Thursday, the 27th of July, 8:00pm, State of Japan, Tokyo-3, NERV Quarters
"Pilot Meadow, you are tired."
"Oh wow, thanks, Plank. I would never have noticed without that intensely astute observation."
"You are welcome."
"Ugh!"
The Imperial and the clone continued to move as the music commanded, with greater success than Shinji and Asuka started out with. Although, that likely came from their military training, or whatever training Rei had before any of them met her. Samuel of course had studied at Sandhurst and passed near the top of his class, so it wasn't surprising.
Shinji meanwhile hadn't accessed a gym in his life, whilst Asuka, who did keep herself fit, held only an honorary title in the Kaiser's airforce. Because oddly enough, the Reich, or any member of the European League, did not have a fondness for child soldiers...
Even then however the situation was comical, as Rei was better at this than Samuel, but he had far greater patience, and in a way, he could handle his pride being dented much more than Asuka. Of course, he wasn't helping himself by insisting that he remain in uniform. They could only just get the aristocrat in a plugsuit, but the leotard was too much.
"Better than anything on television, isn't it?" Asuka grinned, gaining a slight smile and nod of the head from Shinji. The latter sat upon the sofa in his normal clothing, Pen-pen snuggled up to him, channel ghibli on, whilst the former stood behind him, a glass of water in hand. Her casual dress of a pink shirt with short jeans, gave the image of a normal teenage girl.
Something he knew to be false, but that wasn't a bad thing. After all, he was hardly an ordinary boy.
"I guess." He acknowledged.
"Hmm...how're you doing down there, Sam?" Asuka looked down on the panting Imperial.
"Not...heh...well...heh..." He huffed, collapsing on the floor and deciding not to move for a while.
"Meadow, you have stopped." Rei noted.
"Perceptive as always!" Samuel growled.
"You're right, Soryu-san. This is better than anything on television." Shinji chuckled a little.
"But we have only been training for an hour." The albino tilted her head, as Samuel rolled over onto his back.
"Yes, exactly. One hour straight. What sort of steroids are you taking to do this sort of thing..."
"But I have not been prescribed any..."
"Good god, Plank, it's a joke!"
He continued to be frustrated by Rei's sheer inadequacy at social things, which entertained the other two children.
His temper is about as short as Soryu-san's. Perhaps that's why they get along, it does take one to know one after all. Shinji paused in his musings there.
Yes...how else could they have moved like that?
The event to which he referred, occurred a few days before. He and Asuka had been struggling along, and whilst the redhead was improving, she was clearly still frustrated either by himself or something he didn't understand. They'd paused for a bit, sweating and panting, as she scowled slightly until Samuel suddenly pulled off his boots and gloves, marched over to her and with a quiet mutter of "come on," hauled her back onto the mats.
And they'd moved together, perfectly.
They must know each other really well...and by the looks of it, be about as close as me and Ayanami-san...
"I suppose it makes sense...heh...you are a clone after all. You must have been born to do this sort of thing..." Samuel ran a hand through his blonde hair, as Rei pondered his question.
"I have received and carried out an exercise regime." She confirmed.
"As have I, an Imperial Army training regimen I might add. And I still can't go on as long as you can..."
"Did they engineer you from the ground up to be an athlete, First?" Asuka inquired, no hint of ill will in her tone. She was genuinely curious about one of mankind's technological marvels.
Rei's eyebrows knitted together, mulling over the things she knew for certain about her biology.
"I have enhanced muscle and cognitive capacity. Such specifications were largely derived from the esperanza proejct."
Shinji had no clue what that word meant, and Asuka had only vaguely heard of it. But Samuel...his blood ran cold. Horror stories his father had told him years ago, of British troops marching into a black site Spanish military base. Stories of tanks upon tanks of horrific abominations grown from human flesh.
They were super soldiers, bred to stem the Imperial tide in a last ditch effort on the part of the Spanish, but they didn't develop quick enough. Grand High Marshal Cromford declared the research, "un-ethical" and ordered it destroyed. It was said that some clones, those that looked vaguely human, had pity taken upon them, and were brought back to the homeland for integration into the Empire...whether that was true or not, Samuel didn't know.
"...that's got to be illegal..." He said darkly.
People are not cattle.
"You are correct...I should not exist..." Rei nodded.
Samuel's expression went straight from "cocky" to "horrified" in a few seconds flat.
"Oh no, no, no, goodness gracious I didn't mean that. I don't find your existence regretful, Rei. I was just saying how your...creation...defies a few laws." He threw up his hands in placation.
"...oh god, I'm not making this any better am I?" He mumbled to himself.
"The situation does not require improvement. It is simply a fact, I should not exist. I am an aberration of nature, nothing more, nothing less." Rei cut off any further conversation, as she stood up from her crouching position.
