The hulking mass of Unit 10 towered over the group of people dressed in hazmat suits. The Eva remained in the kneeling position when Shinji shut it down, except that the entry plug was now sticking out of its back. The ones in the hazmat suits looked up at the Eva, surveying the scene before them.

"We should be able to move the Unit in the next couple of hours," a technician said to Burke, who was one of the people looking up at Unit 10.

"Thank you. That'll be fine," he replied.

"You don't have to be here sir," another technician said.

"Well, it doesn't hurt me to be honest," Burke said. "Besides, the outer wall to my office got blown away and the floor is too unstable for me to walk on. Lucky for me, my apartment is still in one piece."

"Yeah, I hope our places are okay too," one of the technicians said.

"If they aren't, we'll provide temporary housing. I can promise you that," Burke said. A small chirp then came from the side of his helmet.

"What is it?" Burke tapped the earpiece on that side to activate the communicator.

"Hood here," his voice came out of the speaker. "We checked Shinji out. He's fine, and we're discharging him from the hospital, though we're also having him stay on base."

"Very well then," Burke said. "Have you looked at the data we got from the battle?"

"I have, but I would like to check it against what was recorded in the entry plug," Hood answered.

"I was just informed that we can have Unit 10 moved in two hours, but I'll see if I can expedite the removal of the entry plug for you," Burke said.

"Sure thing. Thanks." Burke clicked off. A dark shadow then came over the entire area. Burke looked up and saw the Wunder flying right above them.

"Sure is nice to have them up there," one of the technicians said as several of them took a moment to look up at the ship. "After what happened today, it feels rather comforting to know we're not alone, right sir?" Burke continued to stare at the Wunder for a few seconds before turning to the group.

"I'm not sure," he said. "Have any of you heard of the Sword of Damocles?" He could see their confusion through their helmets.

"What is that?" One of them asked. Burke waved them off.

"Never mind, never mind," he said. Burke looked up again at the ship and saw that Unit 08 was on the flight deck holding a sniper rifle. After looking at it for a few seconds, the Eva waved as if it was seeing an old friend. Burke stared at the sight for another few seconds before he realized that Unit 08 was waving at him. He gave a quick wave back before moving to another side of Unit 10, staying out of Unit 08's line of sight.

He then pulled out his tablet from a self-contained pocket. The first thing he did with it was bring up a schematic of the city with the positron cannons highlighted. He ran through the targeting info and confirmed that it was still set up the way they wanted it, with the Wunder as the primary target and Units 02 and 08 as secondary targets. All he had to do was push the button, though he hoped that it wouldn't have to come to that. Both he and Kaji agreed that it was now necessary to have this option on hand. Since Kasturagi now knew about Shinji piloting, she would be liable to do anything, and they would have to be prepared for that.

"Just try it, Katsuragi," Burke muttered to himself. "Just try it." He then switched over to another window in order to process Hood's request, hoping that Kaji will have a better time of it.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Initial estimates are that it will take about three to five weeks to get all our weapons systems back to full capability," Kaji said to the holographic projections of a group of senior Wille staff that were placed in a semicircle around him. "Furthermore, we estimate that it will take around three to four months before all city functions have returned to normal operation. Obviously, we need to focus on getting our defenses up to shape, but we can work on both aspects concurrently, to the best of our abilities."

"Do you feel that we need to evacuate the civilian population from the city?" One of the generals asked.

"I can't determine that at the moment," Kaji answered. "Some residential areas received little damage during the battle, while other areas didn't fare as well. We would also need some of the civilian population to help with the reconstruction." Kaji then leaned forward, setting his eyes on the hologram.

"We also have to take into account that this attack, along with the previous one by the enemy Ayanami type, does suggest that this city could be targeted by Nerv specifically. We should be prepared for a mass evacuation, and to do it in short order."

"We will take it under consideration," another general replied. "Please have estimates on the time frame and logistics of such an operation sent to us as soon as possible."

"Yes sir," Kaji replied.

"Now we must discuss one of the disturbing aspects of the day's events," another officer said. "I am, of course, talking about the matter concerning Shinji Ikari."

"I understand," Kaji said. "I'm sure that you've already read my report detailing my…" He stopped talking when he heard some noise outside of his office. It sounded as if two or more people were arguing.

