Shinji Steel 59
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
Author's Notes; I'm sure you've by now noticed two extra characters not in any way related to Evangelion or Max Steel. Yet they have a tie to entertainment. Kudos to you if you can guess the characters and where they're from. Enjoy!
"Okay, Ms Takamiya." Matt's kind smile puts Deidre at ease as they both sit inside a conference room at TI. "Anything you want to discuss in particular?"
"I'd like to cut through the fat and get straight to the point, Doctor. I did a lot of things in my past that I'm not proud of, let alone can't seem to get away from."
"Okay. I'm listening. Anything you say stays between you, me and the walls." Deidre gives a tentative nod before speaking.
"I don't know if you'd heard of me, given I know of your 'N-Tek' ties, but I was once the industrial spy Dragonelle. Under the employ of John Dread and the DREAD organization."
"I have. You're a legend in the industrial espionage community. I'm honored to meet you in these circumstances. Such as they are." Deidre can't help but smile softly at that. "Go on."
"When Second Impact happened, I was at a bad spot in my life. Dread was supposedly dead and I had no contacts at all. I didn't even know if I wanted to live or die." Matt's gentle nod gets Deidre to summon her courage. "But then my life changed. Remarkably for the better."
"Go ahead." At that, Deidre smiles softly as she thinks back.
(Day of Second Impact; 200 miles off the Chinese coast)
Dragonelle stared listlessly at the compass on the 'rented' sailboat before looking at the plug covering the hole she'd drilled into the hull. She then picked up the string connected to the plug and started to tug, only to shakily stop.
'Do I really want this? I mean, sure I have no reason to live. Not without Dread, anyway. Yet, I can't help but find this distasteful.' Looking up at the sky, she saw the last vestiges of light fall away. 'A beautiful sunset for an inglorious end to such a worthless life.' Snarling she flung the string away.
"And I don't want it!" Looking up toward the sky, she yelled out, "WHAT IS MY PURPOSE? WHY AM I STILL ALIVE WHEN I HAVE NO REASON TO LIVE?" Next thing she knew, she heard a rumble in the distance, looked toward the rumble and gulped.
"Me and my big mouth." The next thing she knew was wet darkness.
(Some hours later)
"Ugh. Anybody get the license number of that battle cruiser?"
Dragonelle held her head gently as she came to. Checking her fingertips, she was both relieved and disappointed to find no blood at all.
"So no busted skull, yet I have a headache. Talk about messed up." Looking around, she grimaced. "Too quiet for my tastes."
Seeing an object bobbing in the water to her starboard side, she found herself curious about it. Without thinking twice, she adjusted course and made her way to it. The object was white, round, tethered to the remnants of a yacht's bow and had Japanese kanji on it. Being fluent in Japanese, Dragonelle read it. Along with the kanji on the bow.
'Ritsuko'
'Perseus'
Not pondering about why the object was named Ritsuko, as she noticed it was a life pod, Dragonelle opened the pod and gasped upon seeing an infant girl within the pod. An IV bracelet on her arm. Gently lifting the girl out of the pod and removing the bracelet, she noticed the injectors were of the air-pressure variety. As she held the girl in her arms, her mind railed at her.
'WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU DON'T NEED HER! SHE'LL TIE YOU DOWN!'
'She's all alone. She needs somebody.'
'So? Just let her die! It'd be one less mouth in the world!'
'No. I may have tried to kill people before, and failed, but…'
'But nothing! You're not exactly the "Mommy" type! You don't even know her name!'
'I could guess at it, though. And I've a pretty good guess.'
'Based on what? Japanese kanji saying "Ritsuko" on it? You're Dragonelle, cold, vicious and calculating.'
'I'm still a woman and lately…'
'Not this stupidity again! Dread told you I don't know how many times that you're not entitled to happiness unless he gives it to you!'
'Yeah, well, Dread's not here now and he can rot for all I care.' The 'against' voice came back, signs of surrender within.
'So you're intent on this?'
'Yes. I am.'
'You won't be Dragonelle anymore. You can't exactly bring up a girl while calling yourself Dragonelle, now. You know that, right?'
'I know. For all intents and purposes, Dragonelle "died" during whatever happened.'
'What'll you call yourself, then? You can't exactly be anonymous forever.'
'I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.' Putting Ritsuko down onto a blanket she brought out while debating with herself, she turned back to the life pod. Only to be dismayed upon seeing the pod sinking into the ocean. The remnants of the bow following suit. 'So much for gathering the pod into the boat.'
'And just what would you have done with a life pod? Gathering, of course, you both survive out here long enough to get to shore.' Unable to answer definitively, Dragonelle slumped down in defeat before looking around.
"Well, at least I'm not alone." Looking down at Ritsuko, she smiled sadly and asked, "Can you really see me as a Mom, Ritsuko, even though I have no clue as to what I'm doing?" Ritsuko answered the only way she knew.
"WWWAAAHHH!"
Panicked, Dragonelle lunged forward and, as gently as possible, cradled Ritsuko in her arms. Nestling the infant into her torso, Dragonelle was stunned as Ritsuko's crying tapered off. Getting Dragonelle to roll her eyes.
"You just wanted some attention, huh?" Next thing she knew, Ritsuko opened her eyes, revealing eyes of chocolate brown. Dragonelle couldn't help but snort. "Look at you. So innocent and pure. With no knowledge of what's going on in the world. What I wouldn't give to have your naïveté. Any chance you can spare some?" Ritsuko could only smile and giggle, getting Dragonelle to chuckle herself. "I guess not."
