It was shortly after one o'clock in the afternoon by the time Ritsuko Akagi got around to seeing Misato and her pregnant charge. Most of the morning had been spent running tests and consulting with the Magi computers. Melchoir had immediately insisted that there were too many variables in play with this pregnancy, termination was the simplest solution. Balthasar insisted that the gains outweighed the risks, life was, in fact, the only solution. But Casper…

"I will never understand that woman."

Everything hung in a state of limbo as Casper weighed the options, hemming and hawing as seconds turned into hours. Ritsuko became convinced that her mother was, once again, doing whatever she could from beyond the grave just to spite her. And so, taking a swig of her coffee, she started down the hallway back to the hospital wing. If Casper wouldn't make a decision, then she would do it for them.

Chapter 4

Whispers and Screams

"OH HELL NO!"

Asuka and Risuko both tried hastily to blink away the shock that crossed their face as Misato rushed in between them. Misato's quickness to blame her and Shinji's untrustworthy and reckless behavior. Her silent, near brooding nature on the car ride to the Geofront this morning. Her inability to really start up any form of a conversation about… it. Everything had managed to convince Asuka that her guardian would have been insisting on an abortion. And yet, here she was, actively trying to stop her long-time friend from doing just that.

"Katsuragi, this is the only option," Dr. Akagi began. "It will be painless and quick. I would have presumed, given your… history, you would be more understanding."

Misato fumed, though a single tear started to roll down her cheek. "My 'history' is not a matter for discussion in front of the Children!"

"Then stand aside Major, and let me do my job."

The lavender-haired woman didn't budge. "I'm doing mine, right here. Protecting the Children from the likes of you!"

"It's not your decision to make."

"Nor is it yours, Doctor," came the nearly forgotten target of the conversation. As the shock of Misato coming to her defense was quickly wearing off. In its place, a spark of her old defiance began to show through. But, she was shut down before she even got to speak her mind.

"And neither is it yours, Pilot. And, as I am certain that the Magi will confirm my decision-"

"So, you have yet to consult the Magi?" a voice asked from the hallway.

"S-Sub-Commander, when did you get here?" stammered out a startled Ritsuko.

"I was nearby handling some private matters when I heard our dear Major's scream. However, you did not answer my question."

Looking very much like a child with her hand caught in the cookie jar, the good doctor started to sulk. "The decision was inconclusive. But, I know the Commander would agree with my assessment in the event the deadlock remains."

"Then you didn't notify the Commander about your decision either?!" Misato nearly shrieked in rage. "Akagi, you've gone too far!"

"I am afraid I must agree with the Major," agree Fuyutsuki. "Major Katsuragi, please take Ms. Soryu home. I am certain she and her unborn child have had more than enough excitement for one day. Doctor Akagi, please come with me. We are going to see the Commander."

=/\= =\/= =/\= =\/= =/\=

MAGI-01 TERMINAL CODE

SYSTEM: CASPER

DECISION MATRIX RESOLVED

DECISION: NO TERMINATION

=/\= =\/= =/\= =\/= =/\=

"I'm home" Asuka weakly called out as she and her guardian crossed the threshold into their apartment. In an instant, the glorious scent of a late lunch started permeating their nostrils. Misato had to do a double take of her watch.

14:51

"Shin-chan?" she called out as she rounded the corner to find her male charge hard at work on some food.

To Asuka, though she'd never admit it, it smelt like the best meal ever cooked by mortal hands. Although, that was likely due to the stress of the past few hours, she tried to convince herself. But, something else had her attention at the moment. School wasn't over for almost another two hours. "Baka! What are you doing home so early?"

Shinji just shrugged, his eyes never leaving the pot on the stove. "I'm not sure. I was just pulled from class and told I was to go straight home. No other explanation."

Asuka's gaze drifted to Misato as her guardian's cell phone started to ring. "I have nothing to do with this, Asuka." Misato picked up the phone and headed into the living room. "Major Katsuagi here. … Good afternoon, sir. … Yes sir…" Her voice trailed out.

"How did the appointment go, Asuka?"

"I… don't want to talk about it," the redhead responded. Shinji chose to hazard a glance at her while she spoke. Something about her tone, something about the way her shoulders were slumped forward… A part of Shinji wanted to leave the pot in that moment and go to her. But, that would likely get him yelled at or punched. And then, he'd run the risk of burning the lo mein he had been making, which would delay Asuka's meal, which would earn more yelling and punching. So, he did the only other thing he could think to do.

"Umm… Asuka… I want… I mean… I'm sorry, but…"

"Spit it out already, Third."

"Well, it's just that. I told Hikari to give you a call after class."

"WHAT?!" For a moment, she looked like Mount Fuji incarnate. "YOU TOLD HER?! What, did you tell the STOOGES too?!"

"Asuka, please relax. I promise, I didn't say anything. Just that you might need a friend right now."

And relax she did, even if only for a bit as Misato walked back into the room.

"It seems the three of us have a meeting in the morning. Shinji, Asuka, I'm afraid you'll be missing another day of classes."

"A meeting? With whom?" inquired Shinji.

Misato let out a sigh, having an idea for the reaction that was about to come. "Your father. On the topic of transferring Asuka back to NERV-Berlin."

"WHAT?!" both charges called out in sync.

A/N: Wow, I really feel the need to apologize to my readers for this chapter. We've got ourselves a short chapter after a long wait. This is almost like those days when you're looking forward to a new episode after the midwinter break, only to be stuck with a recap episode. I know I can't stand that, so I imagine you can't either. The simple truth is, I've been rolling this chapter in my head a few times and just couldn't get it to be the way I wanted.

I'm already at work on the next chapter. Hopefully it will be out a bit quicker and be a bit more filling. Until then!

JaceSterne