Misato was led by a crewman to the captains ready room. She had to say she was impressedwith the TDD-1. As Asuka had said it appeared newer and certainly was quieter and cleaner
than the over the rainbow .Misatos only experience of submarines was a brief trip on a diesel electricsub during her training which had been small and noisy and distinctly uncomfortable.
This boatwas utterly different in fact in this corridor could be in the Geo front she thought. Well apart fromthe crewman looked a lot fitter than the average nerve technician and no sense
of oppression hungover the place. Commander Ikari may be saving the world ,but,he was no people person no onecame to NERV for the great work atmosphere.
She wondered what the captain was like she had evidently made an impression on Shinji .Oh she would have fun with some cabin boy jokes later! She knew it was cruel to tease Shinji
,but, it was so much fun and if he had to work with Asuka he better toughen up the German attacked any weakness .Maybe she better start calling Shinji Poland .On second thoughts no
, Germans did not find Nazi jokes funny which just made them funnier in her opinion .Her reminisces of her time in Germany were stopped by their arrival at the captains ready room .
The crewman saluted said "The captain wants to see you go straight in" and opened the door for her .Misato marched in stood to attention and saluted "Captain Misato Katsuguri of NERV
Reporting " her arm came swiftly down and she was promptly very confused.
If anyone had asked her to describe what she though the captain of the TDD-1 would look like she would probably describe a Captain Jane way of star trek voyager look a like and blame
her Trekkie room mate at college Ritsuko .Never would she have ever thought the captain would be a delicate
looking silver haired teenager she was just dumb struck .
"Hello captain please call me Tessa .We are not in each others chain of command so I see no need to be so formal "Tessa replied smiling she had seen the look of puzzlement throughout
her career on so many officers and enlisted crewmen when they meet her for the first time .Though she had to say Captain Katsuguri defiantly had a great befuddlement look .she waited
for Misatos brain to reboot resisting the temptation to wave her hand in front of Misatos face .Finally Misatoseemed to come to
"Your the captain ?"
"Yes "
"You look awfully young ?"
"I'm 16 I been serving in designing and building submarines since I was 6 ,I was the principal designer of this submarine"
" I bet you had this conversation an awful lot of times ?"Misato said with an embarrassed smile onher face the reality that in fact though the girl looked like a school kid playing dress up in
eyes their was the steel of a commander behind the girly facade .
"More times than I care to imagine though I must say you've gone from shock to acceptance quicker than most "
Misato could feel herself blushing and fought to control it being complimented by a superior officer she had looked at in disbelief put her in an odd position even if that officer could not be
much older than her charges .And suddenly an evil idea popped into her head .
"Well I work for an organization which sends kids out in giant robots to fight monsters from outer space being fluid is part of the job description "
"you have to be fluid as " Tessa started
"as being flexible is too rigid " Misato finished the saying and they both laughed .
"We must have had the same instructors or they watched the same movies "opined Misato
" Must be movies most military men aren't that imaginative " grumbled Tessa .
" Good thing some of them fill out their uniforms well as if they had to rely on sparkling repartee
they would never get lucky"
"I wouldn't know about such things Misato "A blushing Tessa replied crossly
"I suppose you don't get much chance to meet boys in your own age range ,especially boys who know what its like to work for a secretive military organization "Misato carried on sounding
as innocently as possible . Tessa was not as naive as she appeared ,but,she still reacted badly to being teased.
"What exactly are you implying captain?"
"Me nothing just making conversation "Misato decided to change the conversations topic quickly upsetting the captain of the submarine she could be stuck on for at least a day would not
be clever.
And she had a face like thunder at the moment .There would be fun with Shinji later.
"I hope NERV have offered official thanks for helping to defeat the angel and rescuing the Eva
I 'd like to offer mine Asuka and Shinji are like family to me. When I thought they were gone it was one of my worst moments of my life "Misato confessed.
Tessa smiled she was starting to like Misato she would love to see how this officer who seemed to be full of life and had a sense of humor worked with that Gendo .
" No have I spoken with your Commander he was too busy interrogating us about the security of the Eva to bother thanking us or even to ask about the pilots ,I think he saw us as just
an inconvenience"
Misato sighed "Commander Ikari isn't really much of a people person and just assumes other organizations are rivals or problems we really shouldn't let him speak to people outside of
NERV. I can assure you captain we are not all not like him in fact some of us can even pass as human after a few drinks "She finished the sentence with a self depreciating smile .
Well I guess I will be able to judge that tonight we are having a little party in the hangar .Its a bit of a tradition for us at the end of a combat tour .We originally planned it for when the
Eva was handed over as the crew wouldn't get shore leave in Tokyo and it was a long boring voyage till this afternoon .Guess we could call it a victory party but it feels wrong to me for us
to be partying when so many others will be grieving ."Tessa finished with a frown.
"Only thing worse than a battle won is a battle lost .Might as well have some fun while youcan your a long time dead" Countered Misato she was smiling .Partying with a bunch of
mercenaries on a high tech submarine promised to be fun .During her training she had spent a horrible week planning a commando raid from a submarine, bunch of trainee officer playing
at special forces .They had celebrated with the crew after wards .She had found Submariners made hells Angels look like monks .
"I guess your right Misato the crew deserve to let their hair down and as we are being flanked by two battleships guess we are as safe as we could be "
Misato sort of blushed "Funny story about those ships "and proceeded to tell Tessa about her plan.
