Shinji Steel

by MichaelCross

Shinji Ikari is taken in by Josh McGrath and becomes a new hero years afterward. However, he soon finds that he's to fight in a war that has a shadow of a long-gone foe lurking in the shadows. Can Shinji, his beloved and allies win the war for survival? Shinji/OC pairing, with lemons, multiple pairings and OCs.

53. Chapter 53

Shinji Steel 53

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

(NERV HQ; Gendo's office; two hours later)

"Say that again, Dr Akagi."

"Yes sir. The embryonic form of Adam's been stolen and the 'Custom Model' clone's been destroyed."

"How? We have surveillance equipment, so it shouldn't be possible at all!"

"I can try to guess, sir."

"Proceed, Doctor."

"Tapping into the equipment we have, recording a time when the hallways are empty and rendering the feed into a continuous loop, it'd be quite easy for the unknown person or persons to get in. Allowing them to get what they're after or destroy what they're there to destroy, and exit. All without being spotted at all on the surveillance equipment."

"What does Captain Sychola have to say about all this?"

"He was quite frank and adamant in saying that the system is, and I quote, 'So old and decrepit, a corpse could just exit its grave, walk in and do a rendition of 'Swan Lake' before going back to its grave'. End quote." Gendo, at this point, can't tell if he should groan in aggravation or laugh his head off in amusement at the thought of a corpse doing 'Swan Lake'.

"I see. I'll take it under advisement, Doctor. However, I find this occurrence to be a serious hindrance to the 'Scenario' at large." His eyes narrowing, he adds, "I do not like hindrances of any kind, Dr Akagi. Is the Dummy Plug project proceeding smoothly still?"

"It is, sir. I've got the prototype undergoing construction right now."

"Very well. Once it's at 75%, I want it tied into the MAGI. Specifically Caspar." Smirking, he adds, "After all, 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned', Doctor."

"Very well, sir." As Ritsu turns to exit, she hears Gendo speak once more, only for her to not catch it. "Sir?"

"I can't help but wonder if someone's working against the Scenario actively or if it's a run of incredible misfortune." Ritsu can't help but grin softly while speaking.

"I highly doubt someone's working against the Scenario if no one outside of us knows about it."

"Probably. But unless the Scenario is brought back onto track, I'm more than willing to suspect the former." Ritsu nods again before exiting the office. Blissfully unaware of the baleful glare Gendo's shooting at her back.

'Her previous lover returning to her just as things were getting bad here are no coincidence. I want to know more about him. What he did beforehand, his accolades, everything.' He then activates his MAGI-connected terminal and does a search on Matt Hanson.

(En route to China; five hours later)

As Shinji pilots the 'Sparrow', Asuka peers inside the yellow case at Adam before grimacing.

"Why're you transporting this for security again? I mean, it'd be much easier to simply destroy it and be done with it."

"That's true, but it's only because Adam is evidence against 'Dumbass' and his cronies for when they're brought to Court."

"I see. But why can't we just forego the trial and shoot them?"

"That's not the way 'N-Tek' works. While some people are too dangerous to allow to live, 'N-Tek' saves lives. Not end them."

"What about the Angels? You've managed to kill them without difficulty."

"Now that's different. While I'm actually an 'N-Tek' Agent, I'm also a reluctant part of NERV. Since one of the objectives of 'N-Tek' matches NERV's reputedly sole objective…"

"You're clear to use lethal force. If necessary."

"Yep." Shinji hears Asuka gulp before smiling softly. "Not to worry, Asuka. To date, I haven't killed any people. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up."

"I hope so too, Shinji. But, aren't there any people you feel should die?"

"I can only think of two. 'Dumbass' and Dread. But that's not really my call. That decision ultimately belongs to the World Court."

"What about the issue of warrants? Don't you need a warrant for gathering evidence during an investigation?"

"In a conventional case, yes. But this case is so far from conventional…"

"A warrant would be a waste of ink. Got it." As she feels the 'Sparrow' slowing down, she asks, "Why're we slowing down, Shinji?"

"We arrived into Chinese territorial airspace and are about to enter territorial waters."

Asuka can't help but notice Shinji aiming the 'Sparrow' down toward the water's surface. As his intent becomes clear, she can only say one thing.

"Ach shiesse."

With that, the 'Sparrow' plunges into the water and Asuka hears the wings folding around the cockpit, with the jet engines going silent before battery operated propellers activate. Her fury igniting, she yells.

"How about a little more warning next time? You nearly gave me a heart attack, Third!" Shinji can't help but snicker, getting Asuka to snarl out, "What's so funny?"

"It's just a little 'hazing' for new initiates to go through. Dad put me through it when I decided to become a Field Agent for 'N-Tek'. He thought it funny as Hell, too." Asuka can't help but be snide with her next question.

"How'd you take it?"

"I asked if we could do that again." Asuka doesn't reply, but blinks before she starts guffawing. Shinji right behind her. As she guffaws, she holds her sides.

"I should've figured you'd react like that!" As her guffaws taper off to giggles, she then asks, "How'd he reply?"

"He said, 'Maybe later'. Three weeks later, we did it again." Asuka's guffaws start up again and Shinji grins. Two minutes later, her guffaws taper off once more until her mirth fades. Replaced by light groans as she holds her sides still.

"Oh, man my ribs. Shinji, any chance we can take a break before the training begins?"

"Sorry Asuka, no can do. All 'N-Tek' operatives are trained to fight under any circumstance. Including aching ribs from continuous laughter prior to training."

"You're shitting me!"

"No I'm not. You can ask the Training Director yourself. She'll tell you. Matter of fact…" Switching to Max, he grins and says, "We're coming up on the training facility now."

Asuka peers around his seat and sees a large dome ahead. With a tube facing toward the 'Sparrow'. As Max pilots the 'Sparrow' into the tube, Asuka glances up and sees the tube is so clear, she can see dolphins overhead. Only the dolphins have breathing packs on them. Along with divers working with the dolphins.

"What's with the dolphins and divers out there?"

"Underwater field training. It's one of the courses with the highest drop-out rates."

"People quit the courses? Why?"

"Most of the time, they're doing the courses on a trial basis to see if it suits them best out of curiosity. If not, they go into another field of expertise. Until they either find their niche or become washouts. To date, no one's washed out."

"That's good to hear." Curious, she asks, "What does the underwater field entail?"

"Mainly forensics cases that happen underwater. One case I'm sure you're aware of by now."

"The only underwater case I'm aware of is…" Asuka's voice trails off before she goes on. "The Takusona case."

