Disclaimer: See Prologue
Evangelion: Any place can be Heaven, if you let it (A Sequel to Random1377's, Crimson and Azure)
Chapter 13
Four years and nine months since Third Impact
Eighteenth day of Shinji Ayanami's mission in space
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Shinji had completed all the mission objects a day and a half ahead of schedule. After a good night's sleep, he simply had some routine diagnostic checks to do in the morning then board Unit 01 and head home. He should have been sound asleep. He should have been dreaming of the woman he loved, the woman that occupied so many of his waking thoughts, the woman who occupied his thoughts now but for a different reason. Though they managed to speak together several other times during the mission it was only this night that they actually had total privacy as they did on the tenth night of the mission. And during this time she shared with him her dream. A dream she had each night for the past week. He had wondered if it was a premonition, telling her she was pregnant but she assured him that was not possible since she started her period for the month just three days after the start of the mission, right on time as always. He questioned her if the dream was her suppressed conscious desire to have a child intruding upon her subconscious. She rejected this idea, stating unequivocally that the thought of having a child had never crossed her mind and even now, though she found the dream intriguing, she still was not entertaining the idea of bearing a child. She plainly stated that with her new responsibilities as Operations Director it would not allow for such diversions. When she asked how he felt about the idea of having a child, he smiled and was very supportive of her opinion that the time was just not right to even consider such a thing. And with that the topic ended and they finished their conversation with numerous declarations of love for each other.
But now, aboard the empty space station, all alone, the young man's thoughts of his lovely wife and an equally lovely baby girl in her arms filled him with … "What? What is it that I'm feeling? Excitement? Anxiety? Joy? Fear? All or none of the above?" He sighed. "What is it that you want in a family?" He thought quietly for some time before responding to himself. "Well I know what I don't want. I don't want to be like my father. But did my father love my mother as much as I love Rei? Probably not. I can't imagine my father loving anyone half as much as I love Rei. So, if something were to happen to Rei, would I become a heartless bastard like he did? What was my father like before the accident that took my mother's life?"
He sighed again. "What kind of father would I be? What kind of mother would Rei be? Are we even ready to have a child? Forget about our jobs, what about the fact that we're both just 18-years old. We're barely old enough to drive and now we're thinking about children." He shook his head. "Stop it Shinji. Don't do this to yourself. You need your rest. I'm not going to be one of those people who die during a routine check because I was too preoccupied to follow proper procedures. Go to sleep. There'll be time to think about this when I'm back on Earth." With that he shut the main lighting off for the night and got in his sleeping bag. Sleeping in the weightlessness of space had taken some getting used to but now he found it rather relaxing. So much so, that even with all that was on his mind, he still managed to fall asleep in just a few seconds.
Both Oklahoma Base and the command center at NERV Headquarters in Tokyo3 were all on pins and needles. Unit 01 was still in its blackout period and would be for at least 30 more seconds. The mission couldn't have gone any better. Not only were all the mission objectives completed ahead of schedule but the final diagnostic tests aboard the space station all met or exceeded necessary parameters. Everything was moving ahead smoothly until Shinji boarded Unit 01 and detached from the space station. All he had to do was a 0.22 percent upward thrust to move clear of the satellite and position the Eva for reentry. A slip of the finger and he used 0.55 percent instead which shot him up and into one of the support beams, which scrapped across the back of the Eva. After careful visual inspection it was determine that the beam would most likely need to be replaced in a future mission but would not require any work at this time. System analysis of Eva Unit 01 revealed nothing out of the ordinary so it was decided that reentry could proceed.
Despite agreeing with the analysis of the available data, Rei was beside herself with concern. She had no rational reason to be concerned, but when it came to her husband's safety, rational thought was not always possible. Standing at her post at the command center at NERV Headquarters she struggled to control her breathing as well as her nerves.
"Can you believe how calm the Captain is?" Observed Yuri quietly.
"She has nerves of steel." Amano whispered. "I'd be going nuts right about now if I were her."
"Quiet you two, we may only be analyzing at this point but we still have a job to do." Maya scolded in a hushed voice.
Just then, over the communications link, they heard, "This is Unit 01 preparing to deploy my chute. Do you concur Oklahoma Base?"
