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.

78. Chapter 78

Shinji Steel 78

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

(Fifteen minutes later)

"Holy shit." Interpol Inspector and Chemical Weapons specialist Stanley Goodspeed can only blink at the fifty VX warheads in the hold with the cars. "If not for the cryo-tanks for keeping the warheads' contents solid, we'd be dealing with an epic-scale death ship."

"Yeah, we dodged a disaster. Barely."

"My thoughts exactly, sir." The black/grey-haired Caucasian man grimaces toward Blunt before going on. "Once the off-loading of everything else finishes, leaving the narcotics and VX on board, the ship's gonna have to go to California. The narcotics, of course, will be chucked over the side into the ocean along the way. Upon arrival to California, an SST will need to be on site to transport the VX to Newport Chemical Depot for chemical neutralization."

"What about the incinerators? Can't they cook this crap to where it won't survive?"

"Yes sir, if they were still active. When the last stocks of the VX were reportedly destroyed five years before 2nd Impact, the thermite incinerators were rendered inactive." Looking back toward the warheads, he adds, "I guess whoever snuck these onto the ship managed to fudge the numbers after doing so." Blunt can only nod his understanding before frowning.

"But that would mean… unfettered access to the depots that had these in storage. Much like the 'Hummel Incident' years back."

"Yes sir." Hesitantly, Goodspeed muses, "Whoever gained access to begin with must've known about what General Hummel did, but not why." Blunt nods again before smiling softly, wanting to change the subject.

"How're Carla and the twins?"

"Spoke to her last night. Stanley Jr and Tanya are both about to graduate high school. Carla's starting to feel early stages of 'Empty Nest Syndrome' and they haven't even left yet."

"What'd they Major in?"

"Criminal Justice." Grinning softly, he adds, "They want to join the UNBI after graduating and going to UNLETC." Blunt returns the man's grin before the latter shrugs. "What can I say? They're chips off the old block."

"They sure seem to be." Goodspeed can only nod at him before he kinks his head to the side. "You know, you never did tell me why you left the FBI in the days following 2nd Impact before the formation of UNLEC and came to be with Interpol."

"Too much chicanery and double-crossing going on by the higher-ups in the background."

"Interpol's no better if Cochrane's any indication." Goodspeed can only shrug haplessly.

"I'm pretty sure he's just a one-off, sir." Blunt returns the shrug as the seizure crews proceed to seize the property found.

All throughout the ship, five holds held people in chains, another five had narcotics of various types, two had art and antiquities, three held firearms and another three had vehicles. Blunt looks back toward the corridor and sees a long line of the liberated people slowly walking along the corridor. 'UNLEC' and Interpol personnel aiding those that couldn't move without help. Goodspeed looks back as well and sighs.

"What'll become of them, sir?"

"Once we get their identities ascertained, we'll see if they're listed as missing. But from how they were found, I'd say missing is a gross understatement." Goodspeed nods before clenching his teeth.

"It's too bad about those that didn't survive the journey." Blunt nods, remembering one of the galley's cold storage holds was being used as a morgue. Thirty wrapped corpses, hanging from hooks.

"More than likely the crew planned to dump them overboard on the way back. Not even offering a prayer as they did so." Noticing Goodspeed clenching his teeth still, Blunt adds, "We were lucky to have found them when we did."

"Yeah, we were." His tone pensive, he then says, "Sir, request permission to accompany the ship to San Fran with a detail. For narcotics dumping and transferring VX custody to the SST for transport to NCD."

"Granted. Once you get everything done, you all catch a red-eye flight back to Tokyo-2."

"Yes, sir." Blunt nods and grins before Goodspeed goes on. "How long do you think the seizure crews will be, sir?" He can only shrug musingly before replying.

"Could be as much as 4-5 hours. Given the crane equipment and we having to use the empty warehouses on site for impound storage. Just until we can determine their own statuses."

"You think some of it is stolen as well, sir?"

"Yeah. I do as it wouldn't surprise me one bit." Goodspeed gives a nod before a thought occurs to him.

"Where'd the bust party come from, sir?" Blunt can only grin softly at Goodspeed for that.

"That, Inspector Goodspeed, is a long story. One that I'll tell you once we get everything settled with the inventory and paperwork." Next thing he knows, Misato's voice chimes in.

"Acting Director, can I have about five minutes of your time?"

"Be right there, Agent Katsuragi." Turning back to Goodspeed, he adds, "Call in when you get there."

"Yes, sir." With that, Blunt walks away, leaving Goodspeed behind as the grey-haired man gleefully rubs his hands together. 'Finally! I'll be able to do what the old government couldn't! Get rid of the worst poison gas known to man!' Unexpectedly, he erupts into a fit of mad cackling. Which Blunt and Misato both hear. Misato then looks toward the AD, concern on her face.

"Is he going to be… okay, AD Blunt?" Blunt, however, has a fond grin on his face as he waves it off.

"Oh, he'll be fine, Agent Katsuragi."

"You sure about that?"

"He's just been looking forward to the opportunity to get rid of VX for a very long time."

