Shinji Steel 54
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Ayanami/Nez household; same time)
As they watch Jake sit around and 'mope' about Rachel's death, they can't help but be exasperated by how he's overdoing it. Rei finally has enough and comes right out with it.
"You needn't act anymore, Mr. Nez. Richard and I know about Rachel being alive still." Jake's face has a stunned expression as he looks up at the blue-haired young woman as she moves over to Richard. Allowing him to see Richard nodding his agreement. At that, Jake can't help but chuckle.
"I should've known better than to try to fool my boy."
"I'll say, Dad. So, what gives? Why'd Mom fake her death?"
"It's because of Rokubungi." Rei's eyes can't help but go wide before they go back to normal. Jake catching it. "You're stunned by it, aren't you Miss Ayanami?"
"Given what I've observed of late, I shouldn't be. But I am."
"Hey, it's okay, Rei." Richard's words flow into Rei's ears, getting her to turn and face him. "I mean, the guy practically raised you from your time as an infant."
"Yes, but he also abandoned Shinji when Shinji needed him the most. I can't help but…"
"Feel responsible?" At Jake's query, Rei nods, getting Jake to sigh. "I'm going to tell you right up front. 'Dumbass' dropped the ball when it came to Shinji. Josh and his friends were more than willing to give Shinji a home."
"I understand. Shinji didn't deserve the slap I gave him. 'Dumbass' did." Shaking her head, Rei adds, "But back to the topic at hand. What does Rokubungi have to do with Rachel faking her death? And how did she pull it off, anyway?"
"I'll put it to you like this. Rokubungi's not the kind of guy that likes the idea of losing power of any kind. When Rachel told him what she'd do the next time she got a report like that, he didn't exactly take it well. So once she'd exited his office, he made arrangements for a sniper to shoot her. Of course, we had a little 'birdie' listening in on him." Rei and Richard both nod, with Richard taking the next one.
"That explains part of it. But how'd she pull it off, though?"
"That, my boy, is a long, long story." Looking at them both, Jake adds, "From before either of you were even born. Even more, Rachel's the one with the clearance to tell you."
"Alright. What can you tell us?" At Rei's question, Jake grins.
"Did either of you notice anything off-kilter about her that morning?"
"The lack of a heartbeat, while she was moving plain as day." Richard nods at Rei's reply before adding his own.
"She was moving a little stiffly." Jake nods at both of them before tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm, Martinez is gonna have to work on the limbs' motors. Though I don't know if he can give the 'LMD' a heartbeat. If anything, it'd be cosmetic." Rei and Richard blinking in bewilderment can't help but get Jake to chuckle softly. "Not to worry though, Richie. Your Mom's alright and biding her time until she can enable the arrest of Rokubungi."
"Is Mrs. Nez a Law Enforcement Officer of some kind? Or is she asserting her authority as SECGEN of the UN?"
"It's the latter, Rei. As to the former, though, you'll have to wait until she can answer it herself."
"Understood. How are we to act until the time comes, though?"
"Like you're grieving, Rei. The funeral's tomorrow. So you'll have to act like you normally would while grieving." Richard nods in agreement while Rei bites her lower lip tentatively.
"I am unfamiliar with grieving as I had never done it before."
"Well, it mainly consists of you looking like you're falling apart." Rei's puzzled blink can't help but get Jake to hastily add, "Not literally, mind you. You're crying sporadically, all over the place." Sighing, he adds, "Much like Rachel and I were when we thought Jefferson died. And don't even get me started on Josh, Kat and Berto."
"He was important to you all, wasn't he, when you all thought he had died?"
"Yeah. Jefferson was pretty much the glue that held us together as a family. You can't believe the surprise on our faces and in our hearts when we found out he'd survived and was in a coma for a decade and a half. Josh, however, was the most relieved."
"Because Jefferson is Mr. McGrath's adoptive Father. Much like Mr. McGrath is Shinji's."
"Now you're getting it." Rei can't help but smile at Jake's words before looking toward Richard. Seeing a nod from him, Rei nods back before closing her red eyes and opening them back up. Trying to put a sad look into them, but not quite making it.
"Do my eyes look sad?" Jake looks at her eyes before closing his own and shaking his head in the negative.
"Nope. Quite frankly, they're devoid of emotion." Rei can't help but wince before smiling sheepishly.
"It seems I've my work cut out for me." Jake gives her a gentle nod before opening his eyes.
"Yeah, but Richie and I'll help you. Right, slugger?"
"Right, Dad." Richard then takes Rei's hand into his own and gives it a soft squeeze. "Don't worry, Rei. We'll help you." Rei squeezes his hand back just as gently before smiling.
"Thank you, Richard and Mr. Nez." Jake can't help but chuckle before speaking again.
"You can call me Jake, Rei." Teasingly, he adds, "Or even 'Dad', since you're in the running to become Richie's wife." Rei's face can't help but go beet red as she shyly smiles. Richard's face is just as red, yet he's smiling as well. "So, when can we expect you two to tie the knot and start with the grandkids?"
"DAD!" Their unified reply can't help but get Jake to guffaw.
(Hokkaido; Takusona home; same time)
As Deidre and Edith see about getting the 4Runner road ready, seeing as it hadn't run in years, Rits and Sam look over the disc on a portable DVD player. When they see Gendo talking, Sam can't help but be curious as to what he's saying. Rewinding before increasing the volume, Sam soon nods as they hear what he's saying. Rits paying intent attention as well.
"First of all, seeing as Hoshio's got the camcorder…"
For some reason, Rits and Sam can't help but notice his speech is slurred. The reason becomes clear as he plunks an empty glass down onto a passing tray before picking up a full glass from another passing tray. The realization startles them both.
