I recently watched Chrno Crusade from start to finish. In my opinion, the ending was even sadder than that of Evangelion. If you don't believe me, just take a look.

Reprise of Humanity

Chapter 9: Four That We Shall Never Forget

Shinji shifted and moved his crutch to support his weight. Much of his upper body was working properly now but his legs seemed to have lost a good deal of strength. He walked down the catwalk and looked over the railing. Below was the nearly completed hull of a massive space cruiser.

"What is the progress on the other cruisers?"

"Soon," the project leader said. "Have you made the final selection?"

"Of course."

They walked down the stairs and the sound of wielding crew louder. A good deal of equipment were also moved about and went up the loading bays. The hardware and software would need to be installed before the warship ever lifted off. However, some of the workers were already beginning to paint the name of the warship on its side.

"Misato Katsuragi," Shinji read. It was only partially done but he knew which ship this was. Why shouldn't he, since he designed all of them?

"You didn't name one after your mother," the man noted.

"My mother's role in the planning and initiation of Third Impact is still in question," Shinji replied. "Even if she was my mother, there are some things no one can forgive."

An odd statement especially for a Japanese, as one was supposed to honor their parents. But it was also understandable considering the heritage that Shinji carried.

"I'll come back soon," Shinji said. "By then, I expect the vessels to be ready for launch."

"Yes sir."

Like many Japanese, the project leader was used to pulling miracles and getting everything done under an impossible schedule. He was not about to fail Major Ikari either.

A few hours later Shinji was back in Tokyo and heading home. He had moved back to his old apartment despite the painful memories it brought. To his surprise Mari had insisted she stay with him to act as a nurse of sorts and to continue her work under him. After only three weeks they had finished the final calculations and Mari had been complaining about the simplicity of the solution ever since.

That was hardly the only thing on Shinji's mind. Somehow the United Nations had gotten a hint of some sort regarding Shinji's project and they were demanding an explanation from the Japanese government. Some officials threatened sanctions against the island nation and now the entire world was in political deadlock. That suited Shinji's needs just fine.

"Hey Shinji. Welcome home."

Shinji nodded and sat down on the couch. He turned on the news and Mari came in to watch with him.

"Today the Secretary General Modal Hernandez has again ordered the nation of Japan to halt something called Project: Jehovah and allow a full UN inspection of its Tokyo 4 military garrison. The Japanese government again denies the existence of the project despite the evidence produced by the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. Furthermore, there are implications that now Major Shinji Ikari is involved or even leading this Project: Jehovah."

"Now I wonder how that name leaked out."

Mari nodded. After being brought into the project, she had been briefed about its objectives. While she believed in it, the extremity that Shinji was willing to go was a little disturbing.

"Because of the continued disagreement, the United Nations has threatened to use force to open up the facilities surrounding Tokyo 4. Japan remains steadfastly opposed to any inspection and the UN's inability to force a resolution has weakened it significantly in the eyes of many. The People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation have both threatened to take action themselves if the UN is incapable of solving this crisis."

"Now that might be worrisome," said Mari.

"Only if they discover the launch sites. Besides, the majority of the projects have already been moved. Soon, we'll start the operation. It shouldn't be too hard to keep the UN deadlocked until then. Would have been easier before Second Impact, but I think our diplomats are up to the challenge."

Despite Shinji's assurances, Mari was still worried. The more she found out about the project, the more everything bothered her. Shinji had made it clear that if her moral conscious told her to not help him, he would understand. But to abandon him when he needed help the most? She could never do such a thing. Maybe she could be his conscious while the project still ran. That was the least she could do.

"Shinji?"

"Yeah?"

"Please don't do anything bad."

"I don't intend to, Mari."

-United Nations Headquarters, New York-

"Mr. Sato, you are seriously wearing down the patience of this entire council," Hernandez nearly shouted. "This is your final warning. Either your government authorizes an inspection of Tokyo 4 and the surrounding bases, or we will investigate by force."

"The United Nations has no right to interfere with the affairs of the Japanese government," Sato said again. "Do you truly believe we'll allow you to enter and do what you wish?"

"The UN has all the authority it needs," Hayracks stated. "As you have pointed out many times before, the UN controls the majority of the military forces in each country. They could easily order units into Tokyo 4. Even if the units in Japan do not cooperate, we can call in units from China, Russia, even the United States."