"Well, as long as he's been looking forward to it. But… I never expected a reaction quite like that before."

"Oh that's nothing. One time, he came across an ultra-meth lab and… the less you know, the better you'll sleep." Blunt then physically shudders. "I still have nightmares at times about what he did there."

"But just a short time ago…"

"I know. Poison gas is one thing, but new and lethal narcotics are a whole different category." Misato can only smirk before Blunt kinks his head to the side. "Last I heard about you, Agent Katsuragi, you went to work for NERV, yet you're here. How?"

"Long story. One that I can't get into right now as I'm not permitted yet." Blunt nods his understanding before grinning.

"Since you're kinda doing double duty, could you do me a favor?"

"Sure. What do you need?"

"To interrogate someone in Section-2 custody. I know Section-2 is the security force for NERV and…"

"Is this about Cochrane?" Blunt's double take can't help but put Misato into stitches. Wide grin on her face, she regains enough control to add, "I'll leave word that you're there at NERV's request on a consultation."

"I appreciate that… but how…" Misato grins softly as Blunt sighs. "I'm guessing it's one of those things I'd be better off not knowing about." Misato nods in agreement before Blunt asks, "Will you be there to vouch for me? I seriously doubt the Commander will appreciate me being there."

"I wouldn't worry too much about the Commander. Or rather former Commander." Blunt blinks again, prompting Misato to smirk. "It seems the news of former Commander Rokubungi being ousted from command didn't reach Tokyo-2."

"It would seem so. If he's out from Command, who's in place?" Before Misato can answer, however, Max clears his throat.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we're needed for debrief."

"Oh… wait. Where's Agent Langley?"

"She went ahead for debriefing and to deliver a child into protective custody. Agent Kelsey told me about five minutes ago." Misato smirks before nodding.

"It's just like her. Okay." Turning back to Blunt, she adds, "I'll tell you who's in Command when you get there."

"Alright. Fair enough."

(NERV HQ; Central Dogma Lounge; same time)

As Nikita watches a bitterly sad Gertrude, she sees the woman start lightening up slightly. A soft smile on her face.

"Miss Kamenev, did you ever hear Joseph speak before…" Seeing what Gertrude's alluding to, Nikita softly shakes her head.

"No, I've never had the opportunity to."

"It's how we met, you know." Noticing Nikita kink her head to the side in curiosity, she goes on. "In 1997, Joseph was speaking about the American Bald Eagle at Harvard University as a guest speaker. I was moved by his passionate lecture regarding our National Symbol."

"Oh? You were a professor there?"

"I was. Ecological Ethics." Her smile fades as she adds, "Of course, I felt so ashamed that my students were… snickering through the whole thing. Like it was some big joke, not worthy of their attention."

"That's… utterly disgraceful."

"That's what I told them that day after Joseph's speech. I even told them to write a 30-page essay on what he'd spoken of. Failure to do so, refusal or any intentional inaccuracy would result in a failing grade." Nikita can't help but smirk at that.

"I wish I had been there to see the looks on their faces."

"So do I, Nikita. Of course, Reginald Conrad Jr tried to bully his way out of it, saying, 'Who cares about some damn stupid bird? It's not important like we are learning to be.' I failed him right on the spot." Nikita starts giggling, with Gertrude right behind. "His eyeballs got so big before he seethed, adding, 'Your days here at Harvard are as good as numbered.' All because his old man was Senior to me and on the board."

"What happened then?"

"As his luck would have had it, Reginald Senior was right outside the door when he heard the threat his son had made. 'Junior, might I have a moment of your time, please?' Junior was only too happy to oblige, strutting out of the classroom while saying, 'Sure, Father. I was hoping for a chance to speak with you about Professor Brantley.' Next thing he knew, he got slapped, hard, back of the hand, to his face." Nikita can't help but wince at that.

"I'm sure he got shocked by it."

"He most certainly was."

"I take it Senior was most displeased with what had happened?"

"Immensely. In fact, he was quite dismayed as my students weren't the only ones that were disrespectful. He even gave them a stern lecture as to proper decorum."

"Please tell me you got that on film." While smiling at the eagerness in the blonde's voice, Gertrude can only sigh sadly while shaking her head in negation. "Why not?"

"I'm really sorry to disappoint you, Nikita, but back then filming within the halls of Harvard wasn't even allowed."

"Nuts!" Gertrude nods in agreement before sighing softly.

"The Dean was even disappointed in the students' behavior as Joseph was an old friend of his from their Army days."

"He was military?" Gertrude nods at that and Nikita can't help but be impressed. "Is that how his love for birds came to be?"

"Pretty much. He was such a gentle soul and when… 'it' happened… oh Joseph!" Gertrude starts weeping again before Nikita goes to her side and side-hugs her. At that moment, Brian walks up, a serious expression on his face.

"Ms. Brantley?" Gertrude looks toward Brian, tears falling from her eyes, causing him to wince. "I seem to have returned at a bad time."

"Nonsense, Agent Dyson." Wiping her eyes dry, Gertrude rises, with Nikita beside her. "I… I wish to see the body. Just to get a good look at his face one more time before arranging a proper funeral for him."

