1 WEEK LATER
SEPTEMBER 16TH 2015 CE
NEW YOKOSUKA
12:45 PM JST
The sounds of waves crashing against the concrete docks filled the area. A salty yet slightly iron smell filled the air. A fleet of vessels was beginning to be towed into port.
Standing on the bow of the main carrier vessel was a red-headed girl wearing a yellow dress and jeans. A proud yet cheeky smile was plastered on her face. She stared down at the port and fixed her sights on the group, standing there. A particular face caught her attention, and she beamed and dashed to the gangway of the carrier.
Excited to see her best friend and rival, she jogged past the many UN Naval officers and enlisted. She skidded to a halt in front of the group, but not before she raised her fist, aiming for Shinji. A look of mischief appeared on her face as she was about to strike him.
"Reaction Check!"
A quick sidestep and shove were all it took to knock her off her balance and onto her rump.
"I finally got you this time!" Shinji said with an even more mischievous smile. He extended his hand to help her up.
"Long time no see Asuka Langley Soryu."
She grabbed his hand and pulled herself to her feet. Asuka was bested by her long-time rival.
"Same to you, Shinji Akagi. You may have gotten me this time, but I'm not so sure of the next."
She turned to the other three in the group and grinned.
"It's good to see you all again!"
"Same here!"
Turning around, she saw a man with a clean shave, a neat haircut, and a NERV Berlin Uniform. A nametag gave his name for the world to see.
"Ryoji Kaji."
"You couldn't have waited for me to complete my big entrance?"
Asuka said with a slightly annoyed voice. Misato turned and faced the man with a surprised look on her face.
"You shaved?"
Kaji rubbed the side of his face and gave a small chuckle.
"Asuka insisted that I look presentable for her arrival and quote 'Not look like some drug dealer'."
Asuka shushed Kaji while Ritsuko and Misato laughed. Fond memories were washed over them.
A buzzer sounded off as the large carrier began to open its cargo bay doors. Droplets of coolant fell from the insides of the doors as they revealed a large redhead.
The doors fully opened, letting a cargo sled roll out slowly. Secured on top was Unit 02, the first true Evangelion Production Model.
It had a red main color, and orange accents and details. The pylons were sleeker than 00 and 01. And on said pylons…
It was painted on Hot Rod Flames…
"I see you noticed the new addition to Unit 02. I thought it would look nice with the color scheme."
Asuka proudly announced, gesturing to the Evangelion unit behind her.
"It looks cool! It's too bad that it doesn't have any kills to its name!"
Commented Shinji, as he had a look of superiority on his face.
"Tsk- Not yet at least!"
"Alright, kids, let's get going. Get in the car, and we'll leave shortly!"
Misato cheerfully announced, much to the kids' chagrin.
The children complied and got into the NERV-issued van. Misato closed the door behind them and turned to look at the two adults still outside with her.
"Did you bring it?" Misato asked, getting right to the point.
Kaji nodded, pulling out a small box from his bag. It had the international symbol for Biological Hazard and Radiation Hazard on the case.
"Good, but there has been a major deviation in our plans. Gendo gave up. And my mother told him that she knew…"
Kaji's brows furrowed and sighed, looking at the suitcase and putting it back in his luggage before closing it back up.
"Well, I suppose we can secure this in Terminal Dogma away from Lilith, or we could destroy it."
Ritsuko sighed and shook her head.
"We can figure this out on the weekend. In two days is the UN conference. We already chose that Asuka and Rei will stay with Misato since Shinji would probably feel uncomfortable having more girls around him."
Kaji nodded and pulled out a pack and offered one to Ritsuko, but she declined.
"No thanks, I've been trying to quit a few months ago, and Shinji bought some nicotine gum from the states; apparently, they have it in more flavors there."
He snorted.
"They do have everything over there. Well, I suppose I'll hitch a ride with Section 2. I'll see you both back at HQ!"
