Shinji Steel 41

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

(Early morning; Nez/Ayanami residence)

Rei slowly opens her red eyes before smiling softly.

'It wasn't a dream. I did become a woman.' Looking down toward where her womb would be, she mentally adds, 'Sort of, anyway. The S-2 organ implanted inside me is like a birth control implant. Only it renders me totally barren.' Sighing in shame, she slumps downward. 'I lied to him.'

"Breakfast, Rei!"

Richard's call alerts her that Richard is not beside her, but is instead making breakfast from the smell of the air. Hearing her stomach grumble, Rei gets up and, nude still, walks into the kitchen. Finding Richard dressed in his school uniform. When he sees Rei, Richard can't help but chuckle lightly.

"Oh, if Mother was to be here right now, the first thing she'd ask is 'When are the grandchildren coming?'. Followed by 'Why is Rei Ayanami standing in the kitchen naked?'. Those would be the main questions she'd ask right off the bat."

"What about your Father?"

"He wouldn't say anything. He'd just hoist Mom up into his arms and carry her into the nearest bedroom." Rei can't help but giggle as Richard goes on. "I don't know a lot of vegetarian breakfasts, so I went with a salad for you." Rei's face can't help but beam as she smiles at him.

"A salad is sufficient, Richard. Thank you."

"You're welcome." With that, they both sit down to eat. With Richard sneaking glances at Rei's nude body as they eat. Rei notices his glances and can't help but titter in amusement.

"Like what you see?"

"Very much so." Richard's frank admission has Rei smiling warmly before he goes on. "So, to recap, you'll put on an ice cold façade when in public. Your true persona is saved only for myself and our friends?"

"Correct." Rei can't help but scowl softly as she adds, "Lately, the actions of 'Commander Dumbass' has caused me to question him."

"In what way?"

"When Shinji arrived in Tokyo-3, I was used to 'persuade' Shinji to Pilot to success." Her words can't help but get a grimace from Richard.

"Cheeky asshole, isn't he?"

"He is indeed. As of this moment, he and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki are en route to the remnants of Antarctica."

"Why there?" Richard's question is so soft, Rei can barely hear him. "What could possibly be there for them to make the journey?" Knowing she's about to tell a lie once more, while knowing it's better he doesn't know the truth, Rei gives her reply.

"I know not. The only thing 'Commander Dumbass' would tell me is that it is said to be a weapon that can be used against the remaining Angels."

"Unless they built a manufacturing facility there in the past few years, I'd say it's a wasted trip." Rolling his eyes, Richard adds, "Just what is 'Commander Dumbass' smoking when no one's looking? Pot soaked in Drano? Or did he slip on one banana peel too many? Thus knocking him stupid as Hell." Rei can't help but giggle at Richard's ideas.

"Those, I admit, are very good questions." Finishing her salad, she gets up and heads for the bedroom. "I believe there is school today and will get dressed. So during school we should talk to our friends Ikari and Takamiya about our current status. After school, we shall return here and engage in more intercourse until I have to go into NERV. Do you find this agreeable?"

"Sure." Grinning perversely, he asks, "Need any help?" Noting his tone, and liking it, she slightly turns back. Looking over her shoulder toward him. Her red eyes smoldering.

"Only in taking my clothes off after school upon arrival here."

With that, she enters the bedroom. Leaving the door open so Richard can see her getting dressed. Slowly, methodically, sensually and torturously. Richard only has one thought.

'She may have the appearance of a biblical Angel, but she's got a bit of a Devil in her!'

(Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu apartment; same time; Asuka's room)

Opening her blue eyes, Asuka smacks her lips together and grimaces.

"The voice wasn't kidding about the parched sensation." Looking to her right side, she sees three glasses of water and smiles softly. "At least I can count on Shinji to be his kind self. Well, when he's not being meaner than a rattlesnake at times." Having a smirk on her face at that last part, she then proceeds to drink the water down. Her thirst now sated, she gets up and sniffs the air.

'Breakfast.' Smiling as she gets dressed for school, Asuka thinks about what she wants to ask Misato and Shinji. Mainly Shinji. 'He's the key to all of this. I just know it!' Once she's finished dressing, she exits her room and heads into the kitchen. Sure enough, she finds Shinji making a Western breakfast.

"I've died and gone to Heaven." Shinji turns at her voice before chuckling. Asuka chuckling as well.

"Just be glad it's not Misato cooking." Shinji gives a light shudder before adding, "Because if she did, then you really would die and wind up in Heaven. Or maybe Hell depending on how you live your life from here on out."

"Oh, believe me, I am glad she isn't." Looking around, she then frowns. "Where is Misato at, anyway?"

"She left out about an hour ago. After all, with 'Commander Dumbass' and Vi-Co Fuyutsuki out of town, she's expected to be in early in the daytime and out late at night."

