Chapter 9 – Charting A New Course

Gendo had to admit that he felt a bit jet lagged. Traveling from Tokyo 3 to NERV Nevada was a difference of sixteen hours in time and thanks to the marvel of supersonic airliners he was able to make the journey in less than seven including changeovers. The miracle of science truly knew no bounds, but it certainly had its drawbacks. After all, landing at 3:30 in the morning at the facility was 7:30 in the evening where he'd started his journey from. Regardless of that, he had a job to do, and so he would do it, sleep be damned.

The reason for his visit was to inspect the experimental hardware that was being prepared for Unit 04. Though the Eva was already partially completed, a full rebuild and retrofit had been ordered as to accept the new core design, an artificial S2 organ like the ones that powered the Angels. Unit 03 had already been moved to a secondary facility located near Nellis Air Force Base which he was glad for. Should something go wrong with the test of the experimental power source they were engineering for Unit 04, then Unit 03 would be well removed from any potential meltdown or explosion. The scientists of NERV Nevada were hard at work making the artificial S2 a reality thanks to what little had been salvaged from the Fourth Angel. When that barrier was overcome the Mass Production Eva Series would be completed and they would not need external power to operate. The old men at SEELE would certainly be pleased but none of what they wanted mattered... He was going to take their neat little plan and flip it on itself! Regardless of the pieces he was helping them put into place he was the one who held all the cards. So long as they didn't start to suspect him until it was too late in the game then he was guaranteed to win...

He'd only caught a few hours of sleep after finishing his tour of the facility around seven in the morning. Upon awakening in the evening he'd headed straight to the airfield and awaited his flight back to Japan. He was glad to be headed back to Tokyo 03. Nevada was too dusty for his liking.

His cellular phone rang. It could only be one of a very select group of people that could be reaching him. He picked up after the second ring. "What?" he answered bluntly.

The voice of Vice Commander Fuyutsuki sounded in the receiver. "So you plan to go through with it," he said dispassionately.

Gendo knew exactly what it was that he referred to. That was right... the Jet Alone test would be taking place soon. His little act of sabotage would be yet another step towards his ends. "Indeed Sensei," he replied. "The pieces are already in place."

"You should understand it's unnecessary," Fuyutsuki parried. "Even if they are successful they would come calling to us the minute it fails the test of battle."

"Ah, but what if they don't?" Gendo riposted. "That is not a risk I am willing to take."

"I never took you for a cautious man," the older man returned.

"Perhaps you should," Gendo replied, a small smirk forming on his face. As much as he tried not to show it, he had very much come to enjoy these little verbal jousts he had with him from time to time.

"Indeed," Fuyutsuki commented before putting forth an inquiry. "And what of your risk in the name of caution be exposed? What should happen if our involvement were to be discovered?"

Gendo's smirk only grew. It was all taken care of but Fuyutsuki should know this already. He had agents everywhere in the world and countless scores of other individuals whom he'd threatened or bribed to into doing his bidding. If that wasn't enough to sabotage one nuclear powered wind up toy then having Dr. Ritusko Akagi in on it ensured he would be successful. "There is no need to worry," he stated, his tone confident as always. "The incident will be written off as an error, product of a faulty control system. Our agents will see to that."

Fuyutsuki chortled. "As always, you've thought of everything..." he mused.

Gendo's smirk grew wider still...


Misato looked out of the window of the VTOL aircraft as it neared its destination, taking in the sight of the wasteland that had once been a thriving metropolis. The scars from thermonuclear holocaust that had been bestowed upon Old Tokyo in the wars after Second Impact were still visible. Where once there had been buildings sprawling endlessly in all directions now there was nothing but flat levels plains of concrete, a remnant of the cleanup effort for the radioactive fallout in the wake of the strike. In the distance there were rusting, rotting buildings partially submerged in Tokyo Bay, a product of when the oceans rose after Antarctica was destroyed... And yet, in the wake of all this, people persevered. This was evidenced by the few lone towers and bunker facilities that stood every few kilometers across the wasteland. Still, it was a far cry from the beautiful city she'd seen in photos as a child... "It's hard to believe this place used to be the capitol," she murmured softly to herself.

"We're here," Ritsuko stated, shaking her from her daydream.

The VTOL began to turn in for a landing and Misato got a good view of he facility they were about to enter. She couldn't help but feel like they were flaunting their favor by flying in on a jet powered VTOL instead of a traditional helicopter like everyone else. "Why are they having this event in a place like this?" she asked. "Is the JSSDF getting involved?"

Ritsuko gave her a sidelong glance. "No," she replied. "They won't be interfering. Even though this project is for their benefit they won't be here."

"I see..." Misato replied. "So I guess they'll do whatever they like..." She dreaded what was yet to come. So even though the JSSDF had called for the creation of this giant robot they weren't present at the maiden test... Then again, they probably had better things to do, all they'd done was send out the contract of Jet Alone's creation. Why the hell would they bother to come to some stupid test and formal dinner? She scowled... She hated formal events. At least if the military were to be here then there would be some limits to the political squabbling. Ah... who was she kidding, the military was just like any other bloated organization, always seeking praise and funding, always more funding...


The gala was underway. Numerous representatives from across all of Japan were drinking and laughing. All the tables in the show room were packed except for the one reserved for NERV. The only people occupying that spot were herself and Misato. Ritsuko couldn't help but sigh and shake her head at the stupidity on display. These people all around her had no idea of what was about to happen.

The speaker, Shiro Tokita, took the stage to thunderous applause. He put up his hand once he settled himself behind his podium and the applause began to die down. "Thank you, thank you!" he called. "I'd like to thank you all for coming to this special demonstration of Japan Heavy Chemical Industries latest product. In a few minutes we'll be taking you up to the control room to observe the actual demonstration, but first we'll be answering some of your questions here."

Ritsuko shot up her hand immediately. "Yes!" she called out. Now was the moment to sow a sense of doubt in the crowd...

"Ah, the famous Dr. Ritsuko Akagi," Tokita acknowledged from the podium. "It's our pleasure to have you here for this demonstration."

Such flattery. So shallow. Ritsuko always despised meaningless gestures born of decorum. She knew of Tokita and knew of his arrogance. He was the quintessential bureaucrat type who deluded himself into believing his lackluster talents in engineering had allowed for his rise through the ranks of the company he now served as head designer thereof. This was diametrically opposed to how she'd gained her position in Project E, a path of dedication, talent, and pure will. Oh, how she was going to love putting him in his place... Though the plan she'd helped construct with Gendo was guaranteed to take place and succeed, she couldn't resist showing him up right now... She stood and lifted her microphone to her lips. "Thank you," she replied. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course, certainly!" Tokita said, his arrogant grin never leaving his face.

"The unit is equipped with an onboard nuclear reactor, is that the truth?" she asked.

"Correct," Tokita replied. "This is our product's most distinguished feature, guaranteeing one hundred and fifty days of continuous operating power."

It was also its greatest liability, one that anyone with half a brain would and should have taken into account... "I see," she replied. "Though innovative, isn't it rather dangerous to incorporate a nuclear reactor in a weapons system designed for close quarters combat?"

"We think it's more practical than a platform that won't work for more than five minutes," Tokita countered.

"In an emergency there may be issues with remote control or power regulation," she returned. Was this moron really so confident in his work? The arrogance of Shiro Tokita was truly astonishing.

"But it's more humane than a system that induces tremendous mental stress and causes mental instability in a pilot," Tokita replied.

"Knock it off," she heard Misato grumble. "You're acting like children..."

