Shinji Steel 28

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.

As the three make their way topside, Asuka bolts into the lead while yelling.

"Undersea shockwave! And it sounded close!"

Hefting up the tarp and exiting, she holds it up for Shinji and Ritsuko to exit. Once they've done so, they make their way to the port side of the ship. Just in time to see one of the frigates get destroyed.

"It's gotta be an Angel!" Shinji's voice cuts through like a hot knife through butter before he goes on. "We gotta get clearance from Misato for activation!" Only Asuka has other ideas.

"Wunderbar." Grabbing Shinji's hand from Rits', she says, "Come on, Ikari. You're giving me a hand with this Angel!"

"Not without Rits!" Grabbing onto Ritsuko's hand, he tugs her along with them, adding, "If I don't try to keep her safe, her Mom's gonna wear my guts as garters!" Next thing he knows, Ritsuko erupts into amused giggles.

"Shinji, Mom would never do that to you!"

"Yeah, well, I'm not taking any chances! Far as I'm concerned, the safest place for you to be is where we're heading to!"

"You're so sweet!" Ritsuko lands a peck onto his cheek before being pulled away from him. "Eep!"

"Wait here, Ikari! We'll be out soon!" Tugging Ritsuko along, Asuka rolls her eyes at how lovey-dovey the two were being before speaking. "Okay, Takamiya. If you're going to be in the plug with us, some ground rules. Don't lose your lunch. Don't make me lose my lunch with your lovey-dovey behavior. Don't touch the controls. Don't doubt us. Clear?"

"Clear, Sohryu. Now for one rule for you. Shinji's mine. So stay back."

"As if I'd want him!" Starting to undress, she mentally adds, 'Which I do!'

Back at his position, Shinji can only sigh in amusement at Asuka's antics.

"She hasn't changed a bit."

"I hear that, hermano. By the way, I got a vid-capture of the woman that greeted you three on the gangway." Shinji blinks in bewilderment before shaking his head.

"Ms Tehurn? Why?"

"Ever since Roxanne Hunter escaped, she'd managed to elude an Interpol dragnet."

"Right. How's Kat taking it so far?"

"Kat's steamed to no end about it. Which is why I'm waiting for Kat to get back from grocery shopping. Only she knows what Roxanne looks like as there are no photos of her in the system anywhere. Anymore, anyway."

"Anymore? As in they'd been erased?"

"It sure seems like it, hermano. In the meantime, you've got work to do, I believe."

"Yep." Triggering his changeover, his clothing switches to his plug-suit. Once it's done, he attaches his A-10 clips to his head. "Time to save the world once more."

"Absolutely. I'll keep tabs on you from here."

"As usual."

"Smartass." The two share a chortle while Shinji waits patiently for the two young ladies.

Meanwhile, Asuka's down to her bra and Ritsuko's down to her bra and shorts. With Asuka sneaking glances at Ritsuko whenever she can. If only to ascertain what appeals her to Shinji so much. Needless to say, she's not impressed.

'Not much of a rack. She's got some… holy fucking shit!' At the sight of the other girl's toned abdominal walls, Asuka can't help but shake it off. 'So she's got some fitness going for her. It's not going to stop me from stealing Shinji from her!' With that, she brings out three red plug-suits. Handing one to Ritsuko. The girl blinks at it before looking at Asuka.

"What's this for?"

"If you're going to be in Unit-02, you need to wear the suit. Unless, of course, you'd rather be bare-ass naked in the plug with your fiancé. Engaging in more antics while I fight."

"Oh, gee. What a tough choice. Be bare-ass naked in the plug with Shinji or wear a plug-suit." Nodding, she adds, "Plug-suit it is. I'll get bare-ass naked with Shinji later on when we get back to shore." Glancing at the plug-suit, Rits nods before stepping into the suit.

Thinking, 'Almost like Mom's "Dragonelle" suit.' When she gets it to her shoulders, she grimaces. 'Only a bit bigger. How the fuck is this supposed to fit?'

Looking over toward Asuka, she sees the redhead flounce her long red hair out of the suit before grasping her left wrist. Causing the suit to conform to her body.

'Ah.' Following suit, Rits does the same and hears a hiss. Along with feels the suit conform to her body. She then hears Asuka murmuring.

"Let's go, Asuka." Asuka then turns back, expecting to see Ritsuko frustrated by a loose suit. Only to see it conforming to her body. Quite well. "How the… you were watching me?"

