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.

62. Chapter 62

Shinji Steel 62

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

(Tokyo-3; 2200 hrs; NERV HQ; Medical wing; Rei's room)

Rei's eyes are open as she thinks about the events of the day. The fact that her life had been saved through even more unconventional means than what she expected was the biggest one. Needless to say, she is still quite baffled by it all.

'Why was a mechanical duplicate of me used when I have clones waiting to be utilized?' Upon hearing the door open, she looks and sees a softly smiling Ritsu.

"Good evening, Rei."

"Good evening, Dr Akagi." Giving Richard a soft glance, and seeing he's asleep, she looks back toward Ritsu. "What brings you by tonight?"

"Rei, I've something to show you in Terminal Dogma." Somehow, Rei can tell something's wrong.

"Has something happened to the spares?"

"You could say that." Giving the blue-head a smirk, she asks, "Or should I let you snuggle with Richard a bit longer?"

"That sounds good." Richard's voice gets their attention before he turns toward Ritsu. "But I think that what you're talking about is quite important to Rei. And if it's important to my 'wife', it's important to me. Let's all go to Terminal Dogma."

"Alright." With that, the two get out of the bed and follow Ritsu out of the room. Allowing Rei to see what Asuka had put on the doorknob. A small placard, with a simple message.

'Do not disturb as we are "newlyweds"'

"Pilot Sohryu is quite troublesome." Rei's left eyebrow is twitching in irritation before Richard can be heard chuckling. Getting Rei to sigh before grinning herself. "At least she's still herself, though."

"True." Ritsu leads them through the medical wing and, along the way, just happens to pass where Gendo is roomed at. Rei and Richard see the former Commander is lying on his back, with a massive body cast seemingly wrapped around his body. Rei can't help but blink and Richard can't help but be curious himself.

"What's his story?"

"Mr Rokubungi had a rather unpleasant encounter with a nail gun while he was asleep here in the medical ward." Ritsu has a wide grin on her face as she adds, "Of course, Shinji, Rits and I had a huge hand in that." Rei and Richard both blink before Rei takes the opening.

"How so?" Ritsu's grin never fades as she recounts what had happened.

(Five hours ago)

At Gendo's pained bellow, Shinji clambered out from under the gurney, wide smirk on his face.

"Nothing like nailing the ass of a 'Dumbass' with a nail from a nail gun." Rits can only giggle before Shinji went to her side. With Gendo trying, and failing, to get off of the gurney. Settling for turning his head toward the voices, Gendo seethed in fury.

"Third Child, you have five seconds to explain yourself!" Gendo's voice was in full Soprano, causing Shinji and Rits both to struggle to keep themselves from laughing at it. But it didn't stop them from smiling wickedly.

"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you, Dumbass." Turning to Rits, Shinji asked, "Wanna 'nail' the 'Dumbass' as well, Rits?"

"Sure. May not be kicking his ass for what he did to my folks and 'Perseus', but it'll do in a pinch." Shinji nodded before handing her the nail gun and pecked her on the cheek.

"I think you'll find it to be very therapeutic." Rits pecked him back before making her way to the gurney. Picking up a mouth-guard along the way. Looking down at Gendo, Rits sneered at him. Only to get a sneer from him in return.

"You should have died with your worthless parents, Miss Takamiya!"

"Now that was a big mistake. Shinji was right in severing you from the Ikari family name." She then put the mouth-guard into his mouth before pressing the nail gun to the left side of his pelvis.

"This is for my parents and 'Perseus', you bastard." With that, she pulled the trigger. Sending a nail right into the bone. Ignoring his muffled scream, she went on to the right side. "This is for trying to repeatedly ruin Shinji's life." Pulling the trigger again, sending another nail into his pelvis, she relished in his agonized, yet muffled, scream. Clambering to under the gurney, she aimed it as best she can.

"This is for being such an ass." Pulling the trigger again, she grinned, adding, "Just so you know, I was shooting blind here. Even more, I hate to gamble. But, if you happen to bleed out and die, I won't really cry about it." Coming out from under the gurney, Rits smiled softly at seeing Shinji reaching his hand down to her.

"Need a hand up?"

"Why thank you." Accepting the hand, Rits felt Shinji bring her up gently, as if unwilling to hurt her. Rits couldn't help but giggle out, "I'm not going to break, silly."

"I'm not taking any chances, Rits." Putting his hands onto her still-slender belly, he added, "Especially since you've precious cargo now."

Rits' eyes shone with unshed tears of joy as she put the nail gun down onto the table beside her before putting her hands onto his. With that, the two kissed passionately, ignoring Gendo's querulous grunt.

When the kiss ended, Shinji murmured, "Let's go tell Deidre the happy news." Rits nodded silently before snuggling into Shinji's side as they walked out. A deeply-moved and satisfied Ritsu watching them before returning her attention to Gendo.

"You wish to say something, I assume." At Gendo's curt nod, Ritsu sighed. "Very well." Removing the mouth-guard, she said, "Go ahead."

"Have I heard correctly?" Gendo's Soprano, laced with pained and labored breaths, can't help but get a smirk from Ritsu. "Miss Takamiya is with child?"

"That you have. That she is. Miss Takamiya is three weeks pregnant."

"Unacceptable, Akagi. The 'Scenario' demands…"

"There is no more 'Scenario', Mr Rokubungi. It was rendered no more when Shinji came back here." Eying the nail-gun on the table, Ritsu felt a sudden mean streak emerging from deep within her. "Of course, I have a bone to pick with you as well." Gendo's gulp was barely audible as Ritsu turned toward him, nail-gun in hand. "Of course, the big question is, 'Do I violate my "Hippocratic Oath" as a Doctor?' or 'Do I just leave you be?'." Pondering it, Ritsu shrugged.

"Not gonna get a chance like this very often." Pressing the nail-gun to his left collarbone, and putting the mouth guard back into place, Ritsu said, "This is for my Mother."

As she pulled the trigger, she heard the tune for 'The Addams Family' running through her head. Strangely enough, she found it to be quite fitting as she repeatedly 'nailed' Gendo. His muffled screams of pain music to her ears.