The TDD-1 was the most sophisticated submarine the world had ever seen with a high degree of automation it needed a small crew in fact nearly half its normal compliment were either
part of the air wing or ground troops .Though the dividing line blurred very quickly just to live on a submarine one really needed to be trained in damage control,Fire fighting and submarine
escape and sea survival .So most people had two or even three jobs .Even the catering staff .So they had other duties during a battle .So now they were rushing to produce a feast for
the end of tour party and were behind schedule .Asuka was upset that she wouldn't get her ice cream till later ,but, could see the cooks were busy. She was about to complain ,but, Shinji
offered to help which was gladly accepted by the cooks .Asuka was no way going to do kitchen work and left to find meanwhile was happy to help .He could see the kitchen
needed help and he actually enjoyed cleaning. It was only after Shinji had tackled a mound of washing up that the Kitchen staff realized their new member of staff was the Eva pilot they had just seen the Mithril fatigues
and a pair of hands .Collectively they were a bit shocked and embarrassed that they had been treating a hero as a kitchen drudge. Shinji was Embarrassed by all the attention it was nice
to be thanked ,but, having someone who was happily chatting with him one moment then staring in awe at him the next was odd to say the least .Fortunately for Shinji they didn't have
much time for hero worship having to produce a feast to celebrate the defeat of the angel .When it quickly became obvious that Shinji though a kid knew his way around a kitchen and
appeared to be a talented cook .Plans were changed when Shinji agreed enthusiastically he could do what was asked of him.
Tessa stared at her screen she was trying to type her report. Talking with Misato had been fun
and it confirmed much of Mithril Intelligence reports. Misato would be horrified at the amount of info Tessa had on Nerv and its principle players .Unfortunately for Tessa the Eva pilots were
considered of minor importance by Mithril intelligence and there was just the briefest of biographical info on them .Mithril intelligence was obsessed with theory that Nerv and a shadowy
secret society known as SEELE were responsible for 2nd impact and had some conspiracy which would result in them running the world when the angel war ended .
The military wing of Mithril thought they were nuts NERV in their opinion could barely defend Tokyo 3 and the Eva though impressive had so many flaws that as a weapon of conquest
they were a joke. They even had a rival theory Mithril Intelligence was spreading this idea to cover up the fact they had caused 2nd impact taking out an amalgam base in Antarctica with
an experimental weapon .Amalgam Mithrals enemy had seemingly disappeared in the chaos of 2nd impact .And if this story was told in the presence of any one from intelligence they had a
complete sense of humor failure. Which only encouraged the spread of the story especially among the lower ranks not that they really believed either theory .She closed her computer off
and headed for the hanger where the partywould be held. As captain it was traditional she eat last at these functions ,but,since she tended to get grumpy when she was hungry .She had
taken to turning up early and sneaking a snack off the cooks before the party started .Arriving at the hanger she paused it always impressed her how her crew managed to decorate
the hanger helicopters and aircraft had been parked up at one end leaving room enough for tablesand chairs a small dance floor and even a bar .Tessa frowned at that she did not
approve of drinking but her crew appreciated the opportunity and none of them had so far abused it too that she turned to where the cooks had set up a modular kitchen
.It had been designed to allow TDD-1 to turn the hanger into an accommodation area for extra troops or refugees ,but,It was mostly used for parties. Mithril did not like sending the TDD-1
of disaster relief operations though Tessa had managed to be in the area where help was needed on more than one occasion .She caught a whiff of the food cooking and hurried over to
see what they were cooking bumping into someone who turned out to be Mr Mardukas who was eating from a plastic bowl .
"Captain your here early "
Tessa looked accusingly at her executive officer as second in command he should eat last as well
Mr Mardukas was old school royal Navy so her glare had no effect .The only thing that ever effected Mardukas was Sgt Souske Sagara and Tessa was working on the theory it was Souske hair which did it.
" I was just trying out the food from Bobs latest recruit " Bob being the master chef a large New Zealander who was just known as Bob even Mardukas ever a stickler for proper Military protocol
had given up with Bob. As the kitchen worked and the crew were fed somethings you just accepted .
"Whats going on Bob?" she knew they hadn't taken on anymore crew.
"I found a stowaway captain so I put him to work in the galley seems he is a good cook "
"Stowaway ?" Tessa looked even more puzzled
Bob pointed to a large wok over which Shinji in chef Whites which were slightly too big was busy working he looked up saw the captain blushed gave a small wave and then went
back to work .Tessa returned the wave and then turned on Bob.
"Bob Since when have stowaways climbed onto our submarine in a giant arm slave. Asuka and His actions helped save our lives this afternoon and you have him cooking ?"
Bob held up his arms to placate his angry captain she could be quite scary when she wanted to
be .
" The stowaway things just a joke ,Shinji offered to cook said he wanted to do something to thank the crew for saving him and Asuka and he said he really likes cooking tempura here try
some. That came out in a rush as Bob deftly filled a bowel and thrust it into Tessa's hand .
Tessa tried the shrimp it was very good addressing Shinji she said "This is very good Shinji but
you didn't need to cook for us "
Shinji who was bright red stumbled with his words "Thank you I like to cook and am grateful
for rescue captain " He bowed "Excuse me have to finish this " bowing again he went back
to cooking .
Tessa watched him as she eat he certainly knew what he was doing in the kitchen no wasted effort his actions were all brisk and precise .She reached out with her mind and felt a sense
of pleasure and contentment as well as concentration coming off him he really did like to cook she smiled as she let his emotions wash over her he didn't give any indication that he knew what she was doing .
She turned to Bob" You are right he is a great cook among his other talents" .
