A few things. One reviewer said that the UN doesn't work that way and doesn't work that fast. Obviously today that is true enough but any bureaucracy can overcome its red tape to move quickly if it most. Even the United States managed that, though that was the invasion of Afghanistan after September 11. Therefore, after another major disaster and with the problems they still face, they have to move fast to keep up with things. Also, they would need someone in charge, not just a committee, so I gave the Secretary General full power, more or less. It is limited in some ways but someone in his position must be able to do things and not be questioned that much.

Chapter 2: Return to the Past

Shinji looked out the window of the plane and saw a large crowd being held out of the military airstrip. It was pretty obvious they were all reporters with all those microphones and cameras around. Dozens of very serious looking guards with rifles kept them back and Shinji was glad for that. When the door opened he and Mana were hit by a wave of humidity and heat. It made him glad he was wearing just a shirt and pants. Mana had chosen to go with her standard issue skirts, though they seemed too short in Shinji's opinion.

The two walked down and met the colonel waiting for them. The two saluted and followed him. As they walked they exchanged introductions.

"It's a pleasure to meet the two of you," the Arab colonel said, "I am Colonel Abdul Herain and will act as your guide for this operation. You will report to me and my commanding officer, General Taylor Williams. You'll find him to be an agreeable man and very intelligent.

"Are you his deputy?" Shinji asked.

"No. I'm simply the commander of the Arab force in Iran and it was decided that you would be part of our outfit. How long will you be joining us?"

"We have deployment orders for two months," said Shinji, "After that we return to Japan to undergo debriefing and our machines will go into a full maintenance cycle. If the UN requests further support, the other two pilots will probably come with their machines."

Abdul nodded. "All of us appreciate your presence here. The Iranian radicals are well equipped with armor but I'm sure your JA-Deltas will be able to handle them without any problems."

"One would hope so," said Mana, "They've been tested and the weapons are very advanced."

"You must be Lieutenant Kirishima. I've read up on both of your records. Both of you have a very interesting history."

"From the looks of it, the reporters seem to think so too," Shinji commented dryly.

"Yes well, don't worry about them," Abdul assured them, "We'll keep them from getting to you and any that dare trespass into the officer's quarters are going to anger not just the Japanese government but also the militaries of several other nations. That and they would be charged with espionage."

"I doubt that will hold all of them," said Shinji, "The more experienced ones will figure out some way."

"Indeed," Abdul agreed, "Please get in. We're going to meet General Williams immediately."

The Humvees left the airfield immediately and roared past the crowds of reporters. The three were in the second to last of the vehicles and quickly made their way to a large military base half a mile from the airstrip. There was another crowd of reporters but they failed to get any closer to Shinji. When he stepped out of the vehicle apparently someone saw him and soon all of the reporters were shouting in his direction. The trio quickly ducked into the building and let the doors shut out all the noise outside.

"So how many reporters did you have before my arrival was announced?" Shinji asked.

"Actually, most of the new arrivals were because word got out that the Japanese government was going to lend us the JA-Deltas and they wanted a glimpse of it," Abdul answered, "But as I said, don't worry too much. We'll make sure they don't bother the two of you. So do the two of you want separate rooms or will you share?"

"We'll share," Mana answered for both of them.

"Very well. And do not worry about offending me," said Abdul, "I may be a Muslim but in my opinion God created men and women to be equals."

"Thanks," said Mana, "Are you married, Colonel?"

Abdul shook his head. "Like many men in the army, I simply do not have the time to settle down and raise a family. But the two of you are both in the military and I hope God blesses your relationship."

"Thank you," said Shinji.

They came to the general's office and walked in.

"General Williams, I have brought Lieutenant Ikari and Lieutenant Kirishima."

"Very good colonel. Dismissed."

Abdul saluted and walked out.

"Have a seat," said Williams.

The two complied and Williams turned around and looked at them. He could be considered an old man, clearly in his late fifties if not early sixties. He had ruffled brown hair but his blue eyes were still clear and sharp.

"I've heard a great deal about both of you, though only Lieutenant Ikari has actually faced real combat conditions. Both of you have been briefed with the basics behind our current situation but a few things were left out. The situation is a lot more desperate than most people believe. Even with reconstruction doing well this military venture is still straining the UN's resources and thus we have to end it quickly."

"What do you have in mind?" Mana asked.

"One final strike to destroy the strength of the Iranian militants. We need to bleed them white."

"And how do we play any role in this?" Shinji asked.

"You will provide most of the muscle as I don't have the resources to do such a campaign. I hope that's acceptable."