"That shall be enough. We require rest for tomorrow. I shall cleanse myself." The artificial human walked off to the bathroom without so much as another word, leaving the three natural born humans to their own devices.
"Would you mind being a bit more careful with what you say, Meadow-san?" Ayanami-chan is...sensitive...in her own way..." Shinji said awkwardly. His own heart had almost ripped itself apart after hearing what sounded like Rei regretting her own existence.
"Yes...of course..." The Imperial responded, slight shame in his tone. As despite him thinking of them as "bunch of barbarians", Samuel Meadow was not an individual who enjoyed upsetting people.
"Didn't seem all that upset to me." Asuka chimed in, gaining a raised eyebrow from her friend.
"Demonstrating your formidable people skills as always, Asuka." Samuel sighed.
"Shut up, Sam."
"As you wish...I'm getting some fresh air, be back in a bit." He hauled himself off the floor, then vacated the room so as to stand on the balcony.
"Soryu-san?" Shinji said, fiddling with his hands slightly.
"Jah, Third?" Replied the redhead, quietly watching the television with him.
"What's the esperanza proejct?"
Asuka let out a low whistle.
"I've only heard bits and pieces. Still sounds horrific whatever way you put it...it was a cloning project created by the Spanish. It was the last year of the war, and Europe was on its knees. People resort to awful things to survive, Third...and the project was one of them. They tried to grow an army of super soldiers...only a few worked out." Shinji had never seen her expression darken like that before, but he understood.
Anyone who survived Fukuyama knew what people resorted to, simply to keep on living.
"How do you mean, only a few worked out?" He pressed on gently. Asuka exhaled, not in aggressive way, but one that seemed disturbed.
"Luckily, Third...I really don't know. And I don't think I want to..."
Meanwhile within the kitchen, Misato quietly sat with her usual can of beer in hand, a newspaper strewn across the table. On the other side, resided Pen-pen, his own can sitting empty in front of him.
Years ago, it had been confusing for her to see an animal behave like this, but not any more. For Pen-pen was not an animal, he was a person as far as she was concerned. However, the strange looks Samuel kept giving, ones of absolute bafflement, were nothing short of hilarious to her, especially when Misato understood his confusion.
The paper was the usual stuff, some headlines, tabloids, gossip, Motichka making another speech about "sacrifice for the homeland," and of course the usual article of "who are NERV?"
The public's getting fascinated with us. Well let them, Section 2 won't allow anything too important to slip out.
If the Seraph war ever came to an end, then it wasn't unlikely a great deal of information would be disclosed. She had little doubt there would be public uproar over children being used against such monstrosities. But it had to be done, there was no other way.
You bet I'd be doing it in their place if I could...
Her thoughts were interrupted by her mobile ringing. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, followed by a sigh as she flipped it open, saw who was calling her, and hit answer.
"Supreme Commander." She said stiffly.
"Lieutenant Colonel, it is time. Bring the children into NERV Central, and brief them. That is all." The line went dead.
Talkative as ever, sir.
Misato grimly looked up from her phone and at the two children, who but moments before had been happily talking among themselves. Now, she'd have to send them and the rest into battle again.
She wasn't sure how she lived with herself sometimes.
But they had a plan this time, and knew their enemy better. A plan which she had mostly formulated by herself, which made the Lieutenant Colonel dwell on one of the only good points about working under Gendo Ikari.
When it came to military matters, he deferred to her.
Usually.
Scraping her chair back, the thirty year old stood up and walked into the lounge. As she was still in her skimpy attire of yellow shirt and blue shorts, Misato felt she'd have to give everyone a few minutes to get themselves ready. The heads of Asuka and Shinji turned to face her. Misato knew from the looks on their faces, they understood what was about to happen.
"We move out in fifteen minutes." Her jaw tightened. "It's time."
Outskirts, 8:45pm
NERV and the JSA knew where the Seraphim were, their energy reading devices proving invaluable. But keeping visual with them was impossible, as even the quietest Spy Drone would be noticed and erased from existence. If they could have watched the brother's movements however, the whole of humanity would have been surprised.
The two giants stomped around, having spent the last six days rejuvenating themselves after the Vooren attack. No deadly damage had been done, nor could it ever have been, but burns were not something one wanted to march into battle with. Now however, they were healed and almost ready to continue their assault. Just one more night would be required.
Israfel? Isrefael asked.
Yes? The elder and stronger brother turned to face his younger sibling.
Can we discard these forms, just for tonight? I tire of this...
Hmm...we are in agreement. Until the sun comes up then.
And thus, the two titans shrank, the pigment of their skin turning alabaster white, their eyes becoming a ruby red, and what appeared to be crude lamellar armour formed around them.
Long white hair and royal blue capes fluttered freely, as the two children of Netzach took deep natural breaths of the old realm's air.