Turning to Mardukas she said enquiringly "Do you think Shinjis cooking skills are what makes him
a great Eva pilot ?" She smiled evilly
Mr Mardukas took the hint "I am not sure we could always investigate the catering staff to see
if we have missed any potential "
Bob looked aghast "Oh no your not getting me in one of those metal monstrosities "
"Maybe SGT Weber could asses you when we get back to Meridia Island you seem to get on well
with him "
Bob looked even paler he and Kurtz had been engaged in a prank war with one another for the
entire trip and now the captain was handing vengeance on a plate to Kurtz
" Wow look at this Asuka they turned their hanger into a night club. Is that Shinji?" Misatos
Loud voice signaled the arrival of the members of the NERV party .
Mardukas and Tessa both turned to greet them allowing Bob to escape back to his cooking
"Yes it is Misato I am told Shinji insisted on helping to cook as thanks for us rescuing him"
Tessa replied
Asuka snorted and thought 'Stupid boy doesn't he know the only point of the fleet is to get the Eva to Japan its not like they could have left us to drown they should be thanking us as if their attack would have succeeded with out us'
Misato grinned "Well he does love cooking I bet he leapt at the chance to cook for so many. Your in for a treat Asuka Shinjis a great cook ,I may even have to go back to the gym if he keeps feeding me"
"He cooks for you ?" Tessa asked
"Yes he lives with me ,I'm his guardian before you start Asuka " Misato saw the way Asuka looked at her and didn't like it.
"You been living with Kaji too long he has given you a dirty mind "
Asuka sputtered and turned red muttering something quietly in German.
Looking away from Misato so she could not see her blush she saw the food lined up
"You got salad and fresh fruit ! Do you know what sort of crap I had to eat on the carrier " she
exclaimed indigently .
"We don't normally eat this well ,but,Mithril has taken delivery of some new transport planes
and needed to get the crew up to speed .And for once we were not sulking around in the depths
so having them drop fresh food to us weekly did not compromise our mission in any way in fact until this afternoon our enemy was mainly boredom "Tessa replied
"I knew Kaji and I should have traveled on here rather than that carrier .the food was appalling
its so noisy and it doesn't make any sense you could get lost and starve to death trying to find
your way around they should sink it " Asuka fumed
"Chance would be a fine thing " Mused Mardukas he looked startled as they all stared at him
"Mr Mardukas is a submariner if it floats its a target and you cant get a bigger target
than an American carrier " Explained Tessa adding
"I'm sure I have caught him drooling at it when he looked through the periscope " with a laugh
" I do not drool captain ,but I must admit it was always a welcome challenge to attack carriers when we war gamed against them back in my Royal Navy days"Mardukas replied before he could launch into a monologue about the intricacies of submarine warfare .Tessa realized it was time to start the party
Sending Misato and Asuka over to the bar she headed to the DJ stand to quickly address her crew
as was customary on these occasions .
Her speech was short she thanked them for their performance and bravery during the battle
passed on the admirals thanks for their search and rescue efforts told them to enjoy them selves
and warned them anyone over indulging would find themselves helping to service the sewage
recycling system when they got back to base .
That done she got to stand around while everyone filed through the hot plates she also basked
in Shinji's state of mind .He was enjoying making tempura though he was concentrating on the task he was also filled with a simple joy of doing something he enjoyed and knew he was
skilled at. Tessa found this simply wonderful to eavesdrop on and was just standing there with a small smile on her face and a far off look on her face .
"Seen something you like on the hotplate?" Sgt major Melissa Mao asked as she sidled up to
Tessa who seemed to be day dreaming while staring at Shinji Ikari .
"Eeap" Tessa jumped and her face turned red in reply to Mel's question she turned even redder if it was possible as she saw Shinji look up from his cooking and stare at her .
Mel grinned as she added quietly so not to be over heard "Or someone you like ?"
" Melissa !" Tessa exclaimed she knew she was caught as Melissa dragged her over to a table to have a chat shooing Kurtz away as they went .
" Well captain how are liaisons with NERV going " Mel inquired a smirk on her face .
"I don't know what your implying Sargent Major " Tessa angrily replied though she could feel the heat n her cheeks .Was she really that easy to read ?
"Tessa your an open book the only person who didn't know you had a thing for Souske was Souske, don't make the same mistake you made with him this time if you like him tell him "
"Mel I've just met Shinji ,and don't you think he is a bit young " asked Tessa
" So you do like Shinji ?" Crowed Mel
"What!" Tessa wasn't sure if Mel had played her or not .
" Sorry couldn't resist ,Your the captain of a submarine he pilots a giant arm slave lets be frank
neither are normal occupations for people your age .I don't think you can apply normal rules
to your life .And anyway aren't men supposed to like mature women? "Mel could not resist getting a final tease in . She saw Tessa like a younger sister and if she wanted a relationship with
Shinji inher mind she should go for it .
Shinji was feeling great he loved cooking and it had been fun cooking for the crew .They seemed to him to have a similar attitude to life to Misato .Serious at work but given a chance to party
They threw themselves at it .He Imagined Tessa wouldn't be expecting much from her crew tomorrow .He looked up from what he was doing to see Tessa looking straight at him a blush on
his face he quickly lowered his gaze and concentrated on his cooking .Asuka was right Tessa was way out of his league he would only embarrass himself not that he had the courage to even
speak to someone that wonderful .He was prevented from entering a full on self hate cycle by Bob deciding that Shinji had done enough cooking and should enjoy the party He wouldn't take no for an answer
The tempura was virtually gone and anyone could stir fry so Shinji found himself quickly holding a tray of food and a large beer .When he objected he was reassured the pint was lager top mostly
lemonade and just a bit of beer on top and hardly alcoholic at all .He looked at it dubiously but it tasted refreshing whatever the beer was diluted with was not what he would call lemonade .
