Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
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Ghost in the Shell/ Evangelion: The Recruit
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Chapter 4: Solving the Mystery
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A stunningly attractive woman with short dark hair and fiery eyes stepped into the ever-busy Euro-Japanese restaurant. She walked up to the hostess' station, past the crowd of people waiting to be seated. Conversations stopped as eyes turned towards the vision in the low cut, long black satin dress with matching shoes and purse.
"Currently, we have a ninety minute wait. Yes sir. … No, unfortunately, we are not taking any more reservations for tonight. … Tomorrow at eight-thirty, table for four, Miyazaki. … Yes sir. See you tomorrow sir. … Goodbye." The hostess hung up the phone and quickly finished her notes, then looked up with a smile. "Good evening, ma'am. Welcome to Nihon-Yo roppa. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, under Kusanagi." The Major returned a gentle grin.
The slender young woman in a form fitting mini-dress checked her list. "Table for one," she confirmed. "Yes, this way please." She grabbed a menu and led the way.
Out of habit, Motoko scanned the establishment, which was divided into three very large rooms. A mixture of Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian décor helped to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hmm, it's even busier than I thought it would be. Japanese and Portuguese pottery; that's interesting.
"Here you are, ma'am." The hostess pulled out the chair.
"Thank you." Motoko sat elegantly and accepted the menu.
"Your waiter will be with you shortly." The amber-haired woman bowed and returned to her station.
From her earlier observations, the Major knew there were at least three men and one woman watching her intently. It's not often I have an audience like this. Might as well have a little fun. She opened the leather bound menu and at the same time, seductively crossed her legs, allowing the slit of her dress to fall open, then she permitting her shoe to slip from her heel and dangle alluringly from her toes.
A short instance later, she heard a glass fall over, and a male voice curse under his breath; a female voice speaking harshly to her male companion who responded apologetically; and another female voice calling attention to her waiter, who approached the Major a few moments later with a glass of red wine.
"Ma'am, with the complements of the lady." He gestured to the table in the corner then placed the glass on the table.
"I'm sorry. Please inform the lady that I can't accept." Motoko stole a glance at the equally attractive woman in a provocative night blue dress. Hmm, nice.
"The Miss instructed me to leave the glass with you regardless, and to inform you that if you were interested, she would be in the bar later this evening." He bowed and walked away.
Motoko lifted the glass and gave it a gentle swirl. Nice color. She held it under her nose. Wonderful bouquet. Looking over at the woman once again, she offered her a faint toast, then took a sip. Delicious.
The woman shared the subtle gesture then returned her attention to her dining companions.
The Major smiled to herself. I suppose it never hurts to mix a little pleasure with business. It took her only a few moments to establish a connection with headquarters.
"What can I do for you, Major?" the android asked.
"I'm sending you an image. I want you to perform a Level-2 security check on her. Let me know what you find. You have about an hour."
"Very good, Major. I'll contact you as soon as I'm done."
"Make that an hour and a half. I may want dessert." The comlink dropped off before the android could question Motoko's last comment, and she went back to scanning the menu.
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(000)
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"I hope everything met with your satisfaction, ma'am." The waiter placed the check on the table.
"Everything was well beyond my expectations." Motoko deftly slid her credit card into the case that held the bill and at the same time flashed her identification. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like a word with Miss Horaki about a small matter of public security?"
The waiter took a long look at the ID, then bowed and picked up the case. "I'll be back in one moment."
A few minutes later, the owner and head chef walked into the room to the polite applause of the patrons. The long, uneasy expression she had when she initially walked into the room quickly changed into a modest smile as she gave a small wave about the room and bowed in each direction. Without any further fanfare, she sat across from the Major and said softly, "I already told you people, you've got the wrong Hikari Horaki. Can't you admit when you're wrong?"
"Only when we are actually wrong," Motoko replied. "Miss Horaki, our data is correct. You are the Hikari Horaki who attended ninth and tenth grade with Rei Ayanami. What I find extraordinary is your reluctance to answer a few simple questions. It definitely gives the impression that you have something to hide."
Hikari looked about the room quickly then leaned in close. "Yes, I knew Rei Ayanami. She was a model student, kinda quiet but always well mannered. She never got into any trouble. There, is that what you wanted to know?"
The Major leaned in close as well. "It was… until now. What can you tell me about Miss Ayanami's past?"
"Like I said, there's not much to tell. It's not like we were friends. She kept to herself, she got perfect scores on most of her tests."
"Did you find that frustrating?"