"He's wasted!" Sam gives a snicker as he remembers those days. Rits, however…
"Wasted? He's fucking annihilated!" She then gasps as a drunken Gendo continues.
"A toast to Hoshio and Yuriko Takusona on the birth of their cute little baby girl!" The camcorder pans over to two women that Rits recognizes from the picture. Yui and Yuriko both cooing at a bundle in Yuriko's arms. "Little Ritsuko!"
"Cheers!" At the cheer and applause, Gendo then clears his throat before calling out again.
"Okay, Hoshio, you can point the camcorder back over here! I've got more I wanna say!"
"You got it, Gendo!" The sound of her Father's voice gets a tear from Ritsuko as it goes on."Though I'd really rather get Ritsuko on disc!"
"You can do that another day! This is important!"
"Well, since you put it that way…" The camcorder points back toward Gendo just as he accepts another glass. "Good grief, Gendo, how many whiskey/bourbon/rums are you gonna have?"
"I'm gonna get so fucking rip roaring drunk, I ain't gonna remember what I gotta say!"
"You're already there!" Gendo laughs heartily at Hoshio as he shakes the camcorder in mirth. "I'm surprised you're even still standing!"
"Bah! Now, to my next toast! Second Impact! It'll wipe out half of humanity, but it'll bring humanity even closer! As it is written in the Dead Sea Scrolls and decreed by SEELE! It's gonna be so fucking cool! Cheers!"
He then quaffs the glass, not noticing the others aren't cheering. He only notices his glass is empty.
"Bartender, this glass is empty! Get me another one!" Throwing the glass backward over his shoulder, he laughs as the glass breaks. Next thing Sam and Rits know, Yui storms up to Gendo. Her fury evident in her stride.
"Just what the Hell are you doing, Gendo?"
"Getting so rip roaring drunk, I'll forget tonight. Am I shitfaced yet?"
"You're already there. Now what are you talking about?"
"The event that's to come, of course. Second Impact. It's what…" Gendo's words are cut off when Yui puts her hand over his mouth before speaking. Smile on her face.
"I've got news that'll make 'Second Impact' insignificant." She then removes her hand, allowing Gendo to speak.
"What's that, Yui?"
"Gendo, I'm pregnant." Putting his hand to her belly, she adds, "You're going to be a Father." A stunned expression comes over his face before he smiles and goes unconscious. Yuriko then walks up to Yui before speaking.
"What was Gendo talking about, Yui?"
"Just utter nonsense, Yuriko. At least it better be, anyway." Sighing, she addresses the crowd. "Sorry about Gendo, everybody! He's had a little too much to drink! Spouting off about something that's not even remotely close to happening!"
"What about 'SEELE' and the 'Dead Sea Scrolls', though?" At Yuriko's question, Yui scoffs.
"If they even exist, 'SEELE' sounds like a cult of deranged nuts and the only thing the 'scrolls' are good for is wrapping dead fish after they're gutted."
"How about humanity being brought closer together?"
"It'd be nice if humanity was brought closer together, Hoshio. In time, humanity will reach that point in time. As long, of course, we can bridge the divides around us."
"Like you and I did with Kyoko, Yui?"
"That's right. Oh, she sends her regrets by the way."
"I know. She told me via post of her news. She and Rutger must be so happy."
"It'd be nice if our children could get to know one another." Behind Yui, an unconscious Gendo lets out a snore. "It seems Gendo agrees with me." Yuriko lets out a giggle while Yui reaches for Ritsuko. "I think someone's ready for her close-up, Mr. Takusona." Hoshio lets out a chuckle while Yuriko lets out a giggle as Hoshio fires back.
"Isn't it supposed to be DeMille?"
"Yeah, but it seems since he's not here, and you are…"
"Very funny, Yui." Nonetheless, the camcorder focuses on an awake Ritsuko's face as she smiles for the camcorder. "Right on cue, Ritsuko. You're going to be an actress some day. Yes you are."
"Making plans for her already, huh?"
"Not really, Yuriko. Oh, yeah. How far along are you and Kyoko, Yui?"
"Well, I'm along by a month while Kyoko's at two weeks." Sam looks over at Rits as she stops the disc. Puzzling it out already.
"My God. My folks knew about what would happen because 'Dumbass' was annihilated. And Shinji's Mom either played it off as if it was a joke because she didn't believe it or she knew what he was talking about. So they contacted someone they thought they could trust to get word to the right people."
"I wish I could tell you, but offhand I'd say you've a delivery to make."
"Yeah. I do." Opening the player and gingerly removing the disc, she can't help but grin haplessly. "I can hardly believe…"
"Believe what, Ritsuko?"
"Shinji's birth Father. He's suspected Gendo of being a no-good rat bastard for a good while now. It must have happened after Shinji's Mom died." Shrugging, she adds, "This is the proof he needs that 'Dumbass' knew about Second Impact coming. But he'll be surprised that Gendo spouted off…"
"While annihilated. And some time later, becomes a heartless dumbass." At her nod, Sam asks, "What about this SEELE bunch?"
"Good question. But we'll address that another time. For now, 'Dumbass' is the biggest evil that has to be stopped before more innocents die."
"Agreed. But how do we… wait. That letter. It said 'N-Tek' in it, right?"
"Yeah, it did."
"That's one of the best sporting goods companies on the planet! We get word to the right people there and… but we don't even know who on the board can be trusted!"
"You needn't worry about that, Mr. Treadwell." Deidre's voice from in front of them is joined by the sound of an engine starting. "Ritsy and I have an 'in' of sorts. Don't we, Ritsy?"
"We sure do."
With that, Rits and Deidre head toward the Toyota, its cargo still hitched up to it and get in. While Edith is making her way back to Sam, her face covered in oil and grease from the 4Runner's engine bay. Sam can't help but give his wife a soft smirk as he gently wipes her face clean.
