Chapter 1: Spring Thaw
I don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion, its just a fan-fiction, read and enjoy.
Authors note:
This section contains important story depth, a bit of background investigation and important character development, complex but entertaining, I hope. ;)
1.3 Who can save us?
Misato, Ritsuko, Fuyuzuki, Maya and Commander Ikari were waiting for the pilots in the control room.
Casually, but with a hint of stress, Ritsuko went through the testing schedule, apparently there had been some modifications to unit 01s connections and she wanted to see their performance, in real time, compared with the old system still installed in unit 00. Shinji nodded in his normal un-enthused way and turned to leave. Rei remained behind, and turned to face Commander Ikari.
"Can we talk commander?" she asked in her usual calm voice. Maya, Ritsuko and Fuyuzuki broke off their work on the computers to look at Rei. Fuyuzuki gave Gendo a worried glance. There was an awkward pause and Shinji stopped to look back. Misato held her breath as Gendo looked at Rei, his hands clasped together in front of his face, his usual pose. There was a pause, but then Gendo suddenly raised from his chair.
"Go on pilot Ikari…. I will walk you to your Eva Rei" he said, making his way across the room. Fuyuzuki watched the three leave down the stairs, he then glanced at Misato, who appeared nervous for some reason. It was going well, Rei did not even have to come up with a reason for the commander to accompany her down to the Eva.
Shinji was already some way ahead and stalled for time outside his entry plug to allow the other two to catch up. Rei and Gendo got to the junction in the walkway, one direction leading to unit 00 the other to unit 01 and Shinji. Pausing for a second Rei headed towards unit 01, where Shinji was standing, Gendo stopped behind her.
"What I have to talk about concerns unit 01" she said, noticing his inaction, turning back she walked on. Gendo stayed where he was for a few seconds, his frown growing deeper then normal, he then followed her over to where Shinji was kneeling, apparently inspecting the entry plug.
Coming to a stop outside the open entry plug Gendo turned to Rei.
"What is this all about?" he asked, annoyance present in his dark voice. Rei stood there while Shinji hands gripped the pistol left by Misato earlier this morning, hidden just inside the entry plug. Shinji stood up, calmly moving around the side of Gendo, who was still awaiting an answer. Shinji circled his target, some ten meters away, he was walking slowly, hand-gun raised.
"This is about you, father" he said evenly. "Take off your clothes and get into the entry plug" he continued coldly, he finished moving around to Gendos immediate left, standing rigid, feet apart.
Up in the control room Misato had waited for this event, and while the others had just begun to look shocked she had already drawn her pistol, stepping away from her colleagues she shouted.
"Nobody move! Hands up, I want you all against the wall!"
All three turned to face Misato, her gun pointing at their faces. Originally in shock, Maya's expression turned fearful, Ritsukos was confused but Fuyuzukis quickly turned back to his usual grim expression.
"What.. What are you doing Misato? Have you gone crazy?" demanded Ritsuko, completely perplexed. Behind her Fuyuzuki tried to make a quick move to the emergency alarm. Misato spotted the move and fired a shot, destroying a section of panel next to the button.
Back down on the platform Shinji heard the shot, and in a show of inexperience turned his head. Gendo, seeing Shinji flinch out of the corner of his eye, quickly drew his own gun and without hesitation fired a round at Shinji's chest. There was a loud audible clap and Shinji and Gendo were violently thrown in opposite directions, Shinji landed on some containers, Gendo against the railing. Though sudden, both Ikaris managed to hold onto their weapons. Rei was still standing, her arms extended in front of her, a look of concentration on her face. The last of a hexagonal AT field could be seen fading in-between the two Ikaris, illuminated through the absorption of the bullet. Gendo recovered quicker, standing and turning his gun on Rei. Firing three quick shots. All three bullets hit her AT field, making a lot of noise but doing no damage. Shinji had finally recovered, scrambling to his feet he aimed his gun at Gendo, firing off a single shot, the bullet struck his father in the shoulder. The impact knocked the gun out of Gendos hand, the gun tumbling off the ledge. Shocked at his own actions Shinji watched Gendo clutch at his shoulder with his good hand, a strange silence returned. The only sound that remained being the clatter of the gun on its long journey to the base of the test area. Gendo, still holding his shoulder with his good arm, faced Shinji, eyes filled with rage. Still no sound escaped the Commanders bitterly clenched teeth. Shinji however was now calm, holding the gun with one hand, his left hand had clenched into a fist.
"Do not try anything else father, you will take off you clothes and get into the entry plug, or I will kill you" he said coldly. His father remained were he was, defiant, simply standing there. Becoming agitated Shinji cocked the gun with his thumb, his eyes narrowing to slits "I would prefer not to kill you as this is more useful to me, though don't try my patience.. do you really doubt my resolve?………. Father?"
His now low voice was sounding remarkably similar to Gendos.
Misato meanwhile, for her part, had been too experienced to flinch at the noise from below, she waited until they were all against the back wall before taking a quick look down.
"What's going on down there?" demanded Fuyuzuki, head turned around. Misato looked out of the window, peering anxiously down into the chamber, after a while a smile appearing on her face.
