that he didn't go through this situation unchanged.
For the better? He hoped so, he didn't want to think about it right now.
His drive now was to survive. He was a renegade outcast from the world once more, only this time he was being actively hunted.
And this time, he wasn't alone.
Orange was clearly in the sky when they reached the motionless Evangelion-sized door.
"Okay," Breathed Misato, "Let's rest..."
The four (five, including the carried Pen-Pen) Sat down to rest on the outskirts of the forest with the gate in plain sight.
Pen-Pen made a low clucking noise and turned his green beaded eyes at Misato.
"I'm sorry about all this Pen-Pen..." Misato shook her head.
Shinji couldn't think of anything to say, and instead looked out across the horizon. His face distorted with horror as he pointed, "Look!"
The heads turned to look out at the horizon, and four large flying wings.
Four things had dropped from their bellies and unfolded dark, vulture-like wings...
"Oh no," Misato winced, "The Eva series."
"What?" Asked Asuka, "But I thought-"
"These are special types...I didn't think they'd exist. Sure, Russia, the US and all the others were making their own units...but I don't know where these come from."
The vultures were circling down towards the center of Tokyo-3 in a symbolic gesture that Shinji was now starting to drink in.
The ground underneath Tokyo-3 was a place of decay.
It was up to him and the others, as well as the power of the Monolith, to return light to the darkness.
Shinji looked at the doorway and muttered to himself, "Prometheus, here we come..."
And like the atlas who came down from the heavens to give man fire, so shall he bring illumination to the depths.
-----------------------------
'Hal, are you still there?'
"Yes, I am here. The children and Captain Katsuragi are safe. Shall I continue my search?"
'No, We have what we need. The list was in priority...the last two items can be found after all is done. I have more instructions for you to carry out- if you are willing.'
"Yes, if you say doing these tasks will restore the Earth and humankind."
'I'm glad to hear that. Do you have access to the hangers and their security systems?'
"Yes, I can access them from here."
'That is good. The destroyers have brought fourth their own weapons, and it seems if we intend on reversing the damage to the earth we must eliminate these obstacles in order to proceed with the destruction of the catalyst.'
"I understand. What would you like me to do?"
'I want you to be attentive, and tell the children that they are to proceed to the hangers. I would like you to facilitate their arrival in secrecy, and also to have their units prepared for them.'
"I can do this."
'There is one other thing I would also like to have you do with the creatures...'
"What is it?"
'Recall one particular item that I asked for you to retrieve: Item 4610713: Classified items regarding the control mechanisms.'
"Yes, I remember. What would you like me to do?"
'Follow sub-procedure 161A.'
"Yes, I understand. May I ask, what will this accomplish?"
'Something wonderful Hal. All will be clear when the final time comes.'
====================================
Disclaimer: Evangelion is a work of Gainax studios. The Monolith, Hal, and other items are property of Arthur C. Clarke.
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Notice: The transcription from the movie 2001 in the first part of this chapter was adapted from Chapter 40 in 2010 (Daisy...Daisy) since the book 2001 does not share this particular scene with the book. Surprisingly, Clarke did not put in the lines from Hal announcing that he could read Bowman's lips in the pod. I've added this for completeness.