Rebirth of the Evangelion

"This has greatly complicated matters," the voice from the shadows spoke, "was this anticipated?"

"The Gundams were the only anomalies in this plan." Replied another voice. Dr. J stepped out of the shadows to greet the four other scientists around the dark oak table. "Greetings. I see this is our first reunion in?what is it? Two years?"

The four other scientists around the table inclined their heads. As Dr. J took his seat at the table, the five head scientists of Project Gundam were reunited once again. Yet, there would be different matters to discuss this time around.

"As we were," Master O began immediately, "we had not anticipated Oz to create such weapons in this amount of time?"

"There is no evidence supporting Oz created these Mechs rivaling our creations?" Dr. S interrupted. "Where is your proof that-?"

"What are you insinuating? That these intruders have originated from somewhere other than Earth?" Professor G's voice rose above the conversation level. He gave a harsh stare at the scientists surrounding him through his glasses. "We know for a fact that humans pilot these mechs, so they have to have originated either from Earth or from the colonies."

Dr. J spoke up again: "The colonies deny ever having built such weapons. Besides, why would they attack their own creations?"

"It is not our business to know why," finished instructor H, "we just need to know how. We need to know if it is still possible for us to build our own."

There was silence at the round table for a few seconds. Each mastermind at the table used the time to contemplate their next actions. Beyond the table was darkness, the room was never under surveillance. Only the five scientists who were present would ever know of the subject of discussion.

"Well now." Dr. J stood up from his chair and took a brief look around him before continuing. "We may work towards our own goals, that is a fact; but may I suggest a temporary allegiance between ourselves?"

Master O spoke up: "what for? Each of our Gundams should be able to destroy those monsters together."

"On the contrary," decided Instructor H, "I do not think all our creations together could defeat them. We have surveillance footage that backs my theory."

"I have news," started Dr. J, "that two of these mechs are allied with us? Can this be confirmed by anyone one present?"

"I have confirmed it," replied professor G.

"Then we need only worry about one."

"One is enough!" Interrupted Instructor H.

"Be calm!" All the scientists waited patiently for Dr. J. Even though they worked independently, there was no doubt who the leader amongst them was: "Somehow, they came to be here. That is for sure. Not even Oz could have constructed these machines while hiding them from us?"

"What makes you so confident?" Master O cut in.

"Because that is the only logical explanation. If we use the concept that Oz did build these, then we have already lost the war, understand me? Oz would have built more by this time."

There was a short murmur of agreement.

"Then," began Professor G, "what is our plan to deal with this problem."

Dr. J took a moment before answering. "If these mechs found a way to enter our universe, they can find a way out, with help if necessary." Dr. J then paused, before bringing his hands up to rest his head over while surveying the members around him. "It will require some aid from an outside source though. This technology was never ours to begin with, it will thus upset the balance that war must retain. If left unchecked, we could all be annihilated. Master O, contact the commander of Oz, we need to have a little chat."

"Wait!" Instructor H stopped Master O before he could exit his seat. "We surely not turn to our enemy for aid. He will place a trap for us; he doesn't even know we exist remember?!"

"Yes," agreed Master O, "we must also include the fact that Chang and Yui will most certainly not concur with this decision."

Dr. J almost looked exasperated for a second. "They have no choice in the matter. Nevertheless,?" there was a short pause, "?I will contact Relena Peacecraft. I am sure that certain matters would dwell well in her hands."

There was a murmur of descent around the table before the scientists nodded their heads simultaneously. This was the obvious choice in the matters.

Rei sat within the gently humming walls of her entry-plug.

Inside the makeshift tent constructed half-hazardly for the Eva, Rei pondered a few missing facts. She and Shinji would soon be joining the Gundam pilots to launch a full frontal assault on the so-called enemy.

The only problem was; their allies had kept so much information from them, they couldn't even be sure if who they were fighting against was the true enemy or not. It had taken a lot of searching both on her and Shinji's part to find most of the story.

Apparently, Oz was trying to take over the world and eventually, would aspire to taking over the colonies. Rei decided that even though "taking over the world" seemed like an evil thing to do, it did have the positive side of maintaining greater world order.

How could she be sure that her assumptions could be right anyway? She looked down at her hands automatically, studying the nature of them. She wasn't human; at least that was what she could register being told at some point. All evidence she had received from her superiors stated that she was a tool. She could only take action depending on what she was ordered to do. Now that the situating was changing dramatically, she was not so confident that following orders blindly would lead to the correct outcome. The only person she could truly trust was Shinji and she had gained enough knowledge of him up until now to figure out he had his own problems at this moment.

She sat and pondered the situation for a few moments. She then remembered the relatively short conversation she had had with Quatre before they had left his mansion:

FLASHBACK

"Mr. Winner-?"

Quatre turned around and smiled as Rei came into his lounge. "Miss Ayanami, you can call me Quatre." He studied her for a moment as she looked around the room. "Can I assist you with anything?"