A collective sigh of relief filled the command center.
"Yes Shinji, deploy now." Doctor Akagi concurred.
A moment of silence past, then one of the system operators at Oklahoma announced. "Doctor, the parachute has not deployed."
"Shinji, what's wrong! Why haven't you deployed your chute?" An anxious Ritsuko yelled.
"I'm trying doctor but it's not responding." The pilot replied calmly.
Rei gasped as her eyes went wide. Her reaction may have been noticed if everyone else in the command center hadn't flown to their feet in shock.
"Touchdown in 80 seconds."
"You need to get that chute opened in the next ten seconds or…" The doctor started saying.
"I'm aware of that doctor. The controls are not responding. The chute will not deploy." The pilot's calm reserve quickly evaporating.
"Touchdown in 60 seconds."
'Extend your AT Field, it may cushion the fall.' Rei thought but before she could say anything she heard.
"Shinji, extend your AT Field!" Ritsuko screamed.
"Extending AT Field at 50%." The pilot replied.
"No 100%!" The doctor commanded.
With that all communication links, both audio and video, went dead.
"What just happened?" The commander yelled.
"Apparently, Unit 01's AT Field interfered with our communication link." Reported Maya.
"Attempt to establish an alternate link to Oklahoma Base immediately." Rei commanded.
"Yes ma'am." Maya worked frantically to establish any sort of connection to the American base.
Time passed painfully slow in complete silence. The only sounds were the forced air being blown into the room and the sound of Maya's frantic attempt to establish communications with Oklahoma Base.
Rei stared at the blank monitors as if trying to will them to come back to life. 'Please, please be all right Shinji. I need you. I can't live without you. Don't leave me. Not now. Not like this. Two more missions, that is all you have left as a pilot, just two more missions. This cannot be happening.' With each passing second, her anxiety level increased exponentially as she slowly began to hyperventilate. 'Come back to me my love. You must come back to me. You swore to love me for all eternity. I will hold you to that promise. Please Shinji, please.' First a single tear escaped her watery eyes and rolled down her cheek. A brief moment later, others followed.
After the longest hour in Rei's life, Maya reported, "Audio communications are reestablished ma'am."
"Tokyo3… Tokyo3… are you there?" Ritsuko's voice came over the comm link.
"This is Tokyo3, Doctor. What is the status of Unit 01?" Rei struggled to maintain her control. 'Tell me how my Shinji is. Tell me if my Shinji is all right.'
"I would have thought you would have wanted to know how the pilot was?" A very familiar voice said.
"SHINJI!" The Director screamed. "You are all right!"
"Safe and sound Captain. Though I'm afraid the same can't be said about Oklahoma Base. Though the AT Field cushioned Unit 01's fall, it left a 120 meter crater at the landing sight."
Silence met him for several seconds. "Rei, can you hear me?" Suddenly a rush of incoherent noises came over the communications link. "Rei! Rei! Tokyo3, can you hear me?"
Suddenly he heard Misato's voice. "Yes Shinji, we can still hear you." As other noises in the background told him something was very wrong.
"Misato, what's happening? Where's Rei?" He pleaded giving Ritsuko a worried look.
Seeing his concern, she immediately picked up the phone and contacted the AFB Offutt Base in Nebraska. "Offutt, this is NERV Oklahoma Base, we need a Harrier 4 here immediately. No, our runway has been destroyed, it won't be able to land. Thank you." She hung up the phone.
As Ritsuko spoke on the phone, Misato responded to Shinji. "It's Rei. She fainted. We're trying to revive her now."
"What's wrong? Why'd she faint? What happened to her?" Shinji struggled desperately to keep from losing total composure.
"I'm not sure. I think … no, I-I don't know. Just get back here as fast as you can Shinji. NERV Headquarters out."
With that, communications were terminated.
Turning toward the doctor, Shinji implored. "I've got to get to her Ritsuko."
"I've already contacted the Nebraska base, they're sending a Harrier over to get you out of here." She walked up to him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Shinji. I'm sure it's nothing serious. The stress probably just got to be too much for her, especially with your chute not opening and the loss of communications right before you landed. Rei is very strong but she's still only human. It can't be easy for her sending you up into space, knowing any mistake, any failure and the one person she loves more than anyone in the world could be dead. I know I couldn't do what she does."
