Disclaimer: See Prologue
Evangelion: Any place can be Heaven, if you let it (A sequel to Random1377's, Crimson and Azure)
Chapter 14
One week later
---
"Attention!" The five ensigns all jumped to their feet and lined up in perfect formation.
"At ease." Misato said as she walked into the recreational room in Central Dogma
The two boys and three girls eased their posture a bit and folded their hands behind their backs.
"Pilots, I have a very special treat for you. I'm sure you've seen her on the news. Now you get to see her in person." The sub-commander gestured toward the door and in walked Asuka followed by Captains Rei and Shinji Ayanami.
Their faces lit up with restrained excitement.
Taking a position next to her, Misato said, "I'm sure you will all recognize former Operations Director, Miss Asuka Langley Souryu."
"YES MA'AM! WELCOME MA'AM!" They barked in unison.
Asuka was taken aback by their response. "My goodness. Quite the little soldiers, aren't they?" She gave a sideways grin to Misato.
"That is Shinji's doing." She replied with a smile.
"Oh reeeeallyyyy?" She looked over her shoulder at the pilot instructor.
Stepping up next to her, he yelled. "What is the difference between life and death in outer space?"
"DISCIPLINE!" They replied.
"And what does it take to be a great Eva pilot?"
"DISCIPLINE!"
"And what will you never be accused of?"
"LACKING DISCIPLINE SIR!" The 14-year olds yelled in unison.
The male captain turned toward the redhead and smiled proudly.
Grinning back at him, Asuka got an evil thought. "Pilots, has your instructor ever told you about the time he threatened to destroy NERV Headquarters while in Unit 01, if his father, then Commander Gendo Ikari, didn't come out to meet him, so he could kill him?"
"What!" Their eyes all grew large and their jaws dropped.
"Disregard that comment Pilots. Miss Souryu is simply teasing." He said as he turned his back to them and stared at Asuka with the look of utter shock.
"What?" She stared back at him innocently then smiled and gave him a wink as she walked past him and over to the young pilots.
Walking up to the blonde female pilot on the end, she asked. "So Ensign, what's your name?"
Snapping to attention, the girl replied. "Eva Pilot Pamela Jackson, Ma'am"
"Eva Pilot?" The redhead wrinkled her brow. "Were your parents fortune tellers that they named you Eva Pilot?"
"Oh, oh… no ma'am. I mean, m-my name is Pamela Jackson… ma'am." The young girl suddenly lost all composure.
Placing a reassuring hand on the young girl's shoulder, she smiled at her and said. "That's alright Pamela. You can relax. You're an American, correct?"
"Yes Ma'am. From Richmond, Virginia, born and bred." She smiled.
"Beautiful state, Virginia." The redhead replied with a smile.
"You've been there Ma'am?" Pamela's eyes grow large with excitement.
Asuka nodded, "For three days. My only regret was not being able to stay longer."
The blonde beamed with pride in hearing this.
She walked up to each pilot. She asked each their name and where they were from, giving each a reassuring handshake or pat on the shoulder.
Taking a step back, she addressed all the pilots. "If there is but one thing I can impress upon you, is as this. Know who you are outside of Eva. Create your own identity, separate from that of being an Eva pilot. Believe me, I speak from experience. While being an Eva pilot does make you unique and special, know that you are already special and unique, even without Eva. And while you should always take your responsibilities as an Eva Pilot and as a member of NERV very seriously, remember to seek out interests and experiences away from here as well. It will help make your inevitable transition to adult life and possible civilian life, if you choose, much easier."
"THANK YOU MA'AM!" They echoed.
"Thank you." She nodded her head in their direction and turned to head out the door, followed by Misato. Rei and Shinji stayed behind to give the pilots their orders for the day.
Walking down the hall toward the commander's office, Asuka asked. "So when did Shinji get so gung ho?"
"He takes his responsibilities as instructor very seriously. He sees these kids as extensions of himself, a direct reflection of his ability as an instructor." Misato informed her. "He also feels personally responsible for them each time they go up on a mission. He may act tough with them but he cares very deeply for each one of them and they know it. That's why they respond so well to him."
Asuka smiled.
Arriving at the commander's outer office Misato asked his secretary, "Is the Commander available, Minato?"
The incredibly attractive woman with long light-brown hair nodded. "He's expecting you, both of you." She stood up and extended a hand to the redhead. "It is an honor to finally meet you Miss Souryu."