"Ah." Watching as Shinji lays eggs, toast, bacon and sausage down onto a plate, Asuka asks, "How did you get mixed up into your external outfit? Were you offered a deal like I was?"

"To your second question, no. To your first, I decided my path last year." Putting one of the plates down before her, he goes on. "I might have been influenced by my desire to help people that don't know they need help."

"Hence the code you live by." At his nod, Asuka smiles softly at that before frowning. "There's more, isn't there?"

"There was also something else that happened." Asuka's attention can't help but be grabbed at that.

"What was the something else that happened?" Without saying anything, Shinji switches forms to one that Asuka recognizes instantly. "You're Max Steel Jr.?"

"It's my alternate identity so I can live as normal a life as possible." Becoming Shinji again, he grins and adds, "Or at least what passes for normal." Asuka can't help but giggle at that before becoming curious.

"Was it before or after you met the future Mrs. Ikari?"

"After. As Rits had said, we met on the beach and went diving together with Kat."

"So she doesn't know then?"

"No, she doesn't as far as I know. Nor is she involved in any investigation in progress. But…"

"But what?"

"I can't help feeling that she'll get involved in one way or another in the investigation into NERV." That gets Asuka's to bulge out.

"NERV's being investigated?" At his nod, Asuka asks, "Why?"

"There are too many questions about NERV's practices. Also 'Commander Dumbass' sent Chiron to attack Rits. Even when she'd been through a lot of bullshit already since she and Deidre moved here. Well, aside from what'd happened to her birth parents."

"How's that?"

"You know that Kensuke had made a recording of her parents' voices, right?"

"I'm still stunned by that too." Shinji gives her a nod before she asks, "What was found?"

"There was residue for an explosive known as C-9 around the hole on 'Perseus'. Nasty stuff."

"How nasty?"

"It makes C-4 look like 'Play-Doh'. As I said, nasty stuff."

"I'll take your word for it. So just how is Takamiya involved in it?"

"Remember the lawsuit against her Grandfather? Only for it to turn out to be part of a scheme to slow down the repopulation of the planet by an unknown group?"

"Oh, do I ever. It's still being talked about, to boot." Blinking, she asks, "You can't mean…?"

"I do. This bunch is pissed off at Rits, Deidre, Doctor Tokisona and Miss Uramishi because they'd disrupted a well-laid plan."

"And with the Doctor and his assistant in Witness Protection, that leaves the Takamiyas unguarded. In their viewpoint, anyway."

"Exactly. There's a spy-sat tacked onto them 24/7 as of last month. With five operatives stationed in Tokyo-3's outskirts. And of course Rits is wanting to go out for blood. I can't say I blame her, either."

"I know what you mean. If someone killed my parents for no good reason at all, I'd be out for their blood too." Grinning wickedly, she asks, "How about you, Shinji?"

"If anyone wants to do harm to those I care for, I'll do anything necessary to protect them. But beyond that, it's a crap shoot."

"Not quite what I had in mind, but it'll do in a pinch. What if it happened before…"

"The probes?" At her nod, Shinji shrugs, "I'm afraid it'll be the same. Dad and his friends have been there for me since 'Commander Dumbass' ditched me. There may have also been attempts by 'him' to keep me from having a normal life." Before Asuka can even ask, Shinji gets an incoming transmission.

"Shinji, it's Jefferson."

'Hey, Jefferson.' Going verbal, he says, "Jefferson's calling."

"Who's Jefferson?"

"Dad's adoptive Father."

"Ah."

"How's it going?'

"It's going well. How's our latest 'recruit' doing?"

'She's doing well. I'm briefing her as we speak. Should I go verbal until we get her comm. set up?'

"Nah, but her comm., along with a new relay for Katsuragi, are on the way and should be there when you get back to the apartment."

'Got it. But why do I get the feeling there's more for you to tell me?'

"Joe passed away this morning." Shinji can't help but go verbal at that.

"Damn." Asuka's attention can't help but be grabbed by Shinji's sudden up-speak. "What happened?"

"He died in his sleep, so no need to worry about anything sinister happening. Nancy called this morning to tell Josh. Since he wasn't in, she told me."

"He was one of the nicest guys a kid like me would ever want to meet."

"Yeah, well, I'm afraid that Joe died without ever uttering your name or Josh's. It was always Mr. McGrath or Mr. Ikari any time he spoke of you. Same with the other executives as they'd expected him to before he'd retired." Shinji can't help but grin while rolling his eyes.

"Not even retirement could break him of that habit. Even though you, Dad and I are informal, majority rules, huh?"

"Yeah. Disgusting, isn't it?"

"That it is, Jefferson. Can you please give my regards to Nancy at the funeral?" Asuka's eyes can't help but go wide at the word 'funeral'. "I have a feeling I won't be able to make it there."