Shinji looked down at the ground. "I never thought of it that way. She never even hinted at it being a problem for her."
"Of course she didn't. Rei wouldn't, she'd keep it to herself and lets you do what you enjoy doing." She smiled.
He looked up at her abruptly. "Who ever said I enjoyed piloting Eva?"
Ritsuko tilted her head to the side and gave a knowing smile. "You don't have to be psychic to see how much you love going into space. I've never seen you happier at your work then when we started the space missions."
He bowed his head once again. "Is it that obvious."
"Pretty much." Tapping his shoulder, she continued. "But don't worry, you only have two more missions left. I'm sure Rei will be able to handle it."
"She won't have to." He looked up once again.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"I have to change before the Harrier arrives doctor." He turned to leave the control room. At the door he stopped and said. "Thank you Ritsuko." Then he smiled and walked away.
Inhaling deeply, Rei slowly opened her eyes to see her husband sitting next to her, holding her hand.
"Am I dreaming again?" She asked.
"No, this is no dream." He smiled and leaned over to kiss her gently on the lips.
"How long have I been out?"
He checked his watch. "About six hours."
Looking around slowly she asked. "Am I in the hospital?"
Nodding he replied. "You fainted shortly after you heard my voice. I didn't know I had that effect on you?" He smiled.
Her face turned bright pink as she looked down toward her lap. "How embarrassing, to faint in front of the entire command staff. They must think I am such a…"
"Hey! Enough of that." Her husband insisted as he clasped her hand between his. "The only feeling everyone has expressed is the utmost concern for your well-being. Everyone respects and admires you Rei. And no one thinks any less of you for what happened. Trust me, I know, I've spoken with all of them." He kissed her hand and caressed it against his cheek.
She nodded slowly then gifted him with a loving smile. "I am sorry for making you worry."
"I'm sorry for making you worry so. I should have seen it. Every time I went up. I should have seen the stress I was putting on you. I'm so sorry I didn't." He continued caressing her hand with his eyes closed as his tears began to fall.
"You need not apologize. I am aware of the joy traveling into space brings to you. Besides, you have but two more missions before your nineteenth birthday. I will be able to function for two more missions." She reassured him.
"No, you won't have to." He looked up at her.
"But why?" She asked as surprise and shock crossed her face.
"Because I've already given the commander and Misato my resignation." He told her.
"What?"
"I've resigned as a pilot. I'll continue on as an instructor, full-time now but my piloting days are over. This was my last mission." He smiled at her.
"No, Shinji do not do this. You love traveling to space. Don't do this because of me." She tried to sit up straight from the inclined position the bed was already in.
Shinji placed a hand on her shoulder and gently forced her back onto the bed. "I love you, and nothing and no one else in this world comes close to the love I feel for you. And don't worry. I'm not doing just for you, I'm doing it for us."
She gave him a confused look.
"When I was in Unit 01 and the parachute didn't open, for a brief instant before Ritsuko told me to extend my AT Field, do you know what image came to my mind?" He asked.
She shook her head.
"I saw you and our baby, but I wasn't there." He smiled sadly.
"But I told you, I am not pregnant."
"I know, and I know we need to do a lot more talking about the subject before we decide to start a family, but today I almost ended everything with a slip of the finger. I won't risk our future, our family just so I can joy ride in space two more times. I love you Rei. I want to grow old with you, with our children, and tell you and them how much I love you all when our time here at NERV is nothing but a distant memory."
"But that is irrational. We could die tomorrow in an accident. Why should you stop doing what you love doing out of an irrational fear of death?" She countered.
"I know I may die any time. I know there are no guarantees in life but why tempt fate when all I want, all I need is right here before me." He smiled lovingly at her.
She studied his expression for a time, considering how to respond. 'Your argument is flawed. You should not abandon your dreams of space travel, not even for me. But… you are such a dear man. You really would do anything for me. You are the sweetest man … I am so fortunate to have your love.'
Worry crossed the young man's face. "Rei, why are you crying?"
She sat up. "Hold me. Hold me forever my love." She said softly as she pressed her cheek against his shoulder and held him tight.