"Why is it you can't keep clean while working on an engine, E?"
"Like I told you at Snappy Tom's, we can't all be glamour pusses." Sam can't resist the urge to kiss her lips, getting her to grin. "Mmm, maybe I should think about wearing this as makeup from time to time."
"Hmm, engine oil based makeup. Could be a big hit." Edith can only giggle before playfully swatting him.
"You rat!" Sam only grins as he loops his arm around her. Just as the Toyota starts pulling out of the sand. As it pulls onto the pavement, Edith lightly grimaces before saying, "I just hope they get that disc to the right people."
"Same here. But Deidre did say that she and Rits have an 'in' of sorts."
"In any case, I hope their 'in' doesn't wind up selling them out."
"Same here." Looking over the house once more, he asks, "How much of a chance do they have in fixing this place up?"
"With a lot of help and luck, slim to good." Slyly, she asks, "Why? You wanna see if we can fix up this place without machines?"
"Well yeah. I mean machines are practical for high rises. Especially those in Tokyo-3. Not a beautiful house like this one here."
"I agree on its beauty on the outside." Ubatigona's voice from behind Sam and Edith get them to turn with a start. When they come face-to-face with a sheepish Ubatigona, he says, "Sorry about that. I was wondering if Miss Takamiya would like to consider off-loading this 'money pit' as it's destined to be. But I noticed them driving away in an SUV with a boat hitched to it."
"Like Ritsuko said, it's a project. As for them leaving, I'm guessing they're on their way to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get it registered and titled in their names. Then they'll go on back to Tokyo-3."
"Very well. I'll get the deed done in her name by the end of today. I just wish I knew what had happened with the contractors that I'd hired to do the upkeep."
"You can't find them at all?"
"No. It's like they up and vanished into thin air, Mrs. Treadwell! It makes no sense at all!" Ubatigona clutches his head and starts pulling out his hair as he rants on. "Look at this! Just look at this! I'm so dig-dog ticked off that I'm molting! And I don't even have feathers! How can I molt if I have no feathers?"
Next thing he knows, he feels a slight sting in his chest. Looking downward, he sees a tranquilizer dart before looking back up and seeing a frowning Edith. Holstering a tranquilizer gun under her left shoulder.
"Mrs. Tread…" His voice trailing off as he goes unconscious, Ubatigona slumps into Sam's arms.
"Thanks, E. He was driving me crazy with that voice of his. He sounds like that one parrot in the cartoon 'Aladdin', you know?" Edith nods as she closes her eyes, rubbing her forehead.
"Welcome. And yeah, he does. Even more, how can people stand to be around his voice, anyway? It must drive them batty as Hell." As Sam hefts Ubatigona onto his shoulder, Edith looks back at him as he speaks.
"Yeah, with a voice like that, I'm surprised they let him into the courtroom." Seeing her looking at him, a curiously amused look on her face, he grins and asks, "What?"
"Did 'Cherry' ever speak in a screechy voice when it was just you two?"
"No. 'She' didn't. Why do you ask?"
"No particular reason. Just wondering what her sense of humor was like."
"It was passable, but there was always something missing." Smirking softly, he adds, "But it would've been interesting to hear her talk like that if she'd been able to." Edith gives a giggle as they walk toward Ubatigona's yellow Mercedes Benz coupe and gently plunk him down into the driver's seat. Curious, he then asks, "How long does the tranquilizer last?"
"Thin as he is, two hours. Meaning we'd better stay close until ten minutes till he stirs. For I know, there could be…"
"Someone like Les around here. Only one that doesn't like Lawyers at all."
"Exactly." Biting her lower lip thoughtfully, she adds, "Better stick around until he's fully awake in that case."
"Alright." With that, they both go to the Mustang, get in and wait for Ubatigona to stir.
(NERV HQ; Section-2 Barracks; Sychola's office)
As he pores over the various documentations before him, Peter can't help but wonder one thing.
"How the fuck did Chiron get this job if he's this half-assed, for a big-assed moron, anyway?"
"It's because he lacked scruples, sir." At Dyson's voice, Peter looks up and sees a grin on the rookie's face.
"You're jovial all of a sudden. What gives?"
"I found a hit, sir."
"Tell me more, kid."
"While Hisnokasu was going over the lower to upper tiers, he noticed a large amount of lower-tiered phones. He then put me onto checking the upper-tiered phones. After I'd gone through the phones for all Lieutenants, Captains and Majors, including Major Katsuragi, I was checking the next level up. While I found nothing on Vi-Co Fuyutsuki's, I found an outgoing call from the Commander's phone."
"What kind of outgoing call?"
"One to 'The Order of the Light of Divinity', sir. I checked the logs Charlie and Dave called in with and compared it with the Commander's call. Just about a dead-on match, sir." Peter can't help but snort in amused incredulity.
"I don't think 'Just about' will suffice…" Dyson waits with bated breath until Peter resumes. "But it'll have to do. I want you to do a little errand for me, but first, does Hisnokasu know about what you'd found?"
"No sir. I came straight to you when I found a connection." With that, Dyson nervously gulps. Peter catching it and grinning.
"No need to be nervous, Brian. You did good bringing this to my attention."
"Thank you, sir." Curious, he asks, "What kind of errand do you want me to do, sir?"
"I want you to go in your POV and take all the information we've gathered so far to the 'N-Tek' building in Old Osaka. If possible, make contact with Josh McGrath. Offer the name 'Smiley' and tell him I sent you with information. Clear?"
"Yes sir." Curious, he then asks, "What about the collaboration exercise with the PD, though?"
"It's today?" At his nod, Peter looks over his notes before sheepishly chuckling. "In all the madness, I plain forgot! Wow!"