Shinji looked at Mana and nodded. "We can do it."

"Very well. For now I suggest you get some rest. Tomorrow we'll hold a formal briefing session. Colonel Abdul will show you to your quarters."

The two saluted and left the office. Abdul was waiting outside for them.

"So what do you think of the general?" he asked.

"He's certainly ambitious," said Mana.

"And also hiding something," Shinji added.

"Oh? What makes you say that?" Mana asked.

"His eyes. I don't like them."

Suddenly a private appeared and ran up to them.

"Excuse me Lieutenant Ikari, but this came for you."

Shinji looked over the message and handed it back to the private.

"Tell them I said no."

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

"Dr. Soryu? There's another call for you."

Asuka sighed and stopped her work. How was she to get anything accomplished if she kept getting interrupted? She picked the phone.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Dr. Soryu. I have wonderful news. Well, don't know if you consider it wonderful, but Lieutenant Ikari has rejected the UN's offer and now you have been selected as commander of NERV!"

"Oh. Well, I guess that is good news."

"You are to pack immediately and a plane will be waiting to take you to New York."

"What? So soon?"

"Of course! You will be given the necessary information on the way."

"Hold on, I still have work to do!" Asuka nearly screamed, "And I'm not about to just drop everything and disappear! Either you find a replacement worthy of my position or I'm going to stay here and find one myself!"

"Okay, okay," said Asuka's boss, "I actually did find someone that I think you'll like, so calm down. His name is Michael Bykers."

"I've heard of him," said Asuka, "He seems pretty smart."

"So he'll do?" Donitz asked hopefully.

"Fine. I'll get going."

"And Asuka, remember us little people when you're almighty."

Asuka slammed the receiver onto the phone.

And that was how she had ended up on a plane over the Atlantic Ocean. She looked out the window and saw the reflections of the sun on the clouds. It was just peeking over the horizon as red light bathed the world.

"Dr. Soryu, breakfast is ready."

Asuka nodded and the attendant gave her a plate with some German sauerkraut and a few other European dishes. He also poured a glass of French wine and then walked away to let her eat in peace.

This was it. Asuka had worked hard to revive NERV and now she was being placed in charge of the organization. As a sign of her new position she was given one of the new 7F7 planes the United States Boeing company had built. Instead of jet engines the plane had two magnetic field generators under their wings. It was another piece of new technology that had been developed, this one by the Americans. It worked by creating a magnetic field opposite to that of the earth and used it to levitate and fly. The plane was also very comfortable and had a small gym, dining room, bedroom, and a kind of den/office. Everything Asuka would need to run NERV while away was basically stuffed into the plane. As this 7F7 was also for the NERV commander, it also had a point defense laser system.

Asuka tasted the sauerkraut and found that it was excellent. Well, what else could be expected? Important political officials always got good food and nice places to live while at least half the world still lived in poverty. But then again, she wasn't complaining. Having a position like hers did have its perks.

"Dr. Soryu, we will be arriving in New York in one hour," the captain said over the intercom.

That was good news. Even in a plane as comfortable as hers flying could be tiring. She quickly finished her meal and waited for the plane to land.

At the airport she could see both groups of protestors and supporters. Some were holding signs saying 'Death to NERV' while others held banners saying 'We believe in you Asuka.' It was pretty heady stuff but considering the controversy behind reinstituting NERV, it wasn't unexpected. She was quickly escorted to one of the limos waiting by the plane and the vehicles left for the Plaza Hotel. There Asuka was shown into the presidential suite and left alone.

What few things she had brought with her she quickly unpacked. Even after all that time living with Shinji after Third Impact, she never learned now to cook as well as he did. Instead she called down to room service and had a meal brought up. After that Asuka took a long bath and fell asleep the moment she hit her bed.

The next day brought about a lot of mayhem. It almost seemed as if the UN didn't know how to get things organized now that she was here. She was driven to the UN building and shown into the General Assembly. Applause greeted her as Asuka walked in. Secretary General Modal Hernandez came forward and shook Asuka's hand.

"Dr. Soryu, it is a pleasure to meet you again."

"The same here, Mr. Hernandez," said Asuka, "I see that the Security Council finally agreed to my proposal."

"Yes. It took quite some time to convince the other members of the Council it was necessary," said Hernandez, "But come, the General Assembly wants to hear what you have to say."

