Sorry about that . . . I just realized my comp. hates this chapter for some reason. . . Let's try this again, shall we?

Hello everyone. I've come bringing Chapter 9.

My thanks to Katonus and Death 88 for all their help prereading the last three chapters. I couldn't have done it without them.

One the advice of 94saturn I shall post the following caution: Do not try to finishan entire bottle of Southern Comfort while attempting to read the whole story in one setting. Concider yourself warned.

Now on with the story!

Oh, two more things: I don't own Eva! Don't forget to R&R, please.

Arigato.

Chapter 9: Traitor

The next two angels appeared in short order. The first had the form of a giant orange blob-like mass. It appeared high over NERV one bright afternoon less then a month after the defeat of the spider like angel. This angel attempted to drop pieces of itself on top of us like living bombs. Ikari-kun, Pilot Sohryu and I were deployed to stop it before it was able to land a direct hit on NERV, which would have been catastrophic. This we did quickly, incurring minor damage to Unit One.

The next angel showed up at what was to be a most inopportune time. All three of us had been in the middle of a special harmonics test that required us to sit in the entry plug with absolutely nothing on. When the angel revealed it's self to be in the computer system and attacked we were ejected to the surface for safety. The three of us waited cold and isolated for almost two hours before NERV showed up to retrieve us. To be rescued required us to climb out of the entry plug and walk a short distance completely exposed.

Unfortunately Aida-san, Suzuhara-san and several other classmates had found out where we were and were waiting for us to leave the entry plugs so they could take pictures. I doubt they knew we were naked but they refused to leave. Pilot Sohryu, who was already upset over the test as it was, refused to leave until she was provided with adequate cover. Ikari-kun sided with her and I had to agree. Even though I felt no shame at allowing NERV personnel seeing me unclothed I did not like the thought of so many people taking my picture while I was so.

In the end we convinced Major Katsuragi to bring our plug suits to us so that we could dress and be clothed before we left the entry plug.

After this we had a relative dry spell where no angel appeared for a long time. Most people at NERV appreciated this time because it allowed them to make repairs and upgrades to better prepare us for the next attack. Doctor Akagi also kept Ikari-kun, Pilot Sohryu and me busy during this time. She had us with in the confines of NERV every spare moment running some test or making us practice our combat skills. I would learn that when put on equal footing with my fellow pilots; I had superior combat skills from years of disciplined practice that outdid the others. It was only my much lower sync ratio that held me back.

As one might imagine, the result of all this testing was that our sync ratios all climbed dramatically. None rose as much however as Ikari-kun's had.

Then the day arrived when Ikari-kun's numbers tied with Pilot Sohryu's and we all knew that tomorrow she would be beaten. The look on her face said all anyone at NERV needed to know about how she felt. Pilot Sohryu was furious. "Well, Wondergirl it looks like NERV doesn't need us girls to fight anymore now they have their invincible Shinji to do all the work." She told me through the com when she found out.

I did not have a reply for her. Unlike Pilot Sohryu I felt no such competition to outdo my fellow Eva Pilots. I was always the farthest behind owing to my rough start and the fact that the core did not accept me as readily as the other Eva's did their children. My main goal had always been to stay strong enough that I could do what was required of me to defeat the angel.

So in this respect I could not understand Pilot Sohryu's anger at this situation. Wouldn't it be better if we had two Eva's with high sync ratios ready for combat? On the other side I was forced to remember Pilot Sohryu's history and her internal drive to be number one. She hated to loose, period.

That afternoon with testing over, Major Katsuragi decided to take us out to eat; to celebrate our success so far and our improving sync ration numbers. A cheap ramen shop was chosen because Major Katsuragi couldn't afford to pay for anything more expensive. We all had a good time however despite Pilot Sohryu's attempts to put a damper on it.

As I was preparing to leave for home, Major Katsuragi stopped me. "Why don't you come back with us tonight Rei? I was going to put on a movie and open up some snacks. You could sleep on the sofa and stay the night. How about it?"

I looked up into the Major's brown eyes to see that she wanted me to come. I glanced over to see that Ikari-kun was also in favor of me spending the night. Pilot Sohryu however gave me a look that said she wanted me nowhere near her presence. Judging by the look on her face she was going to take out her anger over Ikari-kun's success on him this evening. I did not want her to hurt him for that. "Hai."