Holding Ritsuko at eye level, she took in the infant's features. Japanese descent, two to three weeks of age and very, very cute. But within Ritsuko's eyes, Dragonelle can easily see what she was probably saying.
'Live. Please live.'
Dragonelle then nestled Ritsuko into her torso again and looked up before speaking softly.
"I don't know if this is what you had in mind, but I'll give it a chance."
(Present day)
"So you took Ritsuko in on a whim, huh?"
"Yeah. Truth be told, however, I didn't think I'd be able to pull it off at all. There were times when… ugh! I thought I'd pull my hair out till I was bald."
"That's the nature of babies before they grow into children and eventually adolescents." Matt's words can only get a raspberry from Deidre before he asks, "Do you regret any of your life post 2nd Impact?"
"The nightmares."
"Come again?"
"A month after I adopted Ritsy, I started having horrible nightmares." Deidre starts trembling, unsure if she wants to go on. Only to feel Matt's hand on hers in an encouraging manner. Giving him a thankful smile, she goes on. "It'd be the same as always, only with as the real-life Ritsy grew, the Ritsy in my nightmares would grow as well." Deidre takes a deep breath, her face going pale and dripping with sweat.
"It's okay. You can stop if you want to."
"No. I can do this." Steeling her resolve, she goes on. "Dread would be there, even though…"
"You and the world's other evils at large thought him dead." Deidre's shaky nod tells him all. "I'm here."
"In my nightmares, Ritsy would be sound asleep and Dread would be standing right beside her bed. He'd glare at Ritsy before turning his attention to me. Every single time, he'd say the same thing. 'You're not allowed happiness unless I give it to you, Dragonelle.' He would then proceed…"
Deidre's voice trails off as she breaks down into tears. Upon feeling Matt's arms around her, giving her comfort, Deidre only cries harder. Apologizing for every misdeed she'd done in her time as Dragonelle. Matt doesn't say anything. He just holds her closely, rubbing her back comfortingly. In four minutes, Deidre's sobs taper off and she reluctantly, yet gently, breaks away from his arms.
"I don't think my boyfriend would appreciate you having your arms around me. Much like I doubt your girlfriend, Doctor Akagi, would appreciate you having your arms around another woman." Matt can't help but chuckle sheepishly while Deidre snickers. The uneasy merriment subsides as Deidre asks, "Is what Dread said true?"
"Only if you want it to be." At Deidre's bewildered blink, Matt goes on. "I read what I could of Dread's psychological profile. Psychological, however in Dread's case, is a one word oxymoron."
"How so?"
"He's psycho and not very logical." Deidre can't help but laugh out loud at that one. Clutching her midriff as she kicks her feet against the floor, she notes Matt guffawing himself. "You wouldn't believe how long I'd wanted to say that!"
"I think I might!" Five minutes later, both adults are holding their midsections, their mirth expended. Deidre then sighs before asking, "So if I want happiness, I just…"
"Keep doing what you're doing. Live a good life, look forward to becoming a Grandmother, yadda, yadda, yadda." Deidre can't help but smirk at that before frowning in consternation.
"But what about the nightmares?"
"I wish I could help you on that as dreams and nightmares are outside my expertise. But you can always tell him, any time he's in your mind, that you're past him and he's not relevant to you any longer."
"That sounds easy."
"Yes, but you could be in for a long fight, Ms Takamiya. People like Dread and his ilk don't exactly take losing too well." At that, Deidre can only shrug.
"Yeah, well, I don't exactly take implied threats to my daughter too well, either. And if Dread does come around in real life, I might just run him over. With a steamroller after using a jackhammer on him."
"Now that I'd pay good money to see." Tapping his chin ponderingly, he adds, "I imagine that, if it knew about him as well, the world would too." Deidre can't help but laugh at that again, nodding her agreement.
"I'll discretely spread the word."
(Five minutes later)
"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Treadwell, I understand you want to go through the session together."
"That's right, Doc." Edith grins at Sam and adds, "We've both been through a lot together, ever since we met in Glory Hole and fought our way into Zone 7."
"Don't forget about ridding the world of Lester and some of his fellow loons. Along with trashing Sky Ranch."
"Na-uh, Anaheim. Sky Ranch was all yours, although I gotta admit the bee fry was a good one. It's certainly something I'd have done."
"Ah-ha!"
"Only I'd have made sure the bees were of the killer variety when it comes to Lester's bunch." Edith's tone can't help but get Sam to sheepishly grin. Matt, however, can't help but feel lost.
"I'm afraid I'm not quite following you on this aspect. What was this Lester fellow?"
"A totally psychotic whack-job, with a hatred toward Trackers." Grimace on his face, Sam adds, "He even killed a Tracker in front of me."
"So what's a Tracker?"
"A variation of a bounty hunter, only we go and get what the client's after." Edith gives Matt a smirk as she adds, "That's right, Doc. I said 'we' as I was a Tracker myself once." Giving Sam a fond smile, she allows Matt to put it together.
"So that's how you two met." At their nods, Matt nods back and says, "Okay, so tell me more about what Lester did."
"He told the poor guy there's a 'policy' on Trackers and had him put a paper bag over his head. Said bag having a bulls-eye target on it." Grimacing, Sam goes on. "At first, he was going to use a gun, but decided on a bow and arrow. Jim Skeet didn't have a chance, especially since his hands were manacled." Edith's eyes suddenly bolt open and she turns to Sam.
