Disclaimer:I Am a poor bastard, which should tell you I don't own Evangelion. If I did I'd be rich and wouldn't wasting time writing a fanfic when I could be releasing a new season or finishing the damn mangas. But here I am, since I have no power I write the story that will make me no money. DAMN COPYRIGHTS!

A/N: Sorry for the wait but nice weather is hard to pass up and well summer is full of nice weather. Once it get's cool again updates will start coming faster again.

Now, I have been getting alot of feedback saying that I am wasting my time writing this as a self insert. Basically people saying that most people wont read it or give it a chance because no one cares about 'this Hinote guy'. So I was wondering if I should adapt the story. It would be a pain in the ass but I could adapt the story to be a First person, OOC Shinji story. I have already explain why he would be OOC with the prologue so I could do it without too much changing in the story. Just name changing really. So I would like some oppinions from the people who are giving my story a chance. Do you guys think I should change it? Do you think it will add/take away from the story. Would turning this character into Shinji really add that may readers? So I need some advice and I would love any and all oppinions on the matter.

I am uploading this chapter before I really proof read it but I will do that tomorrow so unless you are check this out right after I put it out it shouldn't matter. But before I get reviews telling me how bad I need to edit, I'm just giving you the heads up.

Apotheosis:

One's Descent into Heaven in order to become God

Chapter 9

Angels and Demons

Italics - Inner thoughts

Bold - English Dialogue (technically all other dialogue is in 'Japanese' since it's set in Japan)

Therefore also said the wisdom of God,

I will send them prophets and apostles,

and some of them shall slay and persecute:

That the blood of all the prophets,

which was shed from the foundation of the world,

may be required of this generation;

Luke 11:49-50

The Commander of NERV sat in his office looking over quite a few files in solitude. A few were trivial internal matters, finances and such. However most of the papers on his desk consisted of transfer documents, everything from supply lists to personnel reports. About fourty maintenance workers and scientists were being sent over from germany. Then there was the absolutely massive shipment that was being sent over with them; parts, custom equipment and of course the new Unit. That led to the two files that were currently open on the top of the pile. Two very detailed files infact, that had absolutely every fact imaginable about their respective subjects. He looked over the first briefly, he knew most of the information already. He had frequent updates to her status and basically just needed to refresh a few things and see the current update.

The second file however held a small portion of mystery, even for him. The U.S. branch had never been very trusting of him so for the most part he was seeing a lot of this information for the first time. He had managed to collect some of the Child's personal data through covert channels but not nearly as much as he should have. He was surprised at how well they had kept this young man a seceret. Perhaps that had something to do with his colorful past.

His name was Daniel Jackson, born May 28th, 2001 to Dominick and Janet Jackson (no not the singer). He was an American, originaly from New York though even he can't remember that far back. His family amazingly survived the flash flood that left New York City underwater during Second Impact while he was still an infant. After witnessing the horror that followed his parents decided to get as far away from water as possible. So soon after they moved to Las Vegas. There they began to build a life, which was helped along when a new organization called Gihern moved into the area. His father was a engineer and his mother was a biologist, the new company quickly hired them and everything began looking up.

His parents work yeilded great results and they were compenstated heavily, so Daniel grew up with the best of everything. The best toys and care money could buy when he was still very young, then private tutors to start him on the academic path early; which turned into the best schools in the state and private tutors after. He was entered in a pre-school class when he was four years old and by the time he was seven he had finished the elementary level requirements. By eight he was ready to begin high school classes and through his private tutors he knew six langauges. Of coarse English and also, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Japanese. His teachers were incredibly impressed with him, even though he was completely disinterested in them and his studies. His parents however, thought this was so wonderful that they would bring him to huge social functions and parade their "little genius" around like a circus freak. "Oh honey, say something for them in French."

Those would have perhaps been his most hated memories if it wasn't for the fact that those were the only times he spent with his parents. His whole life it seemed he was in the care of others, a nanny or teacher. Except for the few superficial hours he spent with his parents a week, at either some social function or very occasionally they would sit down to have a meal together. Then more than ever did her feel the distance between him and his parents.

Growing up with the detachment of his parents led him to be quite independent. He was four when he asked the maid to teach him to make food for himself so he wouldn't have to trouble her with it. Which she did, nothing spectacular but he could make himself breakfast and lunch with no trouble. He would get himself ready in the morning for school and leave without ever speaking to anyone. His house was large so even though there were a few people around he would go unnoticed. After school his tutors came over and taught him so his afternoons were taken and most nights he ate the meal the maid at home, spending the evening in his room doing whatever suited him that day.