"What, that she seemed to pay no attention and still got the highest grades in the class?" Hikari paused, doing her best to stay calm. "It was a long time ago. I don't think about it anymore. I haven't thought about it in years… until you people called."
"But still. I mean, day after day, week after week, month after month, watching her sit quietly by the window." The image of Rei standing in the coffee shop window, tailing her, flashed in Kusanagi's mind. "It must have gotten on your nerves."
Hikari's eyes glazed over. "She was always staring out the window, never paying attention, never taking any notes. How did she do so well all the time? Even after we all moved to Kyoto, it was still the same."
"Moved from where?"
"From Tokyo Three, of cour-" Hikari looked up, her expression was a mixture of shock and fear. She stared at the Major in disbelief that after all these years, someone was able to make her slip up. She gave a quick look around the room once again, then turned back towards the Major. "Dinner is on the house." The owner stood up and walked next Kusanagi. "This conversation is over."
Before she could take another step, the Major locked onto her wrist. "I may need more questions answered, like, what is Tokyo Th-"
Hikari got right in the Major's face and whispered. "Don't say it." She shifted her gaze left and right, then looked back at Motoko. "If you want to know more, talk to the others. They know more than me."
"The others?"
"Ikari and Souryu. They were… closer to Ayanami than I ever was." She looked down at her wrist.
Motoko released her. "Thank you, Miss Horaki. It was a wonderful meal."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Never come here again." She turned and walked back to the kitchen.
A minute later the waiter returned Motoko's credit card. "Have a pleasant night, ma'am."
The Major placed her card back in her purse, pulled out two ten-thousand yen bills and placed them on the table.
Just then headquarters contacted her. "Major, sorry for the delay. I have completed the security check you requested."
"And?"
"Her name is Atsuko Tanaka, age thirty-five, blood type O, originally from Gunma. She is a vice-president for the second largest advertising firm in Hiroshima. She had a few scraps with the law while in college but nothing serious. Her most serious offence was a misdemeanor possession charge during her junior year. She served thirty hours of community service and paid a sixty thousand yen fine. Since then her record has been clean, not even a parking ticket."
"Hmm, does she belong to any organizations, have any hobbies?"
"Let me see." The android took a moment to scan the personal data. "She is a member of the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Women in Business, the League of Women Voters, the International Feminists of Japan, and the Institute for Gender and Women's Studies. She belongs to a health club and plays tennis twice a week. In addition, she has had numerous brain enhancements and several cosmetic surgeries. That's about it, Major. Is there anything else you need?"
"Yes, actually, how soon can I get on a flight to Vancouver, British Colombia?" The Major stood up and started towards the exit.
"One moment, I'll check." A few seconds later, the android replied, "There is a military transport leaving for San Francisco in three hours, a connecting flight to Vancouver would be another two hour wait." She paused again. "There is a commercial flight leaving at sixteen-thirty-four, tomorrow afternoon. It is a direct flight."
"Book me a ticket on that flight with an open-ended connection to Berlin, Germany, and inform Chief Aramaki that I'll be gone for a few days." She paused a few steps from the door, taking a glance over her shoulder at the bar entrance.
"Very well, Major. Anything else?"
"No, that's all for tonight." The Major terminated the link, then pivoted on the ball of her foot and headed for the bar.
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(000)
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Shinji Ikari sat with his shoulders slumped and his eyes downcast.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Shinji. When you submit a claim for re-evaluation, you need to notify legal of the possibility of fraud. If it weren't for Shawn, our intern, and his diligence, this would have gone unnoticed," the middle-aged man bellowed from behind his desk.
"Yes sir."
"Yes sir, yes sir. That's all you ever say, but nothing ever changes."
"Yes sir, sorry sir." Shinji hung his head even lower.
The man sighed. "Look Shinji, you've been here now for what, eight years? That's three years longer than any claim adjuster. Maybe it's time for you to started looking at other opportunities."
Shinji's head shot up. "You're firing me."
"No, Shinji. I'm not firing you. I just think that maybe you need to look at other opportunities within the company. Who knows, you might find something you really enjoy doing." The manager tried his best to sound upbeat.
Again, Shinji lowered his head. "But I like being a claims adjuster."
The manager rubbed his temples. You wouldn't know it by the quality of your work. Standing up, he walked around to the front of the desk and placed a heavy hand on the smaller man's shoulder. "Just give it some thought, okay?"
