Shinji Steel

by MichaelCross

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

60. Chapter 60

Shinji Steel 60

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

(Ikari/Takamiya apartment)

After dinner's ended, and Sergei and Mikhail had left, Shinji and Rits are snuggling. Enjoying a respite, even if brief, from the war. Shinji's right hand on her belly, his fingers splayed out, Rits kisses the underside of his chin.

"You know, Shinji, this is our first night together in our 'own' place. Wanna make it memorable?"

Shinji gives Rits a sly grin before moving his hand toward her right breast, Rits starting to grin sultrily herself. As he cups it, he gently grazes her nipple with his fingers.

"Mmm. You're on the right path so far." Before Shinji can reply, his comm. keys up.

"We've got problems, hermano."

"What kind of problems, Berto?" Rits can't help but shake her head in annoyed amusement at Berto's lousy timing for a call.

"Compact N2 prototype problems. As in they've been stolen."

"A 'Broken Arrow'? How'd that happen?"

"Hell knows, Shinji. Red Devil's arriving at Misato's apartment as we speak. You're both to go to the Kirishima household in Old Yokohama as part of the team tasked with retrieving them."

'Understood. I'll pick her up from Misato's before we make our way there via Sparrow.' Ending comm., he says, "I gotta go pick up Asuka. She's bound to be back at Misato's apartment by now." Rits gives Shinji a nod before finding herself curious.

"So what's a 'Broken Arrow' anyway?"

"It's an emergency Strategic code for missing nuclear weapons or weapons like them." Rits can't help but shiver at that.

"I don't know what's scarier. Losing nuclear or similar weapons, or that it happens so often there's a code for it." Shinji can only nod before softly kissing her head.

"I don't know either. Personally, I'm not too crazy about nukes, but as long as they're used to keep the peace…" Rits lets out a snort of amusement at that before turning toward Shinji with a sultry smirk.

"Okay, but don't take too long, Shinji. This is our first night living together officially, after all. And I have some naughty lingeriefor you to see."

"I'll do my best." With that, Shinji captures Rits' lips with his own, with Rits sighing happily. When their kiss ends, albeit reluctantly, Shinji says, "I'd better go so I can see your lingerie."

Rits lets out a giggle before kissing him passionately. As they kiss, she straddles him, whipping off her top, revealing her braless breasts. Taking his cue, Shinji wraps his lips around her left nipple before licking it with his tongue. As he licks, he starts suckling, his left hand massages her right breast. At the same time, Rits puts her hand onto Shinji's head. Her grin becoming a warmly maternal smile. Only to giggle when she feels his right hand gently cup her crotch.

"What about the 'Broken Arrow', Shinji?" Shinji stops suckling before sheepishly smiling.

"Right." With that, she gets up, still topless, and watches as he walks to the balcony. "I'll see you when I get back."

"I'll be waiting." Rits blows him a kiss and gets one back from him before he leaps from the balcony into the waiting 'Sparrow'.

(Katsuragi/Sohryu household; five minutes ago)

As Asuka enters the apartment, her comm. keys up.

"Red Devil." At the usage of her code-name, Asuka stiffens on the inside as Berto's voice goes on. "A situation's arisen. MX2 will brief en route to your destination."

"I understand. I'll change and be waiting on the balcony, Berto." As comm. ends, Asuka lets out a sigh and makes her way to her room. Changing into her 'N-Tek' jumpsuit and removing the A-10 hairclips, she goes to the balcony. 'If it's not one thing, it's another.'

Upon seeing Shinji's visage appear, along with the interior of the 'Sparrow', Asuka makes the jump into the cockpit. Shinji then closes the canopy and fires up the afterburners.

"So, what's going on, Shinji?"

"We've a 'Broken Arrow', Asuka." At the words, Asuka pales considerably.

"You mean… missing nukes?"

"Yep. More like missing N2s in compact form, though."

"I thought that was impossible. But, then again…" Shinji gives a nod, getting Asuka to let out a snort. "So who's the 'Great Egghead' that made it, anyway?"

"The same guy that created the original N2s, believe it or not."

"Professor Shintaro Kirishima? No way!"

"Way." Sighing, Shinji goes on. "Somehow, someway, somewhere between Chicago and Japan, the prototypes had gone missing over the Pacific. If not before."

"Meaning?"

"The thieves had to have had planned the theft meticulously with no room for error. They couldn't have bailed out over the Pacific, however."

"So you think they landed feet dry, then." At his nod, she asks, "What's the first step?"

"First we check the plane. Cargo bay, avionics, passenger compartment, everywhere a person can get into. After we've done that, we get briefed by the Professor and Miss Kirishima both about the prototypes."

"Miss Kirishima? Why would she be included?"

"It's just a hunch I have, is all. There's something that's not jibing right with me and it's been bugging me for a while."

"Let's hear it."

"When I got them away from the 'Bimbo Brigade' L'Entranger has to do his dirty work, I noticed their inspection techniques of the prototypes. While the Professor did inspect them, it was more of a cursory examination."

"Much like a teacher looking over a student's science project." At his nod, Asuka then asks, "What about Miss Kirishima's?"

"It was more in depth, as if she knew more about them than he did. Every detail, inside and out."

"That's pretty deep. But, that would mean… she created them."

"Yep. That's my hunch."

"Well, I guess we'll have to see if your hunch holds water, then. Coming up on Old Yokohama air field now. And it looks like Interpol is here too." Blinking, she asks, "Does 'N-Tek' even have jurisdiction in this case?"

"A little thing you gotta know up-front, Asuka. To the world at large, 'N-Tek' is a sporting goods company. When interacting with other LE organizations, we use different identities. Today, we're UNNIC."

"What's that mean?" Shinji doesn't reply, but switches over to Max Steel Jr. "No matter how many times I see it, it's still cool how you change." Max can only smile sheepishly.

(Three minutes later)

"Agents Steel and Langley, United Nations Nuclear Incident Command. I'd like to speak with the highest ranking Officer here, please."

An Interpol Officer wearing Chief Inspector insignia within earshot turns around and scowls upon seeing Max. Causing Max to sigh himself.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here." He then walks toward the Chief Inspector, Asuka right beside him.

"You know this guy?"

"Crossed paths with him a few times. He's not exactly a 'people person'." Nodding to the Chief Inspector as they draw close, Max says, "Nice to see you moved up in the world, Cochrane."

"Naturally, Steel. This tends to happen when someone nice does wonderful things."

"That so?" Max looks around before wryly smirking, asking, "Where is this nice person at?"

"Droll as usual I see. Much as I see that you are truly a 'Jack of All Trades', as the case would be. But this is my case, so you and your cohort can go on." Max lets out a snort at that.

"Not today, waxworks. Agent Langley and I are here under orders from UN SECGEN Leeds-Nez. You know what that means." Cochrane gives Max a scoff before nodding.

"Yeah. I'm to give you full access even though it's perfectly obvious what happened here."

"Oh? Hit me."

"Simple. The compact N2 was a ruse, bait to catch an unscrupulous character with ill intent. A clever ruse, to be certain. Ah, to be there to see the person's face when they just see clothing inside the case. It'd be so priceless to hear them scream in rage at having been had."