"If you're unable to attend, I will. In any case, the funeral's day after tomorrow."

"Got it." With that, communication ends and Shinji sighs. Asuka gives him a concerned frown and reaches over to his hand.

"Who died?"

"Joe Grigson. He was the watchman at the 'N-Tek' building the day Dad picked me up." Grinning fondly, he adds, "He was always proper as was expected of him by the Board of Directors. Dad, however, sought repeatedly to change that."

"Didn't go too well, huh?" At his headshake of 'no', Asuka smiles softly before saying, "I think I'd have liked to have met him."

"I think so too. Joe was a good man. The world needs more good men like he, Jefferson and Dad."

"How about you, Shinji? You're a good man too. Don't leave yourself out of it. Got that, Third?"

"I got it, Second." Checking the time, he grimaces and says, "We'd better get moving. We'll talk more about what you'd like later on when we're alone."

"Right." With that, they depart for school.

(Remnants of Antarctica; same time; NERV fleet)

As he gazes over the remnants of Antarctica, Gendo feels anticipation building up within him.

'Soon, the "Lance of Longinus" will be in hand, bringing Instrumentality one step closer to fruition.' Next thing he knows, Fuyutsuki walks up to him. Scowl on his face. "Is something the matter, Professor?"

"I got word from Section-2. Captain Chiron has vanished from Tokyo-3." Gendo's eyes can't help but go wide behind his glasses.

"How?"

"It seems that in the process of following your orders, he'd gotten caught."

"Damn!" Slamming his fist down, Gendo barks out, "Who's next on the Section-2 command chain?"

"Lieutenant Ishiragi, sir." Gendo can't help but sigh in dismay.

"I have no choice, then. Send a communiqué right back. 'Effective immediately, until our return, Psycho's in charge of Section-2'. That is all." Fuyutsuki nods as Gendo looks back out over the desolate surroundings. "Area of Death is an apt description of this place. Humanity's sins washed away in Second Impact."

"I'd prefer sins to mass death any day, myself. It's human nature, after all."

"No need to worry, Fuyutsuki. Instrumentality will succeed and humanity will become one. And Yui will be returned to us."

"If she were to be returned, what do you think she'll feel about what you have in mind for Shinji?"

"She'll understand. She always has." He then grimaces, adding, "Of course, unless we can get the Third Child to follow his role in our plan, all will be for naught. He's much too strong-willed for our purposes."

"His surrogate family undoubtedly had a hand in that."

"Indeed. I had tried tampering with his surroundings, but the people there were either stubborn or unafraid. As if they're being guarded by an unforeseen entity."

"If it's the latter?"

"We find and eliminate them. Nothing is to hinder the Scenario any further than it already has been."

"I expect they'll fight back if that's indeed the case." Gendo only scoffs at that.

"Do not be absurd, Fuyutsuki. No minor inconveniences can stand against NERV, SEELE or the Scenario."

Little does either man realize that they'd been overheard by one of a series of 'N-Tek' spy satellites. Having been created by Berto Martinez, the satellites have AI capability. Allowing them to transmit the conversation. Right into the mainframe at the 'N-Tek' office in Old Osaka for analysts to go over.

Disguised as pieces of space debris, the satellites orbit is as if they are drifting. When, in actuality, small puffs of compressed air adjust their courses when they're tasked to a specific region or 'target'.

One satellite in particular picks up a large mass approaching the outer edge of the solar system. Transmitting the find, it's programmed to avoid the mass, yet observe. It also notes the presence of a satellite with NERV markings on it.

Returning its attention to the mass, the cameras mounted on it notices the mass' trajectory and rapidly calculates. Transmitting the data, it includes the calculations that the mass is heading right for the NERV satellite. Estimated time of arrival at the satellite is seven hours.

(Tokyo-3 High School; Lunchtime)

As Shinji and Ritsuko get ready for lunch, Rei silently approaches them. Richard right behind her.

"Takamiya." Rei's soft voice gets Ritsuko to look her way before going on. "Might we speak in private?"

"Sure, Rei." Turning to Shinji, she's about to ask if they can picnic after school. Only Shinji nods before she can say anything. Smiling widely at him, she turns back to Rei and says, "Let's go, Rei." The blue-haired girl nods as Ritsuko strides out before following. Leaving Shinji and Richard.

"I'm guessing you'd like to talk to me as well." Shinji's words get a silent nod from Richard before he nods right back. "I know a spot. Let's go." Richard follows Shinji as Asuka blinks in confusion.

"Now what?"

"I think I know what's going on." Hikari's voice gets Asuka to turn around. "Or at least a pretty good idea, anyway. Unless you've been through it, you can't take part."

"Why am I getting a feeling about the 'it' you're talking about?"

"My elder sister told me to not discuss 'it' unless 'it' happened as well."