By the time he was seven the routine had become so ingraved that none of the help ever concerned themselves with him, even though it was their duty to watch him. He was trusted enough to go to the store by himself and if he wasn't in the house no one seemed to notice or worry. Eventually he started to explore the surrounding area everyday going further and further into different directions. He even started to take the bus to cover ground more quickly. He was eight years old when he finally found the true heart of Las Vegas. He had lead a fairly secluded life, didn't watch much TV and he didn't really have any friends. He was promoted in school too quickly to really get to know anyone. So when he saw the Las Vegas Strip, he had absolutely no idea what to think.

A million blinking lights filled his eyes as they widened and he decided this was the greatest thing he'd ever seen. As he walked down the street dumbfounded, he saw people walking in and out of the buildings that adorned these lights. Some walked with a bounce in their step and a smile that screamed, 'I'm on top of the world'. Others seemed like shells of human beings their steps slow and labored and their faces showing a wish for death. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of place could inspire such polar responses. He looked up and a single word flased his answer, CASINO.

In a trance he began to walk towards the doors and he was about to grab the handle when an arm crossed his chest. "Can I help you son?" He looked up into the face of the casino door man. He had absolutely no idea why he was being stopped at the door, usually people asked him if he need anything well after he was inside.

"I was just going to see what's inside, I've never been to a casino before." He said innocently.

The man laughed at him, "Well I would think not, kids aren't allowed in casino's, you have to be 18."

Daniel cocked an eyebrow and just stared at the man,"Why is that?"

The man bent down to his height and put a hand on his shoulder, "This just isn't a place for kids. Why don't you go find an arcade or an ice cream shop?"

If their was anything Daniel hated it was being treated like a kid, "Well thanks for the advice but I stopped doing childish things a long time ago." He walked away mumbling to himself about how unfair this was. He no longer felt like exploring so he went home.

But it didn't stop him from going back; he tried a couple more places all with the same result. However on one failed attempt, he made a break through as he witnesses a kid walk in without being harassed. He stared blankly in amazement and he wasn't alone as one of the near by door men walked over to the one who had opened the door for him. "Hey that kid couldn't have been over ten how come you let in him?"

"You know the senator that is staying upstairs, Johnson?" he waited for a nod then, "Well that's his brat. We got a message from one of the other casinos that he likes to play cards and it would be good for any establishment that indulged the young boy, as they would be compensated for their trouble. So all he has to do is go up to the counter and say his name and the manager himself will show him in with a small chip stack to play with."

That was all he had stayed to hear. He was far too intelligent to miss the possibilities that piece of information opened up. He immediately made his way to a casino about three blocks away, one he hadn't tried before. That was the great thing about Las Vegas their were almost as many casinos as days in the year. He was almost the same age as the boy and he figured it might just work. He was amazed when he mentioned the name at the door and was hurried right inside and lead to a man who in seconds seemed to become his best friend and personal servant rolled into one. It must be nice to be the son of a politician.

When it was all said and done he was lead to the card tables with a small sleeve of chips. The manager told him his chips were worth five and ten dollars a peice and he had a total of three hundred dollars compliments of the house. But as per his fathers rules all the chips he had at the end would be returned to the house without concern for the gains or losses and no money trading hands. He smiled politely saying of course and when the manager walked away he decided he should know a little something about cards before he sat down and played some. He watched a few games a for a little while and when the dealer would ask who he was and he answered they would explain to him the rules of their particular game. He learned a bunch but he really liked one called Texas Hold'em. He liked all the strategy involved and the reading of the other people. So he sat down and they gave him a small rule card something they held for the first timers and they gave him a few betting tips. He watched a few more hands up close and then decided it was time.

He put his chips down and was delt in. He knew pretty much what was going on and when he he looked at his card and saw an Ace and a ten both of diamonds, he knew that he had gotten a pretty good hand. He was walked into simply calling to see the flop and when he looked at the cards he saw the eight of clubs the ace of spades and the jack of diamonds.

