TRUE WAR
CHAPTER 05
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final 2 movies / episodes and Toji never lost his limbs during this activation test.
Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile.
Big thanks to PhilG for proof reading.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thoughts
-...- = Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean...)
***
"Are sure these findings are accurate?" Keel asked looking at his display unit.
"Yes sir. I have double checked my results and even run a simulation through the Maji." Yui's picture appeared in the corner of his monitor, next to the findings that he was reviewing.
"What did the Maji conclude?" Fuyutsuki's picture asked from below Yui's image.
"The Maji have reported only 1.7% chance of error and majority of that is related to the timing of certain events..."
"Alright... Commander Fuyutsuki, you have authority to commence appropriate actions. Do what ever is necessary..."
"BUT what about Shinji!" Yui exclaimed through the display.
"Shinji's search will not be interrupted. If you require additional resources then make it so... Has there been any news?"
"There... I..."
"Search efforts are still on track." Fuyutsuki interrupted, trying to cover Yui's disappointment but also revealing the search has not returned anything positive.
"Very well... Don't worry Yui, Kaji will find him."
***
"Did you have to bring your camera along, Adia?" Kensuke was busy testing his camera. The constant waving around of his camera was starting to annoy the young girl.
"It's the latest model... I haven't had a chance to properly test it out. This is the prefect opportunity, since we haven't seen Shinji in a while."
"You are just hoping to get a few risqué shoots of Major Katsuragi..." Hikari counter as she looked at Toji's profile [Toji's awfully quiet... I wonder what's wrong...]
"Like I said, a prefect opportunity to test my new camera."
The ringing of Misato's doorbell stopped class rep and Kensuke a little disagreement.
"Yes?" Asuka answered the door like yesterday.
"ASUKA!" Hikari exclaimed and quickly hugged the German girl. "I'm glad you're ok."
"It's good to see you to Hikari," Auska returned the hug. "Look I have to see Ritsuko for a medical. Can you come along?"
"Of course. Is everything ok? Nothing's wrong is it?"
"Nah... It's just a regular check up." Asuka replied. "Misato is in the kitchen." She said to Toji.
Toji nodded and entered the apartment. Kensuke followed, pointing the camera at the two girls and waving good-bye.
"Idiots..." Asuka muttered as she grabbed Hikari's hand and lead her away.
"Hikari's right you know. That thing is annoying." Toji commented on his friend's new toy. They made their way into Misato's apartment and were greeted by Pen-pen holding his dish in his beak. Giving a confused look at his two human intruders, he quickly waddled off in the other direction.
"In here, you two." Toji and Kensuke followed the sound of Misato's voice into the kitchen. Kensuke was bitterly disappointed when he discovered that Misato was fully dressed in her Nerv uniform and sipping on a cup of coffee. "Have a seat." Misato offered the two stooges.
"Where's Shinji, Katsuragi-san?" Toji asked politely, taking the seat Misato offered.
"I can't tell all the details but..."
"Something has happen! He's dead isn't he?" Toji exclaimed jumping out of his chair. His outburst took Kensuke by surprise. Sensing the situation, Kensuke turned off his camera and placed it in his lap.
"Hey Toji, settle down..."
"It's alright Kensuke." Misato replied. "Shinji isn't dead. He's... just missing."
"What do you mean missing?" Toji asked, taking his seat again.
"I can't tell you all the details since they have been deemed confidential. After the defeat of the seventeenth Angel, Shinji went through... another rough patch. He decided to run away again. We have not heard from him since."
"I see..." Toji replied.
"But it's been almost six months since we last saw Shinji. He hasn't tried contacting anyone?" Kensuke asked. Misato only replied by nodding no. "Have you tried looking for him?"
"We have dedicated resources looking for Shinji."
***
[I wonder what's taking her so long?] Hikari waited outside the medical room for Asuka to finish her exam. [She was awfully quiet when I asked about Ikari-kun. I didn't see him back at the apartment. I hope everything is ok]
"... A clean bill of health, Asuka..." Ritsuko said opening the door.