"Always my love, always." Her husband replied as he returned her embrace.
Five years and one month since Third Impact
---
The opponents to Declassification worked feverishly to keep the resolution from coming to a vote before the General Assembly. While the presidents and prime ministers of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and China worked feverishly to have the resolution put to a vote with Asuka as their front man, as it were; behind closed doors people like Congressman Caffy, Senator Pierce, Minister Fushose, Chancellor Vioartii, and Minister Soo Fan Goo worked just as hard to keep it from coming up, and for four months they managed to do just that while also managing to keep Asuka out of the Chambers of the General Assembly and away from the podium. Hailed in the West as The Great Persuader, Asuka had managed to alter public and political opinions on numerous occasions in several countries. Her personable, straightforward, no-nonsense style had won people over everywhere she went. And by keeping Asuka from the podium, the opposition managed to slowly but surely bring the Assembly's opinion around to their way of thinking. Now as the eleventh hour approached, the leaders of those countries most diligently fighting for Declassification pulled their trump card, threatening to pull out of the UN entirely if Asuka was not allowed to speak.
For her part, Asuka had made herself available by renting a home in the Catskill mountains along with her assistant and the two Secret Service agents whom President Atwater insisted she have with her at all times while waiting for the all important vote. While the quiet, secluded location they were in would have normally driven Asuka crazy having to stay in such a place for two consecutive months now, she managed to remain entertained by going horseback riding on a daily basis. Riding over the majestic hills of the Catskills became a source of endless enjoyment for her, that and her regular calls to her family and friends in Tokyo3.
This day she managed to easily allude her bodyguards. 'Those guys must never have ridden a horse a day in their lives.' She mused as she slowly rode her horse amongst the trees, enjoying the beautiful foliage. "Rei would really love it here." She smiled. Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the three riders who were waiting for her in the clearing on the other side of the cluster of trees she was riding through.
"Miss Souryu I presume?" A man in a dark suit and sunglasses said, rousing the young woman from her thoughts.
"Who is asking?" She asked, suspiciously cautious.
"Congressman Caffy would like to speak with you." He gestured to his right.
Slowly the redhead made her way in that direction. Down the hill and next to the nearby river, the congressman was standing alone feeding the birds in the lake.
After a few minutes, she came to a stop just a few meters behind the elderly man. "You wanted to speak with me Congressman."
The senior statesman continued feeding the birds for several minutes before he spoke.
"Did you know that after Second Impact, not a single indigenous animal from New York, and the rest of the Northeast United States for that matter, survived the first year?" He asked.
"No congressman, I didn't know that. Is that what you wanted to ask me?" She asked facetiously.
"Young people today, always in a rush to get right to the point. You've lost the art of casual conversation." He scolded.
This time Asuka remained silent.
"I was just a state senator at the time of Second Impact, still in my first term. I had aspirations of someday running for statewide office, senator maybe even Governor but Second Impact changed all that."
"Why was that?" She asked out of genuine curiosity.
"Because all of the congressmen from my state were aboard a yacht in Rio on a political junket the day of Second Impact. The tidal wave hit them in a matter of minutes. They never had a chance. So our state was in desperate need of congressional representation. I ran and was easily elected for my district. I assumed I'd serve one or two terms at most then take a stab that the senate but fate had other plans for me. While still a congressman I met a man at a political gathering whose ideas seemed a bit radical to most but they made sense to me. I spoke with him afterward and continued to meet with him on a regular basis. After gaining his trust, he informed me that many of the ideals he spoke of were not just some high, pie in the sky dreams for the future but were the tangible, real objectives of an elite group of men whom shared the same ideals we shared. He told me the name of the organization was Seele and that they would be honored to have a man of my integrity join their ranks. I was hesitant at first but after speaking with a few of their members, I knew joining them was the right thing to do. And look at what we achieved. If not for Seele, NERV would never have existed. The Angels would have destroyed the world. You wouldn't be on that horse enjoying the New York countryside." He finally turned and looked up to face the young woman.
"It is not my intention nor desire to see Seele dragged through the mud congressman. I only want to see the truth revealed. How the people will respond to that truth is entirely up to them." The redhead stated.