"And what exactly motivates the UN to this course of action?" Sato demanded.

"As I have stated before, your Project: Jehovah is of concern to us," said Hernandez. "Now Mr. Sato, allow us to inspect your bases and facilities. If you have nothing to hide and if, as you claim, Project: Jehovah does not exist, what can you possibly have to hide?"

"Of course we have things to hide," said Sato. "What country here doesn't? How many of you can honestly say that you don't have secrets at the bases your own nations control?"

Hernandez slammed his fist onto his table, losing patience.

"We are talking about the survival of humanity, not petty politics. If the intelligence is right, your project could endanger it!"

Sato's eyes narrowed dangerously. The UN was trying to back Japan into a corner and they were succeeding. However, an opponent was at its most dangerous when left with the fewest options. It was time he used his trump card.

"So what about Project: Marienkind?"

Hayracks, Luther, and Hernandez all gasped while the other delegates looked over at the three men.

"That has nothing to do with this," Luther stated.

"I do not believe so," said Sato. "When your so-called intelligence was presented, I forwarded a copy to my superiors. Their reply was that our own intelligence organs had seen similar data, but it was from a Project: Marienkind that Germany was running. Therefore, I suggest you take a good look at Germany before you start pointing fingers at us."

"Is this true?" Lao asked. "Is it true that we were given data on a German, not Japanese project?"

"Of course not," Luther immediately said. "The Japanese delegate is obviously desperate and is trying to divide us."

"Perhaps not," said Vladimir, the Russian delegate. "What exactly is this Project: Marienkind? Before we take any action against the Japanese, I would like to know if any other nation is attempting something so foolish."

"It is nothing," said Hernandez. "I agree with Mr. Luther. The Japanese delegation is running out of excuses and they use this in an attempt to distract us."

"I must wonder why you are so quick to dismiss this," said Sato. "Unless you were involved, of course. From your reactions, it is possible even the Americans are part of this Project: Marienkind. You claim to seek the truth, and yet you conceal it. Before you start pointing fingers, I suggest you come clean yourselves!"

Hernandez leaned forward. "The same could be said of the Japanese government."

"Then I propose this," said Sato. "If the German and American governments make public everything about Project: Marienkind, we will do the same with Project: Jehovah."

"Preposterous. There isn't even a Project: Marienkind," Hayracks insisted. "But this is an interesting confession you have made. So Project: Jehovah exists."

"Actually Mr. Hayracks, all I said was that we would make public everything. If there is no project, there would be nothing to reveal, am I right?"

"You Japanese are playing a very dangerous game here," said Luther. "Don't think Secretary General Hernandez won't use his authority."

"Then I call a vote of no-confidence," Sato proclaimed.

The reaction was one of shock and total disbelief throughout the entire chamber. The vote of no-confidence was one that was instated to act as a check and balance of the secretary general's powers. However, it had never been used before.

"Oh what grounds!" Hernandez demanded.

"For endangering those that you were sworn to protect, Mr. Hernandez. Project: Marienkind was ordered by you and is even now being carried out by NERV."

"And your Project: Jehovah does not endanger humanity?" Hernandez countered.

"The people will decide," said Sato. "Reveal what Project: Marienkind is, and we will provide a briefing on Project: Jehovah."

The two men stared at each other, neither willing to blink. They were in a stalemate and everyone knew it.

"Gentlemen," the British delegate interrupted. "Under these circumstances, I must say that the Japanese offer is the only fair one. Why are you so reluctant to release this information, Mr. Hernandez?"

"Because I do not trust the Japanese to not falsify their information."

"The same could be said of you and NERV," Sato shot back.

"This is pointless," Luther shouted. "NERV is not the one on trial here, this Japanese Directorate is. We can resolve this issue later."

"I do not think so," the Chinese delegate countered. "We also agree with Mr. Sato. Both projects must be made public, or there will be severe consequences. If this takes a council vote, then so be it. Also, if there is an attempted veto, then my government will have to begin taking matters into its own hands."

"The Russian government feels the same."

"As does his majesty's government of England."

"France also supports this line of action."

It was quite clear now that the other major powers would not tolerate anything except full disclosure. All this meant was that falsified data would be released though. The project itself would not be compromised.