"It's okay, sir. Like you said, it's been maddening of late. What with SECGEN Nez being gunned down, our search for the brain-dead jackass that called those nutjob cultists. With the Commander having turned out to be said brain-dead jackass…"
Peter lets out a cackle of agreement at that, but before Dyson can go on, Peter's cell phone rings. Checking it, Peter grins widely before answering it. Electing to leave out who the caller is while Dyson's in front of him.
"Hey. How's it going?"
"It's going fine, Psycho. I'm calling to let you know that my entourage and I are expecting to touch down on the tarmac in three hours time. I'm using my given name to keep a low profile, okay?"
"Okay, Nikita." Looking up at Dyson, he grins widely and asks, "Which air field are you touching down at, anyway?"
"Old Osaka."
"Okay. I'm sending someone to meet up with you as he'll be there anyway making a delivery."
"Oh? Is it the guy you told me about?"
"That's right. His name's Brian."
"I can hardly wait to meet him. I've ten men with me, so we reserved a van. Ivan's driven in Japan before, so I can ride with him." Curious, she then asks, "Did you tell him about…"
"No. I'll let him find out for himself." Upon hearing Nikita giggling, Peter chuckles lightly.
"It's good to hear you found a way to be 'psycho' still."
"Yeah, but by just a little bit. I'll just tack picking you up with what he has to do up there anyway."
"Okay. I'll see him upon arrival." With that, Nikita hangs up and Peter grins at Dyson.
"Today's a day of good fortune for you, bud."
"How so, sir?" As Peter tells him, Dyson can't help but feel himself going red from shyness. Once he's done, Dyson gulps and says, "I'm not very good in relating with women, sir. It's so bad, I've never even had a girlfriend."
"Just give it a chance, kid. Besides, you've given so much to us in a short amount of time. Consider this karmic payback." A blushing Dyson can only nod before exiting the office, Peter chortling wickedly behind him. "I love this job."
(Gendo's Office; same time)
Settling on what he wants done, Gendo brings out his cell phone and calls Duka's cell phone. Upon hearing it ring several times, he frowns until he hears Duka's greeting.
"You've reached Duka's phone, but not Duka. I'm either busy about to shoot somebody or I'm asleep. At the tone, leave a number and I'll get back to you. Later!"
Gendo can't help but roll his eyes as the tone sounds.
"Duka, this is Commander Ikari. I want a hit on the Takamiya girl and her Mother. They're considered to be witnesses that must be silenced. Payment will be $250,000 US. Call me back for the details." Ending the call, Gendo snorts and mutters, "If it wasn't for him being the best triggerman I've got, his contract would've been terminated long ago." Little does he realize the bug's active still. Let alone Duka and his phone being in the custody of 'N-Tek'.
(4Runner; en route to Old Osaka 'N-Tek' building; one hour later)
While Deidre drives, Rits keeps an eye on 'Mihke', worried the cabin cruiser her late Father had restored would separate from the SUV. Even though she had seen it's hitched securely still, she can't help but worry. Deidre notices it and softly smiles.
"No need to worry, Ritsy. 'Mihke' will be just fine. The connection is quite secure." Rits can't help but sheepishly grin before turning around.
"I know, Mom. It's just that I can't help but worry about 'Mihke'. He sat there for years, waiting. It must've been lonely for him." Shaking her head suddenly, she then haplessly chuckles and adds, "I must sound like a loon now."
"Nonsense, Ritsy. You and 'Mihke' share a unique air. You both lost out on years together because your parents were murdered." Nodding toward the disc in Rits' grasp, she asks, "Were you able to discern anything from the disc?"
"Not very much. Just that 'Dumbass' has a tendency to talk when annihilated."
"I see." Rits gives Deidre a nod at that before the latter frowns. "But why did Shinji want you to go up to the mining company, though?"
"He wanted me to snoop around. But I noticed that place was surrounded by cops, so I decided against it."
"When was that?"
"While you were getting the 4Runner registered in our names, I snuck away to the site and saw six cop cars. Their lights were flashing and the Officers were keeping everybody back."
"Sounds like somebody beat you to it. But why would Police be at a building for a defunct company?"
"It was being demolished."
"That explains the big cloud of dust I saw on our way out of Hokkaido." Rits gives a nod before sighing. Deidre catching it. "What is it, Ritsy?"
"Even though we got an answer as to a possible reason, we still don't have proof 'Dumbass' killed my parents."
"Now that we know they were 'N-Tek', however, Shinji and the others can look into it when we tell them."
"I still can't believe my parents are fallen Agents." Blowing her breath upward, she mutters, "I just hope Shinji's not having a hard time training Asuka."
(Underwater Training Facility; same time)
"Okay, go, go!"
At Max's call, Asuka tosses in a flash-bang grenade. As it goes off, Max and Asuka storm the room, Asuka yelling out.
"Suspect, hands on your head!" When their quarry refuses, Asuka goes on. "Do it now, asshole, or I'll use my shotgun to blow your fucking nuts off!" At the sound of the whistle from up above them, Asuka asks, "What'd I do wrong this time?"
"Sohryu, we normally don't threaten to neuter the suspects with a shotgun." Max's tone is patient, yet amused as he goes on. "Your pitch was correct, but you were also quite vulgar."
"Ha! You haven't heard anything yet, Agent Steel."
"I don't doubt that." Asuka lets out a cackle while Max sighs. "Other than that, you may be meant for storming."
"What do you mean 'may be meant for storming'? That was perfect!"
"Yeah, but you might want to save that for someone so dangerous, it warrants it."
"Who do you think I was picturing?" Looking over toward the mannequin, she grimaces and adds, "I wanted to see fear on a face, too."
"Unfortunately, however, you did such a number on Jopreano, no one's willing to be the 'suspect' for fear of what you'd do to them. Let alone say." Max's words can't help but get a sheepish grin from Asuka.