He quickly found a Table with Misato and Asuka and also Sgt Major Melisa and Sgt kurtz they nearly finished their main and unsurprisingly there were already several empty beer bottles
on the table .He was enthusiastically greeted by everyone and sat down to eat .He listened as everyone declared their love of his cooking and cringed as they toasted the chef .Even Asuka was polite
he saw she was drinking beer from a bottle .She saw him looking
"I'm German I was practically weaned on this stuff and unlike some people I know my limit "
Staring at Misato .
"Hey I know my limit I just deliberately choose to ignore it " which got a laugh from the Mithril
NCO s. A groan from Shinji and a look of daggers from Asuka .Misato just called Asuka a party poop-er and stuck her tongue out at her .Asuka decided to help herself to some of Shinji
tempura and was outraged when her fork was deflected by Shinjis own .
"Hey" Asuka cried out .
Shinji could see the anger building in the red heads eyes he didn't want the atmosphere of fun ruined by Asuka ranting at him and again with courage he didn't know where it came from .He
spoke .
"I 'm sorry Asuka but if I have learned if I let every beautiful woman help themselves to my food
I go hungry I can't make expectations for Eva pilots not matter how great they are "He could feel himself blushing at the end of this and turned away expecting a blow from Asuka for daring to use a cheesy line on her .
Asuka was stunned this was the second time the 3rd child had shown he had an inkling of spine and he had called her a great Eva pilot in front of others. Kurtz ruined the moment by exclaiming
"Way to go Shinji we will make a player out of you yet "Earning him a slap from Mel
"So Shinji you think I'm beautiful "purred Misato at her seductive best unfortunately Shinji
recognized that voice only led to horrible teasing and expecting death from an enraged red head any moment replied fueled by the courage of those with nothing let to loose .
"Actually I meant Dr Akagi and Lt Ibuki whenever you invite them over to eat they steal food off my plate it stops being cute very quickly "
"Not that I don't think your attractive if you were 10 or maybe 20 yr younger I could even think I might fall for you " With the last sentence he could feel a smirk coming onto his face realizing
he was doomed gave him an odd sense of calm .
"20yrs ? How old do think I am exactly Shinji Ikari ?"Shrieked Misato everyone in the hanger seemed to look at their table forcing the occupants to smile and wave and feel deeply embarrassed
Shinji eat his tempura kurz went to get more beer .Misato cringed Mel tried to stop herself laughing .Asuka stared at Shinji in Awe getting one over on Misato was difficult getting her to loose
it in public like that was worthy of respect .She would lay flowers on his grave as he was doomed Misato always wins in the end .She knew this too her cost .
Shinji turned away and stared straight into the eyes of Tessa who was approaching their table
'Not even me ' Was the thought she sent him having heard his explanation her eyes dancing with laughter as she felt Shinjis mind fail to come up with any coherent thoughts it was flattering
to know exactly what effect you had on a boy .Asuka seeing Shinji freeze stole a prawn .This broke his revere he scowled at her but she just eat the prawn and grinned smugly at him in triumph .
Misato then made a comment of them making a lovely couple .Which elicited a outraged squawk from both of them . Melissa saluted Misatos comment and they chinked bottles .
"Well if they want to make it formal I'm sure Tessa as captain would be happy to conduct the ceremony .Wouldn't you captain?" Asked Melissa seeing Tessa approaching.
" What?"a Startled Tessa could only sputter.
"Not if the Baka was the last man on Earth. I swear you have got worse than last time I lived with you Misato" raged Asuka
"If you think I will let your teasing get to me now you will be very disappointed " She continued
and then blushed as she realised her words were betrayed by her actions she could feel her face reddening especially as everyone was laughing well Shinji was trying to hide it and Tessa
was only smiling ,but,Melissa and Misato were howling .She took a long swig of her beer and glared back at Misato who in return stuck her tongue out at her .
"A long engagement then ?"added Kurtz in a dead pan voice that set the two women off again
Asuka drained her beer and reached for a fresh one .
Tessa finding Mel and Misatos teasing not to her liking decided to change the topic of conversation. Thanking Shinji for his cooking .She asked him where he had learned to cook.
On hearing him tell how he had learned while he lived with his previous guardian and the fact that he did most of the cooking at the home he now shared with Misato. As Misato had strange
ideas as what passed as edible. Confirmed loudly by Asuka Who to Tessa's ears was starting to sound a bit drunk .As Asuka and Misato bickered about Misatos culinary capabilities. Tessa looked at Shinji
and told him "You and Misato are quite lucky I can't remember the last time I had a home cooked meal "She looked shyly down at her glass as she confessed this.
"You should visit Tokyo 3 Tessa I'd gladly cook for you and you could see the geo front" Shinji
blurted out and promptly turned red as Tessa smiled at him and simply said
"I'd like that " she could feel herself blushing as well .The two just stared at each other lost for words. Before their dining companions noticed this. They were broken from their reverie by a howl of feedback as someone seized the P.A. system .
"Good evening TDD-1" he screamed "Are you ready to party?" he asked and started playing
loud dance music which seemed to get people on the dance floor Misato grabbed Shinji and Asuka
and dragged them on the floor as well. The entire crew seemed to make up for their lack of rhythm or co ordination with sheer enthusiasm .Shinji found himself enjoying even though he soon
lost sight of the others and just danced or tried to while dodging various uncoordinated or inebriated crew members .Everyone else seemed to think this just added to the fun .Eventually he found his way back to the their table to see Asuka staring glassy eyed while gripping a beer bottle .