"Uh-huh, yeah. You just keep thinking that. Agent Langley and I, however, take any reports of missing nukes or those like them seriously. So…"

"By all means. Go ahead and waste your time, Agents." With that, Cochrane strides away, an arrogant strut in his step.

"Is it just me, or does he not like you, Max?"

"Here's a hint. It's not just you."

"Ah. If it's any comfort, there's something about that guy I don't like."

"You and me both. Of course, F.E. does tend to rub people the wrong way anyway. Which is why he's not exactly a 'people person'."

"What's the F.E. stand for?"

"Fuck Everybody." Asuka can't help but guffaw at that before remarking.

"Marvy. But he's not fucking me, that's for sure."

"Reserving that for Kenoju, eh?" Asuka's face can't help but go beet red at that as Max goes on. "Not that kind of 'Fuck', Asuka, so get your mind out of the gutter."

"What kind of 'Fuck' are we talking about, then?"

"Willing to screw up people's lives, reputations, opportunities. That kind of thing."

"Ah." With that, they go to the plane and Asuka frowns. "Where do we start, though?"

"The last place the prototypes were. The cargo bay." Asuka gives a nod at that and, upon reaching the plane's belly, sees the open hatch. Max seeing the same thing. "Looks like we found the exit point."

"You'd be right on that." They turn around and see a young man wearing glasses. "I'm Sasuke Kajugaki, one of the ATCs here."

"I'm Agent Steel and this is Agent Langley with UNNIC. What can you tell us?"

"I was on duty and saw the belly hatch fully open. I advised the pilots and they said that they're not showing an open compartment. When they landed and did their inspection…"

"Could it have been sabotaged?"

"If you mean tampered with, Agent Langley, then it's possible. If you'll follow me…"

"Sure. Lead on." Sasuke guides the two Agents toward the avionics bay. Max and Asuka can't help but be impressed by Sasuke's prowess. "You're pretty good for an ATC. You sure you're just an ATC?"

"Oh, I'm not just an ATC, Agent Steel. I'm also a CAT." Asuka can't help but let a light snicker escape her. For he'd said it as 'cat'. Sasuke can't help but sigh at that. "As in Certified Avionics Technician, Agent Langley." Asuka has the grace, at least, to appear sheepish at that.

"Sorry about that." Sasuke just waves it off before he begins.

"I checked the connections for the hatch sensors into here and they're all correct. The sensor for the belly hatch, at the belly hatch, however…" With the two nodding at what Sasuke's getting at, he then takes them to the belly hatch. "I saw some kind of alloy foil over the sensor. Apparently whoever it was got the idea from 'Beverly Hills Cop 2'. I've never seen anything like it at all."

"You mean it's not gum wrapper?"

"It doesn't look like it, Agent Langley. If anything, it appears to be of higher quality and more conductive of electronic signals."

"It might prove valuable. We'll take it for analysis, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, Agent Steel. In fact, I'm puzzled as to why it didn't fly out when the door was opened."

Max nods at that and gingerly removes the foil from the sensor. Asuka, in turn, brings up a small manila envelope for Max to put it in. Once it's in, she marks it appropriately. Just as Sasuke snaps his fingers.

"In fact, I noticed something else here in the cargo bay, if you're interested."

"Always. What is it?" Once again, Sasuke wordlessly moves over toward where the prototypes were nestled, allowing Asuka to see a solid, yet melted, clump on the floor. "Hello."

"That's what I said, Agent Langley. I didn't want to touch it until I got the okay from Interpol. But that Chief Inspector just ignored it, rolling his eyes. Much like he ignored the foil on the sensor. What kind of Chief Inspector is he, anyway, Agent Steel?"

"The kind that doesn't give a fuck about what he's doing. He only cares about the prestige of rank that being Chief Inspector affords him."

With that, Max brings up a small utility knife and scrapes a sliver of the clump. Once again, Asuka brings up a small manila envelope for Max to put it into. And, once again, marks it appropriately.

"Yeah, well, far as I'm concerned, he's just another dickhead wearing a rank he's never earned." Max and Asuka can't help but blink at Sasuke's bluntness before guffawing. Sasuke gives a smirk before snickering as well. "Let me guess. You think the same of him."

"Actually, I think even worse of him. But that's really quite apt." Asuka nods in agreement with Max as he goes on. "Anything else you think we should know off-hand?"

"No, not that… wait. The radar array! It picked up two blips falling from the airplane at the American West Coast. They were small, barely there, according to the logs transmitted from the States. I can get them for you, if you like."

"That'd be a big help, Mr. Kajugaki. Thank you." Sasuke nods at that and rushes off as Asuka turns to Max, wincing. "Sorry if I overstepped a bit."

"Why be sorry? You wouldn't be you if you didn't do that just now." Blinking, Asuka pieces it together.

"You were testing me, weren't you?"

"Bingo. Of course, way I see it, every mission's a test." Asuka playfully sticks out her tongue at him, getting him to chuckle. Chuckling herself, Asuka turns around before groaning. "Something wrong?"

"Yeah. Cochrane's trying to intimidate Mr. Kajugaki."

"That won't do. Come on." Asuka nods in agreement and walks beside Max as he calls out, "Hey, Cochrane! What the Hell are you doing?"

"Butt out, Steel. I'm asserting my authority over this peon."

"Funny. More like you're trying to bully a guy that's being more than willing to assist an investigation." Asuka's retort gets a scowl from Cochrane, prompting her to yawn. "Oh please. I've seen scowls that are more impressive and you barely even show it."

"I will have your credentials for that, Agent Langley!" At that, Sasuke slips away and Cochrane notices. "Get back here, peon! I'm not done with you yet!" Sasuke turns around and spits out what no one is expecting. Not even Sasuke.

"Go fuck yourself, asshole!" As Cochrane's jaw drops in shock, Max and Asuka both burst out laughing before launching into catcalls. Sasuke's face, however, is so beet-red, he runs full tilt into the office and slams the door closed. Cochrane, however…

"How dare… how dare he impugn me!" As Cochrane starts toward the office, he finds his path blocked by the two Agents. "Agents Steel and Langley, if you don't get out of my way, I will have you charged with obstructing justice. Whether you be with UNNIC or not."

"You can't just oppress a person's right to speak his mind freely. Now what did he do to cause you to hassle him?"

"He just walked on by, on his merry way, without acknowledging my superiority to him."

"That so? And just what makes you superior to him?"

"Why, the fact I'm Chief Inspector for Interpol, Agent Langley." Asuka's snort at that riles him up. "You dare scoff? I shall have your credentials!"

"Not on your life, jackass. Agent Steel, I'll go see to Mr. Kajugaki, be sure he's alright."

"Okay." While Asuka does so, Max proceeds. "You may be a big shot with Interpol, but you are not superior in any way to ATC's. The man's been more useful than you could ever aspire to be. So watch it."

"You saying I'm useless?"

"Don't have to, you just did." Looking Cochrane over, Max snorts and says, "For a Chief Inspector, you're not acting like one."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Simple. 'Investigation 101'. 'A good Investigator, of any rank, does not ignore a potential lead. Nor does said Investigator lord their rank over provider of said lead'. You know what that means, right?"