"My bad." She then asks, "What's next? 'Sparrow' flight training?"
"That eager to fly a 'Sparrow', huh?" At her nod, Max chuckles and says, "Well, you did well enough, I think you could stand some flight training."
"Yes!" At her yell, Max can't help but grin as she goes on. "What's first?"
"First the simulators to ensure you don't black out or crash an expensive jet aircraft." Seeing as she's about to object, he cuts her off. "It doesn't matter that you were trained to Pilot an Evangelion. A 'Sparrow' and an EVA are two different things. The cockpit of a 'Sparrow' isn't filled with LCL, after all." Asuka sees the logic before sighing.
"Alright." Max gives her nod before adding one more detail.
"Besides, 'Sparrow' training doesn't happen here, but at Old Osaka."
"Why there?"
"A lot of air traffic over Old Osaka is usually 'N-Tek' related."
"And the others not related?"
"Watched and protected at the same time by 'Sparrow' under cloak."
"Okay. Maybe I can do the 'Sparrow' another day."
"I'm guessing you're ready to go home now."
"You bet!"
Thirty minutes later, Asuka and Max are exiting the training facility. As they exit, Asuka gazes up at the dolphins while Max pilots the 'Sparrow' along the tube. Yet it doesn't stop Asuka from smiling at how carefree they are.
"Next time we come here, can I see about underwater training?"
"Sure. Got the discs?"
"You bet I do! One of 'Dumbass' and one of us holding a 'Save the World' party with an extra-special guest." Asuka then snickers as she adds, "I still can't believe what you said on camera, though."
"That was for shock value." Asuka gives Max an amused snort before retorting.
"It'll be a shock alright! But what about Takamiya's parents having been 'N-Tek' when they died? Don't you think she needs to be told?"
"I do, but I get the feeling she may have found out on her own."
"One of your 'hunches', huh?"
"Yep."
Upon the 'Sparrow' exiting the tube, Max reverts to Shinji before aiming the 'Sparrow' toward the surface, unfolding the wings from the canopy. Once the 'Sparrow' breaches the surface, Shinji fires up the main engines, getting the small, yet fast, jet aircraft airborne.
"Next stop, Old Osaka." Shinji's words get Asuka to grin before piping in.
"And then on to Tokyo-3."
(Classified 'N-Tek' safe house; same time)
"So sorry, Doctor Tokisona."
"It's quite alright, Deputy Marshal Myers. I'm so badly out of practice when it comes to Scrabble."
"You're not that bad out of practice, Doc. You just never played against me before." Tokisona can't help but give Myers a chuckle before looking out the window. "Looking for something, Doc?"
"Shizuka and Scott. They should've finished their swim by now and moved on to more enjoyable activities."
"Nah. Scott's too much of a hopeless romantic. Chances are he's getting some sun with Miss Uramishi."
At the lake, after Scott shyly undoes Shizuka's top, he gently rubs suntan lotion into her back. As he rubs, he can't help but admire her physique.
"You're in great shape, Shizuka."
"Thanks, Scott. So are you. Plus your hands are gentle."
When Scott inadvertently makes contact with a sore spot on her back, she can't help but hiss in pain.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. It's just that I may have pulled a muscle in my back during our snorkel." Scott quirks an eyebrow before looking closely at the spot. It's faded, but there's discoloration in the flesh.
"I don't think so. I've seen injuries like these before I joined the UN Marshals. You'd been beaten, haven't you?" Shizuka can't help but let out a sigh and nod. "Who did it?"
"The people that blackmailed me into helping them 13 years ago. Even though I agreed, they decided to hurt me to get their point across. Any dissension after that would result in stiff consequences."
"I didn't read about that in the transcript."
"I didn't mention it because I wasn't sure what would happen as I testified. I was afraid that they'd see it as an excuse, much like when I told them I was being blackmailed." Next thing Shizuka knows, Scott's lips are softly kissing the sore spot. Getting her to softly smile. "You're sweet. How can you be single still?"
"I wish I knew. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's because any time a lady saw my scar, she'd bail."
"Your scar? You mean the one on your right flank?" At his nod, she asks, "How'd it happen?"
"I was a racer on the motocross circuit before Second Impact. It was during a race when it happened. I was just riding my racer, intent on having a good time, when I wound up in the lead. Another competitor didn't like that much, so he rammed me. His front tire had spikes in it for traction as the ground was quite wet that day. The spikes were single file and very sharp."
"Sounds like a jerk."
"Yeah, well, the jerk was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. He rebutted them, saying I'd cut him off. The race officials disagreed as they saw I only drifted into First Place without even vying for it. Of course, it made matters worse. He accused me of having it so easy to just slip on in there."
"What'd you say?"
"I was just there to have a good time. It didn't matter to me who the winner was. He then lunged at me, only to be stopped by the officials." Next thing Scott knows, Shizuka's giggling in mirth.
"I think you and Tsukune would have gotten along fine if you'd ever met." Looking back at him, she adds, "He had the same casual air about him. The only time he'd be serious was when he'd be doing his job." Not caring her top's undone still, she turns around, letting Scott see her uncovered breasts. At his shy blush, Shizuka can't help but giggle again.
"Your first time seeing a woman's tits ever?" At his nod before he turns his face away, Shizuka reaches up, takes gentle hold of his chin and brings his face back to facing her. "It's okay, Scott."
"But, I barely know you."
"That's what Tsukune said too." Looping her arms around his neck, she gently brings his head down to hers before whispering. "I did the same thing to him I'm about to do to you, too."
Without warning, she tugs his head down to hers, with her lips meeting his. As the two kiss, Shizuka closes her eyes in bliss.
'It's been too long since I had a man in my life! Let alone inside me!' Reaching down to his crotch, she rubs the bulge, ends the kiss and sultrily grins.