"Are you alright Asuka" he asked anxiously
"Why? do you care?" she slurred
"Of course I care Asuka "
"Well I don't care about you little boy I want a man like Kaji"
"I love you Kaji" with this final statement as Shinji looked on shocked Asuka slid off her chair
and lay on the floor snoring .Shinji was anxiously deciding what to do when Mr Mardukas appeared by his side .He quickly checked Asuka over and grabbed a large crewman who effortlessly
picked Asuka up in his arms she didn't stir.
"We will take her to the sick bay I think she just needs to sleep it off" he said reassuringly to Shinji .
They quickly left seemingly unnoticed to the rest of the party .Arriving at the sickbay they startled the on duty medic ,but,She quickly recovered and directed the crewman to place Asuka on a bed.
And set about attaching monitors to her it swiftly became obvious what was wrong with her. Mr Mardukas made a point that exhaustion should be the official diagnosis and there was no need
for Captain Katsuguri or Tesstrosa to be informed about this. The medic agreeded reluctantly and so Mardukas and the crewman bade farewell to Shinji and left.
Shinji wasn't sure what to do the medic smiled at him and told him.
"Don't worry she will wake up with nothing worse than a headache and regret. Best thing you can do for her is bring her some clean clothes in the morning now shoo I am going to get that makeup
off her and into something she can sleep in ,I doubt she would want to give you a free show" Shinji blushed at that which raised a laugh from the medic he said good night to Asuka who
was fast asleep and left . He tried to make his way back to the party but found himself turned around and utterly lost
desperately hoping he could find something familiar before Misato found out he knew he would never live it down considering how he had mocked her sense of direction in the geofront. The
few sign posts he saw just seemed to be of abbreviations he had no idea what they meant he could just about hold a conversation in English trying to guess what abbreviations meant was beyond him.
To his surprise he found himself on the flight deck the other end from the Eva which lit by a couple of spotlights looked to Shinji's eyes particular evil. He suddenly had an image of Asuka
performing a human sacrifice to it and Toji was the sacrifice .He laughed at the idea and then shivered,as he could see Asuka going through with it if she could. Deciding it probably was a
good idea Asuka couldn't see her Eva like this as she would probably end up starting a cult and demanding blood for her blood god or something as it really looked like it would enjoy bathing in blood in this light.
Turning away from it and the bizarre thoughts it was causing Shinji tried to work out where the
hatch was he had originally used to see if he could retrace his steps ,but,everything looked so different in the dark .He glanced at the sky in frustration and saw the stars never really having seen
the sky at night without light pollution he was staggered he almost jumped with joy when he saw a shooting star for the first time .All thoughts of finding his way back to the party forgotten
he sat down and then lay down and gazed at the heavens lost in their splendor.
Tessa was staring at her screen in boredom. She had left the party early to let her crew enjoy themselves without the senior officers looking on and anyway Asuka and Shinji had disappeared
somewhere hopefully not together. She refused to think about that!
She turned back to her screen to concentrate on reports that had to be written only to see the screen go to the screen saver. Which when the TDD-1 was on the surface was views from various
surveillance cameras. She watched various views of the TDD-1 till it came to the flight deck and there was someone lying there .Grabbing her mouse she took control of the camera being the
captain she could control a lot of the ship from any terminal in the ship zooming in with thenight vision lens she could see plainly it was Shinji she checked him over he seemed to be allright
just staring at the sky .She thought for a moment and then left for the flight deck .
Stepping out onto the flight deck she found herself blind as her eyes tried to adapt from the brightly lit interior to the dark flight deck .Not waiting for her eyes to adjust she walked forward
to where she thought Shinji was lying and found herself suddenly falling her arms out stretched
instead of hitting the steel flight deck she found her shoulders grabbed and landing on something soft opening her eyes she found herself on top of Shinji staring into Shinji's eyes .An awkward
moment passed as both just stared at each other Tessa could feel Shinjis breath on her face she could feel his body beneath hers only the darkness hid her blushes .
Finally she broke his gaze and stumbled off him trying to pull herself back together she took a breathe to try and calm herself .
"I'm so sorry Shinji are you hurt? I just saw yourself out here and came to see if you were okay"
Shinji was also stunned having Tessa fall on him suddenly had surprised him what surprised him more was he had actually caught her and on her shoulders rather than anywhere
inappropriate. then they had just stared at each other so close he could smell her perfume She had scrambled off him before his body could react to having a beautiful girl on top of it for
which he was thankful it was embarrassing enough without having her think him a pervert.
" I' I am f'fine captain I just look at stars " he stammered a reply feeling himself turn red and turning away from Tessa .
Tessa had stood up to brush herself down glanced at the heavens she knew what the stars looked like from a ship at sea of course ,but,she couldn't remember the last time she had just glanced at the sky just for pleasure .Normally it was to watch her warriors depart or waiting for them to return a
mixture of pride and dread when they left and fear and relief when they returned. Tonight the sky
was empty and with no moon or clouds the stars shone brightly .They both just stared at the sky in companionably silence for a while then they saw another shooting star a line of brightness across the sky .
" You should make a wish Shinji " She told him .
"I think my wishes have already been answered today he replied"
"Oh hows that ?" intrigued
"Asuka and I got to see the sky again." He answered remembering the horror of the angel battle.
Tessa felt bad she had thought he might answer something romantic ,but, it was just the simple wish of a soldier to just keep living for one more day. Then he continued and her heart soared.
