In Advance I own nothing as usual.
I would also like to extend an apology to the length of time its been since I have updated so I am sorry for that, and Sorry for (What I feel at least) this substandard chapter. I had such plans for it but then I just kept getting sidetracked again and again. One good piece of news my first Omake is at the end.
Chapter Three: Jet No Longer Alone (I was out of good chapter names OKAY!)
Rei's, "Moving In", were somewhat confusing and involved a great deal of awkwardness on the part of both Fuyutsuki who at least had an idea of what he would be dealing with. And Misato who quite frankly . . . didn't.
Misato was sent to get Rei while Fuyutsuki began work on his guest room, rolling out a fresh can of sky blue paint that would at least give the room a nicer feel then the off white it had come painted in. He had never bothered to change the color scheme in his home, mostly because Gendo had kept him running about as his gopher man for any task too complex or too classified to leave to other NERV personnel. As such the small two bedroom apartment was comfortable, if a bit spartan. The living room held shelves of books and manuscripts, a few pictures from his years as a college professor, a sofa, coffee table, arm chair, and desk. No television, but then, Fuyutsuki hated those damn things.
He also hated painting, and now he remembered why. "Its messy." He mumbled irritably as he wiped another splotch of paint across his weathered face. The room itself looked fine, not a single drop had touched the pristine floor. But that was primarily because Fuyutsuki had been in the way every single time. "Maybe I should have left Major Katsuragi to do this." He grumbled as he went to fetch a roll of paper towels. The phone rang just as he reached the kitchen and he grabbed it absently. "Hello?"
"Its Katsuragi." Misato said on the other end of the line.
"Do you have Rei with you?" Fuyutsuki asked, wondering why the Major would bother calling him, she was just supposed to come right back with Rei.
"Yeah, well its about that," Misato began dryly, "Rei's place is a dump!" Fuyutsuki pulled away from the phone at that shouted comment. "And to top it all off she doesn't have anything but her school uniforms and swimsuit to wear. What's with her?"It was obvious that the Major couldn't imagine anyone, or at least any girl without an individual article of clothing for each day of the year.
"If you have a problem with that then you try taking her shopping . . ." Fuyutsuki grumbled out what he thought was beyond the phones reception . . . It wasn't.
"Oh, so your saying NERV will cover it! Ok then, I'll have her there in a few hours!"
"No wait! That's not what I meant . . ." The line was cut and Fuyutsuki cursed to himself. Maybe I shouldn't have accepted the request in the will . . . but the Lord knows these kids need help. I'll help them Yui, for your sake. That didn't make it any easier, the thought of taking care of a teenager, even a relatively self sufficient one was a daunting task to Fuyutsuki. And considering her final intended purpose he was fairly certain Gendo had never given her the 'talk'. I'll have Ritsuko do it, she's heterosexual, responsible, and will get right to the point with Rei, yes that will do. Knowing that, that particular lesson would not be one he would have to teach, Fuyutsuki relaxed a bit. Just a bit.
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"Major Katsuragi." Rei whispered distantly through the heap of clothes which now hid her from view.
"Hmmm, yes Rei?" Misato asked absently as she eyed another cute little ensemble for Rei to try.
"I . . . cannot breath." The first child gasped out suddenly as she began to wobble. Realizing that it probably wasn't the greatest idea to asphyxiate one of their only two pilots Misato quickly pulled the last stack of clothing off of the pile in Rei's arms, not noticing the pleading look in the girl's eyes. Rei, quite frankly, did not want to be here.
Here being one of the largest retail malls in Tokyo-3, so far the Major had covered everything from underwear and socks to snow gear, swim wear, formal, casual wear, night wear, skirts, tops, pants, shorts, if it looked like a girl could make a statement in it then it had been added to the pile. Rei was rapidly losing hope of ever being able to get out of the store and to her new place of residence.
Misato for the time being was too distracted giving her victim a new look to notice her discomfort much, or for that fact her own. Deep down inside she was trying to make up for all of the time with barely a word to Rei. She'd never shown the girl much concern, always just assuming she would be available for synch tests, practice runs, simulator reviews, balancing her checkbook. (Which she actually had assigned Rei to do once.) For all intents and purpose, Misato had until now treated Rei . . . like a doll. Well not anymore!
Rei went staggering off with another load of clothing to try on. This was a somewhat novel experience for her. Usually she simply purchased the exact same school uniform. The only time she had tried the uniforms on in the store were the two occasions she had out grown her old ones and that had been only to make certain the new uniforms were of the appropriate size.