And with that, Ryoji Kaji went off on his own, leaving Misato and Ritsuko with the van full of kids.
Wait, that sounds odd.
They both got in and buckled in for the ride from New Yokosuka to Tokyo-III.
"Are you guys ready? We'll stop by a Diner before we check-in at HQ, and after that, Asuka and Rei will unpack at my place."
The children gave their go-aheads, and they all began their trip back to Tokyo-III.
"Misato, let me drive this…"
MATERNAL PROGRAMMING
EPISODE 8
"Bureaucracy is dead."
TOKYO-III
NERV HQ
2:23 PM JST
BRIEFING ROOM
"We have to wear this?..."
Shinji faltered, holding up a dress uniform with two stars on the left breast of the said uniform. The uniform also had the NERV logo on one arm and the UN logo on the other shoulder. A purple tie sat with the dress shirt and an 01 embroidered onto the right side.
"Yes Shinji, Several UN countries came together to make this, and it's probably a good idea to wear it in good faith for them."
Replied Misato, as she was handing out the other two uniforms.
"I also have to wear a uniform."
Shinji groaned and set the uniform on the table.
"C'mon Shinji, It's only for one day. Look, I'll be at another meeting in Old Tokyo for a tech demo, but if you manage to do this, I'll buy you that game you wanted."
Shinji perked a bit and grumbled.
"Fine…"
Asuka examined her uniform and saw she had almost the same uniform; however, this was a female uniform with a red tie, no stars, and an embroidered 02 on the right breast part.
"Hey, how come you get stars?"
Asuka asked, still examining the outfit.
Rei held hers up and saw she had a blue tie, 00 embroidery, and one star.
"I think it has to do with the angel kills we did…" Look at the star; it has a little face, not unlike that first angel we killed."
Rei was correct; the stars had the bird-like face of the Third Angel.
"Huh, Neat."
A beep came from the door as it slid open, letting through the aging Head of RnD into the room.
"I think you'd look handsome in it. And it didn't come from my wallet, so it's even better!"
Teased Naoko as she set down her table and sat down.
"So, Asuka, how was the trip? I imagine spending almost a whole month on a military fleet must be quite taxing on a young woman like you."
Asuka chuckled and nodded a bit.
"It was. Kaji was not much fun, and the constant swaying was annoying. But the video calls from Shinji were nice when I wasn't being yelled at by the Communications Officer for Inappropriate use of Naval Communication Satellite Relays. Assholes…"
Shinji chuckled as he remembered the time she got caught. A guy with a headset came barging in, all annoyed, yelling about that stuff.
Naoko giggled.
"I saw Shinji on a call with you before; he fell asleep on the couch during that."
Shinji blushed and looked away to avoid letting people see him like that.
"Tomato head." Rei giggled.
"Alright, it's settled. In two days, you three will head to the conference, and Fuyutsuki, Misato, Ritsuko, and I will head to Old Tokyo to watch a weapon demonstration."
"Okay!"
NEXT DAY
SEPTEMBER 17TH
8:36 AM JST
MISATO KATSURAGI'S APARTMENT
A loud yawn could be heard throughout the apartment, as a tired Misato patted her feet over to the kitchen.
A door slid open, now revealing two teens with bed heads and a tired look on their faces.
"Is she like this a lot? I don't remember her being like this."
Asuka yawned as she walked to the chair and sat down.
"Ever since I moved in 1 week ago, she chugs a beer and yells like a madwoman…"
Click
Gulp
"YAAHOOOO! Now that's the shit!"
"See what I mean?"
Rei sighed and went over to make breakfast, which now usually consists of some microwave meals that Misato didn't make.
"Great."
SEPTEMBER 18TH
12:43 PM JST
TOKYO-II GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE CENTER
Conference Group
Shinji tugged at his uniform collar as he was slightly warm in it. As he and his group entered the domed building, he couldn't help but keep glancing over at his father, who was walking with him and his group.