"Well, normally I'd prefer watching Shinji. But I felt it would freak you out to no end. So, I settled for watching you."

"Oh, right. How's it feel?"

"A little loose around my bust, but otherwise it's a good fit." Smirking wryly, she adds, "I bet Shinji'd get hard when he sees me in this."

"Good to know it fits you. Thinking of which, Ikari needs this third suit as well."

"Um, that's a girl's suit. Wouldn't that hurt him?" Asuka doesn't hear Ritsuko, however, as she's already on her way out to Shinji. "This isn't going to end well." Following after the redhead, she then hears Asuka shriek.

"How in the world did you get a plug-suit on already? You weren't even carrying one on board! And where are your clothes at?" Ritsuko peers over Asuka's shoulder and her jaw drops in shock before recovering it. A wide smile on her face.

"Shinji's just full of surprises, it seems." Looking him up and down, Ritsuko licks her lips lasciviously upon seeing his white-and-blue plug-suit. "Yummy!" Shinji can only grin sheepishly while scratching the back of his head while Ritsuko steps around Asuka. "I now know why girls love boys in uniforms."

With that, she locks her lips to his. Shinji wrapping his arms around her. Only to clutch her closer upon another shockwave. As the shockwave ebbs, they end their kiss and Ritsuko smiles softly.

"Wow. I felt the ocean move that time." She then lets out a giggle and says, "Let's go kill an Angel, baby."

"Right, honey. But, I don't think you should wear the clips either of us are wearing, though."

"Why, Shinji?"

"They're A-10 clips, Takamiya." Asuka's voice gets their attention before she goes on. "They allow us to feel what the EVA's going through. Ikari's got the right idea. You're not fighting, only observing. So follow his cues. Clear?"

"Clear." They then make their way to Unit-02. When they get there, Ritsuko asks, "Shouldn't we get clearance for this first though? Misato will want to know what we're doing."

"I'll get clearance after the fact." With those words, the plug extends out of Unit-02, its hatch opening. "Just be ready to be dazzled by superb Piloting, you two. And please try not to get in the way."

When all three are in the plug, its hatch closes and they all feel it going in. Once it's in position, Ritsuko looks down upon hearing the sound of bubbling and gulps. Recalling what Shinji had told her about LCL, she has only one thought.

'This is going to be so gross!' When it reaches her head, Ritsuko takes in a lungful and is quickly nauseated. "Ugh, I think I'm going to be sick!" Blinking, she then asks, "How can I be talking? This is a liquid, isn't it?"

"It is. Only it's not a conventional liquid." Ritsuko looks over to Shinji before he goes on. "LCL oxygenates your blood directly. It's also thicker than conventional liquids. Allowing it to be oxygenated." Shinji's words get an approving nod from Asuka.

"Now that she knows what she needs to know, let's begin."

Asuka grins lightly before issuing commands in German. When she's done issuing commands, a red FEHLER comes up. A confused Ritsuko blinks, as does Shinji, before Shinji makes a guess.

"A programming error?"

"No, Dummkopf! It's thought noise! You're thinking in Japanese! If you're going to think, do it in German!" Shinji can't help but roll his eyes.

"For once I'm with you on the eye-roll, Shinji. How can she expect you to think in German if you're Japanese?" Ritsuko, however, issues a rebuke to Asuka.

"How can he? He's Japanese, like me. Not German, like you. If you're going to work somewhere, it's best to use the language of the country you're going to be working in. Make sense?"

"Oh, fine." Asuka shrugs off the rebuke before commanding, "Switch language to Japanese." With that, the plug lights up and Asuka commands, "Evangelion Unit-02, go!"

(Over the Rainbow; bridge)

"Fire more torpedoes!" As Admiral Teach watches the torpedoes launch through his field glasses, he adds, "We've got to get a lucky hit in eventually!"

"Hello, NERV Deliveries! Would you like information on how to defeat the latest Angel?"

"Get off my bridge, Captain Katsuragi! We have things well in hand here!" Scowling, he orders, "Fire more torpedoes!" Misato can only roll her eyes at his stubbornness before sighing.

"It's pointless."

"Sir! Communication from 'Othello'! Evangelion Unit-02's activating!"

"What? Who authorized it? Give me that!" Snatching the transmitter from the Communications Officer, he barks out, "Unit-02, you are to stop at once!"