Dropping the clothes onto the bench in the dressing room Rei began the long and painful process of putting on each one. For the purpose of "assessment" by Major Katsuragi. A strange sensation coursed through Rei, telling her that regardless of how this ended, she would not be very happy.
We should have brought Shinji along, then we could really find what would look best on her. Misato thought contentedly, racing off to grab another stack of blouses for Rei to try on.
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"How about this one?" Hyuga suggested.
"No . . ." Shinji said monotonously, they'd been doing this for a while now.
"This one?"
"No."
"Maybe this one?"
"Yes!"
"Really!"
"No."
Hyuga sat down frustrated as he started to think. "You don't like any of them?"
"Well . . . This one looks nice but the saber would make me look like an idiot. And these ones . . ." Shinji gestured to a row of pictures in the NERV uniform inventory. "They're nice but they're meant for somebody way older than me." He sighed, "Well . . . I guess I should just go with some formal dress clothes. Thanks for sitting through all of this anyway, Hyuga."
"No problem sir . . . but may I suggest . . ." Hyuga opened the catalogue book, which contained all four hundred different officers uniform in the UN inventory, to its back page. " . . . This . . ."
"Uhm . . . that looks a bit too elaborate." Shinji said starring at the pattern. It was the 'Official' NERV Commander's uniform, which of course meant not a single branch commander wore it. Gendo had chosen comfort in his clothes just like every other Branch Commander, his jacket had been the only part of the actual uniform he had warn.
"Could I get it with silver trim instead, it looks a little to gaudy."
"I see what you mean." Hyuga agreed, the gold trim was a bit excessive and with all the black and white silver trim would work out nicely.
"Is that what you want me to tell the supply section?"
Shinji thought it over for a minute, it wasn't that it was the best looking attire. It just seemed more fitting then anything else on the list and at least, it wouldn't look outright stupid on him. "Yeah, that's what I want I guess. I just need it by the day after tomorrow."
"Right, I'll take care of it sir."Hyuga saluted and turned smartly to the door leaving Shinji within his office. The office itself was actually quite nice, slightly larger then Ritsuko's and decorated with various nature scenes and work ethic posters, the same general fair that graced the walls of every middle class business man on the face of the planet. Unfortunately Hyuga's departure left Shinji to think, and there was only one thing to think about. Ayanami . . . He was worried now that he had damaged their chances of a friendship . . . Was friendship even possible for him?
Fuyutsuki's words seemed to carry a surprising amount of weight for him. Far more then a "Good Job" From Misato as much as it was appreciated. Perhaps it was the fact that the old man only gave true words of praise when Shinji had done something trying rather then for simple synch tests and training exercises. Ritsuko said they don't have a soul . . . But she said they made Ayanami's soul to begin with . . . He frowned to himself, an idea was starting to grow in the back of his head. He would have to talk it over with Ritsuko after the JA trials. With any luck the plan would gave off with only minor difficulties. Probably. Hopefully . . . With any luck . . .
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
The Sub Commander's apartment was on the third floor of a small complex near one of the NERV entrances. It was in a reasonably well maintained section of town and the building itself was in good repair if a bit unkept due to the lack of inhabitants. That was one of the reasons that Kouzo liked it, it was quiet.
The knock at the door pulled him away from his touch up work on Rei's new room leaving him to figure out what exactly he was going to do with the small dripping paint brush in his hand. He grimaced slightly accepting that his blue stained shirt was already beyond help and simply wiped the paint brush off on his sleeve before going to get the door. He paused for a moment to compose himself, taking a deep breath, I can do this . . . One little girl . . . I can do this. He mentally assured himself before opening the door.
He blinked a few times at the sight before him, Misato was standing to his left, and there appeared to be a large pile of bags stacked a good five feet high to his right. Misato saw the blue stained Sub Commander and began to snicker, then caught herself with great difficulty, she would be telling Ritsuko about this.
Fuyutsuki sparred her a quick irritated look before asking. "Major, where is Rei?"
The large pile of bags next to Misato squirmed slightly. "Sir . . . I require assistance." Rei's soft monotone emanated from somewhere deep within the pile.
"Major what have you done!" Fuyutsuki growled as he started lifting bags off of the girl buried someplace underneath.
"Well . . . Rei had almost nothing but her school uniforms, and she's never really made any outstanding requests so I figured NERV owed her a break."
Fuyutsuki glared at the mauve haired woman for a moment, resisting the urge to make note of what had to be nearly two hundred thousand yen worth of clothing and accessories crammed into the bags that hung from Rei, a girl who would have had trouble tipping a hundred pounds, soaking wet.
"Rei why don't you come sit down." Fuyutsuki said watching the girl sway on her feet. She seemed to tire so easily now.