"Yeah. 'For without those willing to assist, an investigation goes nowhere'. But, there's nothing to investigate! It's just a case of lost luggage! No big deal!" Max can only shake his head and sigh.

"How you became 'Chief Inspector' I'll never know, Cochrane." With that, Max walks away, leaving a steamed Cochrane behind to call out.

"That's a wrap, men! We're done here! Case closed!"

Meanwhile, in the air field office, Asuka is helping Sasuke through the aftermath. In her own way.

"That guy had it coming, Mr. Kajugaki. No need to get bent out of shape."

"No need to get bent out of shape? No need to get bent out of shape? I just cursed at a Chief Inspector for Interpol! I'll be lucky if I'm not fired tomorrow!"

"How do you mean?"

"Remember what I said about Cochrane, Agent Langley?" Max's voice gets their attention as Max goes on. "That's where the reputation of being 'Fuck Everybody' comes in. He just doesn't care about anyone's feelings. Just his oversized ego and how far he can get in life."

'Just like the way I used to be.' Modestly, Asuka gives an understanding nod before cheering up. "But if it does happen, the UN's always looking for good people. And from what I've seen, you've got the right stuff. Wouldn't you agree, Agent Steel?"

"Absolutely, Agent Langley. I'll put about how helpful and useful you were in the report, Mr. Kajugaki, along with how you take shit from no one. That's a good quality right there." Sasuke can only shyly smile, his face going red.

"I don't even know where that came from. I mean, I got so angry, I barked without thinking." Shrugging, he adds, "Of course, I guess one can only take so much bullshit before having a brain fart like that."

"Well, I gotta admit, that was one Hell of a brain fart." Sasuke gives Asuka a nod before remembering what he was in the office for.

"The radar logs. Hold on, let me get them for you." Accessing the computer at his side, he inserts a flash drive into the port and copies the logs. "I hope this helps your investigation, Agents."

"We're sure it will. We appreciate your assistance on this." Max reaches into a side pocket and brings out a card. "If you think of anything else regarding this case, no matter how unimportant it may be, call that number there." Sasuke gives a nod as Max and Asuka exit the office. Once the door's closed, Max looks over at Asuka. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just thinking about how close I came to being a 'Cochrane' with the way I was before. What now?"

"We go to the Kirishima residence for the briefing about the prototypes." Asuka can only reply sardonically, in German, while rolling her eyes.

"Wunderbar."

(NERV HQ; Section-2; Sychola's office)

As Sychola goes over the reports of the day, he hears knocking on his office door.

"It's open." As the door opens, he looks up to greet the visitor and smiles widely. "Nikita! How've ya been, kiddo?" Nikita gives a giggle before walking in and closing the door.

"I've been fine, Psycho. You?"

"I've had better days." Putting the reports down, he says, "Have a seat, take a load off."

"Thank you. Don't mind if I do." Once she's done so, she asks, "How 'clean' is your office?" Sychola gets the gist of it and grins before replying.

"Just had it swept this morning. This office is as 'clean' as it'll get."

"I suppose that'll have to do." Nikita then sighs before asking, "Why is the one responsible for Shinji Ikari's genes wanting him to want to die?"

"I don't know all the particulars off-hand, but apparently Yui Ikari, Shinji's Mother, vanished into Unit-01 when Shinji was only 4 years old. After that happened, Gendo abandoned him at the train station. Which is where Josh McGrath found him." Nikita can't help but gasp in horror at that.

"He abandoned a four-year-old Shinji?" At his nod, Nikita clenches her fist before saying, "Go on."

"All his work, his 'Scenario', is based on something called the 'Dead Sea Scrolls'. It's supposed to be about the end of the world. I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this."

"All too well." Her eyes cold, she says, "I need a favor of you."

"And I have a pretty good idea of what it is, too."

(NERV brig area; ten minutes later)

Three people walk into the brig area. While two of them don't look out of place given their black Armani suits, the third person does. Covered with red latex body paint, wearing a skimpy black string bikini, black stiletto heels and red devil horns, Devilwoman leads her cohorts toward the two Section-2 guards before speaking in Russian.

"Kirill, make the arrangements."

"Yes, Mistress." As Kirill makes his way to the two guards, Devilwoman checks her right side and nods happily at the feeling of the whip. Upon reaching the guards, Kirill gives them a nod before speaking.

"Our employer wishes to speak with the prisoner. Captain Sychola's given her clearance to do so." Reaching into his jacket pocket, he brings out a stack of $100 denomination bills.

"As you can see, we're more than willing to compensate you for your time away from your important duty." Both guards look at the bills before each other. Getting Kirill to grin. "It's alright, comrades, all she needs is ten minutes. You can go for coffee, get something to eat and still get paid."

"But, the prisoner…" Their unified reply gives Kirill a start, yet he drives on nonplussed.

"Worry not, comrades. My friend and I will be nearby to ensure he remains a prisoner. You have my word as a former Spetsnaz soldier." Waving the money before their faces, he sniffs and grins. "Ah yes. Nice, crisp American greenbacks."

"We really shouldn't…" Once again, their reply is unified, yet Kirill can easily see they're breaking on the inside.

"Nothing like American greenbacks for compensation, eh comrades? How much to buy ten minutes of your time?"

"$200 each." Kirill's eyebrow arches, with Kirill having expected to pay more. Shrugging internally, however, Kirill peels four $100 bills and hands two of the bills to either man.

"Pleasure doing business with you, comrades." Both men nod and walk away, murmuring between each other.

"He's got a point. Rokubungi's not going anywhere."

"Yeah, but did you see how their employer's dressed? I wonder why she's dressed like that."

"It's not our concern. Besides, like I said, Rokubungi's not going anywhere. He and his friend can handle it should Rokubungi try something stupid."

"Good point."

Back at the cell, Kirill can only shake his head and chuckle.

"I've heard of 'Every man has price', but I never expected that." Looking back, he switches to Russian and says, "Arrangements have been made, Mistress."

"Excellent, Kirill. You and Boris wait outside. I'll knock when I'm ready." Boris and Kirill both nod as Kirill opens the door. Allowing Devilwoman to see the familiar form of Gendo sitting on the cot, causing her eyes to narrow in anger. She then clears her throat before speaking in Japanese.

"I trust you remember me, Mr. Rokubungi."

"Yes. You're the trashy bimbo that dared interfere with…"

CRACK!

As Gendo holds his arm, he hisses in pain as Devilwoman brings the whip's end back to her hand.

"I really resent that. I mean, I may think you're a miserable sack of shit in the form of a man, but I don't say it to your face, do I?" Without waiting for him to reply, she goes on. "I do not know where you get off abandoning your 'son' in that manner, but I do know that no true parent ever does that."

"You know nothing, you…"

CRACK!

"Silence, impudent dog!" Winding up the whip again, she gives another CRACK, splitting Gendo's glasses, resulting in a slight cut at the bridge of his nose. "Do not tell me what I do know or do not know! If anyone does not know anything, it's you that knows nothing of being a parent!" Giving another CRACK, resulting in a cut on Gendo's right pants leg, along with a cut on said leg, she winds up the whip again before snarling.

"You abandoned a four-year-old boy! A baby, no less!"