"Did you just say Jim Skeet?"
"That I did. Why?"
"Ugh, I told that half-wit to stay his goofy ass out of Zone 7 unless he had adequate transportation. And last I checked, a golf cart is not adequate for anything except a golf course."
"I guess he ignored you then, because that's what he had when Lester and his fellow loons got him. Plus he had a lot of guns on him, so he must've thought he'd shoot his way in and out of there."
"That idiot! If he wasn't dead, I'd kick his ass to the moon, Sam!" Blinking, she then asks, "Didn't you have an old friend living there, too?"
"Yeah, though it was more like a former girlfriend. And I mean former."
"Relax, Anaheim. I get it, I get it. No need to worry about me getting jealous. But…"
"But what?"
"You should at least check and see if she's okay. I mean, how long has it been since you last spoke?"
"I dunno, but I doubt she'd want to talk to me. After all, Sky Ranch was her home too and I…"
"Shh." Edith puts her lips to Sam's, sighing in exasperation. 'If Anaheim won't go to the mountain, the mountain will come to Anaheim.' Ending the kiss, Edith sighs before looking back toward Matt. "Sorry 'bout that, Doc."
"It's quite alright, Mrs. Treadwell. Um, just out of curiosity, was the events in Zone 7 what you saw when the 15th Angel attacked?"
"No." At their unified reply, Matt can only blink as Sam goes on.
"For me, it was when half my flight company was wiped out during a mission in the Border Wars."
"What happened?"
"We were tasked with taking out a drug factory in Mexico, just over the border. The cartels had joined forces, pooling whatever they had. Command thought the opportunity was too good to pass up when it came to getting rid of the cartels. For keeps."
"You mean… utter annihilation for the cartels?" At Sam's nod, Matt grins softly. "So you're one of the heroes of the Border Wars."
"I don't feel like one. Not since the cartels had state of the art weaponry while we had combat-configured Aeronca Chiefs. Even more, it was almost as if they knew we were coming as once we got fifteen miles outside the target zone…" Holding himself around his middle, Sam murmurs, "I'd put it past me somewhat, but when the Angel attacked, I was back there. Airplanes falling from the sky in flames, bits of human bodies mixed in. The ones that didn't make it back were the true heroes." Next thing Sam knows, Edith's wrapping her arms around him.
"It's okay, Sam. You're here, not there."
"I know. Thanks." Matt nods at that before clearing his throat.
"How about you, Mrs. Treadwell?"
"It was when my parents died."
"Was Lester involved?"
"I don't think so, as they weren't even Trackers. I was five and my Uncle John was visiting."
"What happened?"
"It was late at night, and I couldn't sleep. I got up to get something to drink when an Outrider burst into the house. I screamed and the Outrider slapped me. That was when all Hell broke loose. Uncle John heard my scream and burst in with his shotgun. He nailed the guy that slapped me with a round of buckshot to the chest."
"And your parents?"
"Four other Outriders had grabbed them, yelling for Uncle John to drop his shotgun. He wouldn't and one of them shot his trigger hand. The impact caused a jerk of a trigger and the goon died. As Uncle John took aim at another, one other goon shot his rack hand."
"So that's how…"
"He became 'Six-Fingered Jake'? Yep. You got it, Anaheim. But since Uncle John had been disarmed, the Outriders proceeded to kill my parents. One of them said 'No one shall defy our will and live'. He then shot my Mother before shooting my Father." Sam can only hold his wife as she goes on.
"Next thing I knew, I was standing over two of the Outriders, the one that shot my parents not one of them. They were twitching, horribly, pleading for a mercy round. I wouldn't as they didn't deserve mercy. Not after they invaded my family home and hurt my loved ones."
"Okay, Mrs. Treadwell, you needn't go any further." Matt can only sigh as he adds, "I think we should talk more often before you all pull up stakes. Don't want to do too much in one sitting, after all."
"Sounds prudent enough. But what about Deidre?"
"I'll bring it up with her before I leave as well, Mr. Treadwell." Sam and Edith both nod before exiting, leaving Matt alone. 'The 15th's attack was a morale crusher. All three of them have the look of agony in their eyes, even after talking about it. I'd hate to determine which one was the worst as they're all pretty bad off!'
(NERV HQ; Misato's Office; fifteen minutes later)
One wouldn't believe what could happen in just under two weeks. From the foreboding darkness in what used to be Gendo's office came a lighter air in Misato's new office. The ceiling-painted 'Tree of Sephiroth', upon Misato having been informed of it by Fuyutsuki, was now decorated with painted Christmas ornaments with presents under the tree. Yeah, sure, the season for it may be all wrong, and the 'Tree' may not look like a tree, but Misato was not one to be dissuaded. Right now, however, she has other issues to attend to.
"So, you and Rits want to move into an apartment of your own, Shinji?"
"We are, Misato. Especially since Deidre's going back to Kyoto-2 for school and Rits wants to stick close. In the event…"
"She has buns in the oven?" At Shinji's nod, Misato can only grin playfully. "I'm guessing you want to move out of the building you're residing in, then."
"Nope. More like an apartment next door to yours, so I'd be able to cook for you and Asuka still." That clinches it and gets Misato's sign-off. Yet Misato can't help a slight sniffle.
"I know I may not be your Mama, but I still can't get over you growing up on me."
"I'd say you're more like the big sister I'd never had, Misato." Shinji gets a playful smirk from Misato and asks, "What?"
