TRUE WAR

CHAPTER 12

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 –

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 Touji never lost his limbs during his 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 thank you and applause to NateGold who proofread

"..." Normal speech

(...) Thoughts

-...- Computer / phone / other chat (you will know what I mean...)

TOKYO 3 – OUTSIDE WESTERN RESTAURANT

"Ah, revenge is sweet!"

Kensuke couldn't stop laughing at the expression on Touji's face. Even after his sister's discount the amount was still enough to give 'The Stomach' indigestion. Shinji was feeling a little unsteady himself. It felt like the chicken he'd ingested had come back to life and was now seeking an exit. Evidently, Touji's definition of "good food" wasn't anything even remotely edible. (Feels like Misato taught the chiefs...). That, coupled with a constant stream of propositions from the female wait staff had left him feeling more than a little frayed around the edges.

"We should take you around with us all the time Shinji." Kensuke said between his laughs.

"What do you mean?"

"You're a Babe magnet. After you take your pick, just give us the leftovers!"

"This from a guy who has never been on a date. And let's not even talk about getting laid!" Touji was not feeling particularly charitable towards Kensuke after the platter fiasco, and took a small measure of satisfaction out of seeing his friend wince. "Besides, I've already got a lady-love."

"Just how long have you and Hikari been together?" asked Shinji.

"Jeez... It's been a while now. We got a lot closer after you disappeared, but we didn't turn serious until after high school."

"You two have always been good for each other. You are very lucky."

"Thanks man!" Touji slapped Shinji on the back.

"Hey, what about yourself? You must've had them waiting on line for a date" Kensuke asked. Shinji, rolling his eyes slightly, smiled and shook his head at his friend (Some things never change...)

"Yeah, man! There has to have been someone! Who's your better half? C'mon, you can tell us!"

"I hate to disappoint you guys, but there is no one; being a fugitive is not exactly conducive to having a love life. Actually that reminds me, how did you guys know that I was down in the Geo Front?" (Better change the subject)

"Oh, that. I just tapped into the security feed." Kensuke replied casually, proud of his achievement.

"You better be careful. If Kaji finds out, you'll be in deep sh..."

"Ken, how hard is it to do that?" Shinji asked, cutting off Touji.

"Easiest thing in the world! There is no system that I can't hack." Shinji thought about his friend's ability. In the past it was just another way for him to get into trouble but now ...

"I need a favour. It could be dangerous. Can you help me?" he asked. A sly grin and simple nod of the head from Kensuke answered Shinji's question. "I need a copy of today's tapes from the Geo Front, the ones where you found me. Another guy showed up while I was with Fuyutsuki. He said his name was Keel or something like that. I want everything you can get about him and a group called SEELE. From what Fuyutsuki said, they're NERV's parent organization.

"Espionage...I LOVE IT! This is so cool! No worries Shinji. Leave everything to me." Kensuke's grin grew wider in anticipation of cracking a database even larger and more complex than NERVs.

"Alright... enough of this spy crap. We were talking about women..." The ringing of Touji's mobile phone interrupted him before he could finish. Hikari's name flashed on the LCD screen.

"Sorry Shinji. It's Hikari." He offered his apology. "Hey Hikari. Have you finished your shift? Me and the..."

-Touji, Do you know where Shinji is? - She asked quickly.

"He's right here. We just finished lunch. Do you want me to pick you up something?"

-No thanks. I've already had something to eat. Can I have a word with him?-

"Ah...sure." Touji handed his phone over to Shinji, puzzled by his girlfriend's request. "It's Hikari. She wants to talk to you."

"Hello?"

-Shinji! Where have you been?! Did you forget to stop by and get your head dressing redone?-

"It's fine Hikari." Shinji touched the back of his head where his wound was still a little sore. "It's nothing to worry about."

-Why don't you let me be the judge of that? Stop by the base hospital. When you get to reception just ask for me. Now, could you put Touji back on?-

Not wanting to push the issue, Shinji passed the phone back to his friend. "She's ordering you to get head re-bandaged?" Touji asked covering the mouthpiece of the phone. Shinji just nodded as Touji rolled his eyes.

"Hey Hikari, Shinji looks fine. I have the rest of the day off and was thinking that me and Shin..." Touji was cut off by the irate voice of Hikari berating him. He held the phone away from his ear as the yelling continued.

TOKYO 3 – MILTARY AIRSTRIP

Maya was busy discussing something with the JSSDF General as Mana watched the approach of the transport and its valuable cargo through her binoculars. She and Maya were in the control tower. The sky was clear and a slight head wind was the only obstacle for the pilots. Semi-trailers with Nerv logos were parked next to a vacated hanger as workmen and technicians rushed around prepping equipment for Unit Five.

"We are ahead of schedule and should be completed two hours early. You can tell you men to stand down; I don't think they're necessary at this time." Maya noted the General had ordered heavy security and artillery around the airstrip and the hanger.

"Until that thing is off my base we do it my way." The General replied, his scornful voice amply reflecting his feelings towards NERV and Unit Five. Maya simply nodded and left the General on his own.