She ignored her friend's assessment. She had a point to make and good god she was going to make it! "There's still the issue of manual control," she pressed.

"I would think that it is much safer than an extremely dangerous weapon that's been known to run out of control and go berserk in the middle of a city," Tokita replied, his smirk growing as he held aloft a document that she recognized immediately as originally belonging to NERV. The screen behind him flashed to life, displaying an image of the berserk Unit 01 during its battle with the Third Angel. Her eyes went wide. This was not something she had expected... it appeared her plan to show him up was backfiring.

The smug bastard behind the podium put up his hands in a gesture that displayed full well his dismissal of the Evangelions and closed his eyes. "A weapon that cannot be controlled is insane," he said. "It's like a hysterical woman, completely out of control."

Laughter emanated from all around her, elicited from the sexist comment. She gritted her teeth and stared back at him. She was not about to be cowed by him. "Our technology will be able to control it," she declared.

"So you're saying that science and human courage will tame the savage Eva beast?" Tokita goaded. "Are you serious?"

"Yes!" she returned. "Of course I'm serious!" She knew she was on the defensive but she had to salvage this exchange...

Tokita pounced. "And because it depends on something as fragile as a human heart NERV has allowed the situation to get completely out of control," he replied, sneering. "The U.N. Has already had to approve an enormous supplement to your existing budget, and as a result, twenty thousand people in a dozen countries are starving to death! Of course, the actual cause of this is still under investigation. Why don't you at least take responsibility for your handiwork. How fortunate that your organization is above the law..."

She glared daggers at the arrogant bastard. It was a total show of pride, but she refused to back down. "Nothing you've said matters," she spat. "The fact is that NERV has the only weapon capable of defeating the enemy."

Tokita's smirk did not waver. "You mean the A.T. Field?" he returned. "That is just a matter of time and research. NERV's day in the sun will not last forever."

Ritsuko's eyes widened as those words registered. It would seem that security at NERV was lacking. The fact that they knew about the A.T. Field was proof of that, it was top secret! She glared down at the table as the weight of what he'd said settled. Now she looked like a complete fool... She sat down beside Misato and crossed her arms. She was very much going to enjoy the events of the test... Shiro Tokita would soon learn how wrong he was...


Misato was furious. The gala had been an absolute disaster. Seeing her friend get verbally demolished royally pissed her off. How could that arrogant jackass be so confident in his stupid toy robot? She kicked the door of one of the lockers in the dressing room that she and Ritsuko had moved to while waiting for the test to begin. As she stamped on the locker door over and over again a noticeable dent began to form. "Damn them!" she shouted. "Those jerks are just pissed off that they're losing their share of the funding! That damn Tokita, want to rip off his face and then kick it and kick it and kick it!"

"Cut it out and behave yourself," Ritsuko said from where she sat at the dressing table. She lifted up a small file labeled Jet Alone and set in on fire with her lighter. "He's just a showoff begging for praise and adulation. He's petty, not worthy of attention."

Misato glared at her friend. "Yeah, then how does that son of a bitch know about the A.T. Field?" she spat.

"You have a point," Ritsuko replied. "It's telling that something so classified could leak..."

Misato gave the locker one final kick. "Intelligence must be dragging their asses!" she growled.

"Calm down," Ritsuko returned. "We'll discover the source of the leak in due time."

Misato sighed. "It's enough dealing with the Angels but now we have to contend with enemies within..." she muttered. "You'd think that everyone would be on board after what we've accomplished. How can they be so selfish?"

Ritsuko chuckled. "You should know by now that it's human nature to be selfish," she replied. "You yourself signed on with NERV for selfish reasons."

Misato scowled and reached up to clutch the cross necklace that she always wore, the one her father had given her when he'd... She pushed the thought from her mind. Even after all these years it still stung. Her friend certainly had a point. Everyone has a selfish reason for everything... "Lets just get this over with..." she growled, stomping toward the door.

The test was about to begin anyway...


Ritsuko sipped a cup of coffee while standing in the rear of the control room that was to be used for the test. Misato stood beside her with her arms crossed. They had been among the first of the assembled parties to file in and witness the test. Slowly the rest of the guests filed in and began to clamor amongst themselves. Tokita wasn't present yet. She assumed it was so he could get another round of applause before it was to begin.

"Looks like we're among the first ones here," Misato mused. "Typical."

Ritsuko smirked. "Indeed," she replied. "The test will probably start fashionably late."

Misato chuckled. "Yeah," she said, glancing off at the massive tower which most likely contained the giant toy they were about to watch. "And everyone is going to be over the moon just seeing it walk around."

Ritsuko looked out at the tower as well, her brow knitting as a small amount of anxiety manifested in her mind. She knew what was going to happen but she dared not say anything. What was going to happen had to be kept from her friend. She did not enjoy keeping secrets from Misato but it would be for the best. She was too pure of heart to accept just how dirty NERV was at its core. Exposing the sabotage for any reason would certainly lead to her asking further questions which in turn would lead to nothing good... She could only hope that she wouldn't do anything stupid while the virus she'd written executed its purpose.

Tokita entered the room and as she predicted he received a thunderous ovation.


Misato watched as the enormous tower on all the displays slowly pulled apart. It was quite impressive really, the fact that two halves of the building existed on rollers. It was certainly more theatrical that the sliding doors NERV had opted for its Eva launch bays. The machine itself was hideous, sporting an ugly tan paint job and a massive bulging upper torso. The head, if one could call it that, was squat and flat. The arms and legs had multiple articulated joints much like what one would imagine a cartoon robot would have in a show from the 1950s. Misato had to stifle her laughter at the ridiculous looking creation. She'd seen the schematics already for it but seeing it up close it looked ridiculous. It did not have the savage elegance of the Evangelions at all.

"We are ready to begin the Jet Alone activation test!" Tokita called out to the assembled crowd. "Don't worry folks, there is no risk at all. Please, make yourselves comfortable and watch through the observation windows. We are ready to begin. Start the test."

It was a nice speech she had to admit. As arrogant a man as Tokita was he certainly was a good speaker. He had the guest audience positively enthralled. She couldn't help but smile looking at all the middle aged men staring off with binoculars at the giant machine. This was probably fulfilling many of their childhood dreams, the morons...

Technicians began listing off all sorts of status reports. Misato couldn't help but be reminded of her job at NERV. This was playing out much like an Eva launch, just with much more rudimentary technology. "Discharging the power core," called one of the techs.

"Pressure levels normal," another tech declared.

"Coolant system circulation normal," a third called out.

"Release the control rods!" one of the men near Tokita ordered.

The hunched and stubby face of the robot lit up as what looked like six giant spines grew from its back. As butt ugly as it was, it did look a bit intimidating in its current configuration... "The reactor has reached nominal power status. Output is normal," a technician stated calmly.

"Begin walk cycle!" Tokita commanded firmly, his eyes fixed up the central display.

The tech to the left of Tokita spoke up. "Walking forward ahead slow. Forward right leg," he replied. The man next to him mirrored his words.

Misato couldn't help but feel it was a little ridiculous that this machine required so much of a process just to walk. A pilot in a cockpit was far more efficient than this! She tuned out the words of the crew running the experiment and lifted her binoculars to stare at the machine. Slowly but surely it lifted its foot and brought it down with a thud. Though the machine stood a few hundred meters away it produced a vibration hat could be felt within the building they stood in. Steadily, it took another lumbering step forward, and then another, and another...