"Bite me, old man! Your fleet's in danger of dying and I'm the only one with the tool to do the job!" Asuka's voice rattles the Admiral so badly, Misato's able to easily take the transmitter from him.

"Alright, Asuka!" Blinking, she then asks, "Have you seen Shinji and Ritsuko, by any chance?"

"We're here, Misato." Shinji's calm voice brings a smile to Misato's face. Which gets tempered with sympathy when she hears Rits' voice next.

"I feel like the bride of Dracula, Misato! This sludge smells like blood!"

"I understand, Rits. I hope you're not there to fight."

"Hell no! I'm just observing to see how well Shinji and Asuka do. We'll probably be needing the plug as well. We're on battery power, from the looks of the plug wall, anyway."

"I'll get it readied for you all. Just stay safe and kill this Angel quickly."

"No sweat, Misato. I'll keep my 'precious cargo' safe." Asuka's voice has solemn teasing within as she adds, "If anything happens to them, you and Takamiya's Mom will probably wear my guts as garters." When contact ends, Misato looks over at Admiral Teach before speaking.

"I'm now taking over, Admiral. I want that plug ready ten minutes ago!"

"Very well. XO! Accommodate Captain Katsuragi as she now has tactical command!"

"Sir!"

(Over the Rainbow; Kaji's cabin)

"It's getting nuts out here."

"I'd surmised as much. Which is why I sent a second Pilot out to you. Do you have the item?"

"I do. I'll escape alone if I have to."

"If that's what it takes, then so be it. Just so long as the item's with you when you arrive." With that, contact ends and Kaji makes ready for his departure. Hoping it won't be necessary to flee and leave everyone in the lurch.

(Unit-02's plug)

"So how do we get from here to there?" Shinji's question is good as Ritsuko is wondering that herself. "We're on battery power as it is." That itself gets a smirk from Asuka.

"Ever play 'Hopscotch' before?"

Before they can reply, Asuka has Unit-02 jump from 'Othello' over to a still intact frigate. Rendering it moderately damaged upon landing before leaping again. And again. And again until it reaches 'Over the Rainbow'. As it reaches it, Asuka crows out loud.

"Coming in for a landing!"

Shinji braces himself and Ritsuko follows suit as best she can. By putting their fronts to the back of Asuka's seat. When they land, they land hard. Right by the plug that'd been brought out by the flight deck crew of 'Over the Rainbow'. Asuka hurriedly, yet calmly, has the EVA attach the plug to its umbilical port. Bringing it off of battery power.

('Othello'; deck)

Tehurn scowls massively as she watches the red behemoth leap from ship to ship when she sees a massive form heading toward 'Othello' under the waves.

"Evasive maneuvers!" Calling out, she yells, "We've got incoming hostile underwater! Turn, turn, turn!" Just as the ship turns, the form turns away and heads toward 'Over the Rainbow'. Just as Unit-02 lands on the deck. "Shit! Someone get on the horn and tell 'Over the Rainbow' Unit-02's got incoming!"

(Unit-02 plug)

With a thought, Asuka deploys 02's prog knife and has the EVA hold it horizontally. Intent on gutting it in one shot. Shinji, however, sees where her mind's going and shakes his head.

"This is B-type equipment. If we fall in, we're in for an impromptu swimming lesson for Unit-02."

"Then we simply won't fall in." Upon seeing the Sixth Angel surface, its mouth wide open, she slightly reels back, asking, "Teeth?"

"It is an Angel, after all." Focusing his eyes into the Angel's mouth, he sees what they need to hit to kill it. Along with how fast it's going and its target. "Duck or we'll be missing a head!"

A split second later, Asuka ducks the EVA in time to avoid getting eaten by the Angel. As Unit-02 regains its bearings, Asuka turns to Shinji and snarls.

"We've could've gotten that Angel!"

"We may have, but we'd also be in the Angel's home turf. But that's not important. What is, however, is that we need to examine what we have going for us." Staring Asuka in the eye, he says, "So get a hold of yourself, dammit, and we can win this thing."

"Just how are we supposed to win? Huh? Our chance just got sunk." At the same time, Asuka calms down enough to deep a deep breath of LCL. "So, you want to know what we've got going for us? I'll be more than happy to tell you. Not one damned thing. That's what."

"What kind of weapons do you have on here right now?" His eyes spotting the Angel turning to come at them again, from 150' away under the waves, Shinji adds, "We don't have time for you to think, Sohryu. What kind of weapons do you have on Unit-02 right now?"