"Yes sir." Shinji nodded. The manager rolled his eyes and went back to his chair. Just then his phone rang. "Yes, Dorothy, what is it?" He said over the speaker while gesturing to Shinji, letting him know that their conversation was over.
"There is a Japanese security officer here to see Mister Ikari." The secretary announced.
"Japanese security officer?" The man shot his subordinate a questioning look.
"Yes sir, she says she has a few questions to ask him concerning a former acquaintance."
Shinji looked back at his boss wide-eyed and gave him a nervous shrug.
"Take her to the conference room and tell her he'll be there in a minute."
"Yes sir."
"I hope this isn't going to be a problem."
Shinji shoved his hands deep into his pockets and looked down. "I-I have no idea what it could be about."
"Well, I guess there's only one way to find out." Shinji looked up and gave his boss a questioning stare. "Go see what she wants."
"Oh, right." Shinji walked out of the office and slowly made his way towards the conference room, his pace slowing with every step. Why would they be here? No, it can't be about that. Not Japanese Security. Unless they're just using that as a cover. But why here at work, why not at home. Not like there's anyone there. His heart began to race as he drew near. Before he knew it, Shinji was standing just outside the opened conference room. His body trembled and all he wanted to do was run as fast as he could. I mustn't run away. I have to face my fears. I mustn't run away. He clenched and unclenched his hands.
"Mister Ikari?" He heard an unfamiliar woman's voice speak from within the room. How did she know? He walked around the corner and into the doorway. "Yes? Ahem, sorry to keep you waiting." He closed the door and sat down across from her.
Motoko rose and extended her hand. "I'm Major Kusanagi from Japanese Public Security, Section Nine. I was wondering if I might be able to ask you a few questions concerning a former classmate of yours?"
Shinji shot back up quickly to take the Major's hand then sat back down. "Is something wrong? Is someone in trouble?"
"No, nothing like that. The person in question is a prospective recruit to our unit and we just need to run a routine background check. That's all."
"Oh…" Shinji looked away for a moment, then looked back at the Major. "Is it routine to fly halfway around the world to run a background check?" he asked suspiciously.
"Not normally, but this is a special case. Do you remember a classmate of yours named, Rei Ayanami?"
Shinji instantly went pale.
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Ahem…" He looked away. "H-how is she? I-I mean, h-how is Ayanami?"
"She's doing well. She was an operative with the Special Intelligence Unit and recently applied for transfer to Section Nine."
"I'm sorry, I haven't been in Japan in years. Section Nine? Special Intelligence Unit?"
"The SIU is the investigative branch of the Treasury Ministry. They investigate banking fraud and counterfeiting. Section Nine is the anti-terrorism unit of Public Security."
"Anti-terrorism? Sounds dangerous." A look of concern played across Shinji's face.
"It can be."
"Well… what do you need from me?" he asked.
"What can you tell me about Miss Ayanami before ninth grade," she paused for just a moment. "At Tokyo Three."
Shinji went white as a ghost. "How do you know about Tokyo Three? No one is supposed to know anything about it, let alone talk about it."
"You know about it," she replied simply.
"I wish I didn't, I wish I'd never heard or seen the place." He stared down at his hands. "I wish… " He looked up at her. "You're bluffing. You don't know about Tokyo Three. Who told you about it? Was it Ayanami? Did she mention the name?"
Motoko shock her head. "A Miss Horaki let it slip out."
"Hikari?" Shinji's eyes began to water up. "How is she? Is she all right?"
"She's fine. She owns a restaurant in Hiroshima."
"She owns her own restaurant? No kidding?" He smiled weakly. "Well, good for her. I was worried about her after she left Kyoto. She was so heartbroken, after Touji died." He paused for a moment, then buried his face in his hands.
"So, Mister Ikari, what can you tell me about Tokyo Three?"
Slowly, Shinji looked up at her. "You don't understand. Just talking about it can get us both killed. Do yourself a favor and forget you ever heard that name. As far as the world is concerned, it never existed. It's best to keep it that way."
Motoko stood up. "I'm afraid that's not possible. If you won't give me the answers I seek, then I'll have to find them elsewhere."
"Asuka, you're going to see Asuka." The former Eva pilot kept his eyes down.
"Yes, she's my last contact."
"Don't trust what she has to say about Ayanami."
"Why not?"
"Asuka always hated Rei. I'm… I'm not sure why, but she did."
"And you?"
He looked up. "Me? I… I don't know. I liked to think we were friends. There was a time when I thought we might have been more than friends, just maybe." He looked down again. "But things changed."