"Of course! Was there any doubt?" Asuka replied following her in tow.
"Alright Asuka, I'll schedule a reactivation test in two weeks. We are still making repairs to Unit 2 and more rest wouldn't hurt either" Ritsuko replied half laughing at the young girl's ever present confidence.
"What do you mean 'more rest'?" Ritsuko comment on the additional rest infuriated Asuka. In her eyes more rest implied weakness on her side.
"Asuka, Is everything alright?" Hikari asked, interrupting Asuka's attack on the doctor.
"Well, I'll leave you girls to it. I have more work to do." Ritsuko said before walking down the corridor, her departure calmed the young red head for the moment.
"Hey Hikari! Have you seen wonder girl around?" Asuka asked.
"Ayanami? I saw her walking in the doctor's direction. She didn't say where she was going. We only said our hellos."
"I bet I know where she is going. Come on." Asuka grabbed Hikari's arm like before and lead her down the hallway towards Unit 1's holding cage. When they reached the entrance of the cage, they notice the albino girl standing on the platform, looking up into the eyes of Evangelion Unit 1.
"Oh my God... That's Unit 1." This was the closest the class rep had been to Evangelion.
"Yeah, yeah come on..." The hissing of the cage door alerted Rei to her visitors. She turned briefly to the two girls and nodded. Then returned her focus to Unit 1.
"What? You still think that you're better than me!" Asuka spat as she made her way towards Rei.
"Asuka... I don't think..." The presences of Unit 1 made the young girl nervous and she hesitated to cross the platform.
"Come on Hikari. There's no umbilical cable and the entry plug has been ejected. It's safe." Auska's reassurance satisfied Hikari's fear and she slowly across the platform behind Asuka.
"Don't ignore me! I asked you a question." Asuka spat again.
"No." Rei replied, keeping her eyes on Unit 1.
"No what?" Asuka angrily.
"No. I don't think I'm better than you."
"Hrmp!" Asuka flicked her hair back, trying her best to get on a Rei's bad side. Hikari walked on up to Asuka and soon all three girls were looking at Unit 1. It was sometime before anyone broke the silence.
"You know, it's strange. I always pictured Unit 1 battling Angels and causing all this destruction. Yet seeing it here still and quiet is kind of peaceful." Hikari commented. The cooling liquid surrounding Unit 1 looked like a sheet of glass that cover the majority of its body, it was almost as if the Eva was in a deep slumber.
"It's because of him." Rei replied.
"Who?" Hikari and Asuka asked simultaneously.
"Shinji"
"Good one Hikari. I think you have confused the doll." Asuka said sarcastically.
"What do you mean, Ayamami?" Hikari asked ignore her friend's attempt at an insult.
"The only person capable of piloting Unit 1 is Shinji. Everyone has the perception that Unit 1 is an uncontrollable monster with the will to only destroy all but when Shinji piloted it seem different."
"What are you talking about? The dodgy Eva still played up when Shinji was in it."
"You don't understand. You wouldn't understand with the way you treated Shinji."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!"
"Ah... speaking of Ikari-san... Where is he?" Hikari interrupted in an attempt to stop a possible argument between the two pilots. Her ploy worked as Asuka quickly quieten down.
"Shinji is missing." Rei answered.
"Missing? What do you mean by missing?"
"After the defeat of the final Angel, Shinji decided to leave. He left a note for Major Katsuragi and disappeared."
"I see... Well Shinji has disappeared before and come back. So there nothing to worry about right."
"He's been gone for nearly 8 months." Asuka spoke softly.
"My God... That long... Have you tried looking for him?"
"Section Two is currently conducting a search effort." Rei answered. Asuka turned away from Hikari and Rei in an attempt to hide her face and the tears that were starting to form.
"But I am not concerned for Shinji's welfare."
"But 8 months is a long time."
"My brother will return. He has never failed us before. When he returns he will live with my mother and myself."
"BROTHER?" Asuka and Hikari exclaimed. "...And what's with this 'living with you' crap. Shinji belongs to ME and Misato! He's coming to home with me!" Asuka finished
"Shinji doesn't belong to you, Pilot Soryu."