Major Katsuragi and Ikari-kun smiled while behind them Pilot Sohryu gave me a dangerous smile. I responded to her with a blank face and the four of us left for the Katsuragi apartment.

The walk back was largely quiet although the Major did manage to create some conversation along the way. Ikari-kun walked next to me the whole way. This was the closest we had been in an informal situation since the evening at the hospital. He seemed happy and this along with his nearness to me left me feeling good as well. As we walked he reached out and linked our arms. He shot a shy smile at me and I found a small one on my lips as well.

Pilot Sohryu was angered by this and butted in wrapping her arm around his other one. She covered her pain with a pleasant smile. "Can I walk with you too, Shinji?"

Ikari-kun nodded and the three of us walked back to the Katsuragi residence like this. The Major seemed to think our closeness was a good thing but I could tell this was another fight between Pilot Sohryu and myself.

When we arrived at the Katsuragi residence Pilot Sohryu went to shower and change while the rest of us got comfortable on the sofa. The major made popcorn and opened up several bags of assorted snacks for us to eat. Ikari-kun and I were eating chips on the sofa when Pilot Sohryu appeared, dressed in nothing but a bath towel and still dripping with water. She sat down on the sofa squeezing herself between Ikari-kun and I. She threw one arm around Ikari-kun's shoulder while grabbing a drink off the table with the other. "Miss me Shinji?" She asked.

Ikari-kun tried to back up as she leaned closer but found himself with nowhere to go. He stood quickly and excused himself saying he had to go the bathroom. Pilot Sohryu sat back sighing with unhappiness. It seemed she had forgotten that I was there. "Why? Why does everyone hate me so much?" She moaned.

I sat as still and silent as possible so as not to be noticed. If she saw me, I knew I would be lashed out at and moving was a quick way to be seen. Still staying where I was left me in an awkward position. Hopefully if I held still I would remain invisible.

Pilot Sohryu placed her head in her hands. "I'm not such a horrible person am I?" She whispered.

"No I do not think you are." I replied on impulse.

I regretted those words the minute I had said them. Surly I had Pilot Sohryu's attention on my now. Pilot Sohryu raised her head sharply glaring straight at me her face full of shocked horror. She seemed ashamed that I had seen her like that. She leaned over her focus fixed on me. "What do you know, Wondergirl?" She demanded. "I bet no one's ever rejected you."

"You are not the only one with pain. Even I, who you accuse of having a good life is not free of it."

"You just trying to suck up and make me feel better." Pilot Sohryu snapped.

She closed her eyes and turned her back to me with crossed arms. There was nothing more I could do so I sat back and focused on the TV screen. Ikari-kun returned and sat down beside me. "I'm glad you're here Rei," he said quietly to me.

"So am I."

Major Katsuragi came in with the movie and turned it on before joining us on the sofa. I think she could sense the tension between Pilot Sohryu and me because she gave us a strange look. We worked together and kept the semblance of peace during the movie. By the time it was over it was late and we were all ready for bed. Pilot Sohryu dragged Ikari-kun off to bed and the Major followed not far behind. I was left with a couple blankets and some pillows on the sofa.

I determined to make myself comfortable. I lay my head on one of the pillows and pulled the blanket over me. I did not sleep well as a general rule because my dreams were plagued with nightmares and strange visions, so I intended to watch the television until I had bored myself to sleep. As I sat there my lids became heavy so I rested my eyes for a moment, I was asleep before I realized it.

I was awakened to the sound of someone crying out. I raised my head from the pillows and looked around taking in my dark surroundings. The television played noisily in the background. I reached for the remote so I could turn the volume down. With the volume reduced I could make out the source of the sound, Pilot Sohryu's room. Slowly I rose to my feet and made my way to her room, opening the door quietly. Inside Pilot Sohryu seemed to be in the throws of a nightmare. She tossed and turned violently calling out loudly into the dark.

I began to go in to comfort her but then I realized that she would not want me there and I would be yelled at again. I glanced towards Ikari-kun to see if he had heard. The door was closed so I assumed he had not. I turned around debating what to do. Behind me I heard a door snap shut and I turned to see Ikari-kun standing in the hallway. "What's wrong?" He asked in a whisper.

"Pilot Sohryu is having a nightmare." I explained softly.