"Yes Sir." Rei nodded and staggered into the living room finding the couch and dropping onto it face flush. She felt exhausted after the ordeal but Major Katsuragi had refused to leave until they had more clothing then Rei could ever have worn in her life time. In fact, she had calculated, that assuming she wore one new garment each day of the year it would take close to three years to wear them all at which point she would likely have out grown most of the clothing. It seemed like such a waste. Are people all so wasteful? Rei wondered or was this simply part of the female condition.
Fuyutsuki sighed to himself as he helped Misato hall the pile of bags in, there was enough clothing in those bags for several dozen children, he was dreading how he was going to classify this on his expenditure report.
Rei watched curiously from the corner of her eye as the two adults bickered over what was considered appropriate use of monetary resources. Deciding that it was not relevant to her or finding the part of her that was missing she closed her eyes and attempted to rest. She would need her rest soon if she was to pilot Unit-01 at the Jet Alone trials.
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On the morning of the big day nothing seemed to go normally for anyone involved. For Shinji and Fuyutsuki especially. "Now, hold still and let me straighten this." Msiato said sharply as she yanked at Shinji's dress shirt to even it out properly. She was already dressed in her own Uniform and for once actually looked totally sober and serious. Which meant she would probably get completely plastered once the unveiling was completed but that would probably be a good thing since he hadn't let Misato in on the plan he had concocted. She would probably be a bit pissed at him when she found out.
"So uhm, how exactly are we getting to the testing grounds?" Shinji asked as he trailed behind Misato. "We're taking a VTOL from the NERV landing pad, so hurry up we don't want to be late."
Shinji nodded, grabbing a piece of toast from the kitchen and setting out a tin of fish for PenPen and then running out the door after Misato.
"You look nervous." Misato commented as they waited for the elevator.
"I am . . . kind of." Shinji admitted, "I mean, I might have to address all of these people and I'm not very good at public speaking . . ."
"Don't worry about that Shinji." Misato said, "Just remember, if all else fails just imagine that they're all in their underwear."
"You mean like you half the time?" He asked under his breath.
"Hey!" Misato huffed indignantly. "Its not like your complaining about it."
Shinji flushed red. "Its not like that you know I just . . ."
Misato simply grinned goofily, "You're just too easy Shinji." She said roughing his hair as they got on the elevator.
"Misato . . ." He wined. I just wish you would start acting your age Misato.
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Things were far, far more awkward for Sub Commander Fuyutsuki that particular morning as he sat breathing heavily with his back against the wall of his bedroom. One thing he had never considered about Rei was her utter lack of modesty. Such as the situation in the hallway when he had awoken this particular morning. With the towel around Rei's head hiding the azure locks he'd been taken back for a moment to a similar scene involving a young Yui Ikari in his teaching days. It had been entirely accidental, he'd thought she was dressed yet she had just flushed and smiled slightly feeling a little embarrassed but not wanting her Teacher and friend to feel ashamed or get the feeling that she thought it had been intentional.
Upon realizing that he was looking at a fourteen year old Rei and not a twenty five year old Yui he had snapped out of his reverie and realized just what the hell he had been gawking at.
Goddamn it Kozou you are not a pedophile! He berated himself angrily, he was beginning to think that perhaps accepting to care for Rei had been a huge mistake. No, you can do this, she's a fourteen year old girl, and emotionally stunted fourteen year old girl. "Rei?"
"Yes Sir?"
"Are you dressed now?" Fuyutsuki asked, checking to be sure his heart was still in his chest.
"Yes Sir." The voice came from right next to him and his pulse quickened again as his eyes met those of curious Rei Ayanami.
"Rei . . ." Fuyutsuki said weakly.
"Yes Sir?" She really didn't understand what the problem was, but then, Rei had little if any decency when it came to her state of dress, or undress.
"From now on, Rei . . . get dressed before you come out of the bathroom."
"Yes Sir." With that Rei turned around and headed back out into the hallway, pacing down to the kitchen to get an apple and prepare for the day. The Commander wanted the airdrop to take place at a preset time in the unveiling determined by him and the Sub Commander. This would require Rei to handle Unit-01 through most of its basic maneuvers, this would be far more elaborate then any simulation and so Rei felt she had no choice but to prevail. I wish to be of use to Ikari. She thought firmly. She would do her duty to the person who strangely seemed to have taken up the burden of caring for her without a moments hesitation when she had needed it that care the most.