She accepted the secretary's hand with a smile and replied. "Please, just call my Asuka."
"Thank you, Asuka." Minato beamed. "Please, go right in."
As the door closed behind them, Kouzou got up from behind his desk and walked over to greet his former subordinate with open arms. "Asuka, so good to see you." He enveloped the young woman in a warm embrace.
"Good to see you as well Commander." She replied. "It's been too long."
"Nearly two years since you've last been to Japan if memory serves me correctly." He stated, gesturing for the two women to take a seat.
"Almost exactly two years." She acknowledged.
Sitting back down behind his desk, he placed his hands on it and leaned forward. "I saw your speech before the General Assembly. I must say, I was very impressed, especially after what happened just days before. It must have been a horrifying experience." A look of genuine concern etched itself across his face.
"It was quite horrific, but thanks to my family…" The redhead tilted her head toward Misato and took her hand. "I've been able to cope."
"So, my contacts within the GA tell me Motion 35567 should be coming up for a vote as soon as next week. It should pass rather easily." Leaning back in his chair, he continued. "I must say, I have very mixed emotions about full declassification. Revelation of all of NERV's secrets may very well bring an end to all we've worked toward these past five years."
"That was not my intention in supporting the resolution Commander, I assure you."
"I know," He smiled. "Part of me wants all to be revealed as well but … well, enough talk of such things. It is now in the hands of the bureaucrats. What will be will be. Who's up for an early lunch?" He stood up.
"I'd love to." Asuka rose.
"I'd like to but we have sync testing at 1." Misato said as she stood as well.
"Oh nonsense. How often does the prodigal daughter return for a visit?" He punched a button on this phone. "Minato."
"Yes Commander?" His secretary's voice came over the speaker.
"Notify the command center that sync testing has been postponed till three today. And have Dr. Akagi and the Ayanamis meet us at car elevator 6."
"Yes sir. Anything else?"
"No Minato, that is all." And the elderly man terminated the call. "Shall we?" He gestured toward the door.
"So Commander, when did Dee leave?" Asuka asked.
"Four months ago, after giving birth to her sixth child."
"Six? I thought Dee was already in her forties?"
"Forty-four actually. It was as much a surprise to her as it was to everyone else, but she seems quite happy. Motherhood has always agreed with her." The gray-haired man smiled.
"So, where did you find Minato?" She gave him a leery grin.
"Don't let her amazing physical appearance fool you; Miss Haruka is an exceptionally efficient secretary." He assured her.
"Is that what they call it?" The redhead said.
"Asuka!" Misato shrieked while the commander just laughed.
Five years and two months since Third Impact
---
"Mister Secretary, please read the vote." The President of the Session stated.
"Mister President the vote on Motion 35567 is 141 votes in favor, 36 votes opposed and 8 votes abstained."
Mildly enthusiastic clapping echoed in the family room of the Ayanami household from Kaji, Misato, Touji, Hikari, Shinji, Rei and Asuka. As Kaji opened up bottles of champagne and Shinji and Misato held glasses to be filled and passed them around, Asuka and Rei sat on the sofa, hand in hand. They were still busy watching the live broadcast on JBC.
After a few minutes, Asuka tilted her head and looked at the worried expression on Rei's face. "Are you going to be okay Rei?" She gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze.
The blue-haired woman gave a small nod with a forced grin. "I will be. It will just require a period of adjustment. Until know the choice of whether to inform someone of my origin was my decision. Now, it is out of my control."
"I'm…" Asuka tried to find the right words. "I'm … I'm s-"
"Do not apologize Asuka. What you helped do was very important, and needed to be done. If humanity is to move forward, it must first learn to face its past." The blue-haired woman assured her friend.
The redhead smiled at Rei, who returned the smile.
"Ladies." Shinji stood in front of them, holding two glasses of champagne.
They stood up and took the glasses. "So what exactly shall we toast to?" The redhead asked.
"How about to an uncertain future, but one in which we can all have a clear conscience." Misato said as she stepped toward them and handed Shinji one of the two glasses she had in her hands.
"How about to the hope that nothing like the Angel Wars will ever happen again." Hikari said as Touji pulled her close, placing his arm around her shoulders while she wrapped her arm around his waist.
"How about for understanding and compassion. We're going to need it when the world finds out about some of NERV's secrets." Shinji added.
"I think we should toast to us." Asuka said. "To family and friends whose bonds will never be broken no matter what happens."
"I agree." Rei smiled.
