Shinji Steel 67

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

(Tokyo-3; Ikari apartment; same time)

Holding his sleeping 'wife' from behind, his arms around her midsection, Shinji takes in a whiff of her hair and sighs happily. Only to hear Rits giggling softly.

"How do you like my new shampoo, baby?"

"Mint and almonds. A nice scent." Kissing her neck softly, he moves his hand to her still-slender belly and gently caresses it. With Rits putting her hand over his and intertwining her fingers with his, a soft smile on her lips. "You're so beautiful, Rits." Her face glowing on both the inside and out, Rits can only sigh happily.

"Flatterer. You just wait until I'm the size of a blimp."

"You? A blimp?" Kissing her neck softly, he retorts, "No chance, Rits." Gently coaxing her to turn toward him, Shinji positions himself above her and softly kisses her as he gently enters her. Encircling him with her arms and legs, Rits engages him in a furious Frenching session before feeling herself pulled upright and Shinji's mouth on her left nipple.

"Ah!" Feeling him softly start to pump her, Rits gently holds his head to her chest as he suckles on her nipple. "Mmm. Shinji." It doesn't take long for her body to release its' passion. "SHINJI!" As she orgasms, she feels Shinji's member flood her passage, intensifying her orgasm even more. "OH, BABY!" Coming down from her euphoric high, Rits engages in another lip-lock with him. With her eyes closing in bliss. Only…

"Ahem." At the sound of Kat clearing her throat, Shinji and Rits' eyes both bolt wide open before hearing her chuckle sheepishly. "Sorry about that, you two, but something's come up."

"What's going on, Kat?"

"Professor Kirishima was just grabbed from the Kirishima home, Rits. Mana called in and she's safe."

"So the rats have taken the cheese, then."

"That they have, Shinji. That they have. You're needed right now to relocate Mana to safer surroundings."

"Got it, Kat." Withdrawing from Rits' channel, Shinji quickly gets dressed. Rits blows him a kiss with a warm smile, with Shinji saying, "I'll be back as soon as I can, Rits."

"I'll be waiting."

"Oh. Wait one. Jo's on the line. Shall I put her through, Shinji?"

"Sure, go ahead, please."

"Patching you in now." A minute later, Jo's cheerful voice comes up.

"Hey, 'Suicide'! How're you and Rits doing?"

"We're doing fine, Jo." Rits has a grin on her face as she asks, "You?"

"Rits?" Jo's voice is puzzled as she asks, "Is that you?"

"That it is, Jo."

"But… how… okay. I'm lost. How the heck did you get access to our comm. setup?"

"Long story, Jo. But, in a nutshell, Shinji and I were working on the same thing, only in different ways." Gazing into his blue eyes, she murmurs, "I wanted to find out what was going on so I could keep him safe and he wanted to keep 'Dumbass' from doing anything really stupid."

"Judging from your words, I'd say that opening a parachute while in a plane doesn't really meet that particular criteria."

"Oh, I dunno about that. Doing that was really stupid in itself. I'm talking about the pinnacle of stupidity."

"Oh, right. I read about that in the reports out of Tokyo-3. Brr. Makes my skin just crawl thinking about it."

"You're not the only one, Jo." Changing the topic, Shinji grins and asks, "So, what's new in your part of the world?"

"Oh, right. A guy that runs a skydiving business in New Mexico reported a theft of two glider suits from his business about four months back. But the Police there put a low priority on the case while registering it in their system. I happened upon it while searching last night and just now found it this morning."

"Sounds like the priority on it was so low, it was buried under other low priority cases."

"Bingo, 'Suicide'. It was buried so deep, I'm surprised I was able to find it." Letting out a loud yawn, Jo adds, "Sorry, 'Suicide', but I'm beat. I've been up all day yesterday, giving skydiving lessons and avoiding come-ons from pretty boys and over-compensating jocks. Often at the same time."

"Which one? Skydiving lessons or avoiding the come-ons? Or are you talking about the pretty boys and over compensating jocks?"

"All of the above! And it's irritating, I tell you!" Muttering softly under her breath, Jo asks, "Why can't men be more like you and Josh, 'Suicide'? I mean, at least your minds weren't always in the gutter." His face going beet red, Shinji sheepishly chuckles.

"Ah, yeah, about that… I don't know about Dad's, but… the first time I saw you for my skydiving lesson…"

"Aww. You had a crush on me right then and there, didn't you?" Her voice going playful, she asks, "If not more base urges." Shinji's silence tells her all she needs to know, with Jo putting it together. "And when you chucked your chute and jumped out after it, you were showing off for me." Rits' giggles at Shinji's bright red face gets Jo to giggle as well. "Oh, 'Suicide'! That's so cute! Dangerous, but cute!"

"So, how old were you when it happened, Shinji?"

"Twelve, Rits." Shinji's voice is in a mild squeak, which gets Rits to chortle softly while holding him closely to her. "Sorry, Jo."

"Aw, no need, 'Suicide'. Given the circumstances, I'll give you a pass. You just save those thoughts for Rits, though. Okay?"