True Shinji was not usually strong, nor was he usually firm, but he had so far never failed to give his all when it was called of him. The least Rei could do was repay his kindness, he had after all given her a new purpose. His father had made her, and yet since she had destroyed the tiny gem like organ that had bound her to her fate and awoken finally free and whole she had looked back on her life and seen that Gendo Ikari had intended to make little more then a golem. Which in a way she had been. Rei's body had been created from the inert matter of the near dead Second Angel's blood, the primordial soup of man. There hadn't even been an ovum involved in the process. Just some samples of Yui Ikari's DNA, mutated beyond recognition by her absorption into Unit-01.
He had never intended for her to find happiness or a purpose. Or to have a home . . . home . . . That is what this place is now, the Sub Commander took me in out of kindness and has promised to care for me . . . Rei suddenly froze and looked about the small apartment as if for the first time realizing that it surrounded her. "This is my home now. I am . . . Home." She said haltingly, it was the first time she had ever spoken a loud to herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted a moment later as the Sub Commander came out dressed in his uniform. "Lets go Rei, you need to be ready in Unit-01 by ten hundred hours." The albino girl simply nodded her head. It was time to do her duty.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
"That's, the Japan Heavy Industries testing ground?" Shinji asked as he peered out the window of the VTOL.
"Yeah. Why? Is something wrong?" Misato asked curiously.
Shinji shook his head, "No, nothing like that, it just seems a little I don't know . . ."
"Disappointing?" Ritsuko provided.
"Yeah, I guess." Shinji agreed, though this was to be expected of the young Ikari who's only experience with Government facilities was his school and of course the GeoFront. Compared to the grandeur of NERV's subterranean Command center the white dome and tall rectangular white building in the distance seemed almost insignificant. Still it was their destination and he supposed it probably looked very impressive to many people, unaware of the most incredible structure mankind had ever built . . . Or unearthed as the case might be.
"Hey Ritsuko, I have a weird question." Shinji said as the VTOL began to descend.
"Yes?"
"How much do we know about the GeoFront, I mean, what is it?"
Ritsuko frowned at the odd question, "No one is really sure, we don't even know exactly what it is made of beyond some sort of complex carbon based material. Some theorists suggest it was constructed by the Angels or perhaps was a casing to transport them through space. This seems the most likely as the GeoFront itself is encased inside the spherical hull of the null zone we discovered and Lilith was discovered at the exact center. A sphere would be the most efficient design for a stellar transport as it provides the highest internal volume to external surface ratio."
"I see." Shinji said, not really understanding at all. If anything Ritsuko's explanation had just made his head hurt more.
The VTOL landed and they were lead quickly to the main meeting hall where wealthy investors and Company chair members were busy gathering for the unveiling ceremony. The NERV group had a table to itself, but considering that only three of NERV's staff had come it looked a little pathetic. It was interesting to note that NERV had received only five invitations, it seemed that Japan heavy industries was trying to play a game of psychological warfare. If NERV looked weak to the investors gathered here today then they would be more likely to listen to the sales pitch for Jet Alone without considering the truth of the situation.
Oh how painfully this was about to backfire on them. The Spokesman for the Jet Alone project took his position at a podium near the front of the room and began. "Welcome to Japan Heavy Industries latest product unveiling, I'm sure you have all had ample chance to read over the brochures and would like to open this meeting by opening the floor to any questions."
Ritsuko's hand shot up immediately.
"Ah yes, the famed Doctor Ritsuko Akagi, it would be a great honor for you to open these discussions with your insight." The Spokesman's eyes locked with Ritsuko's for a moment as they seemed to stare one another down.
"Is it true that Jet Alone is equipped with a nuclear reactor?" She asked.
"Why yes," The Spokesman began, voice dripping with condescension at the obvious, "It is one of our products most distinguishing features, the reactor guarantees one hundred and fifty days of continuous operation."
"In a land based weapon isn't that a bit risky, especially considering the Angels' preference for hand to hand combat ." Ritsuko countered.
The spokesman snorted, "We like to think it is preferable to a oversized child's toy that can only work for five minutes without being plugged into the wall."
The crowd of gathered officials snickered at the comment. Before Ritsuko could continue however Shinji began. "Excuse me, but I have to disagree with that."
"Ah, I see we have another celebrity with us, Shinji Ikari the Child Commander of NERV." The man said in that same condescending tone.
"E-excuse me, but I don't think you have the right to go on about Jet Alone's combat capability when you have never witnessed an Angel attack." The crowd quieted and listened as Shinji continued. "My first day in Tokyo-3 I was nearly crushed by one of them, and then ended up nearly getting killed again when we got hit by the shockwave from an N2 mine. Which, had almost no affect on the Angel . . ." It was apparent from Shinji's body language and voice that he hadn't noticed the microphone picking up that last mumbled sentence.