So with a pair of aces he called another raise to see the next card. It was the queen of diamonds this time. He still had the two aces but now he saw another possibility. All he needed was a king and he could get a 'straight' as it was called. So this time he decided to raise a little more when it came to him. The men around him laughed a little calling the kid a brave soul and wishing him luck as the whole table called his bet. When the last card came and it was a king Daniel almost couldn't help himself he got jumpy in his seat. When the bets came around the table he went all in with a truimphant smile on his face. The men laughed as right after he did that he looked back at the little hand ranking sheet. All the men folded, satisfied with giving the kid a moral victory, except for one.

A weasel of a man, smirked cooly and said, "Sorry kid not everyone is going to cater to a spoiled brat like you all the time. And I think you need to be taught a lesson. I call." The man had more chips than him and so only put up about 75 of his chips. the dealer motion the man to show his cards. The man had a 7 and 9 of diamonds. "I have a flush that last card gave me a king high flush, diamonds." The man grinned and coyly said, "So what do you have, brat?" Danny would've been offended to both comments had he been paying attention but that was in fact not the case. His eyes were darting between the card on the table and the cards in his hand and the ranking sheet. Realization crept across his face as the dealer told the man to show them.

Danny looked a bit confused as he started to speak, "This game really is confusing, at first I thought I had a straight." He said nervously rubbing the back of his head.

The man smiled reaching for the chips, "Too bad kid even if you did have a straight it wouldn't have helped."

"You're right." He said sounding deflated. "But then you reminded me about the flush thing. And then I realized I had a straight and a flush." He looked up at the man as he turned over his cards with an innocent smile, showing his ace and ten of diamonds. The entire table froze at they each peiced together the boy's hand.

"Ace, king, queen, jack and ten of diamonds." The dealer announced after a long pause as everyone to start breathing again. "Not just a straight flush kid, but a Royal Flush. The highest possible hand in all of poker. You take the pot, all of those chips are yours my young friend."

All the men at the table looked at one another and then at the boy who was beaming with pride as he collected his earnings. One of them spoke up, "A royal flush on your first hand kid, that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'beginners luck'. If I were you I would go enter a tournament right now and with yourself a bracelet." All the man laughed except the man that seem to be mocking him, but he was genuinely impressed so Daniel just smiled at them.

"Actually I was hoping I could play a few more rounds with you guys." He said with a huge grin on his face.

All the men began uncomfortably shifting in their seats. Some yawning others looking at their watches and a few just plain eyeing the door. They all politely made excuses and left leaving the young boy alone with the dealer. He smiled and told him that he could stay as long as he'd like and he did as they played for hours. Before Daniel knew it it was long past time for him leave and he raced out.

Over the course of about four hours the kid had managed to win over two thousand dollars when he started with about three hundred. Granted he more than doubled up on on his first hand and that helped a lot but he was a natural. The dealer liked the young boy and would have been nice to him even if the manager hadn't insisted on the royal treatment. So when the kid called back that he'd see him tomorrow the dealer simply smiled, "I hope I do."

The ruse lasted about a week and when he tried to come in after the father of the real boy settled up and left, the jig was up. But his friend the dealer stopped them from being too harsh on him, and even convinced them to let him come in. He said that he'd keep an eye on the kid so as long as he was there Daniel could come play some hands. At first it was a hard deal to make, the floor manager didn't like the idea of having a kid who had effectively conned the casino walking about. But in the middle of the arguement the owner of the casino walked into the room. Upon seeing his quite reserved floor manager nearly screaming in the face of a small child he immediately demanded to know what was going on.

The manager nervously began to recount the story about how the boy had fooled them all and been allowed to play at the casino. Not only that but he had managed over the course of a week to completely clean out 4 different players and force almost everyone that came to his table to move on or go broke. The owner was slightly chuckling to himself as he listened to the way the kid played his way inside. The manager was in the middle of explaining how he brilliantly figured the kid out and how he was about to give this kid the punishment he rightfully deserved when the owner held up his hand gesturing the man into silence.

"What's 'a matter? You mad 'cause a kid got tha one up on ya?" His italian accent still held despite all the years he had spent in america. As a man who came to his current position in life by bending a few rules he saw a spark in the kids eye that reminded him of himself. "I like you kid. You're smart, and you see the angles, you're welcome here anytime. As long as you always play for the house, which means no matter what you win it all goes back to the casino, capische?" All Daniel could do was nod at the nice italian gentleman. Despite his polite and charming attitude and the expensive suit he was wearing Daniel couldn't help but be afraid of the man. Like his body knew something he didn't. But the man took him under his arm and told him that he would give the kid the keys to this town, all he had to do was be himself and listen well.