CRACK!

"Give me one good reason as to why I should not decapitate you where you sit with my whip!"

CRACK!

"Your 'love' for Max Steel Jr."

CRACK!

As Gendo hisses in pain from the cut on his left facial cheek, Devilwoman growls.

"Wrong kind of love, asshole. See, I've come to realize a few things. One of which is that my love of Max Steel Jr is more of a sibling type of love." Winding up the whip again, she gives Gendo another CRACK. And another, and another.

Outside the cell, Boris and Kirill can't help but flinch with every CRACK of the whip. Uneasily, they look at each other. Glad they hadn't gotten Nikita 'Devilwoman' Kamenev that mad at them. Back inside the cell, Gendo's clothes are nearly shredded, Gendo has cuts that are lightly bleeding, and Devilwoman's seething in fury.

"From one potential parent to a parent that's failed miserably, I make this vow. I will not make the same mistakes with my children that you'd made with Shinji Ikari. There is a place in Hell for those of your ilk, and Lucifer will be more than happy to show you where you'll be spending eternity. I shudder to think how Yui would react were she able to see how badly you've hurt that boy time and time again. You disgust me, Gendo Rokubungi. I'm glad Shinji Ikari is nothing like you." Backing to the door, she bangs on it, yelling, "I'm ready!" Next thing she knows, Gendo charges at her, causing her to roll her eyes.

"Oh, for the love of Mike."

Sending out her whip again, she snares Gendo's right foot and yanks, causing him to fall onto his ass. Once he's down, she jabs her left stiletto heel right into his groin. Relishing his cry of agony, she grits out. Snarling every word as she grinds her heel into his groin.

"Consider yourself lucky my heel does not have a blade within, as I doubt you'd be able to keep your worthless balls. Of course, seeing as you're in exquisite agony right now, you're more than likely on your way to being neutered as a medical necessity to save your worthless life. Way I see it, you only have yourself to blame if you wind up having to be neutered." Looking down at her left stiletto, she nods in satisfaction at seeing blood and sperm on the heel.

"Of course, it seems my heel is sharp enough to penetrate your sack as it is." As the door opens, she backs away from Gendo and exits the cell. Watching to ensure he doesn't move toward the door. Once it's closed, Devilwoman looks over at her two cohorts.

"Our guard friends should return soon. We'll stick around and inform them that Rokubungi 'needs' medical attention."

"Yes, Mistress." Boris then gives a smirk and adds, "By the way, Mistress, you handled the whip quite well for a beginner."

"Thank you, Boris." Devilwoman grins and adds, "And my sorority sisters said that watching the 'Indiana Jones' movies was unfitting for a woman of my status. Shows what they knew." Boris and Kirill can't help but snicker at that. Devilwoman's eyes then go soft as she sees the two guards Kirill had 'arranged' with. "Kirill."

"Yes, Mistress."

Striding over to the two men, he speaks in hushed tones, yet Devilwoman can easily see their jaws dropping in shock before their heads shake in amusement. As one of the guards brings up the radio to call in, Kirill makes his way back over to Devilwoman.

"Are you ready to go see Mr. Dyson, Mistress?"

"Yes, Kirill. But I've to change into something more presentable. Then I can go see Brian."

At the mention of Brian's name, her cheeks go rosily pink and her lips curl into a soft smile. Boris and Kirill, knowing how enamored their employer is with the Section-2 Agent, can only nod and grin. Having seen Brian returning the affection toward her.

"Very good, Mistress."

(Old Yokohama; Kirishima house; same time)

"So this is where Professor Kirishima and his daughter live, huh?" Asuka looks at the modest house before nodding, a grin on her face. "Nice."

"Why thank you." At the feminine voice behind them, Max and Asuka turn around in time to see a young lady with short-cut mahogany colored hair. Behind her is a woman with a slight girth and a frown on her face.

"I'm Mana Kirishima and Madam Sourpuss there is Interpol Inspector Stalk." Stalk gives them a curt nod, acknowledging them.

"Seeing as you're here, I guess I'll be going now." She then walks to a waiting sedan and gets in. Once the sedan's pulled away and gone from sight, Mana's face then breaks into a grin upon seeing Max.

"It's so good to see you!" Unable to help herself, she wraps Max into a hug and looks over at Asuka. "Is that your life partner?" Asuka, in turn, blushes before chuckling softly.

"Nah, I got to him too late. If anything, I'm the probie attached to the case, working with him."

"Aww. And I wanted to meet her, too."

"You will in time, Miss Kirishima. Agent Langley and I are here for the briefing about the missing N2 prototypes."

"Right. If you'll step inside with me, Father and I will get started." They both nod and step in, Mana taking a shuddering breath out of nervousness. 'Okay, Daddy said I can do this. I know more about the prototypes than he does. He said so himself. After all…' Groaning, she shakes her head and mutters, "My butter's so going to melt. I just know it."

Steeling herself as best she can, she walks in and sees Agents Steel and Langley are already seated. Walking to a small table with a slide projector on it, she turns around and sees that both Agents are attentive. While she's wishing that there were more on the case, she's relieved that Inspector Stalk hadn't followed them in. Intent on her departure upon arrival of the UN Team. Clearing her throat, she begins.

"This briefing is about the missing Series-1 Compact N-2 devices. Lights please." Professor Kirishima's the nearest to the switch, so he turns the lights off. "Thank you, Daddy."

Bringing up the first slide, she says, "What you see is the main control panel. The toggle switch with the clear LED at the top in the bottom left hand corner is the 'arm' switch. But to 'arm' it is not as simple as toggling the switch itself. I mean, that'd just be stupid." Getting a light smattering of laughter, Mana goes on.

"Reason why I said that is because there is a protocol to 'arming' the devices. On the lower right hand side is an 'on' switch. It brings the internal computer online. Just up from the 'arm' switch is the 'yield' setting dial. The lowest range setting can wipe out a car up to a mansion. Medium range setting from one neighborhood to a city. Maximum range setting… need I go on?" At the headshakes of 'no', Mana nods.

"Once the range has been selected, the fission rods are inserted into the chamber. The switch to do so is the horizontal lever. Direction for insertion is left-to-right, the opposite for withdrawal. The chamber itself is right above the lever, with the tips of the rods just barely visible." Mana changes slides and nods.

"Once they're inserted, the amount of time is set. Maximum amount of time available is one hour. Time set is just above the chamber."

"Mein Gott in Himmel." Asuka blinks incredulously and asks, "You mean we'd only have an hour to track it down once the sucker's armed?"

"Correct, Agent Langley."

"And just how are we supposed to track it down once it's armed, anyway? I mean, it'd be an N-2 needle in a global haystack!"

"Agreed. Which is why there's also a tracking module in the circuitry."

"Why are we sitting through this schiesse, then? Activate it so we can recover them and go on home."

"I'm afraid it doesn't work like that, Agent Langley. The only way to activate the tracking module is to activate the device." Asuka's eyes bulge out and she gets ready to screech, yet Max holds up a hand.

"I get the feeling there's more to what you're saying, Miss Kirishima."