"WHAT THE HELL WOULD YOU KNOW!"
[Brother? Are Ikari and Ayanami related? They do look like they could pass as brother and sister. Maybe that's why Rei is calling Shinji by his first name... It's funny, I only noticed it just then...]
"I think if Shinji belong to anyone, he would be mine but I promise to share him when he comes back." All three girls turned to find Yui standing on the platform a few feet away from them.
"Miss Ikari... I..." / Hello mother."
[Miss Ikari! But I thought Shinji mother died when he was very young? This is so confusing]
"I had a feeling you girls would be down here. How did your medical go, Asuka?" Yui asked walking towards the girls.
"Ah... Fine..." Asuka felt awkward after her outburst about Shinji, she didn't know how much Yui had heard.
"Oh I'm sorry... You must be Hikari. I'm Yui Ikari, Shinji's mother." Yui bowed politely to the class rep.
"It's nice to meet you Ikari-san." Hikari returned the bow. "Ikari-san please excuse me for asking but I was under the impression that you died."
"Haha... Yes you could say that. It's a long story and unfortunately I cannot divulge too much information due to its sensitivity. Let just say that I was assigned to another diversion of Nerv for an extended period of time."
"Ah... Yes... I understand..." Hikari replied a little confused.
"What can I do for you Vice Commander?" Rei asked.
"You don't have to call me that Rei, but I have come to tell you that..."
"SHINJI? Is there news about Shinji?" Asuka interrupted.
***
"Hey Shinji, how about another refill?" George slurred as he waved his beer glass around in the air.
"I think you have had enough. How about some coffee instead?" Shinji poured fresh cup and placed it in front of the elderly man. "Is your really name George? I mean it's not very Japanese."
"That's a long story, kiddo" George replied taking a sip of his coffee "And I don't want to sent you to sleep with it. I still want someone to pour my drinks."
"The bum came in one day desprate for a drink. I asked him for the money up front and he throws US dollar bill on the table." Aya was walking down the stairs with a pile of freshly cleaned tea towels for behind the bar.
"I don't see how that is related to the name George?"
"George Washington is pictured on the one dollar US bill. From that day forward the regulars started calling him George." Aya replied putting the last of the tea towels underneath the bar.
"I see," Shinji said placing the coffee in front of George "So, can I ask what your real name is?"
George looked down at the fresh coffee Shinji had given to him and decided to take a sip [Better than nothing I guess...] "You tell me your full name and I'll tell you mine."
George's proposition stopped Shinji's question dead in its tracks. For the eight months that he has lived and worked with Aya, he had never spoken about his personal life. Aya and some of the others would try but Shinji would quickly change the subject.
"Everyone has secrets to hide, Shinji. Just make sure you don't loose yourself trying to keep them hidden." George gave his advice to the young teenager.
***
Fuyutuski was pacing around the meeting room waiting for everyone to arrive. He had called for an unscheduled meeting after Yui presented her findings in his conference call with Seele eariler in the day [Will we still need Unit 1...]
"Commander." Ritsuko's entrance brought the old man's attention to the doorway. Ritsuko was followed by Maya, Huyga and Aoba.
"Can I ask why are we having this meeting, Commander?" Aoba question.
"Let wait for the others." Fuyutsuki motion to the available seats around the conference table and turn to face the window which looked out onto the Geofront and the lake.
"It's starting again, isn't it?" Ritsuko asked standing next to the Commander. She had her suspicions about the true translations of Dead Sea Scrolls and the unscheduled meeting had confirmed them.
"I'm sorry we're late." Yui entered with Rei and Auska. They were shortly followed by Misato who was as usual late.
"Sorry I had to drop off Shinji's friends before coming here."
"Oh, are you referring to Toji and Kensuke?" Yui asked. "I would have like to meet them in person."
"The stooges..." Asuka interrupted.
"Ahem... Since everyone is here I guess we should begin. This morning we discovered some rather disturbing facts regarding the translations of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It appears that all the Angels have not been destroyed."