"So much warmer, this place. Not at all like those icy wastes we woke to." Israfel mused with a blissful smile, as what he would describe as "lung nectar" seeped through his being. Meanwhile, Isrefael had knelt down, removed a gauntlet, and was running his bare hand over the grass.
"Beautiful." He whispered.
The elder brother did not make any noise of agreement, as none was needed. Slowly, the brothers surveyed their surroundings. One of hills and forests. It was a gorgeous sight in its own way, but not one that compared to Old Aesylia.
The trees did not reach to the heavens, with trunks thicker than mountains, no night sky illuminated by the fire of volcanoes, no great fields of fertile earth, out of which strong, dark green grass grew. The only thing comparable to this was perhaps the great plains of the Fheiran, but even then no tree of the old realm was as miniscule as these...shrubs.
But it was still a place filled with life, unlike the artificial and sterile Vhaayn. So therefore, the brothers were more at home here.
"I'll pull down one of those glorified twigs and make a fire. You find us something to eat." Israfel nodded at Isrefael, making his way to a nearby tree. With one chop of his hand, he cleaved it in two, leaving only a stump. He then set to pulling the felled tree apart into crude logs, scooping up a fair amount of them in his arms and moving back to the large clearing they had decided to rest at. Isrefael had already returned from his hunt, what we would know as a deer lying dead at his feet, the scorched hole through which his spear of lightening had driven through, still being visible.
"Aren't you going to skin it, little brother?" Israfel smirked as the brother in question paled. It was bizarre that someone so apt at killing was squeamish.
Sighing, the elder brother unsheathed a knife, knelt down, and began to methodically remove the skin and other things they didn't need. In the meantime, Isrefael had set himself to piling the logs. Once that was done, he gently put his hand on one of them, a faint glow being emitted from it before their campfire crackled into life.
The deer was now prepared, a sharp stake driven through it. The brothers then set to putting up two wooden stands for the spit roast to rest upon, placed the chunk of meat upon it, and happily waited as it cooked.
They could have done this in a heartbeat by scorching it, but that was not what they wanted. In this world, a bountiful place of plenty, they would have the quality of a slow roast. But now, whilst the brothers waited for their "dinner", they had things to talk of.
"It's not going to be easy tomorrow, is it? The Vooren have their backs against the wall." Isrefael said, anticipating yet worrying about the upcoming battle.
"I don't know. The blue and the black one seemed relatively simple to deal with. The white one is a good shot, but we don't know much about it. Old purple however...that's who's been killing our kin." Harshness crept into Israfel's tone, as he thought back to that night before it all went so horribly wrong. That great banquet, the laughter, the drinking, the brawls...mother's smile...it all seemed so long ago.
Which it was. The calamity occurred many ages ago, but to them it had been a simple closing of the eyes...and then awakening to the attempted genocide of their people.
"I think you're right." Isrefael nodded. "He knew exactly what was coming his way..." He thought back to his battle with the "Evangelion", and how it moved with professionalism. Such ability only came from experience.
"Even the bravest warrior bleeds like all others. They will fall, mark my words." The elder brother put his hand on his sibling's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
The two continued to sit for another half hour, the sound of crickets and bird song filling the world. It was...a beautiful composition of nature.
Their meal being finally ready, they divided it into two parts and ate it straight off the bone. Despite it being like nothing they'd ever tasted, the meat was adequate.
"Animals are so small here..." Isrefael mused.
"This is a world of weaklings. It's to be expected." Israfel responded, tearing off another chunk.
With their meal finished, the two brothers looked up at the stars and admired. It truly comforted them, knowing their mother was looking down from on high.
"Brother?" Said the younger.
"Hmm?" Said the elder.
"What are we going to do if we win?"
"When we win."
"Sorry..."
"Don't be...well...by my reckoning there should be about a few million women in that city. So, that means there will be plenty of pretty ones." Israfel heartily laughed at his sibling's paling expression.
"Don't worry, I'll save some for you!" He patted the smaller Divine on the back.
"Right..." Isrefael muttered.
"Oh come now, if you put off bedding a woman any longer, people will start to whisper-"
"Oh come on!"
"I'm not saying anything. I'm just saying there is probably a girl in that city who will spread her legs for you. Or a lad if that's your preference!" The elder began roaring with laughter as the younger huffed, before chuckling as well.
"The only thing that's worse than you, is Matarael when he's drunk."
NERV Central, briefing room, 9:30pm
The five figures stood within that dark room, looking upon a holographic display of the local landscape. Four of them stood plugsuited at attention, and prepared to receive orders. The other resided on the opposite side of the display, arms folded.
"First of all, this is not going to be easy. Not by a long shot." Misato began, examining the expressions of the soldiers under her command. Four teenagers.
"The hostiles have shown immense power and tactical know how. This is an enemy that understands us, and they made good use of that in the last engagement. We have superior numbers, and we need to use them." She pushed a button on the table, causing two holographic Seraphim to storm into the city.