"Yep."

As they reach the end of the tube, Max settles the 'Sparrow' onto the floor as the water locks close before the water is purged from the dome's base. As the water level goes down around the 'Sparrow', Max unfolds the wings from the 'Sparrow'. Once the water's below the cockpit's sill, Max sees the base's indication system light with a yellow light. When he sees the light turn green, he opens the canopy and grins.

"Welcome to the training facility, Asuka. Bring up the case with you, please."

"Thanks and you got it. But why didn't you open the canopy when the water got below the cockpit sill?"

"Two words. Vollmer twins." At her bewildered blink, he points to the wall to her right and asks, "See those two red marks?" Asuka looks at the wall and sure enough, sees two red marks on it.

"Yeah."

"That's what's left of the Vollmer twins. They ignored the yellow indicator and opened the canopy on their 'Sparrow'. Boom. Their heads exploded from the intense pressure during the equalization procedure. Their first fucking day here, too."

"It pissed me off as well, Agent Steel."

At the new feminine voice with an Irish lilt, Max and Asuka turn around to see a woman of Irish-Chinese descent. With red hair, green eyes, in her early 40s, from what Asuka could tell, and very fit.

"Do you know how hard it is to get what little brain matter there was out of the 'Sparrow' and off of its canopy?"

"Given the way you said, very hard."

"Damn right." Looking Asuka over, the woman scoffs and asks, "Does SECGEN expect me to babysit this one while you evaluate her as well?" Asuka can't help but scoff at that.

"I don't need a babysitter, ma'am."

"You may not think so, but in my eyes, you're a baby still. Agent Steel, I still need that answer from you."

"Not really on the babysit, Ruth. Asuka Langley Sohryu, this is Ruth Zhang, Director of the 'N-Tek' training facility. Ms Zhang, Asuka Langley Sohryu. Code-named 'Red Devil'. We also have an evidence delivery here."

"Very well, Agent Steel." Looking Asuka over, Zhang lightly scowls before remarking, "So you're the one that stowed away on Agent Steel's mission to Russia. What were you thinking?"

"I wanted to be sure he didn't go too far and I wanted to see some action."

"And that is why you're before me now, Miss Sohryu. You're rash and impulsive, yet you're also determined to succeed. Interesting blend. I'm sure the Vollmer twins would've agreed if they had waited for the green light in their excited eagerness."

"You mean those bakas died because they were so excited to be here, they were impatient?" Her tone was both incredulous and horrified, prompting Zhang to give her one pass.

"Correct, Miss Sohryu. However, be advised I gave you one pass with that comment about the Vollmer twins. Even though it is correct, please try to have some respect for the dead."

"Understood." Curious, she asks, "What were they here for, anyway?"

"Bomb disposal training." Asuka's eyes can't help but bulge out before she shakes her head.

'This just keeps getting better and better!' Sighing, she then asks, "So what exactly do you call this place? 'Aqua-pit'?"

"Sounds catchy, but nope. If you'll follow me, we'll get the evidence with you two secured and you started, Miss Sohryu." With that, Zhang pulls Asuka onward while Max calmly follows behind. Wondering what Deidre and Rits are up to at that particular moment.

(En route to Hokkaido; same time)

While a classic Ford Mustang is a rare sight in Japan, a classic Ford Mustang with a winch on its front bumper is even rarer. Especially one that has an orange body and blackened front end, along with a control console unlike other Mustangs from that circa. Which cause Rits and Deidre to question about it to no end.

E, however, isn't as talkative, nor is Treadwell, when she's behind the wheel. In fact, if anything, they share a sense of sadness between them that only they can understand. Yet Deidre and Rits can't help but see a picture of a smiling elder man with a scraggly beard on the dashboard. E looks into the mirror before smiling softly, yet sadly.

"That was my Uncle John. He taught me the 'Tracker' business."

"What happened to him, if you don't mind?" Deidre's question gets a sigh from Treadwell before he speaks up.

"He was shot dead by a loon's bimbo lackey. In the back, no less. He was trying to warn us when that bitch shot him."

"What happened?"

"After we transferred the spark plugs from the car into an airplane, we were about to take off. Sam made it onto the plane and told me Uncle John had been shot dead. Of course, he used Uncle John's Tracker name." Rits can't help but be curious.

"What was it?"

"He was known as 'Six-Fingered Jake'. He was a recluse, but a good guy." Treadwell glances at E before adding, "It wasn't until after we buried him that she told me his true name."

"I see." Rits' tone is sad before she adds, "I know how you feel, E. My birth parents were murdered."

"I'm sorry to hear that." E's tone is gentle as she asks, "When did… Second Impact?"

"That's right. A bomb was supposed to do them and me in, but they survived the bomb because the bomber did a shitty job of it." Rits' tone then goes cold as she adds, "But a tidal wave finished what the bomb couldn't." Treadwell gives her a glance before nodding his understanding and showing his curiosity.

"How'd you survive that, though?"

"I was put into a small life-pod just minutes before the bomb blew." Glancing at Deidre, she murmurs, "Mom found me at sea and took me in. I was only about two weeks old when it happened, given what I'd heard on the recording a classmate of mine found."

"A life-pod? A recording? Your parents must've been pretty well-off to get hold of that kind of stuff."

"How so, E?"

"Usually stuff like that's restricted to Government usage only, Deidre." Shrugging, she then asks, "Are you expected there by anyone?"

"Just my parents' lawyer. Mom made the call yesterday evening and told him we'd be in Hokkaido to check out my parents' home." Smirking, Rits adds, "Of course, he's pretty ticked off right now at my Grandfather's protection Agent."

"Why's that?"

"He can't get hold of the Agent, Mr. Treadwell."

"He's that good? Maybe E would like to try finding the Agent, see if she's still got it." E can only blush.

"I wish you luck on that endeavor, E. The Agent's very good at keeping a low profile." Deidre's face has a smirk as well as she adds, "I know how that Agent in particular works, too. If he doesn't want his charge found, his charge evidently will not be found."

"How do you know about that?"

"I had a few run-ins with he and his cohorts before Ritsy came into my life, E." Smiling as she holds Rits close, she adds, "In a way, I owe them my thanks. If not for them, I'd have never come across her at sea." Rits can only smile as she nestles into Deidre's side.

"If Mom hadn't come along when she did, I'd have never met Shinji or fallen in love with him."

"Why isn't Shinji with you, anyway?" Rits and Deidre look at each other and share a grin before Rits gives their reply.