"You mean…" Hikari's nod is with a red face as Asuka goes on. "Wondergirl and Nez?"

"Seems to look that way." Asuka can't help but blush before chuckling.

"I don't know whether to be happy for her or jealous as Hell."

"I know how you feel, Asuka." Looking over toward Touji, catching Asuka's eye, Hikari goes on. "Much like Ikari and Takamiya with their relationship."

"Ugh, can we please not talk about the 'Invincible Shinji' right now?"

"Oh, Asuka, you can't possibly still be jealous of Takamiya getting to him before you. Can you?"

"A little bit." Smiling softly, she adds, "But they do make a lovely couple. They deserve happiness together." Mentally, she adds, 'Even if "Commander Dumbass" doesn't like it.'

"Wow. That's surprisingly mature of you, Asuka." The redhead can only shrug before grinning.

"Another lifetime, different circumstances, who knows? Shinji's a nice guy and he'll never hurt Takamiya on purpose." Her grin going gleeful, she adds, "Quite frankly, if she's to feel pain, it's during the glory of childbirth." Hikari giggles as she nods before looking over at Touji again.

"I agree." Asuka then grabs her arm, dragging Hikari out of the room. "Asuka?"

"You've been looking at Suzuhara quite often, Hikari. If anything, we're talking about that."

"What do you mean by that, Asuka?" When Asuka doesn't reply, Hikari can't help but gulp. "Asuka?"

(Rei and Ritsuko; shaded knoll; same time)

As Rei and Ritsuko eat, the blue-haired girl tries to determine how best to ask. Finally deciding to be as blunt as possibly needed, she does so.

"What was your entry into 'womanhood' like, Takamiya?" Ritsuko can't help but gulp before looking right at Rei. Much to her surprise, Rei's face is beet red. Getting Ritsuko to grin.

"You lost your virginity, huh?" At Rei's nod, Ritsuko asks, "Richard?"

"Correct." Her face beet red, Rei clasps her face between her hands and smiles. "He's the first boy, aside from Shinji, that makes me feel special. Not even Commander Ikari made me feel that way." Looking over toward Ritsuko, she sees her grinning still. In amusement, no less.

"Shinji makes you feel special, huh?" At Rei's nod, Ritsuko then asks, "In what way?"

"In a way, Shinji is like the brother I never had." Smiling softly now, she says, "I can honestly say I like the idea of Shinji being like a brother to me."

"I think that if you were to tell him that, he'd like the idea of you being the sister he never had." Shrugging, she adds, "Well, aside from Misato being like a big sister to you both."

"The Major as a sister? I am not sure how to ponder that. My apologies."

"It's okay. But at least we know that Misato cares for you guys like a big sister would."

"That is true."

(Shinji and Richard; five minutes ago; rooftop)

"Hey, Shinji, how'd you know Ritsuko was the one you want to spend the rest of your life with?" Richard's question stuns Shinji before the latter smiles.

"Well, truth be told, I wasn't sure any girl would want to spend the rest of her life with me. That had been my mindset for three years before Ritsuko and I met. I mean, like Asuka said the day of the 6th Angel, I'm not much to look at. But Ritsuko convinced me, in her own special way, that I'm good enough for her."

"When did that happen?"

"It was several months after we met. After she had been revealed to be allergic to peanut-based items, I sat at her bedside in the Hospital. I told her I didn't think I deserved a beautiful girl like her. I thought she was asleep still until I saw her smiling softly as her eyes opened. It was then she told me that I am good enough for her as I was the first boy to blush furiously, and look 'cute', upon meeting her for the first time." Richard can't help but chortle lightly, Shinji right behind him.

"Didn't quite see yourself as a lady-killer, huh?"

"Yeah. Of course, Kat had teased me often before Rits and I even met. She and Misato have that in common as far as I know."

"And I'd still be doing it if Ritsuko hadn't accepted, Shinji. Never forget that."

'I won't, Kat. Oh, how's Berto doing today?'

"He's sleeping right now. Our celebration took quite a bit from him." Kat then chortles as she adds, "I'd never known Berto could have such a good singing voice."

'Huh?'

"Yeah. We did karaoke in the lounge until he fell asleep. He went for five songs before finally dozing off." Shinji can't help but chortle lightly. Getting Richard's attention. Kat, however… "Keep laughing, stud, and next time I see Ritsuko I'll tell her about your first wet dream about her." Shinji stops his chortling, getting Kat to snicker.

'I thought we'd never talk about that again.'

"That was before you threatened Berto with the duet and laughed just now. So watch it."

'I will.'

"Good boy." With that, Kat signs off. Getting Shinji to sigh.

"What were you laughing about?"

"Just an idea for a joke is all. No need for concern, Richard."

"If you say so." Doubtful of Shinji's statement, Richard shrugs before asking, "Before I say anything else, how do you view Rei?"