"Oh, just thinking about my future 'nieces' and 'nephews', along with how I'm going to enjoy doting on them." Getting up, she strides around the desk and glomps Shinji into a massive bear-hug. Along with pressing his face into her bust. "Of course they won't be as easy or fun to tease as you were." Shinji can only snicker before returning it as best he can.
"You're something else, you know that?" Misato only chuckles, putting her chin on top of his head.
"Just like you are, Shinji."
Before Shinji can say anything more, the intercom beeps. Getting them both to sigh.
"Looks like it's back to work, Misato. I'll just leave you be." Before Misato can say anything in reply, Nemu's voice chimes in.
"Doctor Hanson to see you, Colonel Katsuragi." Misato can't help but be curious at that.
"Thank you, Nemu. Send him in, please."
"Yes, ma'am." With that, the door opens, admitting a concerned Matt.
"Sorry for interrupting your visit, Colonel Katsuragi, but I've just wrapped up with the Treadwell office and I'm concerned."
"In what way, Matt?"
"The morale of the main personnel has taken a massive hit."
"I see. And the other employees?"
"They were spared the onslaught as they were on the opposite side of the building, in the lower levels, shielded by the walls."
"Then they got lucky. Who all was affected, then? Just so I know."
"Mr. and Mrs. Treadwell and Ms Takamiya."
"Only three? I thought it'd have more people, as big as the company is."
"As I said, the remainder of the company's personnel was shielded. Plus it was a skeleton office crew that kept us from having more people with psychological issues. Said issues being tied in with morale."
"Anything we can do to bring it back up?" Shinji's question gets Matt's attention and a grin from Misato. As if she's thinking what Shinji's thinking and hoping Matt's tracking on.
"Well, I heard about the Expo NERV held some time back. That might work, expending pent up energy in a positive manner, I mean."
"I'll make the arrangements. I trust you'll be there with Ritsu."
"Yes, ma'am." With that, Matt exits the office, allowing Shinji and Misato to grin at each other.
"Did you get all that, Dad?"
"Every last word, Shinji. We'll get things rolling on our end. You just enjoy getting yourself and Rits settled in to your new apartment." Misato can't help but guffaw at the beet red blush on Shinji's face.
(NERV Cafeteria; same time)
"…so that's how I wound up here." Aoba lets out a sigh while Roxanne clasps his hand before smiling.
"And I thought I was a cynic. But at least you were in a better position than I was."
"How so?"
"I'll put it to you like this. If someone had told me years ago that I'd be working for an organization tasked with saving the world from humongous aliens, I'd have laughed right in their faces." Rolling her eyes, she asks, "Can you imagine a crummy street rat like me amounting up to anything?"
"Well, Vi-Co Fuyutsuki seems to think so. As do Commander Katsuragi and Miss Ryan."
"I don't know about the latter two. I mean, Commander Katsuragi is a vast improvement over the previous Commander and, well…"
"Things between you and Miss Ryan are kind of rocky."
"Well, they were quite totaled before I saw her again. That's all I can safely say." Groaning, she asks, "How could I have been so stupid to do what I did?"
"A wise man once said, 'It's pointless to look on past regrets. It's what you do with your future that counts'."
"Who said that?"
"Dunno." Roxanne can't help before chuckling and shaking her head.
"I certainly wouldn't have expected this turn of events, either. Though, I must admit, it's a nice dividend." Lightly blushing, she adds, "A very nice dividend." Aoba lets out a shy chuckle of his own, with Roxanne joining in.
(NERV bridge; same time)
As her eyes rove over her romance novel, Maya hears Makoto chuckling and looks over toward him as he reads his manga. Feeling emboldened by her novel, Maya rolls her chair. Makoto's so engrossed in his manga, he doesn't notice Maya rolling her chair toward his station. When she gets there, she turns toward Makoto, his face still turned toward his manga, and pecks his cheek. Getting his attention quite quickly, along with his turning toward her in confusion.
"Maya?"
Next thing he knows, a heavily blushing Maya kisses his lips, causing his eyes to fly open before closing. As the two kiss, Maya's novel-holding hand drops down and her fingers open, allowing the novel to fall to the floor. Upon it hitting the floor, Maya brings her hand up and softly cups his cheek before stroking it. As their kiss ends, Makoto opens his eyes and can only say one thing.
"Wow."
Maya can only nod before Makoto kisses her back, running his hands up to her sides. Getting a cute giggle against his mouth as he'd inadvertently made contact with a ticklish spot.
Ending the kiss, he asks, "Wanna get a cup of coffee when Shigeru gets back?"
"Sure."
(Section 2 office; Dyson's office)
"Ugh, another day, another field report." Suddenly, Brian hears a knock on the door. "It's open." When the door opens, he grins upon seeing Nikita. "Hey, Nikki."
"Hey yourself." Stepping into the office and closing the door before locking it, Nikita strides over to Brian. Picnic basket in hand. "Today is too nice a day to skip a meal. Of course, considering what just happened…"
"Yeah. I still can't believe ten of us went over to Treadwell Industries and they're not even NERV related. Well, not really anyway."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, some time before I arrived, and when the 3rd Child arrived, the previous Commander contracted TI to do the construction work for the Armory buildings. Little did he know that TI mainly uses machinery to operate the sites under construction, with only a handful of human personnel to run the day-to-day operations."
"What'd he do when he found out?"
"He apparently threatened to cancel the contract, but Mr. Treadwell issued a counter-threat of his own. It seems that the 'Dumbass' didn't read the fine print, stating, 'The terms of this contract are valid as long as the party in the second signature line is in charge of the site where the party in the first signature sign is building'."