(Stubborn old fart!)

"Mana, I'm going down to the hanger to double check everything. Are you going to be all right here? I can send for you when I need you." Maya approached the young pilot.

"Nah, I might come down with you." She leaned closer to Maya and whispered "Actually these guys are making me feel really uncomfortable. I get the distinct impression that they don't want us around."

Maya smiled at Mana's admission and whispered back "Don't take it personally. The JSSDF and NERV haven't been on the best of terms since the appearance of the first series."

"Jester one you are cleared to land on runway one-one-six." A control tower operator spoke into their microphone.

-Copy that control. Runway one-one-six. Control, I have an unidentified object bearing five-five-three. Can you confirm?-

"We have nothing on our screens. Stand by."

"Is there something wrong?" Mana was leaving with Maya when she overheard the exchange between the tower and the transport.

"It's nothing to be concerned about. It's most likely a large flock of birds. We get that often during this time of the year due to their migration habits." The General explained.

"We have nothing on our screens, Jester. Most likely migrating birds." The tower relayed this information to the transport.

-Rogar that. Jester One maintaining heading... WHAT THE- The pilot's panicky voice was replaced by radio static.

"Jester One. Please come in. Jester One."

"Oh my God!" Mana exclaimed as she pointed out the observation window. Everyone turned to see the transport dip sharply to its left, wing digging a furrow into the tarmac and exploding into a fireball. Burning debris rained down, scattering widely over the runway. Gliding through the midst of this hellish scene came the repulsive form of Shamshel, tentacles disposing of anything that stood between it and the remains of the Cargo plane.

"It's an Angel!"

NERV HEADQUARTERS – HOSPITAL

Shinji waited patiently as Touji asked for Hikari at the Hospital reception desk. He sat in one of the waiting chairs pondering how he was going to tell everyone.

(Just hanging around is making it harder to tell everyone that I'm not staying. Mom and Misato will be upset, but that's to be expected. Not really sure how the others will react. I doubt that NERV will be pleased about it though.)

"Come on Shinji. Let's get you patched up." Hikari said after meeting Touji and walking towards one of the many treatment rooms.

Shinji was too wrapped up in his thoughts to notice the young nurse (Fuyutsuki seemed surprised by him showing up. Does that mean he isn't supposed to be here or known about? If that's so, then why come to meet me?) Touji noticed Shinji staring off into space and decided to give him a wake-up "tap". Hikari sensing that no one was following her, turned around to see Touji creep up behind Shinji, hand poised for a slap.

"TOUJI SUZAHARA! Don't you dare!" Her exclamation gained the attention of everyone in the waiting area. She quickly ran over to him and twisted his earlobe causing him to yell in pain.

"AHHH! I wasn't going to hit him hard! I was only AHHH!"

"You can be so absent minded sometimes! I already reminded you this morning about his wound."

"It's ok Hikari." Shinji interrupted, defending his friend. "No harm done. In fact you probably don't have to worry about bandaging it again."

"Since you're not a Doctor or nurse, what you think doesn't count. Come on, I have to do my rounds after this." Shinji and Touji sighed in defeat, following her into the corridor.

TOKYO 3 – MILTARY AIRSTRIP

Mana watched in horror as the fourth Angel's tentacles peeled back the melted steel from her Eva as easily as one would skin a banana. Unit 5 only showed minor damage and scratches from the crash, the armour protecting it from the impact and heat.

"I need a secure line to Nerv Headquarters." Maya ordered.

"All units engage! Use whatever force is necessary to stop that thing." The general barked to one of his subordinates.

"Sir!? I strongly recommend that you leave the Angel to NERV. Your men don't have the..."

"That Angel is a direct threat to this base and its personnel. I'm in command so you are in no position to recommend anything!"

"But sir..."

"Concentrate all available firepower on that thing! Evacuate all non-essential personnel. Contact command and notify them of our situation." The General cut off Maya again. She sighed defeated.

(It's like talking to a brick wall! Conventional weapons won't work against the Angels.)

NERV HEADQUARTERS – CONFERENCE ROOM

"What the hell is going on?!" Asuka complained. She and Rei were only half way through their test. The interruption meant that they had to restart the test from the beginning. An extra hour sitting in her plug doing nothing really annoyed her. She was still wearing her plug suit and trying to dry the LCL. Rei followed her into the conference room but remained silent. All the main players were already present, being the Commander, Vice Commander, Misato, Ritsuko and the bridge crew including Kensuke

"We have a situation." Misato explained in a casual tone before yawning. The Major was also called up after being sent home. She was asleep when the call came in "Excuse me. We have another Angel."

"An Angel?! Already?! You have got to be kidding me!"

"I'm afraid not. Now if ready everyone is ready we can start the briefing."

"Touji still hasn't arrived yet." Yui said as the pilot of Unit Four stepped into the room. "Oh, he's here now."

"Sorry I'm late. I had to take Shinji to sick bay..." He then found himself shielding his ears from a barrage of questions and expressions of concern from Yui, Misato and the two female pilots.