"Look's like Shinjis shot Gendo" replied Misato smirking. This managed to get a gasp from Ritsuko and Maya, but no reaction from Fuyuzuki.
"Don't worry, his still standing…………pity" said Misato with a smile.
"What do you plan to do?" asked Ritsuko, regaining some of her composure.
"Gendos going into unit 01, and then your going to activate it" she said evenly.
"Are you crazy Misato!" Ritsuko burst out, "What on earth is the point of that, your going to accomplish nothing from this little stunt!"
Ritsuko was starting to get very angry. Returning her dirty look Misato turned her attention back to the three captives.
"Shinji believes that under the right conditions this is the only way to bring Gendo back to reason" Misato countered.
"Shinji believes!"
Ritsukos voice was getting even angrier. Misato suddenly looked a little doubtful, it was rather far fetched from many points of view. Ritsuko, noticing Misatos doubts, couldn't help but continue.
"So once again doing everything a man tells you to do" she said bitterly, not even bothering to keep her arms up any more. "You just can't help yourself can you Misato"
The tone was edged perfectly for maximum venom. It was a wrong move, Misato snapped at this attack and screaming back.
"Who the hell are YOU to tell me anything about men! Your position seems no better then mine even IN this new situation!"
Ritsuko backed away slightly, shocked.
"This whole organisation is a lie!" continued Misato. "And the people who think they know more"
She glanced at Fuyuzuki.
"Are probably further from the truth then the people who know nothing at all!"
She stoped to take a breath, more evenly, Misato continued " The only person who knows anything close to the truth is that lying bastard down there. And I for one am sick of being lied to! Better this chance to find the truth, then working one more day for the lie." she finished up, sighing heavily after the effort, her shoulders slumping.
"I owe that much to Kaji" she mumbled to herself. There was a pause, all taking in what had just been said.
"What do you hope to achieve? You can't get away" said Ritsuko more evenly.
"Once we have set up the conditions, Gendo will be set free" Misato answered.
"You think he will simply let you get away with this?" asked Ritsuko, crossing her arms, more bewildered now then angry.
"If this works like Shinji thinks it will….. Yes, otherwise it doesn't really matter, I am through with this organisation as it is." her posture strengthened, she focused squarely on Ritsuko.
"What do you care anyway?" she asked sarcastically "You've been practically under arrest for the last couple of weeks, I would have thought you would jump at the chance to hamper that bastards plans?". Ritsuko withdrew a little, glancing sideways at Fuyuzuki, who remained neutral as always.
"What conditions do you have in mind" she asked, deflecting Misatos question. Misato, wanting to get on with it, allowed her.
"The same conditions as what Shinji experienced while fighting with the 17th angel" replied Misato, quickly followed by "so are you going to help me or what Ritsuko?"
Ritsuko looked shocked for a second as she remembered back to what happened that day, what she had thought/dreamt after that fight. Her face turned from one of doubt to stern contemplation. Misato waited for a reply, honestly expecting more enthusiasm from her old friend. Then suddenly Fuyuzuki spoke up.
"We have no choice but to do as she says" he said evenly. Maya and Ritsuko turned to look at him. He continued "Plus I don't see this as doing any permanent harm to the commander."
Ritsuko doubted that very much, and it showed in the face she put on. Though seeing his expression she recognised this as some kind of approval. And whatever thoughts she was having concluded themselves.
"O.K Misato, what do you need me to do?" Ritsuko asked no-nonsense like, and with that she walked back to the consol, effectively ignoring the gun aimed at her.
Back down in the test bay, Gendo was now standing completely naked in front of the entry plug, both his hands loosely by his side, blood dripping from the fingers of his right hand. Shinji motioned with his gun hand.
"Get in" he said simply. Gendo moved into the entry plug, sitting at the controls. Shinji, still training the gun on Gendo, moved to close the hatch.
"You will regret this" Gendo said as the hatch began to close.
"For your sake" Shinji replied. " I hope not"
And with that the hatch snapped shut. Shinji dropped the gun on the ground and walked over to Rei.
"Thank you Rei" he said, taking her hand. She simply looked at him, her cheeks red with effort. He looked up at the control centre to see Misato looking down. He could also see Ritsuko bent over the console looking at him with a concentrated expression. Misato voice came over the intercom.
"Everything ready down there?"
Shinji turned to Rei, who nodded, turning back to Misato he gave a thumbs up. Ritsuko started to type away.
"You had better go up to the command centre" said Rei, turning to face the two Evas. Shinji looked at her, stalling, he suddenly moved. Running up to her he gave her a quick peck on the cheek before making a direct line for the command centre. Rei touched her cheek were Shinji had kissed her, smiling to herself for a short while, before returning to the task at hand. Ritsuko had noticed the exchange between Rei and Shinji, she raised an eyebrow, but quickly shook it off, returning to her work. Shinji arrived in time to see the entry plugs final entry protocol. The thought of his father's first experience with LCL fluid bringing a smile to his face.
"What do you want me to do know" asked Ritsuko, looking across at Shinji & Misato.