"I… don't think that's a good idea, ma'am." Brian winces at the thought before he adds, "Four months can have a detrimental effect on a body. Especially if it was buried the same night of death."

"I understand and accept the possibility. But… I still…"

"Alright. But you likely won't like what you see." Gertrude nods her understanding as she and Nikita both follow Brian.

(New York City; UNP HQ; Madeline's Office; same time)

"Good morning, Jim."

"Morning, Commissioner." Handing the messages over to the new UNP Commissioner, he adds, "I must admit, you're a lot easier to work with than 'Percy the Pea-Brain', ma'am." Madeline can only kink her head to the side at the comment.

"Was she really that bad?"

"Like you wouldn't believe, ma'am." Madeline smirks gently at Jim as she goes toward her office. As soon as she enters, she hears yelling.

"Let me through this instant!" Peering out of her office, she sees a Caucasian woman with brown-greying hair stomp to the office doorway. The woman's eyes then narrow at the sight of Madeline. "Who the Hell do you think you are, being inside my office?!"

"I'm the UNPC pro tem. From your bellow, I'm guessing you're the fool I replaced." Madeline grimaces as she adds, "Quite frankly, you do not strike me as someone with knowledge of Law Enforcement whatsoever. And that is unacceptably problematic."

"Do I look like I even give a shit?! Who cares if I have no knowledge?! I have an Associates' Degree in Business Management!" Madeline scowls at the woman before issuing her reply.

"No, and that's why you were given the boot by SECGEN. And Law Enforcement is not a business. Speaking of business…" She then glares as she adds, "You're in a restricted area, accessible only by UNP Personnel."

"I am the Commissioner of the UNP! I am UNP Personnel!"

"Not anymore according to SECGEN. Seeing as you're in violation of the UNRAA, this can go one of two ways. You can either walk out of here, under escort, with a restraining order barring you from this building, in your pocket. Or, you can be remanded into custody in the building's lock-up. If you wish to keep your freedom, exit the way you came."

"I say you're bluffing." Next thing the woman knows, Madeline smirks.

"I don't bluff." Jabbing the intercom, she says, "Jim, get hold of downstairs, tell them there's an unauthorized entry into HQ."

"Yes, ma'am." Madeline locks gazes with the woman, who then gives her a sneer.

"You really think you won, do you?"

"I was not aware there was a contest for leadership."

"You will not find a better leader than I, Rebecca Anne Percy!"

With that, the woman brings out a knife and lunges at Madeline. Only to cough heavily when Madeline avoids her lunge and body slams her to the floor. Moving Percy's arms to behind her, Madeline reaches to her side and brings out a pair of handcuffs. Recalling Thomas' tips for handcuffing a suspect, Madeline ensures the handcuffs are secure to the point where any movement Percy makes will become painful.

"Uncuff me at once!"

"Not on your life. You're under arrest for unauthorized access to a restricted area, impersonation of a UN Law Enforcement Official and attempted aggravated assault on a UN Law Enforcement Official. I might even charge you with accessory to Capital Murder, multiple counts, of UNP Personnel."

"You can't do that! You have no evidence to support that ridiculous charge!"

"We'll see what the DA has to say about it, then. At the very least, we can probably get you on depraved indifference in regards to their deaths." At that point, five UNP-NY Officers arrive and, after Mirandizing her, hustle her up from the floor. One of the Officers, a female Sergeant, then looks toward her.

"Where to, ma'am?"

"To holding, Sergeant." The Sergeant nods before she and the other four Officers forcibly escort her to holding. With Percy yelling out.

"NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS! UNHAND ME AT ONCE OR YOUR JOBS ARE GONE! DO YOU HEAR ME?! GONE!" As Percy's screams recede, Madeline sighs heavily before sitting down behind her desk.

'What a day it's turning out to be. And it's not even 10:00 am yet!' With that, she starts her daily routine of report reading, requisition and expenditure forms… the time just flies by for her.

(Two hours later)

"Might as well have some of my lunch. But I am curious…" Keying her intercom, she then says, "Jim, please have Security bring up any surveillance footage that has Ms. Percy within it. I want to find out how she got into a restricted area when her access to do so was deleted to begin with."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll let you know what's found out in ten minutes."

"Very good, Jim." Madeline then shakes her head in bemusement before taking a bite out of her sandwich. 'Who'd have thought my predecessor could be such a pain in the ass?!'

Ten minutes later, after having finished her sandwich, she looks over more reports before her intercom chimes, getting her to roll her eyes.

"Talk to me."

"I had Security go over the entrances that Percy favored and she didn't show up at anyone of them."

"What about entrances she'd never used in the past? Wait. You mean she was a case of OCD?"

"Like you wouldn't believe. It was like… she was superstitious that if she deviated in any way from her entry or exit, bad things would happen." Madeline can only frown thoughtfully as Jim adds, "I'll have Security check the other entry points, though."

"Very good, Jim."