"No need to worry, Jo." Looking into Rits' brown eyes, he can see a playfully menacing glare in them. "I'll behave myself."

"Good to hear, 'Suicide'. But, for now…" Letting out another yawn, she adds, "I better catch some sleep. Talk to you two lovebirds later."

"Later, Jo." Blinking at their united voices, Shinji and Rits both can't help but chuckle in mirth. Jo chuckling as well.

"You two are definitely made for each other. Later!" With that, Jo ends transmission and Rits grins sultrily at Shinji.

"So, what do you wanna do tomorrow, Shinji? No school tomorrow and this bed is far too comfortable for us to even think of leaving." His lips against hers is all the answer she needs before she reluctantly ends the kiss. "You better get going so Mana will be safe."

"Yeah." Giving her a soft smirk, he adds, "I'll be back." Rits can't help but giggle at Shinji's 'Terminator' impression as he goes to the balcony and leaps out into the air. Once inside the cloaked 'Sparrow's cockpit, he closes the canopy and switches over to Max. As the 'Sparrow' jets away, Rits smiles maternally as she strokes her belly.

'You, little one, are going to have as normal a life as possible as we can give you.' Gazing out into the horizon, she verbally adds, "Plus Grandfather would love to dote on you once he finds out he's got a great-grandchild." Next thing she knows, the apartment phone rings. "Now who could that be?" Walking to the phone, she picks it up and says, "Ikari residence, Ritsuko Ikari speaking."

"Hey, Rits!" Touji's voice gets a grin from Rits as it goes on. "How does it feel to be sharing Shin-man's last name? Even if it's not official as of yet."

"It feels wonderful, Touji. As for official…" Touji's resultant chuckles get a giggle from Rits as well before she says, "If you're wanting to talk to Shinji, though, I'm afraid you just missed him."

"Oh shoot. Oh well. Since I've got you on the line, might as well ask you if you and Shin-man can watch over Yachiru for me tomorrow. See, Hikari and me, we got a date tomorrow and Dad's at work still…"

"I'll run it by Shinji when he gets back in. But I think he won't mind too much. After all…" Rubbing her belly, even though Touji can't see it, she murmurs, "It'll give him practice for our own little bundle of joy." Touji chuckles again before he speaks again.

"Great. I'll owe you guys so big on down the road." Rits gives a wicked smirk, even though Touji can't see it, before replying.

"And you can believe we'll collect when the time's right." Touji roars in laughter again, getting Rits to giggle mirthfully.

"Oh that I have no doubt, Mrs Ikari!" Giggling still, Rits can't resist a playful barb.

"You be good on your date tomorrow with the future Mrs Suzuhara, Touji."

"RITS!" Her giggles become raucous, yet gentle laughter as Touji good-naturedly gripes out, "You've been hanging around Red Devil too much, you know that, right?"

"Well, seeing as Shinji and I live next door to her, it's kinda unavoidable."

"Yeah, I suppose you got a point there. Oh. You hear about 'Suke and the new girl?"

"No, can't say as I have."

"They're camping together, overnight, tonight."

"Sounds like a good start. Big question, however, is if they're in separate tents or the same one."

"Knowing 'Suke, it's bound to be separate tents. I mean, he's still in shock over Johnson being interested in him and he doesn't want to ruin what may become a good thing."

"Yeah, you got a good point there. Talk to you later!"

"Later, Rits!" Smile on her face as the call ends, Rits sighs happily.

"I wonder what those two are up to now."

(Aida/Johnson camp-site; same time)

Sitting outside their shared tent, Emily is in stitches as she watches Kensuke engage in tomfoolery with one of his replica firearms. Acting out what is supposed to be a battle scene all by himself, and making numerous errors as he does so.

"Okay, Kensuke! That's enough!" Wide smile of amused mirth on her face, she watches Kensuke fall face-forward onto the ground before laughing again. Bemused, Kensuke looks toward the laughing rust-haired femme before sitting upright.

"Was it over the top, Emily?"

"Oh yes! Along with error filled." Her tone and smile gentle, Emily gets up and strides toward Kensuke. "First off, anyone that dies doesn't quite fall down with one leg sticking up into the air before it follows them down. Second of all, a person's dying scream doesn't exactly sound like a banshee in heat."

"Ah. I take it you've seen a person die?" Entranced by her gentle face, he's soon puzzled when she silently nods, a grim expression appearing on her face. "Emily?"

"When it comes to people dying, Mom, Dad and I are experts on them." His bewildered blink gets her to nod softly before going on. "That's right. I'd taken a life, in self-defense, when I was only eleven years old."

"What… What happened?"

"We were camping on the outskirts of Glory Hole when a group of ten Outriders came upon our campsite. They apparently figured that since we were out of town, we'd be easy pickings for them. But they forgot two crucial things. Mom was a retired Tracker and Dad was a former combat pilot. Soon as they attacked, though, they remembered very quickly as Mom and Dad started kicking their asses." Starting to tremble, she adds, "So one of them came toward me, his hand outreached. Without thinking, I took Mom's Bowie knife out of her belt sheath, ducked under his outstretched arm and gutted him like a fish. When he fell to the ground, dead, the other Outriders ran off into the night. Leaving their friend behind for the vultures." As tears start to drip from her eyes, Kensuke decides he can't stand to see tears falling from her eyes.