"Hikari wanted to fix his head. What's the problem?" He replied quickly, patting the back of his head.

"If you are all quite finished...." Fuyutsuki's dry tone brought everyone's attention back to the situation with the Angel. A gesture to Hyuga brought up Maya's recorded footage of the attack.

"Approximately 10 minutes ago, the transport carrying Unit Five was intercepted by the fourth Angel. JSSDF are preparing to engage the target."

"They should know better." Misato added.

"The Angel has not shown any hostile intentions towards the JSSDF. Its primary objective appears to be Unit Five. We have Officer Ibuki and Pilot Kirishima on site monitoring the situation." He continued after Misato's comment.

Hyuga quickly called up a live feed from the airbase with Maya. She had moved down to the hangers. Nerv technicians and military personnel could be seen in the background rushing around.

-Hyuga? Are you still there?-

"Yeah Maya. I've just patched you through to the conference room. Your image should be coming up soon." He replied.

-Ok. There it is.-

"What's going down there Maya? Is Mana ok?" Misato asked worried about one of her pilots.

-She's fine. The transport was on its final approach when the Angel attacked it in mid-air. From what we can tell Unit Five has sustained no major damage from the impact. JSSDF are currently preparing an offensive against the target. The Angel seems focused on the EVA...-

"That's all I need; another Eva to repair." Kensuke mumbled.

-Actually, the Angel has only... Ah how can I put this... examined Unit Five-?

"What you mean by 'examine'?"

-It's hanging around my Eva like a bad smell! - Mana appeared next to Maya.

"Dr. Akagi, what's the combat status of Unit Two and Zero?" The Commander asked.

"Unit Two is eighty percent combat ready. Rei's Unit is only sixty-seven percent. The damage to the shoulder is taking longer to regenerate than we anticipated." She answered, looking down at her clipboard.

"What about Unit Four?" Misato enquired.

"Unit Four is ready to launch as is Unit One." The mention of Unit One brought a sharp look from the Vice Commander. Fuyutsuki noting Yui's reaction decided on another line of questioning.

"Do you think Unit Two can handle the situation if deployed?"

"What do you mean 'handle the situation'? My Eva can handle anything!" Asuka defended herself.

"My only concern is the Unit's armour. The Eva would have to go into the field minus forty percent of its protective plating." Dr. Akagi explained.

"What about results from the tests conducted earlier today? Did they show any effects from the battle with the third?" The Major asked, in her military voice.

"They were not completed but from what data we were able to get, it showed negative for any type of contamination." Misato nodded an affirmative to Ritsuko and then turned to the Commander and Vice Commander.

"Sir, I recommend that Unit Four to engage the target with Unit Two providing sniper fire support." (Don't ask about using Unit One and Shinji) The Commander slowly nodded. The look on Yui face showed no objection.

"Major Katsuragi, have you forgotten about Unit One?" He asked.

(Damn!) But before Misato could think up an excuse to tell the Commander; someone interrupted. "Unit One is unavailable and will not be used." It was the Vice Commander. Fuyutsuki turned to her slightly.

"Explain why Unit One shouldn't be used in this instance?"

"We currently have no pilot for that Eva and tests with the current piloting staff have shown that they are unable to synchronise with Unit One."

"Very well. Vice Commander, a word with you in private please? Major you are authorized to deploy Unit Four and Two. Dismissed." The piloting staff and the Misato saluted, as Fuyutsuki exited the room with Yui in tow.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – SICK BAY

Hikari pulled aside a partition curtain to reveal a steel stool. Beside it was a trolley with an assortment of medical items. Storage cabinets lined the room filled with supplies. "Take a seat, Shinji. I have to clean the wound before I re-bandage it." Shinji took his place on the stool as Hikari went over to one of the nearby cabinets. "Did you have a good lunch? Where did you go?"

"That western restaurant downtown, 'Mel's Place' I think it was called. It looked nice but my stomach and taste buds didn't really get along with my meal."

"That Touji! Always thinking about his stomach, instead of what other people want." She scolded. "He should have taken you somewhere you wanted." She changed subjects. "Isn't that the restaurant where Mari is working?"

"Yeah, she actually waited our table. She's grown up a lot since I last saw her."

Hikari chuckled. "Did you know she's had a crush on you for ages?"

"Ah... I didn't know?" Shinji pretended to be unaware. He didn't really enjoy being reminded of how he'd been groped.

"Shinji Ikari the Lady Killer... back for less than a day and the girls are already throwing themselves at your feet." Hikari joked as she returned with a bottle and swab. She placed them on the trolley and pulled a chair to the front of Shinji. "Ok, Lean forward." Shinji complied as Hikari turned on an examination lamp and shown it over the back of his head.

"You hair is too long." She complained trying to clear the long strands from the gash.

"Sorry. May be I should get it cut, it's starting to annoy me."

"NO! It looks good on you." She answered little too quickly. If Shinji had looked up he would have seen a blush spread across the young nurse's checks. "In fact, I'm a bit surprised that some lucky girl hasn't bagged you yet. With there being a lot more women than men since second impact, the government has lowered the age of consent."