The man kept his word from that day forth Daniel never had a problem getting into the casino. In fact the very next time he came there, the doorman called him by name. He told him that he'd heard about everything and he was really impressed with how the owner had chewed out the floor manager for him. The more he went, the more people he became friends with and soon the staff was taking him to other casinos. Whenever anyone would ask about him, the person he was with would simply say, "This is Mr. Savino's young friend Danny." After that he would never be questioned again. It was as if as soon as the doorman heard he spread he word faster then they could walk inside. Everywhere he went people were nice to him, more than nice actually; they were down right courteous. Soon he was allowed into every casino on the strip, even the ones he had been kept out of before. By the time he was ten he was known by everyone who worked in the casinos, from the doormen and dealers to the owners. Everyone loved him.

His talent for cards helped that along even more. He was a ringer that worked for the house, a casinos dream. They would give him a stack of chips, the manager would lead him to a table with someone who was winning big and he would clean them out with the most innocent smile. And who could possibly accuse a ten year old kid of cheating? Not that he was, but even if you suspected him you would look like a fool calling out a child for cheating. Even professionals were forced to tip their hats in reverie. When a player got frustrated enough to cut his losses or more often than not go all in and got busted, he would simply hand over the winnings to the manager. His skill was uncanny and that above all led him to be so well liked.

The people he met were as varied as they come but one thing held true to them all. Everyone of them treated him like family. He spent almost all of his time on the strip visiting all his friends. He ignored his tutors and only did his most basic of school requirements. Instead he spent the time at his new found home. Infact he was at the casino the day he got the call...

The call that lead him down the path he was now on. The call he got on the day that changed his life forever.

A young man looked out the window of his tranport plane and saw an aircraft carrier, actually he saw a bunch. Most importantly he saw the one he was about to land on. It was larger than normal and it seemed to be riding just alittle low in the water. The Over The Rainbow huh? Well Todo, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. I'm going to be spending the next three days on that thing? Well, at least I hear there's going to be a girl on board. And on the last day I'll get to met this Hinote guy. I wonder what kind of kid is capable of defeating an angel, during his first time ever in an EVA ?

The morning has finally arrived, I'm finally going to meet the new pilot. Misato is bringing me out to the aircraft carrier that was carrying them so we could take official posession of the EVA that was with her. Kensuke had been over when she told me about it and to stop his non stop pleading, agreed to take him and Toji with us. So now we're all on the way there in a transport plane flying over the ocean towards the carrier.

"A MIG-55 D Transport Helicopter, I never thought I'd ever get a chance to ride in one of these!" Kensuke said from behind his camera. "It's great to have a friend like you Hinote!" He was a kid in the worldest biggest candy store, except these candies blew things up.

"That's nothing wait until you see where we're going, ever heard of the Over The Rainbow? That's the carrier we'll be landing on." Misato said causually. Which of coarse made Kensuke drool both at his dream come true and his dream woman.

"Of coarse it's one of the few remaining vintage models from before Second Impact left." Kensuke answered enthusiasticly.

"Well it looks like we're here." Misato said suddenly as she pointed out the window.

It turned out an entire fleet was escorting them here. Immediately Kensuke had his camera pressed against the glass and was trying to film as much of this as he possibly could. "WOW! One, two, three, four, five... five carriers and four battle ships! 9 ships in total, what a fleet!"

Toji was sitting back relatively disinterested, the only times he showed any excitement about this was when Misato bent over in front of him and when he was told the person we were going to see was a girl. Immediately he straightened himself out and started trying to act uninterested and mature about it. But I watched the reflection in the glass, of the grin that formed on his face when he turned away. With a smile I turned to look out my own window.

It seems like he's even more obsessed with women than I am. I knew he was excited about today, especially since Misato made the mistake of calling it a date. I mean he bought a new hat just for today. I don't know how a backwards hat is supposed to impress Misato, but I don't understand most of the things Toji thinks so, who knows. Like why does he try so hard with Misato when he should know it's useless? And why is it he always seems to be sizing girls up? Not like most guys do when they check out a girl, more like he's undressing them with his eyes. I'm shocked that Hikari hasn't noticed... at least I don't think she's noticed because I don't think she'd like him so much if she did. But in any case I'm going to have to keep an eye on him. He's probably the one that gave Kensuke the idea to take the candid pictures of the girls. Kensuke doesn't have the balls for something like that, at least not on his own. With a little encouragement from his jock buddy however... hmmmm. Well then again I can't really say much can I? I thought it was a pretty good idea, despite the moral dilemma. Desire over decency. I looked back and sure enough caught Toji staring at Misato's legs out of the corner of his eye. I laughed to myself and shook my head.