"So, basically, Mr. Treadwell had the previous Commander in a Catch-22, then."
"Sort of, but not quite." Rolling his eyes, Brian adds, "I gave up trying to puzzle the whole thing out and came to an educated guess of sorts."
"Let's hear it."
"The 'Dumbass' was miffed that human construction workers weren't in attendance at the sites. Almost as if he didn't care if anyone lived or died. And when Ms Takamiya and Mrs. Treadwell were in the danger zone at the time of the 12th Angel, he was all too eager to write them off."
"But the actions of the 3rd Child thoroughly disappointed him."
"That's right. Along with the actions of the pilot of UN Police VTOL 47."
"He sounds an awful lot like the guy Captain Sychola told me about before I came over here. But, why would the 3rd Child cause him so much ire?"
"The 3rd Child is 'his' natural son." Nikita's eyes can't help but fly open at that before starting to drip tears. "Nikki? You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just…" Nikita breaks into sobs, thinking, 'No wonder Max Steel Jr. couldn't return my affections for him. I was infatuated with an adolescent! It all makes sense!' Her eyes narrowing in anger, Nikita asks, "Where is the 'Dumbass' now?"
"He's still in the brig. Why do you ask?"
"No reason in particular." Her expression brightening, she then says, "I don't know about you, but I'm famished. Shall we eat?"
"Sure." With that, the two eat. Brian unaware of Nikita's current thoughts.
'I may not be able to love Max Steel Jr. the way I want to, but I can do something to keep him safe! By Lucifer's creed, I will!'
(Fifteen minutes later)
"I'll see you after your shift, right?"
"You bet, Nikki." Nikita can only smile warmly at Brian before exiting his office, her smile fading to a grim expression. Upon seeing two of her entourage, Nikita nods before speaking.
"Ivan, Strabo, I want you and two other men to watch over the First, Second and Third Children, along with the Third Child's beloved. I want it effective in five minutes. Go."
"Yes, Miss Kamenev. But, isn't that Section-2's job?"
"It is, Ivan, but I'm dismayed at how many gaps there are in security. Particularly given the Third Child's penchant for foiling Section-2's duties in protecting him." Giving Ivan and Strabo both a glare, she adds, "Consider it a chance for you and Strabo both to redeem yourselves for your shared failure in Moscow. Is that understood?" Not giving Ivan a chance to reply, Strabo jumps in.
"Yes, Miss Kamenev. We'll begin immediately." Nikita nods before walking on, Ivan 'Hairy' Blavoski and Strabo 'Eyeball' Kaloshnivka trailing behind her. As they walk on, Nikita's smile returns.
'It may not seem like much, Max and Dragonette, but Ivan and Strabo, with two other comrades, will keep you all safe.' Her smile becomes an evil smirk as she mentally adds, 'In the meantime, your "Birth Father" will receive a personal visit from Devilwoman. One that he will not enjoy in the least.'
(N-Tek Tokisona/Uramishi Safe-House; lakeside)
"Are you sure, Shizuka? I am damaged goods, after all."
"I'm sure, Scott. And you're not damaged in any way to me."
A bikini-clad Shizuka softly pecks his lips before deepening the kiss. Scott tentatively wraps his arms around her, getting her to grin before ending the kiss.
"Now you're getting it."
"How about this?" Scott gently moves his hands to her waist, getting Shizuka to grin even more.
"That's good right there, Scott." Moving her hands up his flanks, she sees him grimace before remembering his scar. "Some people just don't take the prospect of losing well, do they?"
"No, they don't." Moving his hands up toward her chest, he sees her smiling warmly before cupping her breasts. As his thumbs graze her covered nipples, he asks, "What were you hoping your baby to be when you lost it?"
"A boy. Tsukune was looking forward to it, too. Even though I was only a month along, we even started the nursery." When Scott moves the coverings aside, fully revealing her breasts, Shizuka's grin widens into a smile. "How do they look?"
"Beautiful. Just like you are." Next thing Scott knows, Shizuka has her right hand in his trunks and is softly gripping his member. Getting Scott to groan. "Oh, Shizuka." Shizuka only smiles sultrily as she strokes his member.
"Feels good, huh?" Scott can only nod before Shizuka drops to her knees and engulfs his member in her mouth. As she bobs back and forth, Scott runs his fingers through her hair before reaching the tie-strings for her bikini top. Halting her ministrations, Shizuka murmurs, "Go ahead."
She then resumes as Scott unties her tops' ties. As it falls to the ground, he reaches down and gently strokes her nipples. Getting her to giggle, resulting in his fluid to build up. Somehow, Shizuka can tell as she stops sucking on him and lies down onto her back. Removing her bikini bottom and spreading her legs open, she has one thing to say.
"Fuck me, please Scott. Fuck me, make me your woman." Nodding, Scott gingerly lowers himself into her. As she feels his manhood fill her passage, she moans softly. "Mmm, you feel so good."
"As do you." Shizuka gives him a sultry smile as he begins pumping her. As he pumps, Shizuka feels her orgasm building, along with his buildup, and wraps her legs around him.
"Inside me, Scott. Put me into the Maternity Ward." With that, Scott lets loose, entwining his lips with hers.
(Kirishima pre-flight briefing; Chicago; O' Hare Airport)
"Okay, Professor and Miss Kirishima, this is Evelyn Stalk. She's an Interpol Inspector that's been assigned to escort you and the prototypes back to Old Yokohama." Father and daughter both examine the person assigned to accompany them back to Japan as Agent Crowder asks, "Any questions?"