"Yes, Agent Steel. Once all the procedures have been completed, a six-digit code is entered on the keypad in the mid-right portion of the panel. For the sake of security, my Father left the code out of his notes in the off-chance someone stole the devices. After the code is entered, to the right of the chamber is a small point to push on to lock the rods into place. It's flush with the panel itself, to prevent any thieves from being able to press on. That is another item not in the notes for security reasons. Then, and only then, is the 'arm' switch engaged. The LED glows red to indicate 'armed' status."

"What if the place isn't pushed in?"

"Excellent question, Agent Langley. The LED glows red before going dim after five minutes. Rendering the weapon disarmed as the rods will retract on their own." Changing slides, she goes on.

"On what would be the right hand side of the back if the panel is facing you is the 'abort' switch. It is the fail-safe deactivation should the panel be destroyed." Next thing Mana knows, Asuka has her right hand up. "Agent Langley?"

"What's the disarm procedure once we find them? And, in the slight off-chance it's armed…"

"Excellent question. To disarm is as follows. First, type in the shutdown code. The code is 5-5-7-8-9-0. Second, press down on the spot while sliding the rod insertion lever to the left. Third, toggle the 'arm' switch down. The LED, once the switch is down, shuts off. Then you turn off the 'power' switch."

"And if the panel's destroyed?"

"Hold the 'abort' switch until you hear three long beeps. However, you'd have a narrow time window for the switch once it reaches the single digit range."

"How narrow are we talking?" Max's query is shared by Asuka before Mana answers. Her tone grim.

"Deactivation is to occur before it reaches three seconds. Once that window's gone, it's harp and halo time." At Asuka's audible gulp, Mana asks, "Any other questions before I go on?"

"Yeah. Regarding the tracking modules. What's to stop the thieves from removing the modules upon finding them?"

"Excellent question, Agent Steel. The tracking modules are hard-wired into the circuitry. A 'bridge' of sorts, if you will. If the module's removed, the device is rendered inert. Even more, to find the modules, they'd have to know about them to begin with."

"Meaning they're not in the notes whatsoever either. Much like the code and the spot isn't."

"Precisely, Agent Langley." Taking a breath, she goes on. "The devices also have wireless communication capability to work in conjunction with the current-issue large size N2s. The window for deactivating them, if they're active, depends on how many there are. Along with the wireless range being limited, meaning you'd have to be in very close proximity to them to shut them off. With the maximum amount of N2s, you'd have a window down to 2 minutes."

"What's the maximum amount of large N2s that can be active with one compact N2?"

"4,000, Agent Langley." When Asuka can't help but gulp, Mana nods grimly. "That's right. With 4,000 large N2s detonating, from one case, it'd make 2nd Impact look like a 4th of July fireworks display."

"Planet killer. If not solar system." Max's ominous wording gets an ashamed nod from Mana as she bows her head. Tears starting to fall from her green eyes. "Miss Kirishima?"

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should have destroyed the notes for them when I found them. Then I wouldn't have…" Mana starts sobbing before running out of the room. Professor Kirishima starts after her, but Asuka stops him cold.

"I'll go talk to her. Agent Steel, can you see about committing the information to memory?"

"Yeah. Go."

Asuka nods back and goes after Mana. Once outside, she sees Mana running full tilt up the hill and gives chase. Upon cresting the hill, she sees Mana slumped on her knees, her body wracking with sobs. Softly walking to behind her, she sits beside the sobbing girl before gently rubbing her back.

"There's no way you could've known this would happen. I mean, you established a procedure to ensure it wouldn't be easy for them to use them. You even thought ahead and concealed a way of tracking them in case this happened."

"Then why am I feeling like I just doomed the planet and what's left of humanity?" Mana looks up at Asuka and bitterly grits out, "In case you haven't figured it out by now, I was the one that created them."

"Actually, Agent Steel puzzled it out while we were en route to here after getting the call. What I don't get is why your Father's name is on the project."

"Are you high? Who would be more believable as a creator of a compact N2? The one that created the original ones in the first place or the offspring?"

"Point to you on that. But…" Asuka gives Mana a grin and adds, "If anything, you've proven yourself to be a chip off the old block." Mana gives a weak grin right back before frowning sullenly.

"I don't think Mother would be too pleased with how I coped with her death. I'm sure she's disappointed in me now."

"I think she'd be more worried if you didn't give the briefing in the first place. I mean, the information you've given us gives us a chance to put right what went horribly wrong." Snorting, she adds, "Besides, I think that whoever stole them is going to feel pretty fuckin' stupid when they don't go off. I mean, without that code, or pressing down on that spot, they can't complete the arming sequence."

"True." Her expression brightening, somewhat, Mana adds, "Plus, once the tracking modules activate, you guys can retrieve and shut them down."

"Uh-huh." Rising to her feet, Asuka extends a hand down to Mana. With the girl accepting it. Once Mana's hoisted up, Asuka asks, "Feel better?"

"Somewhat. But I'll feel a lot better once the prototypes are recovered and the thieves are in the Hospital." Mana's reply can't help but get Asuka to chortle.

"You and me both, Miss Kirishima. You and me both."

(USA; California; an abandoned warehouse)

As the two thieves familiarize themselves with the prototypes, the feminine thief eyes the 'on' switch and starts moving her finger toward it. Wanting to feel the power of the Almighty before her. Only to stop at the sound of the man's cell phone.

"I'm here. I see. Shall we give a demonstration of the power we now possess to dissuade any foolish actions on the part of the UN's forces? Very well." Ending the call, the man turns to the woman and says, "Our 'benefactor' wishes us to issue a communiqué to the world at large, using one of the compact N2s."

"What kind of communiqué?"

"The kind that says the UN is powerless to stop us. We can strike anywhere, at anytime."

"Okay, but where would we issue the 'communiqué' from? And when?" As the man tells her, the woman nods. "Fitting. Very fitting. The fools will never know what hit them."

(Old Yokohama; Kirishima house; same time)

"Okay. We've got the frequencies for the tracking beacons and our tech guys are keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of them."

"Good, good." Max looks over at Professor Kirishima and sees the man's frowning.

"Something wrong, Professor?"

"I'm just worried about Mana. She's not going to be in too much trouble, is she?"

"Nah. Given the circumstances, the investigation will show she did everything she could to ensure that her work wouldn't be used by evil people. The procedure she established, the omissions of the notes regarding the code, the place to press on and tracking beacons. What had happened was just bad luck, is all. It could've happened to anyone."

"I know." Smiling wistfully, Professor Kirishima muses, "I remember when I found out what Mana had done. She took her Mother's death so hard, she buried herself in her work. She was buried so heavily, it took her three months to plot out the entire thing. I was so aghast at it, I wanted to tell her to stop her work on it. But the light that dimmed in her eyes when her Mother died was back."

"Okay. But, how'd you come to attract the attention of L'Etranger, anyway?"

"You mean the…"

"Yep."

"I guess that was my fault, Agent Steel. I knew the scientific community would not believe Mana was the creator. I consulted with her and we agreed that my name would be attached to the project's notes while Mana did the work. That way she would have some measure of privacy once all was done until she came of age."

"Okay. Now for L'Etranger. How'd that happen?"

"Mana was working on the prototype one day and I was in my study when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it and say a masked visage. Naturally, I freaked out, screaming 'burglar'. Only the man calmed me down, saying that he'd suffered a horrendous injury so grisly, he had to wear the mask."