Ikari-kun nodded. Without a word we both ventured quietly into Pilot Sohryu's room. With more bravery then was imaginable Ikari-kun leaned over and held Pilot Sohryu's shoulders down, saying her name, "Asuka. Asuka wake up."

I meanwhile found myself compelled to stroke her hair soothingly. After a minute Pilot Sohryu began to stir and we held our breaths. "Mommy . . ." she murmured.

The next instant Pilot Sohryu's eyes snapped open and she stared angrily at us with her two icy blue eyes. Ikari-kun took a step back but I remained rooted where I was. "Get out." She hissed, glaring at both of us.

"We're sorry Asuka. We only wanted to help." Ikari-kun muttered sounding apologetic.

"Do I look like I want your help?" Pilot Sohryu growled.

"Everyone needs help once in a while." Ikari-kun pointed out.

Pilot Sohryu grabbed him by the collar forcing her face close to his. "Well, I don't. Got that? I don't need anybody."

I stepped in placing my hand firmly on Pilot Sohryu's shoulder. "I believe he got the message, Pilot Sohryu. And there is no shame in receiving aid from another."

Pilot Sohryu turned on me with hatred in her eyes. "What do you know?" She shouted.

Pilot Sohryu's fist came back and the next thing I knew I was sitting on the floor with blood coming from my nose. Ikari-kun pulled me from the room and steered me to the bathroom sink. He made me bend over it as the blood continued to pore while he went to find something to stop the blood flow with. Ikari-kun returned; handed me some cotton balls and I sat on the floor holding them over my nose.

I could feel my nose and part of my cheek beginning to swell but nothing appeared to be broken. After a time the blood stopped and I was ready to fall over asleep. Ikari-kun helped me up off the floor and back to the living room sofa. I curled up making myself comfortable. Ikari-kun left and I was all alone. As I lay there in the dark it occurred to me that Major Katsuragi had remained asleep though the entire incident. She was probably too drunk to notice I realized when I remembered how many beers she had drank the previous evening.

I heard noise as Ikari-kun returned. "Rei can I sleep with you? Asuka's in my room now since you got blood on her sheets."

There wasn't nearly enough room for the two of us but I didn't mind Ikari-kun's presence. I pressed myself against the back of the sofa and Ikari-kun lay down beside me. We spent several minutes trying to get settled so that we might sleep. Pressed between the back of the sofa and Ikari-kun I could find no spot for my arm so I placed it on top of Ikari-kun. He placed his hand on mine curled his larger fingers around my smaller ones. "Your hands are so soft and delicate." He said.

That is the last thing I remember before I drifted sleep.

I was awakened by noise in the kitchen. I blinked sleepily and raise my head from under the blanket and between the pillows. After my eyes had adjusted to the bight morning light I saw Ikari-kun in the kitchen. I could smell something cooking but I could not imminently place it. "Good morning Ikari-kun."

Ikari-kun turned to face me with a smile on his face. "Good morning, Rei. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded and sat up slowly. I felt unusually well rested for having spent the night on an unfamiliar sofa. I couldn't remember even one nightmare the entire night. I yawned and stretched feeling only minor protest from my body. I started to stand up but Ikari-kun stopped me. "Sit down Ayanami. I can make breakfast."

I obeyed and sat back down on the sofa, wrapping the blanket around my shoulders to keep the cold out. The TV was still on but I didn't know the show. I found the remote buried between the cushions at the foot of the sofa. "What do you want to see Ikari-kun?" I asked him.

"You chose something Rei." He suggested.

"I am not familiar with television stations or programs."

It was true. I had watched only a small amount of television during my life and it was never with any regularity. So I had no idea what types of shows aired.

Ikari-kun suggested a channel and I switched the station. I watched the screen as the cartoon characters moved across it. Although I did not understand the series I did find some enjoyment in seeing how events unfolded. During the commercial break I asked Ikari-kun about the show. "It's called Cowboy Bebop." Ikari-kun explained. "It follows the adventures of Bounty Hunters or Space Cowboys as they catch the bad guys."

He went on to give me some information about this television series. I understood some of it but I knew there was much I was missing. I sat back and watched the show some more as Ikari-kun continued to cook. "Rei why don't you move to somewhere less remote? No offense, but the place where you live is a dump."