The entire room quieted at the sobering words, not only because those words had been spoken at all, but because they had come from a child. The spokesman was thrown off guard by the sudden counterattack and Shinji pressed his advantage.
"Have any of you taken a look at the Angels? What they are capable of? I've fought them. When NERV redirected power to Tokyo-3 three weeks ago and caused a nation wide blackout I was the one who aimed the heavy positron cannon that all of that energy was being devoted to. A week and a half before that I engaged and defeated the 4th Angel in close range combat against the better judgment of my superior officer."
Misato glanced up at him as he spoke, his tone seemed to hold the smallest bit of regret, yet he spoke with ever less fear and hesitation as he gathered momentum. Its like he's another person. Misato though.
"EVA has been again and again the decisive weapon that has decided our battles against the Angels and no matter how capable Jet Alone is, if it cannot counter an Angel's defenses then it won't matter if it can fight for five minutes or five years, it will be a waste of time and money that could be devoted to a million other projects." Everyone knew exactly what Shinji was implying by that, Projects like EVA, he wasn't just trying to counter JHI's attack on NERV's credibility, he was turning their own sales gathering against them.
"Yes, yes, that may be, the AT field is a very interesting defensive system, but its only a matter of time before we crack its secrets and develop a counter!" The man spluttered angrily before recovering his composure and smirking confidently. "Besides which, isn't EVA itself highly unstable?" He asked rhetorically as he held up a picture of Unit-01 going berserk. "A weapon that can go off at any moment is insane, its like a spoiled child who won't be given his way, completely out of control." People began to laugh cruelly once more as Shinji's opponent gained the upper hand in their verbal sparring match once more. "NERV's day in the sun will not last forever."
To the Spokesman's surprise Shinji did not set his face in a determined mask, nor did he grimace, nor did he give a forced grin to hide embarrassment. Instead, quite the opposite, he smiled knowingly. "Are you so certain that Jet Alone is capable of beating EVA."
The man nodded his head impatiently, "Jet Alone is JHI's most advanced product, it is more than up to the challenge of defeating the Angels."
"That's not what I asked. I asked if it was superior to EVA, if it cannot even match an Evangelion then how can it be expected to successfully defeat an Angel? I have lodged a formal request with the UN to allow NERV to defend itself today. That request has been accepted."
"What? What is the meaning of this!" A JHI executive who had been observing until now spoke up.
Shinji shed his the last vestiges of his nervous demeanor as he responded. "Under article 67 of the SSDF and UN material and service acquisition charter, I Shinji Ikari Commander of the Private Branch of NERV's technical research division, hereby demand the right to place Japan Heavy Industrial's Jet Alone Anti Angel weapon through a level one cross examination test."
The entire room became silent as a squat grey haired man in the uniform of a Brigadier General stood up at the UN table. "Under Article 67, your request has been granted as previously agreed upon by the UN and SSDF forces. Commander Ikari you may begin the cross examination testing at your own discrection."
Shinji nodded curtly to the General. "Thank you for your cooperation."
Far above, a NERV transport plane began its descent, coming to within two hundred meters of the ground before beginning to release Unit-01. Rei took control as the EVA fell away from its transport, followed a moment later by a heavy cargo drop box containing the power converters and umbilical for the testing. Unit-01 hit the ground and dropped to a crouch as the chute on the cargo box arrested its descent.
For a moment the entire room was silent, then the meeting hall broke into an uproar as explanations were demanded on all sides. "ENOUGH!" A UN official roared, managing to quiet the flocks of angry business men before giving an explanation. "It has come to attention of the UN that it would be against regulations to invest in this machine when there is a competitor being kept from the testing. To this end, Jet Alones trials today will be compared to an identical set of trials to be passed by NERV's Evangelion. At which point the superior machine will receive further UN funding."
The crowds quieted down and many of the investors began to shift uncomfortably, it was not surprising that a short recess was called for soon there after.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHH
"SHINJI, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" Misato shouted angrily as she slammed her hands down on the table in small waiting room assigned to the NERV representatives. At this moment the NERV operations direct was furious with her young charge, how could Shinji do something so stupid!
"I'm just trying to keep NERV in business Misato!" Shinji defended nervously.
"Did it occur to you what might happen if an Angel attacks while both of our pilots AND our only operation EVA our outside of the city!"
"I-it cross my mind, but I thought we'd have plenty of time to . . . get back if an Angel was spotted, and the Sub Commander and Doctor agreed with me." Shinji whined as he cast a glance to Ritsuko.