"As we are within Tokyo-3 itself, you can receive constant resupply of weapons and ammunition if things go south, but I'm hoping it won't come to that."
The next stage of the plan showed the monsters continuing their march, until one of the vast skyscrapers was shaken by explosions at its foundations, and toppled over on them. The display was then frozen.
"This is when you have to hit them, right here, right now." Misato put harshness into her tone to get her point across. She pointed her finger at the two eldritch princes, who were frozen in reaction to the building collapsing upon them.
"Their strength is in numbers, and we have to deny them that. Divide and conquer, keep them separated, and we can deal with them piece by piece." She trailed off, satisfied the children understood, when Shinji surprisingly spoke up.
"I assume that means two teams of two?" He said nervously.
"That's right." Misato nodded.
"Then who goes with who?"
"Good question, Shinji-kun. Owing to the...combat styles...of the Seraphim, the teams will be set up to deal with their respective Seraph. Shinji-kun, Asuka-san, you're the best at close quarter combat, so you take big boy here. Meadow-san, Ayanami-san, you have lighter Units so you'll have less trouble keeping up with skippy. Unit 03 shall engage with its prog blade, and Unit 00 will provide cover fire with a pallet rifle. We can't use positron weaponry within the confines of the city or we'll cause collateral damage. Is that understood?" Her words were met with acceptance, both unflinching, nervous, and regretful, but acceptance nonetheless.
"Alright then...divide and conquer, people. Keep that in mind...dismissed." Her words became thoughtful. The two western pilots nodded their heads and walked out of the debriefing room. Rei, proceeded to salute, and a few moments later, tentatively and slowly, Shinji copied her.
The puprlehead felt a great deal of stress drop off her shoulders in that moment, and raised her own arm to salute him back. Then the offspring of Yui Ikari were gone, leaving Misato alone to look over the map.
To hell with this. We've already got the plan figured out, I'm getting a beer...Spirits know, I need one.
NERV Tower, half an hour later
"NERV Tower" was supposedly the central building of the organization, where the Commander's office was and things such as that. In a way, this was true, it was the "official" hub of the enigmatic group, but that was a front. A front to keep prying eyes from what lay beneath the city.
Today however, it seemed the tower was actually being put to use by some unlikely individuals.
Once again, it seemed, at least to Shinji's eyes, that whoever built some of NERV's buildings, in particular the medical ward and this place, clearly clashed with his father's manner of design. The pretty little garden situated on a small balcony, with the light of the stars shining down upon him, being testament to that.
He leaned on the small wall by the edge, listening to the sound of crickets at night, whilst just behind him to his left, Rei sat on one of the seats provided. They hadn't really been talking, just enjoying each other's company until the albino felt curious again.
"What do you think of our counterparts?" She said quietly.
"Hmm?" Shinji blinked and turned to face her, not having been listening.
"Our counterparts. What do you think of them?"
"Oh...um..." He ran a hand through his hair.
"I think they're alright. I mean...Meadow-san sees us as barbarians, whilst Soryu-san sees us as rivals...at least, I think so." He trailed off, still unable to fathom the nature of the redhead. As for Samuel, he seemed like the classic snotty western aristocrat, with a conscience hidden deep down that occasionally surfaced, whilst Asuka was just all over the place. Sometimes she could be nice, other times she could be harsh. Sometimes she could be understanding, and other times an erupting volcano. The only thing she was consistent with, was her total lack of patience, and mild civility, even warmth at times, towards the Imperial.
Something no one else got.
"What about you?" He asked in return.
"I am undecided. They are...curious people." It was Rei's turn to look thoughtful.
"How so?"
"Both of them...they are insensitive, reckless and arrogant, yet...their hearts are pure..."
"How do you mean?" Shinji said, his eyebrows knitting together at the thought of his colleagues having "pure hearts."
"Although they possess no fondness for us both...they are willing to put that aside for the greater cause. And...it would seem...they wish no harm on us." Rei felt satisfied with her words, as confusing as they were to her.
Meadow may feel slight ambivalence to me, but he tries not to show it out of courtesy. Soryu however...she has taken a strong disliking to me, for reasons I do not understand.
"Maybe. Although I wouldn't put it past Meadow-san to try and conquer us when the war's over. For the glory of the Empire." Shinji said in a humoured tone, attempting to copy the accent and language of the British Major, knowing he would fail at it.
But the result, was yet another small, genuine, smile from his sister. And that made it worth it.
"And don't you forget it." Said a voice that caused Shinji to jump out of his skin. Standing in the doorway, leaning against the side with arms folded, was the Imperial Major, a smile present upon his lips.
"Oh-oh, Meadow-san! I-I didn't mean to-" The nervous Japanese boy was cut off by the raising of Samuel's hand.