(Present time)

"Damn, Doc. You sure did a number on him." Richard finds himself curious before asking, "How many nails warranted putting him in a body cast, anyway?"

"Oh, off-hand, about 16-20 tops. Of course, four of them belonged to Shinji and Rits altogether. The rest were all mine as I had some anger I had to vent."

"You must've been pretty angry then." Ritsu can only nod at Richard while Rei glares contemptuously at the 'man' she once fully believed in.

'You brought this upon yourself. I no longer have any loyalty to you.' Turning back to Richard and Ritsu, she says, "We should proceed down to Terminal Dogma so you can show us the status of the spares, Doctor."

"Agreed, Rei." With that, Ritsu leads them down to Terminal Dogma in fifteen minutes. Before she opens the door, Ritsu says, "You won't like what you're about to see. Neither of you." Richard nods his understanding and Rei tentatively takes his hand into hers before responding.

"Understood." Ritsu opens the door, allowing the two teens to see. Rei's gasp of horrified shock causes Richard to turn her away from the sight. "What's happening to them?"

Inside the massive LCL-filled tank are duplicates of Rei. Naked, giggling nonsensically and falling apart slowly. Richard can only feel his gorge rise as one duplicate's head falls off its shoulders.

"What's happened to them, Doc? Why are they falling apart?"

"Far as I can tell, it was something the previous Commander had done without my knowledge. It was a fail-safe system of sorts that unless a code is entered…"

"The spares disintegrate." Rei's summation gets a weary sound from Ritsu before the woman replies.

"Correct, Rei. Had you not come out unscathed like you had…"

"I understand." Of course, Richard can't help commenting himself.

"I don't know what's worse. The sight of your spares falling apart or the fact they're giggling idiotically while falling apart."

"I am of the same quandary." Turning around in Richard's arms, seeing the tank of her slowly disintegrating duplicates, Rei can't help asking, "Isn't there anything that can be done for them?"

"I'm afraid not, Rei. As you can see, their damage is heavily extensive." Ritsu reaches into the pocket of her lab coat and pulls out a remote. "But, you can show them mercy by pulling the plug on them so they won't suffer anymore. Even though they were never brought to life to begin with. It's your choice, Rei." Silently, Rei extends her hand for the remote, getting a nod from Ritsu.

"Which button do I press?"

"The red one."

"Understood." Pressing the button while the remote's in Ritsu's hand, Rei sees the LCL in the tank change from amber to blue. With that, the disintegration of the spares is hastened, with tears falling from Rei's eyes. 'I was truly lucky. But, how did…' Once the spares are all destroyed, Rei sniffles before looking up toward Richard. With Richard noticing.

"You okay, beautiful?"

"I believe I will be." Richard can only hold her close before turning toward Ritsu.

"Where do we go from here, Doc?"

"Let's see. Rei's a full human, with no trace of Angel DNA in her at all. Meaning she can't project an AT-Field of her own. She no longer has an EVA to Pilot." Giving them both a warm smile, she says, "Go have some kids, you two. Give Shinji and Rits' kid some playmates." Rei and Richard both blink before smiling widely, with Richard looking into Rei's red eyes.

"Well, seeing as your part's done with…"

"In an active role, yes. But I can't abandon Shinji and Asuka now. Much like Shinji's code dictates, I can't help but feel they'll need me and not know it yet."

"I understand." Kissing Rei's lips, Richard adds, "You're staying, I'm staying. But we are going to start on our family straight away." He then whispers into her right ear, "You'll make a wonderful Mother." Rei's face has a deep red hue to it, yet also has a smile on her lips.

"Much like you'll make a wonderful Father." Turning back toward the now empty tank, Rei lightly sniffles. "Let's go. There's nothing more to do here." Ritsu gives a nod as Richard slides his left hand across Rei's firm ass to her left hip, getting a giggle from her. "Richard…"

"Can't help it, Rei. You're too irresistible for me to keep my hands off of." Rei just turns to Richard, her red gaze smoldering in passion.

"I ask that you refrain from jumping my bones until after we return to the room. Then, and only then, can we follow Dr Akagi's instruction."

"Works for me."

(4:30 am; Treadwell Industries; CEO office)

Groaning as he opens his eyes, Kensuke catches sight of Emily sleeping cutely at his side, washcloth in hand. Blinking at the sight, Kensuke can't help but hear a barely stifled snicker. Turning toward the snicker, he sees Edith Treadwell. Wide grin on her face.

"Morning, Mr Aida."

"Morning, Mrs Treadwell." Looking back toward Emily, he can't help but shake his head in embarrassment. "I can't believe I passed out like that."

"You had a rough day yesterday. Emily doesn't hold it against you. Neither does her Dad or I. Slim's unsure about you, though."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Emily's the closest thing Slim has to a daughter or a niece. So, naturally, he's overprotective of her." Seeing Kensuke reach toward Emily's short-cut hair, she quickly adds, "The last boy that tried that with her hair got thrown into a wall. And she was half-asleep." Kensuke can't help but gulp audibly. Next thing he knows, Edith's laughing softly. "Slim did the throwing, not Emmy."

"Okay. One thing I don't get though."

"What might that be?"

"When she introduced herself, her last name was Johnson. Yet you're her Mom. What gives?"

"Johnson was my maiden name. We registered her under my maiden name to give her some peace of mind. After all, what do you think would've happened if her last name was registered as Treadwell?"

"She would've been harassed to no end by all kinds." Edith nods at his perceptiveness before Kensuke frowns. "That can't be the only reason, though." Getting a sigh from her, Kensuke asks, "Is there something wrong, Mrs Treadwell?"

"Yeah. Someone that doesn't like her Father or I very much is searching for us. And may be intending to harm her before doing us in."

"Meaning that sooner or later, he's going to come across the company here in Tokyo-3." Kensuke's words get a nod from Edith before he asks, "What can I do to help?"

"Watch over Emmy and never reveal her status as a Treadwell heiress until after the danger's passed." Gazing softly at a sleeping Emily, Edith adds, "Of course, she may well prefer to reveal her status as a Treadwell anyway. If only to lure our enemy out into the open."