Rei noticed this and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Shinji, what do you think about Tokyo-II? It's almost the same age as Tokyo-III, yet less advanced."
Shinji gave it a quick thought before shrugging. He was preoccupied at the moment.
Asuka noticed as well but didn't interfere. She hadn't known much about him and his father's relationship since she first met him years ago.
He barely talked about him, and when he did, it wasn't very good.
They soon found themselves in a large banquet hall, filled with people in uniforms, suits, and all sorts of outfits.
People from across the globe traveled there to discuss how they could help save humanity from this new threat and how it would affect themselves and others.
This was the pinnacle of human cooperation, or it would be if it wasn't for the tense and nervous atmosphere in the room.
Generals, politicians, ambassadors, businessmen, and overall important people were here. They all stopped from whatever they were doing and looked over at Shinji's Group, especially at Gendo Ikari. A feared man across Japan and the world. He looked thinner and slightly disheveled.
Silence washed over the room as they made their way to their assigned table and sat down. It was quiet for a moment before people resumed what they were doing.
"We have the Evangelions on standby and your plugsuits ready in the VTOL if the situation arises."
Gendo stated, keeping a composed state that for once wasn't his signature Gendo Pose.
"Aye Commander," Asuka replied, with the other two less enthusiastically responding.
A server came by with a pitcher of water and some glasses before setting it down on the table for them to enjoy. Just as Rei was about to reach for a glass, a trio of men walked up to their table.
Gendo turned and looked at them.
"Prime Minister Keel, I see you are also attending today's conference."
SAME DAY
SAME TIME
OLD TOKYO
JAPAN HEAVY CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, JET ALONE TESTING GROUNDS
Demonstration Group
"Welcome everyone to Japan Heavy Chemical Industries' demonstration of our latest project with many companies here and abroad. My name is Shiro Tokida. I am the lead director of this project and head of RnD. Today, we will be showcasing our newly created autonomous mobile defense system: Jet Alone!"
A screen came on, displaying Jet alone during its development and testing phases. A myriad of photos was shown, also showing the many companies involved, including Intel, NEC, Boston Dynamics, British Aerospace, and IBM.
Applause rang out from the whole room from everyone, including Naoko and Ritsuko. Misato and Fuyutsuki simply sat there, as this was not their expertise.
"They got IBM? Why didn't I think of that?"
Naoko questioned herself before remembering that IBM would've probably asked to have access to the MAGI's root access.
"We have a few special guests here today, such as Masatoshi Shima, Chuck Peddle, Naoko Akagi, and Steve Wozniak. All of which are Pioneers in Computing and Technology, from whom we wouldn't be here today without them."
The special guests and Naoko stood up and waved at the applauding audience before sitting back down.
"The reason I asked these people to be here is that Jet Alone is the pinnacle of autonomous robotics. Running on a nuclear fission-based reactor, the Onboard computer systems regulate the reactor and all other systems onboard accordingly to what is needed and what might need adjustments."
Ritsuko furrowed her brows as she listened. Flipping through the pamphlet, she saw there was indeed a nuclear reactor on board.
"Jet Alone is meant to keep people across the globe from any and all threats without sacrificing anyone as a pilot. It can operate without a command from control for thirty days until the fuel depletes. Ms. Akagi, wouldn't you prefer to have your son not have to fight in a war against these creatures?"
The moment he said that it tugged at her heart. She knew the answer already, and he did, too. She did not want Shinji to fight angels, but he had to; they all have to.
"Yes, I want Shinji to have a normal life than have him fight in the Evangelions. But… We have no other choice, for reasons we can not even explain, I'm afraid."
That last word was a bit hesitant but nevertheless seemed to satisfy Shiro's question. Fuyutsuki knew she lied about that last part, but it would've been worse, to tell the truth.
"I see… That is rather unfortunate; however, I believe this project will make your wish come true. And who knows, maybe you might join us when that happens."