That certainly explained why the girls/women seemed so aggressive these days. He had a sudden vision of some faceless bride standing by a trophy case, his head prominently displayed. Inwardly he shivered before dismissing the image.

"To be honest with you, I never really bothered with a hair cut for quite some time. Then it just became easier to tie or slick it back." He added casually.

"Well it looks good never the less..."

"AH!" Hikari had started dabbing the wound with the swab and Shinji acted appropriately as it stung on contact.

"Sorry. My mom said that if it stings then it's working. It's actually healed a lot better than I thought it would."

"My body is probably used to getting knocked around. When I was piloting, I was a pretty steady customer here". Hikari continued cleaning his wound. Then, she asked an unexpected question.

"Shinji, can you tell me what it's like to... to pilot?"

"You should ask Touji. I'm sure he'd be able to tell you a lot better than I could. It's been a while since I piloted properly."

"I tried asking him but he doesn't like to talk about it! It's almost like he's scared or something."

"You're worried about him?"

She nodded. "Every time his cell phone rings. Even during synch tests. Can you tell me what it's like, please?" she almost pleaded. "I want to share everything with him but it's really hard when he doesn't talk. If I know what it's like then maybe I can help him...by understanding, and being there for him."

Shinji took a calming breath before explaining. "I can only tell what I know from my own experiences and they aren't very pleasant." He first told her about the tremendous feeling of power one had when linked to the EVA, how all the senses were enhanced and how that made one feel larger than life. But EVA was truly a double edged sword. He pulled no punches as he described the sickening smell and taste of the LCL, the agony he felt every time the EVA was wounded. He also told of the loneliness, and the crushing burden that rode on a pilot's shoulder every day. Midway through, he heard her sniffling, trying to keep her composure. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulders.

"I'm sorry I had to tell you that, but I didn't want to lie about anything, Hikari."

She looked up at him when he made contact and stared deep into his dark ocean blue eyes. Hikari then broke down completely and collapsed into Shinji's chest, sobbing. Shinji was dumbstruck for a few moments before he cradled her in his arms, trying to ease her pain.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – COMMANDERS OFFICE

Yui followed Fuyutsuki into his office. It was brightly lit unlike Gendo's, which she knew of through Shinji's memories during her time within Unit One. The tree of life, which hung behind the desk, was gone and replaced with a window over looking the command centre and the MAGI. He had also arranged some visitor sofas and other pieces of furniture, giving the room a comfortable, yet businesslike feel.

"What is it you would like to discuss, Sensei?" Yui asked, adopting to call Fuyutsuki by his title prior to Nerv.

"Yui... I have to ask; are your reasons for not using Unit One purely..."

"Personal considerations have nothing to do with my decision regarding Unit One. Shinji has not rejoined NERV as a pilot or in any other capacity. As a Civilian, he shouldn't even be on this base!"

"Fair enough but I would like to get Shinji..."

"No. Shinji has made his stance on piloting and return to Nerv very clear."

"But..."

"If you order me to ask him to return then I will resign my position. Rei and Shinji will come with me. I don't care what you or anyone wants! I will NOT allow my family to be used against their will ever again."

"No one is trying to use your family. I've already spoken to Shinji and..."

"YOU WHAT!" At this point Yui had lost any remaining composure she had left. "Don't go near him! If I find out that you or anyone else has approached my family like that again, I'll kill them regardless of who they are! Do I make myself clear?!"

Fuyutsuki, wilting slightly before the white-hot anger coming from Yui tried one more time to make her see reason.

"Yui, try to understand..." Before Fuyutsuki could finish the Vice Commander turned and quickly left the room (And I thought Shinji got his mean streak from his father...). But then, he remembered who it was that had actually caused unit one to go berserker so many times in the past, and shivered. (Like mother, like son indeed!)

NERV HEADQUARTERS – SICK BAY

Shinji just continued to hold Hikari as she cried. It was some time later that the weeping stopped.

"Is there something wrong Hikari? Have you told Touji how you feel about him piloting?"

"I tried but it's no good. I'm more afraid now that I'm preg..." She stopped herself before revealing her secret but she said enough for Shinji to get the picture.

"My God... How long have you been...?"

"PLEASE! Please Shinji you can't tell anyone! Touji doesn't know. No one knows. I only found out last week." She pleaded shaking him as hard she could. "I don't even know how he's going to react. We've talked about now and then but he'd just joke about. I just don't know!"

Shinji had never seen Hikari like this. During the days in class 2A, she was always so in control and responsible. "It's alright, Hikari." (Nice Shinji... She's pouring her heart out to you and that's the best you can say) "I mean..."

"Shinji can you have a talk with him? And please, promise that you'll keep him safe? I... I just don't want to lose him..."

"I'll try my best but I think that you should talk to him first."

"No, I can't. Not yet... I'm just not ready yet. The idea of me carrying a child still hasn't registered. I just need some time to think." Shinji felt the emotion in Hikari's words and couldn't refuse, not that he would. He just smiled gently. "I'll do whatever I can. But Hikari...don't wait too long."