"To family and friends." Kaji raised his glass.
"To family and friends." Everyone else did the same then took a drink.
As the evening wore on, Asuka asked Misato while both sat in the living room. "So why didn't Ritsuko and Maya come over?"
"Ritsuko said she wasn't feeling well but I think she's was more worried about the vote then she let on. She was the one who helped develop and maintain the Evas and she worked on the dumpy plugs and cloning system. I think she's worried, there may be too many skeletons in her closet for the world to forgive." Misato answered.
Considering this for a moment, Asuka replied. "I hope she's wrong. For all our sakes."
Across town in a small one-bedroom apartment, the blond-haired doctor sat in the mild of her sofa, her legs tucked under her, her arms wrapped around herself as she watched the live broadcast from New York. The only light in the room was the dim glow from the television. Silent tears slowly made their way down her cheeks.
"It's all over now. Once the world finds out what I've done. There's nowhere I'll be able to go." She whispered.
"That's not true." The younger woman said from the entryway to the living room. "Commander Fuyutsuki would never turn his back on you." She added as she walked into the room, extending a cup of tea to her.
Ritsuko glanced up at the younger woman and shook her head then turned her attention back to the TV. Setting the cup on the end table, Maya kneeled on the sofa and wrapped her arms around her boss and mentor as she offered her support and comfort.
Leaning into her embrace, Ritsuko closed her eyes and said. "Thank you Maya."
The dark-haired woman kissed her on the forehead and gently stroked her hair. "It's late. We should get to bed."
Nodding in agreement the older woman allowed herself to be helped off the sofa then they walked hand in hand to their bedroom and closed the door behind them.
Later that night in the bedroom of Shinji and Rei Ayanami, Shinji was roused from his slumber by the feeling of a warm liquid that started on his chest and rolled down to his neck. Feeling the light weight of his wife upon his chest, he allowed his senses to evaluate the moment. Rei's gentle, almost inaudible sobs caused Shinji's heart to tighten in concern.
"Rei, what's wrong?" He asked as he brought his hands up and stroked her hair with one while softly caressing her bare shoulder with the other.
"I am sorry Shinji. I did not mean to wake you." She lightly ran her hand over his bare chest.
"Why are you crying Rei?" He continued. "Is it because of the vote? Is it because of the way people might treat you after knowing who you are?"
She shook her head.
"Then what? Please tell me." He whispered.
Lifting herself up off his chest she looked down at her husband. "I am concerned that after today, you will be reminded each and every day of who, or rather what I am. I know you have told me on numerous occasions that it does not matter to you, but I fear that this constant reminder may prove to be too much, even for you my love."
Shinji reached over his head and turned on the small lamp on the table. Then he turned his attention back to his wife. Caressing her cheek with the back of his hand, he smiled up at her and said. "Rei, don't you know, I'm reminded every day of your origins. Every time I touch your Azure-colored hair or look into your Crimson eyes. I know who you are and how you came to be. But as I've told you since the day you came back to me, I don't care. I love you and I will always love you. You must believe me."
She closed her eyes and wept silent tears. "I wish to believe you Shinji, truly I do. But having never known love before you, I have no point of reference. Can love truly endure such trials? I do not know. How can I believe in that which I have no experience in?"
Pulling her back down onto him, he held her tight and said softly, "But you do have experience in love. Not just the love we share but the love you share with Misato and Asuka, and even Hikari and Touji. They all love you and you love them. They all know who you are but that hasn't stopped any of them from loving you. And I'll never stop loving you."
Rei wrapped her arms around her husband and held him tightly. "I am so sorry, Shinji my love. You must grow weary of my doubts and insecurities."
"I'd rather you share them with me than have you keep them to yourself and allow them to grow." He rubbed his cheek softly over the top of her head. "I'm sorry that I've failed to tell you and show you often enough that I love you to put such fears to rest. I'll make an effort to show you and tell you more often."
They held each other in silence for several minutes. Shinji wasn't sure if Rei had fallen asleep or not, but he didn't want to speak and disturb her if she was. So he just continued to hold her close. Finally, the blue-haired girl whispered, "Show me now." She slowly rolled off his chest and onto her back. "Make love to me now." She looked longingly into his eyes.
Shinji gave her a loving smile as rolled toward her and gently pressed his lips onto hers. In that night, Shinji expressed all his love for his wife with every ounce of passion and tenderness within him. Afterward, Rei laid in her husband's arms and sleep more peacefully then she had in months.