"My, my, my. You're an impressive one." Dipping her hand into his trunks, her grin goes even wider as she gently encircles his member. "Very impressive. You're as big as Tsukune was, so it'll be like old times for me."
His reaction's not quite what she'd expected. He gently reaches down and extricates her hand from his trunks. Getting up, he gently bows his head in shame before shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, Miss Uramishi, but I don't think it'd be a good idea to go any further than this."
"Why? Is there something else about you that's keeping you single?"
"Yes." Picking up his gear, he goes on. "Another reason I'm still single is because of an incident that happened with a previous relationship." Not caring she's topless still, Shizuka gets up and softly strokes his cheek.
"What happened, Scott?" He can't help but gaze at her warm brown eyes. The beautiful orbs entreating him to confide in her.
"Alright, but you won't like what you're about to hear." Five minutes later, a shaken Shizuka slumps onto the ground, tears falling from her eyes as he walks away. Wrapping her arms around herself, Shizuka lets out a sob.
"How dare you… How dare you… How dare you hurt him like that, you bitch!" Looking back in the direction he's walked toward, Shizuka grins evilly. "Alright, if you want to cast him aside like that, I'll just take him for myself and heal his wounds. If it means bearing his children, then I'm all for it."
Picking her bikini top up and putting it back on, she quickly gathers her gear and walks back to the cabin. Making plans for the 'UN Marshal' that had endeared himself to her in his own way. By resisting base human urges even though he's clearly attracted to her. As she walks, she also thinks vile thoughts toward the woman that hurt him.
'Whoever you are, you'd better hope we don't meet under any circumstances! Because I will tear you limb from limb for cheating on Scott like that! Or even better rub our happiness in your face!'
(Old Osaka 'N-Tek' building; one hour later)
As Dyson exits his blue 1996 Mustang, he looks up at the 'thumbs-up' logo on the building and grins softly.
'From all appearances, it's a sporting goods company. Of course, appearances do tend to be deceiving at times.' Walking into the building, he sees the front desk and goes right to it. "I'm here to see Mr. Josh McGrath." The person behind the desk is a grizzled male Security Officer of Mid-Eastern descent.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but the one that sent me is 'Smiley'. It's important I speak with Mr. McGrath."
"I see. You'd be?"
"Brian Dyson, of NERV's Section-2." The Security Officer nods before picking up the phone and pressing an extension.
"This is Aftab at the desk. I've a man named Brian Dyson from some group named 'NERV's Section-2'. He said that 'Smiley' sent him to speak with Mr. McGrath." Aftab nods before replying, "Yes, sir." Putting the phone down, Aftab smiles apologetically before speaking to Dyson.
"Sorry, but Mr. McGrath is out of town on business. However, you're more than welcome to speak with Mr. Smith. When Mr. McGrath isn't in, he's in charge." Dyson closes his eyes and ponders his options. Deciding to trust his gut instinct that Mr. Smith's on the up-and-up, Dyson opens his eyes and nods.
"Then I guess I'm seeing Mr. Smith." Aftab gives Dyson a smile as the latter signs in and asks, "Where's Mr. Smith's office at?"
"It's on the fifth floor, Office 521."
"Thanks." Making his way to an elevator, he sees three men walking throughout the building. All three of them dressed alike and carrying themselves in a way he's too familiar with.
'Former soldiers, eh? I'm betting they're armed, too.' Shrugging, he enters the elevator and presses the button for floor '5'. Two minutes later, he arrives on the floor he wants and exits the elevator. Walking along the hallway, he keeps a close eye out for the office he wants.
"Let's see. 517… 518… 519… 520… ah, here we are. 521." Knocking on the door, he hears a gruff voice emanating from the door.
"Who is it?"
"Brian Dyson, from NERV's Section-2. I was sent by 'Smiley' to speak with Mr. McGrath."
"Come on in." As Dyson opens the door, he sees a slightly-rotund African-American. Yet he can easily tell the man can handle himself if a fight broke out. Stepping into the office, the man goes on. "I'm Jefferson Smith, Mr. McGrath's adoptive Father. Josh is out on another matter at the moment."
"I see. I'm not going to give you any bull, sir, but I do come bearing information regarding the Commander's actions regarding Pilot Ikari and Miss Takamiya."
"Oh? What kind of information?" As Dyson tells him, Jefferson nods attentively. Already aware of what Gendo had tried to do when it came to the cult. "It's good to see you're a man of integrity, Mr. Dyson. As you might expect, I'm not exactly a fan of Gendo Rokubungi. Especially given the abhorrent way he'd treated Shinji. And threatened Ritsuko Takamiya."
"I've seen that as well, sir. When SECGEN Nez was gunned down, he showed no emotion at all. It's like he lost sight of what it means to be human and alive." Shaking his head, he adds, "The best SECGEN we had and some schmuck up and shoots her dead."
"That's what we were hoping for." At the sound of the feminine voice, with the crisp British accent, Dyson turns toward the direction it came from and sees a living, breathing Rachel Nez. "To quote the American author Mark Twain, 'The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated'."
"Madam SECGEN! But how? There was blood all over the place!" Rachel only gives him a grin until he puts it together. "You mean you were 'N-Tek' at one time?"
"Correct. Although I am considering coming back to field work once my stint is over with. As for the how, it was by using a prototype robotic body double. We even have the shooter in custody and he was gracious enough to tell us who'd ordered the hit. Care to take a guess?" Dyson mulls it over before his jaw drops.
"The Commander?"
"Correct. In fact, he just called the shooter's phone and left a message. He's wanting a hit on both the ladies Takamiya." Dyson and Jefferson both blink before Jefferson clears his throat.
"Do you think we've enough men on-site to effect an arrest? Because I feel we've enough evidence, Rachel."