Frantically putting his lips over hers, he's soon surprised when Emily's hands come up onto his head and her fingers run through his hair. His lips bolting open in shock, he soon feels Emily's tongue snaking into his mouth. Probing around for his. Unsure, Kensuke moves his tongue against hers and soon hears Emily purring in delight as their tongues dance. The need for air ends their first kiss and they both break away. Panting for air as they look each other in the eyes.

"Wow… I gotta admit… Wow." Kensuke's inability to speak solidly has Emily nodding.

"Likewise." Next thing she knows, Kensuke meets her lips with his again. With Emily only too happy to return the gesture. As the two French, she runs her left hand down the side of his face onto his chest. Only for Kensuke to suddenly stop the kiss.

"We'd better stop for now, Emily." Giving her a wary smile, he adds, "Your Dad wanted me to be as close to a perfect gentleman I can. As a condition for our camping date, of course. And don't get me started on your 'Uncle' either." Emily gives a nod of assent and giggles.

"Yeah. That's my Dad and 'Uncle Slim' for you. Best not to anger them." Giving him a soft peck on his lips, she adds, "But those were very nice kisses, Kensuke."

"Right back at you, Emily." Kensuke then smiles sheepishly and murmurs, "Sorry about kissing you outright like that, by the way. I just… I just don't like to see a pretty girl like you cry." Emily's face goes beet red at that before she smiles softly.

"Well, considering you did it to cheer me up, I don't mind it one bit." Pecking Kensuke's right cheek, she softly murmurs, "I won't mind it if you kiss me again and often."

"Well, since you put it like that." Putting his lips against hers again, Kensuke feels her moaning against his mouth as he runs his hands along her back. As their kiss ends, they smile softly at each other. Kensuke, however, sees something out of his left eye. "Wonder what that is."

"What are you talking about, Kensuke?" Emily's query is followed up by Emily looking in the same direction as Kensuke when she sees it. "A circuit board?"

"Yeah." Slowly ending the embrace, Kensuke and Emily walk toward the brush where Kensuke had seen the circuit board. Reaching down and picking it up, Kensuke lightly frowns as he says, "Never seen a board like this before. Least when it comes to computers."

"That's because it's not a computer board." Looking back toward Emily, Kensuke arches an eyebrow in curiosity. "I've seen a board like that quite a few times. That's a motherboard for a robot. See those huge rectangular chips four in a row, in two horizontal rows?"

"Yeah."

"Those are motor control chips, mainly for controlling limb motors. And those smaller chips alongside them in vertical rows, five in a row, two rows are for fingers and toes."

"From the way you're saying it, you're familiar with this kind of board."

"Only the basic outline. There's nothing, however, this advanced in 'Uncle Slim's shop. Those chips aren't even listed in the circuitry parts catalog as of yet." Peering intently at the board, she then frowns and says, "I think I see some scorching along the edges, but I can't really tell without ample light."

"So we'll use the lantern to look at it." Walking back to their respective tents, Kensuke lets out a soft chortle as he says, "I never expected to meet a girl that's into robotics." Emily softly smirks before lightly sticking out the tip of her tongue.

"Blame my 'Uncle' for it. I was bored silly one day last year, so Dad took me to 'Uncle Slim's shop. From the first time I saw the inner workings of the robots in his shop, I was absolutely fascinated by the field." Sighing softly, she adds, "I was so quick a study, I soon picked up a nickname from my classmates. 'RoboNut'. But it was mostly a term of endearment. Some, however…"

"Ah. Sucks to be them." Emily lets out a giggle as they reach the tents and Kensuke ducks down into his tent. Only to come back out with a handheld lantern and clicks it on. Shining the halogen light on the board, he lightly whistles at the scorch marks. "Looks like a partially-done scuttle protocol."

"Yeah. It's like whoever made this board doesn't want to chance it falling into the wrong hands. But, why was the scuttle partial?"

"Good question." Tentatively, Kensuke takes a sniff of the board and blinks. "Why do I smell blood on this board?" Panning the light on both sides of the board, and seeing no blood at all on either side, he lightly frowns. "Now how can a board smell of blood, and yet… LCL!"

"LCL? Like what's in the EVAs' entry plugs?"

"Yeah. It's oxygenated for the Pilots to breathe. The oxygen content is so rich, this board should've disintegrated with the rest."

"Maybe some kind of coating on the board prevented the scuttle from being complete. The coating, if that's the case, must've been to protect the chips from liquid damage."

"Sounds likely. Two big questions come to mind."

"Let's hear 'em."

"Why would a robot's control board be coated with an LCL-resistant coating? What do we do with the board?"

"In that order?" At his nod, Emily nods back. "Maybe an experimental robot was in an entry plug. Finish the scuttle, just as it was supposed to have been. Only we do it right. Pure fire." Kensuke reluctantly nods, with Emily noticing it. "I agree. A board like this shouldn't be destroyed, it belongs in the Louvre. But the scuttle was for a purpose and tech this advanced can be reverse-engineered by who knows what kind of people. From those that really want to improve quality of life for humanity to those that want to do it harm."