Five years and three months since Third Impact
---
Three days after Motion 35567 passed, all three branches of NERV held a news conference where copies of all documentation were made available to the media. News reports revealing the origins of the Evas, what made them work and the backgrounds of all NERV personnel. Information about Gendo Ikari and Seele filled the airwaves for weeks. The fallout from these reports was immediate. Rei found herself stared at almost everywhere she went. Several stores she once frequented, now refused to serve her. She took such things in stride, while Hikari, who often accompanied her when she went shopping, was livid.
"What do you mean you won't serve her kind here?" Hikari yelled. "If it weren't for her, you'd be dead! We'd all be dead!"
"I lost my father and brothers in Second Impact. I lost my daughter and her family in Third Impact. It was the Angels that caused both." The store manager snapped back.
Gesturing toward the door where Rei impatiently waited for her friend, the enraged brunette continued. "Look at her. Does she look like a danger to anyone? She is the most passive, gentlest person I've ever known. You've done business with her in the past. For five years, she's shopped here. You know what she's like. Why does who she is matter now when it didn't just a month ago?"
"Because a month ago I thought she was human, not an Angel." He answered.
"But if you took the time to actually read the reports, you'd know that we are Angels too, just a different form of Angel. So in reality, we're all the same anyway." Hikari reasoned.
"Not in my book we're not." The manager said with a stony expression on his face.
Seething in anger, the brunette narrowed her eyes at the middle-aged man. "Fine, you can expect to be hearing from my lawyer you ignorant ass you!" Then she pivoted on the balls of her right foot and marched out of the store.
Breezing past her, Rei ran to catch up with her friend. Marching in step with her, she asked. "Do you really have a lawyer?"
"No, of course not. I'm only 19. Why would I have a lawyer?" She answered, her anger still evident in her tone.
"Hikari, slow down. We are not in a rush to be anywhere." Rei stated.
Hearing these words, the freckle faced young woman quickly slowed her pace till she was just standing still, her shoulders drooped and a look of intense sadness worked its way across her face. "It's not right. It's not fair. These people would all be dead; we'd all be dead if it weren't for you, for all of you. Why cant people see that?" She turned to face her friend who was standing next to her. "Why must their hearts be filled with hate?" Tears began to roll down her cheeks. "You're the gentlest, most decent person I've ever known. You never say a hurtful word to anyone. You're always constructive and logical in your comments. If people just took the time to get to know you, they'd see how warm and caring you really are. Why can't they see that? Why?" She began to sob.
Hesitating only a second, Rei stepped closer to her friend and pulled her into a gentle embrace. "People will see what they want to see. For many of them now, I am the embodiment of all they have learned to hate. And nothing will ever change that."
Resting her cheek on the blue-haired woman's shoulder, Hikari asked. "How do you put up with it all: the glares, the comments, the insults?"
"It is because of friends like you and Touji, and the love I receive from my family, that enables me to endure such treatment. For I know, that the people I truly care about and love, still love me."
Straightening up the brunette tried to mirror the crimson-eyed woman's smile.
Gently wiping her friend's tears way, Rei said. "Come, let us has some tea. It will improve your spirits."
"Okay." Hikari nodded and followed her friend to down the street.
In a small café, the two young women looked over the small menu where the wide assortment of teas was listed. A young fair-haired girl in her mid-teens came to their table. Looking up from her notepad she asked. "May I take your order?"
"Yes, I would like your…" Was all Rei got to say when an ear-piercing scream made everyone in the small café turn in their direction.
"You're Captain Rei Ayanami! Aren't you?" The girl screamed.
Sighing in exasperation, the blue-haired woman nodded. "Yes I am."
"Oh, please just wait one moment." And the girl dashed off into the back room.
"See, even in a place as small as this." Hikari sighed.
"Perhaps we should leave." Rei suggested.
Her friend nodded and the two women started to get up from the table for two when a very round man, no taller then Rei rushed out from the back room and ran over to their table.
"Ah, Misses Ayanami." He said in a deep voice, bowing very low. "It is an honor to have you in my establishment." He bowed again.
Taken aback by the short, round man in his mid-50's, Rei just stared wide-eyed at him for several moments.
"I have followed every moment of the Revelation of the Eva Wars, on JBC. I have even purchased my own copy of the NERV manuscripts." He turned to his young niece who was now standing next to him. "Hurry, run upstairs and got the manuscript." He said to her. Turning back to Rei he continued. "I was living in Osaka at the time of the Angel Wars and did not realize the measure of danger the world was in during that time. The world owes you and everyone at NERV a debt of gratitude for all you did to save all our lives." He bowed again.