"Other than the prog knife in the left shoulder pylon and spike launcher in the right shoulder pylon, not very much."

Much as she hates to admit it, Shinji's calmness is calming her down. Ritsuko, however, is looking like she's on the verge of bursting. Shinji, however, nods before going on. Even as the Angel gets ever closer.

"Hmm." His face taking on malicious interest, he asks the needed questions. "How big are the spikes? Propulsion method? How many? Firing options? Sequence of firing?"

"100 feet. Rocket. Count of twelve. Options are total volley or single shot. Top to bottom."

"Good. Now, here's what we're gonna do."

('OTR' Bridge; same time)

As Misato scrambles to get her charges and Asuka support, she sees a Harrier jump jet arrive up onto the flight deck. Along with a familiar scruffy face within the aircraft. With a wide smile of joy, she plasters her face to the window.

"KAJI!" The smile soon fades when she hears his words.

"If you'll excuse me, Katsuragi, I've a delivery to make." As the Harrier lifts off, he adds, "I'll leave the rest to you, Captain!" With that, the Harrier flies away and Misato curses a streak so blue, it makes Admiral Teach blush. What happens next surprises everyone.

(Unit-02 plug)

"Ready, Sohryu?"

"Ready, Ikari. Takamiya?"

"Ready. Just wish I had gone to the bathroom first!"

Asuka and Shinji can only share an agreeing chuckle before Shinji's eyes lock onto the Angel as it surfaces and speeds toward them. Superimposing his eyes' crosshairs onto the target. The sights being by 02's targeting sights. Doing his role as a spotter.

"A little to the left, and down." As Asuka maneuvers 02 in the directions spoken, Shinji goes on. "A hair to the right." A slight nudge is all it takes for his next word. "It's a lock."

BAPH

At that, the spike flies right into the Angel's open mouth and right into the Angel's core. Rupturing it to the point the Angel sinks back down under the waves and explodes underwater. Massively.

As the sea spray washes over Unit-02, the machine powers down. Asuka having only one thought.

'Now I know I have to make him mine! Anyone that can defeat or aid in defeating Angels that quickly and brutally deserves to be by my side!'

Ejecting the plug, she opens the hatch. Allowing the LCL to spill out. As it spills out, all three exit the plug and expel the LCL from their lungs. Shinji and Asuka, having been used to the stuff by now, has very little difficulty. Ritsuko, however…

"If you'll excuse me, I gotta hit the toilet!" With that, Ritsuko rushes away and Asuka sighs haplessly.

"I'd better go along with her to show her how the plug-suit comes off. Wait here, Ikari."

Without waiting for a reply, she stalks away from Shinji. Shinji, on the other hand, makes his way to the men's showers. Along the way, he decides to try contacting Berto. For he couldn't chance being considered nuts for seemingly talking to himself.

"Berto, you hear me?"

"Loud and clear, hermano. Good to hear you speaking. I was getting kinda worried about you."

"Sorry, but I couldn't talk or nod unexpectedly. That'd have been weird to them to no end."

Reaching the showers, he ducks in and turns on the water. Rinsing off the LCL from his body and the plug-suit. Once it's rinsed off, he removes his nerve clips and puts them into the plug-suit's pocket he'd adapted before switching over.

"I'm probably weird enough to them as it is."

"Probably. But, just for the record, you're a good weird."

"Thanks, Berto." Stripping off his wet clothes, he drapes them over a bench and says, "I'll just let them drip dry here for about fifteen minutes. They should be dry enough by then in time for Rits and Sohryu to come back."

"Good plan."

(Ladies' Head)

"Ugh." Stepping out of the stall, Ritsuko brings the plug-suit up to her midsection and goes to the sink to clean her hands. "If this is what you gotta go through, then I'm glad I passed on the offer 'Commander Dumbass' made!" Asuka can't help but find herself curious about what Ritsuko said.

"Isn't Commander Ikari Shinji's Father and your future Father-in-Law? If so, why are you talking about him like that?"

"It's because it's the way Shinji regards the dumbass. Quite frankly, Shinji's right. The man's a terminal dumbass. Jo Branson even said he's a walking 'Darwin Award' in the making!"

"Who's Jo Branson?"

"She was the jump-mistress for the sports expo before you got here. She even gave Shinji a cute, if not morbid, nickname. Long before we met, too."