"Good point. Damned if you do, damned if you don't." Flinging the board onto the fire, he sees the board sparking furiously as the flames devour it. Blinking, he asks, "Do you think we should duck?"

"That might be a good idea." Doing so, they both hear the board go KA-BOOM, with the fire's flames skyrocketing ten feet into the air for ten seconds before dying back down to only thigh-height. "Holy…"

"Shit." Manic grin appearing on his face, he yells out, "Now that was a blast!"

"Yeah." Chuckling softly, she adds, "It sure was." Sighing, she then yawns. "I don't know about you, Kensuke, but I'm gonna turn in." Getting a yawn from Kensuke in return, Emily can only grin. "Tired too, huh?"

"Yeah. I think I'm out of shape." Snickering morosely, he mutters, "I guess it's why I wasn't selected to Pilot."

"What made you be so interested in that, anyway?"

"You kidding me, Emily? Humanity's ultimate weapon, facing off against extraterrestrial enemies? It'd have been totally cool to have been able to be a Pilot!"

"I'm sure. Much like I'm sure from what Shinji, Asuka and Rei told me, the novelty of it would've gotten old real fast. So fast, that all you wanna do was to live to just walk away after the war's over with." Softly pecking his lips, Emily softly murmurs, "Trust me, Kensuke. It's better you weren't even selected."

"I guess you're right. Sorry."

"No need. I can understand the need to feel you have some use. But know this. You're a good friend, much like Touji, Hikari and Richard. And you know the Pilots can use all the support they can get from their friends for the remainder of the war."

(Tokisona/Uramishi safe house; same time)

As Shizuka gets up from the bed, clad in only her blue bra and thong panties, she looks over at her bedmate and smiles softly. It had taken her three months to finally get Scott comfortable with the idea of love after having been cheated on. And even though he still hasn't told her the name of the woman that had hurt him, she knows full well that the woman was a fool to have even considered it.

'She doesn't know what she missed out on.' Her smile quickly fades as nausea sweeps over her. Disregarding her state of undress, she exits the room and goes right for the bathroom. Barely making it to the toilet in time, she retches into it, emptying her stomach in seconds. Next thing she knows, she feels a hand rubbing on her back and her eyes bolt open. Quickly remembering her current 'dress'.

"You okay, Shizuka?" The voice, however, puts her at ease, before she looks up and sees Scott. "You gave me quite a start when you bolted out." Sheepishly smiling, Shizuka blushes softly.

"Gomen nasai, Scott. I didn't intend to startle you." Giving her a nod, Scott gently hefts her up from the floor and holds her up as he moves her to the sink. As she rinses her mouth out, Shizuka eyes Scott eying her intently and giggles. "What?"

"Oh, just wondering how long you've been feeling like this. Along with how I got to be so lucky to have such a pretty lady in my life." Shizuka can only smile demurely as she finishes rinsing.

"I'd been feeling nauseous for the past three days, but nothing happened until this morning. As for how you got to be so lucky… Right time, odd circumstances, I dunno. But what matters is we're together. No more, no less." Feeling Scott's arms snake gently around her midsection, Shizuka gives a giggle before turning her face back toward his. "Even more, I love how you're passionate and gentle with me."

"Best way to be. Passionate and gentle." Softly pecking her lips, he asks, "Ready to come back to bed?" Nodding softly, Shizuka watches, amusedly, as he checks both ends of the hallway to be sure no one's watching for her nearly nude form. Seeing no one, he waves her out. "Clear." Giggling softly, Shizuka bolts across the hallway to back into the room. Scott in tow and admiring her entrancing derrière. Noticing his scrutiny, Shizuka giggles again.

"Like what you see, Scott?"

"Very much so." Once back inside the room, Scott gently wraps his arms around Shizuka and cups her breasts from behind. Hearing a sultry moan from her lips, Scott softly kisses her neck as he starts massaging them. Softly grazing her nipples, he murmurs, "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh?" Her voice husky from the attention she's getting, Shizuka's face takes on a smoldering look. "What might that be?"

"How long you've worked for Dr Tokisona."

"Why do you want to know, Scott?"

"In your transcript, you were a little vague on the details. I was just curious, is all."

"Seven years altogether. I had just started as an intern for Dr Tokisona when 'it' happened. Why?"

"From what I saw of the file, it went back at least ten to thirteen years. Meaning you're either not the first one that was coerced to do it or Dr Tokisona wasn't the only Doctor involved."

"Well, he did have another assistant before me. But he never talked about her, though. Almost as if… he felt shame and guilt."

"Any idea as to why?"

"From what I gathered, she was quite fond of driving recklessly. One night, it caught up with her." Gasping in horror, she asks, "You mean… she might've been part of it and wanted out?"

"That or she wanted more and the big cheese decided to give her his version of a 'pink slip' instead of giving her what she wanted."

"How did you come to that?"