"And then we ended up on your ship I met the most beautiful girl in the world. Your crew have clothed us and fed us and treated me better than anyone else has as far as I can remember I even got to cook with real chefs and go to a party today could not get any better."he declared
'Want to bet Shinji?' thought Tessa and then blushed at how she was thinking of making it better.
She shivered as a slight breeze was starting up
"Are you feeling cold Shinji?"
Shinji suddenly noticing it nodded " Yes I Hadn't realised but its really quite cold "
"How about I make us a nice cup of tea in my cabin? I'd love to have a chat with you in private
with out onlookers?"
"Onlookers? Shinji whirled round but could see on one
"Cameras with night vision I'm sure the bridge crew have been watching us its not like they have anything else to do tonight " She pointed in their general direction
"Give them a wave Shinji "She told him grabbing his hand she led him towards the door
so they did both grinning and waving like mad .
On the bridge the officers on duty wailed in horror .
"We are doomed "
"Its jungle survival refresher course for sure"Considered the worst possible course to go on when the TDD-1 was in dock 10 days of crawling round the worst Jungle bits of Meridia island eating
things people really shouldn't while being encouraged by a mad smiling ex Gurkha, Souske Sagara
thought of it as an adventure holiday He had to be forcibly stopped from putting Kaneme Chidori on it .Most submariners thought of it as hell on earth and Tessa had
a history of using it as a unofficial punishment
" Hey if we don't mention this too anyone we might have a chance"
"OK we saw nothing we know nothing and we don't mention this unless she brings it up"
"They make a lovely couple "
"Are you mad ? I said we don't discuss this that means zip it .Or do you like eating bugs?"
"But I was only saying "
"Bugs big black crawly bugs"
"Okay okay "
Unknown to the panic she had caused on the bridge Tessa led Shinji back to her cabin. It had
a office area a small sitting area and a separate bedroom and bathroom. On a surface naval ship it would be considered luxurious on a submarine it was positively decadent.
It always made Tessa grin knowing her Boat could out dive ,out run and out fight any other sub in existence. And her crew did it while enjoying a level of comfort other submariners would not believe .
She welcomed Shinji in and noted how he took his boots off she asked him to sit while she made some green tea guessing that's what Shinji would prefer. While the tea brewed she excused herself
saying she wanted to change into something more comfortable and retreated to her bedroom .
She used the loo then stared into the bathroom mirror as if looking for inspiration she had Shinji
in her cabin but how to get him from her sofa to her bed was beyond her .She realised that she really wanted Shinji tonight.
Gathering her courage she put a bit of chanel No5 on let her hair down took off her uniform jacket and stepped out of her skirt took off her tie and undid the top two buttons of her blouse
giving a hint of cleavage.
She looked at her self in the mirror she thought she looked sexy ,but, not too raunchy she glanced at the bottom drawer of the chest of draws in her bedroom in a box there lay a very
expensive bit of silk lingerie hardly enough to call it a nightie .No wearing that would scare off Shinji and anyway she didn't think she had the confidence to wear it in front of anyone it made
her blush just looking at herself in a mirror wearing it .She stared at the mirror and told her image
in a quite voice "I am the captain ,I can do anything I want and I want Shinji" Smelling the No5 the scent always made her feel sophisticated and mature she left her bedroom. Too find Shinji looking
at something on her desk at least she had a nice view of his taut little butt she thought resisting
the urge to grab it with both hands she walked up to Shinji on her bare feet and smiled when she realised he was fascinated by the Arm slave model on her desk.
Shinji had panicked when Tessa left to change hopping her comfortable clothes were not similar to Misatos idea of comfort. He really didn't want Tessa to think him a pervert. And it would be
embarrassing to see Tessa like that he looked around the cabin it really was like a small apartment
neat and efficient like its owner on the desk was a terminal and a small model of an arm slave in fact as Shinji looked at it he didn't know the mark Kensuke would have .What he did
recognise was the exquisite detail and workmanship that had gone into crafting it.
"Boys and their toys" Said a soft voice behind him
Shinji jumped and whirled round in surprise and gasped Tessa was standing there in just her blouse which came down just over her thighs her hair was out of its plait and hung over her
shoulders and down her back several buttons of blouse was undone giving Shinji a view he knew he couldn't stare at, she looked like an angel to Shinji the heavenly kind obviously not the weird alien things bent on destruction.
"Do you like it ?" asked Tessa with a smile she didn't need to use her abilities to see Shinji was hooked no one she liked had actually ever looked at her like this she found it exhilarating she
peaked into his mind,but, there were no rational thoughts just feelings of lust and guilt
she quickly broke the link .That was dangerously intoxicating. She smiled at Shinji "Well"
"Beautiful" escaped his lips
What Tessa did next was evil ,but, she needed to stop staring into those dark eyes of his or she would just pounce.
"Isn't it the manufacturer put a lot of effort into them. Or were you thinking of something else?"
Shinji broke from his daze and gathering what little courage he had answered with a small voice
which too his mind sounded pathetic "You I think you look beautiful"
"Thank you Shinji ,but,what do you think of the model" Tessa could feel herself blushing and
she felt hot all over she wasn't sure if she wanted to rip her clothes off or dive into her bedroom
and not come out until Shinji was off her boat.
"I can see its very well made. I am not really into models my friend would be able to tell you more about it and how accurate it was. I hope he got home safe he was on the carrier."Shinji smile dimmed as he was reminded of the battle.
"Misato mentioned she had brought some friends of yours along sent them back in a helicopter
so they will be fine I bet they will have some tales to tell at school "She said brightly
"Oh it that case Kensuke will be doomed Hikari hates class being disrupted and Kensuke can't keep quiet "Shinji smile came back as he imagined the confrontation.