NERV HEADQUARTERS – DOCKING BAY

Kensuke and the remainder of the bridge crew were busy organising the mobile command and readying Unit Four and Two for deployment. Touji's Eva was already prepped for transport while the technicians were still working on the red mecha. Misato eyed it worriedly; the whole of the left arm, shoulder and chest was missing its armour. It looked almost like someone had started skinning Unit Two and didn't have time to finish the job. She looked back at Asuka, who was still in her plug suit.

"Asuka." She called. "Come here a second." The young German walked over, muttering something under her breath about the LCL knotting her hair.

"Listen, your role is to just..."

"I know, I know; backup." She repeated.

"I'm serious Asuka! This is the second Angel in just as many days and we don't have any other Units for backup."

"What about Shinji's Eva?"

"The Vice Commander has ordered that it's unavailable."

"Shinji's mummy doesn't want him to get hurt more is like it." She replied sarcastically.

"This is not the time to be smart! There are still some things that need to be investigated with Unit One. It would be too dangerous to send him out." (Hope she buys that.)

"Oh, I forgot that he's your 'precious Shinji' as well."

"Just be careful out there." Misato watched Asuka turn to walk away (At least she acting normal...) but stop short.

"Hey Misato... I'm glad he's not piloting as well..." Asuka added. It brought a small smile from the Major.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – PILOT LOCKER ROOMS

Touji nervously sat on the bench. He was still in his civilian clothes. His plug suit sat limply in his hands while he just stared at the four stencilled on its front. (I guess this is how Shinji felt the first time. I know what he means now when everyone depends on you. It sucks big time!) The sound of the door opening woke him from his thoughts. It was Shinji.

"Hey Shin-man. How's the head?" Touji sounded deflated and not his usual self.

"Don't worry about my head! What's going on? I ran into Kensuke and Hyuga. They were in a rush and mentioned something about another Angel." Touji started to explain the events leading up to him getting changed into his plug suit. When he finished, Shinji took a seat on the bench next to Touji facing the opposite direction.

"This always happens when I'm around!" Shinji swore loudly.

"It's not your fault. Who knows what these Angels think. All I know is that it's my job to stop them."

"Two attacks in as many days that I've been here... I must be cursed or something..." Shinji then remember what Hikari had admitted to him earlier. "You're not really going to go through with this, are you?"

"I don't have much of a choice. Rei's Eva is pretty banged up and Asuka is missing half her armour."

"But Hikari is..." Shinji stopped himself before revealing her secret.

"Oh, I get it now. Hikari asked you to talk to me about piloting, didn't she? She can get nosy sometimes!"

"Hey, she's worried sick about you!" Touji remained silent. "You shouldn't be so hard on her."

"Yeah, I know she cares but it's just..." He paused for a moment to think about what he was going to say. "You know I love her heaps, right?" Shinji nodded. "I want to keep her away from piloting and Eva. You of all people should know what it's like. She deserves better. I want to protect her and keep from all the bad things in life." Shinji didn't say anything as Touji's words sunk in.

"Yeah well, I better get change. This Angel isn't going to hang around forever." The sound of the door hissed open again and revealed Kensuke looking anxious and sweating from loading the mobile command with all the equipment they needed.

"Come on Touji. Everyone is waiting." He then spotted Shinji. "Oh, hey, Shinji."

"Yeah, yeah I know. I'll be out in a sec." Kensuke nodded and turned to leave the room.

"Hey Kensuke wait up!" Shinji called out and walked up to him. "Where's Unit One?"

TOKYO 3 – MILTARY AIR BASE

"We are going to configure the power unit we brought for Unit Five for Unit Three. Mobile command should be here any moment now." Maya continued with her orders as Mana watch the Angel stalk her flaccid Eva under the burning rubble. They were in the vacant hanger that the JSSDF allocated. She lowered her binoculars as heavy artillery vehicles rumbled pass.

"Shouldn't we do something about the JSSDF?" Mana shouted back to Maya.

"It's pointless. The only thing we can do is get ready for the others. Mana, I want you change into your plug suit?"

"How come?"

"Not sure. It's an order from the Major. I guess she just wants to be prepared for anything." Mana complied and went over to her rack case to get her plug suit.

NERV HEADQUARTERS – LOADING DOCK

Yui entered the loading dock still reeling from her confrontation with the Commander. She saw Misato standing by the mobile command holding a fresh cup of coffee. She walked up to the Major and both watched the technicians put the finishing touches to Unit Two. They could make out Asuka and Hyuga standing over a laptop on the higher deck going over the final deployment checklist.

"How did it go?" Misato asked knowing that the private talk with the Commander was about the status of Eva Unit One.

"Don't ask." Yui stated.

"That well, huh?"

"Misato, do you think not using Unit One is the right thing?" she asked.

"Shinji said he wasn't going to pilot and Unit One can only be piloted by Shinji. You didn't really have a choice."

"You didn't answer my question."

"We have enough pilots and Evas. All the current pilots know that they don't have to do this. Don't worry yourself about it." The Major reassured Yui.