"Ma'am, you can't go in," he heard one voice, though muffled by the wall, sounded like his secretary say. "He's in a meeting with senior commanders."

"I don't give a damn who the hell he's seeing. Let me in there now!" He recognized that voice belonging to Katsuragi. The wall did muffle her voice as much. Kaji sighed.

"Is…something wrong Commander?" a hologram asked.

"No sir, no," he replied. "I just think it's a good idea now to bring one more person into this meeting." Better get this over with, he thought as he tapped a key on his desk.

"You can let the Captain in, Lieutenant," he then said.

"Uh…yes sir," the secretary said, her voice sounding shaken. Seconds later, Misato strode into the office, and after giving a quick salute to her superiors, made her way to Kaji's desk.

"Captain, good to see you," Kaji said as he stood up from his desk. "I must thank you for coming to our aid."

"With all due respect to the people who are in here, I would like it if we can cut all pretenses," Misato said.

"Very well," Kaji sat back on his chair, gesturing to her take a seat as well. When she did so, Kaji turned back to the holograms.

"Ahem, yes, well," the hologram said. "We were discussing Shinji Ikari's participation in the battle." Kaji saw Misato tense up at hearing the boy's name.

"As I was saying before Captain Katsuragi joined us," he gestured to Misato. "I've already mentioned in my report, of which I'll also forward a copy to the Captain here, I mentioned that deploying Shinji in Unit 10 was the best option given the fact that Unit 11 was trapped and what outside assistance that was coming," he glanced at her for a quick second, "was delayed by circumstances beyond their control. And I would like to remind everyone that Shinji willingly volunteered the pilot the Evangelion." Kaji then noticed that Misato tensed up when he said those words.

"Were there any other options at your disposal other than deploying Unit 10 with Ikari?" a hologram asked.

"There were General Clayton, but they were not as desirable," Kaji replied. "You would have to consult Colonel Aida on that matter as he is the Chief Tactical Officer here."

"I see," Clayton said. "Was there any danger of Shinji awakening the Eva during the battle?"

"There was always that danger," Kaji said, "but I feel there was little choice. It was either get destroyed by the enemy or get destroyed by an awakened Eva. At least in the second choice, there was a sliver of hope that it wouldn't happen. I'm sure Captain Katsuragi understands the need to hold out hope in impossible odds." He glanced at Misato again, but he could not read her face. "It must also be said that the mission Shinji was given was not to engage with the enemy, but to rescue Unit 11 and its pilot, which he completed. Only when he wasn't able to return to safety was when the danger appeared."

"I have to say that I am very uncomfortable with these developments," the hologram of Major General Kusanagi said. "You do realize we'll be having further discussions with you on this issue."

"I'm looking forward to it," Kaji said, "and there are some other issues that I want to bring up with all of you regarding Shinji as well."

"If the senior officers here do not mind, I do have a few questions for you Commander," Misato then said. Kaji noticed several of the Generals looking surprised and some squirming in their seats.

"Yes, what is it?" Kaji turned towards her, and the two were face to face with each other.

"You said that Shinji willingly volunteered to pilot. Is that correct?" Kaji nodded in reply.

"If he refused, would you have let him?" she then asked.

"Of course," Kaji replied.

"Even though your options were limited?"

"They were not exhausted though," Kaji said. "As I just stated, you would have to consult Colonel Aida on that matter." He then leaned on the desk towards her.

"You seem to have this idea that I forced him to pilot," he said.

"I won't say it hadn't crossed my mind," she replied.

"He decided on his own," Kaji said. "There was no coercion."

"I really hope so," Misato said. "It could very well be that this is what Nerv wants."

"What to you mean?" Kaji asked.

"Remember back when the Ayanami type attacked the base, How we found out Shinji was one of the targets?"

"I do," Kaji replied.

"Could it be that was one of the motives of the attack, to force you to put him in a Eva?"

"It…is an interesting theory, I will admit that," Kaji said, "though what their goal would be in that I can't say."

"Do you have any proof of this Captain?" Kusanagi asked.

"No sir, but it is well within the realm of possibility," Misato answered. "Now at that meeting, I suggested that we move Shinji to the Wunder due to that realization. I would like to think that the situation has changed enough now to warrant it."

"Actually, I was thinking the complete opposite," Kaji replied.