"Is she your teacher "asked Tessa
"No our class representative she rules the class like a drill Sargent "
"Oh I understand completely a good friend of mine was one she was very similar" replied Tessa
smiling as she remembered Kaname Chidori and how she ran her class.
"Is she still at school or has she graduated ?" Shinji wanted to know how a class representative could meet a submarine captain.
"Ah no its complicated she meet a boy her father didn't approve so she had to leave school she works for us a bodyguard now. Which is funny as we supplied a bodyguard for her in the first place
but she is happy intends to go to Tokyo university in a year or so." Tessa smiled Then continued
"She is smart and athletic tall and beautiful and has a gorgeous boyfriend god I hate her sometimes"She laughed but it sounded bitter and forced to herself Souskes choice still hurt.
Shinji looked blankly at Tessa he didn't understand girls at all
"Our tea should be ready to drink sit with me Shinji" Tessa sat at one end of the couch tucking her legs underneath her showing a lot thigh as she did .
"Shinji took his tea and concentrated on it tearing his eyes away from Tessa s legs so perfect he thought .
"Your friend Kensuke is a model maker then "asked Tessa as she sipped her tea trying to play it cool and ignore the little voice in her head which was running through x rated suggestions.
"More a military enthusiast knows everything about the military and war except what its really
like to fight."Realising it sounded harsh even to his ears he added
"He is a good friend he told me the proper way to wear fatigues so I guess I should thank him
something he told me was finally useful."
Tessa smiled as she remembered a chat up line something about those clothes look good on you but would look better on my bedroom floor .Which she had no intention of using. The it came to her .
"Well I have got a way you can thank him ."
She got up walked passed Shinji he caught a whiff of her perfume as she passed watched her walk over to a cupboard at the far end of the cabin Shinji swore there was a pronounced wriggle in hip
it was very nice to watch she opened the cupboard at the bottom and bent over from her waist
giving Shinji the perfect view of her small white panties barely covering her smooth bottom
he breathed in deeply and turned away feeling his face blush.
"Here it is" She announced smiling she had felt exactly what Shinji had thought on seeing her bent over and liked it a lot.
She was holding a plain cardboard box up to Shinji triumphantly
"What is it? "
"Its an arm slave model an M9 gernsback our standard issue the one on my desk is a special
model designed by a friend of mine and piloted by another good friend .The manufacturer gave all the senior officers models for their desks I don't know why guess its what they do with regular militarises. I ve got no room for more than one and if he is so keen on models I 'd be happy for him to have it "
"Thank you I think Kensuke would pledge undying loyalty to you for this "
Tessa smiled "Just remind him if he puts it on e-bay I'll have him shot there all numbered and if it got back to me it would be embarrassing"
"I don't think even NERV could afford to buy it off him " Shinji laughed putting it on the coffee table smiling he noticed Tessa staring at him.
"I like it when you smile Shinji you should do it more often"
" I like your smile as well Tessa "
"Your not a happy person are you Shinji? When ever I read your thoughts there is a sense of sadness do you want to talk about it?"
" My mother died when I was young father abandoned me to relatives who didn't care and then
he gets me to come back only to force me to pilot the Eva .Which I hate every time I pilot someone gets hurt or I make a mistake or I get hurt sometimes all three ,but,I have to keep piloting till the wars over .He clenched his fist and looked at Tessa she was staring at him with an odd look on her face .
"Your so heroic Shinji Ikari Its like you just stepped out of a samurai saga "
"I'm no hero I'm a failure "
"No you're not don't ever say that again !"She replied angrily
"I'm a captain in Mithril I've been in the military since I was little my family have been sailors and warriors since before there was an America. I've read stories of battles and heroism all my life.
"I've read reports and analysis of your battles even watched the few videos of the battles that are around not a lot else to do on this trip"
" Every ones got an opinion of how you could have done things better ,but, not one person has ever said you were a failure or a coward"
" But I am afraid every time I get in O1"
"So What bravery isn't the absence of fear its being shit scared but saddling up anyway. I've met heroes and they all say I just did what had to be done or I had no choice ."Tessa told him
with anger in her voice how could he have such lack of confidence in him self after all he had done? Someone had done a real number on him she had realised and if she ever found out who they would pay she swore.
"But its " Tessa silenced him by putting a finger to his lip
"You have to face the fact everyone thinks your a god-damn hero and so do I if I didn't would I do this ?"
"Do what?"
Tessa leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips Shinji was shocked .Too stunned to do anything Tessa put her arms round him and drew her towards him without breaking contact he
could feel her breasts squashed up against his chest he was starting to enjoy it when she broke the kiss. Pushing them apart so she could look in his face she asked him .
"Did you like that ?" Shinji could only nod in reply .
She kissed him again this time Shinji started to respond his arms went around her holding her .Her tongue pushed into his mouth urgently he yielded and let her tongue explore his mouth
they broke apart to breathe smiled at each other and then went to back to kissing lips and and necks Tessa placed Shinji's hand on her breasts and he gently caressed it as Tessa moaned
they ended with Shinji sitting on the couch and Tessa straddling him Tessa arms were stretched up in the air letting Shinji clasp her breasts when she started to over balance Shinji just
managed to grab her before she fell backwards they then toppled onto the couch and rolled off it Shinji landed on the floor with Tessa on top of him. Unhurt but winded they paused and looked at each other Tessa just said one
word to him "Bed " and taking him by the hand led him into her bedroom.
