Before we begin, I would like to address several reviews asking me about my other fanfiction, Digimon Adventure Tamers. For those of you wondering, no. I have not abandoned it. I'm just putting it on a temporary hiatus for several reasons. First, I want to focus more on this story right now. Second, the recent Digimon Adventure series gave me a few ideas for the story after I finish up the Millenniummon arc. On top of that, I am also watching the current series, Digimon Ghost Game, to see if there are some ideas that I can use from that as well. Eventually I will return to Adventure Tamers, but I want to do this first. So, let's continue with Transformers Evangelion.
Transformers Evangelion
Chapter 4: The Lone Girl
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or Neon Genesis Evangelion
"The Evangelion pilots…are human children?!" Ratchet yelled in absolute shock. The Autobot medic was on the bridge of the Ark with Optimus, Star Saber, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Ironhide, Chromia, Trailbreaker, and Jazz. They were talking to Elita and Ultra Magnus, who were contacting from Germany and America. The main screen showed their faces on separate screens, both of them calling from their shuttles.
"Yes, it is true," Ultra Magnus answered. "Doctor Illustrious herself confirmed this, and we even met her daughter, who is the 'Fourth Child', and the pilot for Evangelion Unit-05." Magnus and Elita had both reported to Optimus at the same time, telling him and the other Autobots present on the Ark's bridge about what they learned regarding the Evangelions and their pilots. The revelation that the Evangelions were made from Angel matter and there was a Second Angel was surprising enough for the Autobots, but learning about the pilots was enough to leave everybody stunned, including Optimus.
"That can't be right at all!" Chromia stated out. "This has to be a joke of some kind!"
"If it is a joke, then I fail to see the comedy in this," Trailbreaker voiced.
"I'm afraid it's no joke," Elita said with a frown. "My team met Unit-02's pilot herself, and we even saw her pilot the unit in question during a training exercise. She was actually impressive, but to think someone so young would be put in this position…and she had been doing this for ten years!"
"Ten years?!" Wheeljack exclaimed. "How old is she?!"
"Asuka is currently fourteen years old," Elita answered. "Meaning she's been a pilot ever since she was four." A long silence fell over the entire bridge as all the Autobots digested this new piece of information, and every single one of them felt uncomfortable about this for a multitude of reasons.
"Why though?" Star Saber was the first to speak. "Why exactly is NERV having children pilot their Evangelion units?"
"I asked Doctor Illustrious myself," Perceptor spoke up, appearing next to Magnus. "Apparently, when Adam exploded fifteen years ago and caused Second Impact, it released an energy that spread throughout the entire planet, affecting the next generation of humanity. Those who were born during or after Second Impact were granted the ability to pilot an Evangelion unit."
"There's no way that's possible," said Wheeljack. "Perceptor, did Doctor Illustrious have any files that proved her claims?"
"Yes, she showed us the papers herself," said Perceptor. "I'll forward them to you once we're done."
"Please do," Wheeljack said. "If this is true, then I need to have a talk with Doctor Akagi about this tomorrow." The scientist and inventor could only wonder why Ritsuko didn't tell him about this earlier, as what they learned was extremely important and risky.
"Hold on a minute," Ironhide spoke up. "So apparently Second Impact gave kids the ability to pilot Evangelion units? I'm still finding this hard to believe. Why can't they have trained military officials in those things?"
"I agree with Ironhide," said Chromia, a glare forming on her face. "A child should not be put into this position. What exactly is wrong with the NERV staff?"
"In all honesty Chromia, this is apparently something NERV didn't have much choice in, as much as they didn't want to have children do this," said Elita. "Apparently they did tests with Units 01 and 02 several years ago with adult pilots in hopes they could keep children from this, but the tests…ended horribly."
"Uh…define 'horribly'," Jazz said uneasily.
"According to the reports we were given, Unit-01 released a surge of energy that completely disintegrated its test pilot, and Unit-02 drove its pilot to insanity and eventually suicide," Perceptor answered with a grim expression on his face. "But when they placed Asuka Soryu into the cockpit of Unit-02, she was able to survive the process and pilot it with little trouble." All of the Autobots now looked extremely disturbed by what they have heard.
"Well, maybe they shouldn't have made their Evangelion units out of Angel remains then!" Ratchet exclaimed. "From what we have heard so far, they are extremely dangerous even in an inert state! So what was their thought process in using them to make weapons of mass destruction?"
"Probably wanted to fight fire with fire," Wheeljack answered, looking slightly grim himself. "Given what Magnus told us, the Angels can erect a barrier that can repel most conventional weapons, and can only be neutralized by a barrier much like it. Honestly…it does make some sense. We've used dangerous Decepticon weapons ourselves in the past to get an advantage over Megatron."
"But we never had to make young Cybertronians do this sort of thing," Star Saber answered. "No matter what species they are, children should not be fighting in a war that could possibly kill them or leave them traumatized." The swordsman clenched his shaking fists. Being an Autobot veteran that fought in some of the bloodiest and most brutal battles throughout the Cybertronian War, much of what he witnessed would break a lesser being, especially one so young.
"Is there anything we can do to keep that from happening?" asked Bumblebee, looking to the Autobots on the screen before looking to those on the bridge. His gaze then fell on his leader, who had not spoken since learning about the pilots. "Optimus, what do you think?"
Optimus said nothing as he continued sitting in his chair, thinking long and hard over this. What he had heard in the last few minutes had left him surprised, disturbed, and worried. Mulling over the information in his head, the Autobot leader came to multiple conclusions, and nearly all of them were conclusions he did not like.
"Uh…Optimus?" Jazz walked over to his unresponsive commander. "Are you all right? You haven't said anything for a while."
"I believe we will have to allow this," Optimus finally spoke, catching the attention of all his soldiers.
"Optimus, are you sure that is wise?" Star Saber asked cautiously.
"No," Optimus answered truthfully. "But considering what we have learned regarding the original pilots for the Evangelion units, NERV may have had no choice but to accept children as their units' pilots. If there was something we could do to prevent this, we could. However, I am afraid this is out of our hands."
"But Optimus, they're just children," Elita replied. "I'm not comfortable with this."
"None of us are Elita," Optimus said solemnly. "However, that does not mean we will simply ignore the inevitable plights that these children will be haunted with. We will help them to the best of our ability, to ensure that the children we know of so far, as well as those who are likely to come, will not only be prepared for the Angels and Decepticons, but also that they survive the war. I will not allow childrens' lives to be taken in this war."
"That may be difficult Optimus," Star Saber spoke up. "In the environment of war, casualties will always happen. I'm honestly worried that these children may be casualties, but…" he steeled himself. "If it is possible to prevent that, then I will do my best to make sure it doesn't happen."
"Then I guess the same can be said for the rest of us," Bumblebee spoke for everybody. The rest of the Autobots nodded and accepted it, albeit reluctantly.
"While we're on the subject of the children…" Ironhide spoke up. "Elita, you said that Asuka was the Second Child. And Magnus, you said that Mari was the Fourth Child. What is that supposed to mean?"
"Maybe its referring to the order the pilots were chosen," voiced Wheeljack. "If Asuka is the Second Child and Mari is the Fourth, then that likely means there was a child chosen before Asuka, and one chosen after Asuka."
"A First and Third Child," Star Saber said, continuing to look uneasy. "Do we have any idea of who they are?"
"We haven't received any information pertaining to the Third Child, but we can confirm that the First Child, the pilot for Unit-00, is a girl named Rei Ayanami, who is actually based in Japan," Magnus reported.
"So, what do we do now Optimus?" Trailbreaker asked.
"Magnus, Elita, for now I want you to remain where you are," Optimus ordered. "Help the NERV staff if they require it and aid the pilots as well to your best. It is highly likely that we will have to transfer them here soon."
"In the meantime, we'll continue learning more about the Japanese staff, as well as this Rei Ayanami and Third Child," said Star Saber. "We should also make contact with the JSSDF tomorrow, since we will be working with them in addition to NERV."
"Agreed," said Ratchet. "Time is short, and we have to use this time wisely to build our united front."
"Understood," Magnus said before signing off with Perceptor.
"We'll do our best on our ends Optimus," said Elita. "Good luck." Elita's face vanished from the screen, leaving the Autobots on the Ark's bridge to themselves.
"Now what do we do?" asked Chromia.
"Wheeljack, Ratchet, Bumblebee, I want you to come with me and Star Saber to the Geofront tomorrow. I feel it best we talk with Doctor Akagi about the Evangelions and their pilots, and if we are able to, meet Rei Ayanami. Afterwards, Ironhide and Chromia will accompany me and Star Saber to the JSSDF base in Tokyo-2 to meet the leadership."
"At the same time, we should also keep a low profile…well, as low as we can have it be for right now," said Ratchet. "Ever since the Ark showed up above the United Nations building, the media has been buzzing about us." Trailbreaker and Wheeljack brought up various channels and websites on the main screen, all of them talking about the Ark's presence over New York, and later over Japan. Multiple headlines flashed everywhere, with titles like 'ALIEN SHIP OVER UNITED NATIONS', 'ROBOT ALIENS MAKE PEACE WITH UNITED NATIONS', 'ALIEN ROBOTS ON EARTH: INVASION IMMINENT?', and 'GIANT SHIP RUMORED TO BE IN JAPANESE FOREST.'
"Wow, we're already famous," Jazz commented. "What have they been saying besides an imminent invasion?"
"According to some of the reports," Wheeljack read from the screen, "a studio in Japan called 'Sunrise' asked if we're meant to be a publicity stunt to promote a new series for a robot show called 'Gundam'. Besides theories and beliefs, there isn't that much. And there's been little to nothing about the Angels or NERV and their Evangelion units."
"Sounds like the government doesn't want the people to know about that," Chromia said with narrowed eyes.
"Well, they eventually will have to know about them," Ironhide replied with a grunt. "There's no way that NERV and the UN can keep a lid on this for much longer, especially now that we're here, and pretty much on all of the media platforms."