(Atsugi City Medical Center; same time)

"It was good to see you again, Deidre." Roilson's voice gets Deidre to smile widely and nod before he turns to Rits. "You take good care of yourself, Ritsuko. So far, you're at the right weight. But you should eat more. After all, you're eating for two now." Rits can only grin before she gently strokes her belly.

"I will, Doctor."

"I will also like to meet your 'husband' at some point so I can give him a menu of sorts to satisfy any cravings that develop."

"I'll see if Shinji can find time to get away from NERV or at least Tokyo-3." Roilson grins his approval of Rits' comment before he sighs and looks toward the two Agents.

"How do his chances look, Agents? Please, honestly." Ellie and Janice both look to each other before sighing as well, with Ellie taking it.

"Honestly, Doc, it's up to UNJAG and the Commandant of the UNMC. It can really go either way."

"Well, if it does come down to it, please let me know so I can testify as an expert witness of sorts on Gunny Sychola's behalf." Ellie nods her agreement, with Janice piping up.

"Sure. We can let the UNJAG defense know about you and put you in a safe house for your testimony for when the time comes."

"That'd be most appropriate."

"Yeah." Concerned, Ellie then asks, "Won't your Protection Agent be concerned though?"

"I'm sure Agents Steel and Langley will be supportive of my desire to testify." Ellie gives a nod before grimacing.

"But how best to maintain 'Chain of Custody' of the evidence? Plus with the investigation being off the books… I'd have to talk with a UNJAG-certified firm." Roilson frowns before he strokes his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, I saw a Law Office around the corner from here. They might be UNJAG-certified." Ellie looks over and sees Janice checking her watch and nodding.

"If we hurry, and if it is, we can get the information relayed to a UNJAG rep."

"I can work with that. Let's go, Janice." Turning back to Deidre, she adds, "We'll be right back, Deidre." Getting a nod, Ellie and Janice walk briskly to where the office reportedly is. Upon sighting the building, they notice it's still open and, upon nearing it, grin upon seeing it's open 24/7.

"How convenient, Ellie."

"Very. Let's hope they're UNJAG-certified." Nodding, Janice follows Ellie into the office and see a young Caucasian man behind the counter, reading a UNLETC-Guidebook. With his name plate reading 'Roscoe'. Unable to help a soft grin, Ellie brings out her shield, Janice following suit.

"Excuse me, Roscoe?"

"Yes ma'am, and believe me, I've heard the jokes." Roscoe rolls his eyes and smirks while looking up toward them. "Either my folks didn't see it coming or…" Blinking as he sees the UNBI shields, Roscoe asks, "How can I help the UNBI this evening?"

"Agents Zuckerman and DeWitt. We need to know if your office is UNJAG-certified." Janice's reply gets Roscoe to nod before he sits upright. Setting his book aside.

"We are, actually. Do you have a case or queries?"

"Yeah, both. But it's an off the books case from before 2nd Impact. Of course, it's also an open case on record, but we've been investigating it off the books after our coworker and friend was murdered. He asked us to investigate it off the books if anything happened to him." As Roscoe kinks his head to the side, Ellie lays it all out for him. When she's done, he muses on it.

"Well, best case scenario, given that he was pretty much under duress, and with a damaged memory… best I can do is ask my supervisor if he can meet with the Gunny tomorrow. But there will be a hearing regardless." Noticing Ellie's demeanor going stern, Janice chimes in.

"We figured as much. We were just hoping for some legal assistance for him if needed."

"But of course." He then brings up a notepad and pen before handing the items to them. "If you'll put your names, the Gunny's name and his location on here." With that, Ellie writes on a sheet of the notepad while Janice grins widely.

"Ever think about working under UNLEC?"

"I have, Agent Zukerman, but I won't make it. I just don't have the temperament and am a screwball. No way UNLEC will tolerate someone like me. So, I'm gonna have to work in here." Roscoe laughs sheepishly at the end at that. Ellie and Janice chuckling softly as well before Ellie takes it.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Who knows? You might make the grade." Eying the UNLETC Guidebook, she adds, "Besides, being a screwball can be a good thing." Roscoe can only shrug at that as the two Agents exit.

'Maybe not, but I didn't say I wouldn't try, though!' He then starts humming the 'Dukes of Hazzard' theme while resuming his studies. 'I'll probably get some crap about my name as well. If that happens, I'll just deal with it the way I did in school.'

As Ellie and Janice make their way back to the Medical Center, the latter looks toward the former. Ellie noticing.

"What is it, Janice?"

"Honestly, Ellie, how do you rate the Gunny's chances? Even with the evidence supporting the fact the abduction was masked as a homicide?" Ellie ponders it before sighing.

"Honestly, Janice… it's a crap shoot. I mean, in all our years working together, we never had a case this far 'out to lunch'. And this is, hopefully, as far as 'out to lunch' as it'll get."

"I see. And I hope it doesn't get 'out to lunch' any further." Ellie can only groan at that. "Ellie?"

"I just hope you didn't jinx us just now, Janice. Saying something like that, with our luck, it'll become 'out to lunch' even more." Janice can only grin sheepishly before Ellie chuckles softly. "Oh what the Hell? If it becomes more 'out to lunch', we'll deal. Just like always."