"She's like a subtle sister. Much like Misato is the not-so-subtle sister." Richard can't help but laugh at that. Shinji right behind him.

"Now that I believe!" As the two laugh, Richard sighs before asking, "So, if you're in the shoes of a brother, do I have permission to court Rei?"

"In the shoes of a brother, I grant you permission. But…" At that, Richard gulps. "If you do anything to cause her to cry in a negative manner, I will rip your spine out and mount it on my wall as a trophy." Shinji's words were spoken in such deadpan, Richard can't help but feel fearful. Up until he sees Shinji's struggles to not laugh.

"You're mean, man!" The two share a laugh as Shinji loses the fight to not laugh. "You dog!"

"Sorry, but you did ask me to speak like a brother probably would." Richard can't help but nod while chortling. "Seriously, though, treat her right. That's all I ask of you."

"I will."

(Asuka and Hikari; schoolyard bench; six minutes ago)

"Okay, Asuka, why'd you drag me here?"

"It's about missed chances, Hikari." Looking directly at the pig-tailed girl, Asuka goes on. "I know I'll sound like a bitch when I say you can do better. But if you want Suzuhara, you have to tell him instead of looking at him all the time. I mean, look at me. I hadn't met Shinji until the time of the 6th Angel and knew I wanted him for myself. Then I found out about he and Takamiya being together. You tracking okay so far?"

"Yes, and I see where you're going with it. But how is it a missed chance?"

"That's because that's exactly what it is. A missed chance." Getting right up into her face, Asuka says, "If you don't tell Suzuhara how you feel about him, you'll miss out on a chance to see if there's something worthwhile to him after all. Leaving some other unlucky girl to snatch him up. I don't think you want that. Do you?" The tone in Asuka's voice gets Hikari's attention.

"No, I don't." Patting Asuka's hand, she adds, "You'll find someone for yourself someday, Asuka. Wait and see."

"I will, Hikari." Bringing up her lunch, Asuka grins and says, "Let's eat. I'm starving." Hikari can't help but giggle while nodding in agreement.

(NERV HQ; one hour later; Misato's office)

Misato's going over her paperwork when Kaji walks right in. Grin on his face. Which causes her to groan.

"Just when I think my day can't get any worse, it does."

"Relax, Katsuragi, for I gotta go out on an errand. Just came to give you a heads up."

"What kind?"

"As I'm sure you're already aware, Captain Chiron has vanished unexpectedly."

"Good riddance to bad rubbish." Her eyebrows then slam down before she groans. "Lieutenant Ishiragi is in charge of Section-2 now, isn't he?"

"Nope. According to the communiqué from Commander Ikari, a man named 'Psycho' is." Misato's eyebrows can't help but arch upward.

"An Agent named 'Psycho' is in charge of Section-2 right now?" At his nod, Misato can't help but snort. "That's some nickname."

"I'll say." Bringing out the communiqué, he goes on. "In any case, it's just until Commander Ikari and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki return to settle on a permanent replacement."

"Does 'Psycho' know yet?"

"No. After all, the one that's to inform of Command changes any time during the absences is…"

"The Director of Operations. Me." At his nod, Misato sighs and asks, "Where can I find 'Psycho' at this time so I can inform him?"

"Dunno. But you can have him paged via intercom to save time." Giving Misato a wave, Kaji exits, saying, "If you'll excuse me…"

"Go on and get out of here." Kaji nods and is nearly out the door when she says, "Thanks for telling me, Kaji. You have no idea what this means to me." Perplexedly, Kaji nods and finishes his exit. Closing the door after himself.

"No idea whatsoever." Picking up her phone and hitting the 'intercom', she says, "Section-2 Agent 'Psycho' report to the office of the Director of Operations." Three minutes later, a knock is heard on her door.

"Come in." The door opens and in steps a man with a metal fist extending from his right jacket sleeve. The man gives her a salute before speaking.

"Section-2 Agent 'Psycho' reporting as ordered."

"Close the door, if you please, Agent." As of now, Misato's fighting a certain urge. 'Must… resist… urge… to… kill!'

"Yes, ma'am." Once Psycho's done so, he waits for Misato to speak.

"I'll keep this as simple as possible, Agent. I'm Major Misato Katsuragi. You are to refer to me as Major or ma'am. Is that clear?"

"It is, Major." Misato motions for him to sit down. Once he's done so, she goes on.

"As I'm sure you're aware, Section-2 is tasked with protecting the Evangelion Pilots and other NERV personnel."

"Ma'am."

"I'm also sure you're aware that your predecessor, Captain Chiron, has vanished without a trace."

"I am, ma'am." Misato gives him a nod before proceeding.

"As of now, you are acting Captain of Section-2 pending the return of Commander Ikari and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki. From there, a further decision will be made as to a permanent replacement. Any questions, Acting Captain?"