"He had an appointment he couldn't get away from, Mr. Treadwell. After all, an Evangelion Pilot never knows what's going to happen next."

"Just how do you feel about Shinji being an Evangelion Pilot, Ritsuko?"

"I'm not too thrilled with the idea of my 'husband' risking his neck at the whims of a moron that cares nothing for him, E. The sooner the Angels are all gone, the sooner Shinji and I can go on a long trip, far away from that moron. During the trip, we'll heal each others' wounds. If anything, he deserves the healing more."

"Healing, huh? What kind of wounds need healing?"

"Mainly emotional and psychological, E. Shinji was abandoned by the moron that dared to call himself his 'Father' at four years old. Only to be taken in by a guy that proved to be a candidate for 'Father-Figure of the Decade'. Something that moron has yet to learn about. If at all, that is."

"Geez, the moron sounds like a total douche-bag."

"He is, Mr. Treadwell." Rits' eyes can't help but drip tears as she softly adds, "I wonder at times how Shinji hadn't snapped yet just from being around him."

"I'd say the people he was taken in by, along with you, give him stability and support." E's voice has a grin to it as she adds, "He may have been given the short end of the stick on a birth Father, but at least he was found by a man willing to step up to the plate." Deidre can't help but feel the urge to get a dig in herself.

"That's not even the worst of it, though." E and Treadwell are both perplexed by that before Treadwell asks it.

"How so?"

"That moron is a walking 'Darwin Award' in the making! And he's the Commander of NERV, no less!"

"The guy that wanted Shinji to leave you and E for dead is the Commander of NERV? Along with the guy responsible for Shinji's genes?"

"That's right, Mr. Treadwell. Now I don't know about you, but I seriously doubt an agency tasked with saving humanity from annihilation will benefit from a person like that being in command!"

"You're quite vehement about that. I take it you met him as well."

"Yeah, though I profoundly wish I didn't, E. I mean, he wanted Shinji to leave us for dead when the 12th came, for crying out loud. Time and time again, I can't figure out how Shinji can be a nice guy while 'he' is a veritable asshole."

"It's just the kind of guy he is, Mom." Rits' voice gets Deidre's attention, causing her to turn toward her daughter as she goes on. "Shinji's sweet and has a strong heart filled with compassion. He's also more than man enough to not bail on those who need him." Treadwell can't help but give a light grin at that.

"I'd sure like to meet Shinji and his 'family' sometime."

"We'll see if we can arrange it. It'd probably be at our official wedding, though." Placing her right hand between her breasts, Rits smiles softly and adds, "All goes well, our first child will be developing in my womb at that time."

"Got it all planned out, huh?" Rits gives Treadwell a nod before the man grins, "The best of luck to you both and your upcoming family."

"Thanks, Mr. Treadwell." Mentally, she adds, 'We'll need all the luck we can get!' She then wonders how her Grandfather and his assistant are faring in their hiding place.

(Classified 'N-Tek' safe-house; same time)

"Mmm, morning Shizuka." Kyusuke's voice is groggy as he enters the kitchen, wearing blue jeans and a blue t-shirt.

"Morning, Doctor Tokisona. I've got the coffee brewing right now."

"Thank you." Kyusuke notices his assistant's chipper mood and grins. All remaining vestiges of sleep fading away as he takes in her current manner of dress. A red sleeveless t-shirt and black shorts with brown sandals. "You're certainly happy today."

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm away from those goons that…" Biting her tongue, Shizuka pauses before going on. "I'm just happy to be away from them."

"No, it's not that." Catching Shizuka's gaze outside the cabin window, he looks and grins upon seeing an unruly mop of blond hair. "It's Marshal Scott Walker, isn't it?"

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

"You can't fool me, Shizuka. You're smitten with him!"

"It's not like that at all!" As she denies it, Shizuka has a cute blush on her face as she adds, "He's just an Agent that happens to be nice, is all." Kyusuke just smirks before picking up a coffee mug and pours some of the fresh coffee into it. "Doctor?"

"I'm just going to take this out to Scott. Unless, of course, you want to." If he thought Shizuka's blush could get any cuter or redder, he's dead wrong for she's as red as a fire engine.

"Doctor, please!" Shizuka holds the sides of her face while blushing, adding, "It's not like what you think at all!"

"Time will tell, Shizuka. Time will tell." With that, Kyusuke exits the cabin and walks up to the blue business suit-clad 'N-Tek' Agent, guised as a UN Deputy Marshal, standing on guard. "Good morning, Deputy Marshal Walker." Walker turns around and gives Kyusuke a slight nod before speaking.

"Likewise, Doc. Sleep well?"

"As well as can be expected. Brought you some Shizuka-brewed coffee by the way." Walker accepts the mug and turns back from Kyusuke before the older man strikes. "I expect that Shizuka's sleeping well, too." Walker's so stunned by the bluntness of the implication, he spits the coffee out. He then turns back to Kyusuke, his expression wary.

"I don't know what you mean by that, sir."

"It's alright, my boy. You needn't say anything more." Smiling warmly, Kyusuke adds, "I want you to take good care of Shizuka. She's had a rough time of it, as I'm sure you're aware."

"Uh, yes sir. I read the dossiers on both her and yourself when I got posted here." Walker's tone is so innocent, yet true, Kyusuke's eyes can't help but twinkle in mischief.

"Oh, so that's what you call it. 'Reading her dossier'. I got you, I got you." Chuckling wryly, he goes back into the cabin, saying, "You just keep 'reading her dossier', then. You have my blessing for what comes next." Once the older man's gone back into the cabin, a bewildered Walker can't help but blink.

'What the fuck was that all about?' Upon the door opening, he sees Shizuka exiting, her face bright red. "Good morning, Miss Uramishi."

"Good morning, Deputy Marshal Walker." As Walker takes a drink of coffee, Shizuka elects to wait until after he's finished. "I'm sorry about Doctor Tokisona, by the way."

"What's up with him, anyway? I mean, I'm here to guard you both when I'm on duty here."

"Well, you see… he thinks you and I are together. Romantically." Walker's eyes can't help but bulge out in shock while Shizuka's blush goes even redder. "That's about how I reacted, too."

"Why would he think that way about us, though?"

"He wants me to be happy with the next nice guy that comes into my life. He wants that guy to be you, Marshal Walker."

Shyly, she looks him over. Tall to the point where her head meets up to his shoulders, fit to the point of being an agile fighter and with a five-o'clock shadow. Walker gives her a nod before replying in turn.