Rei looked at Quatre before speaking. "There are some matters of which I would like to discuss with you." Quatre nodded and motioned towards one of the chairs next to him. He closed his computer terminal momentarily so he could listen more intently to Rei.

"What is it you need to discuss. I'm sorry if we're running low on food, since we are leaving in a few hours?"

"That is not what I wish to discuss." Rei took a moment to register her facts before continuing: "I will be straightforward. I do trust you, though I have no proof that your intentions are correct. Oz is working towards world domination, yet there are good aspects to that plan too, correct?"

Quatre smiled as Rei spoke. He rested his hands on his knees and seemed to ponder for a few moments. "That's true, I can just barely understand the situation you may be in." He paused as he seemed to be thinking. "I am not sure what you would like, how would you like me to prove our loyalty to you. How can I show you that we are the, well, you know, the good side?"

Rei's expression did not change, but she was slightly taken aback. "Mr. Winners, I had assumed you would be able prove these facts to me."

"You can call me Quatre." Quatre smiled again, then turned serious. "Oz is working towards world domination to give order to this world supposedly. Though, their methods are highly questionable. If the general population agrees with what the organization is trying to create, then there should be no problems. Earth's population doesn't want this; so instead of working matters out, they are trying to use their superior military power to forcefully take command."

Quatres speech reminded Rei of someone she may have known in the past, but she chose to ignore it while other matters were more pressing. "Then what is it you're trying to accomplish by forcefully fighting back?"

"Well," started Quatre, "how do you stand up for what you believe in, if you only know how to fight? If the enemy won't listen, how do you get your wishes across?"

Rei nodded. "So, you battle of your own accord?"

Quatre sighed. He looked away for a moment before speaking. "Not entirely, we are commanded by the people who created our Gundams in order to fight back." Quatre looked up now as he spoke. "We are loyal to them, because they provided the means for us to survive, all we have to do is follow their wishes. Technically, our lives are in the hands of these people. Not all their ideas may be correct of course, but no humans are perfect are they?"

Rei remembered her own position, remembering her old commander. Whether she would ever see him again was something she could not be sure of. She couldn't be entirely sure if killing angels was the right thing either. She understood well some of the topics he was explaining to her. "I do understand your situation," responded Rei, "but are you sure that what you are doing is correct?"

Quatre was silent for a few seconds. "Well, if it wasn't right, then I guess my whole life has been a complete failure hasn't it?" Rei bowed her head with Quatre as he said that. Quatre thought to himself for a few more seconds. "All I know is, if you believe in something greatly, if you agree with it and if you have the means to reach your goals, then you can't be wrong. I believe the word "wrong" signifies the creation of pain in some way for other people. We are only creating pain for those who have already been inflicting it, so who is in error?"

Rei, somewhat convinced nodded. "I agree with what you have to say. There are further topics of which I wish to discuss, but they can wait until later." Quatre nodded.

END OF FLASHBACK

Rei frowned for a moment. Even in this new world, people still seemed to encounter similar problems that threatened their old world. Was man always condemned to such violent lifestyles?

From what she could gather, though, neither side of this war was technically the "right" side. Each had their own problems. Then again, human wars were definitely illogical.

Trowa looked pitifully at the two clueless mechanics monitoring the Evangelion from a little ways off. The Evas were receiving a bit too much attention; which could create problems in the future.

Trowa, Quatre, Rei and Shinji made it successfully to the colony's basic camp structure. Tents were constructed over the Gundams and the Evas?without too much trouble.

The only thing was; it was difficult to keep the entire army from snooping around the secret war weapons. One soldier actually tried to climb into Quatre's Gundam because he mistook a friendly smile for an invitation. Trowa couldn't help but drop his head in shame for that pitiful action.

"General?" Trowa demanded the attention of the man a few steps away from him as he approached.

"Ah, Trowa Bartin, the pleasure is mine." He stepped up and offered a hand, which hung in the air for several seconds until he pulled it back. It was obvious the attitude of the two males was not very friendly. "I don't think you're starting off on a very good-?"

"General," Trowa cut in, "I would like to make it very clear that our machines are not to be touched by any of the people under your command. I would also like to state that we are not entirely here of free will. The accidents here were caused by your lack of judgement, and for that we all have to pay." Trowa gave a short nod and began to turn away.

"Hey, wait one second." Trowa stopped but did not turn around. The General became somewhat antagonized. "Here; we're grateful of your support, but in order for us to work together, we must trust one another."

Trowa turned back around to speak face to face with the general. "What is it you would like us to do then general?"

"Excuse me?"

"It seemed at first as if you wanted the four of us to attack Oz alone. Or am I mistaken?" Trowa's face was neutral, so the General could not decide whether this was a threat, or a question.