"Yeah." With that, they reach their destination and see Deidre and Rits waiting for them in the 4Runner. "Wanna tell them what we found out?"

"Sure. Just don't tell them it may get to be more 'out to lunch' than it already has." Janice can only giggle at that. "I mean it, Janice. They got enough on their plate as it is. They don't need any more insanely inane bullshit."

"That they do, that they don't." Nudging her partner in the side, she asks, "Makes you long for our Academy days, doesn't it?"

"Yeah. Too bad Agent Bilecki didn't survive 2nd Impact. I'm sure he'd have loved to look into a case like this." Ellie sighs sadly before she adds, "I don't think our training even covered cases this 'out to lunch', for that matter."

"I'm sure it didn't." As the two reach Deidre and Rits, Janice adds, "For now, let's just tell them what they need to know. For them to be with Gunny Sychola for moral support."

"Yeah. He's gonna need all the support he can get." Seeing Deidre and Rits' curious expressions as they were within earshot, Janice and Ellie both swap turns telling them. By the time they're done, Deidre and Rits both agree. Ellie and Janice deciding to be on hand if needed.

(Tokyo-3; NERV HQ; Med-Wing; same time)

"Oh, Officer Jenkins, before you go…" Akagi trails off upon seeing Jenk walk out of the Med-Wing. 'Aw crap. I didn't get to tell him he should take it easy when he just finished repairs!' Five minutes later…

"Let's see… which way do I go to get to the cafeteria here?" Jenk looks around, a slight frown on his face as he muses, "Certainly one would think to put up some kind of signs indicating for someone how to get somewhere without getting lost." A soft giggle from behind him gets him to turn around and blink at who it is.

"That's what I'm here to do, Jenk-kun." Machiko has a soft smile on her face as she adds, "If you'll be so kind as to follow me." Silently, Jenk nods and does so as Machiko looks at how he walks on his now-repaired leg before frowning. With Jenk noticing.

"Something wrong, Miss Ugatinoga?"

"Shouldn't you be using a cane or a crutch for your recovery period?" Jenk can only grin at the young woman.

"No better way to rebuild strength and stamina than to go without a cane or a crutch."

"That sounds incredibly reckless." Jenk's grin becomes a soft smirk, causing her to roll her eyes. "I hope you realize you're reinforcing the stereotype about your home country." Jenk's smirk can only go wider at that.

"If the colonists weren't reckless when they rebelled against the old British farts, the USA wouldn't have come to be." Machiko can only give him a soft giggle before another voice cuts in.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, JENK?!" Lisa's tone can't help but get him to wince.

"Aw crap. Here it comes."

"You know what the Docs said!" Lisa's bellow has irritation as the young African-American woman storms up to Jenk, a rosewood walking cane in hand. Jenk can only groan at the sight and implication of it.

"C'mon, Kinsey. I don't need that thing."

"Oh yes you do. The Doctors said for you to recover gradually! I'm sure Doctor Akagi said the same thing!" Putting it into his hand, she grits out, "And I'm not going to let you get a write-up from Getraer for disobeying Doctors' orders!" Jenk gives a snort at Lisa's words.

"Actually, she didn't say a thing about that. So, my leg's not that bad, Kinsey." Bending both his legs without supporting the freshly-healed one, he asks, "See? I'll be ready for duty in a month, month and half. Guaranteed." Lisa gustily sighs before shaking her head.

"I don't like it, Jenk. Why do you insist on pushing yourself so hard?" Jenk's expression can only go dark at that.

"You know why, Lisa." Her expression goes mildly soft in response.

"You're not like 'them', Jenk, so you have nothing to prove."

"Yes, I do. Much like Mal did when he went through Academy on his own merits."

"Danny's situation is a little more different than yours is. His family supported him, yours didn't."

"Yeah." Seeing as Jenk's steadfast on the topic, Lisa then looks toward Machiko.

"I'll tell you up front right now, Machiko. You're going to have your hands full with this lugnut. And any children you two have." Jenk's face goes red, as does Machiko's, getting Lisa to grin evilly. "See?"

"Sorry, Kinsey, but I just don't see it happening." Jenk's objection is barely weak, yet Lisa presses on.

"Oh yes. You two will have children. And what beautiful children they'll be."

"Would you cut that nonsense, Kinsey?!" The sound of Jenk dropping the cane onto the floor gets their attention as he adds, "You know full well that's never gonna happen! I know it and accept it fully!" The expression on his face can only be described as broken as he asks, "Why can't you?" With that, he strides away, not caring which direction he goes into. Shaking her head in disbelief, Lisa picks up the cane and starts after him, only for Machiko to physically stop her.

"What did he mean by what he said, Kinsey-san?" Seeing tears start welling in Lisa's eyes, Machiko's expression goes gentle. "Please, what happened to sour him on the prospect?"