"Thanks... Have you seen Rei? How are things coming along?"

"Unit Four is prepped and ready for transport. They are currently working on Unit Two. Rei seemed tired from tests so I told her that she could go home. That actually reminds me, Touji went off to get changed. He should be ready by now." Then the 'three stooges' enter the loading bay via an opposite doorway. They seem to be chatting among themselves with Kensuke visibly upset about something.

"You know how crazy this is, don't you? Nothing has been tested or prepped. We still haven't finished our investigations from the third Angel."

"Yeah but what choice do we have? I'm not letting them send Touji out there on his own." Touji remained silent, staring at the ground.

"Come on Touji say something!" Kensuke pleaded to his friend. "There's no need for you to go out there?"

"Out where? What's going on here Shin-Chan?" Misato asked, calling him by his pet name. Yui followed up.

"Shinji... You shouldn't be here. We have an emergency at the moment. Rei's at home. Go there and wait until I get back." She reached into her pockets to hand him an access pass.

"All right! May be the Major and the Vice Commander can talk some sense into you." Kensuke said aloud.

"What's he talking about?" Yui asked.

Asuka peered down from her platform to see the huddle below. She was high enough that the voices didn't carry up (Shinji? What's he doing here? Four eyes stooge is acting weird even for him.)

"Hey Asuka, are you listening? I've made some changes to the navigation system. You should have a look." Aoba tried to get the young pilot's attention.

(What the hell is going on?!)

"YOU'RE WHAT?!" Misato and Yui screamed. It was loud enough that Asuka heard, arousing her curiosity and making her move towards the access lift (Baka Shinji must have done something to upset them)

"Totally out of the question!" Misato followed up. "Unit One hasn't got clearance for launch and we already have a plan. I don't like changes or surprises in the last minute."

"Misato is right!" Yui knelt down in front of her son. "There's no need you for to pilot. You don't have to worry about this any more. We can take care of this." Her eyes pleaded with him, begging for an answer

"I guess sending Touji out there on his own is 'taking care' of it?" Shinji replied unable to look his mother in eye.

"He won't be on his own. Asuka is..."

"By the time something happens, she'll be too far and too late to do anything. I'm not going to stand by while you throw my friend into the deep end."

"Touji has been through the simulation training. He's not being sent into battle without any experience."

"Experience? The first time he piloted, his EVA was taken over by an angel. I doubt he's piloted until the other day. Do you still think he has enough experience?" Yui and Misato stayed quiet because they knew he was right.

"Major... I would feel better if Shinji was with me." Touji added in Shinji's defence. Yui slowly rose from her position, the concern in her eyes replaced by a determined almost angry glare.

"Unit One is currently under operation freeze pending an investigation from its encounter with the third Angel. Furthermore, all current Eva pilots have been unsuccessful in properly activating the Unit. This attack has officially come under Nerv's jurisdiction and you have no purpose being here. As stated in the event of an emergency, all civilians are to relocate to the nearest shelter." (Please forgive me sweetie... I just don't want to lose you again) Yui saw her son's eyes flash with hurt and then anger.

"WHAT! You can't do that!" He shouted, his reaction surprising those around him. "I was forced to pilot with no prior training or backup, and I damn near got killed! You remember, mom...YOU WERE THERE TOO! No way in hell am I going to let you pull the same shit on Touji!" Silence followed Shinji's response. Every word was like a sharp stab into Yui's heart, but she forced herself to remain calm. Her answer came out in a flat, near emotionless voice.

"Major... Please escort Shinji to the nearest shelter." Misato hesitated at first but slowly went up to Shinji.

"I authorise the use of Unit One." Fuyutsuki interjected. Everyone turned around to see him standing with Dr. Akagi by his side. "Dr. Akagi will you help prep it."

"No. I don't trust anyone except for Kensuke. He will perform the preparations. No one else." Fuyutsuki looked at Shinji and then the young Lab technician.

"Do you have any problem with this Aida?" He asked. Kensuke could only shake his head no. Asuka just stood in the background unsure what to do, shocked by Shinji's actions.

MILTARY AIRBASE – EIGHT THOUSAND FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL

"This is Concord five-five. We are approximately seven minutes to drop zone." The pilot of Touji's transport radioed in to the mobile command. "We can see smoke and activity from the air base."

-Rogar that five-five. JSSDF have been notified of your approach. You are cleared for drop.-

Touji sat in his plug, his Eva mounted to the rear of the transport. He was fidgeting with various buttons in his cockpit. His visual console activated and Dr. Akagi appeared. She was making the final configurations to his Eva. "Alright Touji... Everything has checked ok. Are you nervous?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"I'm sorry. Good luck out there. Just remember the safest place during an Angel attack is inside an Eva and you will have Shinji and Asuka with you."

"Dr. Akagi? Do you think it's ok to let Shinji pilot?"

"I do have my concerns about him piloting Unit One so soon but having him available is a great advantage for us."

"I know... I just don't want anything to happen to him. It'll be my fault if any happens. I... sort of asked him... to do."

Meanwhile in the other transport, Kensuke and Shinji were having a different conversation.