"Not at present, but I'd like to speak with Inspector Stalk along the way if possible."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Professor. I read your notes on the compact N-2 prototypes and found them quite intriguing. Along with the larger ones." The slender blond haired woman looks Mana over and smiles softly. "Plus it'd give me a chance to engage in a little 'girl talk' with Mana here." Mana can't help but close her eyes and roll them behind her eyelids.
'Ah great. One of 'those' that think they can relate to a teenager! I'd rather do "girl talk" with another teen girl!' Opening her eyes, she smiles and says, "I'm looking forward to it, Inspector."
"Splendid."
In the background, the Kirishima luggage is being loaded in the plane with the greatest of care. Just as the cases containing the compact N-2 prototypes are on their way up onto the plane, Mana has a strange feeling deep down in her gut, yet she puts it out of her mind. At the same time, the cases containing the compact N-2s are loaded into the plane. Five minutes later, the Boeing 747 is in the air and the Chicago N-Tek contingent heads to its office to file the reports.
(Tokyo-3; Horaki house; three hours later)
"So, Asuka, how've you been holding up? I mean, that Angel must've packed quite a wallop."
"There was some discomfort, but the Dummy Plugs took the brunt of it." Asuka takes a sniff and grins. "That smells great, Hikari."
"Thanks." Looking toward the living room, Hikari adds, "It'll be about five more minutes, Mr. Kaloshnivka. I hope you like Beef Teriyaki."
"Please, just Strabo. Mr. Kaloshnivka was Father, Miss Horaki. As for Beef Teriyaki, as long as it's not borscht, I don't mind."
"Only if you call me Hikari."
"It would not be proper, Miss Horaki."
"Then it's Mr. Kaloshnivka for you." Strabo can't help but shake his head while Asuka and Hikari giggle before Hikari asks, "Is it bad? Borscht, I mean."
"Not so much. More like it gets old on daily basis." Strabo then looks over at Asuka and frowns slightly. "Are you certain we haven't met before, Pilot Sohryu?"
"I'd have remembered if we did, Strabo." Shrugging, she adds, "I probably just look like someone you met."
"You have point." Strabo's face breaks into a grin as he shrugs before asking, "Are you expecting company, Miss Horaki? That's lot of food for only three people."
"I'm making enough for Touji for his lunch tomorrow. Oh, by the way, Asuka, Kenoju'll be in town this weekend."
"Who's Kenoju?"
"Asuka's boyfriend."
"HIKARI!" Asuka's face is beet red while Hikari giggles and Strabo guffaws.
(New Ikari/Takamiya apartment)
"Where do you want this, Mr. Ikari?" Mikhail Kastronvaski holds the cello case upright as Sergei Zhukovska carries a box of kitchen supplies into the kitchen. Rits in tow. Shinji looks around and sees a spot to his liking.
"The corner by the balcony door, Mr. Kastronvaski." Mikhail nods and does so, while Shinji lets out a soft sigh. 'This could be problematic.'
"I'll say, Shinji. It's almost as if Devilwoman knows who you are and wants to keep you safe." Berto's reply gets an eye-roll from Shinji before the latter replies in query.
'If that's the case, why are four members of the Kamenev mafiya family protecting us instead of Section-2?'
"Maybe Devilwoman doesn't trust the entirety of Section-2, even though its performance had greatly improved."
'Maybe. Oh, subject change. Any chance of getting a comm. set-up for Rits, just in case?'
"Already done, hermano. It'll be arriving tonight." Curious, he then asks, "How's she coping with the detail, by the way?"
'I'll let you know.' Spying his 'wife' exiting the kitchen, smile on her face, Mikhail grinning, Shinji adds, 'She seems to be coping well. For now.' Rits walks up to Shinji and leaps into his arms, giggling.
"Our own place, Shinji!" Shinji chuckles as he twirls her around before holding her close and kissing her passionately. As their kiss ends, Rits murmurs, "Sort of, anyway."
"Worry not, Miss Takamiya. Sergei and I will be in apartment across hall. We know better than to intrude on beautiful couple during happiest time of lives." Rits can't help but give Mikhail a smile before nodding before Mikhail asks, "Is there anything more, Mr. Ikari?"
"No, Mr. Kastronvaski. That's about it. But, if Rits doesn't mind, you and Mr. Zhukovska are invited to dinner here tonight."
"I regret to decline as we cannot possibly impose."
"Speak for yourself, Sergei. I heard about your prowess in the kitchen, Mr. Ikari."
"Mikhail…" Sergei switches to Russian and says, "We can't impose on them like this. It's rude!" Next thing both Russian men know, a feminine voice chimes in. Speaking perfect Russian.
"It's even ruder to decline an invitation from my husband, guys. I don't mind your company in the slightest." Both men blink and turn toward a smugly grinning Rits. An equally-smugly grinning Shinji right beside her. Sergei's eyes bulge out while Mikhail bursts out laughing before replying to her.
"Your Russian is good for a girl from Japan, Mrs. Ikari."
"Thanks to my husband." Rits' grin is wide as she wraps an arm around Shinji, with Shinji returning serve. "He figured that if we are to travel the world, and we happen to stop in Russia, we should at least be able to communicate." Sergei then bursts out laughing, his laughter loud and booming.
"Using us as practice! I like!" Looking over at Mikhail and nodding, Sergei gets a nod back before replying, "We would be honored to dine with you, Mr. and Mrs. Ikari." Shinji smiles right back before replying. In Russian.