"Opposite?" Misato said. "You still mean to have him remain here?"

"More than that," Kaji replied before turning back to the holograms. "Now this was one of the issues that I was going to discuss with all of you at the meeting. I would like, if Shinji is willing to do it, to have him be the full time pilot of Unit 10."

"What?" Misato shot out of her chair, but did nothing else. Kaji leaned back when she did, just in case she would.

"Do you realize what you're asking?" one of the Generals asked.

"I do," Kaji said. "I wouldn't be making this request if I didn't think he could do it."

"Are you trying to make Shinji miserable after all he has been through?" Misato asked.

"He's not the same kid you lived with all these years ago," Kaji said. "He's stronger than he was back then."

"But it's still not right," Misato countered.

"I take it you oppose this course of action, Captain?" Kusanagi asked.

"Begging the General's pardon, but you're damn right I do, and I would like to take the opportunity to push for my plan regarding Shinji at this meeting," she replied.

"That is a bad idea," Kaji said.

"And I suppose putting him in an Eva is better?" Misato said. "Is this all part of your plan?"

"Plan?" Kaji was confused.

"Yeah, Arbiter. Is that what you call it?" Kaji's mouth quivered for a few seconds before resuming its normal cadence. At the same time, Kusanagi pushed several buttons, where one third of the other holograms vanished. Of the ones that remained, one stood up in complete shock, one yelled at people that could not be seen to clear the room, while another signaled to others the same message.

"No." Kaji's answer was short and cold.

"Enough of this," Kusanagi declared. "In two days, there will be an inquiry where both of you can make your respective cases over this matter. We would also like to hear from Shinji Ikari ourselves. Have him answer a few questions."

"Yes sir," Kaji said.

"And Captain Katsuragi, you are ordered not to discuss anything related to a project codenamed Arbiter to anyone under any circumstances. Do I make myself clear?" Misato paused before she answered.

"Yes sir." Her voice sounded bitter to Kaji.

"Both of you will receive further details in the next twenty-four hours. Unil then." The remaining holograms disappeared.

"Well," Misato took a breath, "See you in two days then." Kaji tried to get another word in, but she had turned away and was heading out the door. When the door closed, he tilted his head and stared up at the ceiling.

"Misato, it can't come to this," he whispered to himself. Kaji then heard a chirping sound from his desk. He looked down and saw a flashing light. He pushed the button and Kusanagi reappeared.

"Do you believe what has happened today can effect Arbiter," he asked.

"No sir, I do not," Kaji replied. "I'll also remind you that we can still turn back at this point if we need to."

"Maybe," Kusanagi said, "but I have a feeling we're facing a crisis and we may be past that." His hologram then disappeared. Kaji then reached for his phone.

"Has the Vice-Commander returned yet?" he spoke into it.

"Yes sir," his secretary replied. "He is with Colonel Aida."

"Have him report here," Kaji said before hanging up.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

After walking down the corridor for a hundred meters or so, Misato pulled out her phone and dialed.

"It's me," she said into it.

"Did you get what you need?" Ritsuko's voice came through the other end.

"Yes and no," Misato replied. "I'll discuss the details when I return to the ship. How are things on your end?"

"Not any better," Ritsuko replied. "All attempts at data mining from here failed. We should have foreseen that they would swap their systems after the Ayanami attack."

"I see," Misato said.

"Our best bet would be to access their computers directly, but there is a risk to that as well," Ritsuko added.

"We can discuss that too when I return," Misato replied. "We have to be careful now going forward."

"How bad is it?" Ritsuko asked. Misato took a large heavy breath before she spoke

"It could very well be that we'll have to fight on two fronts," she then said.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Going up stairwells and through corridors, Shinji walked through several sections of the base trying to find Joanna. He could still dectect the faint stench of LCL on him, even though he had taken a quick shower and put on a pair of sweatpants and matching sweatshirt that was lent to him. Every person he had asked about her whereabouts either didn't know or told him that they think they had just seen her and pointed in the direction she was headed or thought she was headed.

As he kept walking, he noticed that the people he passed were smiling at him, or they waved as they walked by. There were even one or two that even patted him on the back, making him wonder how news of his piloting travelled so fast. After taking what felt to him hours, he found her on one of the lower roofs of the tower sitting on the ledge. She was staring out at the ruined city with one of her legs wrapped around a support post for the safety railing.