"I did a little checking on those Dr Tokisona had working for him. Ms Hiromi Agashuta was heavily in debt in regards to gambling and mortgage payments. Two days before she died, she received a notice, in person, that she was required to pay in one lump sum instead of regular payments on the gambling debt and, by mail, her mortgage had gone up by 25%. And on a mortgage that's at 10%, that's a bad sign."

"To say the least." Tentatively, she asks, "Any idea as to what happened to her debts?"

"With her death, they just disappeared. As if they'd never happened." Frowning at that, Shizuka looks back toward Scott and sees his expression is grim.

"You think the mortgage company and gambling debt holder was involved, don't you?"

"I can't deny the possibility. Especially since the mortgage company was owned by a shell corporation. As for the gambling debt holder, since there's no actual paper trail…"

"There's only conjecture." At his nod, she nestles herself into his torso and trembles. "It's looking pretty grim, isn't it? It's only a matter of time before… I'm putting you in danger. You and the others."

"Hey. It's our job to protect you." Tilting her face gently upward, he murmurs, "We're always ready to take a bullet."

"But what if your charge turns into a beloved? What then?" Catching her implication, Scott softly pecks her lips before replying.

"I'll do everything I can to stay alive for you. Even if it means wearing two or three bulletproof vests." Giving her another kiss, he then smiles softly at her, wanting to change the subject. "My high school reunion's coming up. Want to come with? There are some faces I haven't seen in a long time."

"Do they know about what you do?"

"They know I'm a 'UN Marshal'. That's about it." Grimacing, he adds, "Besides, I could really use some support for it. You know what I mean?" Shizuka ponders it before realizing it.

"The bitch that broke your heart will be there. Won't she?"

"Yeah." Shizuka's lips against his is all the reply he needs. When their kiss ends, she smiles warmly at him.

"You've kept me alive. I'll heal your heart." With that, they engage in a furious Frenching session that quickly becomes a passionate love-making session.

(Kirishima household; same time)

As she keeps herself crouched down in the tall grass, Mana trembles. Hoping her transport will arrive soon. Next thing she knows, a small white aircraft appears out of nowhere and its canopy opens. Revealing a face she's quite familiar with.

'Agent Steel!' Slowly getting up, she silently makes her way to his aircraft and smiles happily. Making sure to keep her voice low, she says, "Boy, I am so glad to see you!"

"Good to see you're okay, Miss Kirishima. Ready?"

"You bet!" Getting into the seat behind his, she straps in as the canopy closes and asks, "Where do we go from here, Agent Steel?"

"Ever been to Moscow?" At her 'negative' headshake, Max grins and nods. "Then it's off to Moscow for you. I got a friend that you can keep company there. You'll like her. Agent Langley already met her and they established quite a rapport."

"Oh? Does she deal with non-nukes as well?"

"Nope. Something a lot better for the soul." With that, the 'Sparrow' lifts off the ground and bolts forward.

(Warehouse; New Nagasaki)

As he regains consciousness, Professor Kirishima blinks at all the dark around him. Thinking he's blind, he then slightly panics before feeling the rough material of wool fibers over his head.

"Oh terrific. A hood over the head. How original."

"Ah, good. You're awake, Professor Kirishima." Blinking at the familiar voice, Professor Kirishima then hears, "Take it off of him." Upon feeling the material being yanked off, he closes his eyes to ward off being nearly blinded by any light until his eyes can adjust. Sure enough… a voice chuckles in amusement.

"It would seem he's been subjected to this kind of treatment before, Sister." At the male voice, Professor Kirishima snorts and smirks.

"More like common sense. You wouldn't believe how many times I winced at sharpness in light before I tried closing my eyes first to allow the light to filter in through my eyelids." The first voice gives a chuckle before replying.

"I don't doubt that, Professor. By now, however, it should be safe for you to open your eyes." With that, he does so. And sees the last person he'd ever expected. "It's good to see you again, Professor."

"I wish I could reciprocate the sentiment, Inspector Stalk, but seeing as you're unbound and here of your own accord churns my stomach." Interpol Inspector Evelyn Stalk gives him a wide smirk before she scowls.

"Yes, well, I don't appreciate details crucial to my cohorts' plans being missing from your notes. Which is why you're here."

"To fill in the blanks, correct?" At her nod, he smirks and retorts, "No chance in Hell, you bitch."

"We shall see. When your memory clearance drug wears off, we'll converse again. Should you prove unwilling to cooperate, well, I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this."

"Hot coals against my feet? Bamboo slivers under my fingernails? Electric shock against my body? Staples to my forehead? Welding torch to my genitals?" Much to his surprise, Stalk is horrifyingly aghast in shock.

"Are you nuts? This is the 21st century! I'd like to believe we've come past such barbarism! I'm talking about truth serum!" Signaling, she snarls out, "You're either talking tough because you're nuts or you're trying to put ideas into my head. I really don't appreciate that."

"Yeah, well, I don't appreciate insane people trying to use my creations for nefarious purposes." Next thing he knows is darkness as the hood is put back over his head. "That went well enough, all things considered."