"Then perhaps it would be for the best that we proceed with caution from here," said Optimus. "The Decepticons will no doubt attempt to use this new information to lead attacks on Tokyo-3 once they arrive, and we do not want to attract any further unwanted attention."
"That's going to be a problem with Sky Lynx and Grimlock," Bumblebee said. "Especially Grimlock."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure we've got a blown cover from all of this," added Jazz, who gestured to the news articles.
"Anyway…" Star Saber sighed. "Ironhide, contact Hot Rod and Kup and let them know about the newest updates. I'll inform the other Autobots currently with us." Turning to leave the bridge, Star Saber's thoughts drifted back to the children meant to fight the Angels, and the uneasy feeling from before returned. It wasn't the first time that young beings had been in battle. He recalled many young cadets from the Elite Guard Academy who were forced on the battlefield before their time had come, as Megatron's actions in the war called for more soldiers. Many of them didn't come back alive. And from what he learned so far about these children, they may likely not come back alive either…unless they helped.
Morning came again in Tokyo-3, the sun peeking out over the mountains as the first rays bathed the city in light. It was still early in the morning, so hardly anybody was awake. While those that were awake were returning home from night shifts at any jobs that required it, the vast majority of the population slept soundly.
In an apartment in the suburbs, Ritsuko Akagi, wearing only a bra and a pair of panties, slept in her bed, ignoring the pawing of a cat that had climbed up and was leaning on her leg, meowing for food. Mumbling in her sleep, Ritsuko turned to the side. Her slumber continued until the sound of her phone ringing on her night table roused her from her sleep.
"Mm…kay…hang on…" Ritsuko moaned in her half-asleep state, rolling over to the table and grabbing the phone. With one eye open slightly, she pushed the call button and held the phone up to her ear. "Hello?" she asked, wondering who was calling at this early hour.
"GOOOOOOOD MORNING, TOKYO-3!" A loud voice blared from the phone as equally loud rock music pounded in the background.
"WAAH!" Ritsuko shouted in surprise from the sudden noise. Eyes popping open, the blond-haired scientist found herself rolling out of bed and landing on the floor in a thud. The blankets over her were pulled off and fell to the floor in a pile, the cat getting caught in the sheets as it attempted to free itself, meowing through the fabric as a cry for help. "What the hell?!"
"And good morning to you Doctor Akagi!" the voice spoke to Ritsuko. "You're listening to Autobot Rock-and-Roll – rock-and-roll 24/7, courtesy of DJ Blaster, broadcasting live from the Ark mothership!"
"I don't remember ordering a wake-up call," Ritsuko grumbled, looking at her clock which read 6:30. It was definitely too early to be waking up, at least for her.
"Too bad, so sad Doc!" Blaster replied. "Rise and shine, and get the worm like the early bird that you are!"
"Blaster! Idle it!" a second voice reached Ritsuko's ear from the phone. Despite the high volume the music was on, she could identify the voice belonged to Wheeljack, the Autobot scientist and inventor. "Sorry about that Doctor Akagi. Blaster is a bit of a music enthusiast. I hope we didn't cause any offense."
"Well, besides getting me up earlier than I wanted, and literally blasting me out of my bed, I feel fantastic," Ritsuko griped. "What's with the early call?"
"I'll be in the parking lot of your apartment building in one hour to pick you up," said Wheeljack. "When we get to headquarters, we need to talk. It's very important." From the tone of his voice, Ritsuko could make out that Wheeljack sounded urgent and on edge slightly.
"Ugh…fine." Hanging up, Ritsuko groaned as she rubbed the bridge of her nose before moving her hands up to her temples. Never had she thought that she would ever receive such a loud phone call in her life, but the Autobots had managed to do just that, and now she felt a slight throbbing in her head, between the music and Blaster clearly having no indoor voice.
'What else am I going to expect from these guys?' she thought to herself. Bringing her head up, Ritsuko saw the cat sitting on the pile of blankets in front of her, looking at her with big eyes and meowing softly.
"Yeah, I know. It's that time again, you're hungry and so are the others." Letting out a huge yawn, Ritsuko picked herself up off the floor, before scooping the cat into her arms. "All right, let's get you some breakfast." Ritsuko still felt tired, as she had spent much of last night going over the data Wheeljack had presented to her, in addition to additional paperwork for NERV. She had only managed to get four hours of sleep, and as much as she wanted to get some extra sleep before she truly started the day, the phone call and the cats' calling for food forced sleep out of her thoughts.
An hour passed and Ritsuko was now clad in the usual attire she wore when working at NERV. Downing the last of her coffee, she discarded the empty mug into the sink before exiting the apartment. Checking to make sure none of the cats snuck out, Ritsuko walked down to the parking lot. There she was greeted with the sight of a Lancia Stratos painted white, green, and red, the same colors as Wheeljack.
"Doctor Akagi," Wheeljack spoke, opening the driver door for the blond woman. "If you could get in please." Wordlessly acknowledging Wheeljack's request, Ritsuko climbed into the offered seat. Once her buckle was snapped on, the door closed and Wheeljack pulled out of the parking lot, driving down the near-deserted streets of Tokyo-3, which was slowly becoming abuzz with life for the coming day.
"You know the media has been all over about you ever since yesterday," Ritsuko said after a long silence. "Despite the United Nations' best attempts to cover it up, there were civilians that recorded the Ark above the skies of New York. You didn't seem that subtle about coming here."
"Well, in other circumstances we would have been much quieter about this," Wheeljack said. "But I don't think the Angels are going to be inconspicuous once they arrive, and the Decepticons especially will make their presence known as soon as they make their move. Honestly, I don't know why your government is trying to cover this all up."
"It's to keep the public from having panic attacks on a regular basis, as well as unwanted attention," Ritsuko answered. "If word gets out, we could end up dealing with a lot of media exposure, which is something Commander Ikari does not want."
"I think the public finding out about the Angels and the Evangelion units would be the least of your worries," Wheeljack said. "If they found out you were employing children to fight the Angels…"
"You know about that?!" Ritsuko yelled in surprise. Though she honestly shouldn't be that surprised. It was only a matter of time before the Autobots learned about the status of the Evangelions' pilots, but for them to learn about this before she told them…
"Last night, Elita and Magnus were respectively sent to Germany and America," Wheeljack said as he approached the car train for the Geofront. "Elita's team met the pilot for Unit-02, and Ultra Magnus' team met Doctor Marie Illustrious, who explained to us the reasons why children can only pilot your units."
"Ah…I see," Ritsuko said with a slight wince. "You move faster than we thought."
"Well, we haven't much time before the enemy arrives," said Wheeljack. "So, we'll need to get our forces together sooner rather than later."
"What did Doctor Illustrious tell you about the units?" Ritsuko asked, slightly worried about what Marie may have told the Autobots. She had met the woman several times before she left Japan, and Ritsuko knew that Marie Illustrious was never afraid of telling the truth when necessary, even if it meant getting on SEELE's, and especially Gendo's, nerves.
"Besides children piloting these units?" asked Wheeljack. "How about that there was another Angel on Earth the same time as Adam, you built the units out of their remains, and you had two test pilots who were killed because of that? Is there any particular reason why you didn't tell us this important stuff when we met yesterday?"
"We were going to eventually," Ritsuko sighed, realizing she was stuck in a spot with no way out. It was best to just tell him what he wanted to know. "We felt it best that you all be settled in first and get adjusted to working with us before we told you all of this."
"Trust me, we can adjust quickly when it's necessary," Wheeljack said, pulling out of the train once it reached the bottom of the Geofront and driving towards the headquarters.
"So it seems," Ritsuko muttered. "Did Doctor Illustrious tell Ultra Magnus' team anything else about the Evangelion units?" She knew Marie was aware of the true nature of the Evangelion units, and the last thing she would need to deal with is explaining about the 'power sources' in Units 01 and 02.
"Yes," Wheeljack answered. "She introduced her daughter Mari to Magnus' team, and she said that she's been chosen to be the Fourth Child and the pilot of Unit-05."
"What?!" Ritsuko yelled, nearly shooting out of her seat in shock. "Is this true?"
"Yeah, her file was even forwarded to us." Wheeljack's glove compartment popped open to reveal a manila envelope inside. Reaching forward Ritsuko pulled out the envelope and opened it, revealing a small pile of papers. On the top page was a picture of a girl that Ritsuko recognized in a heartbeat. During the few meetings she had with Marie, she had also met the woman's daughter, so she knew that Mari had a strong resemblance to her mother. Going further into the files she also found a picture of Evangelion Unit-05, the designated unit for Mari to pilot.
"I see now," she said after taking a breath to recompose herself. She would have to show this to Gendo immediately once she reached headquarters. "Has there been any word yet on her training with Unit-05?"
"Yes, they're planning to start her training next week," Wheeljack said as he pulled into the garage, where Ritsuko was greeted with the sight of Ratchet, Bumblebee, Optimus, and Star Saber. There was also another Autobot with them. He stood the tallest of the group, towering over Star Saber, who was taller than Optimus himself. He was clad in bulky yellow and gray armor, and his face was covered in a black mask, looking over the place with red eyes.
"Grimlock!" Wheeljack voiced in minor surprise upon seeing the Dinobot leader in the Geofront. "What are you doing here?"
"I got tired of being on the Ark," Grimlock answered shortly. "And I want to see these Evangelion toys myself."
"They're not toys," Ritsuko huffed as she stepped out of Wheeljack's vehicle mode, allowing him to transform into robot mode. "They're weapons to be used in our war against the Angels, outfitted with the most state of the art technology NERV has."
"Until I see them being used, then they're nothing but toys," Grimlock stated, crossing his arms in front of him.
"Who is this?" Ritsuko asked with a sigh.
"Doctor Akagi, this is Grimlock," Star Saber introduced the massive Autobot. "He's the leader of the Dinobots, one of our most effective and powerful Autobot combat units. Grimlock, this is Ritsuko Akagi, the head scientist of NERV's Japanese branch."