"I see." The Major looked at the man with a sense of pity. "Well, thank you for your time, Mister Ikari."
"Hmmm, Miss Kusanagi?" Shinji stood up suddenly. "Would you happen to have a picture of Rei, by any chance?"
The Major paused, then turned and placed her briefcase on the conference table. "Yes, I do." She opened it and pulled out Rei's file.
Shinji took the file and stared at the picture. "Oh my God! This isn't a current picture, is it?"
"Yes, it is."
"She's hardly aged at all. How is it possible?" He ran his fingers over her picture. "Rei…" he whispered.
Motoko leaned in close. "Is there anything you can tell me about Rei Ayanami, before Kyoto?"
Shinji continued to stare at the picture a moment longer then handed the file back and turned away. "I'm sorry."
"I see." She placed the file back in her briefcase and headed for the door, but hesitated. "It may not be my place to say, but it seems to me that Rei Ayanami once was an important part of your life. I wonder if she'd be more disappointed or saddened to know the life you've made for yourself, Mister Ikari; alone, in a dead-end job. Well… good day, Mister Ikari."
Hearing the door close, Shinji fell back into the chair, buried his face in his arms on the table and wept. "Rei…. Asuka… Touji… Misato…. Father…"
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(000)
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6:45pm Vancouver Time Thrusday evening, 10:45am Tokyo Time Friday morningRei lay awake in her bed, staring out the window. She had expected to hear from Section Nine at least a day or two earlier but still nothing. Being unaccustomed to having so much free time on her hands, she had taken to lying in bed till noon. Why is it taking them so long to complete the background check? SIU took only a day. What reason do they have to dig so far back into my past? She sighed.
Suddenly the phone rang.
Rei allowed it to ring six times before reaching for it. "Ayanami," she answered.
She was greeted with silence.
"Is someone there?"
"R-Rei? Is it really you?"
"Who is this?"
"I-It's me, Rei, Shinji Ikari."
"Ikari?" She sat up, allowing the sheet to fall away from her naked body. "It has been a long time."
"Y-yes, yes it has." The man fell silent for a moment. "H-how've you been, Rei?"
"I am well." She shifted the phone to her other ear. "And you, Shinji?"
"I-I'm good, I'm good." He gave a weak laugh.
Again, silence.
"How do you enjoy living in the American Empire?"
"Well, British Columbia is nice. Lots of trees, without the noisy cicadas." He laughed. "The winters can get pretty cold, but it's really pretty with all the snow."
After a few moments of silence, Rei replied, "Perhaps I shall come for a visit. Would you like that, Shinji?"
"No!" Shinji paused. "No, that… I mean, I don't think it's such a good idea."
"Very well." Rei considered what else she could say. "Perhaps you could come here, to Tokyo. It would be… nice… to see you once again."
Shinji remained silent for some time. Finally, in a broken voice, he answered, "I can't go back there, not again. Never again."
"This is not Tokyo Three, Shinji. There is nothing here to remind you-"
"I'll never go back to Japan. It's just too painful, Rei. Just too much pain."
"I see." She waited for him to say something, anything. After a few minutes she asked. "Why did you call me, Ikari?"
"Someone from Public Security came to see me this morning."
"Major Kusanagi?"
"Yeah, that was her name."
"What did you tell her?"
"Nothing! I didn't say anything. But she knows about Tokyo Three, I don't know how but she does. Well, that's not entirely true. She spoke with Hikari. She let it slip."
"Hmm, most likely, she only knows the name and nothing more. Unless…" Rei let it hang in the air.
"I didn't say anything, I swear."
"I believe you, Shinji."
"She said she was going to see Asuka."
Rei thought about this for a moment, then replied, "Souryu will not say anything. She knows better than to jeopardize her future, no matter how bitter she may still be."
"I hope you're right, Rei." Shinji sighed.
Again, nothing but silence.
"Was there anything else you wish to tell me, Shinji?"
"Ahem… well… I-I miss you, Ayanami. I think about you all the time," he whispered.
"You do?"
"Well, you… and Asuka… a-and M-Misato… and T-To-ouji." He drew in a sharp breath.
"Are you crying, Shinji?"
"NO! Oh, sorry, I mean, no. No, I'm not," he lied.
"It is all right to cry. Perhaps, it may help you feel better."
He paused. "Thanks Rei. I'm okay now." He paused once again. "You know, m-maybe I will go to Japan, j-just for a few days."
"I would like that," Rei replied. "You are welcomed to stay at my apartment. It is quite spacious."