"She wants a piece of him, huh?"

"Yep. Quite frankly, so do Sam and I. Not sure about Slim, though."

"Hell yeah I want a piece of this guy." At the new voice, Kensuke and Edith both turn and see Slim standing. His arms crossed and a grim expression on his face. "After all, he caused Emmy and me to evac in a hurry when I was trying to get a robot's chassis done. I don't much care for people that pull that kind of crap. Especially around my business." Kensuke and Edith both can't help but sweat-drop at that.

(Tokyo-2 Interpol field office; 0630 hrs)

"This is where the man who was partnered with your Father works?"

"Yep. That it is." Turning to Nikita, Brian asks, "Surprised?"

"I am. How did an Interpol Agent wind up partnered with an FBI Agent?"

"Hell if I know. But I've a pretty good hunch. Shall we?"

Nikita gamely nods at Brian as they exit his Mustang, having left her entourage behind in Tokyo-3. As they both walk into the lobby, they come across a female Interpol Civilian Aide working as receptionist.

"Welcome to the Tokyo-2 Interpol Field Office." Her voice is bubbly, yet her words are jaded. As if she'd said them repeatedly and are starting to get on her nerves. "How can I be of assistance?"

"My lady friend and I are wondering if Fred Cochrane's in."

"Oh, yes he is, sir. You're even in luck as Chief Inspector Cochrane is in his office right now. Do you have an appointment?"

"You might say that. One that's long overdue." Without delay, Brian moves past her, Nikita in tow. The C.A. protesting the whole way.

"Sir! You can't go in without me telling the Chief Inspector you're here! Sir, wait!" As she trails behind them, trying to get them to stop, she cries out, "I'm going to get into trouble if you don't stop, sir!"

"No, you won't. I'll personally tell Cochrane I was too much for you to handle."

"That's even worse!" Upon them reaching the office door of Chief Inspector Cochrane, the C.A. groans before muttering, "First fucking year!" As Brian opens the door, he can hear an arrogant voice speaking smoothly.

"I see. How credible is the information? Very well. I'll have it looked into. Thank you very much, Prime Minister Saconaga." Putting the phone down, the man turns toward his office door and scowls at the unexpected company. "I don't believe you have an appointment. I strongly suggest you make one."

"I have. Ten times, twice a year, for five years. Remember me, Cochrane, or is your memory so lousy, you need a reminder?" Cochrane's scowl becomes an outright frown.

"I do not believe I like your attitude. Leave!" Looking outward, Cochrane calls out, "Miss Ugatinoga, call Security and clear out your desk!" The C.A.'s gasp gets a smile from Cochrane and a scowl from Brian.

"Not on your life, jackass. She did nothing to warrant that. I stormed past her because of your reputation when it comes to appointments."

"I'll consider it. Now leave."

"Nothing doing. I've got you where I want you and you won't get away that easily. Nikita, why don't you and… hey, where'd the C.A. go?" Nikita looks around before seeing the C.A. slump her head down while seating herself on a bench.

"Found her. I'll keep her company, Brian."

"Thanks, Nik."

Nikita gives Brian a warm smile before Brian closes the door. Leaving the two men alone. Taking a seat, he stares Cochrane right in the eye before speaking.

"Thomas Joseph Dyson, FBI. Died 30 Sept 2000. Shot twice. You were assigned to him the day he died. Remember that?"

"All too well. I don't see how… wait. Dyson?" Cochrane blinks at Brian before smiling widely. "Brian Thomas Dyson. Tom's son." Looking Brian up and down, Cochrane nods. "You've grown quite a bit, my boy."

"So it would seem." Cochrane gives Brian a nod before commenting.

"I imagine you're with the FBI, much like your Father was."

"Nope. Section-2. With the UN Agency NERV." Without waiting, Brian begins. "I've come to inform you that my lady friend and I are investigating Dad's death."

"I'd expect no less. Even though it's a cold case by now."

"Far as I'm concerned, it's not a cold case. I never considered it to be one."

"But of course. Have you had any progress?"

"Somewhat. During the course of the investigation, we noticed a discrepancy of sorts."

"What sort of discrepancy?"

"How you were facing East and Dad was facing West when he was shot in the back. Then the gunman walked up to him and shot him in the head."

"Yes. That's what happened. Where's the discrepancy?"

"According to the pictures, and the forensics report, Dad's body was facing North. Care to tell me what really happened?"

"I don't think I like what you're insinuating, young man." Sniffling, Cochrane adds, "Of course, considering who your lady friend is, I can't exactly say I'm surprised."

"What does she have to do with what I'm talking about?"

"I'll be more than happy to tell you." Giving Brian a derisive sneer, he goes on. "Nikita Kamenev, daughter and only offspring of Anastasia Kamenev, of the Kamenev mafiya family. Father unknown to date. Brought up in the mafiya lifestyle by her Mother and late Grandfather, Dmitri Kamenev. Fascinatingly enough, your own Father was the lead Agent that brought Dmitri to Justice."

"That's irrelevant as to how I'm associated with her."

"Is that so? I heard a very interesting rumor about Nikita."

"What kind?"

"About how she went crazy and took on another personality. Calling herself 'Devilwoman' to give the Kamenev mafiya family competition of sorts." Brian's sorely tempted to tell Cochrane off, yet he suppresses the urge just enough to speak.

"In any case, Nikita and I are working together. Meaning that one way or another, Dad's case is going to be closed."

"You don't mind that she is mafiya? That her late grandfather was brought down by your dead Father two years before he died in the aftermath of Second Impact? You working on his case with her constitute a conflict of interests."

"Only if I am FBI or Interpol. Seeing as I'm Section-2, I have no qualms in working with her. Nikita and I are going to be staying at the Lotus Inn here in Tokyo-2. Room 2287." With that, Brian gets up from the chair and heads for the door. Only to stop when he hears Cochrane's voice.

"Do you really not mind her mafiya stature?"

"I don't." Mentally, he adds, 'She wants better for herself, you asshole.'