Shinji himself was taken aback at all the destruction that lay before them when he looked out at it. Collapsed buildings were everywhere, many having smoke billowing out of them. He walked to the ledge and sat right next to her, his legs dangling over it and leaning his chest against the railing.

"Took me forever to find you," he said after a minute of silence. "How are you doing?"

"Fine," she replied as she continued to look at the destruction.

"Okay," Shinji replied. They sat in silence for several minutes as they stared at the ruined cityscape, until Joanna spoke again.

"The place I was planning to go to this morning," she said. "It's gone." She then pointed towards a particular set of ruined buildings in the distance. "They were having a sale today."

"I know what you mean. It looks like a few places I liked to go to didn't make it either." He then pointed in another direction. "Right over there should be the arcade. Miyashima and I used to go there once in a while to play games, though Miyashima's game of choice was trying to pick up girls. He lost every time I've seen him play though." Joanna couldn't help but smirk.

"Yeah, that sounds like him," she then said. She went silent for a few moments before she spoke again.

"I…I have to ask. Do-Do you think about the battles you fought in after they're over?"

"Yeah, I do," he replied. "How can you not?" He paused for a moment before continuing. "Are you thinking about what happened today?" She nodded

"I can't stop thinking about it," she said, her rate of speed increasing with every word or two. "Not just what happened, but what could have done, you know, one action over another, and if it could have made things better or worse. Or if I did one thing wrong, and that would be the end. It's horrible."

"You can't focus on things like that," Shinji replied. "You helped defend this city. You should be proud of that, and they will rebuild the city too. They always did when I was in Tokyo 3."

"I know you're trying to help, but I don't feel that way right now," she said, "but thanks anyway." Shinji put his arm across her shoulders. The two sat there for several minutes, not noticing the door open and close behind them. A few moments later, Shinji noticed a shadow come over him. He looked up and saw Asuka looking down at him. Due to the angle of the sun, he could not get a good look at her face.

"How did you find…" Joanna turned around to see who he was talking to. Asuka answered by pointing up at the sky. Shinji looked up and saw the Wunder in the air.

"That was dumb of me, huh?" he chuckled. Asuka shrugged her shoulders in reply before sitting down on the ledge as well, but on the other side of Joanna."

"Is everyone on the ship okay?" Shinji asked. "I heard those things attacked you guys as well."

"We're fine," Asuka replied. "We took them out, no problem, but even I have to admit that those things are a piece of work." Both Shinji and Joanna nodded in agreement.

"Some of the info your people sent to us did help though," she continued. "I appreciate it."

"And you guys should be thanked as well for coming to help us," Joanna said.

"No problem," she said. "You know, we got to see video of the battle, and I have to say, you did a damn fine job there. I'm impressed."

"Th-Thank you," Joanna said.

"She's a bit bummed over how damaged the city is and how she piloted, and I've been trying to cheer her up," Shinji said. Asuka shook her head.

"Still a rookie," she said, though the other two couldn't tell which of them she was referring to.

"Look, you fought and survived against odds that would make even us hesitate. You took down a massive number of the enemy in your own right. Yeah, I can see that the damage is bad, but it would have been worse if you hadn't done anything. You should have more pride in being a pilot, and doing what you did."

"I…suppose that's true," Joanna said.

"See, she says it too," Shinji said. Asuka nodded, but then her face turned sullen for a few moments. SHe took a breath and turned towards Shinji.

"There is one other thing I wanted to talk about," Asuka then said. Shinji sighed. He was dreading this moment since getting out of Unit 10.

"I…suppose you're angry with me," He then said.

"I...honestly don't know how I feel," she replied. "All I can say is that I'm not happy with the situation either, so I have to ask you some questions." She took a breath. "Did they force or guilt you into piloting Unit 10?"

"No," Shinji replied. "They asked me. We all understood what the situation was. Joanna was in danger, and the city was about to be destroyed. I could have refused, but I think it would have been wrong for me to do so."

"Well, did you even think what could have hap-" Asuka began, but Shinji cut her off.

"Every single second from the moment I launched to when the battle was over. It was always on my mind. I knew how bad things could get. I thought about the people in the base and you and Misato, and everyone else." He pulled out his player to which he had reattached the cross pendant.