I looked over at Ikari-kun, taken back by his question. I had never considered living anywhere but the apartment where the Commander had assigned me all those years ago. Besides I had no problem with the place where I lived. "I never thought it was a problem."

"Well, I can't complain if you're happy."

"You are displeased by my choice."

Ikari-kun looked like he was about to say something but then stopped. He shook his head and went back to what he was doing in the kitchen. I stood up and went into the kitchen so that I was standing beside him. For a long time I stood there silently while Ikari-kun continued to cut vegetables for the soup he was making. "I worry about you okay? You've been in so much pain. It's not fair to you. You've never done wrong to anyone."

"Being an Eva Pilot is my job. Any pain I am in as a result is necessary as part of what I do."

Ikari-kun frowned. "Rei, you should never just accept pain for that reason. You . . . you need to take care of yourself."

I starred back at him trying to understand what he had said. He was asking me to give up my bond to Eva and the Commander. I didn't know if I could do that. There had never been anything else for me but to pilot and serve the Commander's wishes. What would happen to me if I lost that? I feared that I would simply disappear and cease to be if that happened.

There was also the problem with my own sins for indeed I did carry such burdens. Although it was only a faint memory I knew I had killed some one, a woman named Naoko Akagi. "I can not do that."

"Why not? What's so hard about breaking free?"

"I am bound to Eva. I have nothing else."

Ikari-kun looked like he wanted to shake something into my skull. For an instant I felt like small simple child before him. Then Ikari-kun smiled again and the feeling was gone. "Promise me you'll think about it?"

I nodded and picked up some noodles off the counter and put them in the pot. I watched with interest as they moved about in the broth. There was a spoon on the counter that I used to stir the pot with while Ikari-kun cut more vegetables to add to the mixture.

Once the soup was ready we sat down to eat. We were still there when Major Katsuragi showed up. She blinked sleepily as if something about us didn't seem right to her. She shook her head and sat down at the table with us, beer in hand. "Misato it's not even 9:00 yet. Must you?"

Major Katsuragi smiled and opened her can of beer. She lifted it to her lips and took a hug gulp. "Ahhhhhhhh, Nothing wakes you up faster in the morning!" She exclaimed.

Ikari-kun and I looked at each other giggling softly. Somehow this seemed extremely comical at this hour in the morning. I was about to say something when the sirens went off. We all looked at each other. Major Katsuragi rose to her feet and finished off her beer with a large gulp. "Get Asuka up while I change." She instructed us.

Major Katsuragi disappeared in her bedroom and the door slammed firmly shut behind her. Ikari-kun and I looked at each other. Pilot Sohryu was notorious as a deep sleeper and hard to rouse before late morning. Still with a new enemy on the loose she must be awakened. Ikari-kun and I headed into Ikari-kun's room. She lay sprawled on his bed snoring softly. Ikari-kun leaned over and shook her gently. "Asuka get up."

After several moments Pilot Sohryu's eyes snapped open and she starred up at us in annoyance. "What?" She grumbled unhappily.

"The next angel appeared. We need to get to Nerv." Ikari-kun explained.

Pilot Sohryu rolled over with an audible groan. Ikari-kun tugged on her arm and she slowly climbed from the bed. The three of us quickly changed out of our pajamas into street clothes. The Major emerged from her room a few minutes later dressed in her uniform and ready to go. I was impressed by the changes she had made. Her hair was brushed and she looked as if she had been ready all along. Of course I knew that not ten minutes ago she had been half asleep in disheveled pajamas. That's what made her appearance all the more impressive.

We all climbed into the back of Major Katsuragi's car and were on our way to Nerv. The ride there was dead silent because we were all focused on our roles. When we arrived Doctor Akagi was waiting for us. "I'm impressed Misato. You're here in record time and before 9:15."

Major Katsuragi made a face and began to force us along the way inside. "Just show me this angel."

Pilot Sohryu, Ikari-kun and I were hurried off to change into our plug suits. Once we were dressed and ready, we met by the elevator to ride up to our Evas. The plan was explained to us and we were told to go get into our Evas. Then we were launched to the surface.

The plan was to observe the angel and figure out its plan and powers before trying open attack. I had been placed at the sniper position behind one of the long-range rifles. Ikari-kun was supposed to go in nearer to the enemy's location with a closer range weapon. Pilot Sohryu took the third position on the other side of the angel. Pilot Sohryu and I were getting into position when Ikari-kun decided to move in ahead of schedule. Both Pilot Sohryu and I attempted to protest this action but to no avail. According to him going into danger was a man's job.