Misato couldn't help but be reminded of Eva Unit 01's first deployment, how Shinji had taken one step and fallen on his face. She glanced over at Ritsuko. "Well, it's walking. That's certainly something to be proud of." she stated in a slightly teasing tone to which Ritsuko said nothing in reply.

A loud beep sounded at the central console, drawing Misato's attention. She watched as the look on Tokita's face became concerned. "What's wrong?" he asked the technician to the right of him.

"This is odd, the pressure inside he reactor is decreasing," the tech replied.

"Temperature of the primary coolant system is rising as well," the technician to Tokita's left stated, his voice becoming nervous.

Misato watched as Tokita leaned in over the central console. Whatever was going on didn't sound good... "Valve open, insert the neutron deceleration fluid," he ordered.

"No effect," the tech on the right stated.

The tech on the left spoke again, his voice becoming more and more distressed. "The pump output isn't increasing!" he cried.

"Initiating valve system check," the technician on the right stated in a tone that sounded to Misato like forced calm. Confusion gripped her and a sense of fear was brewing in her gut. What on earth was going on? She glanced back at Jet Alone, which was lumbering closer and closer to the command center...

"Alright, emergency stop, cut off the power!" Tokita ordered firmly.

"Abort signal transmission confirmed," the tech on the right bit out.

"It's not accepting it!" the tech on the left shouted frantically. "The radio circuit is being blocked! It's out of control! It's coming right at us!"

Tokita stared up at the central display. "This can't be happening..." he murmured.

Misato looked back out the window in time to see the robot lift its enormous foot into the air. Considering how close it was, she knew instantly that when it came down it would stomp right on top of the bunker in which she stood. She had half a second to react and dived for cover.

There was an incredible crash as the Jet Alone smashed through the command center. Everyone around her was screaming frantically and running wild. She looked over at Ritsuko who was coughing furiously from the amount of dust and drywall powder that was hanging in the air in the wake of the the behemoth stampeding through the be building. "So much for remote control," she quipped.

"Yes," Ritsuko replied between fits of coughing. "Indeed..."

Just then an extremely loud warning klaxon began to sound. "The compression valve is operating irregularly!" the tech to Tokita's left shouted. "The control rods aren't working!"

"Possibility of meltdown imminent!" the one on the right declared, his voice finally displaying full blown panic.

The look on Tokita's face was one of utter disbelief. "Impossible..." he murmured. "The Jet Alone's onboard computer system has been programmed to handle all possible contingencies and scenarios... this kind of thing simply cannot happen..."

Misato had heard enough, she positively couldn't hold back anymore. "Then you're about to have an impossible nuclear meltdown on your hands," she scoffed.

Tokita regarded her, his fearful look contradicting his dismissive words. The man was such a bureaucrat... "Under the present circumstances our only option is to wait for it to stop itself," he replied.

"Oh yeah?" Misato spat, disgusted. "And what's the likelihood of that?"

One of of the lower level technicians to the side of her answered her question in seconds. "0.0002%" he called out. "It would be an act of God!"

Misato whirled around to snap at him. She'd had enough of bullshit for one day. "Acts of men are better than acts of God!" she snarled with ample venom before turning her anger on Tokita. "Tell me how to stop it!"

"We've already tried every possible option..." Tokita replied. He sounded defeated or defeatist, one of the two. She wasn't having it. There had to be something, anything that could be done!

"Not yet!" She shouted. "There's got to be some sort of last resort, some sort of emergency program that will shut it off entirely! If there's a password, tell me now!"

"The password to delete all programming is top secret," Tokita replied, an air of desperation emanating from his very being. "I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to tell you?"

Misato was furious. The nerve of this man, knowing how to stop his rogue creation and being unwilling due to protocol. What an absolute spineless coward! "Well then you'd better get that permission, jackass!" she snapped. "Do it!"

Tokita stared back at her with a look of wide eyed shock for a moment. Slowly his face contorted into a scowl. "I'll need to make a few phone calls..." he replied.

Tokita made his way down to the level she stood on and he began making a series of phone calls. She could tell that with every call he was being stonewalled. Such was the nightmares of bureaucracies. After a few minutes and probably the fifth call Tokita turned to face her. "A written order of clearance will be sent," he stated. "I'll give you the password then."

"We can't wait that long!" Misato shouted. "Once Jet Alone's reactor red-lines it'll be too late!"

Another warning alarm sounded followed by a voice over the undamaged intercom speakers. "Jet Alone is heading for Atsugi City," the voice said.

It was moments like this that Misato Katsurag truly shined. A giant machine out of control and heading for a major population center? That was just like an Angel attack... "Time's running out, I'm taking responsibility for this operation myself!" she snapped, glaring at Tokita. "You can wait here."

All Tokita could manage to do was stare back at her, a conflicted expression on his face.


Ritsuko shook her head as she watched her friend change into a radiation suit. Misato was going to try some sort of insane plan to stop Jet Alone when that wasn't necessary. Her code would shut the machine down at the last possible minute. It was stupid to risk her life when Jet Alone's rampage was no risk to anyone at all!

"Hyuga, I want you to roll out the transport and bring Shinji-kun and Unit 01 with the F type equipment up here right now," Misato said, pinching a phone between her shoulder and cheek. "Yes! It's an emergency!"

Ritsuko knew that she couldn't tell Misato about anything that had been devised in the upper echelons of NERV but she had to talk her out of this stupid mission of hers. "This is pointless," she interjected as soon as Misato hung up the phone. "Do you have any idea of how to stop it?"

Misato smirked back at her. "I'll override the computer manually," she replied with confidence. "Shouldn't be all that hard."

Ritsuko sighed. "Do you really want to show them up that badly?" she asked. "What are you trying to prove?"

Misato glared back at her. "I'm not trying to prove anything," she hissed. "I'm trying to save innocent lives. That robot is going to melt down and thousands of people in Atsuki could be killed!"

That was false, but she had no way of knowing that. Then again... NERV coming to the rescue would certainly be a small coup in terms of getting future preference and funding... Ritsuko sighed. "Fine then, just... don't get yourself killed, alright?"

Misato's hard look evaporated. "I won't," she replied cheerfully. "I can promise you that."


Rei walked beside Ikari-kun as they left school in the afternoon. As always, she was glad that the tedium of sitting in that classroom was over. Sitting in class for hours as of late had been making her mind wander to unpleasant topics and possibilities. It was just like any other routine walk home, she would make small idle conversation with Ikari-kun and then she would head home alone after pausing for a brief time at the captain's residence. That is, until it wasn't...

She could tell that he still had something on his mind as they walked along the sidewalk but she couldn't place what. The way he'd carried himself all day, staring off into space with a soft frown, it concerned her... It seemed like he was going down some sort of introspective rabbit hole not unlike she'd been known to do. It still felt... strange, asking him what was on his mind, it made her feel a bit nervous, but it was getting easier every time she did. "Is there something occupying your thoughts?" she asked softly.

"Not much," he replied. "I've just... had a lot on my mind since the synchronization test yesterday."

This perked her interest. Could there be more to his mood than the captain's departure on business? What could have happened at NERV that would have sent him into such a contemplative mood? "Such as?" she asked.

His eyes darkened and his lips fell to a slight frown. Rei felt that nervous feeling of concern rising in her chest. She disliked seeing him in distress... His tone was nervous when he spoke. She could tell the source of his soured mood wasn't easy for him to talk about. "Ritsuko-san told me about the real cause of Second Impact," he replied faintly.

Rei's eyes widened in surprise. No one had told him about it until now? How could he have agreed to continue piloting the Eva without knowing? "I see..." she murmured softly, looking down at the concrete path they walked along.