"We need you to phase Evas 01 and 02 AT fields together" said Shinji calmly.
"Use the dummy systems" he added.
"You know what a violent reaction that is Shinji, in this enclosed space who knows what it could do!" complained Maya, still at the wall. Stressed and scared Maya added shouting. "And as for the dummy plug who knows what that will do!"
"I know" said Shinji, voice still calm.
"Just do it" commanded Misato firmly, her gun now down but still obviously in control.
Ritsuko, annoyed, did as she was told. Both units activated, their eyes showing signs of life, started to glow menacingly.
"Dummy units activated" said Ritsuko back into scientist mode. Everyone in the room held their breath, expecting the worst from the unpredictable dummy systems. Nothing happened, both units simply took a loose pose.
"I need the two to touch each other" said Shinji, appraising the two massive Evas.
Ritsuko entered a string of commands, and to her genuine surprise both units moved their left and right hands, stretching their arms out across the small gap of their respective restraints connecting palm to palm, and nothing more.
"I've never seen them work this smoothly before." Ritsuko said to herself, astounded. The tension was rising in the room, both Fuyuzuki and Maya had moved to the window to look down at the Evas, Rei was still there, standing facing the two Evas.
"Extend the AT fields!" Shinji commanded. Ritsuko hit the enter command. There was a bright light, brilliant as the sun, forming from in-between the two palms of the Evas as their respective AT fields activated and merged, everyone shielded their eyes. There was a massive Clap as the AT field extended out linearly between the two Evas, impacting on the concrete walls of the test area. The concrete imploded under the strain, massive fragments flying loose. A massive pressure wave was formed, blowing in the windows of the control room, and throwing its occupants to the floor. Scrambling to their feet they moved to look into the test area. The sight was aw-inspiring, the hexagonal wall of the two merging AT fields was visibly shining brightly between the two Eva's. Looking closer the group could make out a small form in front of the two massive Evas, it was the floating form of Rei. Shining white, Rei was generating a small AT field which was distorting the otherwise hexagonal walls. She was floating in mid air, her hands out, every section of her skin omitting a brilliant light. Shinji yelled for Ritsuko to increase unit 02 field to maximum, Ritsuko punched in the commands. The force from the slowly distorting fields could be felt by everyone as it whipped up massive winds within the test area. Unit 02's field slowly began to bend back unit 01's field until it appeared to envelop unit 01 completely. They all watched as Rei became ever brighter, her AT field expanding quickly, soon she became too bright to look at, they shielded their eyes from her. Shinji clenched his eyes shut as the ever-increasing brightness seemed to go through his hands. The sound was deafening, the light blinding, just as he felt he could take no more he sensed a sudden pause, as if time had stopped completely, and then silence.
Shinji, still seeing and hearing the echoes of the commotion only moments before, could only feel the sudden reversal of airflow, and then felt suddenly energised as some kind of energy field expand through him and past him. He stood still, the sudden silence sounding louder then any noise. Shinji, shaking his head to clear the echos, began to reclaim his sight and hearing. Looking up he saw that everyone around him had suddenly gone limp and collapsed to the floor, their bodies were scattered around the floor awkwardly. Shocked Shinji ran over to Misato, leaning over her body anxiously. He grabbed her hand and leant close over her face, relieved to find her breathing softly. Calming down, he looked at her for a while then at the others, they all looked peacefully asleep. Suddenly remembering Rei, Shinji quickly got up and raced down to the test floor area. He came down just in time to see Rei float elegantly back to the walkway, massive dents and splits had deformed the mettle, but somehow it remained up. Shinji raced over, calling out to Rei to see if she was ok. Shinji only noticed that she was completely naked when he got close to her, slowing suddenly now only 10m away. She nodded at him smiling a little. Shinji, uncomfortable due her state of dress, had stoped in his tracks. Looking around he quickly ran over to grab his fathers discarded coat, Rei was initially a little surprised at Shinjis move, but smiled again when he returned with his father's coat, wrapping it around her shoulders. Shinji helped the weakened Rei, his arms holding Rei's shoulders tenderly. Slowly, they made their way up to the control room. On the way up Rei spoke.
"Why are you so concerned every time I am naked?" she asked. Shinji looked at her, not expecting such a question from Rei.
"It's nothing to be worried about, its just a silly Lillin thing" Shinji said after a while. Shinji suddenly stopped, he had used a Kaworu term without even realising it, he looked at Rei who was still simply smiling at him, mentally shrugging to himself the two moving on.
As they entered the command room, the two pilots found that everyone was still out cold. There was no sound at all any more, only the red flashing of the silent alarm tripped by the explosion.
"Has it worked?" asked Shinji looking down at Misato.
"I believe so" said Rei quietly "They are all in the same state as before, though the commanders experience is different then yours"
"In what way?" said Shinji, worried that his plan had gone wildly wrong.
"Kaworu was not an Eva, and I am not a true angel" she said calmly "he had other influences"
Shinji looked at her.