"That's really up to you, though. Not him. Though I do understand what he was talking about now."

Unconsciously, he looks her over. Petite, slender and with a small, yet definite bust-line. He then blinks and shakes his head, hoping Shizuka hadn't noticed. Little does he realize she had and can't help but smile, flattered. Finishing the rest of the coffee, he's about to hand the cup to her. Only to see her walking away from him toward the cabin.

"Miss Uramishi?"

"Yesterday I saw a small pond over the hillside. I'd like to take a dip. You're welcome to join me if you like." With that, she goes back into the cabin, causing him to sigh.

'This gig's going to be the end of me!' Next thing he knows, another male Marshal-guised 'N-Tek' Agent comes up. "Higgins, you're early."

"I figured I'd relieve you so you can go have some fun with Miss Uramishi." At Walker's groan of exasperation, Higgins cackles.

"Not you too!"

"You can deny all you like, buddy boy, but sparks are flying between you both."

"Higgins, the last time you goaded me into this, the girl said I wasn't good enough for her!"

"No, that girl was the one that wasn't good enough for you. If she can't see you for the nice, dependable guy you are, then she's missing out. Besides, I heard what Miss Uramishi said. If she's inviting you to swim with her, that means she's interested."

"She only said that…" Walker's voice trails off as he remembers what Shizuka said before going on. "I'm welcome to join her if I like."

Before he can say anything more, Shizuka comes back out of the cabin. Clad in a black bikini and carrying a mask, snorkel and fins. As she draws near to the Agents, she smiles warmly at Walker before greeting Higgins.

"Morning Marshal Higgins."

"Morning Miss Uramishi." Nudging Walker in his side, he adds, "I just relieved Walker so he can go swim with you if he'd like to." Walker's eyes bulge out in shock at how blatant Higgins was just now. "So go on, you two and have a good swim." Walker turns to face Higgins before speaking lowly. A hiss in his tone.

"You're despicable."

"And you're lonely as Hell, man." Looking over toward Shizuka, he adds, "Don't let him get away from you, Miss Uramishi. Guys like him are very rare." Shizuka's blush tells Higgins all he needs to know as he gently pushes Walker toward her.

"See? You two will make a good couple. So go and put your trunks on, man. After the past month you've been here, you're due some rest." When Walker doesn't move to comply, Higgins sighs gutturally.

"Oh for… if it's to be that way, then fine! UN Deputy Marshal Scott Walker, I'm ordering you to relax and swim with Miss Shizuka Uramishi! Gillespie, Myers and I'll watch over things here! So move it, UN Deputy Marshal!"

"Yes, DMiC Higgins." At that, Walker makes his way to the cabin and goes in. Getting Higgins to sigh.

'Sorry buddy, but you shouldn't on the job all the time. You're human too, after all.' Upon noticing Shizuka glaring crossly at him, Higgins grins. "Something wrong, Miss Uramishi?"

"You ordered him to relax and swim with me. Damn right there's something wrong! Why are you and Dr Tokisona so interested in us, anyway?"

"Something you gotta know about Walker, Miss Uramishi. He's considered himself a reject in the romance department a long time. I don't want that for him. He deserves to be happy."

"You're kidding me! A nice guy like him, a reject?" At his nod, Shizuka can't help but scoff. "Any girl in her right mind would be lucky to have him in her life."

"I agree. However, whatever happened was from before he joined us." Shrugging, he adds, "I don't know about Dr Tokisona, but I, for one, think you two would look very good together."

"You may think it, but I'm damaged goods!" Higgins can't help but be taken aback at Shizuka's volume. "I killed my unborn baby in a DUI wreck where I was the DUI driver! I accidentally killed a guy that was trying to rape me while I was in rehab! I refused to cooperate with the people that are now after myself and Dr Tokisona until I saw my last boyfriend violently die! With the threat they'd call his precinct and tell them I'd shot him!" With tears falling from her eyes, she cries out, "I'm a jinx!"

"I know. I read the court transcript of your testimony. But you shouldn't consider yourself a jinx. Much like Walker shouldn't consider himself a romantic reject." Turning back to the cabin and seeing Walker coming back out, blue swim trunks on, snorkel gear in hand, he grins and turns back to her. "Besides, it couldn't hurt you two to at least try."

"I guess not." Shizuka's voice is distracted as she looks Walker over. 'He's in very good shape.' Subconsciously, she then licks her lips as Walker reaches them.

"Okay, I'm ready. Though I'm not really sure about this."

"Trust me, buddy boy. This'll do you both a world of good."

In the background of the cabin, Dr Tokisona is grinning. The other two Agents grinning along with him. Walker can only nervously gulp while Shizuka blushes prettily. Without any further words, Shizuka starts down the path to the lake, with Walker right behind her. As they walk on, Higgins gives one more bit of wording.

"Just swim! No need to go all out on the first date!"

Much to Higgins' relief, and amusement, Walker only extends his left middle finger skyward instead of charging toward him. Murder in his eyes. Like he did the last time Higgins pulled a stunt like that. Higgins chuckles softly as he turns back to Dr Tokisona and sees the man grinning softly.

"Should we start planning a wedding for those two, Marshal?"

"Nah. Let's give them some time together first, Doc. But I gotta know. Aren't you worried about your granddaughter… Ritsuko, I believe?"

"My grandbaby can take care of herself. Much like the young man she intends to wed when the time comes. I only hope I'm still around to see my first great-grandbaby."

"We'll do all we can to ensure you get that chance, Doc." The Marshal identified as Gillespie gets his attention as he goes on. "Since we're out where no one can find us, though, there's not much danger here."

"Then why are you four here?"

"UN Agent Steel's instructions." Marshal Myers' voice is pensive as it goes on. "We don't really know why he selected us, just that he felt we'd be best suited to protect you in his stead while he's working on a different investigation."

"What's he investigating?"

"A bunch called NERV. In particular, it's Commander." Higgins' voice gets the Doctor's attention back to him before he goes on. "He's working in conjunction with his point man for the case, which has helped enormously."

"Did you say NERV? As in the agency tasked to destroy the Angels?" At Higgins' nod, Kyusuke asks, "What's the Commander's name?"

"Well, of late, there's been a big debate. In the circles of the UN, it's Gendo Ikari. But ever since the Third Child of NERV, Shinji Ikari, submitted the petition to have the Commander severed from the 'Ikari' name, he's named as 'Rokubungi' on paper."