"We're honored to have your company and protection." In the back of his mind, Shinji thinks, 'What's your agenda, Devilwoman? Why concern yourself with the welfare of… oh fuck! She can't possibly know… can she?'
(Ayanami/Nez home; same time)
"Dinner will be ready in five more minutes, Mr. Blavoski."
"My thanks, Miss Ayanami. But, please, just call me Ivan."
"I regret I cannot, Mr. Blavoski, as it would not be proper."
"It's a lost cause, at the moment, Ivan." Richard pokes his head out of the kitchen and gives a soft smirk to Rei. "She was the same way with me until we got to be more familiar with each other."
"But only then did we become intimate, dear, and I do not intend to become intimate with Mr. Blavoski at any time in the future." Ivan can't help but guffaw at Richard's beet red blush, or Rei's, as Richard ducks back into the kitchen.
"You've excellent sense of humor, Miss Ayanami!"
"I credit it to exposure to my brother and fellow Pilot, Shinji Ikari, Mr. Blavoski." At that, Ivan frowns sternly. "Is something wrong, Mr. Blavoski?"
"I find it distasteful that youngsters like you have to fight for humanity's survival." Turning his face away from her, Ivan softly adds, "In a way, you remind me of my younger sister, Irina. She died in flooding of Second Impact. I swore if I found anyone like her, I'd do better job of protecting her than I did of Irina."
"What had happened was not your fault, but the fault of SEELE."
"I know that now, but at time we were apart from each other. Irina was on school trip when it happened."
"And you're certain she's dead?"
"If she was still alive, she'd have called or come home to Mother Russia." Shaking his head sadly, Ivan adds, "Nyet, I'm positive Irina died in Second Impact."
(Kirishima flight; two hours later)
"So, if I'm understanding your notes right, the compact N2 can be connected to larger N2 bombs for larger effect?"
"Correct, Inspector. Totally wireless, yet with a limited range."
"What about security measures, in the unlikely event the prototypes fall into the wrong hands?"
"There are some measures, which I'd intentionally left out of my notes, and are recessed in the back of my mind."
"So if some unsavory character wants to use them…"
"They'd need me. Thinking of…" Professor Kirishima brings out a small bottle filled with pills, opens it, and drops a tablet into his right palm. Curious, Stalk watches as he pops the tablet into his mouth and swallows it straight down.
"What's that?"
"Memory clearance drug in tablet form that I'd devised. Lasts 48 hours before I have to take another one."
"Another security measure, then."
"Correct. What's in my mind can doom humanity far worse than the Angels ever can."
(747 cargo bay; same time)
A panel separating the cargo compartments dissolves away, revealing two characters clad in skintight outfits. One male and one female, the female handling two cases identical to those containing the compact N2 prototypes.
"We have five minutes before the sensors reactivate, so make it fast."
"Yes, Brother."
The feminine figure makes her way to the secured cases and undoes their security latches before taking them out of their spot. Putting the other cases into place, the female puts the security latches into place and makes her way back to her cohort. The male nods his approval before speaking again.
"Now that we've gotten what we need, let's scram."
"Indeed." The male then leads the female toward the door and takes one case from her, securing it to his person. Watching as she secures the one she still has, he waits for her to speak. "I am ready."
"Excellent." Opening the belly's cargo door after disabling the sensory equipment, he yells to be heard over the blasting air. "GO, GO!" The female jumps down the opening, with the male following suit. He then watches below him as she spreads her arms and legs, revealing that she's wearing a glider suit. Catching up to her, he nods before looking at his wrist and looking back at her.
"When we get to 5,000, pop your chute!"
"Got it!" Checking her wrist two minutes later, she calls out, "Chute time!" At that, she pops her parachute, with her cohort following suit. As they touch down on the ground five minutes later, the female's knees buckle slightly before going straight again. The male, however, looks over the two black hard-shell cases before nodding.
"The power is now ours, Sister."
"Indeed, Brother. But it would've been preferable if we'd 'acquired' Professor Kirishima's services as well."
"No. Our orders were explicit. Only the compact N-2s, nothing else. Our friend was able to sneak out the information we need to activate the devices. Then, and only then, can we deliver a punishing blow to those that dare to kill the Holy Emissaries."
"When shall it be, though?"
"Upon the death of the Seventeenth Emissary."
"Pity it can't be sooner."
"I agree. But we must familiarize ourselves with the controls that way, if we are to die, we can ensure we kill the heathens for killing His Emissaries."
"The High Apostle would have approved of our plan had he survived, Brother."
"Yes, Sister. He would have."
(Treadwell Industries; same time)
"So, Emily, has Slim been behaving himself?"
"No, Daddy, he hasn't. He keeps telling me I can't have a boyfriend without your okay." Sam lets out a chuckle as his and Edith's fourteen year old daughter gripes. "I mean, I love him to death and all, but a girl's gotta have some romance at one point in her life at least."
"It can't be that bad."
"Wanna bet? Just yesterday, he chased away a boy I like with a machete! Screaming and hollering so badly, I couldn't understand what he was yelling. Please, Daddy, you gotta talk to him, see about getting him to loosen up."
"Oh, Emmy, you know how 'Uncle' Slim is." Emily's sigh can't help but get a soft smile to crawl across Sam's face as Edith walks in, Sam noticing her. Covering the mouthpiece, he softly says, "It's Emmy." Edith smiles widely before picking up an extension.