"Nothing is above comedy, Shinji. That's something my people hold quite dear." He walked onto the balcony, and folded his hands behind his back.
"Did you two come up here for a bit of peace and quiet?" He asked.
"Um...yes. Me and Ayanami-chan like this sort of thing." Shinji said meekly, causing the aristocrat's smile to broaden.
"Ah I see. Forgive me for disturbing your little romantic moment." He laughed at the two's expressions of horror.
"It is not like that in the slightest." Rei's tone gained a sudden harshness, which took all present by surprise.
I do not understand. Just because I am friendly with a member of the opposite sex does not mean I am automatically attracted to him. Surely even a child can understand that!?
"Right, and the Europeans will beat us in battle one day..." Samuel shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"We beat you plenty of times, dummkopf!" Said another voice, one whose owner had just been using the lady's bathroom.
"But you lost ze vor!" The Imperial cast the German a quick glance as she joined them. Asuka huffed, giving him a slight jab in the ribs, before standing at the very front of the group with hands on her hips.
It's only right that the leader should stand at the head...
"What brings you two here?" Rei asked, annoyed her moment of peace had been shattered.
"Ah, just wanted to reassure you all with my presence." Asuka said flippantly and arrogantly, as was her way.
"You have not succeeded." The albino put bluntly, keeping in mind how easily this brash girl had been battered by the might of the Seraphim. If she did not learn to understand that power, and that victory could not be attained by one's self, her pride would cost the redhead her life.
No one saw it, but all could sense the narrowing eyebrows forming on Asuka's pretty features. An expression so pronounced, it stifled conversation for quite a while. So much so, Samuel started tapping his foot for entertainment or some other purpose.
Fifteen minutes later, the tapping still persisted. It almost sounded...nervous.
"Are you nervous about tomorrow, Meadow-san?" Shinji asked, as even he was not that socially blind.
Samuel scowled at that.
"No. A soldier of the Empire does not know fear. He knows only the desire to carry out his Emperor's command, and only triumph or death will stop him." His words were harsh, things that ironically could only have been said by someone under great duress. However, clearly this was something Shinji should not press.
"And you, Soryu-san?" He turned his gaze to the redhead.
"Nein. Just want to get on with it." Asuka responded, sighing deeply and fighting off the urge to fidget herself.
They continued to reside there, looking out over Tokyo-3 and all its bright lights. It was only after another two minutes, that Samuel spoke again, his foot still tapping.
"How do you stand it...the quiet?" He said curiously.
It's to be expected, everyone's been evacuated to the bunkers so no one would be moving around up here except for NERV...but...it feels like a graveyard. I don't like it.
Shinji and Rei both pondered this, having never really posed the question to themselves before. The albino concluded she simply was not bothered, that she wasn't programmed to feel fear. Shinji however, could well understand what Samuel was going through. It wasn't just the quiet, it was the sensation of one's stomach twisting and turning, the pounding of your heart, as you desperately wish for the whole thing to start so it could be finished. Unknown to him, every single soldier throughout history felt exactly the same.
"I try to think about other things. It's not easy, but it helps." Shinji offered, as usually his own thoughts were focused on not "screwing up" the operation. As he believed he would, despite evidence to the contrary.
"...I'll give that a go...thank you..." Samuel nodded, forcing his foot to stop tapping as he looked up at the stars. Thinking of all those science fiction stories he grew up on, and sitting on the sofa with his three elder brothers watching Star Wars for the first time, he couldn't help but smile sadly to himself.
"You know...me and Ayanami-chan have got your backs covered, come what may." Shinji meekly offered reassurance, feeling strangely compelled to do so.
He's scared, just like I am. Maybe for different reasons, but he's stressed at the very least. Soryu-san probably feels like that as well...damn, why is it I have to take care of you all?
That feeling of responsibility, what had arisen in him a week before during their first engagement with the 8th Seraph, was something he couldn't shake. He was the most experienced, he knew the enemy better than most. Maybe not their origins or true nature, but he certainly understood their behaviour.
Dumb animals my ass. They probably still believe that as well.
"I don't require your comfort, Shinji...but it is appreciated." Samuel responded, some little part of him surprised by this show of "care." Perhaps the feeling could be described as "touched."
He brought himself over to Shinji's side, standing taller and straighter than the Japanese boy could ever manage.
"Off the battlefield you are a barbarian as far the Empire is concerned. An ally in the campaign against the Seraphim, and a possible weapon the State of Japan can use against us. But on the battlefield..." The Imperial looked thoughtful for a moment, before continuing.
"...I will have your back as well. The same could be said for my illustrious colleague, am I correct?" Samuel directed at Asuka.
The redhead turned around after smoothing her features, and nodded in resignation.
"Jah. We win or lose this together, as much as that hurts to say. But, if we survive, I call dibs on the next one. If it shows up by itself..."