Ikari-kun let out a small chuckle. "It's ridiculous..." he murmured. "The fact that we're tasked with literally saving the world, but I'm guessing you knew about it and had accepted it already."

It was almost an accusation, it twisted her stomach in a knot. "I... knew about it..." she murmured. "I... assumed... you knew as well."

Ikari-kun issued a wry laugh. "Yeah... you'd think that would have been part of being recruited," he replied.

Rei felt that all too familiar tightness in her chest. It compelled her to speak. His response had raised a question that she needed an an answer for. "Would it have effected your choice to remain a pilot had you been told from the outset?" she inquired.

Ikari-kun stuffed his hands in his pockets and glowered down at the sidewalk. "I don't know..." he replied. "I think... I think the biggest reason I stayed was because you were so injured."

Rei felt her cheeks getting a little warm. "I see..." she replied.

Ikari-kun stopped in his tracks and she followed suit. They'd arrived at Misato's apartment complex. "Would you like to come in for a while?" Ikari-kun asked. "I could make tea again?"

She nodded and smiled softly. "That would be agreeable," she returned softly.

Ikari-kun smiled back but she could tell he still had further thoughts occupying his consciousness. The stepped toward the building and entered it, moving up the stairs toward the captain's residence. As they neared their final destination, Rei spoke again. "Is there anything else that is troubling you?" she asked softly.

Ikari-kun reached the door just in front of her, unlocked, and opened it. "It's kinda hard to explain..." he muttered, glancing at her over his shoulder nervously as he entered the apartment and kicked his shoes off.

Rei followed him in and pulled her shoes off, shutting the door behind her once she had. "I will listen," she returned. "You do not need to be nervous."

Ikari-kun sighed, turning to face her in the hallway. "Well... I was just wondering about the Evas..." he replied. "The LCL in the entry plug smells like blood... I don't know, it's so odd, but I feel comfortable in the entry plug. Strange right? And I can't help but think, isn't strange that we're breathing liquid while we're in there?"

She supposed it was kind of odd for someone on the outside looking in. If there were any other way to synchronize with the Evangelions that was more practical she was sure NERV would have attempted it. Then again, she knew the reasons behind everything... there was no other way. "It is indeed... strange..." she replied.

Ikari-kun gave her a curious expression. "You've been at NERV for a long time," he said. "Do you know why the Evas are, or even what they are?"

She felt her mouth fall open slightly and her brows began to knit up. Rei had not expected him to follow up with such a question. It felt like her insides were tumbling over themselves. No matter what, it was too early in the game to tell him the truth about anything. By now she fully detested lying to him... but it was just how it had to be. It he were to understand that the Evangelions were artificial Angelic constructs of man... she worried it might be too much for him and he would leave. "I... n- never thought about it..." she stammered whilst staring down at the carpet.

Ikari-kun sighed. "Well, I guess some things are best left to mystery..." he replied before putting on a cheerful grin. "Come on, want to help me make the tea?"

Rei felt relieved but the pain of having to lie to him didn't fully leave. In the back of her mind she knew that even though it was the best course of action, the web of lies that she was weaving could very well unravel and spell disaster one day... Despite that, she nodded softly and gave the faintest of smiles in response. "I would enjoy that," she returned.

Seconds later there was a beep signaling the door's intercom function had been triggered. Rei was confused. It couldn't be the captain returning from her business trip as she would have simply opened the door. Who on earth could it be? Ikari-kun picked up the intercom phone. "Hello?" he answered. After a moment he hung up, confusion evident on his features. He walked back down the front hallway and opened the door to reveal Lt. Hyuga standing there. "Shinji, there's been an emergency in Old Tokyo. Captain Katsuragi has tasked me with picking you up. We'll be sortieing with Unit 01 as soon as possible," he said.

His words alarmed her. What could possibly be happening in Old Tokyo? Surely it couldn't be an Angel attack, could it? "What has happened?" she asked before she could stop herself.

The young lieutenant turned his gaze to her with a look of surprise. "Ayanami?" he said. "What are you doing here?"

"I invited her in for tea," Ikari-kun answered flatly before following up with a questions of his own. "What's going on? What kind of emergency?"

"Japan Heavy Chemical Industries was testing their newest prototype for the JSSDF, a robot designed to fight the Angels," he replied swiftly. "Its gone haywire and the captain has ordered you to go and stop it. If we don't make it in time then we're facing a possible nuclear disaster."

Ikari-kun nodded and turned back to face her with an apologetic expression. "I guess we'll do this some other time..." he replied. "Sorry, Ayanami."

Rei nodded. "It is not your fault," she replied. "I'll see you again soon."

The three left the apartment and Ikari-kun got into Lt. Hyuga's car when they reached the parking lot. Rei watched them speed away in the direction of NERV with apprehensive and fearful thoughts brewing in her mind. Nothing like this had transpired in the previous timeline. This was something entirely new and completely unexpected. It brought home just how much possibility for deviation was present in the one she was living in now. The idea that she really and truly did not know what events the future had in store terrified her to no end. She looked down at her hands and they were shaking. The anxiety she felt, the powerlessness to effect change, it weighed heavy the entire walk back to her apartment...


Misato stood in the damaged Jet Alone control room having fully suited up for the mission she was about to undertake. All that remained was for Shinji and Hyuga to arrive so she could catch up to the rogue robot. Once she was there she'd hack into its onboard computer system and stop it by overriding its programming from within as she had just finished explaining to Tokita.

"Are you serious?" he asked in disbelief.

She herself had to admit it was a ballsy plan. A pencil pushing type like him no doubt thought she was crazy for attempting such a thing. "Yes," she replied.

"But Jet Alone's interior must be flooded with radiation!" he exclaimed. "You're insane!"

It seemed her assumption of how he felt about her plan was correct. She shrugged. "It's better than doing nothing," she stated. "And If I succeed then Atsugi will be saved."

The sound of shattering glass drew her attention away from Jet Alone's creator. To her right, the head technician had swung a large fire ax down on a glass case which no doubt contained some sort of emergency control panel. "The access hatch can be opened manually as soon as our command signal is cut off," he stated.

the other technician who had sat beside Tokita during the opening stages of the test also spoke up. "You should be able to enter the hatch through the backpack unit," he said.

"Hope..." she heard Tokita say. She turned her gaze back to him and he had his back to her, staring at the small set of stairs that led to the command deck. "That's the password to delete the programming..." he said.

She smiled softly. She knew full well what sort of trouble that he would get himself into just from uttering those words. He was sacrificing his career or possibly even his freedom just so she could have a chance to save the people of Atsugi... In that moment, despite what a prick he'd been at the gala, she couldn't help but feel a bit of respect for him. "Thank you..." she replied softly.

The sound of an enormous jet aircraft approaching began to grow louder inside the command center. She dashed out of the command center. She could see the enormous flying wing aircraft that carried Unit 01 beginning its final approach in for landing. All things considered they'd be able to get back into the air and within range of Jet Alone within ten minutes.

Hopefully the damn thing wouldn't explode before that...


Shinji rode in the passenger cabin of the enormous transport that had flown him and Unit 01 from NERV to Old Tokyo, suited up and ready to pilot his Eva. They'd only landed for long enough to pick up Misato and were immediately back in the air though they remained low to the ground, most likely so they could easily spot this Jet Alone robot thing the lieutenant had told him about. He looked his guardian and commanding officer in the face. "So, what's the plan?" he asked. Lt. Hyuga had filled him in a little bit on the way but he still didn't fully grasp the situation.