"I see. Do you still have that revolver your Father bought you?"

"Oh yeah. Much like the American Express Card. I don't go anywhere without it." Brian opens the door and exits the office. Only to see Nikita and the Guard exchanging giggles and bantering back and forth. "I see you made a new friend."

"You bet. Machiko Ugatinoga, my boyfriend, Brian Dyson. Brian, Machiko." Brian gives Machiko a nod, with Machiko giving a slight bow before Nikita asks, "How'd it go?"

"I'll put it to you like this. Something's rotten about that guy. And I really doubt it's his attitude. Although it's not really doing him any favors."

"He's always like that to everyone. Talking down to them." Machiko's soft voice gets their attention before she adds, "Even I'm subjected to it."

"Why do you put up with it? Why not transfer out of here to work as C.A. at another Interpol office? Or at least a different Law Enforcement branch?"

"I've seen many Investigators and Civilian Aides do that, Mr Dyson. Only for the Chief Inspector to spread foul lies about them. Be they lazy, incompetent or generally unfit for their duties. Even though myself, their fitness reports and the other Investigators say otherwise."

"Let me guess. Their aspirations of a clean start are savagely torpedoed."

"Your guess is correct, Nikita." Next thing they know, Cochrane sticks his head out of his office.

"Ugatinoga, my office, now!"

Machiko can only sigh haplessly as she goes into Cochrane's office. Watching as Machiko goes in, Brian makes his decision. Nikita catches what he's thinking and giggles her approval. Brian looks back at Nikita and blows a kiss at her. Getting a rosy red blush from her in return. Just as quickly as she went in, Machiko comes out of the office. Totally downtrodden. Nikita goes to the woman's side, Brian right behind her.

"You okay, Machiko?"

"No, Nikita. The Chief Inspector has dismissed me. He said I'm being blacklisted by Interpol against any other Law Enforcement Agency hiring me. I'd be lucky to get a job at a burger joint."

"I know it's not my place, but I can offer a spot in Section-2 that's been needing to be filled out." Brian's words get Machiko to look up at him as he goes on. "It'll be the same duties you were doing here, only for a boss that's a little more of a 'people-person'. And I mean a little more."

"Hmm. Compared to the guy I was just working for, it might just be a step up for me, Mr Dyson. Who do I go see, and where?"

"Captain Peter Sychola, Tokyo-3."

"Tokyo-3? Where the Angels are attacking?" Machiko's eyes are wide as Brian nods and Nikita giggles. "Where those big robots are fighting to save humanity?"

"Yup. So, what do you say?"

"Are you kidding? I'm in!" Without warning, Machiko jumps into Brian's arms and kisses him soundly. Nikita, knowing she should be jealous, but doesn't have it in her, can only giggle raucously. Machiko then ends the kiss, her face beet red, and cries out, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Rushing back to her now former workstation, she begins packing her personal effects in a mad frenzy. "I just can't help myself at times!" Brian recovers his wits just as Machiko blurs out the door, laughing giddily.

They both look out where Machiko had exited before each other, then over to Cochrane's office. Upon seeing a stunned Cochrane poking his head out his office door, blinking in disbelief, Brian and Nikita both turn back to each other. Sharing one thought in particular.

'Totally worth it!' Only to hear Cochrane speaking again.

"Where is Ugatinoga going in such a good mood?"

"Somewhere she can get some respect, jerkweed." Brian's reply gets Cochrane to glare at him before speaking again.

"You dare come in here, have a brain fart and then tell me you've sent a blacklist somewhere 'she can get respect'? I will have your credentials for this outrage!"

"No, Cochrane." At the new voice, they all turn and see a well-dressed woman striding toward him. "If anything is an outrage, it's your attitude toward others. Particularly within Interpol and outside it. I just read the report you submitted regarding the Kirishima case and found your 'investigation' to be half-assed."

"It was not half-assed, Director Simms. It was fully done."

"Then why is there a comment about you letting leads go by without even looking at them?"

"Oh please, Director. Do you really expect me to buy that baloney about compact N-2 devices? It's a pipe dream!"

"Pipe dream or not, cases like that are grave matters. Consider yourself on report for your attitude of late and on abeyance for your performance on this case." His eyes going wide, Cochrane sputters out.

"A-A-Abeyance? You mean I'm going to be terminated from Interpol? Even though I have a high rate of case closures?"

"If there's one more instance of you doing the cases you're assigned to in a half-assed manner…"

"I understand, Director. No more half-assing. You have my word. My work will be fully-assed." Hearing snickers behind him, Cochrane sneers before asking, "Have you met the son of an FBI Agent I worked with once? Or the son's paramour?"

"I don't believe I have, Cochrane."

"Very well, Director. Introducing Brian Dyson, of the UN Agency NERV's Section-2 and his paramour, Nikita Kamenev. Brian, Nikita, Director Madeline Simms." Madeline looks them both over before her eyes go wide in shock.

"Kamenev? As in the Kamenev mafiya family?" Cochrane's smugly smirking at the thought of Brian being arrested for associating himself with a mafiya family member. Only for the smirk to fade at Nikita's words.

"The very same, Director. But I want to distance myself from it. That life is just not for me."

"WHAT? HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? IT'S IN YOUR BLOOD!" Cochrane's face is an interesting shade of purple as he goes on. "I EVEN HEARD YOU WENT INSANE AND BECAME A SLUTTY VILLAINESS!" Next thing Cochrane knows, however, Brian's fist collides with his face. Knocking Cochrane down onto his ass.

"Don't you ever speak that way about Nikita again. As I won't be held responsible for what happens. Nor will I stop it." Fully steamed now, Cochrane bolts back up, snarling.

"Director, I wish to file formal charges of assault on Mr Dyson here. It's likely he got his temper from his dead ill-bred Father." Upon feeling a shoe collide with his groin, Cochrane falls back to the floor, clutching his groin in pain. A scowling Nikita examining her shoe.