"I had this with me in entry plug during the fight, as a reminder." He had the pendant between his thumb and forefinger as he showed it to her.

"I didn't like doing it, and if I will never do it again, that's fine by me, but at the same time, I'm glad I did. And I'm not sorry for doing that." Asuka's eyes widened at those last words for a second.

"Are you sure that you were in complete control?" Asuka asked. "We saw you taking on those things like there was no tomorrow. Unit 02's sensors had you going at Mach 2 at some points."

"It was scary." Both Shinji and Asuka heard Joanna mutter those words.

"Well, what do you have to say to her?" Asuka pointed at her. Shinji leaned a little towards her.

"I don't know if this will make you feel any better," he began, "but do you remember when I told you about the first time I was in an Eva, how it started to do stuff on its own?" Joanna nodded yes.

"They called it a berserker state or something like that," he continued. "I don't remember it too well. There were flashes of light and things moving around. It was only after it was over when...I don't want to say waking up, because I wasn't unconscious, but those are the best words I can think up. This time, it was...the best I can say is the complete opposite. I had total control of the Eva, and I remembered everything. And through all of this, I felt real calm the entire time. What I saw on the plug monitors, it was as if it was going in slow motion to me. Even when I was talking to Aida, all that I was experiencing didn't go away either, not until the battle was over. I didn't mean to make you afraid, and I'm sorry if I did. I'm not sure if you believe me, but that's the best I can say." Joanna looked towards Asuka.

"I believe him," Asuka said to her. Joanna then turned to Shinji.

"It's all right," she said to him, "I'm not afraid of you."

"That's good to hear," Shinji said. "You know, I think we should have a party, to celebrate our victory."

"You think so?" Joanna asked. "I don't think we can go back home. Burke told me they have to inspect the building first, and he doesn't know when that's going to happen."

"Yeah, Shinji said. "And I would have to suppose that even if they survived, I doubt any restaurants will reopen."

"Looks like we only have the cafeteria on base then," Joanna said.

"Still better than the mess on the ship from my experience," Asuka added.

"Maybe they would make something special," Shinji said. "It wouldn't hurt to ask."

"Let's go then," Joanna said, who was now smiling. "Shouldn't we contact Mari though?"

"She's still on watch for another hour, but if I head back to the ship now, I can relieve her early," Asuka said.

"That's very nice of you," Joanna said, "but what about you?"

"I don't care much for parties like that," she replied, "but if she knows there's a party and she wasn't invited, I'll never hear the end of it. I'd better get going so you don't have to wait too long." She waved goodbye and headed back in the building.

"That…went better than I thought," Shinji said while Joanna looked at him in confusion. Before she could ask him to clairify, Shinji's phone rang. Seeing that it was Burke, he answered.

"Hey, where are you?" Burke asked.

"I'm fine," Shinji replied. "Joanna and I were planning on going to the cafeterra to celebrate. I think Mari is coming too.

"Sound like fun," Burke said. "I'll contact the kitchen, have them whip up something special."

"Really? Thank you," Shinji said.

"But before you head there, the Commander and I want to talk to you in his office about something. It won't take too long."

"Sure..." Shinji said. "Is this about the battle?"

"It does, but there is also something else. Can you come up here please?"

"Okay, I'll be there," Shinji said before hanging up.

"What was that?" Joanna asked.

"They want me to see them," Shinji said. "They didn't say why, but it sounds important."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

As she was walking down the corridor, Askua's phone rang.

"Yeah," she answered.

"It's me," Misato's voice came through the phone. "How did it go?"

"Better than I thought," Asuka replied. "I'm heading back to the ship now. There are some things I want to talk to you about Shinji.

"That's good because there's other things we need to discuss," Misato said. "How is he?" Asuka thought about her answer for a few seconds.

"He seems...different," she then replied, "but not in a bad way. It's almost as if he's...I want to say stronger. That's the best word I can think of."

"Maybe he was right." Misato's voice was softer, as if she wasn't talking to her.

"Huh?" Asuka said.

"Oh, never mind," Misato then said. "Just return to the ship."

"Sure thing," Asuka replied. "But I have to go on watch, so can we discuss this when I'm in Unit 02? Four eyes has a party to go to."