"I don't believe the United Nations can be trusted to come forward with the information," Sato suddenly said. "I suggest that the British, French, Russian, and Chinese governments handle this directly. Their people could be the ones that inspect both sites. My government has no objection to this."

Sato grinned as he almost heard the three men choke on hearing his words. This would hold them off for a bit longer. Hopefully it would be long enough.

"Are you trying to disrupt the workings of the UN?" Hernandez demanded. "Humanity has survived because it has stood united. Now you are trying to break that unity. This is something that is not acceptable!"

"The strength of the UN comes from its member nations," said Sato. "If we chose not to contribute, then that strength will fade away. If you defy the will of the majority, then I do not see how the United Nations will survive."

And it was there that Hernandez was stuck. He would need a plan to force his decision through, and it would be costly. But the Japanese were forcing his hand and options were being closed off even as they spoke. Perhaps more drastic measures had to be taken.

-Tokyo 4-

When Mari heard Shinji start laughing, she didn't know whether to be worried or not. It had been the first time he had laughed ever since Mana had died.

"Shinji? What's going on?"

"I'll call you later," Shinji said and hanged up the phone. "Oh, I was just talking with the foreign minister. He was telling me about the UN meeting."

"Was it that amusing?"

"In many ways yes. Are you finished packing?"

Mari nodded and lifted her suitcase. "I packed what you said we would need. But I'm still not looking forward to this trip. You aren't even giving me time to enjoy the weather."

"We're launching as soon as we get on board," said Shinji. "The UN is probably keeping tabs on all flights in and out of the country at the moment. I think the US deployed several AWACs to monitor air traffic too."

"This is no fun. Well, are we leaving now?"

"Of course."

When the two came outside a car was already waiting for them. They were driven to the military airfield immediately and boarded an atmospheric plane. While it didn't actually escape the atmosphere, it did skip along the boundaries and thus could travel much faster. There was no point in hiding anymore, since the plan was actually now ready to commence.

As she looked out the window, Mari tried to get a grip on her own feelings. She knew that Shinji was still recovering from all the loss he had suffered. However, things still felt wrong. Maybe she only had to wait a little longer.

"Well Colonel Ikari, I see you finally got here," the officer greeted.

"Huh? Colonel? When did you get promoted again?"

Shinji smiled at Mari. "My official rank in the Directorate always has been Colonel. However, because I was never officially activated, I retained my rank in the JSSDF."

"You have too many secrets, Shinji."

They got on board and both stashed away their clothes in the small quarters. When everything was ready, Shinji walked over to the bridge with Mari's assistance. He kept the crutch by his side but it was nice having Mari support him on the other side.

"Status?"

"All systems ready, Colonel. The other three ships report all green."

Shinji nodded. "What of the Guardian?"

That took a bit longer before an affirmative was also given.

"Once we are in the upper atmosphere it is to be released," Shinji ordered. "We will take direct command of it here."

"Roger."

"Sir, I'm getting a message from General Sato."

"Patch it through."

The face of the elderly officer appeared on the screen before Shinji.

"Well Colonel, it seems everything is ready. I hope your mission is a success."

Shinji smiled. "Don't worry, General. When the world learns about the project, the major governments won't dare to move against us. Also, the UN will be too destabilized to do a thing once we reveal their little side project."

"You have no compunction going against your fellow pilot?" Sato asked.

"Surprisingly, General, Asuka is not involved. However, I shall reveal more once the time comes."

"Of course. Godspeed, Colonel. The nation of Japan is taking a great risk in supporting your venture."

"Don't worry about it, sir. I won't let you down."

The communications line terminated and Shinji turned towards the helmsman.

"Prepare for launch."

"Launch preparations complete," a voice announced over the intercom.

Shinji strapped in and felt Mari take his hand. He smiled at her and squeezed it.

"T-minus 5 minutes and counting. All compartments secured and ready."

Shinji looked at the flight plan and checked the calculations one more time. It wouldn't do to make a mistake now.

"T-minus 4 minutes and counting. All personnel have been evacuated from launch site."

"Warning," another voice suddenly said. "Unidentified naval and air group approaching."

"I guess they're here," Shinji noted.

He punched up the holographic projector and it showed a layout of the island and the surrounding waters. From the east a battle group was quickly approaching them.

"Warships identified," the computer announced. "Carriers Enterprise, Saratoga, and Deutschland. Battleships Iowa and Bismarck II. Various escorts, all destroyers and frigates."