"No wonder people don't like you, Mr Cochrane. You don't like anyone at all. I suggest you don't speak ill of Agent Dyson or Brian again. Brian's a lot more personable than you any day of the week." Upon finishing examining her shoe, she grits out, "These pumps cost me $350. You're lucky the one that went into your groin is not damaged. Otherwise I'd be grumpy."

"You see, Director? You see? These two are a detriment to good order!"

"I think not, Cochrane. Their actions were more than justified." The Director's voice gets all in the room to look toward her as she goes on. "Quite frankly, I think they restrained themselves just enough. Am I correct, Mr Dyson and Miss Kamenev?"

"You are, Director." Nikita turns toward a fuming Cochrane before back to the Director. "But I was tempted to do more than merely kicking him in the nuts."

"I understand, Miss Kamenev." Turning toward Brian, the Director asks, "So what brings you here today, Mr Dyson?"

"Nikita and I just came to let the 'Chief Inspector' know that Nikita and I are investigating my Dad's murder."

"Is that so, Chief Inspector?"

"It is, Director. But it's a cold case."

"My Father always said 'There's no such thing as a cold case', Cochrane. You'd do well to think about that while working with Brian and Nikita on this."

"WORK? WITH THEM? ARE YOU HIGH?"

"In that order, yes, yes, no." Crossing her arms, the Director narrows her eyes and adds, "This is non-negotiable, Cochrane. Either you work with them or your career here is finished. Am I clear?" Cochrane can tell the woman means business and sighs.

"Yes, Director."

"Splendid. Mr Dyson, you and your fair lady can consider Interpol at your disposal in regards to Agent Dyson's murder."

"I thank you, Director Simms." The Director only smiles warmly before replying.

"You can thank me when the varmint is found." Unknown to either of them, Nikita is eying the Director intently. Until…

"Is something amiss, Miss Kamenev?"

"Might we speak alone, Director Simms?"

"Yes, of course. Gentlemen."

Getting a nod from Cochrane and Brian both, the Director and Nikita go to the Director's office and go in. Once the Director's closed the door, she offers Nikita a seat before sitting down herself.

"So, Miss Kamenev, what is it you wish to speak of?"

"When are you going to tell him, Director? When are you going to tell Brian the truth about you?"

"I… I don't know what you mean, Miss Kamenev." Taken aback, the Director weakly grins and adds, "I don't think I quite follow you."

"Let's see if you can follow me around the room, then Madeline. Your warm smile toward Brian, your pledging the resources of Interpol to a murder case of an FBI Agent. Brian's Father, no less. Your speaking in our defense, which was pretty cool, by the way." Her eyes narrowing, Nikita adds, "Your referring to the one that killed Brian's Father as a varmint. I heard a bit of venom in that sentence, meaning that you either knew Tom Dyson personally or you take all murders of Law Enforcement personnel personally." Madeline opens her mouth before closing it and sighing.

"I guess there's no point in trying to bullshit you, Miss Kamenev." Reaching into her desk, she brings out a picture and gazes upon it. Soft smile on her face. "What has Brian told you about his Mother?"

"That she died the day he was born. Of course, he was probably told that when he was old enough to ask." When Madeline doesn't reply, Nikita asks, "You are his Mother, aren't you?"

"I am." Passing the picture to Nikita, Madeline goes on. "I first met Tom Dyson in Washington DC on my first assignment for Interpol. It was a fling, but we both wanted more. Marriage, kids, the works. I was more than willing to request a reassignment to the States in the Interpol office for DC. If not chuck it all away to be a housewife and stay-at-home Mom."

"Why didn't you?"

"My supervisor at the time was much like Cochrane. Only a lot more professional. Maybe a little too professional. When I submitted my request and it got denied, I submitted my resignation."

"Only it was rejected."

"Yes. That day, however, I found out." Nikita's eyes go wide before both women smile widely. "That's right. I was pregnant with Brian. I went to Tom's apartment to tell him the news. He was ecstatic, up until I told him what my supervisor had done."

"That must've sucked."

"It did. Tom was so livid, he wanted to just march right into that jerk's office and kneecap him."

"So that's where Brian got it from."

"Huh?" As Nikita tells her, Madeline can only shake her head before guffawing. "He's a chip off the old block! Tom always favored that tactic over lethal force!"

Nikita's giggling madly at the thought of her beloved shooting a cultist in the kneecaps at seven years old. Their laughter tapers off before they both recompose themselves.

"Oh, thank you, Nikita. I haven't laughed like that in who knows how long."

"You're welcome, Madeline." Looking at the picture, Nikita can only gasp. "Oh, he's so adorable! How old was he when this was taken?"

"Just three days." Sighing, Madeline resumes. "Of course, the supervisor wasn't happy I went on Maternity Leave when I was six months along. So, he went behind my back and arranged for me to be transferred far away from Tom and Brian both. But he did give me the courtesy, such as it was, to say good-bye to them both. He even told me to forget about them, as they weren't worth my time."

"I hope you decked him for that."

"I did. Right after he said it, no less. I hugged Tom close, saying that one way or another, I'll find my way back to them both. If not write to them often. In turn, he said he'd keep in touch with me. We wrote each other frequently, with Tom including pictures of Brian as he grew. But then…" Madeline's voice trails off in a sob, with Nikita piecing it together.

"Second Impact, and Tom's death." At Madeline's nod, Nikita asks, "Why not come forward then, though?"

"In his last letter to me, Tom told me that he'd told Brian that I died giving birth to him, and that he regretted it. He wanted to come clean, with me there for them both. Tragically enough, the day I got the letter was the same day I learned Tom had died. I broke down, weeping. My love was dead, our little boy thought me dead. I cursed my then former supervisor to no end behind his back. If not for him…" Madeline then breaks down completely, with Nikita taking her into her arms, joining her in tears. Five minutes later, they regain their composure and Nikita eases away from Madeline.

"It's not too late, Madeline. You can still tell him and show him his Dad's last letter to you. If not all of them."

"Perhaps, but not now. At least until Tom's killer's been brought to justice." Reaching into her desk once more, Madeline brings out a key envelop and hands it to Nikita. With Nikita looking curiously at it.

"What's this?"