"You're the scientist?" Grimlock asked with a downwards glance to Ritsuko, who answered with a nod. The Dinobot leader looked at her with narrowed eyes for several moments before grunting. "Don't get any ideas." Turning around, he walked over to the lifts and stood there, waiting for the other Autobots to join him.
"What did he mean by that?" Ritsuko asked, looking confused and annoyed by Grimlock's attitude.
"Grimlock has had…well, let's just say a less than pleasant experience with scientists back on Cybertron," Star Saber explained, giving the Dinobot a sympathetic look. "His entire team were experimented on by the Decepticons' head scientist Shockwave. Suffice to say, he has a strong dislike for scientists. The only ones he really trusts are Wheeljack and Snarl."
"And given your work with the Evangelion units and the Angels likely require a field in biology, you would be likely interested in knowing about the Cybertronian body?" Ratchet asked.
"Oh, well…a little," Ritsuko answered, taken aback slightly by Ratchet's question. "You seem much different from the Angels and I would certainly like to take a better look at you once I have the time."
"If you do, then don't ask to look at Grimlock," Bumblebee warned. "He will tear you in half if you try to examine him for science." Ritsuko looked over to Grimlock and made brief eye contact with him. The Dinobot leader shot a small glare at the blond woman, who stepped back slightly. The build of his body and the aura around him gave off an intimidation that, if possible, could rival Gendo's intimidation factor.
"I'll remember that," she said instantly, turning her gaze to the Autobot leader. "I understand you've been filled in on the status of the Evangelion units."
"Yes, Ultra Magnus and Elita-One have informed us last night," Optimus answered. "As I'm sure you may realize Dr. Akagi, we have much to discuss."
"I understand," Ritsuko said with a small nod. "We'll talk, but I have to speak with Commander Ikari first about the Fourth Child."
"Try and make it quick," said Star Saber. "Later today Optimus and I are going to meet with the JSSDF."
"…All right," Ritsuko said before walking briskly for the elevator. Things were changing faster than she expected them to, and Gendo would have to know in order to adjust the scenario. And given what was in the folder she was about to show him, then these adjustments would most likely be more difficult to deal with than the Autobots.
"By the way," Wheeljack asked the Autobots, "how were you able to get Grimlock here without attracting much attention?"
"Well, it was still early morning, so we were able to get Grimlock here without having the humans see us," Bumblebee explained. "He came in through the lift for air transportation."
"As for how we brought him here…" Star Saber chuckled weakly, remembering from an hour ago...
FLASHBACK
Star Saber grunted as he flew in the skies of Tokyo-3 towards the lift to the Geofront used for aircraft. Grimlock sat on the back of his vehicle mode, clutching the sides so he wouldn't slide off by accident. Since Star Saber and Grimlock were the two biggest Autobots, it was nearly easy for the Autobot second-in-command to carry the Dinobot leader in vehicle mode. The key word being 'nearly', as while Grimlock as big as Star Saber, that didn't mean he was of equal weight.
"Next time…can't you just use…a jetpack?!" he gasped under the weight.
"Shut up and accelerate!" Grimlock shouted. "You can take it, can't you?"
"Good grief…" Star Saber groaned. There just had to be an easier way of doing this.
END FLASHBACK
In the suburban parts of Tokyo-3, Hot Rod and Kup continued sitting in the parking lot outside Misato's apartment building. Both of them were waiting for Misato to come out so they could bring her to NERV. While Kup waited patiently, Hot Rod was slowly growing irritated.
"Dear Primus, how long is Misato going to sleep?" the rookie asked. "It's 8:35, and you think she would be up by now. Are you sure Blaster gave her the wake-up call?"
"Patience lad," Kup told Hot Rod. "It takes humans a while to get ready for a busy day, so you shouldn't rush her."
"Yeah I know," Hot Rod sighed. While it seemed like it would be some fun to be partnered with Misato since she seemed like a good person to be around, there wasn't really much fun to be had when sitting in a parking lot and unable to enter the apartment. A few minutes passed and the two Autobots were soon greeted with the sight of Misato walking out of the building, swaying slightly as she made her way to them. As she got closer, Hot Rod and Kup noticed she was holding a can of Yebisu beer in her hand.
"Hey guys!" she called out, walking over to Hot Rod's side. "So, ready to go?"
"We have been for a while," Hot Rod said as he opened his top to let Misato in. "Did you get the wake-up call?"
"Oh yeah, and let me tell you, that Blaster guy seems really great!" Misato answered. "A little too loud though, and he could do with getting less generic rock music to play." Kup and Hot Rod silently agreed as they drove out into the city for the nearest car train terminal. Blaster was important to the Autobots for his skills as communications chief, but he clearly never heard of volume control whenever he blared out his speakers.
"You know, I think I could get used to this," Misato commented as Hot Rod drove through the streets, propping her feet up on the dashboard. "Being driven around by an alien car, no need to drive, able to down a cold one without the cops on my tail."
'Oh brother,' Kup groaned mentally. "Should you really be drinking beer in the morning, and before you go into work?"
"Yeah, Misato. I may be a fun-loving Autobot, but I know better than to get over-energized when I'm on the job," Hot Rod agreed.
"Over-what?" asked Misato.
"Over-energized," Kup repeated. "It's the Cybertronian term for getting drunk."
"Ha! Really?!" Misato asked with a loud laugh. "You guys – giant alien robots – can actually drink beer?"
"No, we drink Energon," Kup corrected her. "But we can still experience the feelings one gets when drunk. So with that being said, is it really a good idea to be drinking alcoholic beverages in the morning before you go to work?"
"Hey, I'll have you know that traditional Japanese start off the morning with white rice, miso soup, and sake!" Misato argued. "Besides, drinking Yesibu is quite calming."
"You don't look like a traditional Japanese woman to me," said Hot Rod. "And I've been reading enough of Japan history to know them. Plus, if you want to drink something that's calming, maybe you should do it after a hard day's work."
"Please," Misato scoffed. "You guys are going to find out real quick that working at NERV is always stressful, and will make the average human crave a beer."
"Wait, so you usually drink alcohol all the time?!" Kup asked in surprise. "That may not be good for your health, or your mind! You should always have a sharp mind if you're going to be the Director of Operations, and I doubt all that alcohol will help you with decision making."
"What are you, my dad?" Misato griped. She didn't really mind the Autobots much, but did they really have to take jabs at her drinking when they just met her?
"No, but as a fellow soldier who spent years helping coordinate battles, I know that a sharp and alert mind is necessary when making strategic decisions," said Kup. "You should really think about cutting back on the drinking if you want to perform your duties fully."
"Yeah, I'll think about it," Misato sighed dismissively, if only to end the current conversation. "So, was there anything else you needed to talk about?"
"Yeah, why did you not tell us that the Evangelion pilots were going to be children?" asked Hot Rod. "Our teams in Germany and America learned about this last night shortly after arriving to the bases and told us almost immediately."
Misato sighed, realizing this conversation was inevitable. "We weren't sure how you were going to take this. Trust me, a lot of the staff doesn't like this, myself included. I was those kids' age when Second Impact." She took a deep breath as she shook slightly from the unpleasant memories. "But we don't have much of a choice but to accept it."
"That's pretty much what Optimus said as well," Kup sighed.
"So, you have a team in Germany, huh?" Misato asked, Hot Rod and Kup boarding the train for the Geofront. "Did they meet Asuka yet?"
"Yes, Elita's team met her upon arriving," Kup answered. "From what they've told us about her, she seems like quite the handful."
"Hey, I did warn them about her. I feel sorry for whoever was made her guardian after I left," Misato said, taking another sip from her beer.
"They did meet her guardian as well," said Hot Rod. "Some Japanese man who works with NERV as a special inspector. His name is Ryoji Kaji."
PRROOOSSSHHH! Misato spat out her beer, the drink splattering all over Hot Rod's dashboard.
"UGH!" Hot Rod groaned at the sudden action. "Gross!"
"Wha-cough-What did-cough, cough-you just say?!" Misato asked between coughs, surprise in her eyes at what she just heard from Hot Rod.
"Ryoji Kaji," Kup repeated. "That's the name of Asuka's guardian." Misato eyes widened to the size of baseballs before they narrowed in annoyance and disgust. There were several things that could ruin Misato's good mood almost instantly. Hearing the name Kup just spoke was high on that list.
"You have GOT to be kidding me!" she voiced. "He's Asuka's guardian?! And he's also an inspector for NERV?!"
"You know him?"
"Of course I know him!" Misato yelled angrily. "He's the king of machos! An egocentric, chauvinistic, womanizing jackass! Argh, I thought I got rid of that idiot years ago!"
"…He's your ex-boyfriend, isn't he?" Hot Rod asked, figuring out the meaning behind Misato's rant.
"Please, for the love of God, don't!" Misato groaned and hit her head on the steering wheel. "What was the Commander thinking?! Making Kaji an inspector, as well as Asuka's guardian?!"
'Yep, ex-boyfriend,' Hot Rod thought to himself as he drove towards headquarters with Kup. Before long, the two Autobots pulled into the parking lot, where they saw two men and a woman nearby. Recognizing the people, Misato climbed out of Hot Rod's vehicle mode and walked over to greet them.
"Morning, everybody!"
"Captain Katsuragi!" Makoto Hyuga, a young man with short black hair and glasses greeted his superior upon seeing her. "Good morning to you as well!"
"You seem to be early for once," Shigeru Aoba, a man with shoulder-length brown hair, said with a glance to Misato's old blue car, which was still in its spot from yesterday. "We saw your car when we came in."
"My car?" Misato asked, looking over to see her old car. "Oh! That!" She let out a small chuckle. "Actually, my car's been here since last night. I just came in."
"You mean you walked all the way here?!" asked Maya Ibuki, a woman with short brown hair and surprised expression on her face. "What happened to your car? Did it break down?!"