"You surprise me Miss Souryu. I hardly expected you to be so naïve. Do you really believe the political leaders whom you've sided with are so benevolent as to simply reveal the truth and say, "Here people, you decide for yourselves." Please, as we speak, their propaganda machines are working to give the very darkest view of those who would be their political enemies." Caffy stated.
"So what would you have me do congressman? Join your faction and fight declassification?" She asked.
"No Miss Souryu, that is not necessary. All I ask is that you head home to Germany and leave the political wrangling to the politicians." He stated with a faint smile.
"I'm sorry congressman, but I can't do that. You may be right, the people who have sought my support may have their own ulterior motives but at least people of intelligence will have the opportunity to actually read the now classified documents and learn the truth for themselves. There may not be that many who do but as long as truth exists in some form it will always serve to keep those who would attempt to repeat the crimes of the past from deceiving the world." She stated firmly.
Dusting his hands off from the feed he had been tossing at the birds the congressman looked up. "I can see there is no dissuading you on your course of action." Slowly he reached inside his jacket pocket. "I'm afraid you leave me no other choice Miss Souryu." He said as he pulled a revolver on her.
Asuka's eyes went wide with shock.
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: I love a good cliffhanger, don't you? ^____^
Okay, before I start receiving death threats, I'm just joking. The remainder of this chapter follows this brief intermission. So take a minute. Go get something refreshing and health to drink. No, sugar laced, caffeine filled beverages do not count as healthy. L Grab a piece of fruit or other wholesome snack, then come back and continue reading.
Okay, now that your back, let us continue with our story.
~~~~~~~
Atop the hill where Asuka had first emerged from the forest Special Agents Smith and Johnson came riding out only to come face to face with Congressman Caffy's men.
"Where is Miss Souryu?" The senior agent demanded.
"Miss Souryu is fine, she is simply having a friendly conversation with the congressman." The center rider replied.
"I asked where is she." He clarified.
In unison, the three riders turned their heads and looked down the hill where Asuka could be seen still on her horse talking with the congressman.
As the two agents turned to head down the hill, the center rider said. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." as the three drew their guns.
Without hesitation, the two agents drew their government issued Sigs.
Smiling at the two agents the center rider said in a smuggle tone. "It appears we are in what was once referred to as a Mexican standoff. While killing government agents is a federal offense and not something we necessarily relish doing. We do have the advantage of numbers and will most likely kill the two of you while only one, perhaps two of us would die." His smile grew. "So what will it be agents. Are you in a hurry to die today?"
The five men held their horses motionless as they pointed their guns at each other. They stayed like this for several minutes, no one willing to make a move of any kind. Suddenly a gunshot rang out and all five jerked nervously as their guns went off as well. All five looked down at themselves and then at the other four. Each was amazed that none of them were hit. Then they turned and looked down the hill. Immediately, the two agents broke into a gallop as they raced down the hill, the congressman's men not far behind.
As the came to a stop next to Asuka's horse, they saw her kneeling over the seemingly motionless body of the congressman who was bleeding profusely from the chest. Asuka was desperately trying to stop the bleeding.
"Quick, Agent Smith, call for an emergency chopper now! Tell them the congressman's been shot in the chest and is bleeding badly!"
Following her instructions, the agent quickly pulled out his cellphone and called for emergency help.
"Why congressman, why?" She pleaded for understanding.
Smiling up at her with hooded eyes the elderly man replied in a husky whisper. "I suppose I'm just a coward is all. I didn't have the courage to put the gun to my head in the outside hope I may actually be saved. And I couldn't bring myself to shoot a young woman as lovely as you Miss Souryu." He coughed and blood came shooting out of his mouth. "Please forgive a stubborn old man. Perhaps you are right. Perhaps it is best that the truth is finally revealed."
With those words the elderly man exhaled his last breath.
"No! Congressman Caffy! Don't you die on me! Do you hear me!" She screamed then looked up at his man. "What are you just sitting there for? Get down here and help me!"
Instantly two of the men jumped off their horses and began performing CPR on the congressman as Asuka continued to apply pressure over the bullet hole.