"The commanders choices are for himself, your choice however, was I think… for everyone.." she said looking at him. Shinji was struck dumb by the implications, had he really been given that much power? He had no idea at the time what his choices represented, or what consequences they held for himself or others. He looked back down at the sleeping NERV personnel.
"Are they all in the same state?" asked Shinji, deciding not to try and grasp Rei's last statement fully.
"No" responded Rei "they are experiencing what they felt last time, they are currently experiencing a sample of self, caused by the reaction, though they can accept or reject what they see"
They moved around trying to make the fallen NERV staff more comfortable from their current positions.
"The commander however is the only one who is locked into the full experience, through his connection with the Eva he is forced to observe himself in the light of others, in light of himself"
"And then he will chose?" asked Shinji.
"If he accepts what he sees, yes, he can chose to remain or come back"
"And if he does not?"
"He will be destroyed, in a way" she turned to face him "you cannot exist in that place without full self realisation, it is impossible"
Shinji thought about that for a second, he hadn't really contemplated that his father may 'fail' the experience. Suddenly his own experience seemed much more critical, could he have been destroyed, turning back to Rei he decided not to think about it. What was done was done
"Do you know why they're asleep?" he said, suddenly a thought struck him "and why I'm still awake?"
She walked over to stand next to him, taking his hand in hers she looked down at the sleeping bodies. "I think that is their minds defence, against something they do not understand or do not like." she paused "In a dream state they still see their true state but they can accept or reject what they like" she turned her head to look at Shinji "You have seen your true self, and still do, so your mind had no need to shut down."
She gave Shinji an encouraging smile.
Shinji looked down at Misato.
"How long will they be out for?" he asked finally,
"I am not sure, last time it was not that long, maybe two or three hours, you were only unconscious for 30min minutes longer then almost everyone else" said Rei. Shinji considered this for a second, looking around slowly, he found, and then picked up, Misatos gun. Shinji told Rei to go and get changed, and to meet him back at the operations centre entrance of the test area, and to bring his clothes, she nodded and left. After she left he quickly found the communications board in the control panel, aiming Misatos gun he turned away, firing two rounds into it, destroying it.
Shinji went down into the test area, jamming the other entrance by firing at the lock once. Moving quickly Shinji searched the sleeping staff and went through his fathers clothes to retrieve any communications devices, placing them all outside of the command centre in the hall. Finally he dragged Misatos limp body outside into the hall, and jammed the door shut behind him, locking in the occupants. Re-holstering Misatos gun he made her a small pillow from Fuyuzukis jacket. He wrote a quick note on a piece of paper he had removed from the command centre and placed it into Misatos pocket.
Just as he had done this Rei returned, dressed in her usual school uniform, holding Shinjis clothes in her hands. He walked over and took his clothes. Rei glanced over at Misato.
"What do we do now?" she asked.
"We wait" said Shinji evenly "But we may as well do something useful, lets go water the garden"
With that the two of them left.
Shinji left Rei at the garden to go and get changed, but returned soon to help. The two tended the garden in silence, enjoying the sounds of nature as they worked. Shinji enjoyed the piece and quiet, there was no noise in the geo front. The Magi had taken over automatically once all manual control was lost, though having to re-boot after the original short-out. So all systems were still working, but it was still very quiet. Shinji and Rei had passed many a sleeping figure on the way to the garden.
Lost in their own world they worked away for about an hour, taking a seat under a nearby tree upon completion. Rei leaned on the seated Shinji and he wrapped an arm around her. They stayed there dozing for about two hours, when finally two figures approached from NERV HQ. Shinji looked up as they approached, they were security agents, neither looked particularly rushed or stressed, just a little nervous, exactly like after the last time there was a blackout, just after the fight with Kaworu.
"Pilot Ikari, Pilot Ayanami, you are to follow us to the commander" said the agent. The two pilots stood up, following the security agents.
They went through NERV, again everyone looked dazed and unsure. Just as last time. The security agents opened the door to Gendos office foyer, letting the two pilots through, and closing it behind them.
Just as last time Fuyuzuki, Ritsuko and Misato were all sitting there silently, Shinji looked over at Misato who was sitting close to Ritsuko, they both gave the two pilots a weak smile. Shinji returned the smile, he glanced over at Fuyuzuki who was sitting at the desk drinking a coffee, he looked up at the two pilots.
"The commander is waiting for you two" Fuyuzuki said, professionally, but not unkindly.
Shinji lead the way, opening the door for Rei and followed her inside, no hint of fear present in either pilot. Shinji found Gendo sitting in his chair looking out of the window, his classic pose only in half use as one arm was now in a sling. On his desks were a multitude of papers, some had been pushed onto the floor.
The door closed with a click and both pilots made the considerable journey to Gendos desk. On the way to the desk Gendo had stood up, but still did not turn to face them, they stoped just in front of his desk, both looking at his back, awaiting a comment.
"I am sure that you both have some idea of what I just went through" he said in his usual voice. All present remained still.
"You will be happy to know that it has had the desired effect" he said. Still no motion from the two pilots. He continued "It appears I have been working under false pretences…… I have been so fixated on the one goal now for so long, that I have not allowed myself to see the truth" he turned to face them. "That what I was aiming for was not only unattainable…" he paused to look at both of them separately "but I see now that the consequences of these actions would have simply been to high."