"Ah… you're welcome?" Finally came out of the Operation Director's mouth as her cheeks turned bright red.
"Oh, please, please sit. I will get you our very best tea and some wonderful fresh anman. My wife just made them, very delicious." How bowed again and left rushed to the back.
The two women started after the retreating man and as he went out of sight, they turned and stared at each other. Both were at a total loss for words.
Finally, Hikari said, "Well, that was different."
"Indeed." Rei replied.
After enjoying several cups of green tea and more than a few anmans, Rei was introduced to every member of the middle-aged man's family. The round man, Ryo Saitso, was a most demanding host, insisting that everyone that came in and out of his establishment offer their humblest respects to Misses Ayanami. And when two people refused, he quickly escorted them out of his café.
"Thank you Misses Ayanami, Miss Horaki. Please come any time. A table will always be ready for you. The same is true for anyone from NERV." He bowed deeply once again, clutching the signed manuscript closely to his chest. "Thank you so very much."
"It was our pleasure." Rei replied. "I only wish you would allow me to pay for our tea and desserts."
"I am sorry but I cannot do that. Consider yourself a guest in my establishment. How can I allow a guest pay?" He smiled.
"Thank you again for your wonderful hospitality Mrs. Saitso." Rei bowed politely.
"Thank you Misses Ayanami for everything." He bowed deeply again.
"Sir Thank you." Hikari bowed as well, then she and Rei left the café.
After a few moments of silence as they walked down the street, Hikari finally sighed, "Whew! That was unexpected, but fun." She grinned.
After a few moments, Rei replied, "Yes. It was," as a faint smile crossed her face.
Both Commander Fuyutsuki and Doctor Akagi were mildly relieved that the fallout toward them was not nearly as bad as they both anticipated. Both had fully expected to be asked to resign by the UN. Instead, they found themselves attending an endless stream of press conferences explaining the motivations behind many of NERV's actions back during the Angel Wars.
At Tokyo2 University's main lecture hall, Doctor Akagi addressed a large contingent from the media and scientific community. Journalists from every major scientific journal and news agency were present.
"As you can see in this slide, the genus is nearly identical to that of humans." She pressed the button on the control she had in her hand advancing to the next slide. "As you can see from the DNA strands taken from the fourth Angel, the primary differences between the Angels and humans can be found in the 17th, 26th and 31st combination. Other than these three combinations, our DNA is for all intensive purposes, identical." Turning off the projection device, she set the remote down and placed her hands in her lab coat pockets. "Lights please."
The lights in the lecture hall came back on.
"We will now open the session to any questions you may have."
Immediately over two-dozen hands went up.
Pointing to one man near the front center, he stood and identified himself. "Phillip Strong, Modern Biology. Dr. Akagi, from what you've shown us it appears that the Angels share a frightening similarity to man, and the Evas were a hybrid, created from both Angel and human DNA."
"That is correct." The doctor acknowledged.
"But the Evas are surrounded by metal plating. Are you telling us that, that plating was nothing more then battle armor?" The journalist sat back down after he posed his question.
"The metal plating served two purposes; one, to serve as a form of armor in battles against the Angels and two, to serve as restraints to allow us to control the Evas. Next?" She pointed at a woman to the left.
"Kisumi Tatsuko, Science Today Magazine. So what you're saying is that the Evas have a will of their own and only by restraining them are we able to force them to do what we will them to do?"
"No, that is not entirely true. The Evas as they existed before Third Impact required two additional catalysts to make them work; a human soul to give them life and a pilot to enable it to function. Without both of these, the Eva is simply an oversized boi-mechanical statue. Since Third Impact, when we were in the process of rebuilding Unit 00, we discovered a way to allow the pilot to directly tap into the life source of the Eva. This was only made possible by the introduction of the S2 engine incorporated in the newly redesigned Unit 00. This essentially eliminated the possibility of any rejection occurring between the Eva and the pilot. It also resulted in a higher sync ratio between the Eva and its pilot."
"But Unit 01 still has a soul in it, does it not?" The journalist followed up.
"Yes, while the soul of Yui Ikari still resides inside Unit 01, due to the modification we made to it, Unit 01 now functions in the same manner as Unit 00. The pilot syncs directly with the Eva, the soul interface is no longer a factor. Next." She pointing to a gentleman near the back.