"I know all too well, Daddy. But, on the plus side, I'm learning quite a bit about robotics."
"He'd better not be using the adult models, young lady, or I'll castrate him through his throat."
"Mommy!" Edith can't help but chuckle as Emily goes on. "How's Japanese life treating you so far? Daddy's being rather vague."
"I am not!" Emily giggles while Edith chuckles, getting Sam to roll his eyes. "Oh sure, pick on Daddy."
"Go easy on Daddy, sweetie. He and I have had a pretty rough day today."
"How rough?"
"Let's just say it's from before your time and leave it at that, pumpkin." Sam closes his eyes and savors Emily's voice as she goes on.
"Well, I can always come visit you in Japan to boost your spirits."
"That'd be nice, sweetie, but we'll have to ask Slim if he'd like to come over with you. After all…"
"I know, Mom. He's an extremely overprotective 'Uncle' that's afraid to let me out of his sight. Especially since…"
"Since what, pumpkin?"
"I dunno. Some guy named 'Stacy' came by the shop and asked if anyone knew a guy matching your description three months back. And once every week since then, he'd come by here." Sam's eyes bolt open and he looks back over at Edith and sees her frowning. Turning back to the phone, Sam clears his throat.
"Emmy, I want you to listen and listen good. Get yourself and Slim over here pronto. I don't care what you have to do to get Slim onto that plane. I want you both on Japanese soil ASAP. Clear?"
"Crystal. But, what's going on though?"
"It's from..."
"Before my time. Got it." Sam smiles wryly at that, with Edith smiling wryly as well. "See you when we touch down." At that, the call ends and Sam and Edith let out a synchronized sigh.
"I know it'll be good to see Emmy and Slim again, but these circumstances…"
"We can certainly do without. Yeah." Gently putting her right hand onto his left shoulder, Edith adds, "Emily's a tough girl. She can handle anything that comes her way."
"Just like her Mama." Edith smirks before pecking his lips.
"Don't forget her Papa."
"Nah, she takes after you more." Gently pulling her into his lap, Sam murmurs, "I thought getting her out of Glory Hole would've kept her safe, but with Stacy prowling around…"
"Yeah. But you know what?" At his headshake of 'no', she goes on. "If Stacy so much as tries anything stupid with her, you'll do what you can to make him regret it." Sam lets out a smirk, with Edith catching it. "What?"
"I was just thinking about the look on Stacy's face when he finds out how much of a Hellcat that Emmy is."
"Oh-ho! I about forgot that bit right there. Think she'll leave anything for us when she's done?"
"Dunno. She might get so badly carried away, there'll be nothing left."
"Ah. So, why would you want Emmy and Slim to come over here?"
"Two reasons. One, if the shit hits the fan, we'll have somewhere to fight without damaging anything vital. Two, it'll be nice to have our little girl with us before we pull up stakes."
"Yeah, it'll be nice to see Emmy again." Edith then smirks and whispers, "And maybe we can get Slim to lighten up on the 'No Boyfriend' rule once he meets with one of Ritsuko's classmates."
"Which one?" As she tells him, Sam's face alights in a grin.
"Oh, I better make the popcorn. It's gonna be good."
(Old Yokohama; Kirishima home; six hours later)
"Well, here we are. Home sweet home. Mana…"
"On it, Daddy." As Mana carries the two compact N2 cases into the house, she lightly grimaces before speaking. "I'm going to look in the cases when I get to the lab, Dad."
"Okay, Mana." With that, she goes into the house, leaving Professor Kirishima and Inspector Stalk alone. "So, Inspector, where will you go once you return to the States?"
"Home to Montana, see my husband." Before Professor Kirishima can say anything more, Mana's voice can be heard.
"OH SHIT!" As the Professor rushes inside, Stalk lets off a light smirk before following into the house. When she gets inside, she notes the opened cases with what appear to be panels inside. "This is not good!"
"What is it?"
"The arrangement of the control panels is all wrong. The activation and triggering switches are transposed, the keypad is upside down and…" Mana reaches into one case and pulls out one of the panels before squeezing it. "It's soft foam! Not hyper-plastic!"
"How do you know so much about the arrangement?"
"I have the habit of looking over Daddy's shoulders at times, interested in what he's doing." Running her fingers through her hair, Mana sighs. "We gotta call the SECGEN, Dad, and tell her what's happened." Before the Professor can speak, Stalk does so.
"I'll make the call. It happened on my watch. It's the proper thing to do." With that, she exits, pulling out a cell phone. 'Gotta keep up appearances at least.' Entering the number, she hears a lively male voice on the other end.
"United Nations switchboard. How may I direct your call?"
"SECGEN Leeds-Nez, please."
"Who's calling for her?"
"Inspector Evelyn Stalk, INTERPOL. I've an Omega-Class emergency."
"I'll put you right through, Inspector." A minute later, the voice comes back. "Connected, Inspector." Stalk then hears a feminine voice with a crisp British accent.
"This is SECGEN Leeds-Nez. Go ahead, Inspector."
"Madam SECGEN, we've got a 'Broken Arrow'."
"AW SHIT! How long ago?"
"As of five minutes ago, ma'am."
"Alright. I'm sending a team out. I want you to work in conjunction with them. Is that clear?"
"Implicitly, Madam SECGEN." Looking toward the Kirishima household, she asks, "What of the Professor and his daughter?"
"Stick to their sides like molasses and peanut butter until the team gets there."
"Understood." Ending the call, Stalk lets out another smirk before going back into the house.