"WHAT! SHINJI KILLED KAWORU! HE WAS THE LAST! I WATCHED HIM DO IT AND WHAT IT DID TO HIM!" Misato exclaimed slamming her fist onto the table.
"Who or what is a Kaworu?" Asuka asked.
"You were hospitalised during the events of the seventeenth Angel." Rei stated.
"The Major is right. Shinji defeated the last Angel..."
"You're right Maya but I'm guessing that we missed something in the translations" Ritsuko interrupted.
"That's correct. I'll let the Vice Commander explain the details." Fuyutuski added, then all the attention focused on Yui.
"Dr. Akagi is partially correct..."
"So we've been lied to again! What the hell is going on? Do you know what these children have been through?" Misato demanded standing up from her chair. She did not intenationally want to get upset with Yui, but previous betrays with Gendo had made her wary.
"Hey Misato..."
"It's alright Asuka... I understand Misato's anger and frustration but no one has been deceived here. I have no intentions to hurt my children. The last thing I want is for them to do this." Yui words calmed Misato and she took her seat again. "The translations which were given to you during the Angels were full and complete but we found information that was relevant to the Angels outside the context that was given to you."
"I don't understand. Seele has the whole set of scrolls why didn't they translate the entire thing?" Aoba asked.
"Large sections of the scroll were unreadable. Only now Seele have developed techquies to extract the text without damaging the already sensitive form of the scrolls."
"Can we trust them?" Misato asked.
"Yes. I assisted on the translations myself."
"What did the unreadable text contain?" Ritsuko asked.
"As you may know many believe that the Angels are actually the messenagers of God sent to earth to punish man for interferring in things that it shouldn't. We have confirmed this in the newly translated text as well as some other facts."
"Such as what?" Misato asked.
"It appears that the Angels are subject to instrutmentality as well as man."
"What the hell is instrumentality?" Asuka asked.
"Instrutmentality is when man moves to the next evolutionary step."
"Why is that a bad thing? I'm all for getting smarter and stronger" The young German commented.
"That's because man isn't ready for something like that. Gendo tried to use Instrutmentality for personal gain. He tried to initial a controlled instrutmentality."
"So what happens when a Angel goes through instrumentality?" Huyga asked.
"That we are not entirely sure. There is still a great deal we don't know about the Angels but the text also makes reference to continuious attacks until man makes an amends or a choice."
"An amends to what?" Misato asked.
"Not sure. We are still working on large potions of the text."
"So... it starts all over again"
"Unfortunately... but things will be different this time."
"Vice Commander Ikari is right. We have greater access to the scrolls and everyone here as well as Seele is focused on ending this war. I have also made a request for Unit 6 and it's pilot to be transferred from the China branch." Commander Fuyutuski spoke. "Major, all the relevant documentation is already on your desk. Dr. Akagi and her team will continue their work with the Evangelions. Is there anything else?"
"What is to happen to Unit 1 and the search for Shinji?" Rei asked.
"Section Two will continue the search. Unit 1 will be reconfigured and tested with yourself and Asuka and then dedicated as a backup unit."
"Commander, can I request that Unit 1 be configured and Shinji assigned as it's pilot for when he returns." Yui asked. Misato, Rei and Asuka nodded in agreement.
"Very well but I would still like to conduct a activation test with Rei and Asuka. We had enough trouble with the previous Angels and if we are correct a Angel that has been subject to instrumentality can only get more difficult to defeat."
"Yes sir." Everyone agreed with the Commander's reasoning.
***
AUTHORS NOTES
Thanks for all the reviews. Sorry for delay in update. I know what's I like to wait for an update.
I originally had a different version to how 'George' got his name but it didn't seem right (I think George Washington is on the one dollar bill, I know he's one of the US bills) and I hope I got the defination of instrumentatilty right as well.
CHAPTER 05
BY WONGA316
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER I don't own Neon Genesis or any of its characters. If you want to use any ideas in the fiction just drop me an email – wonga316@yahoo.com.au
AUTHOR'S NOTES This is my first attempt at a Neon Genesis fan fiction, so please be gentle. This scenario doesn't take into account the final 2 movies / episodes and Toji never lost his limbs during this activation test.