"If something happens to me beforehand, I want you to take Brian to the address in this envelop. One of Tom's friends knew of our love for each other and supported us both. Much to the point of bringing me this envelop upon his death. He even encouraged me to come forward and tell Brian the truth. But how can I do that to a little boy that just lost his Father and thought his Mother dead? It'd be cruel and sadistic to no end."

"Brian's old enough to know now, though. Much like I'm sure you kept a discrete eye on him from afar as he grew up with his Aunt Cassandra."

"I did. And I'm pleased at how well he grew." Giving Nikita a soft smirk, she adds, "Much like I'm looking forward to seeing my first grandbaby in your arms before the year's out." Nikita goes beet red at the insinuation before she smiles wickedly.

"We just got together, but I'll see if I can coax him into bed with me tonight."

"Wonderful!" Passing Nikita a card with a number on it, Madeline adds, "I want to know when you do about any baby news you may have for me."

"Wanting to play 'Catch-up for fussing over a baby', huh?"

"Oh, like you wouldn't believe. I missed my chance with Brian and I don't want to miss out over any grandchildren. Much like I'm sure Tom wouldn't have."

"How many children did you want, had that jerk not ruined things between you and Tom?"

"I'm thinking four, five tops." Giving Nikita a grin, she asks, "How many children do you want?"

"I'm thinking six, maybe seven." Upon Madeline nodding, Nikita asks, "Shall we see how the investigation's going?"

"Sure." As they exit Madeline's office, they notice Brian sitting by a computer tech's station. With Cochrane nowhere in sight. "Where'd Cochrane go?"

"He said something about getting tea and crumpets." Brian shrugs before looking up and frowning. "You okay, Director Simms? You look a little down about something."

"I'm fine, Agent Dyson. It's just the thought of a fallen Law Enforcement Agent's murder not having been solved all this time… plus the burden of the Agent's offspring in resolving the case."

"I know. But Dad deserves no less of me. I owe it to him."

"Brian…" Nikita goes to him and wraps her arms around him, nestling him into her torso. "I'm sure your Dad's proud of how you turned out. There's no need to carry the weight of it yourself." Sinking down into her embrace, Brian sighs softly.

"Thanks, Nik." Turning to the tech, while nestled in Nikita's embrace, Brian begins. "Okay, we're looking for a man or woman that specializes in avoiding ballistics forensics. Maybe putting ammunition into a weapon with a slightly larger chamber to avoid leaving striations on a bullet."

"Wouldn't a blank barrel in the same caliber do that?" The tech's query gets a quick negative headshake from Brian.

"No. Even a blank barrel leaves scuff marks on the circumference of a bullet. The bullets recovered from Dad were in pristine condition. Aside, of course, from the powder burns on the back end of the bullet."

"Of course. But what about the chambering, if that's what you're thinking?"

"An adapter of sorts in the chamber would be able to seat the round. We could be looking for a skilled gunsmith or armorer as well." As the tech enters the parameters, a stunned Madeline turns to Brian.

"Impressive, Agent Dyson. It seems you've done some research into ballistics."

"Somewhat. Of course, it's just a theory. But it's also the only one that makes sense. Even if it's not feasible."

"But wouldn't an oversized barrel prohibit bullet travel?"

"Yeah. Meaning the shooter had to have used high pressure rounds. I'm thinking 230 grain, at least, when it comes to 5.56x45mm."

"230 grain? Not possible." Cochrane's voice cuts through to them as he goes on. "Ammunition with that kind of grain count is not available in any way."

"Meaning our shooter loads his or her ammo. Maybe even reuses the brass, which explains why no shell casings were recovered."

"Don't be absurd. Even if the shell casings are reloaded, it's just not possible to get that many grains into a casing."

"Wait. Director Simms, wasn't there a new kind of gunpowder that was significantly stronger than the usual kind that came out 17 years ago? Able to make a round go faster while taking up the same amount of, or less, space?" The tech's query gets a nod from Madeline before the tech goes back to work. "If I can access the propellant factories' inventories, I can find the kind of propellant that Agent Dyson kinda had in mind."

"Excellent, Martin. What then?"

"See how it performed and… yes! Bingo!" As the information comes up, Martin goes on. "There's one kind of propellant. It was so powerful, even at 183 grains, the bullet would be fired and still move fast. Even in a slightly oversized barrel."

"Why am I sensing a 'but', Martin?"

"It was so powerful, a month after it came out, it was quickly pulled off the shelves of commercial stores. Any bullet fired from a rifled barrel would go so fast, not even sandbags or armor plating can stop it. The American ATF issued a citation to the company, declaring the propellant too dangerous for use. They even went so far as to order the stocks recalled and destroyed, along with the research notes."

"Any sales?"

"Bringing up the lists now, Agent Dyson."

As Martin's fingers fly over the keyboard, Nikita feels Brian trembling before increasing her hug. Calming him down. Next thing they know, Martin's voice comes up.

"Would you like the return listings as well, see if anyone retained the propellant or ammunition loaded with it?"

"Go for it, man." Martin nods and brings up the lists, putting them side by side. Brian can't help but whistle. "I can't believe only 1,000 people bought and ret… wait. There's one sale that wasn't returned. Could you bring it up closer please?"

"Sure." Isolating the sale, Martin reads it off. "100 boxes of 50 count 5.56x45mm ammunition with that type of propellant was sold. But the buyer gave the name of Bobo."

"How many 'Bobo's can there be?" Cochrane's voice is starting to get aggravating as he asks, "Even more, 'Bobo' is obviously an alias."

"Duh. Whoever sold 'Bobo' the ammunition seems to know him or her in that manner and noted him or her down as such on the sales sheet. If anything, 'Bobo' is bound to be a nickname. Martin, see if you can find anyone that uses that particular nickname as I doubt there's a description of him or her."

"You got it, Miss Kamenev." Upon listing all the names with 'Bobo' as an alias or nickname, Martin says, "55 matches so far worldwide, Miss Kamenev."