'That name sounds familiar. But why though?' Shrugging, Kyusuke grins before remarking, "In any case, I hope the case goes well. Now, who's for a game of 'Scrabble', fellas?"

Meanwhile as they arrive at the lake, Shizuka can't help but notice a scar on Walker's right flank. Gently reaching over, she softly runs her fingertip along the line and grimaces before thinking.

'It must've been a deep wound.' Upon Walker gently taking her hand from the scar, she blushes at how she got caught before apologizing in Japanese. "Gomen nasai."

"It's cool. It was a long time ago, Miss Uramishi."

"Please, Marshal Walker, you can call me Shizuka."

"Okay, Shizuka, you can call me Scott."

Shizuka gives him a soft smile before taking off her glasses and putting them onto the ground by the lake's shore. However, she puts them onto the ground by bending over, allowing Scott to eye her firm butt before coming upright again. As she puts her mask and snorkel into place, she notices Scott moving toward the water's edge as well. Moving decidedly uncomfortably, his hands over his crotch. She's barely able to stifle a giggle, but doesn't suppress a smile.

"Did you like the sight of my ass, Scott?"

"I'm not sure I should answer that, Shizuka." Getting into the water up to his waist, he moves his hands away and sighs in relief. "It's bad enough I'm derelict in my duty by doing this, but the last thing I need is a SH beef in my record."

"What if I weren't to complain about it?" Her shy voice gets him to look over toward her as she bends forward to put her fins on, allowing him to see her cleavage. "Besides, I think that kind of thing applies to 'on duty behavior'. You're 'off duty' under orders. Am I wrong?"

"No. You're correct. I am 'off duty'. But still, it isn't right."

Shizuka only smirks before putting her mask and snorkel into place and submerging completely to the point where he can't see the tip of the snorkel tube. Yet he can easily see her bikini-clad form making its way to him underwater, getting him to gulp.

When she surfaces, only the tip of the snorkel can be seen before she blows the water out of the tube. Yet she keeps making her way to him until she reaches his crotch. Without warning of any kind, she fully surfaces and peels her mask off of her face and takes the snorkel out of her mouth. Seductive smirk on her face.

"Are you going to just stand there or are you going to snorkel with me?"

"I think I'll snorkel with you."

As Scott puts his gear on, Shizuka giggles softly, waiting for him to get geared up. Once he's geared up, Shizuka brings her mask back down, Scott following her cue as she puts the snorkel tube back into her mouth. Taking his hand into hers, Shizuka coaxes Scott into the deeper water as they both submerge, both hoping to not screw things up if it goes anywhere.

(Hokkaido; Takusona Manor; same time)

As Rits and Deidre gape helplessly at the massive mansion, E and Treadwell can only grin. The main building is five stories tall and at least as wide as a semi is long. White vinyl siding covering it, along with a vine trellis on either side of it from what they all could see. Mr. Ubatigona, however, pays it no mind as he goes on.

"Altogether, the main house of the manor has twenty bedrooms, four on each floor and ten bathrooms, two on each floor." Looking over his notes, he nods and goes on. "The kitchen is considered to be state-of-the-art, for ten years ago, that is. It may need updating, but ultimately it falls to Ritsuko."

"I'd better show Shinji the kitchen. It's his domain. He can see what needs to be updated or not."

"Why would the kitchen be Shinji's domain if you'll have worker machines to do that work for you and your family, Miss Takamiya?"

"Shinji and I believe some things are best done by the people themselves. Cooking's one of them. If anything, Mom taught me that as she raised me up."

"Ah. Speaking of, when am I going to be able to meet Shinji?"

"It depends on how well the rest of the war goes." Rits shrugs and sheepishly grins. "Besides, I kinda told him about your attempt at blackmail and he wanted to 'introduce' you and Grandfather to Unit-01, personally. I think he still does." Ubatigona can't help but gulp audibly.

"Was this…"

"It was before we found out that Grandfather was conned and Shizuka was being blackmailed herself."

"Ah." Grinning sheepishly himself, Ubatigona says, "In that case, if it's not too late, I'd like to apologize for that. It was totally uncalled for me to try getting you to dismiss your suit against my client in that way." Deidre and Rits don't reply, they only cross their arms, putting thoughtful looks onto their faces. "Do you want me to grovel? I'm good at groveling."

"No need to go that far, though it would be interesting to see." Deidre's voice has barely suppressed mirth as she goes on. "You're just lucky Section-2 Captain Sychola isn't here right now, but at Tokyo-3. I told him about that attempt and what Kyusuke Tokisona did. He wanted to grind his and your bones to dust. I think he still does, too. Much like Ritsy, it was before the hearing." Ubatigona gulps at that before turning to a grinning Treadwell and E. Only for E to notice it before scoffing.

"You got yourself into this mess you're in. You're on your own on getting out of it. It's up to them whether or not you get an 'introduction' or your bones ground to dust." When Treadwell nods, Ubatigona gulps before looking back toward the two women that hold his life in their hands.

"What do you say, Ritsy? Do we forgive him or not?"

"Hmm, I'm not much for holding grudges. I found it causes ulcers of the psychological kind. So, yeah. I forgive him."

"Yeah, I do too." Ubatigona lets out a huge sigh of relief, unaware of the other shoe about to drop until it does. "Think Shinji and Peter will as well?" Ubatigona's eyes fly open at that, getting him to gulp again.

"I dunno. Shinji's got a pretty good-sized grudge against one dumbass. I don't think he can sustain one against a hapless fool that was only looking out for his client. I'll discuss it with him. Peter?"

"He might be a little difficult in convincing. Given his nature as a Marine, he can probably hold in all that anger until he comes across something to unload it onto. I'll discuss it with him as well." Rits gives Deidre a nod with a grin while Ubatigona starts praying to the kamis above.

'Please, Kami, Buddha, Yahweh, Allah, any of you deities out there, let the men of the ladies Takamiya release any and all grudges they carry!' With that, he returns his attention to the two women before asking, "Any questions about the main house before I explain the other aspects?"

"I've one." Rits' voice gets his attention as she asks, "Why so many bedrooms?"

"Your late Mother, Yuriko, wanted a large family. As had your late Father. So, they had this house built with that in mind. Of course, failing a large family of their own, they were also considering running a hotel or a shelter out of the household. They had yet to decide when…"

"Second Impact struck." At Ubatigona's nod, Deidre looks over at Rits, glad she hadn't brought up the bomb angle with him. Rits then asks, "Did Mother and Father know anyone from outside of Hokkaido?"