"Stephen Gruber, New Word Technologies. Are you saying that that the human soul is a tangible element? Something that can be touched and seen?"
"The process by which the human soul was introduced into the Eva was something that was done before I ever joined NERV. No clear documentation was ever written on the subject and only the fact that it was done has ever been recorded. The only person who is still available who was working for NERV at the time is Commander Kouzou Fuyutsuki but according to documented accounts, he was not present during the initial activations of any of the Evas and he has stated publicly several times that he does not know how the migration of a soul into an Eva was accomplished. Next."
"Akito Tenkawa, Japanese Broadcasting Company. Doctor, how do you justify using biological machines with a human soul imprisoned in it, and 14-year old children to pilot them? Surely, another alternative could have been found?"
Picking up a glass of water that was on the table in front of her, Ritsuko took a drink then set the glass down and proceeded to answer the question. "Yes, you are right. If given enough time, we could have come up with an alternative. I am sure of this. But it has been over 19 years since Second Impact and we still haven't found a way for anyone over the age of 19 to pilot the Evas. Not only does the pilot's sync ratio begin to drop at 17, but internal instability within the Eva begins to increase after age 18, making the Eva harder for the pilot to control. We continue to research this phenomenon but have not come up with any resolutions as of yet. As for forcing 14 year old children to do battle against the monsters we called Angels. If I could have piloted the Eva myself, I would have in order to spare those children the pain and suffering they were forced to endure. And I'm sure there are many other NERV personnel that feel the same way. But we could not control when the Angels would come and as much as people in the general media, Mr. Tenkawa, wish to make the Angel Wars appear as if it were a personal battle between Gendo Ikari and God; the fact of the matter is that the Angel Wars were a battle for the survival of the human race. I for one refuse to apologize for doing what I could do to preserve my species."
The hall went silent for a minute then several journalists from various scientific journals began to applaud.
Doing her very best to high her smile, Ritsuko continued. "Next."
The one thing that did anger the commander was the sudden budget cutbacks that were levied against the Asian branch. While the Finance Board claimed it was due to the current economic slowdown, the commander knew better.
"We have a schedule to maintain. The space station is supposed to be fully operational in 18 months. These cuts will force us to eliminate at least 4 launches. How are we supposed to stay on schedule?" The commander stated angrily to the finance chairman, Carlos Perez.
"I'm sorry Commander, but it is out of my hands. The General Assembly is pressing for cost reductions everywhere. It was only a matter of time before NERV was hit as well." The chairman explained.
"So tell me why the budget for the Atlantic fleet has almost doubled?" The commander countered.
"The state of the Atlantic fleet is horrific. Ships that should have been retired years ago are still being used today."
"Then retire those ships and move part of the Pacific fleet to the Atlantic. What has either fleet done since Third Impact anyway?"
"They've served as peace keepers on more then one occasion."
"One Eva, flown in, could have done the same job at far less expense. The fleet is a relic from a bygone era. It only exists for prestige purposes. A luxury the UN can't afford."
"You should be careful what you say Commander. You don't want to get the wrong people angry. Remember, the UN still hasn't finalized its budget for the year." The chairman warned.
"Mr. Chairman, if I lived in fear of pissing people off, I could never have taken this position. Excuse me." Fuyutsuki turned and left the chairman's office.
Perhaps the most unexpected fallout occurred to Asuka, who saw many of her speaking engagements canceled. While she never kept the fact that she suffered a mental breakdown during the Angel Wars a secret, the published facts surrounding her breakdown had an immediate impact on her popularity. But where she was still welcomed to speak, she managed to deal with the news with sense of humor and light-hearted self-deprecation.
In the assembly hall of the University of Barcelona, before a capacity crowd, Asuka walked up to the podium followed by an older woman with glasses and a lab coat. She had a note pad in her hand and appeared to be taking notes.
After the enthusiastic applause slowly died down, Asuka spoke in perfect Spanish. "Thank you for welcoming me here today. It is a great honor and privilege to address you here today at such a prestigious institution." Again the audience applauded. "And don't mind the woman here." She gestured to her left at the woman in the lab coat. "This is just my psychiatrist. She's here just in case I decide to go nuts on you today." She smiled.
Everyone in the auditorium burst into laughter, which lasted well over a minute. Even Asuka and her companion had a hard time keeping a straight face.