Hernandez led Asuka up to the podium and then sat down. Strangely enough, Asuka had Shinji to thank for preparing her for this day. Even before she finally left him, Shinji still wasn't that good at making speeches or speaking in public in general. But she knew it would be important to be able to convey your ideas to a lot of people so she used Shinji as a practice audience. That usually worked well but from time to time Shinji was too timid to point out an error of hers. After a while she managed to get him to spill on any problems she had. But then, that also became tiresome as Shinji had a great deal of knowledge in his head and he could find a lot of faults.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the United Nations General Assembly," Asuka began, "I thank you today for selecting me as the new commander of NERV. I know many of you hold grievances against the organization for it once nearly destroyed the world. However, do not hold it against the people and the name. NERV was founded to give the world hope in its own way, a hope that people rejected, a hope that I myself rejected. However, this time, let's provide a hope that people will accept and cherish."

Her speech was received with a great deal of enthusiasm as the representatives stood and applauded and cheered. Hernandez stood and walked up to the podium.

"Thank you, Dr. Soryu. Your message indeed fills us with hope that you will be able to deliver on your promise. You will have the full support of the United Nations and all the countries behind us."

The two shook hands again and Asuka took her seat next to the British representative on the Security Council.

"Now we must move onto the next part of this meeting," said Hernandez, "The question now before us is where NERV headquarters is to be placed. Japan held the original command center for NERV and its current facility located outside and in Tokyo 4 are more than adequate for moving NERV there but the Japanese government has objections to this. I now ask the Japanese ambassador to tell us what they are."

Hernandez walked back to his seat while the Japanese ambassador, Hiroshi Sato, came forward.

"As I have already informed the Security Council, the Japanese SSDF and military have invested a fortune in constructing the new Tokyo 4. Outside the city is a large air force base that is completely filled and thus we do not wish for NERV to move back in. Rebuilding these facilities somewhere else would cost a great deal of money and resources. Also, the Germany NERV Branch is far better suited to be the new NERV headquarters. The German government has not made too many modifications to their Branch, as my government has. It is also just a research center that Dr. Soryu has been running and as the new NERV is to be a research institution, I believe it is fitting for it to remain in Germany."

Sato then waited while the other representatives talked amongst themselves.

"Why is the Japanese government so unwilling to allow NERV back into its borders?" the Russian representative, Vladimir Kurks.

"We are not unwilling to allow NERV back in," said Sato, "We are simply unwilling to allow NERV take over one of our largest military bases. That base is vital to the defense and future of the Japanese nation so therefore you can see our reluctance to allow any other organization take hold of it."

"As things stands, the UN would have no legal right to utilize such a base anyways," Asuka suddenly said, "Each nation within the UN is allowed to have one major military base outside the control of the UN and the facilities outside and in Tokyo 4 is Japan's. However, the German NERV Branch is still technically UN property and territory and thus is better suited anyways."

"Dr. Soryu, I'm impressed," said Sato, "You seem to be very well informed about the current international laws."

"My duty as NERV's commander would require that I have knowledge of international laws," Asuka replied courteously.

"True enough," Sato agreed.

"But why Germany?" the Chinese ambassador asked, "China, Russia, and England could all act as bases for NERV command."

"Russia has no objections to Germany acting as NERV command's host nation," said Kurks.

"What about England?" Lao asked.

"His majesties government also sees no reason to object to Germany's selection."

"Is there any reason the Chinese government would want to play host to NERV command?" Hernandez asked.

"The Chinese government feels that we could provide better facilities and personnel for the new NERV command," said Lao, "As things stand, China has more resources at hand than Germany and certain expenses could be avoided if NERV command was stationed in China."

"Avoided indeed," Asuka muttered, "This entire decision was politically motivated."

"Of course it is," the British ambassador whispered to Asuka, "The Chinese government obviously wants to hold a great deal of influence over NERV."

Asuka turned on her microphone and spoke. "I'm afraid that putting NERV command in China is out of the question. The reasons behind this is that China simply doesn't have the equipment needed to run some of the projects NERV will begin once it is formed. While it may have a great deal of resources, China still doesn't have the biotechnology industry to truly support us."

"But Japan has mad great advancement in that area," said Lao, "It would be a simple matter to get the equipment my country doesn't have from Japan."

"Unfortunately it would take too long to set up," said Asuka, "It took the German government two years to finish construction of the new biotech facilities I needed to conduct some of the research NERV will be continuing. The German facilities are already set up and we could begin our projects immediately."

"Well, that is true enough, but how long would it take to set up the labs with nearly unlimited resources?" Lao asked.

"A year," said Asuka, "That was my projection for the German government when they said how long it would take to build everything if they provided me with nearly unlimited funds."

Apparently Asuka's preparation caught the Chinese ambassador by surprise. He simply nodded and sat down.

"The Chinese government retracts its offer," he said.