"Five years ago, he was hurt in the worst possible way. The one that did it was gleeful in inflicting that pain on him. Much like another bitch we know did another guy we know." Lisa's eyes start dripping tears as she adds, "The bitches both had nice guys and they…" Having a feeling where Lisa's going, Machiko cuts in.

"Cheated on them?"

"Yeah, only Andrea did much worse. Copying the bitch that did it, she cheated on him and even continually stood him up while doing so."

"That's… utterly disgraceful and dishonorable."

"Oh yeah. She then dumped him before prom and showed up there with a new guy at her side. But he got even, sort of."

"How so?"

"He didn't go, figuring that if she was to show up there, it'd be with another guy so she can rub salt in the still fresh wound."

"She sounds incredibly… snobby."

"She was and still is as far as I know." Machiko grits her teeth angrily before Lisa adds, "And his family's no better. If anything, they're just as bad, if not worse."

"How so, Lisa-san?"

"Let's just say they didn't approve of his friendship with Danny and me and leave it at that. They'd likely have treated you the same way, which is why he cut off all ties with them when we graduated."

"Oh. So they are racists, then."

"Yep. Here we are in the 21st Century and still can't get rid of racism."

(EVA pens; fifteen minutes later)

"Now how the heck did I wind up here?" Jenk can't help but be baffled as he looks around. Only to blink at the sight of the two Evangelions. "Those must be… the Evangelions that Brian spoke of."

"Indeed they are." Barely able to keep from jumping at the male voice behind him, Jenk turns around and sees a kindly smiling elder man. "Magnificent, aren't they, young man?" Jenk rubs the back of his head before frowning slightly.

"I don't know if 'magnificent' would be the word I'd use, sir. Something like… I dunno. Intimidating, yet awe inspiring. Something along those lines, sir." The man's smile goes wider as he nods and steps to Jenk's side.

"I believe that would fit your bill quite nicely…"

"Oh, Roland Jenkins, UNP-NY. My friends call me 'Jenk', sir."

"NERV Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki. It's nice to meet you, Officer Jenkins." Kinking his head to the side, Fuyutsuki asks, "What brings you here all the way from New York, Officer?"

"Vacation, recovering from a minor wound. I'm here with two other UNP-NY Officers. Danny O'Malley and Lisa Kinsey." Rolling his eyes, he adds, "Of course, leave it to Kinsey to mother-hen me even though we're the same age."

"It sounds more like she cares immensely about you."

"That may be true, but that's not the worst of it. She's trying to play matchmaker between me and Miss Ugatinoga."

"Is that such a problem?"

"If I was looking for romance, sir, then no. I, however, took myself 'off the market' because I'm just not romantically adept." Muttering, he adds, "She sure is a looker, though. The guy that winds up with her is gonna be very lucky to have someone pretty enough to be a model in his life."

A gasp from behind him prompts him to turn around and see Machiko blushing furiously. With a smugly-grinning Lisa right beside her.

"Pretty enough to be a model, Jenk? Pretty bold statement for a guy trying to avoid romance. You didn't even say that to or about Andrea."

"No trying about it, Kinsey. I am fully intent on…"

Jenk's retort is cut short as Machiko's lips press over his, her tongue snaking its way into his mouth. His eyes are wide in shock at the pretty young Japanese woman Frenching him silly. Once the kiss ends, Machiko is breathless, her brown eyes warm.

"You're the first person ever to say that about me, Jenk-kun."

"You're kidding." At her headshake of 'negative', Jenk can only be puzzled. "Why's that?"

"Long story. But, for now…" Tugging him along, she adds, "We're going to get to know each other better. Through Frenching extensively before you pop my cherry and impregnate me." Jenk's eyes can't help but bulge out as his face alights in blush.

"But… we just met!" Machiko only giggles as she tugs Jenk out of Central Dogma. "What about your boyfriend or husband?!"

"I have neither. In fact, you're my first kiss and to be my first sex. From what Lisa-san told me, I'm your first kiss and to be your first sex." Turning around and Frenching him again, she huskily whispers, "So, on that note, French, fuck and impregnate me." With that, Machiko tugging him along, they vanish around the corner and Fuyutsuki hears Lisa sniffling.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, sir. I'm just so happy that Jenk may finally have found happiness."

"I take it that he was denied the chance for it." At her nod, he adds, "I hope it works out for them." Lisa nods her agreement before he adds, "I take it you're Officer Kinsey."

"I am, sir."

(Old Osaka; N-Tek Building; Sublevel 5; same time)

As Asuka watches over a sleeping Anya, the redhead can only smile softly before feeling a hand gently grasp her right shoulder.

"She's safe, Asuka. You got her to safety in time." Jefferson's voice gets a soft grunt from her before he asks, "You okay?"

"I don't know, sir." Turning to him, she asks, "How old was Josh when you took him in?"

"About her age, believe it or not. Much like Shinji when Josh took him in." Asuka can only smirk softly as Jefferson adds, "When it comes to children being four when taken in by surrogates, it could be a law. I don't know." That gets Asuka to giggle softly before turning back to watch Anya sleep.