"Well, let's see. Yuriko knew two scientists from Tokyo and Europe. I'm not sure of their names, but there's a picture of the three of them inside the family room. Hoshio knew a professor that worked in Kyoto. He was one of the professor's students once, and I mean for one day, but found the subject matter to be over his head."

"How'd the professor take it?"

"He actually took it with good grace. He even told Hoshio that some people are meant for sciences while others are meant for financial or other business aspects. He got Hoshio into the classes that were more geared to him." Tapping his chin, he adds, "I believe there's a picture of the professor in there too. With a notation by the professor, no less. If you'd like, we can step inside now." Rits and Deidre both nod while E and Treadwell both shrug. Only for Rits to turn around.

"It wouldn't be right for you to not enter as well, Mr. and Mrs. Treadwell."

"It's your family home, though, Ritsuko. E and I would be intruding."

"Nonsense, Mr. Treadwell. Far as we're concerned, you're family to us." Deidre nods at Rits' words with a grin, getting E and Treadwell to grin as well. E looks over at him and smirks.

"I'm getting the feeling we were just adopted in a way, Sam."

"Same here, Edith."

Looping his arm into Edith's, Sam smiles warmly as he looks toward Rits and Deidre before speaking in Japanese.

"Arigato." Rits' smile and Deidre's grin as they enter soon are replaced by grimaces on the faces of all five people. Ubatigona grimacing the most.

Suffice it to say the inside looks somewhat raggedy. Holes the size of human feet in the flooring, dust and cobwebs all over the walls. But the worst part is the smell of stale air.

"Jeepers. You'd think that this place could've been aired out at least yearly."

"You said it, Edith." Rits sighs before clapping her hands together giddily. "It's a project!" Deidre can only smirk at her enthusiasm before nodding as well.

"Yeah. A project that'll take who knows how long to make livable as soon as possible." Ubatigona's snarl is evident as he adds, "I was given explicit instructions by Hoshio in regards to the caretaking of the household should anything unforeseen happen to himself, Yuriko or yourself, Miss Takamiya. The contractors I hired for the upkeep…" He then strides out of the house, uttering dark curses so colorful, it makes Edith blanche.

"Now I know I've been in a regular office too long."

"How so, Edith?"

"Deidre, here's my rule of thumb. 'If a Lawyer swears so colorfully to get you to blanche, that's a sure sign you've been in an office too long'. And boy does he swear." Rits, however, pays no mind as she sees a picture of three women. One of which she recognizes easily.

'Shinji's Mom.' Looking at the other two women, she notices one of them resembles Asuka in a way. 'Asuka's Mom.' Looking at the final woman, right smack in the middle of them, she notices the resemblance to herself.

'My birth Mom.' Noticing the three smiling gaily, Rits can't help but smile fondly at the picture. "They must've been good friends to be smiling like that."

"I'm sure, Ritsy." At the sound of Deidre's voice behind her, Rits lightly sniffles as she feels a tear welling up in her left eye. "Do you want to get some air?"

"I'm okay, Mom. It's just that I never knew I looked like my birth Mother like Grandfather had said."

"I must admit. The resemblance is downright uncanny." Holding Rits from behind, Deidre says, "I'm so sorry I couldn't have been around there sooner, baby. Maybe then your parents would've been able to survive."

"Oh Mom." Looking back at Deidre, she asks, "Is that why you stopped? You felt guilty my parents died and I didn't?"

"Yes. That's what I felt when I came across your pod. Immense guilt for something I had no control over. Not even when… Mr. Treadwell, is there something you want to talk with me over?"

"Not really. Edith found some kind of equipment in the manor's security room. Heck, I didn't even know this place had a security room."

"Part of E being a Tracker, I gather?"

"That's right, Deidre. But seeing as the electricity's been off for the past decade or so, E's taking the recording unit out of its moorings for transport to the office. It could have footage for a party or something." Rits and Deidre both nod until Rits remembers one other item.

"Mom, I'm going to see if I can find 'Mihke'. Mainly to see what kind of shape it's in."

"Okay, Ritsy. You may want to go the external way, though. Who knows how many holes there are in the floor or how big they are?"

"You got that right." With that, Rits goes back out of the house, noticing Ubatigona's screaming obscenities into his car phone and softly giggles. 'Quite colorful indeed.' Upon noting his lack of attentiveness, being so intent on his swearing, Rits can only shake her head in bemusement as she makes her way to the back of the house. When she gets there, she feels her breath being taken away at the sight before her.

A beautiful ocean view, with a cabin cruiser on a trailer on the beach, its propeller pointed toward the water. As if saying, 'I am ready. Launch me when you are'. Attached to the trailer is a black 90s model Toyota 4Runner. Rits can't help but smile softly at the thought of Deidre driving the SUV into Tokyo-3. Making her way to the cabin cruiser, she sees some cosmetic work is needed on it, mainly cleaning and a new paint job. When she gets close, her smile goes wider upon seeing the name on its bow.

'MIHKE'

Gently touching it, as if afraid it'd fall apart on her, she softly rubs the hull and speaks softly.

"Hi, 'Mihke'. You may not know me yet, but I already know you. I'm Ritsuko, your skipper-to-be. I'd have been here sooner, but Mother and Father were killed two weeks after I was born. It took me up till now to get here." Making her way to 'Mihke's aft, she sees a dive ladder mounted there and grins softly.

"Looks like you were a dive boat once. Since I'm certified, Shinji's certified and Mom's certified, we can dive from you once we get you up and running again. Along with get some air tanks set up in here." Clambering up the ladder and seeing what's in the storage area, she can't help but sweat drop before giggling. "Of course, it looks like Mother and Father had the same idea."

Getting herself fully aboard, she lightly grimaces at the amount of bird droppings on its flooring, the seats and control console.

"I see some birds have been playing 'Poo-Poo Bombardier' on you. But it's alright. I'll clean you right up, check your battery power and crank up your engine. Then after the war's over, I'll drag Shinji onto a sea cruise while I nurse his psyche back to health and pop out our children." Looking at the port side and seeing an enclosed compartment, Rits can't help but find herself curious.

'Maps, maybe?' Opening the compartment, Rits sees a letter envelop, along with a CD-ROM inside. 'Hello?' Bringing the items out, Rits sees the CD-ROM is actually a DVD-R inside a protective case. 'I'll have to see about getting a look at this later on with Mom and Shinji. For now, let's see about this letter envelop.'