Shinji studied his face, he appeared the same as always, though the intensity was gone from his eyes, still strong but not hard, Shinji thought he looked more human. Shinji himself however, did not change his expression, still remaining alert and determined. Gendo returned to his desk, taking a seat.
"I am not however, the person ultimately in control of this organisation as you may well know" he continued, leaning forward to organising his desk. "And the people in control have not had the benefit of my" he stopped, looking up at Shinji "our" he corrected "insight." pausing for a second he continued. "And these individuals have potentially even more dangerous beliefs than I did. We are all in great danger, I am not sure if my actions can stop, what I now see to be folly."
He looked back down at the papers.
"But I will try" he said. Again silence filled the room, Gendo took in a deep breath, continuing to organise his desk.
"I hope that I can count on the two of you to giving your best efforts" he said, looking at them.
"Yes sir." said Rei immediately.
"Yes sir." said Shinji, only a few seconds later.
Gendo removed his glasses, smiling a little in a for once, non-threatening manner.
"Indeed" he said placing his glasses on the table.
"As you may appreciate, I have much to set right, and very little time to do it in."
He started to sort the paper again.
"Hopefully I will have time later to explain things a little clearer" said Gendo. A weak smile crossed his face, and for the first time Shinji could remember he looked tired, though almost immediately a more determined expression returned to his face once more.
"For now however I ask that you call professor Fuyuzuki in on your way out, Misato will inform you of the immediate situation." said Gendo, looking at them both.
Shinji and Rei nodded in acceptance and turned to leave. Just before they reached the door however Gendo spoke again.
"Rei, Shinji" called Gendo, still at his desk. They stopped, turning back to look at him.
"Sorry…." he said simply "and thank you." The words were left hanging as the two pilots contemplated these entirely new words from the commander.
Shinji smiled broadly, nodding slowly to his father in acknowledgment. He turned again grabbing the door handle.
"Good luck… father" he said in a clear confident voice, and with that left the room. Shinji did not have to say anything to Fuyuzuki as he came out of Gendos office. He got up as soon as the door opened, nodding at them both as he quickly walked by them to enter Gendos office, closing the door behind him.
The door closed with a click, leaving only the air-conditioning to hum away in the background, Shinji looked over at Misato and Ritsuko who were sitting on the sofas. Moving over Shinji took a seat next to Misato.
"So, what happened?" he asked after a little while.
Misato quickly filled them in on the details of what happened after they had left her unconscious in the hall, she spoke in a calm but official manner, having slipped straight into commander mode after their reappearance from Gendos office. Shinji, listening, thought that this was probably a defensive reaction to stop herself getting emotional in front of Ritsuko.
Apparently after Misato came too, she had read the note, after a while she decided to re-enter the command centre. She found Ritsuko, Fuyuzuki and Maya down in the test chamber helping the unconscious Gendo out of the entry plug, Misato called the medics with her communicator and went down to help her three former captives. The three had seemingly forgotten about Misatos recent actions and treating her as if nothing had happened, being still dazed from the blackout. They were all slow to recover fully, and the medic team took some time to get to them. Gendo regained consciousness only minutes after they arrived. At the beginning he was totally disorientated but then quietly told the medics to stop (once they had finished dressing his gunshot wound they did as they were told). Gendo slowly got into a sitting position on the stretcher, a rather difficult action considering one arm was now in a sling. A conscientious nurse wrapped a blanket around his shoulder. Gendo brought his left hand to his face, rubbing his eyes, Misato had held her breath as he removed his hand from in front of his eyes, to look around at the people in front of him.
"We have much to do… and little time to do it in" he had said, still a little weak. He stood up, slowly wrapping the blanked around his body.
"You are all to report to my office in ten minutes" he said starting to walk off, a little unsteadily. The nurse was about to suggest that he should lay down for a while, but she was wisely restrained by her superior. After a few steps he stopped, turning to face Misato.
"Please organise the retrieval of Shinji and Rei as soon as possible." Gendo said, and with that he walked on. The three officers exchanged glances then did as they were told.
Soon afterwards they all met in Gendos office, he had washed up a bit and changed back into normal clothes, Misato had informed security of Shinji's and Rei's location, as she had read it from the note Shinji had left her. Misato and the other two senior members met up in Gendos office. Gendo was sitting at his desk, some files strewn over its normally neat surface. They all awaited his comments, a little uneasily. When he finally spoke it was in his normal calm authoritarian voice, though with less edge then usual. Gendo firstly asked Misato who had come up with the plan, nodding to himself upon hearing the answer, Shinji. After a slight pause of contemplation he gave a quick speech about how he and Fuyuzuki had been working under false pretences, to which Fuyuzukis expression only betrayed a little amount of surprise. Gendo continued by saying they had been blinded by their… his, own goals. They had been unable to see the truth, that NERV was simply an operational wing of SEELE and that he, Gendo, had manipulated SEELE to achieve his own ends, believing that his actions would lead to a more personally favourable outcome of the SEELE plan. Now though he realised that the entire premise was folly, stating that the interpretations of the Dead Sea Scrolls had contained critical misinterpretations, ones that SEELE still believed and would follow through to the bitter end. Gendo admitted that through his own actions, the situation had become critical, through the advancement of the core directive of SEELE and the current mistrust that the organisation had for him personally. The initial plans were effectively finished, with all components necessary for SEELES plan being within NERV HQ. Gendo paused for a second, continuing he said that given the current situation he believed SEELE would soon act to take what it wanted from NERV by force.