The bottle blonde Doctor turned away quickly wanting nothing to do with this whole mess. She didn't turn quickly enough to escape a sharp glare from Misato.
"I'm disappointed that you didn't tell me about this Shinji." She said calming slightly as she spoke, "Its not just that I wasn't informed, it was reckless of you to deploy an EVA for such a petty reason."
"Petty, hardly, and reckless things must be done at times." A voice said from the door, catching Misato's attention she glanced up at saw the Brigadier General that had spoken earlier standing in the doorway. "Excuse me, I am General Higashihara, and as for your Commander's actions, the UN has agreed for Unit-01's deployment here today."
Misato blinked stupidly, wasn't NERV on rather bad terms with the UN? She said as much.
The General nodded slightly, "That is true, however you could think of this as damage control, NERV has already damaged the UN's reputation, if another group does the same we would lose even more face, but if a group already seen as superior to the SSDF were to win out over JA then the damage to our respectability could be greatly reduced, its only natural that we would side with NERV in this."
"I see, use us to fight your battles." Misato chuckled weakly, "Of course . . . this is why you can do whatever you want . . ."
"Something like that." Genera Higashihara replied quietly as he nodded to Shinji. "We're putting our faith in that damn machine don't prove our trust misplaced, Mister Ikari."
Shinji nodded back nervously, if this worked it would go a long way towards putting the UN in NERV's court, Fuyutsuki had suggested inviting a UN Liaison Officer to take a permanent station at the GeoFront as a gesture of goodwill. It also had the bonus of giving the UN a good idea of what was going on making it at least less likely that they would blindly follow any orders sent down by SEELE's lap dogs.
The intercom chirped up reporting that the hastily revised trials would be initiated soon, it was . . . Misato decided . . . going to be a long day.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
The Jet Alone trials went quite well . . . for Unit-01 that was. From the get go it was apparent even to Shinji that JPI had been trusting in the shock and aw of seeing a real giant robot in action to win over their investors. This probably would have worked if these investors were not also getting their first taste of an EVA in action at the same time. Compared to the living grace of a piloted EVA, Jet Alone's clunking gate was somewhat disappointing, when Jet Alone had lifted a five hundred ton weight double handed to show off its ability, Unit-01 had one upped it again by holding that same weight with one arm, fully extended.
During the weapons trials Rei had been able to hit ninety out of one hundred targets with the Pallet Rifle, Jet Alone's scores had been about seventy seven, good but obviously not good enough to outdo a piloted weapon.
When they had gotten to the skirmish battle, JHI hadn't been able to squirm out of that one, after all Jet Alone was supposed to be fully functional there should have been no reason it could not participate in a simple simulation exercise. Of course in reality the designers had been trying to sell a half completed machine to their investors, the nuclear powered robot had handled sluggishly throughout the match and even now was standing on the testing field covered in blue paint from Unit-01's pallet rifle and the giant felt tip marker that was supposed to represent the progressive knife. Strangely the huge machines bulky frame seemed to sag slightly in an exaggerated caricature of sadness. Not far from it Unit-01 sat with its entry plug ejected, the umbilical cord trailing out behind it to hook into the testing facilities main power grid, there was hardly a single speck of paint from the JA's own weapon anyplace on the EVA's frame.
Rei had proven quite adapt with the Unit-01, and, surprisingly enough, with the destruction of her core, her synch ratio had risen somewhat. That calls for further investigation, was the EVA resisting a high synch rate to avoid absorption of Rei? Ritsuko wondered absently as she and Misato continued to watch, the last part of the test was coming up soon, it was a endurance test of the material Jet Alone was made of, essentially they were going to shoot a slab of the armor used on the robot with a 155mm cannon and check the results.
Like taking a howitzer round is anything compared to what an Angel dishes out . . . Misato thought in disgust.
"This is really pathetic." Misato said suddenly before pausing and looking around, "Hey where did Shinji run off to?"
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Rei looked up as a shadow cast itself across her field of vision. Shinji looked at her pensively for a moment eyes shifting before he came to a decision. His had moved forward hesitantly offering her a water bottle. "Here, I'm sure you must be thirsty."
Rei accepted it quietly and took a long sip. Before glancing back at Unit-01.
"There's just one test to go . . ." Shinji trailed off, "Uhm, Ayanami, I think . . . I'll pilot EVA for this last one, I don't want to put you in the line of fire."
Rei looked back at him curiously, "It is my duty though, I should be the one in the EVA during the testing."