Eying it, she notices her name on it. Opening the envelop eagerly, she peers inside and sees folded pieces of paper and a pair of laminated ID cards. Putting the cards out of her mind, she pulls out the papers and looks them over. The Title for 'Mihke' in her name, its general information and specs. Both original and after restoring to higher than the standard specs. And a letter.

Feeling she has to sit down, Rits looks within the cruiser to see if she find any clean seating. Sure enough, she finds a long couch within and goes in. Plopping herself down onto it, she begins reading eagerly.

Dearest Ritsuko, if you're reading this, then that means your Mother and I have died. Otherwise we'd have been able to see your face light up upon seeing your own cabin cruiser. I don't know how many years will have gone by before you're reading this letter, but I do know that we want you to be happy always. Rits can't help but lightly sniffle before she wipes her tears away before reading on.

How old are you now? Are you before your teens, in your teens, finishing high school… endless questions come to mind. Questions, I'm afraid, will remain unanswered when it comes to us.

"No, Daddy. No." Rits can't help but laugh bitterly as she wipes another set of tears away before reading on.

If anything, pumpkin, your Mother and I both agreed that if we were to die, the truth about our lives won't die with us. Your Mother and I were Intelligence operatives working deep 'underground', as it were. When orders came down because of the Sweden incident, we had no choice but to comply. Any and all communications had to cease unless it was to the UN. Pfft. Most useless bunch of morons on the planet. Rits can't help a choked giggle before nodding her agreement regarding the past UN.

One night, we were forced to break cover. One of your Mother's best friends, Yui Ikari, had married a man named Gendo Rokubungi. To celebrate the marriage, we held a party here. It was a massive soiree. Plentiful food and drink, slow and fast dancing, the works. But we learned something horrible. If it's in your hands now, you must get it to our organization. It is evidence of the truth. We're sorry to put this on your shoulders, pumpkin, but you're the only one that we can trust.

"Oh, Daddy. You and Mommy needn't be sorry."

Inside the envelop, you've undoubtedly seen two ID cards. They're cards assigned to operatives in the ATS for 'N-Tek'. Be they past or present. At that, the letter falls out of her hands before she shakily brings out the two cards and looks them over.

'My parents were like Shinji?' Seeing the holographic 'N-Tek' logo in the lamination, she mentally asks, 'They were Agents for "N-Tek" when they died? No, they were under deep cover because of Dread's stunt with Sweden.' She then starts putting it together in her mind.

'Okay. If what I'm thinking is on this disc, they somehow got wind of the plot for Second Impact and sought to give a warning. But passed it through an untrustworthy person that's clearly got "Dumbass" in his pocket. The person then assigned "Dumbass" to kill my parents and me, timing it to when Second Impact struck. Telling my parents in their own way that my parents had failed.'

"Ritsy! You up there?" Deidre's voice wafting up to her gets Rits' attention before she gets up and goes to the aft, being mindful of the bird droppings. When she gets to the aft, she sees Treadwell is with Deidre. When he looks up and sees her, Treadwell gives her a gentle grin.

"Hey. Find anything that needs fixing?" Not caring Treadwell's there still, Rits freely lets tears fall as she looks down toward Deidre.

"My parents were betrayed, Mom. Dread betrayed them and set 'Dumbass' on killing them. All because they were doing their jobs the best they can as 'N-Tek' operatives."

"Oh, Ritsy." The sadness in her eyes is soon replaced by smoldering rage as she grits out.

"There is no way in Hell my sweet Shinji could've come from a man so horrendously evil!" Right at that moment, she wonders what her beloved and Asuka are up to.

(Undersea Training Facility; same time)

"Ooofff!" As Asuka slumps to the ground after the gentle, yet definite, kick to her back, she hears Max cheering her on.

"C'mon, 'Red', you can do better than that!" Well, sort of.

Yet Asuka takes it in stride as she turns back around to face the one that kicked her in her back. A cockily grinning young man with well-coiffed hair, big muscles and a deep tan. If Asuka hadn't met Kenoju beforehand, she'd probably have been interested in the schmuck before her. Then again…

Giving the meathead a shark's smile, she lunges toward him, her right fist extended. Only for him to sidestep to her left. Just as she wanted for she rockets her left leg into his crotch.

WHAM

The young man's expression immediately takes on an agonized expression before his eyes cross. Gently pushing him off her leg, she watches him fall to the floor while clutching his groin. Unable to resist chuckling snidely, she can't help what she says next.

"You might want to put some ice on that."

"Well done, Agent 'Devil'. However, please do keep in mind that while that technique may be effective in the field, it is most uncalled for in training. Francis, are you alright?"

"I'll be fine, Director Zhang!" Francis' reply is in Soprano as he goes on. "Just keep that crazy redhead away from me!" Without waiting to be dismissed, Francis gets up and ambles away, muttering the whole time. "The very nerve of her! 'Red Devil' is an apt code-name for her!" Asuka can't help but sigh gustily before grinning sheepishly.

"Maybe I went too far."

"Maybe? Trainee Jopreano is not only training to be an 'N-Tek' Agent, he's establishing his cover identity as a body builder." Zhang's stern expression soon becomes one of mirth, with the woman adding, "Of course, seeing as he did kick you in the back, albeit gently, he did have that coming."

"Why did he do that, anyway? I mean, I was nowhere near up to his level for him to use such an underhanded tactic."

"He believes in the philosophy of 'Treat all potential dirty fighters the same way by fighting dirty'. He undoubtedly felt you'd fight dirty, and was right. But only after he used the dirty tactic first. I'll discuss that lapse in judgment with him at length tonight."

"Yes ma'am." Asuka then lightly groans before grimacing. "But man that guy's got a kick like a mule!"

"It's the only thing Jopreano's got going for him." Seeing Asuka blink, Max goes on. "He was place kicker for Notre Dame University before he decided he wanted to more with his life than playing football."

"How'd he wind up joining 'N-Tek', though?"

"He heard about it through one of our subsidiaries in Russia. I believe you're familiar with it given you went there." Zhang's response is met with a sheepish grin from Asuka before Zhang looks over at Max. "Agent Steel, what's your opinion of Trainee Sohryu?"

"She's got a long road ahead of her, but she's also determined. I'd say she has potential to become 'N-Tek' field material. That is if she can keep her temper under control. I mean, I think the guys in the kitchen heard that 'Bavarian Nut Crunch' just a little while ago." Asuka can't help but blush at that.

Zhang, however, smirks out, "And that's on the other side of the complex and two sublevels down." Asuka's blush goes so red, Max can't help but chuckle.