"Such innocence. I don't think I want to know what Dread had in mind for her. Losing her parents to starvation was bad enough for her, but for her to be facing a muzzle of an unloaded shotgun? Unacceptable." Jefferson can only nod silently in agreement before she asks, "What'll happen to her once the paperwork's settled?"

"She becomes a ward of the UN, goes to a group home for orphans. I'll ensure it's a good one." Smirking, he adds, "I seriously doubt Rachel will sign off on you adopting her since you're only fifteen." Asuka gives a snicker at that before nodding her agreement.

"I'm a little too young anyway. Shinji and Rits, however, they're my age and already they're prepping for parenthood." Grinning widely, she asks, "Any chance I can suggest Kat and Berto to be her adoptive parents?"

"Just be sure you're far away from them when they see the paperwork." Asuka snickers while nodding her understanding before Jefferson sighs. "2nd Impact caused so much damage and made so many changes to the cultures of the world… I can't even begin to pick a start point."

Asuka can't help but nod in agreement before chiming in.

"Tell me about it."

"Later." As Asuka giggles, Jefferson adds, "She was quite attached to you, though. Probably because you were the first one she heard Hungarian from since her parents died." Asuka smiles softly, albeit sadly, at that.

"Yeah. I had a pretty hard time getting into and out of the Sparrow with her latched onto me like she was. Too bad her parents didn't make it. They must've really loved her." Jefferson chuckles as he recalls the redhead silently pleading for help in exiting the small aircraft. "How'd the rest of the bust go?"

"No casualties on our side. But some of the ship's crew decided to be stupid and attacked our forces. Five dead, six in critical condition, three mild wounds." Asuka gives an uncaring shrug, prompting Jefferson to blink. "Asuka…"

"I know, Jefferson. But that's what happens when people ignore a bullhorn. Those that died or got hurt resisting brought it on themselves."

"While you do have a point, need I remind you about our stance on UNLEC shoots when it comes to embedded personnel?"

"No, sir. And you're right. 2nd Impact ended too many lives. A life is a life, no matter how wasted it is by the one that died doing something stupid. Life's too short as it is."

"Well put, Asuka." The redhead blinks at Misato's voice and sees her smirking softly. "Agent Kelsey told me about your little friend. Where is she?"

"In the room behind me, but she's asleep." Misato steps forward and coos softly upon seeing the child.

"What's her name?"

"Anya."

(San Francisco Bay; same time)

Relishing in the view of the ocean before him, the grey-haired young man smiles serenely at the choice he's made and his earlier action. Next thing he knows, his cellphone rings, prompting him to frown before sighing.

"Leave it to Dread to try to ruin a good mood." Bringing his phone out, he answers, "This is Kaworu."

"Tabris, why have you not enacted your part in the Scenario? You are extremely late in doing so!" Kaworu smiles sinisterly before it goes serene again.

"I have been observing your fellow lilim, Mr. Dread. After seeing the example of Pilot Ikari choosing his own path in life, I decided to do the same."

"WHAT?!" Ignoring the bellow, Kaworu goes on.

"And live amongst your fellow lilim so that I may understand them better. Consider it… a research project of sorts." Seething can be heard from Dread's end before he regains control.

"To what end, Tabris?"

"To see if humanity is as stagnant as you believe. I do not believe so, hence research is necessary." His smile becomes a smirk as he adds, "In fact, the more I view the world, the more I like it. It has… potential deep within its inhabitants."

"What potential?" Once again, Dread's ignored.

"If my calculations are correct, my research will take twenty years. Give or take five, of course." Dread's voice comes back again, seething still within.

"You will do as you are bid, Tabris. Do not forget I made your body."

"While it is true you made my current body, you forget that I'm the 'Angel of Free Will'. And I choose to use my free will to do as I wish to proceed."

"This is unacceptable, Tabris!" Kaworu, however, once again, happily ignores the shout.

"So, on that note, Mr. Dread, consider this my resignation in your deluded scheme. Effective immediately. Oh, be sure to read the newspaper tomorrow. It doesn't matter which one." Kaworu then extends his hand out toward the surface of the bay as Dread's voice comes out of the speaker.

"I order you to commence your operation, Tabris! Do you hear me?! Carry it out!" Nonchalantly, Kaworu drops the phone into the bay, ending the phone's use.

"You will not believe how long I've wanted to do that." Smirk on his face, Kaworu stretches his arms out and yells out, "FREEDOM!" After the yell, he begins laughing joyously before turning around and walking into the city proper. Tapering off his laughter, he starts singing 'Hallelujah'. As he sings, he notices people gawking at him, which amuses him to no end.

'It seems they'd never seen someone singing in joy before.' Next thing he knows, he collides bodily into a large form. Falling to the ground, he says, "I'm terribly sorry. I wasn't even watching where I was going." He then hears a decidedly male chuckle and deep voice.

"It's cool. Up you get." A large hand reaches down and hefts him upward. Kaworu smiles as he dusts himself off.

"Thank you. I am Kaworu Nagisa." Kaworu then looks up at the man. Caucasian and has no hair. Yet he has a jovial expression on his face. Along with his head being shaped like a ball-peen hammer. With his face formed like the 'ball-peen' portion.