Some of the guys may seem OC to the die-hard fans. Sorry about this but I hope my ideas will make it worthwhile.
Big thanks to PhilG for proof reading.
"..." = Normal speech
[...] = Thoughts
-...- = Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean...)
***
"Are sure these findings are accurate?" Keel asked looking at his display unit.
"Yes sir. I have double checked my results and even run a simulation through the Maji." Yui's picture appeared in the corner of his monitor, next to the findings that he was reviewing.
"What did the Maji conclude?" Fuyutsuki's picture asked from below Yui's image.
"The Maji have reported only 1.7% chance of error and majority of that is related to the timing of certain events..."
"Alright... Commander Fuyutsuki, you have authority to commence appropriate actions. Do what ever is necessary..."
"BUT what about Shinji!" Yui exclaimed through the display.
"Shinji's search will not be interrupted. If you require additional resources then make it so... Has there been any news?"
"There... I..."
"Search efforts are still on track." Fuyutsuki interrupted, trying to cover Yui's disappointment but also revealing the search has not returned anything positive.
"Very well... Don't worry Yui, Kaji will find him."
***
"Did you have to bring your camera along, Adia?" Kensuke was busy testing his camera. The constant waving around of his camera was starting to annoy the young girl.
"It's the latest model... I haven't had a chance to properly test it out. This is the prefect opportunity, since we haven't seen Shinji in a while."
"You are just hoping to get a few risqué shoots of Major Katsuragi..." Hikari counter as she looked at Toji's profile [Toji's awfully quiet... I wonder what's wrong...]
"Like I said, a prefect opportunity to test my new camera."
The ringing of Misato's doorbell stopped class rep and Kensuke a little disagreement.
"Yes?" Asuka answered the door like yesterday.
"ASUKA!" Hikari exclaimed and quickly hugged the German girl. "I'm glad you're ok."
"It's good to see you to Hikari," Auska returned the hug. "Look I have to see Ritsuko for a medical. Can you come along?"
"Of course. Is everything ok? Nothing's wrong is it?"
"Nah... It's just a regular check up." Asuka replied. "Misato is in the kitchen." She said to Toji.
Toji nodded and entered the apartment. Kensuke followed, pointing the camera at the two girls and waving good-bye.
"Idiots..." Asuka muttered as she grabbed Hikari's hand and lead her away.
"Hikari's right you know. That thing is annoying." Toji commented on his friend's new toy. They made their way into Misato's apartment and were greeted by Pen-pen holding his dish in his beak. Giving a confused look at his two human intruders, he quickly waddled off in the other direction.
"In here, you two." Toji and Kensuke followed the sound of Misato's voice into the kitchen. Kensuke was bitterly disappointed when he discovered that Misato was fully dressed in her Nerv uniform and sipping on a cup of coffee. "Have a seat." Misato offered the two stooges.
"Where's Shinji, Katsuragi-san?" Toji asked politely, taking the seat Misato offered.
"I can't tell all the details but..."
"Something has happen! He's dead isn't he?" Toji exclaimed jumping out of his chair. His outburst took Kensuke by surprise. Sensing the situation, Kensuke turned off his camera and placed it in his lap.
"Hey Toji, settle down..."
"It's alright Kensuke." Misato replied. "Shinji isn't dead. He's... just missing."
"What do you mean missing?" Toji asked, taking his seat again.
"I can't tell you all the details since they have been deemed confidential. After the defeat of the seventeenth Angel, Shinji went through... another rough patch. He decided to run away again. We have not heard from him since."
"I see..." Toji replied.
"But it's been almost six months since we last saw Shinji. He hasn't tried contacting anyone?" Kensuke asked. Misato only replied by nodding no. "Have you tried looking for him?"
"We have dedicated resources looking for Shinji."