"Then is there any other objections to the Federal German Republic acting as the host nation of the new NERV headquarters?" Hernandez asked.

This time no one came forward. Hernandez then nodded.

"Very well. With the reestablishment of NERV, its command center is to be centered at the Hamburg facilities in Germany. Now we must turn to the matter of other NERV Branches. At the moment we only have one location for NERV. The Security Council has decided that besides NERV headquarters there will be five other branches, each located in a different country. As the Chinese government was so eager to host NERV command, are they willing to host a NERV Branch?"

"Of course," said Lao, "The Chinese government would be pleased to host a NERV Branch. Our facilities outside of Shanghai could be converted. Even if it takes a year, we can set up the NERV Branch there."

"Thank you. What other nations would be willing to host a NERV Branch?" Hernandez asked.

"The Russian government would be willing to set up a NERV Branch outside of Moscow," said Kurks, "We are close to Europe and could easily obtain the equipment needed to build up a NERV Branch."

"Very well," said Hernandez, "Are there any objections?"

There were none.

"What about the United States and Japan?" the Brazilian ambassador asked, "Both have the technology to build the facilities needed for a Branch and the United States has enough resources to do it at their own expense if needed."

This time Hayracks stood. "The United States government feels that it cannot host a NERV Branch until Dr. Soryu proves she is able to handle the responsibilities of running NERV. We hold nothing against the good doctor but at the moment the US is occupied with other matters."

"Then shall we reserve one of the bases for the US?" Hernandez asked.

"You may do that if you wish."

"This decision ultimately goes to Dr. Soryu," said Hernandez, "As she is commander of NERV."

Asuka nodded. "This is acceptable for the moment."

"And what of Japan?" said Hernandez, "Even if it does not wish to host NERV command, would you be willing to allow the construction of another NERV Branch somewhere else in the country?"

"The Japanese government would also like to see how Dr. Soryu does," said Sato, "We have no objections if NERV wishes to build a Branch in our country, but we choose the time when they may."

"That is also acceptable," said Asuka, "but I do have a request."

"And that would be?" asked Sato.

"I would like Lieutenant Ikari to head the Japanese NERV Branch or become my second in command."

That caused murmurs to ripple throughout the assembly. It was well known that Shinji Ikari had rejected the Security Council's offer to be commander of NERV. While it wasn't totally unexpected, many had been disappointed. Most felt that Shinji Ikari was the best person to keep NERV under control with Asuka Langley Soryu the second.

"I'm afraid that's very unlikely," said Sato, "Lieutenant Ikari has already made it very clear to my government that he does not wish to be affiliated with NERV in any way."

"I would like to speak with him then," said Asuka, "I might be able to change his mind."

"Unfortunately Lieutenant Ikari is currently on assignment in the Middle East," said Sato, "He is with the JA-Delta detachment we sent down there and I do not know when he will return."

"How difficult could it be to establish communications with him?" Asuka demanded.

"Excuse me, but perhaps I can explain," said Hernandez, "The Iranian extremists took out our primary and backup communications centers. The forces in Iran are working on setting up a third station or at least a relay point so they can use it to link up with the communications center at Baghdad International Airport."

"Ah. When will this new relay be up?" Asuka asked.

"It will take some time," said Hernandez, "As things stand though, I suggest you talk with Lieutenant Ikari after he returns from his assignment."

"Very well," said Asuka, "And what of the final NERV Branch?"

"We believe perhaps Canada should be the last host country," said the British ambassador, "Canada is also a country heavily involved in electronic and digital technology and it could easily procure the needed biotech parts from the US."

"Does the Canadian government have any objection to this?"

The Canadian ambassador shook his head.

"Very well then. The United Nations will supply additional funds as are appropriate to the countries that will need them for the construction of the NERV Branches and to enlarge the facilities outside of Hamburg for NERV headquarters. And now it is my pleasure to announce the rebirth of NERV. May it provide us with hope once again."

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

Shinji sipped his drink and looked at the TV. With the communications dish destroyed the image was very fuzzy but he could still make out the picture and sounds.

"So what's happening in the world today?" Mana asked as she came out of the bathroom. She was wearing just a bathrobe and dried her hair as she walked towards him.

"NERV has been reestablished," said Shinji, "Hamburg is the site of the new NERV headquarters."

"Ah." Mana was silent for a few seconds. "That means Asuka, right?"

Shinji nodded. "They selected her for the position of NERV commander."

He sighed and held his head in his hand. Of all the people they could choose from, they had wanted him and Asuka. He knew for a fact that he would never return to NERV, but for Asuka EVA had been such an important part of her life. Her motives behind trying to get NERV reinstituted would be complex and simple at the same time.