"Nothing much has changed since you last piloted Eva; there have only been a few enhancements in the system feedback and fail safes."

"Failsafe? Like a dummy plug?"

"Yeah. One of the first things your mother and Dr. Akagi did was scrap the original A.I. algorithm for the dummy system. They replaced it with a system that will allow us to remotely control the Eva if required."

"Like a remote control car? If that's the case then why is there a need for us to pilot?"

"It's a little more complicated than that. The remote command doesn't allow us to move and control as well as a pilot could. The most we are able to do is make it walk. It comes in handy moving it from different hangers." Kensuke explained. "Hey Shinji... why ask me to help set up Unit One? Akagi or your mom could have done a better job."

"It's like I said, I don't trust them just yet and I know that you could do the job. You used to hassle me all the time about Eva when we where back in school." Shinji explained. "Plus I'm not really eager to see mom at the moment... Do you think I was a little hard on her earlier?"

"May be a little but I haven't been through the same things you have so I can't really say. I do know that your mom and Misato were really worried that you wanted to pilot again. You even had the demon going for a bit."

"I never said that I was returning to piloting full time. I'm just here to help Touji and what do you mean that Asuka was worried?"

"She came down after the shouting started. I always thought she had a thing for you but was just too proud to admit anything."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Although after his confrontation with the redhead, he was re-evaluate his relationship with her. Kensuke just laughed at his response.

MILITARY AIRBASE – VACANT HANGER

The mobile command slowly rolled inside the airbase hanger. The compression brakes hissed as the multi-million dollar truck converted to mobile command came to a stop. The door opened and Maya greeted Misato. "Major, everything is set. Unit Five's umbilical cable has been prepped and configured for Touji."

"Good. What's the status of the Angel? Where's Mana?" she asked.

"Mana has been monitoring the Angel. It hasn't reacted any differently." Misato scanned the hanger and found Mana in her plug suit with a coat heavy over the top. "Major, shouldn't we notify the JSSDF of our intensions. We don't want to cause any casualties from friendly fire."

"The Vice Commander is currently doing that. So the Angel hasn't done anything yet?"

"That's right. Mana will be able to tell you more."

"Ok, thanks Maya. The rest of the guys are inside the mobile." Maya quickly saluted. Then Misato walked over to the newest member of the piloting staff. Mana was just outside the hanger doors. The wind was rather strong and caused the bottom of the coat she was wearing over her plug suit to flick around.

"See anything interesting?" Misato tried to shed some humour on the situation.

"Hello Major. Anything interesting? This Angel has been hanging around my Eva for the past forty minutes and it's starting to shit me. That and this base is full of perverts." Ever since Mana had changed into her plug suit she would receive the occasional long stare from any male that happen to cross into their line of sight.

"So that's why you're wearing a coat. You can't really blame them, though; you do seem to fill out your suit rather well."

"Thanks for the compliment. How's the mission coming along?" Misato looked up to the sky as the rumble of two Nerv carriers approached. Mana followed the Major's gaze, watching as two objects ejected from the rear of each plane.

"I think it would be better if we continue this in the mobile command." They both rushed into the safety of the portable command centre. Inside Maya had assumed her position with Hyuga and Aoba. The Vice Commander was still on the phone to the airbase General. Misato was last in and closed the door after her. Not long after the whole command shook as the Evas made their heavy landings.

-Concord five-five reporting successful delivery. Returning to base. -

"Roger that Concord five-five." Hyuga replied.

"Ok. Patch me into the Evas."

"Shinji? Unit One is here?" The picture of both plugs showed Mana Shinji. His decision to pilot so soon meant that a new plug suit had not been made to fit his physique. For comfort he had decided to only remove his shirt before stepping in to the Eva.

"Ok. You two you should be able to see the target down the runway. Touji you're still running on batteries. Unit Fives umbilical cable has been set up for you."

-Roger that. -

-What about me?! I'm still out here!" Asuka sounded annoyed being left out.

"There are still JSSDF forces in the vicinity of the target. We are in the process of getting them out. Don't move unless directly engaged by the enemy. That goes for you as well Asuka. Remember once you fire, you lose the element of surprise."

-Roger/ yeah, yeah- both replied, Asuka opting for a more relaxed answer. Shinji remained silent.

"Everything o.k. in there, Shinji? Is there anything we can do to help?" (Lame, Misato...What're you going to do from in here?)

-A little late for that, Major. I'll be in contact after it's all done. Ikari, out. - Shinji then cut the visual feed.

"Shinji wait..." Luckily for Misato, Yui was still busy on the phone informing the JSSDF General. "Has he turned off all communications?" she whispered to Aoba, so as not to alarm Yui.

"Only visual. He can still hear us." Aoba answered.

"The General has agreed to withdraw his forces but will remain on alert." Yui said hanging up the hot line. "How are Shinji and the others? Can you give me a private channel to him?" Misato avoided her request to speak to Shinji by changing the subject.

"I guess JSSDF still doesn't trust us. As if they could do anything if we failed."