Cafeteria
Most of NERV's staff were busy at their jobs, maintaining the Evangelions, guarding the facility, making sure there were no leaks of information, and being ordered around by Caspar to prevent anything exploding.
But in this moment, sitting all by herself, Misato Katsuragi was enjoying a moment of well earned peace, having spent the last week formulating a strategy and training her troopers for it. The most challenging aspect of it was being heavily outnumbered by teenagers in her own home, putting Misato at an immense tactical disadvantage.
But they don't cause too much trouble. They all keep themselves clean, they don't make any mess, Asuka hasn't kicked anyone in the face yet...
It could truly be worse, she mused with a slight smile.
"And there I was thinking that people in our position needed to stay sober?" Said a voice that caused her smile to broaden.
"Hey, Rits-chan. Want to join me for a drink?" Misato beamed, but Ritsuko waved that away.
"Just coffee. I wreck my body enough with cigarettes..." The faux blonde muttered, filling up a cup with the black liquid from one of the cafeteria's machines, before making her way over to one of the few friends she had in the world.
Sitting down, she took a sip of the coffee and felt its warmth course through her.
"So what's the reckoning this will go horribly wrong as well?" She said sardonically.
"Pessimistic as usual." Misato said, humoured but not surprised.
"Pessimists don't get our hopes up, so we don't get let down. There's a few perks to it, I'll tell you that." Ritsuko shrugged.
"Do you think they're up to it though? Truly?" She added, her tone much more serious and contemplative now.
Misato leaned forward and knitted her eyebrows together.
"Truly?...yes. Yes I think they can. They've been training hard, and they will do their jobs. I'm not sure if we've got unit cohesion completely nailed down but...I think when it comes to the crunch, those four will work together."
"Hmm." Ritsuko said, not quite convinced.
The last time they went out, those westerners nearly got themselves and our Pilots killed. Although that's to be expected, their culture is a little...arrogant and ill mannered.
They sat in the quiet for a while, until the faux blonde spoke again.
"So you think their training went well?"
"Yes, without a doubt. Even if it's not perfect, they can actually work together now. Asuka-san gave me the most trouble...Spiritsshe is every bit as stubborn as I remember. Meadow-san was a little less of a problem, I suppose duty to his Empire is more important than his pride. Shinji-kun would be just fine if he had a bit more of a backbone, and Ayanami-san...well...she was never going to be a problem." Those words of slight praise for the albino caused a small smile to curl its way into existence on Ritsuko's lips.
That's my girl, she thought involuntarily.
Parched from all the talking, Misato took another great swig of her beer, relishing in the ice cold liquid that ran through her body, causing her spine to tingle.
"Don't drink that too quickly, you might intoxicate yourself." Ritsuko sighed in exasperation.
"Oh come on, Rits-chan, live a little!" The purplehead said boisterously.
"Indeed, one can isn't a problem." The two women turned their gazes to see Shiro Tenka march into the room with a grin only an old soldier could muster.
"Sub Commander Tenka, I wasn't expecting to see you around here..." Ritsuko trailed off, as the head of Section 5 sat down with them.
"Don't be so formal, rank won't matter if the Seraphim kill us all tomorrow. Do you mind?" He gestured at the packet of cans on the table, with Misato giving a shrug and a "go ahead." Picking one up, he eyed it quite happily as it called back fond memories.
"They'd give us whole bottles of sake during the war, keep our spirits up...heh..." Tenka chuckled at his unintentional pun, gaining deadpan expressions from his colleagues.
"You don't even have children, but you're making Dad jokes?" Ritsuko raised an eyebrow.
"I'm middle aged, Akagi-san. I'm halfway to death's door, I give twenty percent of my earnings to the damned state, and pay another five percent for the health service. I've earned my right to make them." He took a great long gulp of alcohol, wiping his lips with his hand.
"Spiritson high that's good. Now, as I overhead a little bit of your conversation about our new arrivals, I must ask, as you are both ladies, what do you think of our UN liaison? Strapping young lad isn't he?" His happy expression didn't fade, even as Misato's expression darkened.
"Oh dear, you've jumped on some egg shells there, Tenka-sensei." Ritsuko chuckled, unable to keep her mirth down.
"Have I?" He tilted his head.
"Kaji-san and I were...close friends about ten years ago." Misato shifted uncomfortably.
"She means boyfriend. Literally kept him in her bedroom for an entire weekend." The faux blonde emphasized, good memories of college coming back to her. Happy and carefree memories.
"Shut up." Misato grumbled.
"Ah, I presume you got unlucky. He does seem like the type that gets around with women a bit...I wish I was that age again, not old and grey." Shiro pouted.
"Very astute Shiro-chan. Agent Kaji has already creeped on about seventeen of our female staff today." Caspar's voice butted in, utter glee in its tone as the purple head explosively sighed.
"Does the word privacy, not mean anything to anyone these days?" She growled.