I was saved from my thoughts as we began the decent to land and the ships came into a good clear view by Kensuke. "Oh my god, there's the Over The Rainbow! It's gorgeous!"

Toji finally sat up to look, "That's your gorgeous carrier? Are you joking?" Toji said as sarcastically as possible.

"Nope, the 'Over The Rainbow' is the pride of the U.N.!" Kensuke said with a tear in his eye.

"Personally, I'm surprised such a relic is still afloat." Anything the U.N. has is worthless in Misato's mind, because they don't have EVAs.

To be honest I kinda felt the same way. Kensuke however took offense to that, "Hey don't say that, it's amazing! Right Hinote?

I was looking out the window sheepishly all I could muster was a quiet, "It's big."

We descended to the deck and the turbulance quieted everyone. The helicopter touched down and it's propellors came to a stop as crewman opened the door, began to help us out and lead across the deck. It took two men to make sure Kensuke didn't wonder off somewhere with his camera. I was barely paying attention and if I wasn't walking in a group I might have walked off the edge without noticing.

So this is it huh? I'm going to meet the other pilot now, I wonder what she's like. I hope she's a fox. It's alright if she's a bitch as long as she's hot enough to make up for it. Though I wouldn't mind a girl like Hikari, a sweet and innocent kind of girl. But I couldn't be that lucky, she'll either be really sweet and ugly or a babe and a bitch. So is life, or at least mine. I wonder how long she's been piloting, and why the hell wasn't she here for all these attacks?

Suddenly Toji bumped his way past me and in passing I heard him yell, "My hat!" Sure enough I watch as his hat blew away in the wind and he clumsily stumbled after it. He ran ahead and just when I was about to take bets on whether or not it was going to end up in the ocean and if Toji was going to follow it, he stopped short almost on his hands and knees.

Kensuke and I hurried to catch up and when we did I saw why Toji had stopped. His hat was pinned down by a foot. As I looked at the owner of the foot a few things dawned on me all at once. Damn, she's hot... Oh no, she's the pilot. I know it already, no one has to say a word. And if she's this hot that means she's a total...

I didn't even get a chance to finish my thought as a burst of wind lifted the girls skirt. I watched Toji's face brighten like a kid on Christmas he was in a position to get a full few. But it only last a second as a screech and then a slap across the face ended his euphoria.

Toji jumped up, "What did you do that for?" he yelled with a red hand print already forming on his face.

"That's the veiwing fee! Quite a bargain don't you think?" she snapped back. I could see the fire in her bright blue eyes. It was complimented by her flame red hair. Her bright features were contrasted by her fair complexion. Her body was long and slender but had curves in all the right places, I could feel myself begining to drool but when her eyes shot in my direction I quickly regained my composer as to not incur her wrath. Damn, this doesn't look good. She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. This is bad, she could very well be a psychopath. Hell with a body like that I might not mind being tortured and killed... Wait a second! What am I saying? Damn women! They never let you have the best of both worlds. I mean look at Misato. And that look on her face I can tell already.

"Oh you think it's that good?" All I could do was close my eyes as Toji stood up and flashed the new comer saying, "Well here's your change!"

While everyone groaned their own individual disapproval, another slap rang out. So now Toji hand red hand prints on both sides of his face. He looked like he was going to attack her so me and Kensuke grabbed him. She turned her nose up and walked past us to MIsato. "Hi Misato! How have you been?" Her voice suddenly changed and I could hear the fakeness as she sweetly talked to Misato.

Misato seemed to hear it too as she droned, "Fine, how about you? You've grown some haven't you?"

"Yup, and I'm not just getting taller my figure is starting to fill out too!" She said almost boastingly.

I wish I understood woman better because there seems to be something going on between these two. If I didn't know better I would think it was a pissing contest.

The redhead looked over at us, "So which one of these stooges is the famous Third Child?" She glared at Toji, "Please tell me it's not him."

Misato laughed and pointed at me, "No, don't worry it's him, let me introduce you." She lead the girl over to me, I could feel the heat building under my collar. "This is Hinote Ikari, Hinote this is the designated pilot of Evangelion Unit 02..."