"After this assignment I'm going to ask the Japanese government to activate the Directorate."

"What? What's that?"

Shinji turned his head so he was staring into Mana's eyes.

"Mana, there's something you have to know about me. You remember when I told you I held the memories of every person in my mind? Well, I also held the memories of the members of Seele. I also hold the memories of my father. I managed to go through all of it and found something very wrong. I can't tell you what it is just yet but I will tell you this. I worked with the Japanese government for several years to work out the Directorate. Once it's activated, the base outside and inside Tokyo 4 will be fully activated as a military installation. And I will assume command of the Directorate. This involves more than the Human Instrumentality Project or anything else you might have heard about in the news. The United Nations classified this and wanted to just forget about it, but I'm not going to let it be forgotten. The Japanese government has been preparing for it and I just want you to know that if you stay with me, you're going to be in more danger than ever."

"Shinji, we're in the military," said Mana, "We expect to be put into danger all the time. How can this be any different?"

"Because this danger isn't to just you or me," Shinji replied, "Please, I ask you to just trust me. When we return, I'm going to disappear for a while. Certain people might come looking for me, but you must not say anything to them. Just say you don't know where I am and leave it at that. No matter what they say, don't get involved."

"That's asking a lot," said Mana, "What if you're in danger?"

"The only danger I'll be in is if these people get a hold on you," said Shinji, "Please, just trust me. You're going to be called to duty, everyone involved with the JA Project will be activated, and then things will start to look like we're getting ready for war. But just trust me. If everything blows over like I hope it will, then I'll come back. If things don't, well, it'll get a little dicey. Just believe that I'll be alright, okay?"

Mana regarded Shinji carefully. It wasn't like him to ask something like this of her and she didn't know if she could hold out. But something in his eyes told her of his conviction. Finally she conceded and nodded.

"Alright. I'll go along with this, but I expect an explanation after all this is over."

"You'll get it," Shinji promised, "If everything goes smoothly. If things don't, I doubt you'll need an explanation."

The two leaned forward for a kiss but a knock on the door snapped them out of it. Mana looked away with a slight blush as Shinji got up. He walked over and opened it. Colonel Abdul was outside.

"Colonel. What can we do for you?"

"There's a situation," said Abdul, "The general requests your presence immediately."

Mana got up and joined the two as they walked down out of the officer quarters. They quickly made their way to a briefing room and entered. Inside General Williams sat at the head of the table. To the sides of the table seven of the coalition commanders were seated. Shinji and Mana took the seats furthest from the general while Abdul sat at the general's left side.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Williams began, "I'm afraid that I must bring forth some dire news. It has come to the attention of the United Nations Intelligence service that the Iranian militants have gotten their hands on biological and chemical weapons. We do not really know what kind of agents they've got but they must be destroyed."

A hologram of a large base appeared.

"We believe this is an enemy chemical/biological lab," said Abdul, "The defenses around this base includes a battalion of tanks, possibly a regiment of infantry, and lots of anti-air defenses. Because of this, we have been reluctant to commit any planes to bombing runs on this place. However, we couldn't afford to wait when we learned of this news."

The Australian commander then stood. "Two fighter wings were sent out to take out the radar sites that commands the SAM batteries. We met with success and all five of the radar networks were destroyed. However, apparently these SAM sites each have their own backup radars while, not as effective as being coordinated by actual radars, still provided them with warning that we were coming. The bombing force, composed of F-15 Eagle fighter/bombers, struck the base but lost ten fighters. Unfortunately, we believe we only managed to do mild damage to the base."

"What is needed is a full out strike," said General Williams, "This base very important to the Iranian militants and a serious threat to us. This is where the JA-Deltas come in. Most of you have read up on them and some of you don't believe they are as capable as the reports say. Well, it's time to say. Two armored battalions with the support of the JA-Deltas and a Comanche wing will go forward and attack this base. Infantry units will be close behind to ensure that no one comes at us from behind. Once the base defenses are down, we'll burn the place with napalm. Hopefully it will destroy any chemical or biological agents there."

"What about cleanup?" another officer asked.

"The German and French detachments all have bio-hazard cleanup crews. Once we're sure that the place is plastered, we'll send them in to have a look. Lieutenant Ikari, Lieutenant Kirishima, I assume you will be able to do this."

"We'll take care of it," Shinji assured him.

End of Chapter 2

Keep this in mind. I have proven in the past that I can and will kill off a character if it advances the storyline.

Z98