"They are just being territorial. You would feel the same if the JSSDF invaded the Geo Front to engage an Angel. How's Shinji? Where's that secure channel?" She asked again.

"He's turned off his comms." She answered reluctantly. What followed was not pretty or very fitting from the Vice Commander of Nerv.

MILITARY AIRBASE – BATTLE FRONT

Meanwhile, Shinji sat in Unit One, His thoughts and concentration far from the task ahead of him (May be I was hard on them. I should apologize when I get back. But if only they knew about Hi... that's right! I almost forgot) He quickly established a private comm. link to Unit Four. "Hey Touji, are you there?"

-What's up Shinji? -

"Listen... When I was with Hikari, she mentioned..."

-What the hell is that?!- Touji cut off Shinji as some strange readings were coming from his instruments.

-We are detecting a high-level energy build up from the Angel. It looks like the Angel is making its move. The JSSDF are almost cleared. Touji get ready! You all know what to do.- Misato's voice echoed through each of the deployed Eva's plugs. Touji and Shinji looked through their displays to see the remaining JSSDF scatter from around the Angel and to safety. The Angel used its tentacles to pick up Unit Five, flipping it to face up. The impact caused more damage to the runway and sent cracks running all the way to feet of Unit One and Four.

-What hell is it doing?!- Touji wondered aloud as he watched in awe. Shamshel hovered over the helpless, lifeless Eva, studying it for a moment before latching onto the chest plate. The energy build up increased as the Angel violently tore the protective plate from the Eva. Shinji noticed that Touji's took a couple of steps back from the force of the energy.

-Touji, Shinji, you have to stop the Angel before it cracks Unit Five's core! If that happens, it will yield and everything with a mile's radius will be dust!- Misato barked. Nervously, Touji closed in on the Angel with his palette rifle dead on target. Shinji cocked his over-sized desert eagle and followed. Touji waited until the Angel was fully extended and fired, but the bullets stopped short of hitting their target as a hexagonal form appeared.

-Shit! AT Field! - He cursed. Before he could react, the Angel ripped off the chest plate, Unit Five's blood spurting into the air and covering Shamshel. Then with a powerful whipping motion, the Angel sent the plate flying towards Unit Four like a razor-edged discus. Touji couldn't react in time and the projectile sliced deeply into his torso causing his blood to pour onto the ground.

-AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!-

MILITARY AIRBASE - MOBILE COMMAND

"TOUJI! What's his status?!" Misato demanded in a panic. Mana turned away from the display as the battle scene was too much for her to take. Pooled blood was covering most of the runway.

"He's alive! He managed to disconnect half the neural connectors before impact." Maya answered. "But he's unable to continue."

"I want rescue and retrieval teams on stand by ready to move. Are communications still on line?

"Negative. His figures are all over the chart. It's too hard to tell!"

MILITARY AIRBASE – FRONT LINE

"Touji!" Shinji screamed as he rushed towards the fallen Eva. Every step he took splashed the blood around him. "Touji are you ok?!" He shouted again into his comm. In his panic to reach his friend, he ignored the threat of the Angel and put down his weapon.

-SHINJI! Turn your comms back on! - Misato waited for a response. -You have to stay focused! The Angel is still...-

"Touji could be dead and you're worried about the Angel! You make me sick!" He spat.

-Touji's fine. He managed to disconnect before the attack.- Misato hadn't received positive confirmation of this but she was pretty sure of herself.

"And how do you know that?! If he's fine then how come he's not responding to us?"

-Shinji... Please...- This was his mother pleading.

"Asuka! Touji is down. If you have a clear shot, take it!" Misato ordered

-Roger that. What about Shinji?-

"You have your orders pilot! Don't worry what Shinji is doing." Misato knew that Asuka was worried about Shinji. She was worried as well but her military instincts told her to remain focus on the task at hand. Her previous experiences during the first Angel war taught her that you don't get any second chances.

In the meantime, Shinji had decided that he was done arguing. His hands closed around the control yokes. "If a dead Angel is all you care about, then a dead angel is what you'll get!" He toggled the audio closed. However the circuit, either through malfunction or design stayed open. It picked up his next softly uttered words.

"No way that I'm gonna let Touji and Hikari's child grow up without a father, like I did."

The weapon-less form of Unit One then exploded into motion, charging towards the Angel.

END OF CHAPTER 12

AUTHOR NOTES

I wanted to add more in this chapter but my brain was starting to fry. For those who had seen the two movies might have picked up on the Yui's line about the JSSDF invading the Geo Front and Central Dogma.

Once again thanks for the reviews. Keep them coming. Help me get to the century mark. Apologies for the delay in update, had to rebuild my machine which set me back a bit.

I'll also like to send a get well to 'Mrs. Nategold' (Not to be confused with Mr Nategold proof-reader) who just returned from a hospital stay. I hope you get better soon!

Wonga316

PROOF READER NOTES

Thanks to Wonga for the good wishes. The name "Mel's place" is from an old sitcom, "Alice". It was a little greasy spoon diner with some truly horrid food. Felt it was apropos here.

NateGold