The girl cut Misato off, "Asuka Langely Soryu." She announced with her hands on her hips, as she gave me the up and down. By the look on her face she didn't seem very impressed but she also seemed like she wouldn't have shown me if she was. She answered my question as to what she was thinking by finishing her appraisal and saying, "Well, he seems pretty dull to me."

"Ummm, does the fact that I'm standing here mean anything to you two?" I said as she walked past me towards the ships control tower.

"Not to her." Misato said as she turned and started that way as well. "We have to check in, come on guys. Stick with me."

We all were lead towards the bridge of the ship. I noticed that about every ten feet there was a bulk head and at it were a pair of guards. It seemed a little redundant to me to have so many guards on a warship. "Aren't all the people on this ship crew members or Military VIPs?"

One of our escorts turned to me with a face that said 'What the fuck kinda question is that?' but he infact said, "Of course sir, why do you ask?"

I shrugged, "Well if everyone on this ship is in some way a member of it's crew or the military, how come there are guards every five feet?" I said passing another set, which like all the other ones seemed to be staring tirelessly at an invisible point somewhere in front of them. "I thought all the possible threats to the ship were on the outside."

"That's true, not that many things could threaten a ship like this sir." The man said with a hint of pride.

"So why do you guys need the guards?" I repeated the question.

"We don't sir." He said simply stepping through another set. I noticed now that he almost seemed as confused about it as I was. Despite trying to keep his military discipline I noticed his small head shake and the look on his face. "There aren't usually guards posted like this sir."

"So what's with all the sercurity, what's so important?" I said still absolutely oblivious.

The man stopped and look at me real hard, almost like if he was trying to tell if I was serious. I shrugged my shoulders innocently and he seemed to be satisfied that I was serious.

"You are. Sir." He motioned to the next pair that we past. "All these guards are here with only one order; See that no harm comes to the EVA pilots, at all costs. They wouldn't even help the crew if the ship sank. They would all be trying to ensure your safety, sir."

"Wow." I said awestuck. My mouth gaped and on the outside I said no more but inside my mind was a different story. Holy shit, all these guys are here for me? Well us, I'm not the only pilot here, but still. This is kinda cool, no I take tha back this is fuckin' awesome. I have got to fuck with them. The only question is how...

That would have to wait though as we finally arrived on the bridge. Misato walked up to the captain and they began with the official nonsense. She handed him her Nerv ID card and he took a long moment to examine it. "And here was I starting to think that you were the leader of a boyscout troop, but I guess I was mistaken." He handed her back the card.

Misato seemed to have a pretty good handle on diplomacy, "Thank you for your understanding captain." At least the part that involves being fakely courteous.

"No no, I should be thanking you for giving me the oppurtunity to babysit even more kids then I already have been." The captain is seemed did not share her gift. And he wasn't too happy with Kensuke's camera wandering every inch of his control room, even if he was a kid.

"Well thank you for your assistance in the marine transport of Evangelion Unit 02." Again diplomacy hid what she really wanted to say. "Here are the specifications for the emergency power socket." She handed him the files as nicely as possible.

The captain was becoming increasingly annoyed at Misato's nonchalant attitude. So he almost barked his response. "First off, there isn't a chance in hell I would authorize any request to activate that, toy while at sea." He let it linger and it was obvious to me that he was trying to bait her.

She however remained cool, "Why don't you just think of it as being prepared in case of emergency?"

"That why the pacific fleet is guarding it. And I'd love to know when the U.N. made us a damn cargo service." The captain snapped.

His First Officer leaned forward and with disdain dripping from his voice said, "If my memory serves me correctly, I believe that it was just after a certain organization was established." Of course this only made the captain go on.

"Gaurding a toy! What a grandiose assignment for the entire line of the Pacific Fleet!" His frustration was obvious as he raised his voice to just under a yell.

While Misato had a talent for diplomacy, hitting men below the belt with a smile on her face was her calling in life. And she wasn't about to miss the chance to emasculate the commmander of one of the biggest fleets in the world. "It's still not enough when you consider the importance of the EVA." Her smile was classic and so was the look on the commanders face but before he could respond she added, "Would you sign this document?" She handed it to him.

The captain looked over the transfer of possesion papers, "Not just yet. Evangelion Unit 02 and it's pilot were entrusted to us by the Third Branch in Germany. I'm not going to let you just waltz in and do what you want!" The captian smiled arrogantly.