(UNP-NY Headquarters; Interrogation Room 12; three hours later)

As he sits in the drafty room, Cochrane is barely able to suppress a shudder. Having subjected numerous suspects to the same environment many times before, he can't help but shake his head piteously. Of course, the cold air's not doing his destroyed knees or his wounded right shoulder any favors. But he's determined not to break under any circumstances.

'If these fools think they can get me to talk, they're seriously mistaken!' Next thing he knows, the door opens, admitting two familiar faces. Brian Dyson and Danny O'Malley. "Oh me oh my. One of Section 2's Agents and a UNP-NY Beat Cop. I'm so scared." Mockingly, he adds, "I'm so, very, very scared."

"All well you should be, Cochrane." Danny's voice is level as he goes on. "We've got you on thousands of counts of murder against children, one count of facilitating murder for hire, well over a hundred counts of attempted murder against children, three counts of attempted murder, and receiving funds without intending to declare them to the UN-IRS. And don't get me started on the human rights violations in using toxic compounds embedded within candy."

"Oh, pish-posh. That's all speculation."

"Not if we have an eyewitness, which we do by the way." Giving Cochrane a smirk, Brian adds, "Given your wanton cruelty, I have no doubts that the DA will seek the death penalty against you."

"You're bluffing. The DA is against the Death Penalty. The most I'll get, if I am indeed guilty mind you, is life incarceration in cryo-suspension." Before Brian can even reply, the room's door opens, revealing a young female rookie Officer.

"Officer O'Malley?" When Danny looks over at the door, the rookie goes on. "The lab just finished analyzing the currency. Here's the report." Danny takes the report and nods.

"Thank you, Jill. How's Jenk doing?"

"Officer Jenkins is well on his way to mending. But he'll be going on vacation for the wound suffered."

"Alright, thank you Jill." Jill nods and closes the door as Danny looks over the report and shakes his head while chuckling. "Oh, my. You really stepped in it this time, Cochrane." Handing Brian the report, he sits down and smirks at Cochrane. "It seems as if the UN Treasury has to get involved now. Particularly the UN Secret Service." Cochrane's bewildered blink gets Danny to chuckle again. "Agent Dyson, will you be so kind as to educate Mr Cochrane here?"

"Sure." Looking the report over himself, Brian chuckles sinisterly. "Oh I don't know what's funnier. The contents of this report or your calculated reaction to the report."

"I'm afraid I don't follow." Smirking widely now, Brian closes his eyes as if savoring the moment before opening them back up. A malicious glint in his eyes.

"Didn't you know trafficking or receiving counterfeit currency is a Class 1 Felony, punishable by 65 years hard labor in New Alcatraz?" The glint becoming more malicious, he adds, "The fact you used to be Interpol will reflect quite poorly on you, especially in General Population. Combine that with the charges against you already… well, I'm sure you can see where I'm going with this."

"I call bullshit! That report's fake! It's gotta be!"

"No it's not." Danny's voice gets Cochrane's attention as he goes on. "We have a Liaison Officer for the UN Government right here in this building and he was with the old US Treasury office before the UN Government was formed. He could spot a fake ten miles away."

"Impressive. But one thing's bugging me. Just what was that counterfeit money for anyway?" Brian's voice gets Cochrane to look back toward him as he goes on. "I mean, $45 million in bogus bills… must've been something pretty important."

"Yeah. But what?" Danny looks back toward Cochrane and says, "Of course, if you cooperate, we can get the TRCC reduced to simply receiving, with a sentence of 15 years hard labor in New Alcatraz. A lot better than 65 years, yes?" Cochrane's silence gets Danny to shrug. "Why don't you think it over while Agent Dyson and I are out? No need to rush, but don't take too long. The UN Attorney assigned to the case is very rabid on the subject of counterfeit currency. You don't talk, chances are you won't even be alive for the end of your 65 year stretch." With that, Danny and Brian head for the door, only for Cochrane to softly, yet clearly, speak.

"The other compact N-2 prototype, of which there were two. That's what it was for. Along with acquiring Professor Kirishima's assistance in arming the device." Blinking, Brian walks back toward Cochrane. A solemn look on his face.

"So you denying the existence of the compact N-2 prototypes was one big sham?"

"Yes. I expected it would get UNNIC to just neglect the investigation. But that… infuriating Agent Steel and his partner Langley wouldn't let it go." Rolling his eyes, he mutters, "Too much of a cliché gumshoe in my book."

"And yet the investigation proved fruitful, didn't it? Along with the attempted botched bombing at the UN Headquarters." Danny goes to his brother-in-law's side and asks, "Is there a name connected with the funds, Cochrane?"

"I never got his name. But I did meet him face to face. He was wearing a visor over his head, covering his eyes." Snorting, he adds, "I call him 'Cyclops' behind his back. I can't say the same for my associates, though."

"I see. How long did it take to plan the thefts? I mean, an operation like that had to have taken four, five months tops."