"Okay, let's give her a break, Ruth. The last thing we need is for Trainee Sohryu to spontaneously combust while wearing an 'N-Tek' jumpsuit. Oh yeah, how's it feeling?"

"Loose, but for better mobility. I liked the other suit better, though." At their chuckles, Asuka can't help but chuckle as well before asking, "What's next?"

"Marksmanship." Zhang's reply can't help but get a grin from Asuka, getting her to look over at Max. "Why am I not liking her grin, Agent Steel?"

"Probably because she's had training in marksmanship for what she does when she's not here."

"I see. Trainee Sohryu?"

"Yes, Director Zhang?"

"I'm going to tell you this right now. 'N-Tek' is a life-saving organization. Not a life-taking one. Lethal force is only as a last resort option. Never first, second or third. Clear?"

"Yes, ma'am. But, what if things get to that point already though?"

"Then you are cleared to use lethal force. But only use it if things get that bad. Clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." Looking over at Max, she's about to ask until she remembers the story she was told the night Maya was there. "I'm surprised things hadn't gotten to that point with you yet, Agent Steel."

"As am I and, quite frankly, I'm glad."

Yet Asuka can tell by his words that it's a struggle for him to not do the right thing and eliminate the biggest threat to humanity. Giving him a soft smile, she nods, knowing full well he's got too big a heart.

'You must've taken after your Mama. She's, no doubt at all, proud of you.' All further musing ends when a female member of the security personnel comes up to Zhang. A communiqué in hand.

"What is it, Alison?"

"Ma'am, there's been activity at Outpost 557P."

"Outpost 557P? That hasn't been active in years. Not since before Second Impact struck." Motioning for the communiqué, she nods at Alison when the young woman hands it to her. Looking it over, she nods before saying, "Five people entered the premises, only for one to come back out. Cursing an impressive blue streak."

"Who are the Agents assigned to 557P, Ruth?"

"Better question would be 'were', actually, Agent Steel. They died in Second Impact."

"I see. What were their names?"

"Names of Hoshio and Yuriko Takusona. They were mainly an inactive ATS team/observation site and were still on maternity leave following the birth of their daughter, Ritsuko."

"I see. What happened?"

While Zhang couldn't quite tell why Max was getting angry, Asuka can and starts edging away from him.

"According to the 'black box' that was retrieved by a student at Tokyo-3 High School, a bomb had detonated. Yet the Agents survived it, only for the tidal wave to wash over them. When they washed up onto shore, their bodies were pulverized on the inside. It was initially believed their daughter Ritsuko had died with them, only for a woman of Chinese descent to pull into Old Yokosuka, dressed in gym sweats. Ritsuko in tow. They were reluctant until we exerted our influence, if only to protect the woman and child from further harm."

"So you enrolled them into a Witness Protection Program of sorts, then."

"Yes. We only told the people at Old Yokosuka to tell the woman she needs a Japanese name to adopt her. The adoption went through and we discretely informed Ms Takamiya about the names of Ritsuko's birth parents. Not their affiliation with 'N-Tek' at all."

"Okay. What were their covers?"

"Hoshio's cover was that of an investment banker with a hobby of restoring old boats. Both of which he actually did, believe it or not. Yuriko's cover was a fashion model that was reclusive when she wanted privacy. Both of them were infiltration specialists recruited right out of their respective high schools. But what surprised us most of all was how they worked so well together, they actually started dating before tying the knot nine months later!"

"Aw, that's so kawaii!" Asuka's words get a smirk from Max and a chuckle from Zhang before the redhead asks, "What happened, then?"

"Ritsuko was born three months after they wed. Two weeks after that, she was orphaned." Asuka's mood loses its joviality before she gulps.

"You mean, they died during the most special time in their lives?" At Zhang's nod, Asuka asks, "Any suspects as to who set the bomb?"

"We've one. I'm sure you already know who, too."

"Gendo Rokubungi." Max's tone is so heated, it gets Zhang to gulp.

"Easy, Agent Steel. We've already gotten footage of him walking out of the Shukimaro Mining Company. A case of C-9 in hand. Four days before Second Impact."

"When did you get it?"

"It was part of a sneak in one of our recent graduates had done three days ago. The objective was to enter a defunct company with surveillance equipment. Shukimaro was chosen at random, of course." Yet Zhang can't resist a mischievous wink, getting Asuka and Max to grin before she goes on.

"But needless to say, we've got evidence of the future NERV Commander in possession of an explosive meant for mining. Same explosive being used in a bomb on the 'Perseus' in an attempt to kill Hoshio and Yuriko Takusona. The attempt failed, only for the tidal wave to kill them."

"We've got him cold, then."

"It would seem so." Zhang hands Max a disc and says, "Get this to Old Osaka ASAP. They and SECGEN need to see this so they can build the case against Rokubungi. Though it is circumstantial, it's a start at least."

"A very good start." Max suddenly grins as he asks, "Any chance Adam can make a special appearance of sorts?"

"What kind of special appearance, Agent?" As Max tells her, Zhang can't help but chortle. Asuka right behind her. "Oh, that'll be some appearance!" Asuka can't help but nod in agreement. Zhang then checks her watch and grimaces. "We're losing time. Trainee Sohryu, do you still feel up to marksmanship training?"

"Yes, ma'am. In fact, I'd like to try shooting using non-lethal force in the scenarios, if you don't mind."

"Not at all."

With that, they escort Asuka to the firing range and introduce her to the weapons in the arsenal. Among them an H&K PDW in 4.7mm. Asuka can't help but smile happily at it. Her smile goes wider when she sees they've lethal to non-lethal rounds for it. Picking up three 30 round magazines of non-lethal ordnance, she turns toward Max and Zhang.

"So what kind of targets do you guys use, anyway?"

"Mainly holograms." Zhang's reply can't help but get a feral grin from the redhead. "I take it you've someone in mind."

"Yep!" Zhang gives Asuka a nod and programs in the hologram. Once it's in, Asuka looks over at Max and asks, "You want in on this?"

"Sure." Picking up a Bushmaster ACR in 5.56mm and three 30 round magazines of non-lethal, he takes the spot by Asuka's. Zhang programs in the target and Max grins evilly. "May not be the real thing, but it's just as good." Asuka gives him a demonic cackle before nodding as well. With that, they both open fire, relishing in the screams of the targets as the rounds fly mostly into the groins.

(Tokyo-3; NERV HQ; Gendo's office)

Gendo can't help but feel the urge to cover his crotch and scream in pain, for reasons unknown to him.