At this stage Ritsuko interrupted, obviously accepting what Gendo had said so far to be true, she asked why they didn't simply abandon NERV and destroy the facility. Gendo continued, saying that while that would destroy the immediate threat, SEELE still possessed the resources to push through their plans with time. And that the loss of this facility, its personnel and its resources would mean such a handicap, that stopping SEELE in the long run would be very unlikely. Misato asked what the current course of action was. Gendo said that he believed that It was a matter of days, maybe hours, before SEELE launched an all out assault, and that he was going to go to the world council to expose SEELE and ask for immediate military intervention to hopefully save NERV, and all of humanity. Misato, still confused about SEELEs organisation, asked how they could organise a military operation within Japan at such short notice. Gendo shortly elaborated that SEELEs was an ancient secret organisation, one with arms in all spheres of power, staying mostly in the background, using disinformation to attain their goals. Their current form had become much more public however, out of necessity, due to the infrastructure required to fulfil their aims, though the lies naturally continued. Gendo hoped that the sudden increase in SEELEs profile had led to their investigation by the powers that be, though he was certain that none could find fault on their own, he was also sure that no-one not directly involved with SEELE trusted their motives. He left it at that, stating that he would have to act immediately if they wanted to stand a chance. He finished by saying that if he had the chance, these words sounding very ominous to the listening trio, he would explain as much as he could at a later date, though now he wanted to talk privately with Ritsuko.
Misato said how ten minutes later Ritsuko had come out looking even more surprised then just after her blackout.
As Misato said this to Shinji and Rei, Ritsuko shot her a dirty look, and Misato quickly decided to move on. She continued, saying that Fuyuzuki had gone back in alone, only reappearing shortly before Shinji and Rei arrived (security informing Gendo of their imminent arrival). Also, that while Shinji and Rei were inside Fuyuzuki had informed Misato and Ritsuko that at exactly 4pm they were to go and organise a stage 2 general alert and prepare to repulse an imminent attack by hostile (human) forces. Shinji looked at a clock on the wall, 10min to go.
Confused and worried about this sudden revelation Shinji asked why. Misato replied that it would be exactly 10 minutes after Gendo made his plea to the Council about SEELES true intention, he knew there were SEELE spies in NERV and he did not want to give them any chance of a warning.
Shinji looked up at his father's office door, right now at this very second the continuation of the human species hung in the balance, and it was in the hands of a man who had been willing to destroy it only a few hours earlier. 'No man better' Shinji thought to himself, an almost evil smile appearing on his face.
Misato, not noticing the smile, continued to say that the Evas were being prepared for combat and that the pilots were to remain on stand-by in the cage, and to expect occasional briefings on different scenarios. Shinji nodded, the briefing was over and there was an awkward pause as all four stood there, none really knowing what to do. Shinji didn't want to start a scene, though he knew it may well be the last time that he saw the two people who stood in front of him. His hand went automatically to his head as he thought of what to say and suddenly it struck him.
"Dr Ritsuko, Commander Misato… Uh… I just want to say it has been an honour to work with you" he gave Misato a warm look. Ritsuko, a little surprised, recovered quickly to give Shinji a warm smile "Thank you Shinji" She said, turning to Rei. "Rei, Shinji, I wish you both the best of luck"
Misato looked on, her officer face cracking slightly, "When this is over we will all have to go out and celebrate!" she said in her normal joyous voice and with that they all nodded, smiling at each other. Shinji took a last look at Ritsuko and his guardian, taking great effort to stay composed.
"We will see each other then" Shinji said, and with that he turned and left. Rei followed, after a nod to each superior. They walked back down to the changing rooms, putting on their plug suits for the second time today. Rei joined Shinji in the male change room, both sitting down on the long couch, neither really sure what to do, neither particularly in the mood to talk. Shinji, hit on an idea and went to get his STAD player. Sitting back down he offered one earpiece to Rei, who accepted, leaning back he clicked on his favourite tracks. Rei, listening, decided to lie down long-ways on the sofa, placing her head on Shinjis lap. Shinji lent back, and both closed their eyes to enjoy the music as the silent alarms started to go off around them once more, it was 4pm. Both were seeing the red flashing lights through their eyelids but neither opening their eyes.