"Two, ma'am."

"Proceed."

"Isn't Lieutenant Ishiragi the next in line in Captain ranks?"

"He was, but Commander Ikari elected to bypass him for you upon being informed of Captain Chiron's disappearance." Psycho gives her a nod before his next and final question.

"How am I qualified to be Captain, ma'am?"

"Two reasons I can think of offhand. One, you seem to be more competent than your predecessor and the man you'd leapfrogged over by the Commander's authority combined." She and Psycho can't help but share a chortle before she goes serious again.

"Two, I can tell you'd done some dark things in your past just from looking at you. In my personal opinion, if anything, this is a chance for you to redeem yourself. Clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." Misato nods before rummaging through her desk, grinning and rising. Psycho rising as well as Misato walks around her desk. Handing Psycho an opened box, he can see a Captain badge within. "I won't let you down, ma'am. Well, at least until an official Captain is named, anyway."

"I'm sure you won't, Acting Captain." Watching as he affixes the Captain badge to his jacket, she says, "Believe it or not, that's my old Captain badge. It has great sentimental value to me. Clear?"

"Crystal, Major." Giving her a soft smile, with her returning it, he adds, "I'll take good care of it for the time-being."

"Excellent." Her smile fading slightly, she goes serious again. "I want you to personally protect Pilot Ikari's girlfriend Ritsuko Takamiya as well any time she's near him."

"With my life and what's left of my honor, I will, Major."

"Dismissed, Captain."

"Ma'am." Giving her one more salute, she returns it and he opens her door before leaving her office and closing the door after himself. Unable to repress a wide grin, he lets it out. 'Might as well enjoy myself while I get Section-2 into shape.'

Back in her office, however, Misato sighs.

"Did you get all that, Josh?"

"I did, Misato. I gotta admit, you handled 'Smiley' quite well."

"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly thrilled with him being so close to Shinji as a bodyguard. You won't believe how many times I'd wanted to pull my 9mm out and try giving his head a ventilation system while he was in front of me. Especially with what he'd done to Shinji before he came to Tokyo-3." Sighing, she says, "I'm gonna have to tell him I met 'Smiley' and that I named him Acting Captain of Section-2 until 'Commander Dumbass' returns."

"What do you think his reaction's going to be?"

"He's going to go ape-shit when I tell him. I can feel it in my gut." Sighing again, she mutters, "I need a beer."

(Section-2 barracks; ten minutes later)

As he walks into the barracks, Psycho can't help but be dismayed at what he sees. Thirty-five men drinking beer and another fifteen playing card games for money. With another twenty-five reading porn magazines and another twenty watching porn videos. But what really gets his attention is a group of fifteen men passing a vintage-appearing revolver amongst themselves. Deciding the revolver to be the biggest threat at present, he strides over and yanks it out of the next Agent's hand by the barrel.

"Just what the Hell are you doing, Agent?" The Agent looks up at Psycho, allowing him to see the Agent's blood-shot eyes. "You're drunk as a fucking skunk!"

"What's it to you, Psycho?"

"It's Captain Psycho to you. Thinking of…" Taking a deep breath, he bellows out, "Alright you lot, fall in!" At the sound of Psycho's bellow, the Agents have no choice but to drop what they're doing and fall in. Once they'd fallen in, he begins.

"As of ten minutes ago, I'd been designated as Acting Captain until the return of Commander Ikari and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki as to the selection of a permanent replacement for Captain Chiron. If any of you have a problem with that, the door's right behind me." Upon seeing no takers for the moment, Psycho goes on.

"Pending appointment of a permanent replacement, I have a series of rules. First, 'No drinking alcoholic beverages while on duty'." Upon hearing incredulous murmuring, Psycho nods. "That's right. As of now, this is a dry unit. If you want to drink, wait until after you're off duty. Second, 'No porn of any kind while on duty'. It works the same as alcohol. Third, no games of chance while on duty. I needn't expand, do I?"

"No sir!"

"Good. Fourth, 'Russian Roulette' is not a game. It's a method of committing suicide'. I catch any of you doing 'that', you will be submitted for psychological treatment. If that fails, you'll be discharged from Section-2 immediately. We have no need of suicidal Agents as far as I'm concerned. Do you get me?"

"We get you, sir!" Psycho gives a nod of approval until he sees Lieutenant Ishiragi with his hand up. Incidentally enough, Ishiragi was the one Psycho had stopped from playing 'Russian Roulette' just moments ago.

"How did you get bumped up ahead of me, Captain?" Ishiragi's words are slurred as he goes on. "I have more experience and am better qualified to be Captain than you."

"I asked Major Katsuragi the same thing and she told me it was under Commander Ikari's orders." Shrugging, he adds, "Personally, I think he and she feel the same way I do. That you're a fucking idiot." Ishiragi lets out a snort before looking right at Psycho.