"As do I, but as of now, there're only 500 troops in Tokyo-3. We'd need 1,000 more and they still won't be in place and ready until after the 14th Angel arrives."
"Any way we can be of help, ma'am?" When Jefferson and Rachel look at Dyson, he can see they're pondering it until Rachel speaks.
"How many Agents in Section-2 do you trust explicitly, Agent Dyson?"
"Admittedly, not very many. Captain Sychola and Vice-Captain Hisnokasu aside, I may be the only trustworthy one in Section-2." Sighing, he mutters, "Guess that won't be enough, though."
"You never know. I'd like you to give 'Smiley' a message for me."
"Yes, ma'am." As Rachel tells him, Dyson nods before grinning. "You got it, ma'am. I'll tell him when I get back to Tokyo-3 for the exercise. Hopefully I won't miss much."
"What kind of exercise?"
"A collaboration exercise we're doing with the Tokyo-3 PD, sir. In an effort to drive the crime rate down some more, that is." Checking his watch, he then grimaces and adds, "I'd better get to the air field to meet up with Nikita's flight and her entourage."
"Nikita? As in Nikita Kamenev?" Rachel's query gets a nod from Dyson before she asks, "Why are you meeting up with her?"
"It's something Captain Sychola cooked up to get me to have a personal life. Why do you ask, ma'am?"
"I'm sure you've heard of the Kamenev crime family from Russia."
"I have. Captain Sychola even told me about that. He thinks I'll be able to keep my ethics intact, given her unique 'alias' and all."
"That'd be some blend right there if you two make it." Jefferson can't help but smirk softly, adding, "In fact, I don't know whether to root for you or pray for you."
"You might want to make it both, sir." Next thing Dyson knows, Jefferson's intercom chimes.
"Go ahead, Aftab."
"Sir, Deidre and Ritsuko Takamiya are here to see Mr. McGrath. Shall I direct them to you as well?"
"By all means, go ahead."
"Yes sir." Once contact ends, Jefferson gives Dyson a nod before speaking again.
"You may want to make yourself scarce as I don't know how they'll take you being here."
"Right." As he turns to exit, he asks, "Want me to pass regards to Captain Sychola, sir?"
"Yes, that'd be nice. From myself and Rachel both."
"You got it, sir." Exiting the office with a wide grin, Dyson makes his way to the elevator. Only to duck into the nearest office when the door opens, revealing the ladies Takamiya. 'Hello, Ms and Miss Takamiya.' As they walk past, seemingly without having seen him, he adds, 'And good-bye.' Once they're past, he makes his way to the elevator. Little does he realize Deidre and Rits had seen him.
"Wonder what's with him? Not like we're going to bite him or anything."
"He's probably here without the knowledge of 'Dumbass', Ritsy. That's Peter's 'pet project' of sorts."
"So if Peter sent him here, it must be for something about Shinji's investigation." As Deidre nods, Rits can't help but mutter, "I hope they'll be receptive to hear what we've found."
'Same here, Ritsy. Same here.' Wringing her hands subconsciously, Deidre asks, "Just what do I say to a man I hadn't seen in years and thought dead? 'Good to see you're still poking others' noses into where they don't belong.'?"
"Sounds like a good icebreaker." Jefferson's voice grabs Deidre's attention as she sees him and Rachel both standing at his doorway. "It's been a long time, Dragonelle."
"Too long, Mr. Smith." Deidre then lets out a wide smile as she strides toward him and wraps her arms around him as much as possible. "It's good to see you again. Even if we were on opposite sides."
"Right back at you, Dragonelle." Looking over her shoulder, he can't help but blink upon seeing a familiar face. "Yuriko Takusona? No, you're my 'granddaughter-in-law', Ritsuko." Rits can't help but beam while going pink in her cheeks as he asks, "How soon can I expect great-grandchildren?"
"As to the latter question, I expect we'll get started next month. But do I look like my birth Mother that much?"
"You do."
"She must've been young when she joined up."
"She was just fresh out of high school actually, Ritsuko. Word spread to us in Del Oro when your parents announced your birth. They were good people." Rits' eyes go wide before she becomes eager to know more.
"How long did you know them, Mr. Smith?"
"I introduced them, subtly, of course. Sparks slightly flew between them, of course, but they worked so well together, they decided to mix business with pleasure. You can imagine what happened then."
"I was born." At Jefferson's nod and smile, she says, "In any case, Mom and I found something that relates to Shinji's investigation into NERV."
"What is it?" Rits brings up a disc and Jefferson blinks. "Is that a vid-disc?"
"It is. Got a player in here?"
"Yeah. Matter of fact, we got some information on our end from where Shinji is training Miss Sohryu."
"What kind of information? Or is it 'disc first, information second'?"
"I was thinking more along the lines of both sets at the same time, Rits." Rachel's voice gets their attention as she asks, "Or do you prefer Dragonette?"
"Only when I'm in my 'Dragonette' suit. Madam SECGEN Nez." Rits can't help but grin softly as she adds, "I gotta admit, you deserve an Academy Award for 'Best Death Scene' as I bought it hook, line and sinker."
"Must like you deserve an award for 'Most Loving Toward Her Man' as you love Shinji so much, you're willing to risk all to protect him." Rits can only blush bright red as she puts the disc into the tray while Rachel hands the papers that had just been delivered by Dyson to Deidre. "I, however, get the feeling that you'll feel quite ill after seeing what's on the papers here. Said papers having been delivered to us by a brave individual sent by a man we know quite well."
"Good old 'Psycho'. Ill in what way, Rachel?" As Deidre looks over the paper, her eyes go wide as she shakes her head. "I can't believe it. How can he do that? To Ritsy and Shinji, no less."
"Shocking, isn't it, Deidre?" Rachel's query gets Deidre to nod as Rits presses 'play'. Only for Rachel to get a shock of her own. "Is that Rokubungi?"