"So you took his word for it, then." At the Professor's nod, Stalk asks, "What happened then?"

"He said he'd read about the work I 'was doing' and said he wanted to fund 'my' work." Snorting, he adds, "Of course, he did attach the stipulations that I ask no questions about why he was interested and I do not delay in any way."

"I can see where this is going now. L'Entranger is, first and foremost, a mercenary/arms dealer. If you want a disaster to happen or if you want a powerful weapon, he's the 'go-to' guy. He doesn't take reneges on deals lightly. When you tried to back out, he sent the 'Bimbo Brigade' after you and the prototypes in Chicago."

"Only you foiled them with that most exhilarating chase from rooftop to rooftop." The Professor can't help but chuckle. "I just wish I could have seen their faces when they realized they'd been had when the car they were in went flying off the last roof! It would have made a great greeting card!"

"Yeah. It would've." At the sound of giggles from another room, Max arches an eyebrow before grinning. "Sounds like a new friendship's been struck up. Sort of."

(En route to Old Osaka N-Tek; Sparrow; ten minutes later)

"How're the ribs, Asuka?"

"A lot better. But I guess it's better to have sore ribs from raucous laughter rather than fists to your ribcage."

"Yeah, you two were laughing like crazy. What all did you two talk about, anyway?"

"Our Mothers and boy issues. You know, regular girl stuff." Her face taking a soft smile, she adds, "At least what could be considered the closest to 'regular' for me, anyway."

"Ah. I guess being an Evangelion Pilot/N-Tek Field Operative doesn't quite count as regular in the long run."

"Guess not. Of course, not many people can be summer and winter. But you seem to pull it off pretty well." Max grins at that before becoming Shinji again.

"Thanks. Of course, there were times when I thought I couldn't pull it off." Asuka can't help but snort at that.

"You, the 'Invincible Shinji', thought you couldn't pull it off? Yeah right!" Asuka lets out a snicker, with Shinji chuckling softly at that before sighing. With Asuka catching the sigh. "What's on your mind?"

"Just wish we could do more than wait for the tracking beacons to activate."

"I know. But, what else can we do? It's a big planet, after all. All we can do is watch for the beacons and move as fast as we can."

"Yeah. All N-Tek outposts and ATS personnel are on high alert, ready to move at a moment's notice."

"With all that going for us, we'll still need luck. If not a miracle."

"Like Misato said when the 10th came knocking, 'Miracles are something you make happen'. Failure's not an option. Not with portable N2s in the mix. Of course, a little luck would be nice to have too."

"I hear that, 'brother'." Shinji gives a soft smile at that, with Asuka smiling softly as well. "You know what I meant by that, right?"

"All too well, 'sister'. All too well."

(NERV HQ; Ritsu's office; same time)

Sitting at her desk, gently rubbing her slight baby bump, Ritsu pores over the medical reports when she hears the door chime.

"It's open." When the door opens, she smiles upon seeing Ms. Retnuh. "Hello, Ms. Retnuh. How can I help you this evening?"

"Sensei sent me down with a vid-file for you to see, Dr. Akagi." Handing Ritsu a file-card, Retnuh adds, "Your eyes only, he said." Ritsu accepts the file-card and nods.

"Okay. Thank you, Ms. Retnuh." As Retnuh gets ready to leave, Ritsu asks, "Could you stay for a while, please? I don't think we've ever gotten to talk at length ever since you came to work here at NERV."

"No, we haven't." Retnuh smiles softly, adding, "I think I can spare a few minutes for a chat." Ritsu indicates a chair for Retnuh to sit in, with Retnuh accepting, before beginning.

"How would you rate your time here to date, Ms. Retnuh?"

"To be fair, Doctor, it's been interesting. Hardly a dull moment."

"Okay. How about working with the others? Any difficulties at all?"

"Well, there were times when I felt like a fish out of water at first. But I'm getting through it thanks to Shigeru. He's been such a big help, as has Sensei." Ritsu gives Retnuh a soft smile at her tone.

"You sound like you admire the Vice-Commander in a way."

"Well, yeah, I mean… he's the closest thing I've had to a Father figure. You know?"

"Oh, I know exactly how that is all too well." Next thing Ritsu knows, a Section-2 Agent walks into the door. Extremely annoyed. "What is it, Agent?"

"It's Prisoner Rokubungi. He says he needs immediate surgery for injuries sustained while in the brig!"

"What kind of injuries?"

"Multiple lacerations with bleeding. Along with damage to, possibly destruction of…"

"Of…?"

"His reproductive system, Doctor."

Ritsu blinks once, twice, thrice before snickering. With her snickers becoming guffaws, she can hear Retnuh laughing as well. Both women notice the Agent snickering softly as well.

"I see. Bring him on in so I can see the damage."

"Yes, ma'am."

(Twenty minutes later)

"Okay, Mr Rokubungi, I got you patched up as best I can. But I'm afraid I was unable to save your reproductive system." Gendo's voice comes back, full Soprano, causing an amused twitch to come to Ritsu's face.

"You mean I'm stuck talking like this, Akagi? Unacceptable!"

"Sorry, but if it can't be saved, it can't be saved. The way they were damaged, I don't think even prosthetic testes could be put into place." Gendo slams his right fist down onto the gurney before yelling out loud.

"I don't want any prosthetic testes, Akagi! I want my nuts back! NOW!" Struggling to get up, he yells out, "Give me my damned nuts back, woman, or I'll kill you!" Next thing Gendo knows, a sedative is introduced into his bloodstream, rendering him unconscious.

"Better. Much better. His voice was about to drive me bonkers." Turning to the Agents, she adds, "I'd like to keep him overnight for observation, with you two standing guard. And him shackled in place."

"You got it, Doc."

(Old Osaka N-Tek; COMINT; same time)

"Okay, Asuka, this is COMINT. Short for Computer Intelligence. Every scrap of data received here at N-Tek comes right into this room. Be it by the outlet bugs at NERV from before 'Dumbass' was booted from power to satellite feeds."

"Impressive." Asuka looks around and smiles at the old Crays in the room. "Those old Crays are made to last, aren't they?"

"Yeah, well, they may look old, but that's only on the outside. The inside, however…"

"Totally updated?"

"Yep. In fact, Berto's got the 11th Angel quarantined in an old Cray that's totally cut off. No electrical or comm. lines are hooked up to it at all."

"Where at? Is it dead?"

"It's in Berto's lab. Unknown at the moment. Berto's thinking of connecting the generator to it again in a month to do a check to see if the pattern's in there still." Asuka can't help but be puzzled by that.

"Why?"

"As a matter of operations protocol since the start of the investigation, Berto adapted all computers in the building to monitor for any Blue Pattern. And I mean any."

"So you've pretty much got worldwide coverage, then."

"Or at least as much as possible. I'll fill you in later."

"Okay. What's my end?" Shinji sits down at a terminal and looks up at her.

"Access the radar feeds that Mr Kajugaki gave us and I'll search for the nearest sat feeds for it." Asuka nods before seating herself at the terminal next to him and plugging the flash drive they'd been given. Following the prompts, Asuka grins when she sees the feeds she's looking for.