During her lecture she covered the pilot selection process as it was explained to her when she was selected, followed by the true method used to determine the pilots for the Evas. She discussed the nature of the AT Field and how everyone has one. She covered the seventh, eighth and ninth battles in detail and as her lecture drew to a close the discussed a subject very personal to her.
"As you are all aware, I suffered a mental break down during the Angel Wars." Her tone grew painfully serious. "During the battle against the Fourteenth Angel, I was mentally attacked and raped by the Angel. It dug into the recesses of my mind and forced me to relive events from my past. Events I had long since buried away, events concerning my mother's mental breakdown and subsequent suicide. Seeing my mother, the woman I most loved and admired in all the world, no longer recognize me as her daughter but rather treat a simple rag doll as her child was almost unbearable. Coming home after I had been chosen to be the second Eva pilot only to find my mother hanging from the ceiling of her bedroom, nearly killed me. Having to relive the events as well as the thoughts and emotions I endured during that time proved more than I could bear. Though the total affects of that attack were not made evident immediately. The result was unquestionable."
She paused for a moment to collect her emotions and strengthen her resolve before continuing. "Suffering from severe depression and mass delusion, I had become so unstable that I attempted to sexually seduce my fellow pilot, Shinji Ikari, as well as attempted to kill my fellow pilot, Rei Ayanami. I had to be institutionalized and medicated to keep me under control. I came to the point where I wanted to take my own life and ended up catatonic. It was only through the compassion and caring of Shinji Ikari, that I was able to free myself from my catatonic state."
She paused again, trying to keep her voice from wavering. "Just a few months ago, I witnessed a man take his own life. In my futile attempts to resuscitate US Congressman Caffy, I ended up getting blood all over my hands and arms. That was the first time, even in all my battles that I actually had blood on my hands. Seeing the blood, forced me to face all the lives that had been affected by my actions, both directly and indirectly. All the lives lost, all the people injured who would never fully recover. I had never given it a second thought before. But at that moment and for days, even weeks afterward, I was unable to get it out of my mind. I began to slip into depression once again as well as exhibiting chronic-compulsive behavior. And like the time before, I did not seek any help, I did not think I had anyone I could turn to. Fortunately, I was very wrong. Now would I have attempted to take my own life again? I don't know. I'm glad I didn't have to find out. Because I know where my strength lies now. It is with my family, with my surrogate mother, Misato Katsuragi and my surrogate brother and sister, Shinji and Rei Ayanami. They are my family, they are my strength and I am theirs as well. If I may be allowed to preach for just a moment? Nurture the bonds you have, with you mother, with your father, with your brothers and sisters, with your friends. No one person is an island. As much as we may try, we can't do everything; we can't face all of life's challenges alone. And when it is necessary, seek professional help as well. There is no shame in seeking help from a trained professional." Gesturing to the woman on stage with her she said, "This is actually my personal assistant Ursula. Ursula, take a bow please." She smiled.
The older woman but her notepad and pen in her lab coat pocket and bowed toward the audience who gave her a friendly applause in response. Then she turned and bowed toward Asuka and walked off the stage.
"I do have a psychiatrist I see once every other week now. And to be honest, I wish I had done this much sooner. I am able speak to her about issues that I haven't even been able to talk to my family about. Issues from my past, which continue to haunt me to this day. I know I haven't answered all of your questions. I hope I've answered some of them at least. Again, I thank you for having me here. It has been a great honor and privilege. Thank you."
And with that, Asuka stepped to the side of the podium and bowed to the audience, which rose to their feet and applauded enthusiastically.
Later on that evening, during the reception held in her honor in the Barcelona Art Museum, Asuka's assistant approached her, while she was talking with several of the Deans of the University as well as several prominent politicians.
"Excuse me Miss Souryu, but you have an urgent call." She whispered to her boss.
"From who?" The redhead replied, without missing a beat as she continued with an story she was amusing the others around her with.
"Commander Fuyutsuki." The older woman replied.
Smiling broadly, she stated. "Gentleman, ladies, would you please excuse me. It appears an urgent matter has come up. But please, do remind me where I left off." She laughed.
The others laughed as well and bowed politely.
Following her aid, she walked from the main gallery to a private office down one of the administrative halls.
There, she picked up the phone. "Hello Commander is that you?"
"Hello Asuka, I'm sorry to disturb you. I wouldn't be calling if it weren't a matter of utmost importance." He replied.
"I understand Commander, what can I do for you?" She replied.