"Okay. Exclude the ones that aren't avid shooters." The list is brought down to 25. "Alright. Now for the ones that do not own 5.56x45mm or higher caliber weapons." This brings the list down to 10. Before she can say anything more, however, a warning flashes on the screen. "Talk to me, Martin."

"We lost access to the network hard-line, Miss Kamenev. I'll print out what we have so far so we don't lose any info." As it prints out, Martin sighs out, "If not for the hard-line access being lost…"

"I understand, Martin. I thank you for your diligent work." Madeline gives Martin an encouraging nod before looking around and scowling. "Anybody seen Cochrane?"

"Looking for me, Director?" Cochrane's tone is wary, getting all to roll their eyes at him. "I had to answer a certain call." Madeline can only shake her head in exasperation as he asks, "Did I miss anything?"

"Just the loss of the network hard line. But at least we have something to work with. Martin, how long until the hard line access is back up?"

"Shouldn't be too long. I'll get started right now, Agent Dyson."

"Great." Looking at Nikita, Brian asks, "Up to doing a little legwork to eliminate until access is restored?"

"Sure. We can always fill Martin in when he gets access reestablished so he can keep score."

"I'll be waiting." Martin's voice under his workstation gets their attention as he goes on. "Much like I'll… AAAAAHHHHH!" As Martin's body convulses, they all move away until they see Martin stop convulsing and hear his voice again. "Wow! That was invigorating! Lemme see if I can do it again. AH-HAHAHAHA!" Brian and Nikita both sweat-drop before turning to Madeline, in time to see her shake her head.

"He's not doing anything crazy, is he?"

"Depends on how you define 'crazy', Agent Dyson." At Martin convulsing again, Madeline adds, "But he's also an electrical wizard when he's not frying himself silly!" Nikita can't help but giggle at a slightly amusing thought. "Miss Kamenev?"

"One thing I'd like to know. Is Martin married or with a girlfriend?"

"No to either. Much like he's not exactly looking. Why do you ask?"

"I know someone that, quite frankly and literally, he can make beautiful sparks with." Tittering softly, she adds, "I can just see sparks flying already!" At that, Martin stops convulsing and a happy sigh is heard.

"Ah, I needed that!" Eager to exit the lunacy, Brian and Nikita both exit, the printout in hand. When they get out to the Mustang and unlock/open the doors, however, Brian notices something amiss.

"Odd. This wasn't in here when we went inside." Nikita looks and nods at seeing a jewel CD case on the center console behind the shift lever.

"How could it have gotten in here? The doors were locked, weren't they?"

"Yeah, they were." After Brian carefully inspects the car, with no sign of an explosive device, they both sigh in relief. Upon them getting in, Brian picks up the CD case and opens it. Inside is a solitary audio CD. "I doubt it's music. Still…"

"Agreed." Once Brian puts it in, they hear the tune of 'Hall of the Mountain King'. "Seems like someone's idea of an introduction."

"Yeah." Putting the car into gear, Brian pulls away before chuckling. "Gotta admit, though, I like this tune." Next thing they know, a man's voice comes up.

"I hope you enjoyed the music, Agent Dyson and, if I timed it right, Miss Kamenev. If you're listening to this, then I'm pleased you're brave enough to even enter a car even though I could have planted a car bomb. But that's not the way I do things. I view car bombs as distasteful and quite cowardly."

"He's chivalrous, gotta give him that much." Brian's comment gets a giggle from Nikita.

"By now, you're both looking for me by my nickname of 'Bobo'. I'm pleased to report that you're starting on the right path. By now, you should have a list of 10 names with 'Bobo' in them. Feel free to go systematically if you like. It gives me more time to prepare for when we meet should you do so."

"Why is it I'm not liking the way this guy said that?" Nikita can only nod before speaking.

"I'm not liking it either."

"Just so you know, dear boy, when I killed your Father, it was nothing personal. I didn't even know he was a family man. Should you restrain your hunger for vengeance, and we meet, I'll be more than happy to tell you who had hired me to kill him, and why." The voice then chortles in amusement.

"But first, you have to eliminate the suspects on your list, one by one. Feel free to leave them alive as they're just innocents with the misfortune of having the same appellation as myself. So, on that note, ta-ta and enjoy the search along with the music." With that, the music resumes, with 'Flight of the Valkyries' now playing.

"Okay. It seems our shooter's a guy with some kind of culture. If not a bit of a classic music buff. Any feminine names on the list, Nik?"

"Yeah, two." Crossing them off, Nikita can only smirk. "I wasn't exactly sure I was ready to meet a woman that calls herself 'Bobo' anyway." Brian gives a snicker at that before Nikita giggles. As she thinks about the voice, her eyes go wide. "Brian, the voice. It had a prominent Russian accent."

"Any idea from where?"

"No. But there are three Russian names on this list!" Eagerly marking off the non-Russian names, Nikita grins widely. "Our workload's just been reduced greatly."

"Yeah. It has." Brian frowns in consternation before he says, "I think this guy's making this a little too easy. I mean, leaving us the message on a CD. For that matter, how'd he know that we'd be looking for a name of 'Bobo', along with how many names use that moniker?"

"Ah shit. There's a leak."

"Yep. Got your Makarov?"

"Yeah. Got your Baby Eagle and snub-nose?"

"Oh yeah."

(Old Osaka; N-Tek; Berto's lab; 0800)

As he pores over the foil recovered from the theft of the N-2 prototypes, Berto can't help but be impressed.

"Somehow, someone was able to synthetically make magnetic foil. Mainly comprised of iron, and blended with something I'd never seen before."

"Is that how it was able to avoid flying out of the plane when the belly hatch was open?" At the sound of Kat's voice, Berto turns around and sees his fiancée.

"Ah, morning, Kat."

"Right back at ya." Walking toward him, she adds, "You're missing breakfast, Berto. Don't tell me you worked all through the night."

"Okay. I won't." Kat sticks her tongue out playfully at him, getting him to chuckle. "Sorry, Kat. But once I got done going over the data from the Rei LMD, I thought I'd go over what Shinji and Asuka found in Old Yokohama." Checking his watch, Berto grimaces and asks, "It took me seven hours to figure it out? I'm slipping."