"The nickname being?"

"It'll be better if Shinji tells you. It still sends crawls up and down my spine any time I think about it."

"Okay. I'll ask him about why he calls the Commander a 'dumbass' and his nickname." Bringing her plug-suit back up to cover herself, Asuka reseals it and grins when Ritsuko does the same. "You're a natural wearer. Why not become an actual Pilot?"

"Thank you, but no. I have no intention whatsoever in becoming an EVA Pilot. From the way Shinji describes it, it's not all that's cracked up to be." Giving Asuka a concerned smile, she murmurs, "But I love Shinji. I'm going to support him for the rest of the war. As will my Mother, Misato and his family back in Old Osaka."

"But… oh right. He doesn't consider the Commander to be family anymore. Does he?" Ten minutes later, she gets her answer.

"Hell fucking no! I'd have been happier back in Old Osaka instead of being here! Or at least with Rits in Kyoto-2! Anywhere but where 'Commander Dumbass' is!"

"But he made you an Evangelion Pilot! You should be honored and grateful for your good fortune!" Blinking, she then asks, "How'd you get changed back into your clothes? Are you some kind of magician?"

"As to your questions, it's a secret and in a way. As to your comments…" Shinji takes a deep breath before he unloads. "I don't consider this to be good fortune! So don't be telling me to be honored and grateful for being drafted in a war I had no idea was coming! You understand me, Pilot Sohryu?"

"Okay, okay. But if you don't want to be here, then why… oh. Right. Your code. Humanity's at stake and they need you to save them from the Angels."

"Bingo." Looking out over the fleet, Shinji nods and says, "Aside from one ship destroyed and four others moderately damaged before the Sixth Angel bought the farm, I'd say we about broke even. Though I'd have been a little more subtle."

"In what way, Shinji?"

Rits' question, however, is to remain unanswered as a joyous Misato rushes the three teens and grabs them up into a bear hug. It's so tight, it's unclear as to who says the next words.

"Misato! Air, please!"

In the background, Admiral Teach and his XO are watching the scene when the Admiral catches Kensuke filming it. Turning to Kensuke, he then clears his throat.

"Young man, how much footage of this did you get?"

"Are you kidding me? I got it all! Unit-02's activation, leaping from ship-to-ship, Mr Kaji's departure for parts unknown!" Kensuke takes the chance for breath before he goes on. "The Angel exploding while underwater would've been cool as Hell, but since I didn't get it, I at least have Unit-02's shooting while standing on deck and the scene before us right now!" Kensuke then hyperventilates furiously, causing Admiral Teach to roll his eyes.

"Breathe, son, before you pass out on my flight deck!" At that point, 'Othello' comes alongside, a grinning Tehurn in sight as she guides the crane over. "Look alive, boys! We've got off-loading assistance!" As the crew hooks Unit-02 onto the crane, Shinji looks over toward a grinning Tehurn and waves. With the woman returning the wave gladly. He then hears Kat's voice.

"It's her, alright. Roxanne Hunter. Though her hair's a little longer and darker than the last time I saw her. Where are you guys heading to?" Instead of replying directly, given Asuka and Ritsuko are by his side, he turns to Misato and grins.

"Misato, how long until we reach New Yokosuka?" Misato returns the grin, having heard Kat's voice in her earpiece as well.

"About six hours."

"New Yokosuka, six hours ETA. Got it. Thanks, Shinji, Misato."

"Alright, thanks, Misato."

"You're welcome." Misato then grins as Ritsuko grabs Shinji and hauls him toward the gangway. A certain gleam in her eye. "Have fun aboard the 'Love Boat', you two!"

"We will, Misato! Whoa! Easy, Rits. We don't want to fall into the ocean."

"Sorry, sweetie, but I've got an itch for you to scratch right now." As the two cross over, Misato looks over at a steamed Asuka before smiling softly.

"Feeling jealousy pangs, Asuka?"

"Like you wouldn't believe, Misato." Looking around, she then grimaces and asks, "Where's Kaji at?"

"He split during your battle. Said he had a delivery to make."

"Oh." Shrugging, she adds, "In any case, Kaji had been looking forward to seeing you again."

"I don't want to talk about him. What I do want to talk about, however, is what had happened in Unit-02's plug while we go get you showered and changed into your regular clothes."

"Sounds good to me, Misato." At that, the two cross over to 'Othello' and Misato greets Tehurn.