Shinji looked at her worriedly, "Then . . . do you want to do this?" Shinji asked, disbelief and uncertainty filling his voice. "I don't want to see . . ." He stopped quickly before he finished that sentence. Ever since the incident within Terminal Dogma he had not been able to look her in the eye. He felt ashamed for that . . . maybe . . . maybe when he had done something about the clones it could heal, but until then it was an open wound that was rubbed each time he spoke to the azure haired girl.
Rei didn't notice as she stood quietly and glanced back to Unit-01, the bloody smell from drying LCL was apparent as she turned to leave, she paused before answering his question. "I will do it, it is my assignment." For the first time in her life she wanted to say more, but she suppressed the feeling and began to walk without further comment towards the waiting EVA.
Shinji watcher her go feeling deeply concerned for her well being despite his reservations, shifting uncomfortably and then offering silent prayer to God, or his mother, or whoever it was that watched over a pilot in Unit-01, that Rei would be kept safe now. Turning he began the walk back towards the main testing building. Sirens rang in the distance.
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"Give me a break." The Admiral of the Pacific fleet muttered as he looked at the firing orders for the last time. "They want us to shoot at it! Give me a break . . ."
"The order came from Command, besides Sir we are scheduled to expend a third of our munitions before we make port in Germany . . ." The Admiral's flag captain commented, it was UN protocol to expend all out of date munitions in live fire exercises. Such procedures were on of the massive organization few true money savers eliminating the cost of pointlessly expending ammunition for a live exercise and the need to store or pay for the disassembly of outdated weapons.
The Admiral harumphed indignantly, "Since when did we become arraigned boys for those people."
The Flag Captain declined to answer that question, fortunately the Com officer reported just then. "All ships report firing plans locked in sir, triple checks complete, our spotters say we can fire when ready." Visible from the Carrier deck was half of the pacific fleet gathered for the round trip between Japan and Germany, every gun heavy gun on every ships from the rapid fire 5 inch deck guns of the destroyers to the great 16 inch 50 caliber naval rifles of the battleships, were aimed towards shore ready to lay out several hundred tons of high explosive in short order.
The Admiral nodded, "Fine . . ." Letting his frustration out he barked the order, an order he at least partly wished he was giving for real. "All ships, Fire at will!"
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The sirens were still blearing when Shinji got back to the observation level. Misato noticed his reappearance and commented. "Where have you been?"
"J-just walking around . . ." Shinji said carefully, the last thing he needed was Misato to jump on him for anything else today, good natured or not.
"They've already finished the tests with Jet Alone, so now its our turn." Ritsuko commented glancing at her watch, "If they timed it right another thirty seconds." Out on the field Unit-01 was standing fully erect as Rei spread the AT field.
Misato's ears piqued slightly, "Thirty seconds? Thirty seconds until what? I don't see the testing equipment being set up yet . . ." She trailed off looking between Shinji and Ritsuko as they starred intently at Unit-01 standing almost two kilometers out on the testing field.
Then it happened. Th-th-thoomp thoomp. A hail of explosions hid Unit-01 behind a thick layer of debris, pulverized concrete and dirt from the ruins laying all about it. "What the hell!" Misato shouted, the cloud of dust expanded as a the second wave of shells, sixteen inch rounds off of the Pacific fleet battleships. The sound was a muted roar through the thick glass of the observation dome. A moment later the heavy shells were accompanied by lesser munitions, 155mm and 210mm rounds from the deck guns of cruisers and destroyers. The bombardment went on, shell after shell, hundreds would fall in the five minutes allotted to the UN gunners. It didn't seem possible for the cloud of churned earth to be attacked any more violently by conventional weapons but still they came. A quartet of cruise missiles, slower then the low angle shells, came in hugging the earth, aimed at Unit-01's position. They exploded in massive fiery blossoms as they contacted the AT field whipping the dust out and away from the EVA and exposing Unit-01's monstrous form for a brief moment, the glowing plane of the AT field quite apparent to all observing before the bio-machine disappeared once more into the shroud of dust. And then, as suddenly as it begun, it stopped.
The entire observation room was silent, and Shinji used that silence as he stood up. "As NERV has said before, the AT field is the ultimate defensive barrier, unless you have a counter to it which can be used here and now I guarantee Jet Alone will never be able to so much as scratch an Angel." There was nothing more to say as the dust slowly began to settle about Unit-01 leaving a very intact EVA standing on the field. Shinji turned to leave, he would allow the investors and UN officials to draw their own conclusions.
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"Don't ever do that again Shinji. Do you know what could have happened, you put an EVA at unnecessary risk, an EVA and a pilot. What has gotten into you Shinji, I would have though you of all people would have been more cautious . . ." Misato paused to catch her breath. "I'm disappointed in you, Shinji."