"T-thanks."
"When might I expect you?" she asked.
"Oh, well… you know. I'm pretty busy right now. Things are pretty crazy at work, and they rely on me completely. It'd be almost impossible to get away now, but in a few months, maybe. I-I'll call before hand, okay?"
Rei hesitated for just a moment. "As you wish."
"Okay, well. I've got to go now. I-It was really great talking with you again, Rei. You sound great."
"It is good to hear your voice again as well, Shinji." Rei stood up and walked to the window. "I look forward to seeing you again."
"Y-yeah, m-me too. O-okay, well, goodbye, Ayanami." His voice cracked upon saying her name.
"Goodbye, Ikari." Rei waited to hear the line go dead. He has not hung up. Finally, she pressed the call button on her cordless phone and tossed it on her bed. He will not come. She thought sadly. Perhaps, it is best this way. Her train of thought swiftly changed. So, Major Kusanagi is going to Germany to see Souryu. She may not tell her about Tokyo Three but she may tell her where she should look for answers.
Walking to her closet, she pulled out a day bag and went about filling it with clothes, then quickly got dressed. Afterwards, she walked over to her bed, picked up the phone and dialed. "Maaya? It is good to hear your voice." She smiled faintly. "How have you been?" She listened impatiently. With the niceties aside, she got to the point. "I was wondering if you did not have any plans for this weekend, perhaps you would care to join me on a trip to Hakone?" She listened to her friend's reply.
"Yes, the mountain resort."
"I thought we could leave when you got out of work." She checked her watch. "Yes… That would be nice… Very well, I shall meet you at Akebono at six."
"Till then." She hung up and tossed the phone back on the bed. Picking up her daybag, she went to her bathroom and gathered some toiletries. Walking into the main room, she looked about to see if there was anything she may have forgotten to do. Satisfied there wasn't, she picked up her keys, walked out the door, and locked it.
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(000)
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"No! No! I said I wanted the labor strike to be our lead story!" The tall, attractive redhead yelled at her managing editor, pointing at the article in question on the layout table. "Come on, we went over this just this morning!"
"Miss Souryu?" Her secretary interrupted timidly.
"What!" Asuka snapped, then took a calming breath when she saw the young blonde jump back in fright. "What is it Greta?" she forced a soft smile.
"There's a woman here to see you. She says she's from Japanese Public Security," the secretary answered.
"Public Security?" A pensive expression played upon the Editor-in-Chief's face. "Send her to my office." She turned to her managing editor. "And fix this. I don't want to see anything about the terrorist attack before page forty." She turned and walked away. "That's yesterday's news!"
Asuka walked into her spacious office, went straight to the bar, and poured herself a vodka on the rocks. A moment later, her secretary cleared her throat. "Ma'am, this is Major Kusanagi." Then she made a quick retreat, closing the door as she left.
The redhead glanced at the slightly shorter woman, who approached her with her hand extended.
"Miss Souryu, I'm grateful for your time." While her voice was pleasant, the Major's expression was all business.
"Pardon me if my Japanese is a little rusty. It's been a long time since I've had to use it." Asuka ignored the hand and walked behind her large desk. "Major? Public Security?" She sat down like a queen assuming her throne. "Is the uniform supposed to impress or intimidate me?"
The Major lowered her hand and walked to the seat in front of the desk. "Something like that." She gestured to the chair. "May I?"
"Of course." Asuka took a sip of her drink. "I'd offer you one, but I'm assuming you're on duty."
"Cyborgs can't get drunk, but thanks just the same." Motoko sat down.
"Cyborg? Really? I wouldn't have guessed." The redhead lied. Setting her glass down, she sat forward and asked, "So what business does Japanese Public Security have with me? It's been nearly ten years since I left Japan. Don't tell me I owe back taxes or something?"
"No, Miss Souryu. I represent the Anti-Terrorist Division, Section Nine."
"You're not here about that article we publish last month concerning the Deijima Island incident? All of our sources are on the record and their stories all checked out, so we are not printing a retraction." The redhead insisted.
"No, Miss Souryu, I'm not here about any article. I'm here about a former acquaintance of yours, a Miss Rei Ayanami."
Asuka's already stern expression turned dark. "What about that little bitch?"
"Section Nine is in the process of recruiting Miss Ayanami. We simply need to perform a thorough background check on her. Talk to all known acquaintances, and such."
"Well, Wondergirl is going into public service. Can't say I'm surprised. Being a puppet suits her."