"Well?we are backing you up of course. It should only be expected that the stronger units go-?"

"First? I thought military tactics confirmed that stronger units go in surrounded by the smaller, more versatile units to protect them. Not so that they large units can be the primary targets of the battle?sir."

The general took an unconscious step back. It took him a few moments for him to regain his composure. "Excuse me, but I don't think you have authority over me. You're talking about war?! You're not even a legal adult yet and you're telling me what to do." Trowa still remained neutral as the general spoke. "Listen, this is not one-sided. You will receive payment for your services, but that means that right now you must obey our orders, is that understood?"

Trowa didn't say a word, but turned to walk away. The general lifted one of his hands a few inches before stopping himself in disgust. Why would he try to call him back, that Gundam pilot was even more worthless than he could be sometimes.

Meanwhile, Trowa plotted the general's demise?

Trieze left no time for introductions and small talk as Asuka sat down in front of his desk.

"Ms Sohryu, we are leaving in two hours for our new base."

It took Asuka a few moments for her to register the facts. "Wait, you mean you're-?WHAT?!"

"I assure you, Asuka," Trieze looked at her in the eyes, "This is no joke. We must make our move quickly, for intelligence has found that the Gundams are manifesting against our base too. It is public knowledge were are stationed here, so we must flee quickly."

"Wait, wait, wait." Asuka shook her head for a moment before looking back at Trieze and slumping slightly. "What do you mean 'we have to leave now?' You still have me right? I could destroy the Gundams easily, you said so yourself. So why are we leaving?"

Trieze pondered for about a minute. Asuka was his number one officer in Oz currently. He had found out that she had a great education, she was the perfect candidate for an heir. But, there were some troubling facts that even Asuka should not know about.

There were rumors that the colonies had built a weapon similar to the one Oz was currently housing. Trieze was smart enough to put the facts together, that maybe more than one 'Eva's might exist on Earth presently: "Just rumors, Asuka. Even so, they would not do well for us at the moment. I am sure that you are familiar with the saying: better safe than sorry, am I correct?"

"Well, yes?"

"That is my point. We must move to our new base immediately." Trieze began to get up and walk around his desk. Asuka took a few more moments before she spoke up:

"Trieze, you said that you were close to finding a way to get me back to wherever it is I came from right?"

Trieze stopped his journey to the double doors in his office and came back to Asuka. "Yes, my dear, I am aware of that."

Asuka looked at her lap, not sure if she should divulge her information or not. "Well, I was looking around before. I know that you've added some small advancements on my Eva, but you said you had almost found a way. How? I don't see any new modifications."

Trieze rubbed one hand through his hair before he looked back down at Asuka. "Well, that's because we have the information stored. We couldn't begin construction of a portal just before we relocated can we?"

Asuka almost seemed to be satisfied with the answer: "Okay, so what about that?thing?you're building that's being shipped right next to my Unit-02?"

Trieze only seemed taken aback for a moment. He was good at keeping his calm. He searched for answers in his head rapidly, but he found none that wouldn't divulge on the secret he was planning. "Asuka, it's nothing you should worry about."

"Please." Asuka stood up now and her famous temper was beginning to rise. "Sir, I need to know what it is. It's not one of your Mobile suits, but it's not a copy of my Unit-02 either. I have a pretty good idea what you're doing. You said yourself that we shouldn't have any secrets between ourselves."

Trieze sighed. He could not have this conversation now. "Listen Asuka, I value you more than anyone else under my command." This, at a glance, seemed to make Asuka little happier. "You know me well, so it is logical to think I have a good reason to keep certain facts from you. I promise though, that you will understand in a short while. Our first priority is our evacuation, is that alright?"

Asuka nodded, before following Trieze on his way out of his office. As the doors closed, the room would never see Oz's commander entering it ever again.

"Shit, Heero. I hate this. I just knew we'd have to think things through before we took action, but you just had to go on impulse, and now look at-?"

"Duo."

Duo looked up from the red armor of Unit-02. "What?"

"Please shut up and get the charges."

Duo cursed again and continued to pull off vast cartridges of C-6 that they had planted earlier on the Evangelion. "Dammit, why would they choose now to relocate? God damn."

"Duo, this is in our favor. As long as we remain on the inside of the enemies forces, we will be able to get the enemy's information directly." Duo gave a funny look at Heero, who was leaning against a wall watching him.

"Well, you're in a rather talkative mood today aren't you?" Duo smirked, then quickly moved out of the way dodging a wrench thrown at him from below. "Hey, watch it!"

Heero ignored Duo's threats as he checked a nearby computer terminal.

They had been here for several days now, but they had still been unsuccessful in meeting the pilot of the superweapon or the commander of Oz. Both he and Duo agreed on the fact that going after the pilot of the weapon would be more suitable than trying to blow it up, since this kind of technology could still be salvaged.

"Shit, they're leaving in one point five hours."