"What exactly possessed you to disobey multiple direct orders?"
"Ranged weapons had no effect, ma'am. Retreating was not an option. The Angel chased me for the whole battle. I would have either been cut down from behind, or had the new cable severed before I could use it."
"Do you really think the rifle is the only weapon we developed? You send up your observations and we'll adjust tactics."
"Ma'am? I was in the middle of a firefight. I couldn't exactly call time out and discuss our options."
"Excuse Me!"
"I'm sorry ma'am, I just," Shinji tried to explain as Misato cut in hard. "Just what? Felt relaying information up the chain was too much trouble?" Misato circled Shinji like a shark in water, letting her anger out slowly, deliberately. "Did you think for a moment maybe we had some intel on the target? Maybe since we knew to build EVA, we just might know what we're fighting? If you had sent your observations, maybe we could have figured out which Angel it was? What it could do? How to stop it? What do you think would happen if you ran out of power before the Angel died? You better stop going off like some damn cowboy and start doing what you're told."
With every word from Misato's mouth the backbone Shinji grew in combat fractured and crumbled. As usual, it was replaced by self loathing and depression. Some days he felt as though the battlefield was the only place he could function. The only place he was safe. His body began to betray his emotions as he replied, "I was in the field. I thought I could frago. I'm sorry, this will not happen again."
Misato heard the hatred in his voice. While she would not stand for insubordination, she could not browbeat the boy any further. There was the key, he was a boy. For all of Shinji's combat experience, he was still a fourteen year old boy. His file read like something from an overzealous fiction writer. Not the fluffy bullshit so many pad their performance reports with, but the real deal. One year he spent more time behind enemy lines than the vast majority of Nerv spent armed in their careers.
Realizing she overreacted, Misato wanted to apologize and start over as comrades. Unfortunately they were in the hangar surrounded by technicians, mechanics, and were probably being recorded by the bridge. Misato had to find a way to move forward without losing authority, fast. Facing Shinji, Misato spoke without emotion. "This is obviously a joint training issue. Had this been the command structure you've become accustomed to in SRT, there would be no issue. However this is Nerv. From here on we'll cut back on your EVA specific training and work on battle drills. Report to the conference room after school tomorrow instead of harmonics, dismissed." Shinji snapped to attention, saluted, and did an about face. Misato watched him as he walked towards the locker room and tried to figure out exactly how she was going to drill when she didn't know what the enemy could do. Her cell phone rang as she headed for her office.
"Katsuragi."
"You do realize you've just called your own bluff."
"Shut up Ritsuko. Have the Magi run simulations on what we can expect from the Angels and send me everything we have on the mental status of child soldiers."
By the time Shinji exited the Geofront, the moon rode low in the west. This time of night the only people awake are usually in the ER. He was seriously debating whether or not to skip class in the morning as he reached his floor. Rei sat in her chair outside their doors. He wanted to sneer at her, to use her as a release for his frustration. The word "stranger" still rang in his ears. Rei spoke before he could. "I picked up sandwiches," she said, "If you would please join me there is something I wish to discuss." Shinji was wary, but had gone hungry enough times to know better than to turn down a free meal. He unlocked his door, tossed his duffel inside and joined Rei at the table. He ate while waiting for her to begin. If she doesn't talk before I finish this sandwich I'm out of here.
Shinji had eaten half of his sub before she said, "I want to train with you." He looked up, but kept chewing, waiting to see if there was more. "I have no combat training. If I had piloted today, I would have failed."
"So? This isn't some your turn my turn shit, like prizefighters in a stable. In combat it's what you don't see that kills you. The buddy watching your back is the most important person in the world."
"Yes Senpai."
"What the hell is a sempai?" Shinji said, more surprised than angry. Rei looked down and away in confusion, prompting Shinji to say, "I grew up speaking Portuguese and English. My Spanish is better than my Japanese." Still looking down Rei replied, "A mentor, trainer, or trusted senior comrade." As Shinji thought about what she was asking he realized she was continuing the elevator conversation.
"So what do I call you?" Finally looking up she replied, "Kohai." "Next time," Shinji said as he stood to go into his room, "get a hot sauce without vinegar."
Notes:
Frago: Fragmentary Order, a supplemental change to an existing Operations Order. Only the changed sections are addressed. Usually verbal and can be given at any time. So common I'm not sure I really need this note.
This note I do need. I realize both children seem out of character but please bear with me. Think about where Shinji has been in the last ten years. Think about where he would have gone and what that would do to him. Combat ready Shinji plus regular feisty Auska means no combat for Rei. Rei's smart enough to see the writing on the wall. The reaching out is a bit of a stretch but I think she'd do whatever it took to stay useful.
Vinegar is a crutch for weak hot sauce recipies.