"I wouldn't be surprised if it did," Aoba said, noting the numerous dents all over the blue frame. "Given how you drive, it looks like it was only a matter of time before it gave out on you."
"Ha, ha!" Misato laughed. "I'll have you know I got a new car. One that's faster than my last one, and much more fashionable! And it's right over there." She gestured to the red car with the flame job, situated near a green pickup truck.
"Woah!" Hyuga exclaimed, eyes widening at the sight of the car. "Look at this thing! It's amazing!"
"Nice," Aoba said with a whistle. "Definitely an upgrade from your old jalopy. How many paychecks did that cost you?"
"Actually, I got it free of charge," Misato answered with a grin.
"Well, I think it's an amazing car!" Maya said, walking over to get a closer look. "I don't think I've seen a car like this in my life! And look at these hubcaps, they're the most shiny hubcaps I've ever seen! Are these stainless steel?"
"What kind of car is this anyway?" asked Hyuga.
"So, you want to know?" Misato asked, her grin never leaving. Turning to the car and truck, she called out to them. "Show them, boys!" In an instant, the car and truck transformed, revealing Hot Rod and Kup's robot modes to the three NERV employees.
"Wha-wha-WHAT?!" Maya yelled, falling on her rear end and scooting away in complete surprise.
"Holy shit!" Aoba gasped, eyes widened in shock. Hyuga said nothing as he took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't hallucinating, equally shocked as Aoba and Maya. "What the hell is this?!"
"These are the Autobots!" Misato introduced them. "Well, two of them at least. Meet Hot Rod and Kup!"
"Autobots?" Maya asked, her mind racing as she recalled what she saw on the news and the Internet this morning when preparing for work. The news of giant alien robots appearing in New York in a giant spaceship over the United Nations building, and the rumors of the same ship appearing over the forests near Tokyo-3 in the early evening hours yesterday. "You mean these are the robots that have been on the news since yesterday?"
"That's right," Misato nodded. "They came here to help us fight the Angels, and these other robots called the Decepticons."
"Really, more giant robots?" Aoba asked skeptically. "Don't you think we have enough of those?"
"Well, technically, we're not robots," said Kup. "The full term for Autobot is autonomous robotic organism."
"You mean you're living robots?!" Maya asked in astonishment, picking herself up off the ground. "That sounds amazing!"
"How were you guys able to turn into cars?" asked Hyuga, who was equally amazed at the sight before him.
"Can we at least know who you guys are first?" Hot Rod asked as he knelt down in front of the humans. "Do you know these guys Misato?"
"Yeah, they work in the command center of Central Dogma," Misato answered. "This is Makoto Hyuga, Shigeu Aoba, and Maya Ibuki. They all hold the rank of first lieutenant."
"Good to meet you," Hot Rod said to the three. "So, what exactly do you guys do?"
"Well, we work as technicians, but I also do extra work for Captain Katsuragi," Hyuga replied. "And Maya also works as Doctor Akagi's assistant."
"What about you?" Kup asked Aoba. "You have an extra position in this place?"
"Eh, not really," Aoba replied with a shrug. "I just do the work I was given and not much else. The pay isn't that bad all things considered."
"Okay then," Hot Rod gave a shrug of his own. "So if this means we're going to be working together again, maybe you could tell us more about you?"
"Uh…s…sure!" Maya said, still not completely over her shock at seeing two cars transform into living robots before her. And something told her there would be more like the two of them, and she would be seeing them sooner than expected. This would really take some getting used to.
Ritsuko exited the elevator and quickly walked to the door to Gendo's office, hoping that he was already in his office. Though considering how he was nearly in his office, it was a given. Ritsuko couldn't recall the last time she saw Gendo leave for his own apartment. Opening the door, she saw Gendo sitting at his desk, a Mahjong board in front of him as he played a game with Fuyutsuki, who sat on the other side of the desk.
"Doctor Akagi," Gendo greeted, looking up when he heard the sound of his door open. "Is there something you wish to discuss with us?"
"Yes, and it's extremely important," Ritsuko answered, walking up to the desk and dropping the folder on the Mahjong board. "The Fourth Child has been selected."
"Already?!" Fuyutsuki voiced in surprise, Gendo's eyebrows raising slightly to this news. "We haven't brought in the Third Child yet."
"Her file is in that folder," Ritsuko gestured to the manila object now in front of Gendo. "I should warn you, it's a shock." Eyes narrowing at Ritsuko's warning, Gendo picked up the folder and opened it. What he saw caused him to actually gasp. Ritsuko was right as what he saw was indeed a shock.
"This is…Mari?!"
"What?!" Standing up from his chair, Fuyutsuki walked over to Gendo and saw the picture himself. He recognized the girl in an instant, much like Gendo. "When did this happen?!"
"After leaving headquarters last night, the Autobots sent two teams to Germany and America," Ritsuko began explaining. "The team in America made contact with Marie Illustrious, and she told them about the Evangelion units, and her daughter accepting to be the Fourth Child. She's chosen the Evangelion Unit-05 as her unit."
"What did she tell them about the Evangelions?" Gendo asked, a slight edge to his voice. Ritsuko hadn't heard Gendo like this ever, but she supposed there was a reason he looked nervous. Marie Illustrious was a woman who did not fear Gendo, and on the other side of the coin, Marie was one of few people Gendo truly did fear.
"From what Wheeljack told me, the Autobots are aware of the Evangelion units being built from what we learned from Adam and Lilith, and they also know about Lilith," she said. "However, from what they said about Lilith, they're under the impression that she was disposed of prior to Second Impact."
"Good," Fuyutsuki sighed. "I don't want to know what the Autobots would do if they learned what really happened to Lilith."
"They would no doubt tell the JSSDF," Gendo said, still not over his shock. "Were they told anything else?"
"Yes," Ritsuko said slowly, realizing what Gendo meant by his question. "They know about two test pilots being killed in attempts to pilot Units 01 and 02, but I don't think they were given names, nor were they told what really happened to them."
"I see," Gendo said, regaining his composure. "I knew the Autobots had arrived in Germany as our agent there contacted me, but to think they would succeed in making contact with Marie…"
"What exactly do we do now?" asked Ritsuko. "Now that her daughter is a pilot, Marie will undoubtedly lobby hard to be transferred here."
"Then we'll have them transferred once Mari's training is complete and the Second and Third Child has arrived," said Gendo.
"Just like that?" Fuyutsuki asked with a raised eyebrow. "You mean you're not going to try and deny the inevitable request?"
"If it isn't me, then the Autobots will authorize it," Gendo replied. "I do not want to have any more surprises from them." He turned his gaze to Ritsuko. "Inform Captain Katsuragi of the Fourth Child if the Autobots have not told her yet. She will need to know as Operations Director."
"At once." Ritsuko collected the folder and walked out of the office, leaving Gendo and Fuyutsuki to themselves.
"This is a massive risk here," Fuyutsuki warned his superior. "You know Marie didn't part from us on good terms. There's also the matter that she will eventually come into contact with Rei."
"And when she does, we will show her what we have been planning and bring her into the fold," Gendo replied, returning to his cold and calculating persona. "Marie was as close to Yui as I was. She would never turn down the opportunity to be reunited with her."
"Don't be so sure," said Fuyutsuki. "I taught Marie along with Yui and Kyoko, so I knew her really well. She would not go along with what we are planning, even if it means being with Yui again. There's a strong chance she could go to the Autobots with this."
"She won't." Gendo stood up from his chair and looked out his window at the view of the Geofront. "I know Marie as well as you Professor, and she'll be smart enough to know that the Autobots won't be able to afford to go to war with us or SEELE, as their hands will already be full dealing with the Decepticons and the Angels. By the time they'll get any word of Instrumentality, it will be too late to stop it."
'Always sure as ever Gendo,' Fuyutsuki thought with a mental sigh. He had known Gendo ever since Yui introduced them to each other before during their years in college, and in the years that have passed, he took note of how Gendo always planned for everything in the long-term, believing it will all go to plan. But years of experience and observing have made Fuyutsuki realize that long-term plans could always be affected by unexpected circumstances, the Autobots being the prime example. It was obviously something Gendo was unable to always realize himself. And it was a flaw that could very well lead to the fall of Instrumentality.
Above ground in Tokyo-3, school was currently in session. The courtyard outside the middle school was abuzz with noise as students performed exercise routines or swimming courses for their gym classes. Inside the school, other students were in class or study hall, learning for their future or talking amongst themselves.
In Class 2-A, first period was halfway through, but nearly all the students were bored by the history course. Almost every day the teacher would just talk about the tragedy of Second Impact, and how it affected the economy and the state of affairs across all the nations of the world. All of them had their computers open as they read what was on their screens. Or as it seemed. Some of them pretended to read when they were really bored or annoyed by the same old subject, and others were secretly messaging each other or other students in the school. Even Hikari Horaki, a freckled girl with twin tails, and the class representative of 2-A, couldn't help but look bored herself despite having her eyes on the computer screen. As much as she often paid attention in class, even she was wondering why history was often all about Second Impact.
The only one who wasn't looking at her computer or doing anything on it was Rei Ayanami, who simply looked out the window to see the buildings of Tokyo-3 in the distance. Being a senior member of the NERV staff as the First Child and pilot of Unit-00, as well as having Commander Ikari as her guardian and caretaker, she knew the truth behind the events of Second Impact but was forbidden to tell it to anyone outside of NERV.
As class went on, Kensuke Aida, a sandy-haired boy with glasses, typed on his computer with an eager look on his face. A camera in his schoolbag had been hooked up to his computer, and Kensuke was attaching images to the screen he was typing on. Once he was finished, he clicked on the 'SEND' button, and waited for a response. Looking up from his computer, Kensuke saw a notification pop up on the computer screen of his classmate and friend, Toji Suzuhara, a dark brown haired boy who sat two rows away from him. Looking that the notification came from Kensuke, Toji clicked on it and saw images of a giant golden ship over the United Nations and the Autobots in New York. Scrolling down further Toji read what Kensuke had typed.