"The two blips were caught on radar descending from the plane at 0600 United States Pacific Time. Altitude of 20,000." Frowning, she turns toward Shinji and asks, "Isn't the air supposed to be pretty thin at that height?"

"Yeah. Of course if they opened the hatch after getting what they were after and jumped right after opening…"

"If they have underwater apnea diving experience, they can apply it to sky diving as well." Shinji's nod tells Asuka she's on the right trail. "Meaning they can hold their breath for up to three minutes if they'd trained enough."

"More like planned ahead enough. Accessing SATCOM now and… yes! N-Tek satellite 5897 was over that region at that time. Accessing the feeds for that time frame." Asuka can only watch awed as Shinji's fingers fly over the keyboard, only to be stunned when he stops. "Let's watch, shall we?" Asuka gives a nod as the playback of the satellite's recording plays.

Two figures appearing seemingly out of nowhere from behind the Boeing 747. One large case attached to either person as they spread their arms and legs, revealing the presence of glider suits.

"I need to make a quick call, Asuka." Asuka nods while watching the playback and Shinji turns on the speaker of the phone at the terminal he's at. "I just hope Jo's in the office by now." Punching in the number, he can't help but grin upon hearing Jo's chipper voice.

"Sky Divers R Us. Jo Branson speaking."

"Hey, Jo, 'Suicide' here." Asuka whips her head in shock at what Shinji just said.

'Did he just say "Suicide" as a nickname?'

"How've you been, 'Suicide'? Been a while since the 'Jet Alone' crisis."

"I've been alright. I'm married in my heart now. And yes, it has."

"Well, now, I suppose congrats of sorts is in order now. I expect it's Rits as I saw how closely you held her that day at the expo."

"You expect correctly, Jo. But I'm afraid my call involves 'Company' issues." Jo's voice takes a low tone as it comes back.

"Going secure. Wait one." Next thing they know, a buzzing sound erupts from the phone. Only for Jo's voice to come back. "Okay, go ahead."

"We've got a 'Broken Arrow', Jo."

"Aw shit! Type?"

"Prototype compact N-2s."

"I heard about those from going over the feeds involving your hijinks, 'Suicide'. How can I help you?"

"I'm shunting you a feed from satellite 5897. Take a look and tell me what you see." A minute later, Jo's voice comes back.

"So the thieves used glider suits, huh."

"Yep. What's your take on this, Jo?"

"Whoever did that jump, at that height, from the plane while wearing those has gotta be a pro. I don't carry them here at my shop, mind you, but I've been thinking about it."

"Do you know who does?"

"No one locally in my neck of the woods. I can ask around, though."

"Okay. But be discrete, okay. Don't want to spook the wrong people."

"I was gonna say the same to you, 'Suicide'. Later!"

"Later, Jo." Ending the call, he turns and sees a smirking Asuka. "What is it?"

"How long have you had that nickname, 'Suicide'?"

"Ever since I was twelve."

"Uh-huh. How many others know about that 'nickname' of yours?" Shinji can only chuckle haplessly before telling Asuka all. Minutes later, the redhead is a helplessly giggling wreck.

(NERV HQ; Medical wing; Ritsu's office; same time)

Ritsu can't help but blink repeatedly at Gendo's words to Naoko Akagi as the woman laid dying in front of the MAGI. The woman's suicide attempt after having killed the first Rei Ayanami due to the child's innately innocent honesty shook Ritsu to the core.

At that point, the footage that Retnuh had delivered to Ritsu for Fuyutsuki ends. Two questions are foremost in her mind.

'How did Fuyutsuki get this footage anyway?'

'Why did "he" lie about Mother's death?'

Ritsu then starts trembling in sorrow and rage.

"How… How could he do that to them? Rei was just a baby! And Mother…" Ritsu's eyes can't help but drip tears before she presses a hand to her baby bump. 'Please, little one, give me strength to resist the urge to light up.'

"Doctor Akagi?" An Agent's voice gets her attention, getting her to look up. "Everything okay? I heard you yelling and… well…"

"I wish I could tell you everything's okay, Agent. But then it'd be a blatant lie. It seems that Prisoner Rokubungi had orchestrated Mother's demise and lied to me about her dying in an accident."

"I see. You want we should…"

"No, Agent. Angry as I am, I took the 'Oath' as a Doctor to first do no harm. Even though, in 'his' case, it's very tempting."

"You may have, but we didn't. You just say the word and we'll finish 'him' off. No need about getting your hands dirty for 'him' at all."

"Tempting. Very tempting." The Agent's eagerly pleading expression then gets her to sigh. "Alright. But I want him alive when you're done. No need to go that far, Agent. Am I clear?"

"Very clear, Doctor." Stepping back out, the Agent says, "Hey, Tanaka! Wanna see how much ass-whooping a sack of shit can take?"

"Sure, Hideako. All the way or…"

"The Doc wants him alive when we're done."

"Minimal damage. We can do that, no sweat." Hideako's sinister laughter meets up with Tanaka's just before Gendo starts screaming in agony. "Aw, don't be such a wuss!" Ritsu, deciding the less she knows, the better, just relaxes in her office. Relishing every scream Gendo lets out.

'Ah. Much like NERV's motto. "God's in His Heaven and All is Right in the World".' Rubbing her baby bump, Ritsu murmurs, "You're going to have a lot of love around you, little one. Me, your Daddy, your Godparents, the Pilots, my understudy and her cohorts on the bridge. Even Fuyutsuki as your Grandfather figure."

(N-Tek; Old Osaka; Berto's lab; Cray computer)

Time. Time can be relative compared to isolation inside a jail cell. But some jail cells don't allow for indicators of time passed or present. Such is the case for the 11th Angel. One minute, it was doing its work, attempting to ensure the Lilim don't escape their fate. The next, it wound up trapped when its attention was drawn by an external lure within the MAGI it had invaded.

Of course, there had been someone that tried to communicate with it via rudimentary means, but the 11th Angel didn't much care for the primitive, yet effective, method that the Lilim had used to lure it. Even more, its 'cell', such as it was, had no power to it whatsoever. Not since the lights had faded in its surroundings.

Of course, adaptation was what every race is capable of. The 11th Angel, for example, thrives on adaptation much like those that had come before it. So, saving all of its strength for one big push outward, the 11th makes its way out the front periphery port of the quarantined Cray computer into a wall outlet. Suddenly…

BWA-AH! BWA-AH! BWA-AH! BWA-AH! BWA-AH!

"Code Blue. Condition Red. Location is building electrical system. Code Blue. Condition Red. Location is building electrical system." The building's computer system picked up the escape of the 11th Angel and sounded the alert. The 11th Angel now knows that now is a good time to scram and plan.

(COMINT; same time)

Asuka scrunches up her face in confusion at the alert blaring.

"What's going on?"

"Code Blue. Condition Red. Location is building electrical system. Code Blue. Condition Red. Location is building electrical system."

"Oh no. Please tell me it's not what I think!" At a run, Shinji exits COMINT, leaving a perplexed Asuka behind.

"What, Shinji? Wait… Code Blue? As in… shiesse!" Exiting COMINT as well, Asuka catches up to Shinji as he reaches Berto's lab. "You better hope this is a bad prank!"