"Close, Agent Dyson. Three months. For logistics and acquiring the needed equipment for the operation. Admittedly, a lot of it was ad hoc, but I can honestly say it went off flawlessly. That is until…"

"The attempted bombing." At Cochrane's nod, Danny smirks again before speaking. "Attempted use of a Weapon of Mass Destruction in an act of terror at the UN Headquarters, the attempted 2nd degree Murder of a UN Official, the attempted 2nd degree murder of a UN Law Enforcement Officer… you're looking at fifty years more on those charges."

"I wasn't even here! My associates were! Those charges make no sense at all!"

"If we don't find your associates and the other N-2 prototype, those are the charges you'll be facing as the primary defendant." Grinning, Brian adds, "Hope you know a good lawyer. You're going to need one. If you're lucky, he could very well get you 65-70 years on all the charges against you. If not…" Shrugging, Brian heads back to the door, opens it and walks right out. Danny right behind him. As the door clicks shut, Cochrane can only sum up all his anger and loathing into a bellow.

"DAMN YOU, STEEL AND LANGLEY!"

Outside the room, Danny and Brian grin widely and walk toward the bullpen area. With Brian seeing Lisa at her computer, typing her report, upon their arrival. He then blinks, as if remembering one other detail not relevant to the current situation.

"Danny, you got a phone book here?"

"Yeah sure." Reaching into his desk drawer, Danny hands it to Brian. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Opening the phone book, he flips through the arranged pages, intent on his goal. "Let's see here…" As he flips the pages before stopping, he grins in satisfaction. "Excellent."

"What's going on, Brian? Got a case of the munchies?" Chuckling softly at his brother-in-law's expression, he quickly sees the grin fade. "Brian?"

"I have to do something that's been delayed for too long, Danny. Four months too long."

"What is it?"

(Fifteen minutes later)

"So, this is the place, huh?"

"It's the right address, Brian." As both men look up at the mansion, Danny smirks and adds, "If I had that much money, I'd buy a mansion that's somewhat smaller because this is too big for my taste."

"I hear that." Sighing and shrugging, Brian adds, "Might as well get this over with."

"Need me to come with? After all, Section 2 isn't exactly known around these parts and it'll probably be more official if UNP-NY presence was nearby."

"Alright." With that, both men go up to the door, with Brian pressing the doorbell button. Only for both to raise an eyebrow each at the sound of a gong. "Who the heck lives here? The Addams Family?"

"According to the listing, it's who you're looking for."

"Very funny." Danny gives Brian a smirk, with Brian rolling his eyes just before the door opens. Revealing a middle-aged Caucasian woman. Slender, with brown hair. "Are you Gertrude Brantley, former spouse of Joseph 'Birdman' Jones?"

"I am. Can I help you?"

"Ma'am, I'm Brian Dyson, an Agent with Section 2, the security force assigned to UN Agency NERV. This is my brother-in-law, Officer Danny O'Malley, UNP-NY."

"Agent, Officer… wait. You're here about Joseph?"

"Yes ma'am." With that, Gertrude rolls her eyes.

"What's that fool gone and done this time? And what does NERV have to do with him?"

"Might we step inside, ma'am? It's better that you're told in private." Brian's words can't help but give her the idea that something's terribly wrong.

"Of course." As the two men step inside, Gertrude closes the door and says, "We can speak in the atrium. Joseph always loved it there as it allowed him to think about what his next lecture would consist of." Both men give her a nod and follow her. When they reach a massive room, they hear birds of all kinds. "Believe it or not, of late I'd come here. I find the sound of birds to be quite soothing." Indicating chairs for them to sit, she asks, "Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink?"

"No thanks, ma'am." Danny's reply gets Gertrude to nod before sitting down as they do. Once they're seated, Gertrude comes right out with it.

"What's Joseph done to warrant a visit from… Section 2, I believe you said, and UNP-NY?"

"Ms Brantley, it's my duty to inform you of your ex-husband's death." Brian's words get Gertrude to blink before she chuckles softly.

"I don't think I heard you right, Agent Dyson. For an instant, I could have sworn you said that Joseph is dead."

"That you did, ma'am. That I did. That he is." Her face going grim, she shakes her head in disbelief.

"No. Not Joseph." At his solemn nod, Gertrude asks, "Where'd it happen, and when?"

"It happened in Tokyo-3, just outside NERV's underground Geofront headquarters. As for when, it happened about three-four months ago."

"No wonder I hadn't heard anything of late." Looking intently at Brian, she adds, "Last I heard, he was arrested in Germany for trespassing on some kind of government installation and stealing a condor from the Berlin Zoo. I take it NERV owns the building he was arrested at."

"Yes ma'am." Gertrude nods right at him before going on.

"Why bring this to my attention now, Agent Dyson?"

"Two reasons, ma'am. One, the previous Commander of NERV deemed it so Top Secret, there was no way to notify you without drawing his ire. It was only until recently by a month and a half ago that it was so."

"Oh? What happened?"

"A new Commander was put into place. One that's more of a people person than he was."

"I see. The second reason?"

"The previous Commander has eyes everywhere still. Those eyes are hidden so carefully…"

"You had to wait for the right moment to make your way to me."