Dude! Check out these pictures that have been circulating on the Internet since last night, it's crazy!
Yeah, I've seen it as well, Toji typed in response. I'm pretty sure we've all seen it.
These aren't fake at all, they are actual alien robots from space! I actually talked to my dad about it, and he said that they'll be working with NERV! Can you believe it?!
It's not that big of a deal, they're just giant robots. Doesn't NERV have those already?
Not these kinds. They're actual aliens that walk and talk, and they even transform into vehicles! It's frigging awesome!
Your point? Toji sighed as he continued messaging with Kensuke. It figured Kensuke would be talking about this non-stop even in class. He was an absolute military nut, loving everything about it from vehicles to weapons. Kensuke's father worked at NERV as a technician on the low levels, so he knew about the Evangelion units.
My point, came Kensuke's response, is that the alien ship was spotted early last night landing in the forests outside Tokyo-3. Nobody has been able to find it yet, and it's something I want to do!
Let me guess. You want me to come along?
Yeah! We don't have school tomorrow, so it's a perfect opportunity to go hiking and find it. Don't tell me you're not interested in seeing transforming robots up close, and an actual spaceship.
Maybe not as much as you. But I can't come. My dad's meeting with a construction company in Tokyo-2 tomorrow. He'll be gone all weekend, meaning I'll have to stay home and watch my sister.
Just bring Sakura with you then. Kids love giant robots!
I wouldn't say that about all kids. But there's no way I'm putting Sakura in danger. Go by yourself!
Come on, dude! This could be a huge opportunity. Besides, those guys don't look harmless at all. I don't think they'd hurt kids.
You're not going to let this be until I agree, are you?
Maybe.
All right, fine! I'll come with you, and Sakura will be with me. But if this goes wrong and she gets hurt, you'll be sharing a hospital room with her. Got it?!
Yes! Kensuke typed with a gulp. Once the message was sent, Kensuke and Toji both received a message from Hikari, who glanced at them over her shoulder with a small glare. Clicking on the message, both Toji and Kensuke saw what it read.
Could you two at least PRETEND that you're paying attention?! Your conversation is being seen by the entire class!
"What?!" Kensuke yelped and looked up to see that in his excitement he sent his original message not only to Toji, but to the rest of the class as well. Looking around, the two boys saw that everybody was looking at them with looks of curiosity and excitement. "Oops."
"Sorry, class rep…" Toji stammered in slight embarrassment.
"Honestly," Hikari sighed as she turned her attention back to the teacher. As the class resumed, Rei's eyes lingered on the images of the Autobots, the new allies in NERV's battles against the Angels. Like many others, Rei found herself…intrigued by the Autobots. They were clearly alien in origin like the Angels, but their physiology and interactions with humanity was nothing like the Angels. She was hardly phased or surprised by anything. All her life, Rei had been around much of the unnatural and unknown as the First Child and Commander Ikari's ward. Her life was even unnatural, especially how she came to be. But the arrival of the Autobots was something that had actually left her surprised a little bit. As she continued studying the images before her, Rei's mind lingered to last night's dinner with the commander.
FLASHBACK
"Commander Ikari?"
"Yes, Rei?" Gendo asked as he looked up from his dinner. "What is it?"
"I have a question about the Autobots that recently arrived," Rei answered. "Is it true that we will be working with them to fight the Angels?"
"Yes, it's true," Gendo sighed with resignation. "In addition to the Angels, there will be more enemies. The Decepticons, who hail from the same planet as the Autobots."
"Are you worried that they will affect your scenario?"
"Hardly," Gendo answered, chewing on a piece of his steak. "They cannot possibly comprehend the Angels' power. All will go to plan."
"If we will be working together, then does that mean I should meet them?" asked Rei. "Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki suggested that it would be best that I get to know them."
"Hmp," Gendo grunted as he ate another piece of steak. "It's best to let them be unless they insist otherwise Rei. They have enough work to deal with, so they will likely not have time to socialize. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I do," Rei nodded.
END FLASHBACK
Though Rei was still curious, she chose not to give it much thought for now. Commander Ikari was her superior, and anything he said was the final word.
"You know, yesterday when I got a good look at Unit-01, I was really creeped out by it, like it was staring right back at me," Bumblebee told Ritsuko as he looked right at Unit-00's cycloptic eye. "Now that I know what these things are made out of, I'm even more creeped by it."
"I already hate this thing," Grimlock growled as he looked at the orange Evangelion unit himself. "Just look at that eye. It reminds me too much of Shockwave." Just thinking about the Decepticon scientist made the Dinobot clench his fists repeatedly, a strong desire to punch the eye with all of his strength.
"Please try not to smash it Grimlock," Ratchet sighed, knowing what Grimlock was planning. "We'll need this thing fully intact when the time comes."
"I know how you feel," Ritsuko said to the Autobots. "I may have been working around these things for more than a decade, but even I feel creeped by them sometimes. Fortunately, the units are of no threat unless there's a pilot sitting in the entry plug, and there's a cable inserted to give it energy."
The Autobots were currently in Unit-00's holding cage with Ritsuko, looking over it for a closer inspection. Wheeljack, Ratchet, and Bumblebee were currently on hover platforms that allowed them to reach up to any part of Unit-00 without needing to climb it. Optimus had brought them into the Geofront early this morning in his trailer. Grimlock stood on the ground with Optimus and Star Saber, looking up at the unit's inspection. Ritsuko had her own platform as well, designed for Mini-Cons.
"So how exactly is this piloted?" asked Bumblebee. "The kids just sit in the entry plugs?"
"It's more complex than that," said Ritsuko. "Because of the Angels' unworldly biomechanical nature, the pilots have a link to the Eva units. It's like their bodies grow much bigger and the Evas are essentially them."
"Then wouldn't that mean the pilots are at huge risk of being hurt?" Ratchet voiced his concern, figuring out the underlying note of Ritsuko's explanation.
"Unfortunately…yes," Ritsuko answered, not seeing the flashes of worry on the Autobots' faces. "Piloting a unit also requires a high synchronization rate between the pilot and the unit, so we've been doing synch tests with the First Child in test bodies before we prepare for her true synch test with Unit-00, which is scheduled in two days."
"Test bodies?" asked Wheeljack.
"Basically an Eva unit with no head or legs," Ritsuko answered. "Equipped with a test plug used for measuring synchronization ratios. The highest we want for combat is around 40 percent efficiency."
"Which leads to another question," Star Saber asked from below. "How exactly did you choose the children for this task? According to the reports we received from our American team, Second Impact left an energy field around the planet, meaning any child born after Second Impact has the ability to pilot an Evangelion unit."
"Yes, that is true, but even in that big a group, only a select few are truly capable of such a task," explained Ritsuko. "It's extremely rare, so in order to find the children that can do so, NERV created the Marduk Institute, a top-secret committee that finds suitable candidates."
"I see," Wheeljack said. "I guess it's lucky that one of the children chosen was the daughter of one of NERV's staff."
"Yes, that was clearly a lucky hit," Ritsuko said, though she knew it was no lucky hit. Mari had been chosen for the task long ago, but Marie refused to force Mari to be a pilot, saying she should have a right to choose. If Mari was the Fourth Child, then that meant she chose to do this. Ritsuko also knew that the rest of the pilots were already chosen, and the Marduk Institute was just a cover story. Heaven help NERV if the Autobots knew the full truth.
"I still feel this is a massive risk that should not be allowed," said Ratchet. "It's already risky having children being pilots, even if they were given a choice, but the fact that they link to the units and can feel pain…"
"Well, we have been working on a potential autopilot for the units," said Ritsuko. "But it's still just in the beginning stage. The Dummy Plug can work the Evangelion units by itself if the pilot is ever knocked unconscious or unable to perform their duties."
"As much as that sounds like a good idea since it wouldn't put the children in much danger, it still sounds like a risk," said Wheeljack. "Considering that these things are cyborgs that require a mental link as you just said, wouldn't that lead to a potential rampage if this Dummy Plug is ineffective?"
"Like I said, we're still in the beginning phase," said Ritsuko. "We haven't even started construction on it yet."
"Then maybe I could be of some assistance," Wheeljack offered. "We often use autopilots for our shuttles, and I've often had to work on them whenever they're damaged."
"It's more complicated than that," Ritsuko said, realizing the dangers coming from such an offer. "Once we have the rest of the pilots here along with Doctor Illustrious, we'll go into more details about it."
"Very well," Ratchet said, feeling the chest area of Unit-00. "Is this where the Core would be?"
"Core?" Ritsuko asked in small surprise, before realizing that Marie likely told them about it. "Yes, that's where it was located in Adam and Lilith. It serves as the primary power organ."
"And you said that the unit can only last five minutes without a cable?" asked Ratchet.
"Yes, but that's because the units lack an S2 Engine, an organ that provides the Angel with limitless energy," Ritsuko began to explain. "Second Impact was caused when Adam awoke and his S2 engine overloaded with energy."
"What?!" Wheeljack yelped at the revelation. "So does that mean if another Angel came here to Earth and blew up, it could cause another Impact?!" The other Autobots looked at Ritsuko in equal shock and worry. Even Grimlock looked disturbed at the implications.
"That's our theory right now," said Ritsuko. "We believe the reason Adam's engine overloaded was because of his long slumber, and waking up suddenly caused the energy he accumulated to be released in a massive explosion. With the Angels that are to come fully awake, their energy output won't be as high as Adam's was, so we won't worry about another Impact."
"Wait, if that's true, then how were you able to dispose of Lilith?" asked Ratchet. "Surely her S2 engine would have been brimming with energy as well."
"Yes, but Lilith was still resting when we disposed of her," Ritsuko said, coming up with an explanation on the fly. She knew the truth behind Lilith, but knew that if the Autobots found out, they would take it worse than the fact of children being Eva pilots. "So we were able to dispose of the S2 engine without much trouble."
"Why didn't you just keep it?" asked Bumblebee. "If that thing provides unlimited energy, then it could have helped with the Eva units' power dependency."