Ten minutes later an emergency helicopter arrived and paramedics took over the task of trying to revive the congressman. Another ten minutes passed before they loaded the congressman's body onto the chopper to rush him to the hospital, continuing in the futile effort to revive him.
As Agent Smith was reading the three men their rights; Asuka softly said, "Just let them go," as she stood a short distance away, looking down at the ground where the congressman's blood stained the grass.
"Excuse me ma'am?" The agent asked.
"I said, just let them go." She said a little louder, still looking at the ground.
"But they drew their guns on two federal agents. That is a federal offense." Smith said.
"So I alluded your surveillance, isn't that a crime too." She challenged.
"But Miss Souryu…" He began to protest again.
"Just do it!" She turned and glared at him.
Turning way the agent gestured to the three men. "Go on, get out of here. Just remember, if I ever see any of you again, I will arrest you even if it's just for jaywalking."
With that the three mounted their horses and rode off.
After watching the three ride off, Agent Smith turned back to the woman he was supposed to be protecting and said. "We should be heading back now Miss Souryu."
But Asuka just ignored him as she turned back to the bloodied ground then she lifted her hands and looked at the blood all over them. "I killed giant monsters in my Eva. I wiped out most of the JSSDF and UN forces at Tokyo3 when they invaded NERV. I ripped limb from limb, the nine Eva production models. And in all of that I never once got blood on my hands." Slowly she began to cry silent tears.
"Miss Souryu, are you all right?" Agent Johnson asked.
"I… I need to clean my hands." She whispered as she looked up at the river and started walking toward it.
"Miss Souryu, what are you doing?" Agent Johnson stepped toward her, his concern rising.
"I need to clean my hands." She repeated, then she walked into the river, up to her knees and bent over sticking her hands into the cold water. Some of the blood washed away but much of it stayed on her hands so she began rubbing them together under the water. Removing her hands from the water she checked them for any signs of blood then stuck them back into the water again. She repeated this action several times before removing her hands one last time. Still she reminded standing in the water just looking at her now clean but very cold hands. As the water around her grew still once again she slowly lowered her hands and looked at her reflection in the water. Looking intently she was able to make out dark spots on her face. Her brow furled in confusion for only a moment, then she bent low and began splashing water on her face.
This was more than agent Johnson could stand. He walked out into the river and gently grabbed the young woman by the arm. "Miss Souryu, let's head back home. You can shower there." He said with genuine concern in his eyes.
She looked up at him with profound sadness, and slowly she nodded her head and allowed him to lead her out of the water.
Three days later
---
"Has she eaten anything?" The younger of the two agents asked.
"Barely. She hasn't eaten a full meal since the incident. I don't know what to do." Her aid and assistant, Ursula Clause, replied.
"Have you tried to get her to call her friends in Tokyo3?" The agent asked.
She nodded her head. "Not only that, but they have called for her as well but she refuses to accept their calls. She just sits in her room in her bathrobe all day when she's not taking a shower, which she does 4 to 6 times a day."
Just then the phone rang and Ursula answered it. "Hello."
"Hello Ursula, this is Rei Ayanami. Is Asuka available?"
"I can see if she will take your call Mrs. Ayanami. Just one moment." She replied but before she could set the phone down agent Johnson took the phone from her and held up his index finger indicating to her to wait.
"Hello Ms. Ayanami, this Special Agent Johnson of the United States Secret Service, assigned to safeguard Ms. Souryu. You are aware of the incident that took place here three days ago correct? Well ma'am, I'm afraid it has affected Ms. Souryu in the worst way. She really could use some support right now from the people she loves. … Yes ma'am. … Thank you ma'am." With that he hung up the phone.
Asuka's aid looked up at the agent with a questioning stare.
"They should be here tomorrow afternoon." He answered the unspoken question.
The middle-aged woman smiled. "Thank you Mr. Johnson."
"Just doing my job, safeguarding Ms. Souryu's safety." He said with a wink and a grin before walking to the kitchen.
The next day
---
Hearing a gently knock at the door caused Asuka to turn her attention from staring out the window from her view on her bed over toward the door. "Yes Ursula, what is it?" She said softly, pulling her white tarry robe around her a little tighter.
Opening the door just a little her aid replied. "You have some visitors that would like to see you Miss."