It was pretty utilitarian a cupboard and a chest of draws and narrow single bed and a bedside cabinet only the stuffed toy on the bed gave any indication to the sex or age of who owned
the room Tessa threw it on the floor pulled the quilt back and while Shinji was still trying to work out what the toy was pushed him onto the bed and straddled him. She frowned at him
"Your wearing far to many clothes Mr Ikari? Lets remedy that " Kissing him she started to slowly unbutton his shirt pulling that off and then his t shirt quite quickly .His bare chest she
attacked with her tongue and lips sucking his nipples to get him too moan she then bite one which made Shinji cry out and push her off. Tessa rolled against the wall and then smiling started to remove his trousers
unfortunately as Shinji had used the draw cords in the trouser leg to blouse them removing them and his socks first became a struggle killing the mood finally they ended up on the floor and Shinji was just in his Mithril issue underpants with Tessa again on top smiling down at him she could feel
him underneath her it was exciting she stopped trying to analyse what was happening and just went
with it she slowly undid the buttons of her blouse while grinding herself against Shinji relishing each moan he made she tried to tease him with the removal of her blouse but then she found
she had forgotten the cuffs so ended up pulling it off with some effort .Next she lay down on top of him so he could undo her bra Shinji took the hint but with no idea what he was doing he
failed and each attempt made Tessa giggle and wriggle pleasing against his chest. Finally Tessa could stand it no more sitting upright she showed Shinji the bra fastened at the front and removed it her laughter
stopped all she could do was shiver as Shinji stared at her Breasts her nipples hardened he sat up
reaching for them. Tessa pushed his face into her breasts moaning as he kissed and licked them
he sucked on one of her nipples she gasped urging him own she begged breathlessly to bite .
Shinji bite Tessa moaned and threw her head back grinding herself into Shinji she let out a yell
as she orgasmed .Pushing Shinji off her breasts and back into the mattress she lay on top of him Shinji he could feel her her heart beat rapidly .She looked him in the eyes and kissed him
.Then rolled off him and shakily stood up to take her knickers off .Unfortunately the orgasm had left her legs like jelly and she fell against the wardrobe trying to take them off lying on the
floor she just giggled Shinji looked at her concerned but stayed where he was as she waved a finger at him and said "Stay" She crawled
back to the bed and rubbed Shinji's erection through his pants
" Mr Ikari are you packing or are you just pleased to see me?"she asked"one hand cupping his balls and the other stroking him he just moaned .
"Only one way to find out?" she grinned and pulled his pants off gasping at what she saw before her courage failed her she straddled him and then using a hand to guide him immpaled her self
on Shinji It hurt just for a moment forcing a gasp out of her and then it felt like an emptiness she
never knew she had was being filled .She opened her mind to Shinjis and was over whelmed by feelings of tightness and warmth .She moved herself up and down on Shinji as he grasped her by the hips
and echoed her movements she could feel Shinji trying to keep control ,but,couldn't form the words to tell him just let go and fill her .Then she felt his mind explode as he emptied into her it
triggered her own orgasm her nails dug into his chest as she screamed. Shinji arched his back as Tessas orgasm echoed in his mind and then hit her again she moaned and shook and then it
became too much and she fainted rolling off Shinji she slumped against the bulkhead and then slid onto the bed .
Shinji lay gasping for air that had been overwhelming his mind and body seemed disconnected like being in an Eva with a really low sync rate he wanted to move ,but, his limbs didn't work
he rolled over to see Tessa .
"Tessa " no reply
"Tessa?" Still no reply a sense of dread filled him he shock Tessa as he called her name
"Tessa talk to me " all he got was a mumbled reply and she rolled over on her side .
He relaxed and pulled the duvet over them he wasn't sure what to do next whether he should go
or stay. He was pretty sure girls liked to cuddle after sex so lay down next to Tessa and put his arm round her she stirred in her sleep and grabbed it .It felt nice he decided to stay like that for a while and then leave maybe he could write a note or something .And those were his final thoughts as sleep claimed him.
Omake
Tessa stared into the mirror as if looking for inspiration and then she got it with a puff of smoke
her shoulder Angel and devil appeared .Tessa stared at the mirror and just said one word
"Well ?"
Her Devil spoke first with a figure that Tessa would kill for a wearing a WW2 kreigsmarine officer tunic and little else "Take it nice and slow Tessa ,Shinji just as nervous as you but once you get him in bed he will do anything you want ,but,you going to have to take charge captain."
She saluted and winked at her saucily
Tessa smiled at that then turned to her Angel who looked remarkable like Harriet from the Jag
show and she was furious .
"What are you playing at captain he is still a child and your barely older? You only just met him and your dragging him to your cabin like some drunken bar girl ?
The devil blew a raspberry at her "Can it sour puss their kids in love they should have some fun"
"Well they can have fun without sex and if it true love they can wait"
The devil howled with laughter "True love waits you actually believe in that rubbish "
The Angel now folding her arms tightly round her chest more furious than Tessa thought possible
simply said "I am a old fashioned girl I like traditions I think Tessa should wait "
The devil said "Tradtions don't talk to me about tradtions Naval tradtions is all about rum the lash and sodomy "
The angel blushed at this while the devil thought about what she had said brightening
She spoke "Actually that sounds like a great night "
A bottle of rum appeared in one hand she grabbed the angel with the other hand and turning
she spoke to Tessa " Sorry we are out of here have, fun with Shinji I intend to later" and they
were gone .
Tessa shook her head either she needed to take up drinking or quit she wasn't sure which.
Shinjis shoulder angels were in the form of two Misatos one in uniform one in her normal house outfit he could never remember which was supposed to be which but since as soon as they appeared
one of them produced beer they got stuck into it and then just toasted him started singing or feel asleep it didn't really matter.