Disclaimer: See prologue.
As promised, here's the interlude. It's very short, but I hope it conveys enough to keep you all interested. This is a separate storyline, which will converge with the main story later on. Much thanks to my pre-readers, even though I might not always follow their advice, at least it's good to know they're interested enough in this story to want to check it for me. On with the story!
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SHATTERED: Interlude
Shanghai – People's Republic of China
In a large meeting room, lit by fluorescent light, sat 10 people around an elongated oval table. From each country came two representatives, seated next to eachother. Before them stood a small plaque with their respective country engraved within. The United States, European Union, People's Republic of China, Russia, and Japan. Another man stood alone, at the head of the table.
"Alright, now that all the representatives are present let us begin the meeting." An older man at the head of the large table occupying the room spoke. Mere seconds later the lights in the room ceased, and a screen, projected by a beamer overhead, came to life behind the old man.
Pushing a button on a remote control he held in his hand, an image popped up onto the wall. The image displayed one of the Evangelion production series, housed in a gantry. Centred above the image stood the text: Hamburg production facility – Germany.
"As you can see, the production of the EVA series is in full gear. Already 5 out of 9 have been produced, and the remaining 4 are scheduled for completion within the next 3 months." The man continued.
"In our previous meeting we have already discussed SEELE's involvement in the UN, that is why this meeting is held in secret. The reason we have requested your presence here again today is because of new intelligence supplied by our sources inside both SEELE and NERV."
The man paused, clicking another button on his remote. This time an image of the 10th Angel in orbit, just as it's being hit by the Spear of Longinus. "As you can see here, the 10th Angel has been destroyed, which occurred two days ago." The man said, again handling the remote control to display an image of a new decree, showing a budget cut for NERV.
As the image, and the information it held, reached the rooms occupants a soft murmuring filled the room.
"You might wonder, as do I, when so much is at stake, and with only two more Angels to go, why did SEELE cut NERV's budget in half?".
"Moreover, SEELE has voiced it's intention not to send the EVA series to NERV until all are completed. This worries us greatly, since the dead sea scrolls predict the last Angel will appear in less than two months."
The man paused for a moment, letting this information sink in as he grabbed a glass of water and took a sip from it.
"The question now is, off course, what does SEELE intend to do with the 9 EVA series if not fighting the Angels?" Mumbling in the affirmative filled the room.
"From the information we have gathered, it has become apparent that both SEELE and NERV have ulterior motives than just the protection of the humanity, and, most frighteningly, they have the money and influence to do so." The man paused again. Another sip from the glass taken, he continued. "Though we have as of yet no idea what their motives may be, we intend to find out soon. Although unofficial, it is clear that SEELE holds the strings within the UN, all the more reason for us to keep this information within this room… surely we all appreciate that."
"A powerful organisation such as NERV, as well as SEELE must not go unchecked. The cooperation between the leading men behind these organisations-" He interrupted himself, clicking the device in his hand. "…Keele Lorentz, and Gendou Ikari-" He said, pointing at their image on the screen. "…dates back more than 15 years. From the information we've gathered, we've uncovered that they share a common goal. Though our information also implies that they might not see eye to eye, it is imperative that we continue to monitor both organisations."
"This is all the information we have gathered up until now. Though, as soon as we shed more light on the situation you will all be duly informed, and, if necessary, will be called in for another meeting. This is all for now, thank you all for coming on such short notice." He said, coughing afterwards. He clicked the remote again, the screen turning off, and the lights flickering back into life.
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Tokyo III – Japan
A telescopic lens stuck out of the bushes, the rest of the camera covered in the foliage on the mountainside.
"Increased section 2 activity…" A voice whispered.
A radio crackled softly. "Roger that Delta, receiving icom chatter… standby for orders, over."
"Roger that, standing by, over."
A minute passed in silence, only the moving and clicking of the camera betraying the presence of someone there.
"Received icom hit, intel update on its' way…" Silence for a moment. "…target is on the move. Routine applied, same route as always, over." The radio crackled again.
"Target reaches your line of sight in 10, stay vigilant, over."
"Roger that, standing by for coverage, over."
Through the lens a black sedan could be seen moving along the streets of Tokyo 3, the NERV logo on the sides and hood, the people inside unaware of their spectators. The lens clicked in rapid succession, the operator hoping to catch some important information, yet knowing out of experience not to expect such.
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"Bravo reporting, the silver cub is on site, and has entered the building. Father bear approaching, black sedan in sight, over." One of two men spoke, sitting in an abandoned apartment building overlooking the destination of the NERV sedan, the room they occupied dark and dusty.
"Roger that, Bravo, standby on the laser mic, be ready to record any conversation."
"Roger that, eyes and ears open, over."
"What's the kid doing here…? Acting kind of suspicious… seems like he doesn't want to be noticed by the guys in the car, doing his awful best to stay out of sight." A voice spoke out of the darkness of the room.
"Shut up Tanaka, it's not our job remember, we're here to observe, intelligence will figure the rest out." A man whispered, his voice hoarse.
"Might not be our job, we can still speculate can't we? Besides, I think we should report it anyway." The younger of the two replied.
"Speculate all you want, it won't make a difference, in the end we'll still have to clean up the mess. Just report it and let it be the end of it…"
"Guess you're right…"
"Guess I am, now shut up and make sure you got that mic set up. Don't forget to report it…"
"Bravo here, silver cub is lurking into the den. Father bear is presumed unknown of his presence, over."
"Roger that, duly noted. Radio silence from now on, out."
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Author's notes: Not much to say I haven't already said. I just hope more people will review this story. It only takes up two minutes of your time and it helps me take out the kinks in the story, as well as motivate me to write faster. Next chapter will be longer, I promise! See you all then.