"No need to be grumpy-"
"No need to butt in on other people's conversations, Caspar-san."
"Well I just thought it would be nice to talk about girls stuff-"
"You're not a girl Caspar, you aren't even human." Misato snapped, instantly regretting it as the A.I went silent and the other two Sub Commander's squirmed.
"Damn it...I-I'm sorry, it just slipped out..." Her words were met with silence.
"Well done, Misato-san. You've just upset the overlord." Ristuko rested her head on her hand, to which the purplehead raised an eyebrow.
"Can she get upset, did they actually program her with that?"
"Caspar is an artificial intelligence who feels just the same as we do." The faux blonde's green eyes had narrowed by this point.
"...so..." Shiro began, trying to lighten the mood and get back on topic. As despite being a man, he couldn't help but enjoy a bit of gossip.
"You and Agent Kaji have quite the history?"
"You could say that." Misato said, pursing her lips. More than enough information for the Doctor.
"Ah...women things...I'll take my leave then. Forgive me for disturbing you all." Shiro finished his can, pushed his chair out and stood up, brushing himself down a little.
"It's no problem." Ritsuko hastily added, whilst Misato continued to fume.
"Ah, but you see, Akagi-san, that is where you are wrong. This is some clearly sensitive material on a need to know basis. I have a feeling if I heard it, Lieutenant Colonel Kasturagi here would have to kill me." His words caused the thirty year old woman to quietly laugh, both in annoyance and genuine humour.
"Good day." He bowed, before strolling out the room. The two women sat in silence for a while longer, as Ritsuko drummed her fingers on the table.
"Kaji-san's only ever had eyes for you." She commented.
"Right..." Misato murmured.
"Oh come on, we both know what he's like. He's happy to see you-"
"Probably because he wants to get inside me again."
Ritsuko rolled her eyes.
"You dragged him into your room and fucked him senseless for forty-eight hours straight. You tell me who's the sex addict."
The purplehead crossed her arms.
"I know what you're trying to do, Rits-chan. It was a decade ago, it's over and done. I don't care any more..." Misato grumbled.
"Then why are you always so flustered whenever he gets brought up?" Ritsuko raised an eyebrow.
The NERV Lieutenant Colonel proceeded to huff and puff in indignation as her best friend quietly chuckled. Finishing her coffee, Ritsuko kept a small smile as she stood up, clicking her shoulders whilst she was at it.
"You know...if Kaji-san had been my boyfriend...I'd never have let him go." And there was real meaning to those words, ones of sadness and regret. Regret she'd never taken up the offers of other men her age back in college, and instead deluded herself into believing Gendo Ikari needed her.
What I wouldn't give to have never met that man.
Misato said nothing.
"Alright. See you tomorrow." Ritsuko nodded politely then walked off, leaving the purplehead alone with her thoughts.
NERV entrance one, 11:00pm
They'd stayed on that balcony for quite a while, in the quiet moonlight. Not that their silence was born of discomfort, it was just not much else was needed to be said. So the four Pilots enjoyed their peace, then came back down to spend the night within NERV Central, both to have them in a place where NERV could keep an eye on them, and have them ready in case the Seraphim moved early.
NERV entrance one, was a good deal more grand than the hillside entry he'd first seen all that time ago. A huge, cavernous thing through which three of those massive lorries could drive abreast. Naturally there was a heavy concentration of Section 3 troopers, roughly sixty personnel altogether. Although the true power here, was five Yoroi battle tanks and an entire company of JSA soldiers.
As was understandable for a survivor of Fukuyama, Shinji felt far more at ease around the blue coated men and women, feeling they looked resplendent in their armour. He'd held that fascination since youth, since his days of growing up in Kure, although he preferred the uniforms of the State Navy...hence why he'd once had plans to wear one. Some naïve part of him had envisioned himself as commander of a small patrol boat or something of the like. Not a too important role, but one of worth.
And here he was, as Pilot of the most powerful war machine in history. Shinji could not comprehend how much had changed since he watched the fleet review in April and decided he may like to serve on one of those ships.
Then, his pace slowed. One of the tanks seemed a little familiar, with a painted red devil on its side. Its armour had been patched up, but Shinji could still see the scar from when another rail gun had embedded itself into the front. And thus, he took a detour, much to the curiosity of his colleagues.
The staff sergeant residing in the command hatch, turned his burned face towards the young man and produced a warm smile.
"Hello there, Ikari-san. Enjoying the fresh air?" He said.
"Hello...Sergeant...I'm sorry but I never got your name..." Shinji stopped mid sentence as the Sergeant raised his hand.
"Kiyoshi Yukimura, at your service."
"Ah, well...it's good to see you again, Yukimura-san." Shinji bowed slightly, gaining a nod from Kiyoshi.
"How are the rest of your crew doing?" The boy pushed on.