"We didn't have much thought in it beforehand," said Ritsuko. "We disposed of Lilith before Second Impact, so by the time the construction of the units began, we couldn't replicate the S2 engine. But our hope is once the Angels come, we can gain the S2 engine from one and replicate it for our Evas."
"Now those are extremely high risks!" Ratchet yelled out. "You want to put an organ filled with unstable, unlimited energy into a cyborg that you made from Angel remains, the same individuals that caused Second Impact and want to make another one?! Are you trying to save the world or end it yourselves?!"
"Uh…well…" Ritsuko said, trying to look away from the Autobot medic and realizing she just said too much. It was true that NERV was made for the purpose of stopping the Angels, but what Gendo had planned after the Angels were gone could lead to the end of the world. Gendo wanted an S2 engine for the units for his plan, but the Autobots were clearly dead set against it, and they didn't even know what Gendo was planning.
"It is illogical for anyone in NERV to want to destroy the world," a young female voice rang throughout the chamber. Though the voice was soft, it echoed throughout the chamber, as nobody had spoken at all. "NERV was created with the sole purpose of defending humanity from the Angels. There is no need for destruction." The Autobots and Ritsuko looked to the entrance of the chamber to see Rei enter, a schoolbag in her hand.
"Rei!" Ritsuko gasped as she lowered her platform to the ground, Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Ratchet following her. She had never been glad to see Rei before, as her presence allowed the scientist to turn the Autobots' attention away from the core, if only for a moment. "Did you just arrive?"
"No. I have been here for several hours now. I was departing for home when I heard the conversation as I was passing by the chamber," Rei answered, stepping further into the chamber until she stopped in front of Optimus and looked up. When she did, she suddenly felt her eyes widen. This Autobot, who Commander Ikari said was their leader, possessed a powerful aura around him. The aura she felt was one of not just great authority and power, but also one of wisdom and compassion that she had never felt before from an individual. While the Commander always had an aura of kindness whenever he was around her, it was practically miniscule compared to Optimus Prime.
"Is this the pilot for Unit-00?" Star Saber asked Ritsuko, wishing for confirmation.
"Yes," Ritsuko nodded. "This is Rei Ayanami, the pilot for Unit-00, and the First Child, the first one to be chosen as an Eva pilot. Rei, these are the Autobots…well, some of them."
"Hello Rei," Optimus greeted the girl as he knelt down to be close to her. "My name is…"
"You are Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots," Rei said, a blank look on her face. "Commander Ikari informed me of who you are, and that you will be our allies in our war against the Angels, and your enemies, the Decepticons."
"Yeah, that's true," Bumblebee said as he stepped forward. Being the smallest of the Autobots, he was as tall as Rei and Ritsuko if former was standing on the latter's shoulders. "I'm Bumblebee."
"Why are you called Bumblebee?" Rei asked, her eyes looking up and down over the yellow Autobot. "You do not seem to bear a resemblance to one."
"Well…it was the name I was given when my spark came to existence," Bumblebee answered.
"Spark?" asked Rei.
"It is our 'Core', for Angel terms," said Wheeljack. "And for human terms, it's our heart."
"Really?" Ritsuko asked, her curiosity peaking. "Now I'm really interested in seeing the insides of a Cybertronian sometime." A loud stomp from behind shook her, and she looked up to see Grimlock glaring deeply at her.
"You try looking inside me, and you'll regret it! Got it?!"
"Y-yes!" Ritsuko said with a quick gulp, remembering Wheeljack's early warning of Grimlock's dislike of scientists and experimentation.
"Anyway Rei, I hope we can get to know each other while we're here," Bumblebee said as he looked at Rei again.
"I am sorry, but that cannot be possible," said Rei. "Commander Ikari has insisted that I let you be. You have much work to do here and have not much time for social interaction. We will work together, but only if it is on a mission."
"Oh, that won't be a problem," Wheeljack insisted otherwise. "While it is true that we will have a lot of work to do here, we'll also have plenty of time to get to know each other here."
"I see," Rei simply replied. The longer Bumblebee was around her, the more he noticed Rei did not seem to have a change in her facial expression, her face still looking emotionless and stoic. And her voice did not raise whenever she spoke, but despite her soft tone, it still carried enough power to be heard by everybody here. It honestly disturbed him slightly, like he was looking at a human Soundwave. But even Soundwave sounded like he had some kind of emotion in his tone, albeit a more bored-sounding monotone. 'Where did they find this girl?' he thought.
"Anyway, getting back on track," Ratchet cleared his throat. "I have to highly advise against the usage of S2 engines in the Evangelion units. There are already so many risks from using these units, but the S2 engine would be a step too far!"
"I have to agree with Ratchet," Optimus said as he looked down at Ritsuko. "I am sorry Doctor Akagi, but I cannot allow the implementation of such a possibly unstable product. It would be much safer for the pilots, as well as our staff, if an alternative power source was used to provide the Evangelion units with unlimited energy."
"Which brings me back to my original proposition of portable Energon battery packs," said Wheeljack. "It will take a while to make one without Perceptor and Hoist, but I can get started on the construction of them, and once the rest of the Autobots are back here, we can finish and install them in the units."
"Begin as soon as possible Wheeljack," said Optimus. "Doctor Akagi, I want you to work with Ratchet and Wheeljack on making battery packs, as well as possible weapons that the Eva units can use in battle."
"Yes sir," Ritsuko replied, suppressing a sigh. Gendo would not exactly be pleased, but seeing how Optimus was his equal in command, his authority was not to be ignored or questioned.
"You should consult with Commander Ikari first," Rei spoke up. "As the highest authority in NERV, he needs to give authorization for any projects."
"Normally, yes. But since Optimus and Commander Ikari are equal in command, what he says is the final word," Ritsuko said. Hearing this, Rei's eyebrows suddenly dropped in confusion.
"I beg your pardon Doctor Akagi, but what do you mean?"
"What do you mean by that?" Ritsuko asked, an eyebrow raised. "Didn't the Commander tell you last night when you had dinner? When the United Nations made the alliance between NERV and the Autobots, they gave Optimus Prime equal authority and rank with Commander Ikari. What that means is any order Optimus gives will be the same as an order given by Commander Ikari himself."
"Is this true?" Rei asked, suddenly looking surprised. "The Commander did not inform me."
"He didn't?" Ritsuko asked with her eyebrow still raised. This was an interesting revelation. Given how important Rei was to Gendo, he would tell her everything there was to know. The fact that he didn't tell her something this important was really intriguing, and Ritsuko couldn't help but wonder why.
'Worried that Optimus may have your puppet do something you don't want, Gendo?' she thought with a smirk before speaking again. "Yes, it is true Rei. This means in addition to Commander Ikari, Optimus Prime is your superior officer, so what he says goes."
"I understand," Rei replied as she looked back at Optimus, still not over her surprise. It was extremely rare to catch her off-guard like this but considering that Commander Ikari did not inform of this her last night was startling, and it made her wonder. The Commander did so much for her, told her everything she needed to know, so why not this, which was very important? This would require some thinking, and she would ask the Commander the next time she saw him. "I must take my leave now."
"Rei," Optimus spoke up. "Might I suggest one of my Autobots accompany you home?"
"That is not necessary," Rei answered. "I have been able to return home unharmed in the past without the need of an escort."
"By yourself?" asked Star Saber. "Are your parents all right with it?"
"I have no parents," said Rei. "I have Commander Ikari."
"Commander Ikari?" asked Optimus. "Is he your father?"
"No, he's Rei's guardian," Ritsuko answered for the blue-haired girl.
"My parents were killed several years after Second Impact," Rei explained. "I was left alone until Commander Ikari found me. He took me in and raised me. Shortly after he took me in, I became the First Child."
"I…see," Ratchet said, eyes narrowing at Rei's story. Something sounded off, and it was not just that Rei was talking about a tragic moment in her life, losing her parents at a young age, with little to no emotion in her voice.
"So where do Rei and Commander Ikari live?" Wheeljack inquired.
"They actually don't live together," Ritsuko answered, much to the surprise of the Autobots. "Rei has actually learned to be quite independent and can take care of herself. And because Gendo's duties as Commander of NERV require him to travel a lot around the world to the other NERV bases, he gave Rei her own apartment. She's been able to travel from here and back before by herself with no problem." Of course, there was another reason why she was trying to persuade the Autobots from taking Rei home themselves. If they saw where she lived, then it was guaranteed to make some of them very angry.
"I believe you Doctor," Optimus spoke up, "but considering how important Rei's position in NERV is, the Decepticons will undoubtedly make her a prime target for capture or assassination, and the same can be said for the other children. Therefore, I am deeming it necessary for all Evangelion pilots to have an Autobot assigned to them for protection. That is an order."
"I…I understand sir," Ritsuko said, suppressing a wince. The fallout from this decision would truly put Gendo and Optimus at odds with each other.
"If you deem it necessary Commander Prime, then I shall accept protection," Rei said. It confused her why she needed protection since she knew Commander Ikari always had several Section 2 agents stationed near her residence just in case, but Optimus Prime was now her superior as well, so she chose to simply accept any orders or decisions he made. Rei had learned at a young age to always obey almost any order given. Almost being the key word, as she would never carry out an order if it meant harming a child like her.
"You do not have to call me Commander if you do not want to Rei," Optimus said, looking down at the young girl. "You can call me 'Optimus Prime', or 'Optimus', if you wish. Do not think of me as your superior, but your friend."
"Friend…?" Rei asked, nearly surprised by the warm tone Optimus addressed her with. The Commander had always seemed to have a warm tone in his voice as well whenever he talked to her, but there was always a small hint of coldness underneath it. But Optimus and the other Autobots, including Grimlock who kept his distance, seemed to be friendly to her with no hostility, which confused her as she had only met them.
"So, who's going to take her home?" asked Wheeljack. "I wouldn't mind, but I have work to do here."