"No, you're not, Berto. You've just never seen this kind of foil before." Giving him a hug, she adds, "Even more, you've been awake for who knows how many hours now. So come eat and then go to bed in the 'cave', Berto." Playfully walking her fingers up his chest, Kat adds, "To ensure you get some sleep, I'll keep you company." A beet-red Berto can only nod as Kat tugs him out of his lab.

(New Shinjuku; 0830)

"Okay, who's 'Bobo' Number 1, Nik?"

"Brian, 'Bobo' Number 1 is named Vasily Pochenko, an artist of abstract forms. According to the global firearms registry, he owns a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle."

"Let's go meet him, shall we?" Nikita gives a giggle at that as they go into the building. With Brian asking, "How abstract are we talking here?"

"Dunno."

Next thing they know, they hear clucking before a scream and a THUD. Concerned for their first visit, they rush toward where the sound came from. Only to see a fully-grown man covered head to toe in blue paint and wearing goggles. They can only watch perplexed as the man makes his way onto a platform before slathering himself with blue paint. Blinking, they both look at each other before the man. Brian taking the opportunity to speak.

"Um, Vasily 'Bobo' Pochenko?"

"That I am." His Russian accent isn't as prominent as the one on the CD, yet it doesn't stop him from adding, "In blue!" Looking toward the voice, Vasily grins and asks, "What brings a member of the Men in Black to my humble abode? I'm not from another planet. I can assure you of that." Clucking again, he jumps off the platform before making contact with a canvas. "Crap! Missed my mark!"

'Really? Could have fooled me!' Putting it out of his mind, Brian asks, "Are you still in ownership of a Bushmaster AR-15, caliber 5.56x45mm?"

"Nah, I sold that thing 7 months ago to pay for all the materials I'm using to make my artwork."

"And you didn't think to update the registry when you sold it?"

"I filled out the form of sale/transfer and submitted it that day. Why you're here now boggles the mind." Making his way back onto his platform, he asks, "Anything else?"

"Yeah. Have you ever owned a weapon of slightly larger caliber?"

"Nope. But I do now wish I didn't sell that AR-15. Lot of nut-jobs out there. Why do you ask?"

"Just trying to resolve a case from back in the States. Thank you for your time, sir."

"Glad I could be of assistance, even if it was limited." Slathering himself in paint again, Vasily clucks once more before jumping off the platform. Brian and Nikita both can't help but wince at the impact Vasily makes with the canvas. "Ah-hah! Perfect!"

"Let's go on to the next one, Nik."

"Right." Marking Vasily off the list, Nikita mutters, "Never figured art could be so dangerous. Or nuts."

"Just goes to show how far some artists will go to make their art." Going back out to the Mustang, they get in and Brian resumes the drive. "Who's our next visit to, Nik?"

"According to the list, a man named Andrei Patinkov, in New Hiroshima."

"Hmm, that's two hours from here and another hour from Tokyo-2. We'll pay 'Bobo' 2 a visit and if it doesn't pan out, go back to Tokyo-2 and rest up." Nikita gives him a nod before hearing him sigh.

"You okay, Brian?"

"Yeah. It's just that I can't help feeling we're close to solving this case. And yet a long way from it."

"How so?"

"I can't help but feel there's more to what the guy said on the CD. Like when he killed Dad, it wasn't personal. Nor did he know Dad was a family man."

(A basement; United States of America; New York City; 2040 hours)

As two swarthy characters make their way to where the most damage will be done, the feminine form fidgets slightly before steeling herself. Upon reaching it, the man points her onward before setting his end up. Laying the case onto the floor, with the greatest of care, she listens as the man starts speaking.

"This is a communiqué from 'Christian Righteousness Front'. For too long, the evil that is known as Evangelion has existed, with their Pilots as yet unpunished. If you'll watch your screens carefully, you'll see my comrade is setting up the instrument of doom for the ones responsible for the travesty. We are not here to negotiate, but to make a point. Our demands are simple."

With that, the feminine figure flips the power switch on and starts making the adjustments as the man goes on.

"The evil entity known as NERV is to let the Final Emissary do his work in punishing humanity in its ways. The evil Evangelion Pilots are to be brought to us so that we may execute them in an orderly fashion. Any attempt to evacuate this structure, this corrupted seat of Global Power, will be punished severely. Any attempt to infiltrate and stop our mission will be punished severely. Make no mistake. We are in control and advise you to not attempt growing a brain. To do so will be detrimental to your good health." Pausing to breathe, the man goes on.

"Should our demands be met, and upon the demise of the Evangelion Pilots, we will gladly shut the weapon down, leaving this building and all within it intact. Of course, should the Almighty decide to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth with the arrival of the Final Emissary, it'd pretty much be a moot point. If our demands are not met, well, I'm sure you get the idea. All Praise His Glory!" Ending his spiel, the man turns to his cohort.

"Any difficulty, Sister?"

"None, Brother. All is ready. The weapon is set at medium range, with the maximum amount of time allotted."

"Excellent, Sister. Come. Let us wait outside and greet our future guests for when they arrive. It's a fine day for a public execution, is it not?"

"Yes, Brother."

(Old Osaka N-Tek; 0840 hours)

"Alert One! Tracking beacon detected! Alert One! Tracking beacon detected! Alert One! Tracking beacon detected!" A sleepy Berto makes his way to the computer before logging on and blinking to full awareness.

"Aw shit! Guys, we've a major 911!" With that, Josh, Jefferson and Kat run in, with Berto going on. "One of the prototypes was just activated in the worst possible place!"

"I'll say. Get Rachel on the phone, now!" As Berto does so, Jefferson asks, "Does it say how much time on there, Berto?"

"No. But… I can piggyback on the signal and see if I can disarm it from here while leaving the tracking beacon on."

"Do what you can." Before Berto can nod, Rachel's voice comes through.

"What's the situation, Jefferson?"

"Rachel, a 'Broken Arrow' was just detected at the UN Building! One of the N-2 prototypes is active!" Rachel's response is really quite warranted, even though she's cultured.

"AW SHIT!"