"Our target is Jet Alone," Misato stated, beginning what sounded almost like a typical mission briefing. "There's a danger that it will begin to melt down in less than five minutes. Our mission is to keep it from reaching a major population center first and foremost." She then turned her attention to the cockpit. "Hyuga!" she called.

Shinji watched as their pilot turned his head to look at Misato. "Yes ma'am," he replied.

"As soon as you drop Unit 01, climb to 3000 meters and begin a holding pattern. If something goes wrong you should be safe at that altitude," Misato ordered.

"Roger that," the lieutenant acknowledged, turning his attention back to the controls of the giant aircraft.

His guardian brought her focus onto him once more. "Shinji-kun, I want you to catch up to Jet Alone and place me onto its back. Once I'm there I'll get inside and try to stop it from within. I want you to stop it from going any further towards Atsugi."

Shinji gaped at the idea. "You're gonna try to get inside that thing!?" he exclaimed. Had she gone completely nuts?

"That's right," she replied cheerfully.

"But that's just nuts!" he cried. Seriously, what was she thinking? She was going to get herself killed!

Misato smiled. "You're right, but there's just no better way to stop it," she replied.

"Misato-san, you can't! It's too dangerous!" he implored.

"Don't worry," Misato replied, a soft look washing over her. "Unit 01 can survive any explosion and radiation that might happen. The armor and the A.T. Field will make sure of that.

He glared at her. "I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about you!" he shouted.

Misato's soft smile never wavered. "Well... I've got to give it my best shot, y'know. I don't think my conscience would let me do anything else," she returned warmly.

Shinji looked down at his clenched fists where they rested on his knees. He understood that sentiment. It had been his sense of right and wrong that ultimately had convinced him to pilot the Eva and remain its pilot after all... "I understand..." he muttered.

"Ma'am, I've sighted the target," Lt. Hyuga called from the cockpit.

Both of them looked out on of the passenger cabin windows and spotted the runaway machine. Shinji couldn't help but note how large and bulky it was compared to his Eva. A part of him was a bit concerned by this... would his Eva have the raw physical strength to stop it? "Right," Misato called. "Come on, Shinji-kun, lets do this!"

He stood from his seat and nodded. If anything, he could certainly admire Misato's courage. With that they started moving to their positions.

Shinji boarded Unit 01 and activated low power mode to conserve energy until the imminent launch. Misato managed to get from the aircraft's launch walkway to his unit's right hand safely. He closed the Eva's enormous fist around her so she wouldn't slip and fall from the sky and awaited the moment he would be dropped. Even though it wasn't a combat deployment against an Angel, for which he was infinitely grateful for, it was still a stressful situation. He felt the roller pylons that his Eva was mounted on begin to extent to the rear of the aircraft. Within moments he would be deployed and be chasing down a a rogue, walking nuclear reactor...

"Eva approaching drop position!" Lt. Hyuga called over the radio channel.

"Docking release!" Misato shouted.

The vibrations of the aircraft stopped in time with the Eva's internal battery timer starting its countdown with a loud beep in his cockpit. The Eva fell toward the ground and in mere seconds he landed, skidding to a halt. He opened the gargantuan fist that contained Misato and began his charge after the runaway machine. Within moments he'd caught up with it and grabbed it by its back. "I've got it!" he called to Misato who clung to one of the fingers of the Eva's cupped hand.

"Put me on!" she shouted over the radio. "We've got less than four minutes!"

He gently placed her onto the machine right by the emergency access hatch. Just as she was about to pry it open the Jet Alone lurched forward and sent his guardian tumbling down the nuclear powered robot's back. "Misato-san!" he shouted fearfully. He watched as she caught herself on the access ladder and breathed a sigh of relief. "Be careful..." he murmured.

Misato flashed him the victory sign and climbed back to the hatch. She popped it open and half a second later she was inside.

Shinji checked the power timer in his cockpit. He now had around three and a half minutes of power left. He would have to make them count... Instantaneously he swung around in front of the Jet Alone and grasped it by its metal shoulders. He gritted his teeth as he fought the mechanical monstrosity, digging his Eva's heels into the ground and bracing against the force of it. "Stop running you bastard!" he growled, anger beginning to rise.

And then out of the joint of the Jet Alone's shoulder a jet of super-heated steam burst forth. In a panic he placed his Eva's hand over it only for another to blast out of the machine's torso. He felt his heart jumping in his chest. The desperation and the seriousness of the situation suddenly got a lot more real. "Misato-san, hurry up!" he cried as more jets of steam exploded out of the robot's hull...


It was seriously hot inside the Jet Alone and the dark red lighting of the interior only made it more unpleasant. The heat was making the visor of her radiation suit's helmet fog up. Misato was beginning to seriously wish she'd drank a bit more water before the start of her little operation. Thankfully the auxiliary control room had been easy to locate. "Here goes nothing..." she murmured to herself as she slammed the hatch access switch.

Instantly she identified the control rods which were all in the out position. This was to be expected. Her eyes turned to the small computer console and she swiftly moved to it. She swiped a key-card that Tokita had given her, the doors over the computer screen slid open, and the screen came to life. She booted up the override menu and typed in the password that she'd been given: hope... With a firm motion, she slammed the enter key on the keyboard.

Error...

The word flashed on the screen with a defiant beeping noise. Her stomach lurched as the message behind it hit home. "What the hell!?" she exclaimed. Frantically she typed the password again and slammed the enter key... Once again the message of error flashed on the screen.

A horrifying realization came to her. "The program must have been altered..." she murmured to herself.

Jet Alone lurched and she fell on her side. Shit... it was getting close to blowing! "Ahh!" she heard Shinji shouting in her ear. She had to do something! But what? What!?

She turned her attention back to the control rods and glared at the stubborn things. It was stupid as heck, but it was about the only thing she could think of... "I guess I'll do this the old fashioned way..." she growled.

She dashed to the nearest one and braced her weight against it. She was going to shove these goddamn things back into their rightful place if it was the last thing she did. Ha... it could very easily be the last thing she did. She put those thoughts of imminent demise out of her mind and put her all into it. She strained and gritted her teeth and slowly the rod began to budge. She could hear Shinji shouting at her to escape but she paid it no mind. "Come... on... you... fucker!" she growled.

Then, all at once... all of the control rods slammed back in place and she fell to the floor in a heap. This took her completely by surprise. There was no way that she could have done that and yet it had happened! The lights in the room turned from red to green. The reactor began to cool and the meltdown was averted...

Misato scowled as she crawled toward the control rod panel. She sat up and rested her back against it, panting form the heat and the effort that she'd just exerted. "Misato-san!" she heard Shinji shout. "Misato-san! Are you alright?"

"Yeah..." She said with a sigh. "I'm alright I guess, though not in the best of shape though."

"You're alive! Thank God!" Shinji exclaimed ecstatically. "You stopped it! I can't believe it! It's a miracle!"

She glared at the wall in front of her. It certainly was a miraculous turn of events, too miraculous... It was certainly evident that someone had screwed with the programming, but who? That mystery she knew would be one that would keep her awake that night and many nights to come... Yeah... she thought to herself. But the miracle was set up by someone...


Ritsuko stood in Gendo's office undergoing the debriefing after the excursion to Old Tokyo. She stood beside one of the heads of NERV's security department as she gave her report.