Shinji looked away ashamed, it had seemed like a good idea at the time . . .
Misato shook her head eyes closed, then in a calmer voice she continued. "Shinji . . . I am your Operations Director . . . don't ever forget that, I have a right to know about these things." Still shaking her head Misato sat back down her rant finished. They were sitting in the Cabin of the VTOL awaiting permission for take off. Ritsuko had seemingly tuned them out, and Rei, now sitting cleaned off and dressed in her school uniform simply watched quietly. Not sure whether to act in Shinji's defense or remain silent. She had decided to remain silent as Shinji was not defending himself, he seemed almost, resigned to it as if convinced his decision had been foolish.
"The fact that you managed to get JA's funding re-appropriated to us is something however . . ." She smiled slightly, "Just tell me about things like this for now on Shinji, I can't do my job if I'm kept in the dark. I don't want to be kept in the dark ever again, especially after everything that's happened lately."
Shinji looked up as Misato's words changed from berating to understanding, "I'm sorry Misato . . . Didn't I do the right thing though?"
"Oh its not the fact that you went and had Unit-01 prepped or had it sent here, that I'm angry about like I said it was good for somebody to tear into those bastards . . . What I'm pissed about is the fact that you did it without telling me! I just feel sort of betrayed by that you know?"
"I thought you would refuse if I suggested it." He said feebly, honestly he was worried that Misato would shoot the idea down even though Fuyutsuki and Ritsuko had liked it.
Misato snorted, "Shinji, I could tell you that you shouldn't do it, but I couldn't stop you, you're the boss now kiddo, I just want you to let me in on the battle plans for now on okay?"
"R-right." He agreed seeming to lapse into a brooding state as the turbines of the VTOL began to spin up for lift off. Ritsuko despite distancing herself from the conversation had been paying attention the entire time. Misato will be angry with him for a few days but it'll die down she forgave Kaji for a lot more before he managed to piss her off for good . . . The rest of the flight was in near silence as the sun began to set. Rei's head lay propped against the window as she doze off once more, Misato starred out at the colors pain upon the city ruins in the later afternoon light shadows extending for hundreds of meters by the broken teeth of the old Capital's remains, Shinji brooded, and Ritsuko studied the group of misfits she found herself working with. Shinji was know Gendo, but perhaps that was a good thing, she decided after as the VTOL continued its journey back towards the darkening mountains, back towards the place that its occupants called home.
All in all it had been a reasonably productive day for NERV. The question now, was whether its Commander could ever find the conviction to take such daring action again.
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Omake- Agent's wanted
Misato starred fidgeted nervously as she looked at the clipboard in one hand, they had been receiving quite a few unusual job applications lately. Hyuga sat beside her quietly putting on a cross and rubbing himself down with garlic. The object of their worry was the pale man dressed in a red coat and fedora hat on the other side of the desk, eyes hidden behind a pair of round wire frame sun glasses.
"Well uhm, Mister . . ."
"Alucard."
"Uhm, yes, Mr. Alucard . . . well your dossier is quite impressive but . . ." Misato trailed off.
"But what?" The man asked calmly.
"Well . . . erm, that is, you seem to have quite a lot of experience fighting demons and ghouls, but you know we're an Anti Angel organization, can you be so sure you want a job like this?"
The man grinned cheerfully, or what was probably meant to be cheerful, instead it looked rather disturbing as it exposed the elongated canines. "Well I'm up for a fight."
"Erm yes . . ." Misato admitted, "Well . . . the thing is we . . ."
The door opened and a silver haired boy came walking in carrying refreshments. "Excuse me but the Commander ordered me to . . . The 17th Angel Kaoru Nagisa starred at Alucard for a moment.
". . . Employ Angels as well as fight them" Misato finished coughing into her hand.
Alucard stood up nodding his hat, "I see how it is, think Vampires are all unholy and members of clans and such . . . your all racist, RACIST!" Kaoru looked at the angered vampire rather queerly, "Well do you want some tea before you go?"
Turning slowly to face the Angelic the same menacing grin crossed his face once more, "Releasing Control Art Restriction to Level Two." Alucard muttered.
Shinji deeply regretted having to find a new operations director and best friend.
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End of this chapter, I'm going to have one interlude chapter between this and Asuka's arrival primarily to explain what Shinji has done with the clones and show how he begins to change NERV. Then Asuka strikes . . . and NERV strikes back. Honestly I'm a little disappointed with this chapter I tried righting it three different times and this was the best I could get I'll try to return to my normal righting quality from here on and I also apologize for the lateness. Gomen Nasai my readership.