"Tell them to come back later. I'm … not prepared to take any visitors." She replied turning her attention back out the window.
Suddenly the door swung open and Misato, followed by Rei and Shinji walked in. "What is this non-sense, you're not prepared to take visitors. Not even your own family?" The purple-hair woman said as she marched over to her daughter.
Tears immediately filled the young woman's eyes as she spring out of bed, "Mama!" She buried her face into the older woman's shoulder and wept. Her two surrogate siblings stood a few steps back as Misato embraced her surrogate daughter, whispering words of comfort and support in her ear.
After Asuka settled down, she greeted her siblings with loving embraces and the four of them sat down and talked for hours. Sitting on the edge of the bed with Misato and Rei on either side of her and Shinji in a chair in front of them, she shared with them her experience from a few days earlier. She told them of the conversation she had with the congressman and what happened after he drew his gun. She told them of the feelings she had been going through the past four days and how she continued to relive that moment over and over. In the end, they had no great answers for her, no revelations of how she was going to get over the experience. All they did was listen and provide their support and comfort to her.
Though she was still in her robe, she had finally left her room. Sitting around the kitchen table, the three of them enjoyed watching Asuka eat.
"Mmm, I'd forgot how much I missed your cooking Shinji." She slurred with a mouth full of noodles.
"Tell you the truth, I miss cooking for you. Since Rei eats like a bird, one meal is enough to feed us for two or three days, so I don't cook as often as I used to." He smiled.
"Hmm, you can come and cook for me anytime." Asuka laughed.
"It is good to hear you laugh Asuka." Rei said, concern still written across her face.
Reaching out she took her sister's hand into hers. "Thanks to you, thanks to all of you." She smiled at all of them.
"That's what family is for Asuka." Misato said as she set her cup of coffee down. "I sure hope if ever you need us again, we won't hear it from some stranger."
Asuka bowed her head. "I-I just didn't want to bother you with my problems."
"We are family. Who else should one be able to turn to if not to those who love you most?" The blue-haired girl said.
"That's right Asuka. You've been there so many times for us. Don't be afraid to let us be there for you." Shinji added.
"I didn't say that to make you feel guilty." Misato gently touched her shoulder. "I said it to reassure you that we're here for you, and we always will be."
The redhead smiled again. "In all my life, I never thought I'd have a family that loved me as much as you guys do."
A comfortable silence filled the room, finally Misato stood up and ran in to the foyer. Coming back a moment later, she opened a fresh deck of card. "Okay, before we turn this into a weeping-fest… again. Let's have some fun." She pulled the cards out and started shuffling the deck. "Five card stud, jokers and deuces are wild, and the minimum bet is… one thousand yen." She grinned wickedly.
"If you're hard up for cash Misato, all you have to do is say so." Asuka said with a smirk. "You know you always beat us at poker."
Grinning from ear to ear, Misato handed the cards to Shinji to cut the deck. "I know but its more fun this way, besides now that you're such a big celebrity, I've been dying to help you part with some of that big-time celebrity money you've been making." She laughed.
The redhead gave her former boss a crooked smirk. "What's the matter mother, jealous?" She teased as she picked up her cards.
"Damn straight, now stop talking and start betting." The older woman said.
"I fold." Rei said after just glancing at her cards.
"Rei, you can't fold yet, we haven't even started." Misato pointed out.
"I prefer to hold onto the money I have earned rather then lose it foolishly." She replied as she got up to get another cup of tea.
"Some people are no fun." The purple-haired woman pouted.
Six days later
---
In a small waiting area that lead to the podium of the UN General Assembly in New York City, Asuka stood with her notes in hand, and Rei and Shinji by her side. Though Misato wanted to stay with her until after her speech, work demanded she return to Tokyo3.
"You'll do great." Shinji reassured her.
"Of course I will. Who do you think you're talking to?" The redhead teased.
Smiling at each other, after a few moments of silence, the redhead added. "Thanks."
Hearing the President of the Session begin his introduction of her, Asuka took a deep breath and forced it out in an effort to steady her nerves.
"Be true to yourself." Rei whispered.