It had been certainly an interesting day. Recovering Unit 01 had been a hassle but nothing too severe. Before they'd left Old Tokyo all of the Jet Alone operations crew had given them a very pleasant and unexpected thanks. Even that jerk Shiro Tokita had shown immense gratitude towards them. Misato had been in a sour mood the whole ride back but Ritsuko knew that she did not suspect her involvement in the events that had unfolded though she was certainly aware that some fishy business had taken place...

"So... what is the final outcome of our little plan?" Gendo asked, glaring at her from behind his clasped hands and intimidating orange sunglasses.

"Unit 01's recovery went smoothly," she replied. "There's no danger of radioactive contamination. With the exception of Captain Katsuragi's operation, everything went according to plan."

"Good work," Gendo returned softly. "You are dismissed."

The security agent nodded and swiftly left the room but Ritsuko remained. "Is there something else you wish to discuss, Dr. Akagi?" Gendo asked.

Ritsuko swallowed the lump in her throat. Indeed there was something she wished to discuss. Considering that Unit 01 had been deployed, leaving no functional Eva's to defend Tokyo 3 while they were in Old Tokyo, she felt it pertinent to ask about the transfer of Unit 02. "Sir, I would like to ask about the status of Unit 02's transfer," she replied.

"I shall be making the final arrangements tomorrow," Gendo returned. "Is there anything else?"

Ritsuko shook her head. "No sir," she replied.

"Good," Gendo returned.

Ritsuko nodded and swiftly left the room...


The morning after the chaos that happened in Old Tokyo, Shinji began his day like any other morning. He woke early, fixed himself breakfast and coffee, fed Pen-Pen, and waited for Misato to awaken. She eventually stumbled out of her bedroom, grabbed a beer, chugged it, and began her usual rant about how great it was to start her day that way. It was almost as if the seriousness she'd displayed the previous day had never existed at all... It boggled his mind how she could go from so upright and proper to so immature literally overnight!

After that, he'd left for school, walking side by side with Ayanami and sharing idle conversation. After that he zoned out in class until lunch. Now he was talking with Touji and Kensuke about the events of the previous day...

"Wow!" Kensuke exclaimed. "So you and Katsuragi managed to avert a nuclear disaster! That's so cool!"

Shinji scowled. "It's nothing special, it's just my job I guess..." he replied. For the life of him he would never understand why Kensuke continued to think he job was so cool.

"Still, man, that's a big deal," Touji interjected, holding a finger up. "Whichever way you slice it, bro, you're a hero."

Shinji sighed. "Yeah, I guess..." he muttered. "Misato-san is the real hero though..."

Kensuke's lips took on a wistful grin. "Man, you know... she might be scary at times, but Katsuragi really is amazing isn't she?" he mused. "She's strong and smart and beautiful all at once!"

Shinji looked at his friend as if he had two heads. He couldn't hold back anymore after weeks of dealing with the immaturity his guardian showed on a daily basis. "What are you talking about?" he replied in disbelief. "You have no idea what kind of a slob she really is at home!"

Touji laughed and smirked at Kensuke. "Man..." he said. "Kensuke, Shinji really is a kid at heart isn't he?"

Shinji glared at the jock. "What are you talking about?" he replied indignantly.

"Touji is right," Kensuke stated. "You're a lucky guy."

"How am I lucky?" Shinji spat. "All she does is lay around the house and embarrass me!"

Both of his friends laughed and smiled at him. "Come on," Touji said, nudging Kensuke in the arm. "You're better at explaining things like this than I."

Kensuke sighed. "You get to see a side of her that she doesn't show to anyone else," he said with a grin. "That means you're family."

Shinji let those words sink in. He was right. The way they'd been living together, they really had become like family. Misato had really become like a caring big sister now that he thought about it... "I... I hadn't thought about it that way," he replied, a smile making its way to his lips.


Gendo stood in his office, dialing the telephone to speak with the head office of NERV Germany. He had just gotten off the horn with the committee who had finally given clearance for the transfer of Unit 02 and its pilot to Japan. It seemed Chairman Keel had finally given in to his badgering. Of course he knew why the committee had been reluctant to transfer the first production Evangelion to his control was that they feared he might betray them. They were right, of course, but he'd seen to it to display his unyielding loyalty to their plans. He smirked to himself. If things had gone differently in his life, he would have made quite a convincing actor.

"Commander Ikari," the head of the German branch answered. "I assume that the committee has cleared for the transfer you requested?"

"Correct," Gendo replied coolly. "How soon until it's underway?"

"The U.N. Atlantic Fleet can leave port with Unit 02 by and set sail for the Cape Of Good Hope by tomorrow morning. Once in the Indian Ocean the ship containing Unit 02 will rendezvous with the Pacific Fleet and head for Japan. You can expect it to arrive in just over a fortnight," came the reply.

"Good," he returned firmly. "See to it that it is done." With those words he hung up the phone by pressing the end call button rather than placing down the receiver. All his plans were starting to come together... Now there was just one last person to call: his contact in Germany that would secure means to his ultimate victory... He dialed the pone again and on the third ring it was picked up.

"Hello?" his contact answered him.

"The transfer of Unit 02 has been granted," he stated. "I expect you and the package to arrive with it."

"Understood," came the man's reply. "See you in Japan."

Gendo didn't bother to say anything else, he didn't mince words or have time for pleasantries. He abruptly hung up the phone.


Rei stood beside Ikari-kun outside one of the many briefing rooms in the vicinity of the central bridge at NERV. They'd been summoned for a harmonics test which had gone well and had already underwent the standard debriefing. However, after that occurred they had not been dismissed, rather they'd been pulled into the hallway by Misato. This made her anxious. She'd been anxious ever since the incident with the Jet Alone occurring the previous day as it had been a completely new development outside of the timeline of events she remembered.

"I have big news," Misato spoke with a cheerful smile.

Well... clearly the reason for their detention could not be a negative development if the captain seemed pleased. "What is it?" Ikari-kun asked.

"We're getting some reinforcements, finally," Misato replied with a smile. "The transfer for Unit 02 and the Second Child has finally been approved!"

Rei bit the inside of her cheek. This was something she had expected but she hadn't remembered it going like this... Though she had known it was going to happen it still changed everything. Once Soryu arrived then things would be different. She would have to make an effort to ensure that Ikari-kun and the fiery redhead would not cause each other the levels of stress and harm they had in the previous timeline. On another level, the hurt and the jealousy that she felt when thinking of the pilot of Unit 02 began creeping back into her mind...

"Oh," Ikari-kun returned with a slight grin. "That's good to know, I guess. When will they be here?"

"They should be here in about two weeks," Misato replied cheerfully. "I was thinking about flying out to meet them when they're about to make port. It's been a long time since I've seen Asuka, I was her guardian at one point too y'know."

"Is that the pilot of Unit 02?" Shinji asked.

Indeed it was, Asuka Langley Soryu was indeed the pilot of Unit 02... "Yeah," Misato replied giddily. "And she's been anxious to meet you, Shinji-kun, ever since she heard the story of your first mission."

Rei watched as Ikari-kun scratched his cheek nervously and she felt her body tense. Without even being in Japan, Soryu was already raising her stress level. The memories of her belittlement of both her and Ikari-kun ran through her mind's eye... "Oh... okay..." her friend murmured nervously. "That's odd..."

"What do you mean?" Misato asked.

"Well, all I did was fall on my face and get the crap kicked out of me..." he replied just above a whisper. He sighed. "She probably just wants to scold me or something..."

Rei couldn't help but be a bit surprised by how spot on he was... "Aw come on!" Misato whined. "She's not that mean! Tell you what, how about when I fly out to meet her you come with me? You can get to know her as a friend first before you become coworkers. Sound good?" she then glanced in her direction. "You can come too if you want, Rei."