"Captain Katsuragi, NERV Japan. You are?"

"Anne Tehurn. Welcome aboard, Captain Katsuragi. It's a delight to have you onboard, ma'am." At that, a loud shriek is heard.

"OH SHINJI!" Ritsuko's loud cry of orgasm causes Asuka to go beet red. While Anne and Misato share a chortle.

"Shinji's fiancée has a pair of lungs on her. That's for sure." Chortling still, Misato asks, "So where did that cry come from anyway, Ms Tehurn?"

"Off-hand, I'd say somewhere in the area below the cargo hold, Captain Katsuragi. The sound acoustics are something else, which makes it hard to pin down."

"Follow me, Misato." Asuka rolls her eyes and moves past the women, saying, "I think I know where to find Ikari and Takamiya." As Asuka keeps walking, Tehurn sighs in genuine sympathy.

"You have my condolences, Captain Katsuragi. Though I must admit it'll be a relief when that snotty little brat gets off in New Yokosuka."

"I'm sorry she gave you and the crew a hard time. How annoyed did she make the Captain?"

"Well, I'm guessing that he's so used to people like her, he built up a tolerance for it." Shrugging, she hastily adds, "Just guessing, of course."

"Of course. If you'll excuse me, I have charges to recover."

"Yes, ma'am." As Misato vanishes into the ship's bowels, Tehurn mutters, "Once we hit shore, I'll already be gone. I don't like the way Katsuragi was looking at me."

With that, she makes her way to her meager cabin after ensuring Unit-02's been re-secured in the cargo hold to pack what belongings she has. Along with altering her appearance.

(Below deck; 'Othello')

As Misato follows Asuka to where the latter felt their quarry was, she can't help but feel bad for her.

'She's in for a massive let-down when Shinji doesn't break up with Ritsuko.' Upon seeing Asuka come to a dead stop, she thinks, 'Why'd she suddenly stop?' Getting to Asuka's side, she looks at Asuka's face and sees it is so pale, it puts Ayanami's pallor to shame.

"Asuka?"

The redhead silently points ahead of her and Misato looks before tilting her head sideways while looking. The position Shinji has Ritsuko in while pumping into her can't help but cause Misato to be concerned.

"Doesn't that hurt, Ritsuko? I mean, that can't be comfortable at all. Having your legs back like that while on you're on your back while..." She's then interrupted when an aghast Asuka turns toward Misato.

"Misato! Don't encourage them!" Much to Asuka's horror, an archly smiling Ritsuko gives her reply.

"Not as much as I thought it would. As for comfort level, not really uncomfortable. I just love how deep Shinji can get into me like this." The smile soon becomes a slight frown. "However, I am worried about his comfort. I think he'd be more comfortable underneath me. So, if you don't mind…"

"Of course not, Ritsuko. Asuka and I'll leave you two be." With that, Misato tugs a horrified Asuka away from the scene, saying, "Let's get you changed and dressed, Asuka."

"Ikari… Takamiya… sex… painful." Asuka's broken speaking has Misato snickering.

'I do believe they crashed her brain! Maybe that'll make it clear to Asuka that Shinji's taken and off the market.' Asuka, however, only twitches as her brain boots back up.

'I can't believe it! How can he be satisfied with her? I wouldn't cause him to be in that much discomfort!' Her eyes going feral, she then mentally adds, 'You will be mine, "Third Child"! Count on it!'

(New Yokosuka; six hours later)

As the fleet's primary ships near the docks, a sated and grinning Ritsuko sighs happily upon feeling Shinji's arms wrap around her from behind. They'd spent the last five and a half hours making love aboard the 'Othello'. Having gotten dressed quickly fifteen minutes earlier, the two make their way to the top deck where they find Asuka and Misato sitting patiently. Or rather, Misato is patient while Asuka is visibly annoyed.

"Well, it's about time you two got done! We're coming up on New Yokosuka now! Just what were you trying for? A sex-a-thon?"

"Hmm, that actually sounds fun. Shin?"

"It's got my vote, Rits." Smiling widely still, Shinji says, "For someone that got off to a rocky start with us, you're alright, Sohryu."

"Um, thanks. I think." Smiling widely now, she adds, "When you're ready to have children, Takamiya, just point Ikari my way."

"Huh?" Two puzzled blinks greet Asuka before they turn from her to toward each other and back to her. "Why?"

"For me to be the surrogate Mother, of course. Duh."