***
[I wonder what's taking her so long?] Hikari waited outside the medical room for Asuka to finish her exam. [She was awfully quiet when I asked about Ikari-kun. I didn't see him back at the apartment. I hope everything is ok]
"... A clean bill of health, Asuka..." Ritsuko said opening the door.
"Of course! Was there any doubt?" Asuka replied following her in tow.
"Alright Asuka, I'll schedule a reactivation test in two weeks. We are still making repairs to Unit 2 and more rest wouldn't hurt either" Ritsuko replied half laughing at the young girl's ever present confidence.
"What do you mean 'more rest'?" Ritsuko comment on the additional rest infuriated Asuka. In her eyes more rest implied weakness on her side.
"Asuka, Is everything alright?" Hikari asked, interrupting Asuka's attack on the doctor.
"Well, I'll leave you girls to it. I have more work to do." Ritsuko said before walking down the corridor, her departure calmed the young red head for the moment.
"Hey Hikari! Have you seen wonder girl around?" Asuka asked.
"Ayanami? I saw her walking in the doctor's direction. She didn't say where she was going. We only said our hellos."
"I bet I know where she is going. Come on." Asuka grabbed Hikari's arm like before and lead her down the hallway towards Unit 1's holding cage. When they reached the entrance of the cage, they notice the albino girl standing on the platform, looking up into the eyes of Evangelion Unit 1.
"Oh my God... That's Unit 1." This was the closest the class rep had been to Evangelion.
"Yeah, yeah come on..." The hissing of the cage door alerted Rei to her visitors. She turned briefly to the two girls and nodded. Then returned her focus to Unit 1.
"What? You still think that you're better than me!" Asuka spat as she made her way towards Rei.
"Asuka... I don't think..." The presences of Unit 1 made the young girl nervous and she hesitated to cross the platform.
"Come on Hikari. There's no umbilical cable and the entry plug has been ejected. It's safe." Auska's reassurance satisfied Hikari's fear and she slowly across the platform behind Asuka.
"Don't ignore me! I asked you a question." Asuka spat again.
"No." Rei replied, keeping her eyes on Unit 1.
"No what?" Asuka angrily.
"No. I don't think I'm better than you."
"Hrmp!" Asuka flicked her hair back, trying her best to get on a Rei's bad side. Hikari walked on up to Asuka and soon all three girls were looking at Unit 1. It was sometime before anyone broke the silence.
"You know, it's strange. I always pictured Unit 1 battling Angels and causing all this destruction. Yet seeing it here still and quiet is kind of peaceful." Hikari commented. The cooling liquid surrounding Unit 1 looked like a sheet of glass that cover the majority of its body, it was almost as if the Eva was in a deep slumber.
"It's because of him." Rei replied.
"Who?" Hikari and Asuka asked simultaneously.
"Shinji"
"Good one Hikari. I think you have confused the doll." Asuka said sarcastically.
"What do you mean, Ayamami?" Hikari asked ignore her friend's attempt at an insult.
"The only person capable of piloting Unit 1 is Shinji. Everyone has the perception that Unit 1 is an uncontrollable monster with the will to only destroy all but when Shinji piloted it seem different."
"What are you talking about? The dodgy Eva still played up when Shinji was in it."
"You don't understand. You wouldn't understand with the way you treated Shinji."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!"
"Ah... speaking of Ikari-san... Where is he?" Hikari interrupted in an attempt to stop a possible argument between the two pilots. Her ploy worked as Asuka quickly quieten down.
"Shinji is missing." Rei answered.
"Missing? What do you mean by missing?"
"After the defeat of the final Angel, Shinji decided to leave. He left a note for Major Katsuragi and disappeared."
"I see... Well Shinji has disappeared before and come back. So there nothing to worry about right."
"He's been gone for nearly 8 months." Asuka spoke softly.
"My God... That long... Have you tried looking for him?"
"Section Two is currently conducting a search effort." Rei answered. Asuka turned away from Hikari and Rei in an attempt to hide her face and the tears that were starting to form.
"But I am not concerned for Shinji's welfare."
"But 8 months is a long time."