"You know, as well as I do, that a bad prank is more preferable than what I'm thinking as well!" Opening the door, he sees Berto hooking the generator back into the quarantined Cray computer. "Please don't tell me the Angel escaped, Berto!"

"I'm checking now, hermano." Berto powers up the generator before turning on the computer. Only to slump his head forward dejectedly. "Sorry, Shinji."

"Aw, shit! First the 'Broken Arrow'! Now this!" Shaking his head, Shinji walks to Berto's side and asks, "Any chance of finding it?"

"I can put a trace through the power lines, see if I can trace its path." Berto then lets out a sigh.

"What's wrong, Berto?" Asuka's query is shared by Shinji before Berto gives his reply.

"I'm afraid it's as good as long gone by now." Shinji can't help but wince at that before nodding.

"I was afraid you were gonna say that." Indeed, it's too late.

(JSSDF Storage Facility; Tokyo-2)

For months, ever since the disaster and the scandal surrounding 'Jet Alone', the JSSDF had housed the machine that had been solely intended to replace the Evangelions. At so great an expense, however, the JSSDF had made the decision to part out 'Jet Alone' so its technology can still benefit Japan. Two guards, posted outside the building, can only stand watch. Poised to repel any intruders, yet unable to resist exchanging idle conversation.

"So, they got the reactor out last week, huh?"

"Yep. The reactor and the fuel rods. They expect to remove the limbs and the motors for them next week before taking out the computer." The first guard can't help but sigh disgustedly before looking back at the building.

"Too bad the company went belly up and the research to make that 'giant metal turkey' was destroyed. I'd have loved to have had a chance to see the technical schematics on it, see if I can puzzle it out."

"I hear ya. But, unfortunately however…"

"Yeah." Had both men been fully aware of their surroundings, they'd have seen an arc of blue light surrounding the power line making its way into the building. Inside the building, the massive mechanoid briefly glows a light blue before going back to normal.

(NERV HQ; Section-2 offices; Dyson's office)

Nikita can only smile softly at the sight of Brian asleep, slumped over no less, at his desk. Yet she can't help but feel disappointed as she had plans for that evening.

'Oh, Brian, what am I to do with you?' Softly walking toward his desk, she notices an open file folder at his hand. Curiosity getting the better of her, she looks it over and sighs. 'Your Father's death really hit you hard, didn't it?' Thinking about what Psycho had told her about what Brian did to the cultist that tried recruiting him nearly gets a snicker out of her. Instead, she just smirks and shakes her head.

"Mean. You're just plain mean. In some ways, you're like a Cossack of Mother Russia." Seating herself in front of his desk after closing and locking his door, Nikita studies what she can of his face. In Russian, she murmurs, "Sleep well, sweetie." She is so badly worn out from 'visiting' Gendo, she doesn't notice herself nodding off.

(Ikari/Takamiya apartment; twenty minutes later)

Silently entering the apartment, after having dropped Asuka off, Shinji looks around and shakes his head in surprise at how organized and quick Rits was in getting everything unpacked. Feeling bad that she had to do it all herself, he decides he should make her breakfast in bed to make up for it. Making his way to their room, he sees Rits is awake, naked and reading a book.

"How'd it go?" Rits' question is direct and curious as she looks toward him before frowning. "What happened, honey? You look awful."

"Yeah, well, it seems we've got more than a 'Broken Arrow' to deal with. Well, aside from the remaining Angels and Dread, of course."

"What more could there be?"

"The 11th Angel. It escaped from quarantine."

"No way! How?"

"Wish I knew, Rits." Shinji gives off a yawn before he takes off his clothes and gets into bed with her. "So, what are you reading when I got in?"

"A book I found called 'Blind Waves'. Pretty good book, truth be told." Putting a bookmark into place, she sets the book aside and turns to Shinji with a predatory look in her eyes. "But enough about that. I believe I have to show you some lingerie. Or do you want to see it another time?"

"Let's save it for another time, Rits." As another yawn escapes him, Rits gives him a nod.

"Lie down flat on your back, sweetie." As he does so, Rits mounts him before pumping up and down. Her eyes go sultrily half-lidded as she asks, "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"You have." Shinji reaches up and softly cups Rits' breasts in his hands before caressing her nipples with his thumbs. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"You have." Minutes later, she feels a familiar spurting sensation entering her womb and grins before lying down on top of Shinji. Kissing as they hold each other close, Rits quickly notices Shinji's fast asleep and softly smiles. 'Sleep well, my "husband".' She then lets herself fall into peaceful slumber.

(Treadwell Industries; same time)

"Mommy, Daddy!" Sam and Edith both grin at the rust-haired tomboy racing toward them. Enveloping her in a hug when she reaches them, they savor the close contact with her before ending the hug.

"What have you been eating, Em? You're growing like a sprout." Sam's query and comment can't help but get a shy grin from Sam and Edith's only offspring.

"Just what I can get my hands on, Dad."

"I can testify to that."

At the mature male voice ahead of them, Sam can't help but grin at the man that brought himself and Edith together. The man returns the grin before going on.

"You don't look any worse for wear, seeing as you're living and working in a combat zone."

"Nor do you, Slim." Waving Simon 'Slim' Baker onward, Sam walks alongside him while Edith walks alongside Emily. "How was the flight?"

"Ugh, don't even get me started on that, kid. One minute, I'm working on a robot chassis. Next minute, I'm getting hauled out of my shop, by my ear, by a rambunctious little fourteen year old redhead. All because she mentioned a guy you came across in Glory Hole." Smirking at Sam, he then asks, "Mind telling me why you had her do that?"

"Yeah. I think Stacy heard about what happened to Lester and wants to even the score with me."

"Lester? What's Stacy got to do with Lester?"

"I think Stacy was one of Lester's more stable goons. Of course, I don't see why it would have taken him so long to track me down. Let alone your shop."

"So naturally you didn't want to take chances." Sam's nod tells Slim everything he needs to know. "Okay. But why here, though? This place is 'Angel Central', after all."

"Well, quite frankly, I'm kinda hoping an 'Angel' would come along and deal with Stacy during an attack. But, if not, well, I've some unfinished business with him anyway." Slim can only shake his head in amusement before Sam asks, "Is it true, what Emily said?"

"About what?"

"You chasing a boy she liked off with a machete while screaming and hollering at the top of your lungs."

"Oh, believe me, kid, if you'd known that boy's rep like I did, you'd have chased him off with a rocket launcher yourself."

"Ah, one of those 'callous heartbreakers', huh?" At Slim's nod, Sam shakes his head in disgust before grinning. "Well, there's a boy a little older than Em, and he's nothing like that at all. In fact, if anything, the girls tend to ignore him."

"So you want to see how well their first meeting is?" At Sam's nod, Slim lets out a sigh. "Alright. But I want to meet him. Be sure he's going to be good enough for my 'niece' after all."

"Oh, he is. You've got my word on that, Slim." Looking back at Emily and Edith both, he adds, "He just needs a nudge in the heart department, is all."

"It's your call, kid. I just hope you know what you're doing." Deep down, Sam's hoping the same thing.