It took every ounce of her will not to protest and let Ikari-kun make up his own mind. Even though Soryu's arrival was inevitable this was going different too! If she remembered correctly the redhead and killed the Sixth Angel during her crossing of the Pacific... What if the captain and Ikari-kun were caught up in that? What if there was an Angel attack in Tokyo 3 while the pair were away?

That thought gave her pause.

The gears in her mind began to spin. Perhaps this was a chance for a good start to her relationship with the fiery German? Maybe it was a good idea if she were to meet her at sea instead of in the halls of NERV? Considering they would be working together and though the memories were bitter still, Soryu did not yet know her. Any pain that the girl had inflicted on her had not occurred in the life she was now living. This said, it was certainly a bad idea for Ikari-kun to go as he was the pilot of the only Evangelion currently functional. If she were to voice these concerns to Commander Ikari then he would certainly hold him back. It might lead to her being denied the opportunity to meet Soryu with the Pacific fleet as well, but it was the gamble was worth the reward...

"I'll think about it," Ikari-kun replied to the captain.

"I shall think on it as well," Rei added, though in her heart she'd already made her decision on her course of action.

"Well, let me know soon," Misato replied with a warm smile. "I'll have a lot of paperwork to do so I can arrange it so don't leave me hanging. You're both dismissed."

Immediately Rei took off down the hall and dialed the commander's office on her cell phone. The course she'd decided on was certainly a risky gambit but one that she felt was necessary...


Gendo had been surprised when Rei had asked to speak with him but he had obliged her none the less. Even though she was a tool, he truly did enjoy speaking with her. It was yet another piece of useless sentimentality that he continued to struggle with in his everlasting quest to detach from others... He watched as she entered the room and stopped ten paces from his desk as she usually did. "Is there something you need?" he asked, cutting to the chase.

"I understand that Unit 02 and its pilot are on their way from Germany," she replied.

He found her opening statement curious. What concern could she possibly have over the stated development? "Indeed," he returned coolly. "Do you have concerns regarding this?"

"Yes sir," she replied.

That was certainly unexpected and he did not like the unexpected... "Elaborate," he ordered.

It almost looked like she stiffened upon hearing his response, but that could very easily have been the lighting playing tricks on him due to the smudges on his sunglasses. "Captain Katsuragi wishes to meet the pilot of Unit 02 while they're still at sea. She has invited myself and Pilot Ikari to accompany her on this excursion," Rei replied.

He raised an eyebrow. This was yet another unexpected development, one that was most concerning. Katsuragi must not have been thinking clearly when she issued he invitation, having both of her Eva pilots away from their mounts at the same time was an enormous risk! "This is a risk to operational readiness," he stated flatly. "I shall deny it."

"Agreed sir," Rei replied. "I do not believe that the both of us should go."

Gendos eyes narrowed. What was she playing at? "Explain," he commanded.

"Considering that only Unit 01 is currently operational, it is sensible that Pilot Ikari remain in Tokyo 3," Rei elaborated. "However, my unit is not currently functional, therefore there is no reason for me not to accompany the captain should she desire me to do so."

Her logic was sound but it still took him off guard. Could she want to go to meet the Second Child? If so for what purpose? "Do you desire to go with Captain Katsuragi?" he asked.

Rei nodded. "Yes sir," she replied. "I believe it will be valuable to ascertain the value that the Second Child will bring to our combat team. Any observations myself and the captain can glean can be used toward the end of seamless integration."

Once again, his blue haired ward had a point. Even though it could end up being a detriment, it was times like this that Gendo couldn't help but be proud of how intelligent Rei really was... Behind his gloves he fought the urge to grin. "Your concerns have been noted," he stated. "You may leave, Rei."

The blue haired girl nodded. "Thank you sir," she replied before turning on her heel and marching out of his office.

Gendo Ikari once again felt surprise but this time it wasn't as profoundly unpleasant as it had been moments before. A strange thought occurred to him as his ward's parting words rang in his ears. That was the first time she'd ever expressed gratitude towards him... It was such a strange thing to hear, especially from her. Since her creation, all the things he'd put her though should make her very much ungrateful if she was able to comprehend her position relative to the average person. He pushed those errant useless thoughts from his mind. It didn't matter, she was just his pawn, a tool in his plans after all...

That said, why did he still feel the emotion of guilt?


It was the weekend and Shinji had been invited over to Kensuke's house along with Touji. They'd pointed out that he'd been spending all his time after school with Ayanami and begged him to hang out with them. They were sitting around Kensuke's TV taking turns playing Street Fighter, a game that Shinji had discovered he was quite terrible at. To think that he could pilot an Evangelion and save the world but he couldn't even win a single match in a stupid video game, talk about irony...

His match against Kensuke ended disastrously, just as all the ones previously had. "Come on, dude, you can't just button mash!" Touji chided.

He scowled back at his friend. "What else can I do when he's walking all over me?" he countered bitterly, gesturing at Kensuke. He handed Touji the controller. "You beat him."

Touji took it. "As if I have a chance," he said with a laugh. "Kensuke's the best at this game."

Kensuke pushed his glasses up his nose dramatically. "Well, I will admit I'm better than most," he stated smugly.

Shinji sat back and watched as his friends picked their fighters and began their match. It was certainly more fun to watch them play than to be a part of it. He let his mind wander as he stared at the television screen. It had been two days since he'd learned that NERV was getting another pilot and was still debating on whether he was going to go with Misato to meet them, though he knew he'd have to give her an answer soon...

"So are you gonna go see the fleet with Katsuragi?" Touji asked as if he'd been reading his mind, never breaking his focus on the game.

"I don't know," he replied. He'd told his friends about it, hoping that they'd be able to provide some insight into what he should do.

"Man, if I were you I know I wouldn't pass it up!" Kensuke exclaimed. "All those ships and planes and helicopters, man oh man would that be so cool!"

"Seriously, Shin-man, why wouldn't you go?" Touji asked. "It'd be a fun date with Ayanami, right?"

Shinji blushed. "I told you guys, we're just friends!" he shouted indignantly.

Both Touji and Kensuke laughed, turning around and completely forgetting their match. "Seriously though, Shinji, you've had a lot of stress with all those Angel attacks," Kensuke replied. "A little day trip away from here could do you some good."

Shinji had to admit that he had a point. It would be nice to spend some time away from Tokyo 3 and get his mind off of things. Maybe Touji had a point too. It would be pleasant to spend some time with Ayanami away from NERV as well... He sighed. He still hadn't made it up to her from the day Hyuga had pulled him to go to Old Tokyo. Maybe he could invite her over later in the day? It was certainly a thought...

His cell phone rang and he answered it immediately. It could only be some kind of NERV business. He prayed it wasn't another Angel attack... "Hello?" he spoke into the receiver.

It was Misato "Hey Shinji-kun," she said. "We've been summoned to NERV for a meeting with the Commander. Get here soon, okay?"

He sighed. This couldn't be good... "Alright," he replied. "I'll be there soon."

"Okay, bye," Misato returned.

"Bye," he said before hanging up. He scowled and stood up from his place on the floor.

"What's going on?" Touji asked. "You good, man?"

Shinji sighed. "My father wants to see me at headquarters," he replied. "Sorry guys, but I gotta go..."


Rei stood beside Ikari-kun and Misato in Commander Ikari's office. She had been taken off guard to have been summoned in to NERV with such little notice and to be lined up with her friend and her commanding officer. Commander Ikari appeared as intimidating as ever with his hands clasped in front of his mouth. Though he had said nothing yet, she had a feeling as to why they had all been summoned...