I felt an uneasy knot in my stomach as I watched Ikari-kun move in closer to the angel. Something inside me screamed, this is not right. There is danger. By a force of will I managed to quell this fear and focus on getting a comfortable grip on the rifle before me.

I felt my finger tighten on the trigger, as the black shadow appeared under Unit One's feet. Almost instantly her feet began to sink. The angel was trying to swallow Ikari-kun, I realized with horror. I released the sniper rifle and took off running before Ikari-kun began to scream for help. I raced through the streets of Tokyo III at extreme speed only an Eva could accomplish. I reached the scene going too fast and had to stop abruptly to avoid being sucked in as well.

"Rei, Help me!" Ikari-kun screamed.

Without hesitation I reached out my hand towards Eva Unit One and she grabbed them. I braced myself and pulled with all my strength trying to get him out of the black void. Eva Unit One however refused to budge no matter how hard I pulled. I refused to give up though; I couldn't lose Ikari-kun. "Rei, don't let go." he pleaded.

"I will not." I promised.

I looked over at my map of Tokyo III. Where was Pilot Sohryu? According to the map she was still several blocks away trying to get to us. It was up to me then and I wasn't going to fail him.

For several minutes the void and I fought over Ikari-kun and Eva Unit One, both of us too stubborn to lose ground, also unable to gain any. My gripped loosed and Ikari-kun's hand slipped out of mine. I tried to grab it again but lost my balance, falling in. Voices were screaming at me loudly over the communication system but I was too busy trying to force Unit Zero to move. It was a pointless struggle the black void held me tight in its grasp.

It occurred to me that this wasn't supposed to happen and I had messed with the Commander's plan. I wonder what this action of mine would lead to. Somehow I did not like where the possibilities led.

As I sank even deeper into the void, I looked around taking in the world around me. I found myself in an area that was unlike anyplace I had ever seen. It was cold, dark and empty. I couldn't move my Eva; everything was heavy and slow like Unit Zero had been weighted down. I attempted to search for Ikari-kun or the angel but I found no evidence that anyone was here anywhere. "You're a fool if you think that my cousin." Said a voice.

I looked around but I saw no one. "Who are you?" I asked the darkness.

"Don't be so surprised, Zero. You know exactly who I am."

"Leliel?"

"Very good. You've not as stupid as I thought."

"What do you want?"

"What do I want? You know very well what we're after. You're precious Commander hides it in his fortress."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I think you do and you'll tell me were he keeps it whether you like it or not."

"Never!" I declared.

It was too late though. The next thing I knew Leliel was trying to force sync with me. "Get out!" I screamed.

But there was nothing I could do; I was powerless to stop her assault. I could feel the tendrils of her soul working their way between my own. My only option was to burry my self deep within my core and hope she couldn't catch me.

Shinji watched hopefully his radar screen as it scanned the area. He knew Ayanami was stuck here somewhere and he intended to find her.

Ping! Ping!

The radar had found something; it was Unit Zero. She was a long distance away behind him to his left. As fast as he could (which wasn't very) he made his way towards her. As he got closer the signal got stronger and stronger. Eagerly he scanned the horizon for Unit Zero's outline. He should be able to see her any minute now. Slowly a shape came out of the darkness. At first he thought his eyes where fooling him because in front of him was a horrible deformed shape of a terrible monster. The thing looked at him; a single red cycloptic eye glowed in the center of its face. It seized its head and turned away roaring in agony. This was no monster; Shinji realized with shock, this was Unit Zero.

She was in pain but Shinji could see nothing touching her. When he tried to open a link to her he was greeted with the sight of Ayanami's face. Her eyes were rolled back in her head so far that he could only see the very edge of her red irises and her face was contorted as badly as her Eva appeared. Rei screamed so loud that he thought her lungs would be ripped to pieces. Then she collapsed in her seat in a dead faint. Shinji couldn't take it, looking at her pale pained features was too hard. He looked away and shut the link off. With out knowing what was hurting her he could do little but try to comfort her.