Now Misato began to show a little frustration. "Then when do you plan to transfer them to us?" Her face turned hard.

"When we unload in New Yokosuka. The ocean is our jurisdiction, you will follow orders here."

Misato wasn't going to let him get the best of her so she answered back, "I understand." But as she pulled out another document, her smile returned. "However, I should remind you that in case of emergency, our, Nerv's, authority overrides yours." The captain almost leapt out of his chair at her, I could see it in his face

Toji sudden made his presence known as he shared at Misato dreamily, "She's so cool."

I however had to agree with him, but I didn't want to say anything to spoil the moment. As a smartass I relish in making authority look stupid and Misato had just done a masterful job. Unfortuniately her face of strenght and determination was quickly broken when a man's voice came from where that had been no one a second ago.

"Ah, I see you are as gallant as ever Katsuragi!" I looked over and there stood a man who was as laid back as you could be with out acctually laying down. His face was unkept with stubble clearly visible, it looked like he hadn't shaved in days. His clothes while formal, he worn a button down shirt with slacks and a tie, were in a state of disarray. His tie was barely on his neck the top buton of his shirt was undone the sleaves were rolled up. He looked like a drugged out stock broker.

I was about to ask his name when Asuka happily squelled, "Oh, Mr. Kaji!" As if he was a long lost lover and ran over to him wrapping her arms around the man. He didn't seem as enthuised about it as he attempted to peel her off.

The captain was not as happy to see him, "Mr. Kaji, I must insist that you not invite yourself onto the bridge."

"I"m sorry about that sir but I couldn't pass up a chance to see an old friend. Besides I'm here on official business, I have someone to introduce." Behind him a boy my age stepped into the room. He was only a few inches shorter than me and he had black hair and brown eyes. I could tell he was an American immediately. He had a little more weight on him then I did but not much. He seemed pretty normal to me. So what he said next was the last thing I was expecting to hear. "This is Daniel Jackson, He is the designated pilot of Eva Unit 04."

After that bombshell hit we were all escorted off the bridge rather upruptly and we all went down to the mess hall via the most cramped elevator ride I have ever had to endure. When we all piled out of the evelator the unspoken concensus said people were hungry. Everyone took turns getting something for the counter and sitting down. I noticed the man called Kaji was stay close to Misato and while he had quite the smile on his face, she seemed to be getting closer and closer to killing him. But I really wasn't paying too much attention to them, I was caught between two thoughts; Damn Asuka is fine! and; Who is this Daniel Jackson? To that effect when it came to sitting arrangements, Asuka sat next to Mr. Kaji, who had sat directy across from Misato to her obvious dismay. Toji of course quickly sat next to Misato with a dazed grin on his face. But in his stupor he was in fact smart enough not to sit on the side that would have put him directly across from Asuka. Kensuke sat next to Toji a fork in one hand camera in the other. Daniel sat towards the end of the table serveral seats away from Kensuke and the rest of the group. I was the last to get my food and I stood looking at the whole scene before sitting directly across from Daniel.

He looked up at me kinda surprised, it took him a minute to stop chewing but when he did, "So you're Hinote Ikari huh?" He said back in his chair with an absolutely straight face. It was so passive I couldn't tell what he was thinking at all.

"Yup, that's me." I said plainly before taking a bite of my food. If he wants to play it cool, thats just fine. "And you're Daniel Jackson huh?"

"Yeah but that's nothing special, I'm not the 'Famous' Third child." The sarcasm wasn't hidden at all in his voice and dramatic hand gestures.

"Why the hell does everyone keep calling me that?" I said shaking my head.

"Beats he shit out of me." He said to himself, probably thinking I wouldn't understand english.

"Me too!" I responded firmly.

"What? You know english?" His face dropped. "Sorry about that." He said averting his eyes.

"Don't even worry about it, I had a friend from America and I learned english from him and a tutor when I was a kid." I thought a noticed a few looks down from the other end of the table but when I turned my head all eyes were suspiciously forward.

"Shit, well that makes things easier I haven't totally mastered japanese, I kinda skipped out on my tutors. Mind if we talk in english?" His whole demeanor shifted. He relaxed back in his chair and had a slight smile on his face.

"No problem, only if you tell me why I'm 'The famous Third Child'." I said with a smile of my own.

"Honestly, I have no fuckin' idea, but that's what the red headed demon over there has been referring to you as since I got here."

