Rebuild of Third Genesis

Chapter 23

"HUMPH!" Asuka grunted as she pulled on the controls.

With a frightening grace the red Evangelion crouched, then leaped up, striking out against the dummy. The tall column of concrete buckled, then fell over with a loud thump.

"Nice!" Misato cheered her on as they watched the action from the bridge at NERV headquarters. "How does it feel?" she asked.

"A bit odd," Asuka admitted as she made the Evangelion stand, "though it may just be me getting used to this again."

It had been months, basically, since Asuka had been in a Evangelion. Simulators, no matter how good, didn't really count. And of course there was any lingering trauma from the attack of the Mass Production units to consider.

Anticipating the question Satsuki spoke up, "Synchronization rate stable at 60 percent. Vital signs nominal."

"Not that we have a 'normal' range for pilots, really," Misato muttered to herself.

Suema Kazuko had taken Misato aside after reviewing the medical data on the pilots, and her conclusions were worrying. Bluntly, the Evangelion wasn't really safe to pilot, even outside of combat. The synchronizing between pilot and Evangelion could trigger heart attacks, strokes or other complications... but at this point all they could do was keep a careful eye on them. And upgrade the plug suits for medical purposes.

Aoi Mogami was monitoring things at her station. "Should we deploy another target?" she asked Misato respectfully.

"Asuka, you've wrecked multiple targets. Keep going?" Misato asked.

"I think I've worked out enough aggression for today," Asuka offered wryly. "And I will admit to getting tired."

"Okay, bring her in," Misato ordered.

"So I don't get a turn until tomorrow?" Mari pouted as she watched from the back.

"Day after actually. Rei goes tomorrow," Maya Ibuki noted. As Mari was about to complain she continued, "We just finished rebuilding Unit-02. We want to run a full set of tests between pilots, just to make sure there's no issues."

"Ugh. Fine," Mari rolled her eyes.

Misato kept a eye on Asuka leaving the testing area and walking the Evangelion back to the hangars as she went over to where Ritsuko was talking to Maya. "Any issues?" she asked them both.

"Stop HOVERING, Misato," Ritsuko scolded her mildly. "Everything's fine."

"Senpai," Maya scolded Ritsuko in return. "She's understandably worried."

"Sorry," Misato addressed Ritsuko, then nodded to Maya, "and thanks."

"Hmm," Maya nodded. She consulted her device,"I'd say Satsuki's report pretty much sums things up. There were no biological alarms from Asuka, no mechanical issues with the Evangelion. Synchronization was entirely stable."

"Okay, good," Misato nodded.

Somewhat apologetically Ritsuko added, "We're doing to do a full series of system checks tonight on the Evangelion, as well. Just because the computers say they're no issues, doesn't mean they're no problems."

"Are you planning to sleep tonight?" Misato wondered, knowing it would take hours AND they were planning another test tomorrow.

"Satsuki, Kaede and Aoi are all helping," Maya noted. "We'll get SOME sleep at least..."

"Don't push yourselves too hard," Misato noted. "I'm not Gendo. If need be we can bump the tests forward a day."

"Mari would have a cow," Ritsuko noted, amused.

"Can't say that would bother me...," Misato admitted.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Okay, say Ahhhh," Suema Kazuko ordered, the attractive doctor waving a tongue depressor.

"Ahhh," Asuka complied obediently.

"Very good," Suema shone a light down her throat.

"Oooh ee avbt to..." Asuka started.

Suema took the depressor out, "Better?"

"Yes," Asuka sighed. "Do we HAVE to go through all this?" she demanded.

"Yes, we do," Suema told her. "No offense to Ritsuko, but you had almost no medical monitoring when you first piloted. I can't fix that, but I can at least make sure we're ready if something happens now."

"Okay, okay," Asuka sighed.

"Don't worry. A few blood samples and we're done," Suema reassured her.

"Joy," Asuka deadpanned.

Suema snickered as she got the needles ready...

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"It's been officially nine months since the Instrumentality attempt," Mana noted as they relaxed, the group crashing at Misato's.

"Oh?" Rei asked curiously.

"The first new baby was born a few days ago, too," Asuka observed. She snorted, "The US is claiming they had the first birth, but China is disputing that."

"Of course they are," Misato sighed as she drank her beer. "We save the world from the angels just for political stuff to come back."

"Do you think we might be back to seeing wars again?" Asuka asked, frowning.

Surprisingly, Mana answered. "It's not too likely," she said, "both countries are still recovering from the Impact wars. Plus both lost a lot of money and resources to SEELE and making the mass production Evangelions."

"Pretty much that," Misato agreed.

"But they DO have technology from SEELE. Will that change things?" Mari asked, half focused on her video game. She was kicking Mana's ass, as far as that went.

"It's something we're keeping an eye on. Along with the mid-east situation," Misato admitted.

"Yet another job for NERV. Global police person," Asuka teased.

"Well, someone has to do it," Misato shrugged.

The phone rang, and Asuka picked it up. "Hello?" She grinned suddenly, "Yes, she's in. Should I put her on?"

Rei tilted her head curiously at Asuka's teasing tone.

"Misato, it's for you," Asuka passed the phone over.

A very amused Satoko Shinden asked, "What was THAT about?"

"I think she just likes giving me grief," Misato noted, making Satoko laugh. "what can I do for you, tonight?" she asked cheerfully.

"I have a favor to ask. And it's a odd one, so you're welcome to say no," Satoko said.

"I am at least intrigued. Carry on," Misato noted teasingly.

Satoko laughed. "A former girlfriend on mine is getting married. As I don't want to appear pitiful and dateless, I'd like to take an attractive woman as my date," she explained.

"So you want me to ask Satsuki for you," Misato played dumb.

"Nooooo," Satoko laughed. "Is going out with a woman an issue?" she asked a bit nervously.

"Ritsuko is my best friend, remember?" Misato noted. She chuckled slightly, "And I will admit to one drunken night we fooled around as roommates..."

"Oooh. Can I get that story from you, please?" Satoko teased.

"Maybe once we know each other better," Misato offered wryly.

"So, will you go with me?" Satoko got them back on track.

Misato wasn't sure if it was wise going beyond a professional relationship. Still, she liked the UN rep... "All right. I should warn you, I could be called away at any time by work," she cautioned.

"Ugh, I know," Satoko agreed. "It's in two weeks... I'll let you know what arrangements are to be made when we get closer to the date."

"Works for me," Misato agreed. She added with a smile, "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," Satoko agreed.

As Misato put down the phone, she noticed ALL the teens were looking at her. "What?" she demanded.

"You've got a daaaate!" Asuka sing songed.

Misato realized they probably overheard it ALL. 'I am SO doomed,' she sighed mentally.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The new staff psychologist arrived at NERV headquarters on time, the tall, blonde haired woman walking up to the security gate. The young man on guard did his best not to notice her impressive bosom, but it was hard.

"Uhm, ID please?" he stammered.

"Iowa," she smiled as she passed her ID card over, "Catherine Iowa. I'm starting here today..."

To be continued...

Notes: YES that is basically the ship girl Iowa. Look up KanColle if you're curious.

I've OFTEN thought the medical risks in being a Eva pilot would be pretty high, so working that in. Also trying to advance the romance plot a bit...