"They can tell you themselves. Boys, get up here, make a show of yourself!" Kiyoshi barked.
A few moments later, the other hatches opened and two more heads popped out. The youngest looked pleased to see Shinji, the other seemed grumpy as ever.
"Good evening, Ikari-san. That's a...strange uniform you've got there..." Seiichi Oshiro tilted his head as Shinji looked down at his plugsuit, agreeing with him whole heartedly.
"So Supreme Commander Ikari puts his Pilots in gimp suits. How much money do we give NERV again?" Eiji Fukui chimed in.
"Not enough for me to wear this, Spirits it's itchy." Shinji said without thinking, gaining a few chuckles from the crew.
"Itchy? I'll tell what's itchy, when your cybernetic leg which is not supposed to feel anything starts itching, and you can never make it stop." Eiji grumbled.
"Um, excuse me, but who are you lot?" Samuel cut in, having followed Shinji over with the other children.
"Private Eiji Fukui, saviour of the nation, at your service. I basically drove this little bastard in on his first day, so you can thank me now." The tank driver put a hand on his chest with smugly.
"Can't say I've ever heard of you." Asuka commented.
"Ruin my fun why don't you..." Eiji pouted.
"Seriously though, who are they?" Samuel asked again, slight frustration in his tone.
"They're what they say they are. They got me and Misato-san into base when the first Seraph showed up." Weirdly, Shinji found himself amused by the memory of being crammed into that tank, and the uncouth nature of its occupants.
"And who might you be, young man?" Kiyoshi cut in.
"Major Samuel Meadow of the Imperial Britannic Army. The one with red hair is Hauptmann Asuka Zeppelin Soryu of the Luftwaffe, and Rei here...doesn't have a rank if I recall?" He got a nod of confirmation from the albino.
Kiyoshi cast his gaze upon the ethereal girl, and looked thoughtful for a few moments.
"You might not remember me, miss, but we've-"
"Staff Sergeant Kiyoshi Yukimura. You and your men delivered Ikari-kun safely. You have my gratitude." Rei gave a slight bow of her head, as her brother was teaching her.
"I'm glad you remember. It does me good to see you so well, especially after the state you were in back then..." His expression darkened.
"...okay...back on topic, we're basically here to save the world." Samuel finished with a winning smile.
"So you're all Eva Pilots?" Seiichi asked, with all four nodding.
"Oh shit, they've multiplied." Eiji grumbled again.
"Multiplied? Ha! I assure you, there's only one Eva Pilot elite here." Asuka said proudly, her hands instinctively moving to her hips so as to present an image of confidence and inner strength.
Eiji was not impressed.
"And it turns out you can replicate angst as well. The future of the nation is in the hands of horny, whiny, uppity teenagers, I'm just fucking done..." The hatch slammed shut as he disappeared from sight.
"Jah, you better run!" Asuka barked after him.
"So...you're going back into combat tomorrow?" Kiyoshi inquired, his gaze drifting off into the distance, the direction from where the enemy would come.
"The Seraphim? Yes...tomorrow." Shinji quietly confirmed, fear in his heart.
I know exactly what's coming...and I'm frightened.
"Can't say we envy you, going off to fight those things..." Seiichi nodded grimly, remembering the screams of the First Division fading into static as they were slaughtered by the might of a Seraph.
"Well well, is the cannon fodder thinking for itself?" Samuel said with a slight smirk, ignoring the elbow in the ribs from Asuka.
Kiyoshi deeply inhaled at that, and Seiichi narrowed his eyes.
"Young man, I was fighting the largest army on the planet whilst you were still in diapers. I've killed men with my bare hands, so don't question my ability as a soldier-" He was interrupted by the tank's front hatch flying open, an incensed driver popping out of it.
"I'll slap your shit, boy!" Eiji roared as desperately tried to get out of his hatch, and wriggle out of Seiichi's sudden grip on his legs.
"No, Spiritsdamn it, Eiji!" Whilst the two men struggled with each other, their Sergeant looked at the four children with sadness in his tired eyes.
You should be in school or at home, doing things teenagers do. Not here...not in a war zone.
"I suppose you'd best be getting off. Stay safe tomorrow, alright." He said sternly, gaining some nods and "Yeah, sure", as three of them continued on their journey back into NERV Central. However, Shinji stayed behind for just a few more moments.
"You as well, Yukimura-san, and the rest of you." He said in that meek voice, before, in a manner he'd done only a few hours ago for the first time, he raised his hand to his forehead.
The three men of the Akuma stopped what they were doing for a moment, touched by this show of respect. Slowly, they returned his salute. Satisfied, Shinji gave another nod before marching off to join his comrades.
And thus, in the peaceful moonlight, the children, their commanders and their subordinates, did what every single soldier on every single battlefield throughout history had done since the dawn of war.
Wait for the sun to rise.