"I don't know if you've heard but our budget is about to be severely cut. It appears, this is the U.N.'s way of slapping our hands for having been bad little boys."
"That's crazy. The actions of NERV before Third Impact have no bearing on what NERV is doing now. How do they expect you to meet the date for activation of the space station? I can't believe they are willing to risk all the contracts, all the jobs that will be impacted by this action." She retorted.
"Believe it or not, it will happen, unless they can be convinced that such cuts will cost more in the long run than they well save in the short run. And they need to be convinced before they finalize the budget next week." The elderly man explained.
"And you want me to be the one to convince them." She stated plainly.
"There is no one better." He paused. "Will you do this for me Asuka?"
Without hesitation she answered. "Of course Commander. It will be my pleasure. I'll arrange to fly out to New York tomorrow."
"Thank you Asuka. You don't know how much this means to me." She could hear the man's voice waver of the phone.
"You've done so much for me Commander. This is the least I could do in return." She smiled.
"I'll work my connections within the General Assembly to get you on podium before the end of the week. And Asuka, thank you."
"It's my pleasure Commander." She wiped way a stray tear.
"I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow." The commander said.
"I look forward to seeing you again Commander." Asuka smiled and with that they each hung up. Turning to her assistant who was standing a short distance away, the redhead instructed. "Cancel all my appointments for the next week and a half, and get us on a flight for New York sometime early tomorrow." Then she walked out of the office and returned to the reception.
Five years and four months since Third Impact
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Misato Katsuragi and Rei Ayanami walked into the commander's office as ordered.
"You wanted to speak with us Sir?" Misato asked as the two women approached his desk.
The commander, who was talking on the phone, gestured for the two women to take a seat, which they did.
"So that is effective immediately? Good… good. Thank you Carlos. Well, thank you anyway… Yes… yes. Goodbye." And the commander hung up the phone and turned to his subordinates. "That was the Finance Secretary of the United Nations, calling to inform me that our budge has been increased to 140% over last years budget." He smiled.
"That's incredible Commander. I thought they were going to cut our budget. How did you do it?" Misato asked.
Speaking out loud before she even realized she had, Rei responded. "You asked Asuka to address the General Assembly." She turned a pale shade of pink when she realized what she had said.
The commander only smiled. "You are entirely correct Rei. They were going to cut our budget. I couldn't let that happen, so I turned to the one person I knew who could sway those bureaucrats. I'd like to arrange for something very special to be sent to her as a way of saying thank you. I know you two are closest to her and I'd like it to have a woman's touch."
Misato smiled. "Leave it to us Commander. We'll find the perfect gift for Asuka. Won't we Rei?" She winked at her former ward.
"Most definitely." Rei smiled softly.
"Excellent!" The commander smiled. "Now, Rei if you would excuse us for a moment. I have something I must speak with Misato about."
"Of course Commander." She rose and headed for the door. Once outside the office she whispered to herself. "The perfect gift for Asuka."
"Did you say something Captain Ayanami?" Minato asked, ready to provide whatever assistance the OD may need.
Turning toward the secretary, the crimson-eyed woman smiled. "No Minato, I'm fine. Everything is fine." Then she turned and left in search of her husband.
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: I'd really like to thank Datexan for providing me with the inspiration for Asuka's speech. If it sounds preachy, that's because it is. But it's not me preaching. I've never suffered from depression and I would not pretend to. But rather I tried to take Asuka's viewpoint and how she would handle the situation she finds herself in. I'm not trying to trivialize the seriousness of mental illness or the affects it has on the lives of those who suffer from it as well as those close to its victims. I tried to address it properly. I hope I did.
Okay, I really did intend for this to be the last chapter but after the way I ended chapter 13, I felt that leaping to the end at that point would leave too many things still unsettled. So I've decided to add at least 2 more chapters to this story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I wanted to show some of the darker side of life for the members of NERV without turning the chapter into a downer. I hope the Ritsuko/Maya relationship doesn't come as a surprise in this story. I thought I left enough hints along the way in this story to indicate that there was something going on between the two women. I've intentionally avoided using words like lover or passion when describing these two when they are together because I wanted their actions to speak for themselves. And I didn't want to present either a positive or negative view of their relationship. It is what is it. Two people in love. You can make your own decision about their relationship.
I'd also like to apologize for taking so long to update. Chapter 13 was very special to me. There was a lot in it that spoke volume to me. I hope this chapter doesn't prove to be too much of a let down. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think of it. I'd really like to know.
A. Amishi