"An American and German taskforce," Shinji commented. "Activate all island defenses, but do not bring online our guns. We can't use them when we're launching."

"T-minus 3 minutes."

"We are being hailed, Colonel."

"This is Admiral Ryan of the UN Pacific Fleet. Major Ikari, you are to surrender immediately and allow my men to take custody of all of your officers and equipment."

"I'm afraid that's quite impossible," Shinji replied calmly. "We are kind of in the middle of something and I'm not about to stop it."

"Major, you are defying the will of the United Nations if you do not surrender. Your actions represent that of the nation of Japan and it will be seen as such!"

Shinji only grinned. "It's Colonel Ikari, Admiral. Also, this is a German/American fleet. I really don't think that the entirety of the UN is involved with this."

Ryan gave Shinji one last look before the communications terminated. Seconds later one of the battleships opened fire and water splashed off the coast of the island.

"A warning shot," Mari noted.

"It's of no concern," Shinji replied. "Activate the electromagnetic shield. Fire a warning shot of our own. I want the particle beam to miss their flagship by fifty feet."

"Miss or fall short, sir?"

"Miss."

After the order filtered down through the system a single beam of energy sliced through the air. It shot right past the command tower of the Enterprise and started melting the glass. However, the beam dissipated before anyone was harmed.

"It's their turn now."

T-minus one minute."

"Maybe not," said Mari. "We're almost read to go."

The doors over the four vessels had opened and on four respective islands a massive space cruiser rose out from it. Each vessel was pointed upwards and it wouldn't be long before they would lift off.

"I really have to hand it to the Chinese," Shinji suddenly said. "If it weren't for their pulse-detonation engine, this might have taken longer."

Mari laughed and looked at the screen. All of them were now lying on their back and it felt weird being in this position.

"Anything I should know about being in space?" she asked.

"Don't throw up," Shinji replied jokingly.

"3, 2, 1, liftoff."

Under the massive cruisers each of their engines detonated and a massive explosion rocketed them upwards. Shinji noticed several fighters approaching them but they were too slow. None of them would catch up. The g-forces started building up as the cruisers accelerated and Shinji felt his body pressed into the seat. Four specks of light streaked across the sky towards space and all the UN taskforce could do was watch. Almost immediately the news spread across the world about the launch and even now the UN was preparing a response. Things had just taken a turn for the worse politically.

As the cruiser broke through the atmosphere Shinji felt the ship stop accelerating and they slowed slightly. He checked the system report and sighed. Nothing had broken, and that was always a good sign.

"Report," he ordered.

"The other three cruisers are falling into formation. They are checking in now."

"Misato Katsuragi, all green."

"Kaji Ryouji, all systems check."

"Kaworu Nagisa, ready."

Shinji nodded approvingly. "Rei Ayanami, acknowledged. What's the status on the Guardian?"

"I detect a heat signature coming from its launch site," the officer reported. "ETA, five minutes."

"Good. What is the UN saying about this?"

"Demanding an explanation from Japan about what is going on," Mari informed him. She read through a few more articles before finishing. "Apparently the UN is also scrambling its space fleet while redirecting the cruisers they do have up to intercept us."

"ETA to target?"

"ETA is two hours, twenty minutes."

"Well, it looks like we're on schedule," Shinji said with a smile.

He brought up the image of the vast expanse before them and placed it on the main screen. All of the crew stared at the view of their home hanging in the vastness of space.

"Glorious, is it not?" Shinji said.

Mari nodded and smiled. "This would be a nice place for a romantic getaway. Too bad space travel is still so expensive."

"Give it time," said Shinji. "Everything takes time."

He leaned back and simply allowed the view to absorb him. There would be time for further work soon enough. Now, he just wanted to look upon the heavens.

End of Chapter 9

This is perhaps the shortest chapter, but there is a point. It seemed ideal to bring the chapter to a close at this point as there was nothing else for me to do about it. The more revealing stuff comes next chapter and I'll be hard at work on it. I think. Well, school is starting soon.

Anyways, any of you fans of Chrno Crusade? I have a fic of that too running. It's a really sad story, in certain respects even sadder than EVA. But it's a brilliant show and very well done. And the main female character, Rosette, looks rather like Asuka in many respects.

Z98