"That so? I'll have you know I served proudly and with distinction under Captain Chiron. You've only been with us for one year and six months."

"Oh, sure, and your own Captain couldn't keep up with the Third Child while the Third's driving his car. Are your driving skills as shitty as his?"

"Hey, it's not our fault! The Third cheats when he drives! He's had specialized driving training that none of us ever had!"

"Which makes you sub-par in the Commander's book. I mean, if the Third Child can outdrive you, then what good are you if he comes under attack by those who want to kill him?" As Ishiragi attempts to come up with an answer, Psycho looks over the other Agents and sees he has their attention still.

"Now here's the way it's going to go. Until further notice, you'll all undergo an extensive retrain after you get the alcohol out of your systems. I'm talking driving O/D, marksmanship with your assigned weapons, surveillance techniques. The whole nine yards." He then sneers at them.

"I'll be back here in two hours time. I'd better be seeing Agents ready for training. If you're not ready, then you might as well go on home as I do not have time to waste on those that would rather be lazy-asses as opposed to learning to protect those they're supposed to protect." With that, he exits. Unaware that Ishiragi's recovered his voice and is snarling.

"I'll show him." Little does Ishiragi realize that the other Agents are cleaning up the barracks until he turns around. "Just what are you doing?"

"Cleaning up the 'Racks, Lieutenant. Things have gotten a little too lax here, anyway. Captain Psycho's right."

"You're taking his side? What about Captain Chiron?"

"I gotta admit, life under his command was nice, but at the same time, most of us weren't doing our duties the way they're supposed to be done. About the only group of us that were is the group charged with the protection of Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki. The rest of us were following Chiron's lead and having drinking parties all the time."

"You watch yourself, Yakamoto. Let's not forget that Captain Chiron plucked you from the streets of Tokyo-3 and gave you a job with us."

"I know that, and I am glad he did. At the same time, however, I'd rather work for Major Katsuragi. She's at least easier to work with than Chiron is."

"That idiotically worthless whore? The only reason she made Major is because she's watching over Commander Ikari's son!"

"Even though he's not being acknowledged as a 'Father' by the Third Child? Not likely."

"It's just because they'd been apart for years."

"Then why is it that Commander Ikari has never once used his own son's name ever since he got here?"

"He doesn't have time to be a Father right now. Then when the war's over, they can restart."

"What kind of booze have you been drinking? Commander Ikari doesn't give a damn about the Third Child."

(Takamiya house; twenty minutes later)

Deidre sighs as she wipes her brow before looking at the item she'd just lugged into the house. It'd taken her a while, but she'd managed to, through a black market vendor in New Shinjuku, obtain a roll of Dragon-Skin armor material to make Ritsuko's 'Dragonette' suit.

"Next item I need is a strong sewing machine then I can get started on Ritsy's outfit. Once I get it done, I can get started on her helmet. And that's going to be a party and a half."

The hardest part, as far as she could tell, was obtaining the materials and technology to make the 'Dragonette' helmet. Complete with infrared, thermographic and night vision capabilities. Along with a comm. unit to allow Ritsuko to communicate with her on the way out of wherever she enters.

'All I need now is for Ritsy to get home without bringing Shinji in with her to practice making babies.' That in itself gets Deidre to chortle in evil amusement. 'Though it would be interesting for Max Jr. to see Dragonette with a baby bump to throw off suspicion of Ritsy.' All further musing ends when there's a knock on her door.

"Who can that be?" Ensuring the roll's out of sight, she opens the door and smiles upon seeing Psycho. "Hey, you're here early."

"I know." Psycho gives her a smirk before asking, "Notice anything different, 'Nelle?" Deidre can't help but shake her head in exasperation before looking Psycho over.

Section-2 issue black suit. Check.

Section-2 shades. Check.

Captain badge… huh?

Deidre can't help but blink at the badge on Psycho's jacket before looking up at him.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Yep. Until 'Commander Dumbass' and Vi-Co Fuyutsuki return, I'm Acting Captain of Section-2."

"Oh yeah. Chiron's great disappearing act from Tokyo-3." At his nod, Deidre smiles widely at him. "Did it pain 'Commander Dumbass' to say those words?"

"He didn't say them to me personally. He had a communiqué sent, with the message that until a permanent replacement for Chiron was found, I'm in charge."

"That's great. Who told you about the communiqué?"

"Major Katsuragi." Deidre's eyes can't help but go wide.

"As in Major Misato Katsuragi?"

"Yeah. Why?" As she tells him, Psycho can't help but gulp nervously. "I'd better avoid the mistakes Chiron made then. She may be the fun-loving type, but she's also like a lioness with her cubs." Deidre can only nod and grin at him. "You're like her too, for that matter." For that, she laughs.