"It is." As it shows a drunken Gendo speaking about 'Second Impact' to come, Rits shakes her head. "I think my parents died because they recorded what 'Dumbass' said and tried to pass warning of it on. Just in case it was serious. Even more, Shinji's Mom either knew what was going to happen and tried to play it off as a joke or she thought 'Dumbass' had too much to drink and was speaking nonsense."
"I know. I heard the recording of your parents' voices when it was brought back to us. I still find it hard to believe Dread's still alive and calling himself 'Kiel' these days. As for Shinji's Mother, however…"
"It's a crap shoot." At Jefferson's nod, Rits can't help but feel there's more. "What's wrong, Mr. Smith?"
"We found out the other night about what Rokubungi has in mind for Shinji. It's bad."
"What is it?"
"He's wanting to use Shinji as a sacrifice for Third Impact. Just to get his Mother out of Unit-01's core."
"What? A sacrifice? This is the 21st century, not the 19th!" Jefferson and Rachel can't help but gulp at the ire in Rits' voice as she seethes, "There is no way, no way that my sweet Shinji came from the loins of someone that evil! I mean, how can…" Her anger turns to sadness as she begins weeping. Upon feeling Deidre's arms around her, Rits nestles into her.
"Oh, Shinji!"
"Rits?" At the sound of her beloved's voice behind Deidre, Rits and Deidre both turn around and see both he and Asuka are there. Both with concern on their faces. "What happened?"
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Asuka and I just arrived, actually, Rits. We came to drop off what the infiltrators had found at the mining company I pointed you toward. Only they beat you there by three days."
"Did you know about it already?"
"No, Asuka and I only just found out ourselves. Especially when we saw 'you know who' carrying a case of C-9 explosives." Rits' eyes can't help but go wide before they narrow.
"So 'Dumbass' did set the bomb to kill my parents, then. Only he did such a shitty job of it…" At Shinji's nod, she sniffles and asks, "How can such a sweet man like you be from the genes of someone so evil?"
"I ask myself that all the time, Rits. All the time. But, Asuka and I have something that'll put a laughing smile on all of our faces."
"What is it, Shinji?" Rachel's query gets a smirk from Shinji as he crosses to the player and opens the tray. When he sees a disc in there already, he brings it out, getting Rachel to respond. "That footage is courtesy of Rits' parents. You and Miss Sohryu will have to see it after your disc."
"Alright." Putting the disc he'd carried over into place, he closes the tray and the disc starts playing. "Asuka and I think you'll really like what you're about to see." The screen quickly shows Max doing a stand-up comedy routine of sorts.
"What do you get when you put the fate of humanity into the hands of a dumbass like Gendo Rokubungi?" After a pause of two minutes, he yells out, "Big trouble!" Max then chortles before going somewhat serious and adds, "But I think you'll like what we have for today's special. 'Stolen Angel Surprise'."
Max then brings up a familiar yellow case and yells out, "Dragonette and I stole the first Angel from 'Dumbass'! Surprise!" Jefferson and Rachel both let out guffaws while Deidre snickers. Rits, however…
'Oh, Shinji!' Looking over toward him, she sees Asuka trying to muffle her giggles, as if knowing what's next. Shinji nodding his head, as if wanting to remember what's about to happen. 'Huh?' Curious, she turns back to the screen in time for her jaw to drop.
'Oh you're not going to…'
On the screen, Max is holding a sledgehammer over his shoulder, a familiar-looking yellow case lying open on the ground. A demonic smile appears on Max's face as he speaks.
"It's really hard to believe that so much misery can be caused by the thing inside this case. Along with all the bullshit associated with it. Now, given my policy of 'Zero Bullshit', I've come to the conclusion that the 1st Angel must be destroyed. So, with that said…" Max turns toward the case, looks down upon it and smacks his lips.
'Oh yes you are.'
With a massive downward swing, Max sends the sledgehammer right into the case. The impact brings up pieces of Bakelite and what appears to be pieces of Angel. Only to lift it out and swing it downward again. Rits lets out a giggle before laughing out loud.
'That'll fuck up whatever plans "Dumbass" has for you, my love!' Curious, she then asks, "Isn't that evidence you just destroyed, though?"
"It's not destroyed, though it should be." Asuka's smirk is audible as she goes on. "The 1st Angel is secured in an ice-cold vault to keep the Bakelite around it solid. What you just saw was Max destroying a case filled with something much like the Bakelite in the case. With pieces of chicken embedded in the Bakelite. Oh, here comes the best part!" They all turn their attention back to the screen as Max looks right at the camera.
"Gendo Rokubungi, be advised that any plans you had for the 1st Angel are now moot. I hope you 'enjoyed' it. I know I did." When the video ends, the room is alive with applause.
"Now that is a good 'fake job', Shinji. When do you want 'Dumbass' to see it though?"
"Oh, that's just a copy I brought, Rachel. I sent him a time-delay email on NERV's 'secure' server. He should be getting it right about… now."
(NERV HQ; Gendo's office; same time)
"You've got mail!"
Gendo can't help but kink his eyebrows upward in consternation before shrugging and opening it. Only to wish he hadn't, for the email is a link to a video showing Max Steel Jr. Gendo can only watch in anger upon seeing Max holding up the case holding Adam and announcing that he and a person named 'Dragonette' had stolen it. His anger quickly changes to horror as Max picks up a sledgehammer before swinging it into the case.
"NNNNOOOO!" He rapidly blinks to chase away the unbelievable sight before him. Only for it to not go away. Pieces of Bakelite fly out of the case, along with pieces of Angel. Shaking his head in disbelief, he feels his fury rise once more before screaming out. "DAMN YOU, MAX STEEL JR!"