Looking down the table I saw it's only red headed occupant, "You mean Asuka? She didn't seem to think too much of me when she met me on the deck."

"Well what can I tell ya? That is one crazy bitch. Who knows what the hell she's got going on upstairs." The way he said it was as if he'd never been more sure of anything in his whole life.

"I just met her. So... I could be blind, but it seems like she's just a bitch to me. What makes you say she's crazy?"

"No, you're not blind, and that's the problem. You gave her one look up and down and you didn't hear hear a single word she said. Sure you were watching her very closely so you got the general idea of what she was saying but all you heard was a strange sound like Charlie Brown's teacher." He was shaking his head and giving me an all-too-knowing smile.

"Well it's true I really couldn't get my mind passed 'Damn she hot!' Until well after we were on the bridge." I said as started looking aimlessly around the room in shame.

"I fucking knew it. Can't really blame you though, she is down right edible. But I have been on this ship for two and a half days and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, that girl is the single biggest bitch in the entire world bar none. When we have more time to talk about it I will tell you everything but let me just say..." He leaned in and motioned me to come closer he spoke quietly in my ear. "It would be a most pain staking process but if you could possibly tame that shrew, I truly believe the pussy would be worth the hell you went through to get it." My eyes went wide, I couldn't believe what I just heard.

Without us realizing Asuka had seemed to notice us talking real quitely and looking at her ever so often. And as an atest to her intellegence she realized we were talking about her. Apparently she didn't like the Idea of Daniel giving me his opinion of her. With what I had already heard, I could imagine why.

She stormed over and literally grabbed me by the collar and pulled me out of my seat. "Come with me Third Child. I have something to show you."

I was stunned speachless. As she dragged me backwards, my eyes pleaded for help. But I got none as Daniel just shrugged his shoulders with a look that said 'Sorry, there's nothing I can do'. She dragged me out of the room, and I was helpless to stop her.

But stuck my head back into the room a moment later and looked at Dan with a puzzled look on my face "Who's Charlie Brown?"

I was dragged wordlessly through the corridors of the ship until finally we broke out into the day light. But there really wasn't much daylight to be seen, a enormous tarp rose up directly in front of us taking up most of the scenery. I was wondering what it was, just as Asuka went over to the edge and lifted up the tarp.

"What the hell are you doing you're going to get in trouble.." I strarted.

She turn around flashing me the most firey, arrogant, yet down right gorgeous smile I've ever seen, "Why would I? Everything under here belongs to me."

I walked to where she was standing and ducked under the upheld edge. There I saw a massive metal beast, laying down in a pool of LCL. It didn't take a genius to immediately know what I was looking at, "EVA Unit 02. So this ones red huh?" I wasn't really all that impressed.

Asuka seemed to notice and her tonebecame indignant as she went on. "The color isn't the only difference" She motioned for me to follow as she went down the access stairs too the floating catwalk that went alongside the sleeping giant. "After all, Unit 00 and Unit 01 were part of the developmental stage, the prototype and test type respectively." She reached the Eva and began climbing on top of it. "The fact that Unit 01 synchronized with an untrained pilot like you is proof of that." When she reached a point she could stand she she turned around triumphantly, "Created for combat condititions this it the wolrds first true Evangelion. This is the final Model!"

She looked like she was expecting a standing ovation or something, I still wasn't impressed, "Well if you ask me, test model or final model it doesn't matter. Me and my Unit 01 will take this thing any day." I couldn't help myself I folded my hands behind my head and smiled.

I could have sworn I heard a snarl but before she could berate me a suddenly the was a loud thump against the hull of the ship that shook the massive carrier. "What was that?" I asked Asuka figuring she's been on this thing for days I have only been here for a few hours, she might know.

"It was an underwater shockwave. Something must have expolded near by."

We rushed out from under the tarp and got to the railing just in time to see a large spray of water and metal fly into the air as one of the escort ships was blown to peices.

"What's going on?" Asuka almost seemed excited.

I didn't need and proof or comfirmation I could tell as a second ship blew up a few seconds later. "It's an Angel."

"Really? A real one, are you sure?" Now she was definiately excited.

"Yeah, I'm sure." I however knew all too well what this meant. "We need to go find Misato."

I saw a wicked grin appear on her face, "Now's my chance." She seemed to say to herself. She took me by the arm almost pulling it out of the socket. "Come on."

End Chapter 9

A/N: So once again, should I change this character back into Shinji? Or should I keep things going my own way?