Turning to her sister, the redhead smiled. "Thank you Rei, I will." And with that she walked out to the podium and a warm reception by the representatives present. Shaking the President of the Session's hand, and thanking him for his introduction, she took the podium, straightened her notes, took a deep breath and began.
"Representatives of the member nations, thank you for allowing me to speak before you today."
She paused and looked down at her notes. After a few minutes had past, a low level murmuring began to build within the Chamber as the representatives wondered what was wrong. Finally, she began to speak again.
"I had a prepared speech I was going to deliver outlining the importance of full declassification and revelation of the truth surrounding Third Impact. But as I am sure most of you already know; I was involved in an incident ten days ago. Ten days ago, US Congressman Dick Caffy met with me up in the Catskill Mountains. His intention was to persuade me to go home and leave the "political wrangling to the politicians" as he put it. Failing to persuade me, and I assume, anticipating the inevitable passage of Motion 35567 or more commonly called Declassification, the congressman … took his own life. I stand here before you not to ask for your support in making Declassification a reality but rather to ask you this question. What is the value of a human life, any human life? Whether it be the lives of those responsible for bringing about Third Impact or the lives of those who suffered and died because of this great catastrophe. Can one life truly be measured against another or are all lives, as I have come to believe, precious? Are the secrets behind NERV and the UN's involvement in it, worth preserving if it will spare the lives of others like Congressman Caffy? Is revelation of these secrets, in hopes that another occurrence of this type may be prevented in the future, thus sparing countless lives, worth it? If you vote for Declassification, lives will be placed in jeopardy. If you vote against Declassification countless lives may be placed in jeopardy. What is the right thing to do? Which decision will best serve mankind? I have no answers for you. These are questions you must consider for yourselves. This is the moral dilemma you now face. The choice is yours, no one else's. As a citizen of this world, I simply pray that you make the prudent choice.
Representatives of the member nations, I thank you."
And with that Asuka walked off the podium and back out the doorway leading to the waiting area. In the Chamber of the General Assembly, the representatives were in stunned silence. No one knew how to respond to her brief speech. Finally after several minutes of total silence, the German representative stood up and began to applaud. The representatives from China, Britain and the U.S. quickly followed suit. Gradually, all the representatives stood and applauded.
In the back room Asuka walked into Rei's waiting embrace as a few silent tears escaped her eyes.
Rei held her tight for a few moments then pulled back a bit and wiped her tears way and smiled. "I am very proud of you Asuka."
"Thank you Rei. That means a lot to me." The redhead smiled back.
"I'm proud of you too Asuka." Shinji smiled as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you Shinji." She turned and hugged him warmly. "Thank you."
A UN aid walked in the waiting area and addressed the young redhead. "Miss Souryu, the President of the Session is requesting that you come back out to receive the gracious applause."
Turning toward the man, Asuka replied. "Tell the President, thank you but no thank you. I've done what I came to do. It's time for me to leave."
"Will you be going back to the Catskills ma'am?" He asked.
"No, I'm going back home." She replied.
"Back to Bonn?" Shinji asked.
"No, actually, I still consider Tokyo3, my home. You guys wouldn't mind a house guest for a couple weeks would you?" She asked with a smile.
"We would love one, sister." Rei took her hand. "Let us go."
"Sounds like a plan." Asuka grinned widely as she reached for Shinji's hand, and the three former Eva pilots left the UN building together, heading home for Tokyo3.
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: Sorry for the long delay in getting this chapter out. Much like the last chapter, I looked at what I had left and realized that it was insufficient, especially after with the open issues I had in the last chapter. So this chapter is entirely new. Now, this doesn't mean I added a chapter to the story. On the contrary, I simply moved what was originally going to be chapter 13 into the beginning of chapter 14. Chapter 14, the next chapter, is the final chapter. I really hope you liked this chapter. Took me awhile to bring all the pieces together but I'm happy with the result. I hope you will be too.
I'd like to acknowledge dngtexn for all his help recently in proofreading this story. This is the first chapter I actually gave him to read for me before posting it. :P Finally got the order right. ^_^ Thanks a ton dngtexn. Check out his website at I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I'd like to thank all of you for your comments. It took me awhile but I feel I really got this story on track and I thank you for your suggestions and ideas. They really helped. Please let me know what you think of this chapter.
A. Amishi