"My brother will return. He has never failed us before. When he returns he will live with my mother and myself."
"BROTHER?" Asuka and Hikari exclaimed. "...And what's with this 'living with you' crap. Shinji belongs to ME and Misato! He's coming to home with me!" Asuka finished
"Shinji doesn't belong to you, Pilot Soryu."
"WHAT THE HELL WOULD YOU KNOW!"
[Brother? Are Ikari and Ayanami related? They do look like they could pass as brother and sister. Maybe that's why Rei is calling Shinji by his first name... It's funny, I only noticed it just then...]
"I think if Shinji belong to anyone, he would be mine but I promise to share him when he comes back." All three girls turned to find Yui standing on the platform a few feet away from them.
"Miss Ikari... I..." / Hello mother."
[Miss Ikari! But I thought Shinji mother died when he was very young? This is so confusing]
"I had a feeling you girls would be down here. How did your medical go, Asuka?" Yui asked walking towards the girls.
"Ah... Fine..." Asuka felt awkward after her outburst about Shinji, she didn't know how much Yui had heard.
"Oh I'm sorry... You must be Hikari. I'm Yui Ikari, Shinji's mother." Yui bowed politely to the class rep.
"It's nice to meet you Ikari-san." Hikari returned the bow. "Ikari-san please excuse me for asking but I was under the impression that you died."
"Haha... Yes you could say that. It's a long story and unfortunately I cannot divulge too much information due to its sensitivity. Let just say that I was assigned to another diversion of Nerv for an extended period of time."
"Ah... Yes... I understand..." Hikari replied a little confused.
"What can I do for you Vice Commander?" Rei asked.
"You don't have to call me that Rei, but I have come to tell you that..."
"SHINJI? Is there news about Shinji?" Asuka interrupted.
***
"Hey Shinji, how about another refill?" George slurred as he waved his beer glass around in the air.
"I think you have had enough. How about some coffee instead?" Shinji poured fresh cup and placed it in front of the elderly man. "Is your really name George? I mean it's not very Japanese."
"That's a long story, kiddo" George replied taking a sip of his coffee "And I don't want to sent you to sleep with it. I still want someone to pour my drinks."
"The bum came in one day desprate for a drink. I asked him for the money up front and he throws US dollar bill on the table." Aya was walking down the stairs with a pile of freshly cleaned tea towels for behind the bar.
"I don't see how that is related to the name George?"
"George Washington is pictured on the one dollar US bill. From that day forward the regulars started calling him George." Aya replied putting the last of the tea towels underneath the bar.
"I see," Shinji said placing the coffee in front of George "So, can I ask what your real name is?"
George looked down at the fresh coffee Shinji had given to him and decided to take a sip [Better than nothing I guess...] "You tell me your full name and I'll tell you mine."
George's proposition stopped Shinji's question dead in its tracks. For the eight months that he has lived and worked with Aya, he had never spoken about his personal life. Aya and some of the others would try but Shinji would quickly change the subject.
"Everyone has secrets to hide, Shinji. Just make sure you don't loose yourself trying to keep them hidden." George gave his advice to the young teenager.
***
Fuyutuski was pacing around the meeting room waiting for everyone to arrive. He had called for an unscheduled meeting after Yui presented her findings in his conference call with Seele eariler in the day [Will we still need Unit 1...]
"Commander." Ritsuko's entrance brought the old man's attention to the doorway. Ritsuko was followed by Maya, Huyga and Aoba.
"Can I ask why are we having this meeting, Commander?" Aoba question.
"Let wait for the others." Fuyutsuki motion to the available seats around the conference table and turn to face the window which looked out onto the Geofront and the lake.
"It's starting again, isn't it?" Ritsuko asked standing next to the Commander. She had her suspicions about the true translations of Dead Sea Scrolls and the unscheduled meeting had confirmed them.
"I'm sorry we're late." Yui entered with Rei and Auska. They were shortly followed by Misato who was as usual late.
"Sorry I had to drop off Shinji's friends before coming here."
"Oh, are you referring to Toji and Kensuke?" Yui asked. "I would have like to meet them in person."