(Site of Shannon Bio-Pharmaceuticals Inc; three hours later)

Kaji can't help but grimace at the state of the building he's in. For a building reportedly connected to the Marduk Institute, it certainly does not look like it one bit. What was supposed to be intact and functional, he finds only dilapidation and cockroaches.

"Another dead-end." Upon hearing a rustle outside, he palms his holstered pistol under his left shoulder before going to the door. Upon seeing his contact seated, he relaxes slightly. "Nice to see you again."

"Nice to hear you're still alive." The elderly woman's smirk is evident as she goes on. "This is Shannon Bio-Pharmaceuticals Inc, one of the places listed for the Marduk Institute." Holding up a magazine, she reveals a file paper-clipped to it. "As you can see, this is one of seventeen corporations listed under the Marduk Institute." Kaji looks and notices two names he recognizes right off the bat.

"Commander Ikari and Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki are on there, huh?"

"They are indeed. Ostensibly for the purpose of finding Pilots." Throwing down pieces of meat for the kittens gathered around her, she goes on. "Incidentally, our American counterpart infiltrated NERV successfully, with nothing new to report. Although a sort of relationship had been established."

"Who with?" Upon being told, Kaji can't help but chortle in amusement. "Sure didn't see that coming." The woman can't help but chortle herself.

"Neither did I. Surprisingly enough, it looks like it'll endure if they gut it out."

"I sure hope so. What about the 'shadow faction'? Anything new on them?"

"It's possible they were involved with the disappearance of Section-2 Captain Chiron." Kaji's light chuckles can't help but get her attention. "Something amusing, Ryoji?"

"I just wish I could tell Katsuragi just to see the look on her face! She'd probably want to buy them a series of beers to thank them. Paycheck be damned." The woman can't help but sigh in exasperation.

"I'm delighted you can find humor in this kind of situation, but I am being serious. The 'shadow faction' may inadvertently hinder the investigation."

"What if they're working on the same thing we are, though?"

"If that is the case, they are to work under us, not independently. After all, this is Japanese soil. We take care of our own messes. If they wish to assist, they are to take orders from us. Not issue their own." Rising to her feet, she says, "I'll meet with you later on, Kaji. Make sure you don't die before I see you or where we meet again."

"Don't worry. When I die, you won't even be around." Silence greets him, causing him to sigh. "She's as silent as those kittens she feeds." Looking at the building once more, Kaji shakes his head in disgust. "I'd feel a lot better if one of the 'shadows' will at least make contact with me." Unknown to himself, a hovering 'N-Tek' Sparrow under cloak is hovering right over him. Its pilot can't help but grin.

"Command, this is Beta-7. I just overheard our Japanese friend wishing we'd make contact with him. Do I have clearance to do so?"

"Negative, Beta-7. Maintain cover unless he is verified to be at risk."

"Beta-7, roger. I just hope we won't be too late."

"I understand, Beta-7. Command out." With that, contact ends and the Agent sighs.

"Just a little longer, man, and we'll meet."

(NERV HQ; Command Bridge; two hours later)

"An Angel? Are you sure, Maya?"

"I am, Major." Maya brings up the image from the satellite NERV had just lost. "It's not pretty, ma'am."

"Since when are Angels pretty?" Misato's quip can't help but have Maya giggling before remembering another item.

"Before the satellite's destruction, I noticed something unusual."

"What is it, Maya?" Wordlessly, Maya brings the image back up. Only to crop an edge of it in for a close-up. "Looks like a piece of space junk, Maya."

"True, but since when does a piece of space junk have surveillance capabilities?"

"Are you sure?" Maya nods before bringing up one more close-up. Revealing a lens for a camera. "How'd you spot this?"

"It was entirely by accident, actually. I was going over the footage when I noticed it. I thought it odd that a piece of space junk would be positioned like that. Simply observing."

"Does anyone else know?"

"No, Major. I decided to tell you first."

"Good. Tell no one else about this, Maya. Not even Ritsu. Okay?" When Maya looks back at her, Misato gives her an even stare. "I mean it, Lieutenant Ibuki. No one but the two of us can know about it. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." Maya punches in a command and the images Maya had cropped for close-up are no more. "It'll have to do for starters, ma'am."

"It's an excellent start, Maya. When this is over, though, we need to chat. Okay?"

"Okay." Misato gives Maya a soft smile before bringing out her phone.

"This is Major Katsuragi. I need to declare a D-17 evac order for Tokyo-3. Also, the Pilots are to be mustered here post-haste. Move it!" Ending the call, she says, "All we need now are a big load of guts and a lot of luck." Maya can only nod in agreement as she and Misato head for the briefing room.

Author's Notes; How's that for a twist? Psycho's Acting Captain of Section-2 and the 10th is arriving.