"What makes you think we'll need a surrogate Mother, Sohryu?"

"It's because you don't have your 'special parts' anymore, Takamiya. Why else would a surrogate be needed?" The reaction she gets is not quite what she expected. Shinji and Ritsuko begin laughing. "Why are you two laughing? I'm being serious here!"

"You think I had… oh my God!" Ritsuko lets out another peal of laughter before shaking her head and going grimly serious. "Just to clarify things a bit, I didn't have any 'parts' removed. I had something put in without my knowledge or consent. Let alone my Mother's."

"WHAT?" At her rival's nod, along with the corroborating nod from the object of her desires, Asuka nods in understanding. All the while, she's thinking, 'Okay. A minor setback. But I can adapt. Just need another way into the bed of the "Third" is all. Then he'll be all mine!' Looking over toward the docks, she then sees four black and white UN Police cruisers pull up to the port the 'Othello' is docking at.

"Polizei?" Blinking, she turns to the others and asks, "Did someone cause someone to die or something? Because we've got cops out here." Her question, however, remains unanswered until three Police Officers head for the gangway as it goes down. At the same time, the Captain of the 'Othello' greets them.

"Welcome aboard, Officers. I'm Captain Jack Ramsey of the 'Othello'. Is there a problem?"

"Thank you, Captain. I'm Inspector Hanfred Gavali. It's been brought to our attention you've an international fugitive on board."

"Impossible! If I'd had a fugitive onboard, I'd have had them cast overboard. From five days ago to date, I had no one cast overboard."

"While I don't doubt your remarks, all reports of fugitives must be investigated."

"Very well, then. Do you have a picture?"

"Indeed I do, Captain." Reaching toward an Officer behind him, Gavali feels a paper slapped into his hand and grins. "Here is the picture, Captain." As Ramsey looks at the picture, his eyes go wide. He then turns around and spots his XO heading toward them.

"Yung! Find Tehurn and bring her before me!"

"Aye-aye, sir!" As Yung goes to carry out the command, a clearly dismayed Ramsey bows his head.

"I'm not fit to be Captain. I'd unknowingly aided and abetted a wanted fugitive."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Captain Ramsey." Gavali's words get a nod from his two colleagues before he goes on. "Like you said, it was without your knowledge. Plus, we were only able to find her picture just today along with getting an anonymous tip from a separate source."

"But, how could her picture have just been found today?"

"That avenue is still being looked into. All I can tell you is one minute, Roxanne Hunter's picture was not in the system. Next minute, it was."

"So she used an anagram of sorts then. Tehurn. Another spelling for Hunter." Next thing they know, Yung comes back. Upset and out of breath. "What's wrong, Yung?"

"Captain, Tehurn was not in her quarters. I checked around the ship and found one of the lifeboats was missing, sir."

"Aww, dammit to Hell! She slipped away?"

"Yes, sir." Shaking his head dismally, Yung adds, "She was starting to show promise as well."

"While I agree on that, just how did she slip away to begin with? We had the Navy all around us, didn't we?"

"We did, sir. I had the radioman put in a call to the ships within line of sight of us. I expect a reply any…" Next thing he knows, his radio beeps. "Yung."

"I've got a reply from the Cayuga. It reported a lifeboat breaking away from us fifty miles out. Its operator was too far away to be seen, but the spotter thinks it was Tehurn, sir."

"Good man, Sparks. Yung out." Ending transmission on his end, Yung asks, "So what's the situation, Skipper?"

"Tehurn was a fugitive, Yung. Who knows where she is now?"

(Shore of New Yokosuka; fifteen miles away)

Abandoning her lifeboat, Roxanne Hunter elects to leave it intact for the crew of the ship she'd vacated to recover. As she walks away, she muses on her next identity until settling on one. With that, she walks on. Hitchhiking until she gets a ride from a matronly woman that engages her in conversation. Sort of.

"Do you know what you're here to do, Miss Hunter?"

"I do. My 'benefactor' made it quite clear to me in the joint."

"Don't forget that your benefactor and my people often work with each other. With that in mind, you'll be working with one of mine. Just to keep each other honest, of course."

"I understand. Do I know who it is?"

"Oh yes. In fact, you met him already. But don't let his charms sway you for he cares for another from his past."

"I won't." She then tells the woman her new alias and the woman pulls to a stop beside a small solitary sedan. "I guess I'll see you around." With that, she gets out and into the sedan.