"The stooges..." Asuka interrupted.
"Ahem... Since everyone is here I guess we should begin. This morning we discovered some rather disturbing facts regarding the translations of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It appears that all the Angels have not been destroyed."
"WHAT! SHINJI KILLED KAWORU! HE WAS THE LAST! I WATCHED HIM DO IT AND WHAT IT DID TO HIM!" Misato exclaimed slamming her fist onto the table.
"Who or what is a Kaworu?" Asuka asked.
"You were hospitalised during the events of the seventeenth Angel." Rei stated.
"The Major is right. Shinji defeated the last Angel..."
"You're right Maya but I'm guessing that we missed something in the translations" Ritsuko interrupted.
"That's correct. I'll let the Vice Commander explain the details." Fuyutuski added, then all the attention focused on Yui.
"Dr. Akagi is partially correct..."
"So we've been lied to again! What the hell is going on? Do you know what these children have been through?" Misato demanded standing up from her chair. She did not intenationally want to get upset with Yui, but previous betrays with Gendo had made her wary.
"Hey Misato..."
"It's alright Asuka... I understand Misato's anger and frustration but no one has been deceived here. I have no intentions to hurt my children. The last thing I want is for them to do this." Yui words calmed Misato and she took her seat again. "The translations which were given to you during the Angels were full and complete but we found information that was relevant to the Angels outside the context that was given to you."
"I don't understand. Seele has the whole set of scrolls why didn't they translate the entire thing?" Aoba asked.
"Large sections of the scroll were unreadable. Only now Seele have developed techquies to extract the text without damaging the already sensitive form of the scrolls."
"Can we trust them?" Misato asked.
"Yes. I assisted on the translations myself."
"What did the unreadable text contain?" Ritsuko asked.
"As you may know many believe that the Angels are actually the messenagers of God sent to earth to punish man for interferring in things that it shouldn't. We have confirmed this in the newly translated text as well as some other facts."
"Such as what?" Misato asked.
"It appears that the Angels are subject to instrutmentality as well as man."
"What the hell is instrumentality?" Asuka asked.
"Instrutmentality is when man moves to the next evolutionary step."
"Why is that a bad thing? I'm all for getting smarter and stronger" The young German commented.
"That's because man isn't ready for something like that. Gendo tried to use Instrutmentality for personal gain. He tried to initial a controlled instrutmentality."
"So what happens when a Angel goes through instrumentality?" Huyga asked.
"That we are not entirely sure. There is still a great deal we don't know about the Angels but the text also makes reference to continuious attacks until man makes an amends or a choice."
"An amends to what?" Misato asked.
"Not sure. We are still working on large potions of the text."
"So... it starts all over again"
"Unfortunately... but things will be different this time."
"Vice Commander Ikari is right. We have greater access to the scrolls and everyone here as well as Seele is focused on ending this war. I have also made a request for Unit 6 and it's pilot to be transferred from the China branch." Commander Fuyutuski spoke. "Major, all the relevant documentation is already on your desk. Dr. Akagi and her team will continue their work with the Evangelions. Is there anything else?"
"What is to happen to Unit 1 and the search for Shinji?" Rei asked.
"Section Two will continue the search. Unit 1 will be reconfigured and tested with yourself and Asuka and then dedicated as a backup unit."
"Commander, can I request that Unit 1 be configured and Shinji assigned as it's pilot for when he returns." Yui asked. Misato, Rei and Asuka nodded in agreement.
"Very well but I would still like to conduct a activation test with Rei and Asuka. We had enough trouble with the previous Angels and if we are correct a Angel that has been subject to instrumentality can only get more difficult to defeat."
"Yes sir." Everyone agreed with the Commander's reasoning.
***
AUTHORS NOTES
Thanks for all the reviews. Sorry for delay in update. I know what's I like to wait for an update.
I originally had a different version to how 'George' got his name but it didn't seem right (I think George Washington is on the one dollar bill, I know he's one of the US bills) and I hope I got the defination of instrumentatilty right as well.