So he held her in his arms trying to keep her safe and comfortable. Rei however made no further sound or cry of pain; she remained in a silent but insensible state. Shinji couldn't decide whether that was a good thing or not. If she would scream, moan or make a sound he know she was okay but when she remained like this he didn't know if she was in pain or not.

Shinji soon discovered a second problem. Rei had about five minutes less of life support then he did. That meant that he had five minuets less to get them out of here. Problem was he had no idea how to do that because he was cut off from everyone. Ayanami . . . Wait! Maybe she might still have a working connection to the others.

Shinji found the connecting cable in Unit Zero's back. Gently he inserted it into Unit One and waited for the connections to establish. Shinji picked up the phone and placed it to his ears. There was a dial tone. Shinji smiled; he might just get through. Eagerly he punched in the number of the main Nerv phone then placed the headset to his ear. It rang about five times before someone picked up. "crackle Reishuuuuuurrr pop shuuuuuurrrrrrrrrr"

"Misato!" Shinji exclaimed as he recognized the voice "It's me Shinji!"

"Suuuuuuuu Crackle Keeerrrrrr Hold SHHHHHHUUUUUUU"

For about the next two minutes all Shinji could hear where clicks and pops then Misato's voice came through, "Shinji can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear." He replied.

"Good! Sorry about that. We had to switch you over to a better connection. So tell me, what's going on? How did you get in Unit Zero?"

"I'm not. I've linked Unit One to Unit Zero. Ayanami's been attacked. She's been quiet for a while now. Since my phone's dead I linked to hers with the connecting cable so I could use it."

"I see. Thank goodness. So how is she doing now?"

"She seems fine but she's out cold."

"That's good to hear. So what kind of shape are you in? Are you doing okay?"

"I'm fine but Misato we only have 10 hours and 25 minutes until Ayanami runs out of power and 10 hours and 20 minutes until I'm out."

"Zero Hundred, I know. That's Asuka's fault. She tried to pull you both out but she pulled out your power cables instead. Ayanami's phone cable is still attached though."

"Misato?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me you'll get us out of there before then. I don't want to die or lose Ayanami."

"Don't worry I'll get right on it. You'll be back here before time out. Promise."

"Thank-you."

"No problem, Shinji. You just hang in there and keep an eye on Rei for me, kay?"

"Sure."

"Shinji, Ritsuko wants to ask you some questions about Rei's condition. I'm turning it over to her now."

"Bye Misato!"

"Chao!"

"Shinji listen carefully. I need you to do several things for me." Ritsuko said.

"Okay."

"Start by activating the pilot monitoring screen for Rei."

Shinji did as he was told. "Now tell me what her skin feels like."

Shinji read the skin temperature readout. It amounted to that Rei was cold and clammy. Then Ritsuko asked for her temperature (normal), blood pressure (slightly elevated), the way her eyes looked (the pupils where narrow), brain wave pattern (slow but normal for someone who was unconscious), respiration (slow but regular) and several other pieces of information. Shinji told her everything she asked for no matter how mundane it seemed to him. I took forever from Shinji's perspective and he was glad when she was finally done.

After that Shinji was instructed to remain in Eva Unit one until further orders and the phone went dead. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. He had no idea how long it would be until he'd hear anything from the topside and he could really use some sleep about now.

From somewhere in the darkness a voice called out to Shinji. A first it came out like a garbled disjoined sounds. Piece by piece he was able to make out the painful plea. "Help me Ikari-kun!" Rei screamed.

Shinji looked around trying to find out where Rei was. He couldn't see her anywhere; everything around him was black. He searched around him in vain. Rei was nowhere to be found. Out of the darkness another voice was heard. "Forget about the girl if you know what's good for you. She is a traitor to her kind."

"What?" Shinji asked.

He didn't understand what the voice meant. Rei was a traitor to the human race? That was impossible. Rei was an Eva Pilot and had been hurt numerous times since her assignment to Unit Zero. How could Rei of all people be a traitor?

Will Rei and Shinji make if free of Leliel's grasp alive? You'll have to read chapter 10 to find out!

And finally, a teaser:

Misato's eyes widened as she realized what Ritsuko's words meant. If Rei couldn't pilot . . . "You intend her to take Rei's place!" She exclaimed in horror.

"Correct." Commander Ikari said.

"The irony is that she's not much better then the one she's replacing."

Grins to self. Oh yes, I am evil . . .