Up in the main command centre Misato and Ritsuko had called in the senior commanders for an emergency meeting. Misato started by explaining that NERV had been betrayed by SEELE, who even now were most likely mobilising to launch an all out offensive to destroy the complex and all the personnel. Naturally it took a couple of minutes for everyone in the meeting to calm down, now that the fight with the angels appeared to be over this was the last thing they were expecting. A senior analyst demanded to know the source of the information. Misato lied and said that the information had been provided by a spy loyal to NERV. This appeared to satisfy the analyst for now, so Misato continued saying that the commander was now attempting to get military intervention to save them. The attack could commence at any time, evacuation was no longer an option, as the aim of the attack was the complete elimination of NERV personnel. Shocked at this brutal revelation the room fell quite, after a while a senior tactician pointed out that they could never withstand a full assault. In a disgusted tone he continued, saying that NERVs defences had been designed to fight Angels, not invading armies. Misato continued, saying that she knew this and their only hope was to hold out until military support arrived, but they still had some very powerful tricks up their sleeves and now that they knew they were coming, they were going to give them hell! Everyone in the room was less then convinced, the fear amongst them was evident. Misato tried to rally the beleaguered staff, saying the commander was even now in communication with top UN and JSDA staff with a single aim, to save NERV, the situation they found themselves in was unfortunate but now unavoidable. She continued, saying that all they could do now was act for their own survival, time was of the essence and if they acted now they would have a chance to get out of this, and then leave NERV if they wanted. Misatos small speech did not have the desired effect, everyone was still dejected at the sudden prospect of fighting for their lives. The speech however did bring them back into the present, they had to act, quite simply, so one after the other they all nodded in grim determination, not really having a choice. Misato, satisfied with the response, started too draw up base defences. The orders were issued and the plans were quickly set in motion, where possible personnel were being issued with whatever weaponry was available, while others created impromptu weapons and booby traps. A plan was drawn up for a sequentially diminishing zone of defence to hopefully buy NERV the largest amount of time. NERV aircraft were immediately dispatched to scout the area, it only took a short time for them to report back, pockets of troops and armour were mobilising to the North, South and East. Apparently there was a lot of activity, 2 observers being shot down almost immediately, without prior warning. The information was transmitted to Gendo in the communications room.
"Well that's it then, the games afoot" Misato said to herself, now in the control room.
Only moments earlier Gendo and Fuyuzuki had been facing a very angry committee. Sitting in a darkened room the two NERV Commanders were surrounded by a half circle of large communication screens. As expected the council had reacted angrily, not believing Gendos initial claims of SEELE'S conspiracy. Relative order was not restored for about three minutes, though during this time many had started to review the information Gendo had sent through initially. Some of the council members were implicated, and as Gendo had hoped some of them had panicked, reacted without consideration. Some implicated members links had simply shut down immediately.
For Gendo it was like watching a complex soap opera, he could see that many members were suddenly interrupted from behind, getting urgent reports about their communications system coming under electronic attack, some members dropping off completely, their links severed. Gendo smiled to himself, SEELE had panicked, he could not have asked for a better reaction. These new events had effectively confirmed SEELEs undesirable intentions to the honest individuals of the meeting. The situation started to deteriorate somewhat with the remaining honest members receiving urgent reports and having to excusing themselves. Now the officials faces were more of ones of concern and confusion then anger. SEELE had obviously decided upon an all or nothing approach, attacking the communications network as soon as Gendo had made his accusations. Key lines remained open however, as Gendo had indicated to Ritsuko which critical lines were to be guarded by the Magi.
From dealing with issues half a world away the connected officials found themselves suddenly facing direct emergencies at home. One after another the last participants decided to report back later, until finally the only ones left where the defence minister of Japan and the United Nations Asian Commander, who happened to be one of the people implicated in Gendos report. The room suddenly fell quiet, a stark contrast to the combination of outcries and exasperation just moments before. The defence minister calmly brought out a second document and placed it next to Gendos report on the table, all could see it in front of him, this document was significantly thicker and looked better prepared then the NERV document.
"Your report makes interesting reading Commander Ikari… especially considering the other documentation I have received only a few days earlier." he said eyeing the United Nations official.
"It would appear from this documentation" said the Defence Minister, indicating the SEELE documentation. "that you alone are responsible for this conspiracy and not the SEELE organisation. Which includes… I remember seeing, members of such high importance as yourself Minister" The defence minister continued, indicating the regional U.N Commander. The U.N Commander gave the defence minister another incredulous look.
"We have detected large concentrations of UN controlled JSDF special forces surrounding our installation" stated Gendo calmly "I deduce from this that the report states the only way to counter my mad plans" he paused for effect." Is to launch a swift surprise attack, capturing this facility" he finished up. Again a pause, finally the U.N commander spoke.
"Minister, this is obviously a desperate last ditch effort by Ikari to save his own neck , he will not be given any more time to protect his sick interests."
And with that he picked up the phone.
"I would just like to say at this time that I am quite willing to accept the immediate temporary administration of all of NERVS activities by a civilian body during any investigation, as long as it does not contain any individuals on the lists that I have just provided. In fact I would ask that you handle the investigation personally Minister, if you look at the documentation I have sent over, you have that statement in writing" Gendo finished, he smiled broadly, looking back at the U.N commander, who scolded.
"Commander" The defence minister said to the U.N official. "I would ask that any immediate action be postponed while this new information is processed."