"I'll do it," Grimlock volunteered, stepping forward with heavy footsteps. "I'm getting sick of this creepy place and I'd rather be anywhere else."
"Grimlock, no offense, but your alternate mode is not exactly good for blending in with the environment, and we want to try and not cause panic," Ratchet said otherwise.
"What's wrong with his alternate mode?" Ritsuko inquired. She had never seen Grimlock transform yet, so she was curious what he turned into.
"Originally, I turned into a tank, but after Shockwave got his hands on me and my team…" Slamming his fists into the floor, Grimlock began transforming. When his transformation was complete, Ritsuko and even Rei stumbled back in shock as they were looking right at a robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex that towered over all the other Autobots. At full height, he was as big as an Eva unit's foot. "…this is what I turn into."
"I-I-I-" Ritsuko stammered, staring up with wide eyes. "I can see now why they call you a 'Dinobot.'"
"Dinobot," Rei whispered, feeling awe in a rare moment.
"Yes, originally Grimlock could only transform if he was extremely angered, but after Snarl managed to repair him after the Chaar Strike, he is able to transform at will," Wheeljack said as Grimlock transformed back into his robot mode.
"Which is why I feel Grimlock would not be an ideal choice to be Rei's guardian," Ratchet voiced to Optimus. "He is one of our most powerful soldiers, but his T-Rex mode would cause some unrest among the populace."
"I agree," Optimus nodded. "I am sorry Grimlock, but I'm afraid you cannot be Rei's guardian."
"Fine," Grimlock growled in acceptance.
"I can take her home," Bumblebee offered. "Figure since I can't watch Misato, I could watch Rei."
"Of course," Optimus accepted the offer. "Rei, will you accept Bumblebee?" Recovering from her small shock over seeing Grimlock as a dinosaur, she looked up and down at Bumblebee, as if analyzing him before answering.
"Yes. I shall accept him."
"Well, let's roll then!" Bumblebee transformed into his Volkswagen mode and opened his side door. "Hop in Rei!" The blue-haired pilot walked over and stepped into the car. Once she was buckled in, Bumblebee drove out of the chamber.
"Speaking of departures Optimus, we should head over to Tokyo-2 ourselves," said Star Saber. "We're due to meet with the JSSDF in a half-hour."
"I'm coming with you," Grimlock said. "Like I said, I'm getting sick of being in here."
"All right," Star Saber sighed, accepting that he would have to carry Grimlock again in his jet mode, and that Grimlock would not accept no for an answer this time.
"And on that note, I should find my assistant Maya and give her an update," Ritsuko said, following the three Autobots out of the chamber, leaving Ratchet and Wheeljack to themselves. Once alone, Wheeljack looked over to the medic and saw his face formed a contemplative look, as if thinking about something.
"Ratchet? Is something on your mind?"
"Yes, I have this feeling," Ratchet answered. "Rei said that Commander Ikari took her in shortly after her parents died, and right after that, she became the First Child. Perhaps it's just some paranoia from being around Red Alert, or maybe I've been around long enough to get these feelings, but don't you think this sounds like too much of a coincidence?"
"What, are you saying that Rei's parents were killed so NERV could make her a pilot?" Wheeljack incredulously asked. "From what I've seen so far of Gendo Ikari, he may look unreasonable at times, and he does have some cold exterior, but I don't think he'd be the type of person to kill someone and take their child for himself. Besides, you heard what Doctor Akagi said about this Marduk Institute. They chose Rei to be a pilot, and she clearly made her choice."
"Perhaps, but we don't know much about the pilots ourselves," said Ratchet. "We don't even know who the Third Child is. We should have Nightbeat and Prowl look into this. I've been around enough people and organizations to know when something is off, and NERV is clearly off."
"We'll talk with Optimus about it when we get back to the Ark," Wheeljack said. He normally didn't want to jump to conclusions, but what he learned today about the Evangelions and what the staff had planned for them so far was enough to give him a sinking feeling that perhaps not everything in NERV was up to standard.
Behind a corner, Ritsuko placed her back up against the wall, having heard the entire conversation. Once she heard enough, she began walking briskly, her mind a flurry of emotions and thoughts. Ever since she woke up this morning and came to NERV, a nervous feeling had been growing and growing, and now it reached a point where she felt afraid for herself and the future of NERV. The Autobots were becoming suspicious and were planning an investigation. If the full truth was ever discovered, she, Gendo, Fuyutsuki, and everybody involved in the scenario could very well face extreme repercussions. Gendo assured her that the Autobots couldn't be able to stop them, but the Autobots were clearly a tight-knit and organized group, more than NERV itself or even the JSSDF, and nothing would deviate them from this course. Her only hope was once the Angels started their arrivals and the Decepticons came into the scene, it would divert their attention away from the shady dealings of NERV.
"Doctor Akagi!"
"AAGHH!" Ritsuko yelled in surprise from a voice speaking from behind her. Dropping the papers she had in her hands and whirling around, the bleach-blond looked with a wild-eyed expression to see Maya and Misato standing in front of her, both of them startled by her sudden yell and action.
"Ritsu? You doing okay?" Misato asked her old college friend. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Sorry," Ritsuko said, picking up her dropped papers. "I was lost in thought and didn't hear you coming up."
"Again?" Maya asked with a giggle. "That seems to happen to you a bit."
"Yes, I guess so," Ritsuko said, forcing a small laugh herself. "The Autobots have seen more of Unit-00, and they also met Rei."
"I can only wonder how they took being around her," Misato said. She had met the girl a few times, and she was an enigma. The girl barely said much and there was some air of mystery around her. Even people like the Autobots would take her strange at first glance.
"I don't know if they gave her personality much thought, they just greeted her and treated her like a friend," Ritsuko said. "Optimus also appointed Bumblebee to be Rei's Autobot guardian, to protect her from potential Decepticon attacks."
"While we're on the subject of guardians, I wanted to talk to the Commander about something," Misato said, her grin dropping like a rock. "What the hell is he thinking when he made Kaji an inspector for NERV, and not to mention Asuka's guardian after I left Germany?"
"Oh…that," Ritsuko sighed, knowing what her friend meant. "Kaji had actually been employed by NERV for several years now. In fact, he was hired a year after you were brought into the fold."
"And you knew about this?" Misato huffed. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I knew you wouldn't take it well," Ritsuko explained. "Seeing how any mention or the sight of him pisses you off, it would be best to just let it be."
"Well, it may not be that way for long," Misato grunted. "If Asuka is transferred here, then that dummkopf will likely come as well!"
"Speaking of transfer, the selection of the Fourth Child has been made," Ritsuko said as she showed Misato and Maya the folder holding Mari's information. "She and her unit will be brought here with Unit-03 and Unit-04, as well as Doctor Illustrious, once her training is complete and Asuka has arrived."
"Doctor Illustrious will be coming here?!" Maya asked, her voice carrying surprise and a little excitement. She had always admired Ritsuko and looked up to her, but she also held some admiration for Marie Illustrious. Next to Ritsuko, she was the top scientist of NERV, and Maya wanted to learn from the best so she could be a great scientist herself someday.
"Eventually," said Ritsuko. "Maya, I want you to take these files Wheeljack gave me," she handed her the tablet Wheeljack gave her the night before, "and upload them to the MAGI. There are some designs and improvements that could greatly aid in upgrading the Evangelion units."
"If that's all I'm needed for, then I'm leaving for today," Misato said, walking away from the two women. "Never before have I really needed a freaking drink until today!"
"Is Captain Katsuragi okay?" Maya asked in slight concern, watching Misato walk into the nearest elevator.
"She's still suffering from a heart that was broken years ago," Ritsuko simply answered. "A heart she broke herself." She knew Misato always regretted dumping Kaji in their final years of college, even if she never admitted it. In all honesty, she hoped this upcoming transfer would allow Misato and Ryoji to patch things up. They deserved some happiness before the scenario came to a head. That is, if the Autobots never found out about it.
Bumblebee drove down the roads of Tokyo-3, Rei giving him directions to her apartment building from her place in the passenger's seat. As he drove, he noticed that the noise around him throughout the city – people talking, music playing, cars driving and blaring horns, and various animal sounds – slowly faded as he arrived in a dark and old section of town. He started slowing down as he took in the sight around him. The road he was driving on was heavily worn and cracked, with holes littering it, a reason for his slow drive. But that was just the start. The streetlights were turned on and offered some illumination. Some being the key word, as many of them were bent and twisted, and those that worked flickered on occasion.
Telephone and power cables littered the sidewalks, which were cracked themselves and had weeds growing out of them. Many of the poles that the cables used to be on were torn down, resting like fallen trees. The apartment blocks looked to be in poor condition as well, with graffiti heavily adorning the walls, and the parts that weren't painted had overgrown vegetation on them. Some of them even looked like they were only half-complete, with abandoned construction vehicles nearby.
'Dear Primus, this looks like something out of Praxus,' Bumblebee thought to himself in complete shock, remembering the worst city on Cybertron. Initially a nice place to live in, Praxus became a slum of the worst kind during the War, with criminals practically running the place. And that led to another thing Bumblebee noticed: The area was practically abandoned. As he approached the building Rei pointed out, he noticed that there were no humans to be seen anywhere. None of the apartments in the buildings that looked even remotely intact had no lights on, no life to be detected anywhere.
"Uh…Rei?" he asked his passenger as he came to a stop at the building before him. "Are you sure you didn't give me the wrong directions?"
"No, this is the correct destination," Rei answered stoically. "I live in Apartment 402 in this building."
"Are you sure?" Bumblebee repeated his question, feeling uncomfortable about the whole setting before him.
"Yes, I am sure," Rei said as she climbed out of Bumblebee. "This is the place Commander Ikari gave me when he noticed I could live on my own."