"So you don't mind answering a few questions?"
Asuka picked up her glass. "What the hell. Shoot." She went to take a sip.
"What can you tell me about Tokyo Three?" Motoko immediately asked.
Asuka's eyes went wide as she spilled her drink on her tailor-made Italian silk suit. "What!" She slammed her glass down her the desk and brushed the liquid from her lapel. "How the hell do you know about Tokyo Three?"
The Major remained silent.
"Rei? No, she's not that stupid. Shinji, that idiot, he couldn't keep his mouth shut, could he? Dumkoff!"
"So, Miss Souryu, about Tokyo Three?"
Asuka buzzed her secretary. "Greta, get me a change of clothes." She offered no further explanation.
"Yes Ma'am," came a hesitant reply.
"Major Kusanagi, is it? Nothing would make me happier than to be able to tell you all about Tokyo Three and what happened there and how it involves that fucking doll, Ayanami, but I know how the world works. I may be fearless when it comes to publishing my magazine but I'm not stupid." She stood up and headed for the door, stopping next to the Major, she whispered, "Do you scuba dive, Major?"
"Yes."
"Ever dive in the Ashi Lakes, near Hakone?"
"No, can't say I have."
"You may want to try it sometime, the big lake. You may be surprise with what you find at the bottom."
Just then Greta wrapped on the door and cautiously opened it. "Will this do, Ma'am?"
"Pink! Are you insane?" Asuka brushed past the flustered blonde. "If you plan on lasting here longer than my last secretary, you better learn my likes and dislikes, fast!"
Well, that was interesting. Motoko made her way out of the office and towards the elevators. While she waited, a commanding voice called out to her.
"Miss Kusanagi!" Dressed in a new suit, Asuka walked up to her with a broad smile on her face. "I'm afraid you didn't catch me at my best. Pressures of the job and all."
"Think nothing of it."
"Well, anyway, I was wondering if you might join me this evening? My fiancé and I have tickets to the ballet. We just happen to have an extra ticket."
"I would love to. It's been forever since I've been to the ballet; unfortunately, I have to return to Japan, immediately." Just then the elevator doors opened. "Thank you for your time once again, and congratulations." The Major backed into the elevator.
"Congratulations?" the redhead gave a confused reply.
"On your approaching nuptials."
"Oh." Asuka laughed mildly. "We've been engaged for over three years. I'm in no rush to change the status quo. Farewell, Major."
"Miss Souryu." Motoko bowed slightly as the elevator doors closed.
"Damn!" The redhead checked her watch and sighed. Walking back to her office, she eyed her secretary and paused a moment. "Greta?"
The easily intimidated girl nearly fell out of her chair. "Yes Ma'am?" She stumbled to her feet.
Asuka shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Never mind." She walked into her office. Kurz is just going to have to find a date for his old army buddy, himself.
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(000)
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"Yes Major?" the android from Section Nine headquarters answered the call.
"Book me on the first flight back to Japan and have Batou ready to take a trip down to Hakone with me. Have him requisition a van and have my diving gear prepped and ready to go."
"Very good Major. Anything else?"
Motoko paused. "Has Rei Ayanami been in touch at all?"
"Yes, Ma'am. In fact, she called just this morning asking about you."
"She did? What did you tell her?"
"That you were currently indisposed and would get back in touch with her in a day or two," the android replied.
"I see." Motoko thought for a minute then asked, "Connect me to Ayanami's home number."
"Very well Major." The android forwarded the call and proceeded to book the flight.
After eight rings, the call went to voice mail. "You have reached the Ayanami residence. I am either unable or unwilling to take your call at this time. Please leave a message and I may get back to you, eventually."
Motoko dropped the call and got in the car that was waiting for her in front of the large office building. "Rei Ayanami… this is turning into quite the mystery… and you seem to be at the heart of it."
"Did you say something, ma'am?" the driver asked as he pulled away from the curb.
"No, nothing. It was nothing at all."
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(To be Continued)
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AN: Well, I hope this chapter was worth the wait. I did my best to create a believable Asuka and Shinji in the future. For those of you who hold Shinji in higher esteem than I do, I'm sure you were not happy with the Shinji I portrayed in this chapter if I were to be honest with my view of Evangelion. By the way, there are three names used in this chapter that have ties to anime. Do you know what they are?
The next chapter will be the end of this story, but I'd like to know if you'd like to see this storyline continue. Would you like to see a sequel dealing with Rei's training days? Let me know.
A. Amishi