"Captain Katsuragi," Commander Ikari's gravely voice split the silence in the room. "I understand that you've put in a request to meet the Second Child while at sea."

"Yes sir," the captain replied. "I've put in the request in writing."

"I also understand that you wish for the other active pilots to accompany you," the commander pressed.

"Yes sir," the captain once again replied.

"And did you think of the risk it would pose to have both of our active pilots away from their units at the same time?" the commander inquired, his tone becoming even more ominous than usual.

Rei glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw the captain visibly tense, her eyes growing wide. She tucked her chin slightly before responding to the commander's inquiry. "No sir..." she replied.

Commander Ikari lowered his hands from in front of his face to his desk. The frown on his face spoke volumes. "Please consider any potential security risks the next time you make such an impulsive offer," he scolded. He then continued. "I see no reason to deny your request, however, Pilot Ikari will remain in Tokyo 3 as he is the pilot of the only operational unit. You may bring Pilot Ayanami on your excursion if you so wish. You are all dismissed."

Rei felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing these words. Ikari-kun would stay in Tokyo 3 and the safe from the expected Angel attack he could otherwise be caught up in. As the group turned to leave the office she glanced at her friend and noticed that he looked upset. "Is something wrong?" she asked as soon as they left the commander's office.

Ikari-kun sighed. "I know he's right about security, but... I was actually starting to get excited about going," he replied.

Rei felt a frown forming on her own features. She had not expected him to be quite so put out by the commander's denial. It was strange but she felt the urge to kick herself for some sort of explainable reason... "I'm sorry," she returned softly.

He shook his head. "It's okay," he replied. "I should have expected something like that..."

This did nothing to alleviate aching guilt she was feeling... "So do you still want to come, Rei?" Misato asked. "Even though Shinji-kun can't come?"

Indeed she did, she still had a reason to come along after all... Rei nodded her head gently. "I think it would be an enjoyable experience," she returned.

"Alright," Misato replied with a smile. "I'll make the arrangements. I gotta get some more stupid paperwork done so I'll see you two later." She then took off down an adjacent hallway leaving her alone with Ikari-kun.

An uncomfortable silence fell between the pair and Rei didn't know exactly what to say to break it. They kept walking for a while until Rei could no longer stand it. She used to be okay with protracted silences but lately they had become harder to bear. Seeing her friend's frown as he walked instep beside her filled her with anxiety. She hoped he wasn't angry at her... "Are you... upset that I am still going with Misato-san?" she asked timidly.

He shook his head. "No," he replied. "Why would I be? I'll probably just end up hanging out with Touji and Kensuke that day I'll be fine. But... thanks for asking."

Rei felt her lips curling upward. It was reassuring to know that he did not feel resentment toward her for electing to go. "I see," she murmured softly. "That's good to know."

Ikari-kun stopped in his tracks. As soon as she noticed he'd stopped, Rei turned around, unsure as to why he'd stopped walking. "Is something wrong?" she asked.

He shuffled his feet and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Would you like to stay for dinner tonight?" he asked. "To make up for the other day?"

The smile she wore grew ever so slightly larger...


It had been a long ride from Wilhelmshaven, mostly due to his charge and the cargo that he carried on special orders of Commander Ikari. The entire trip had given him much time to stew in his thoughts and reflect on the choices he'd made that led him to being a triple agent weaving a complex web of lies... At the moment he was laying down of the flight deck of the U.N.'s flagship carrier the Over The Rainbow. It was night and he was taking a moment to enjoy the night sky. The moon was beautiful and so was the soft sounds of the radio he'd sat beside where he lay though neither did anything to lift the funk he found himself in... He would be in Japan the next day and he would probably run into Misato at NERV headquarters. She was the operations director after all... He wondered if her feelings for him had changed any since college. He'd certainly agonized over their entanglement many a restless night since she'd left him.

"Oh... I guess we'll be in Japan by this time tomorrow," his charge mused from her spot laying beside him on the aircraft carrier's flight deck. He'd been assigned as temporary guardian of the Second Child a little while back and she insisted on sticking to him like glue. He scowled. The childish crush that Asuka had on him was unhealthy and most likely formed from her childhood trauma... "Misato said she'd pick me up by lunch."

So... Misato was going to be coming to meet them. He frowned but said nothing. That could potentially complicate things...

"Oh, Misato's the person who was in Germany before you, Kaji," Asuka continued. "I don't like her much, though. She's just so effected in the way she lives..."

Ryouji Kaji grimaced just a bit upon hearing those words. Apparently she was still very much the same hard drinking girl he remembered... God, it was going to be difficult to see her. It would be harder still to put on his devilish playboy act as to not arouse her suspicions as to the real reason he was even a part of NERV now...

"So, I guess this will be goodbye for a while..." Asuka pouted. "That's so boring..."

He feigned a smile, slipping easily into the happy go lucky persona he had constructed for himself. "Oh, I'm sure you'll make lots of new boyfriends once you get to Japan, Asuka," he replied. "And lets not forget that the Third Child is a boy too."

Asuka yawned and stretched dramatically. "I'm not interested in children..." she whined before giggling like a schoolgirl and rolling across the deck to embrace him. "You're the only one I love, Kaji," she cooed.

He continued staring up at the moon. "Well, that's quite an honor," he muttered dismissively.

This seemed to upset the redheaded girl. She sat up with a look of consternation. "I mean it, Kaji!" she exclaimed indignantly. "If it's with you, then it's okay! Kissing and what's after that even!"

His gaze upon the moon never wavered as his frown wormed its way back onto his face. It saddened him how she was so obsessed with growing up. He knew all too well just how miserable it was to grow up too quickly in the wake of Second Impact... "Asuka, you're still a child," he replied. "Those things can wait until you've grown up a little."

Those words really seemed to rub Asuka the wrong way. "Huh? But why?" she whined, her expression truly souring. She grabbed the front of her blouse and ripped it open, revealing her bra. "Can't you see that I've already grown enough!" she shouted. "I am a grown up! Just look at me Kaji! Look at me!"

This finally broke his fixation on the moon overhead. He met Asuka's desperate stare and stared into her eyes. She seemed to recoil at the harsh look he regarded her with. "Go to bed, Asuka..." he replied flatly and definitively.

Tears filled the redhead's eyes and she stormed off across the flight deck leaving him alone. He returned his gaze to the moon overhead and pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. He knew she was upset with him but it would pass. It was just a childish crush that she would grow out of... it would be better if she hated him anyway. It would be better if he didn't have any close ties to anyone, even Misato, despite how much he missed her company. The only thing that mattered was finding out the truth behind NERV, SEELE, and Second Impact. He sighed... facing Misato tomorrow was going to be quite a bit more difficult than dealing with Asuka's antics.

Ryouji Kaji lit his cigarette and took a long contemplative drag. Things were about to get much more complicated...


Author's Notes

Well... how about that twist?

I really don't have much to say on this one other than I'm utterly exhausted. Considering how much this has been taking out of me, I'm not sure I can continue with weekly updates. Every ten days or so will be much easier on my physical and mental capacity. It will certainly give me more time to fix any typos and clean things up, so... sorry if you guys have to wait a little longer between updates. This chapter and the previous one were initially conceived as one chapter but as you can see, the story is really ballooning in terms of length and depth. Hopefully I'll be able to get the next one done in a reasonable time frame.

Read and review, hope you're all still enjoying my little tale.

Regards,

A.F.