"If you say so," Bumblebee said, the uncomfortable feeling never leaving him as he watched Rei enter the building. As the time passed, he couldn't help but take another look at the area around him, and feel sick. He started taking back what he said about this place being like Praxus. At least Praxus looked inviting, even when it fell into crime and corruption. But this place did not seem that way at all. It gave off an aura that made people not want to live here at all. He had only known Gendo Ikari for two days, but already he had a low opinion of the man. He was supposedly Rei's guardian who took her in and raised her after her parents died, and this was the best he could offer her for living space? Was her apartment even in good condition for her to be in?!
"Ah, the heck with it!" Transforming into his robot mode, Bumblebee walked up to the side of the building, and began climbing it. It was risky as every part of the building looked like it was ready to collapse and disintegrate, but this wasn't the first time he had scaled dangerous terrain. As a scout, he had specialized in information gathering for Optimus. Such a task often required him to be in the most unlikely of places if it meant getting anything worth reporting. And his small size made him perfect for sneaking in enclosed spaces. The halls of the apartment building, he noticed, were small, but if he ducked down and crawled, then he could traverse through them with little problem.
That was not all he noticed of the halls. The walls were stripped down to bare concrete, and he could see power cables running through them. Garbage and other unidentifiable objects littered the floors, and Bumblebee could have sworn that he saw several dead rats, and flies littering the corpses. Nearly all the doors were broken, and multiple windows were shattered, broken glass sprinkled all over the floors.
'Dear Primus, no wonder Rei looks so depressed,' he thought. 'Anyone else would be if they lived here.' Continuing his climb, Bumblebee eventually made it to the fourth floor. It wasn't long before he found Apartment 402. Despite the slight scuffing and peeling paint, this door looked better than every other door he saw so far. Hopefully, the inside was in good condition. Crouching down so his head wouldn't hit the ceiling, Bumblebee tapped on the door. "Hey Rei, it's Bumblebee. You there?" Several seconds passed and there was no response. Deciding to try and open the door despite his big hands, Bumblebee looked down at the knob, only to see the lock was broken. Fearing the worst, the former scout knocked the door down while pulling out his gun. It was tight squeeze and the sides of the door broke off due to his size, but Bumblebee was able to enter the apartment by turning around and sliding in on his side. Once he was in, Bumblebee stood back up in a crouch, and what he saw made his optics widen.
The apartment looked just as awful as the area outside, if not worse. The floor was covered in a thick layer of dirt and had scuff marks in some places. Walking into the living area, he noticed that the only objects in it were a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator. The concrete walls were damp and dirty, and there was a green plant-like object growing all over them. Like the halls, garbage was strewn on the floor, and when Bumblebee crawled into what he guessed was Rei's bedroom, he took in the sight of a rusty bed, a nightstand, multiple school uniforms laying on the floor, and an old-looking chair.
'I thought Doctor Akagi said that Rei was capable of taking care of herself. Was she pulling something on us, or is there something else going on here?'
"Why are you here?"
"Rei, are you okay?!" Bumblebee asked as soon as he heard her voice behind her. Turning around, he stopped slightly when he saw Rei standing in front of him, rubbing her hair with a towel. She had obviously come out of the shower, which may have been why she didn't answer the door, as not only was she drying her hair, but she was completely naked, with no towel covering her body. Not that it mattered to Rei much, as she figured alien robots did not need to wear clothes themselves and were always naked.
"Yes, I am okay," she answered. "I ask again, why are you here, and how were you able to enter?"
"Well, I climbed up the walls and crawled in here," said Bumblebee. "This really isn't the first time I've been in a cramped space like this."
"Why did you come here?" Rei asked, maneuvering her way around Bumblebee and entering her bedroom.
"Well, I was concerned for your safety giving the looks of this building, and when I reached your apartment I saw the lock was broken. So, thinking someone broke in to attack you, I decided to come in."
"I am unharmed," Rei said, "and I am the only occupant here, besides yourself."
"I see," Bumblebee replied, putting away his gun and looking around the broken-down apartment. "Rei, I need to be very sure about this. Is this really your apartment? The one Commander Ikari set you up with?"
"Yes, it is," Rei answered, her towel draped over her shoulders. "This apartment has everything I need to survive."
"Can you survive in this place?!" Bumblebee asked in complete shock, looking at the apartment in disgust. "Do you even know how to clean up? Look at this place! Chipping walls, mold, rust, dust bunnies, dead animals! Your door's lock was even broken…before I broke it down. Sorry about that, by the way. And on top of that, why are you naked?!"
"This is the natural state for humans," Rei answered.
"Can you at least get dressed?" Bumblebee turned his head away from the girl. "I may be an alien robot and not wear clothes, but even I know privacy and decency."
"If you insist," Rei said, changing into her school uniform. As she changed, she was confused. Alien robots did not wear clothes, so why was Bumblebee looking flustered at seeing her in her natural state? And don't all humans walk like this when at their home?
"Anyway," Bumblebee turned around once Rei was fully dressed, "can't you talk to the Commander about this? If he's your guardian, then why doesn't he get you something better than this?"
"Why would I do that?" Rei asked, not fully understanding why Bumblebee looked upset. "Is there a problem with it?"
"Didn't you just hear what I said?!" Bumblebee yelled. "This place, and the entire area around it, is completely horrible! We had places like this on Cybertron, and it affected us. Our biologies may be different from humans, but we can still get sick. And in this environment, you're at a high risk of getting sick! Adding on top of that, what if some crazed lunatic broke in and attacked you because of your broken door, or you fell because you took a wrong step because the floor was too weak to take your weight? Honestly, I'm surprised it's taking mine for so long. The point is, if you're in a more healthy environment, especially one with more people, then you'd be able to survive more. Right now, you're more at risk of getting hurt just by living here instead of fighting the Angels or the Cons. What was the Commander thinking, giving you this place?"
Rei opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when she looked around the apartment again. Giving it a deep analysis, she could see the mold on the walls, and even what looked like the skeleton of a dead rat, as well as leaking water from the ceiling, and several cracks in the floor. As she looked around, everything Bumblebee said started to make sense. Having taken health classes in school, Rei was told that humans could live healthy and long lives if in proper arrangements. She never really gave much thought to it. If something happened to her, then she could simply be replaced. It happened before, though she couldn't remember how it happened. She then understood why Bumblebee was upset. He was concerned for her safety, something only the Commander had really done before. The thought of Commander Ikari then made her remember what Bumblebee said about him earlier, and her face dropped.
"I believe I now understand your meaning behind this, and I shall speak with Commander Ikari about possibly being transferred," said Rei. "But something confuses me. Why do you speak so negative about Commander Ikari? Don't you have faith in his work?"
"I can't say that I do," said Bumblebee. "In the time that I've known him so far, he hasn't done anything to earn my respect. He's been hostile towards us since we came here, we've hardly seen much of him, and he put you in this dump, where you're practically alone! I'm sorry Rei, but I don't have much faith in him or his work."
"I do not understand why you are speaking so negatively about the Commander," Rei said, looking angry at Bumblebee's words. "We all have the same goal of defending Earth from our shared enemies."
"We may have the same goal Rei," Bumblebee said with an almost-sad sigh, "but something you need to know about war and life, is while goals can be the same, the ways we go through to achieve them can greatly differ. Some of the ways NERV has come up with to achieve those goals could put a lot of people at risk, especially you and the other pilots. We Autobots want to save this world as well, and while we will accept risks, we don't want them to cost us any lives. Granted, some of us will likely die. In war, anyone can die. But if we can find a way to stop the Angels and the Decepticons without suffering too many losses, then we'll take it. But regardless, Commander Ikari is still your guardian, so I'm sorry if I offended you by insulting him in anyway."
Rei was hardly prepared for such a response. She didn't know what to say for several moments before speaking again. "I…accept your apology. Your reasons for not trusting the Commander seem valid, and you speak logically about different methods but same goals."
'Logically?' Bumblebee thought with bewilderment. 'By the Allspark, has living alone made her as emotionless as Soundwave and Shockwave?!'
"I am glad you agree with me on something Rei. Please, think about what I said and see if the Commander can move you to a more populated area." Crouching down, Bumblebee crawled his way out of the apartment and jumped over the balcony, holding onto the edge as he gave the blue-haired girl one last look. "I'm sorry if I sounded harsh earlier, but I don't like seeing someone this young being put in an environment like this. Like I said, see if Commander Ikari can transfer you."
'Because if he doesn't, then I'll see to it that Optimus does!' he finished in his thoughts as he dropped down to the ground and transformed into his vehicle mode, driving away from the district and for the Ark. Optimus would want to know about this, ASAP.
END CHAPTER 4
"This is Jazz speaking. Things aren't looking so hot right now between NERV and us Autobots. Hopefully, we'll have better luck with the JSSDF. Key word being hopefully."
Next time: Kids and Tests
And finally done!
So confession time. This chapter was not only going to have Mana Kirishima and several other video game characters, but also Rei's failed synch test with Unit-00, leading to the next chapter, which would have begun the canonical events with Shinji arriving in Tokyo-3. However, I ended up extending quite a bit to the point that Chapter 4 ened up being 50 pages long. So for convenient sake, I decided to split this into two chapters. The next chapter will have Mana and the failed test, I promise you. And since the original Chapter 5 would have had Shinji's official debut, he is going to make a cameo in the next chapter.
So Rei has finally met the Autobots, and they definitely find her quite weird. In addition, Bumblebee has been appointed her Autobot guardian. When I wrote the part of him in Rei's apartment, I was mostly inspired by the scene from Bumblebee, where Bee ends up in Charlie's house and causes a mess.
As for Rei's apartment, Bumblebee is unsurprisingly not happy about this, and you can expect the Autobots to not let this stand. And the same can be said for the S2 engines and the Dummy Plugs.
As for Grimlock and the Dinobots, I'll be sticking with their origins from Fall of Cybertron, since I'm a fan of the Aligned continuity, and I feel that the Dinobots' origins from there is their best origin out of the multiple incarnations of the Dinobots.
And on top of that, we've been introduced to Class 2-A, and three certain children who will become quite important later on.
Feel free to reviw and favorite if you like, and I'll have the next chapter posted up sooner rather than later.