There was a tone of sympathy in his response. With a small nod, he continued with his presentation.
"So, onto the more technical parts of this presentation."
Conference Group
"So these are the two pilots I haven't met yet. It's good to meet you, I'm Keel Lorenz, the Prime Minister of Germany."
Keel extended his hand to shake Shinji's and Rei's hands, to which they did.
He then turned to Asuka, who seemed friendly to him.
"Hallo Asuka, es ist schön, dich wiederzusehen. Ich hoffe, das NERV-Hauptquartier hat dich gut behandelt."
Asuka perked up and replied,
"Es läuft gut. Einheit 02 hat es sicher ins Hauptquartier geschafft und ist einsatzbereit. Es ist zwar ein komisches Gefühl, jetzt hier zu leben, aber die Japaner sind zu höflich."
Keel chuckled.
"Die Menschen neigen dazu, eine Maske aufzusetzen."
The two shared a laugh before turning to the others. He then gestured to the two at his party.
He first pointed to the man with the pointed nose.
"This is Jacques LeBlanc; he is the Minister of the Armed Forces in France."
Jaques curtly bowed his head before shaking all three of the pilots' hands.
Keel then gestured to the man with the slicked-up haircut.
"This is Henry McCain. He is Secretary of State of the United States of America."
Henry also shook their hands.
"Why don't you three walk with them? I'd like to speak to the commander for a moment."
Shinji and the rest of the pilots nodded and went with the two men.
Keel sat down with a grunt and sighed.
"Even with my enhanced parts, being 75 still hurts my back."
Gendo nodded and kept his same posture facing away from the man. He knew Keel wouldn't come if it wasn't important.
"I suppose you have something you wish to discuss with me."
Keel chuckled and shook his head.
"Straight to the point, as usual. Well, it's something that needs not concern the rest of the council. Just a small chat until the meeting starts."
Demonstration Group
1 HOUR LATER
"As you can see here, The JA is capable of balancing a large frigate with both arms and without puncturing the hull."
Shiro announced proudly, and rightly so, he had just impressed Ritsuko, Misato, and Naoko, but Fuyutsuki wasn't.
"And this brings us to the end of our demonstration. Does anyone have any questions?"
Naoko immediately raised her hand, practically jumping out of her seat.
"Yes, Ms. Akagi?"
"How much is a unit for sale?"
…
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please?"
"We want to purchase one or a few. How much is it?"
. . .
"How many do you want?"
Conference Group
10 MINUTES LATER
Shinji sat at the table with Gendo, with only 10 more minutes until the conference started. An awkward mood filled the air between them as they sat in silence.
Gendo was a feared man, but there was nothing he feared more than actually interacting with others, especially his son.
"Pi- Shinji, how are your grades?"
It took all his strength to say that.
"It's fine, I guess."
It was barely a response, but a response nonetheless.
"That is good. Education is very important in society."
. . .
"What did you study in college?"
. . .
"Metaphysical Biology, Before this I thought about being a researcher at a place in the states."
. . .
"That's cool I guess. I guess I'll be a software developer or something with computers. just like mom."
. . .
"I see, It's a promising field in science."
. . .
"UN Special Evangelion Program Meeting is about to begin, please make your way to the conference room and submit to a security check to enter."
. . .
"It's time, let's go."
"Alright."
7:43 PM JST
Both groups
AFTER CONFERENCE
As the conference ended the group that went to the demonstration waited for Shinji and the others. Naoko anxiously waited for Shinji to come out, when she spotted him looking exhausted.
"Jeez, that meeting took forever…"
"Ah there you are!"
She went over and almost smothered the boy with her hug. Ritsuko chuckled and joined in, now crushing Shinji.
"Ack- you're squishing me!"
They both quickly let go and laughed. Naoko then noticed Gendo walking from the meeting room, but she gave no real expression to him.
"You three head on, I need to talk to him."
To be continued in Chapter 9.
Im back!