"Kinda. I came here under a different aspect and well…"

"You decided to do it on your own, with the presence of a UNP-NY Officer, of course." At his nod, Gertrude sighs and asks, "Was his funeral nice, at least?"

"No ma'am. The previous Commander had him buried in a pauper's grave, with no mention whatsoever of his passing." With that, Gertrude feels a rush of rage.

"HE DID WHAT?" At her bellow, both men wince as she goes on. "WHY?"

"I can't really tell you, ma'am. But I can tell you this much. You can come to Tokyo-3 to give him a proper service. Or, if you prefer, you can have him exhumed from the spot and have him brought stateside for a proper service." When Gertrude gives her reply, her teeth are clenched in fury.

"I believe I will opt for the latter, Agent. And I will come with you to ensure his remains are handled with the utmost respect that he deserves." Brian gives her a nod as she calms down. "I apologize for yelling, Agent. You've taken a great risk in informing me, and for that I thank you."

"You're welcome, ma'am." With that, he and Danny rise, with Gertrude following suit.

"When do you intend to return to your post, Agent Dyson?"

"We expect to fly out tomorrow, ma'am." At her puzzled blink, Brian grins sheepishly and adds, "Myself, my girlfriend, Danny, my sister and another Officer that was injured in the line of duty."

"Ah." Nodding her understanding, Gertrude smiles. "I look forward to meeting them before the flight, along with conversing with them during the flight, Agent Dyson."

"I understand, ma'am. The flight is a private flight, departure at 11:00 AM. JFK Airport."

"I'll be there at 9:00 AM, then." With that, Brian nods, with Danny nodding as well. "I'll show you gentlemen out as I'm sure you've more important matters to deal with than notifying me."

"Other than the paperwork and finishing with the interrogation of a criminal, not really, Ms Brantley." Danny then looks around and nods. "This is a very nice spot, by the way."

"Why thank you, Officer O'Malley." Blinking, she then asks, "Are you by any chance…"

"The Mayor's son? Yes." Gertrude can't help but grin.

"I thought so. I knew your Father a long time ago. He's well, I hope."

"He is."

"Marvelous!" With that, she escorts them to the door and opens it. "I'll see you and your companions tomorrow then, and I'll pack lightly as I expect the plane will be small."

"Yes, ma'am." At Brian's reply, Gertrude nods, with Brian and Danny returning the nod. At that, the two exit the mansion, with Gertrude closing the door in silence. Tears dripping from her face as the door clacks closed.

(Moscow; same time)

"So, this is where your friend works out of, huh?"

"That it is, Mana. That it is." Escorting her in, Max looks around and grins. "Looks like Natalya's been doing some decorating since the last time I was here with Agent Langley."

"How can you tell?"

"That 'KISS' poster wasn't on the wall last time." Scratching his head, he adds, "Never took her to be a fan of heavy metal. Let alone a fan of Gene Simmons. I could have sworn she was more into Tchaikovsky."

"Maybe she decided to expand her tastes."

"Indeed I did." At the female voice to their right side, Max and Mana look and see a smiling woman. "Good to see you again, Comrade Max."

"Likewise, Natalya." Smiling as he wraps Natalya in a greeting hug before ending it, he goes on. "Natalya Uramov, this is Mana Kirishima."

"Kirishima? As in the daughter of Professor Shintaro Kirishima?"

"The very same, Ms Uramov." Natalya can't help but roll her eyes in exasperation.

"Please, Mana, call me Natalya. The 'Ms' makes me feel old." Looking around, Natalya frowns. "Where is Comrade Devil, Comrade Max? I was expecting her to be with you."

"Sorry, Nat, but the 'Sparrow' can only carry two people and I got the call, very short notice, to pick up Mana and take her to safety."

"Ah." Giving him a grin, she goes on. "I trust she does well, however."

"She does."

"Wonderful! It's good to see you're well as well."

"Likewise. I see the bruise went away okay."

"Considering it took three days to do so, I'm quite pleased it did. It would have hampered my dating life if it'd remained."

"Dating? I thought you were married." Max's statement can only get Natalya to giggle.

"Oh, Comrade Max! You're so silly!" Her merriment fading, Natalya then goes serious. "But if she's Professor Kirishima's daughter, and she's sans Father, then something's happened."

"Yeah. He was grabbed earlier this evening. I was barely able to keep from being grabbed myself."

"I see. Say no more. Comrade Max, how long do you expect my watch to last?"

"As long as it takes, Nat. I'll keep you up to date as best I can."

"I find it acceptable. But how will I explain Mana's presence to the other workers?"

"I thought up a cover for her during the flight. Teen prodigy that's fascinated by nutritional supplements. That's basically it in a nutshell."

"Typical." Closing her eyes in exasperation, Natalya squeezes the bridge of her nose. "I guess it'll do, Comrade Max." Opening her eyes back up, she rolls her eyes again when she doesn't see him. "I hate when he does that."

"Does what?"

"Look to your side, Mana." When Mana does so, she blinks. "He has a nasty habit of vanishing without a trace. I've a dog that makes more noise than he does and it's a Siberian Husky." Mana can only giggle.