"What!" exploded the U.N commander "Are you crazy! He can not be allowed to have any more time! The situation is critical! We must act now!"
He slammed his free hand onto the desk.
Staying calm the minister spoke. "Given what I have just observed in this meeting, I am sure of only one thing, I can no longer distinguish the truth from the lies. And until I do, no more action is to be taken by either party, am I clear Commanders, this is still my country to control."
Gendo nodded, a smirk visible on his face. The U.N Commander was visibly annoyed, almost shaking with rage, veins clearly visible on his forehead.
"Bah!" he coughed, slamming down the phone.
"Now if you would both excuse me, I have much to investigate" said the Defence Minister, and with that his line clicked off. For a second there was only the two of them, but The U.N commander gave a nod to someone off screen and suddenly the usual series of SELLE audio-only screens appeared, one after the other, the U.N commanders screen also turning to black audio.
"Ahhh Gendo." said voice number one. "You are full of surprises… it must give you great pleasure to know what discomfort you have given us."
His voice was even, with a sinister overtone.
"You do realise what you are attempting is folly?" said Gendo, returning to his classic pose, but with only one hands in front of his face, due to the sling.
"Even if you do succeed, your efforts will amount to nothing more then an abortion of the human race." said Gendo, calmly.
"You dare to question that which is written down! This is humanities way forward! Our evolutionary path!" interrupted voice 4.
"Mans evolution is not to control the forces of God, but to control himself" said Gendo evenly. "I myself have only recently become aware of this."
"No matter!" interrupted voice 1.
"Your time is at an end Gendo Ikari, there is no need for us to hide in the shadows any longer, we will take what we need from you, and complete what is written" said voice one, angrily. "It is to late for you Gendo Ikari"
And with that voice-ones connection clicked off, soon followed by every other connection. Fuyuzuki and Gendo were left to ponder in a silent room.
"Indeed" said Gendo.
Almost as if to confirm SEELE's threats the alarm bells sounded in the control room, the Magi were under attack. Gendo and Fuyuzuki entered the command centre to take their usual overseer positions. NERV had been preparing for this, Ritsuko spending the last couple of minutes writing defence programs. The attack was halted almost immediately, with two of the attacking Magi going down themselves thanks to some clever program packages Ritsuko had sent moments before. The attack on the system failed miserably, the surviving attacking Magi began to systematically cut off all connections NERV had to the outside world. Unable to do anything outside the virtual world of the 666 firewall Misato and Ritsuko simply watched as all the connection broke apart on the screen in front of them.
"Major." Gendo called from above. Misato and Ritsuko turned in surprise, having not heard the commander come in over the noise.
"Our salvation is not yet assured, it is imperative to our survival that communication with the Japanese government be maintained as long as possible."
Misato looked at Ritsuko.
"Its impossible to stay connected via landline, the other Magi are controlling the entire system! Nothing is coming in or going out, all normal lines of communications are impossible" Ritsuko said, her tone stressed due to the hectic activity.
"Then we will have to use the unusual" replied Gendo still calm.
"A direct connection with a private number via satellite will be adequate"
"We won't be able to hold on to any surface outposts for long once the fighting starts" interrupted Misato.
"That would normally be correct Major" said Gendo, continuing he said "however we only require a small site, and it will be defended by all effective surface units, including our air resources."
Misato was about to object to this tactically dangerous ploy, when he suddenly added worse.
"Including both Evangelions" added Gendo.
"Commander!" objected Misato loudly.
"You may use the resources as you see fit Major, but whatever your plans, ultimately that outpost must hold for as long as possible" continued Gendo with some force in his voice. Misato gave him a doubtful look, anger apparent in her expression.
"This is not a suicide mission Major, I expect you to withdraw the forces after the situation becomes hopeless, select an outpost next to a deployment shaft." said Gendo calmly. Misato calmed down a bit.
"If we can not coordinate our reinforcements efforts when they arrive their presence may well be useless" stated Gendo.
Misato looked at him for a short while, he stayed still, one hand in front of his mouth.
"Yes commander" Misato finally said, and walked to the control table to quickly draw up new plans. Reports were already coming in of engagements at the forward defence posts. The engagements were short, with quick exchanges between the NERV defences and the U.N Commanders forces. Before long the posts were overrun, though the withdrawal was orderly and the progress of the U.N forces was hampered due to the targeting of transport infrastructure. Slowly but surely the outlying camera and sensor feeds began to drop off, one by one.
Misato waited for a while before she got a clearer picture of the enemies plan off attack. Commanding skilfully she watched the battle unfold, waiting for the perfect time to deploy her trump card. Satisfied that most pieces were now in play she gave instructions for Shinji and Rei to deploy immediately, and to be briefed on route.
Authors note:
Well that went better then expected, a tough chapter to write. Just a quick note on the AT field interaction; The reaction not only has to do with the number of AT fields in contact with each other, but how they interact, one field must be completely enveloped by two others for the 'reaction' to work, sort of a volumetric trinity thing. Plus the intent, and the origin of the entity creating the AT fields also plays a part, but that will come out later… Next kick ass combat!