"Name's Steve Barnes. But you can call me 'Hammerhead', Kaworu." Kaworu nods in greeting before he asks, "What brings you to San Fran?"

"I'm looking for a fresh start." The man smirks softly at that.

"You came to the right place, kid. I'm here for the same thing myself. And this time, I ain't gonna fuck it up." Gesturing ahead, 'Hammerhead' goes on. "You thought about how you want your fresh start to go?"

"I'm… not really sure how to go about it, actually." Kaworu can't help but feel sheepish at that.

"Hmm… a new hair style and color might be a good start. Maybe even a tan. Especially if you're trying to lay low if it was a bad situation." Kaworu considers it before nodding.

"Very well, I'll put myself in your care."

"Alright. I happen to know a place not too far from here."

(Dread's lair; same time)

"Tabris! Tabris! Answer at once!" Angrily gritting his teeth, Dread throws the phone in his hand down onto the floor before jumping up and down on it. "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO BECOME A GOD WHEN NOT EVEN THE FINAL MESSENGER WILL CARRY OUT THEIR FUCKING MISSION?!" Hearing the phone's casing break into pieces, Dread snarls before calming himself back down.

"Alright. The 'Scenario' seems to be no more. So be it, then. If I can't become a God, then…" Turning toward the tubes, Dread's face alights in sadistic glee.

"I shall destroy what's left of the world. Should that fail, well, it's a good thing I have a backup plan. But first…" Bringing another phone out from his desk, he adds, "I need to show Psycho the repercussions of not doing my bidding any longer. Seeing as he's once again the 'Honorable Marine'…" Dialing a number, he listens intently for a reply.

"United Nations Military Police."

"I'd like to report the location of a deserter from the late '90s. He'd faked his death so he can engage in international terrorism. He's in Tokyo-3, under the employ of UN Agency NERV."

"The name?"

"US Marine Gunnery Sergeant Peter Sychola." Dread's grin goes wide as he hears the reply.

"I'll pass it on to the Provost Marshal. Can I get your name so if needed you can testify?"

"You have no need for my name as I'm just happy to do my part."

"Sir, regulations do not allow for anon…" Annoyed, Dread ends the call.

"I can care less about your regulations." Grinning smugly, he adds, "This ends that little caper. Pity. Oh well. Since that 'Doctor' and his crew are dead, no one other than Cochrane and the Fed's son know what I did, I am in the clear. And I can easily enough have the son discredited. Just from him associating with Psycho in itself." However…

(UNMP HQ; Richmond, VA; same time)

"Alright, let's get some background on the Gunny. Including his 'supposed' death." As the General-ranked Provost Marshal looks over his staff, he notices one of his Junior Officers blinking. "Something wrong with your eyes, Lieutenant?"

"No, sir. It's just… there's a case with that name on it within the archives from before UNLEC was formed. It's an abducted person masked as a homicide case, run jointly by the FBI and NCIS. It was being investigated as such because the ME found that the body was not that of the Marine."

"Alright. Get hold of the Agents that investigated the case, along with the one that initiated the case."

"That's going to be a problem, sir."

"How so?"

"The NCIS Agent and FBI Agent are both deceased, sir. As is the CO."

"Let me see, Gunsterm." The PM looks over the Lieutenant's shoulder and frowns deeply. "The timing of that call… the Agents and CO dead… almost as if the caller… send word to our Tokyo-2 office. They're to send a six MP detail to Tokyo-3 to take Gunny Sychola into protective custody until we can get the whole mess figured out." Gunsterm nods as she does so while the PM looks toward the Officer that took the call. "And the caller refused their name?"

"Yes, sir. Almost as if… he had something to hide."

"They always do. See about getting an ID on that number."

"Yes sir."

(Ikari Apartment; one hour later)

"I'm home." Rits' gentle call is answered by silence, getting her to lightly frown. 'He must've had to go out…' Keying her earpiece comm., she asks, "Berto?"

"Go ahead, Rits."

"Where's Shinji at?"

"He, Misato and Asuka got called out to do a joint UNLEC/Interpol bust. They're on the way back to Tokyo-3 now from Old Osaka."

"How bad?"

"I think it'll be best for you to not know, Rits. It wasn't… very pretty."

"I don't doubt that, Berto." Rits then yawns as she undresses while going into the bedroom. "I guess the evening I had with Mom and the UNBI Agents was somewhat pleasant. Considering…"

"That bad, huh?" Rits can only smile softly at Berto's commiseration.

"Yeah." Gently rubbing her belly, hoping to draw strength, she murmurs, "Is it really possible to stay positive when crap like what's happened in the world happens, Berto?"

"There have been times when I've wanted to say 'Screw this shit' and do scientific research elsewhere. Or perhaps be a stand-up comic. But what do I know about stand-up comedy?"

"I'd actually pay good money to see that, Berto." Rits' smile becomes a smirk as she adds, "You'd knock 'em 'dead' for sure."

"I guess it's worth a try."

"Yeah. And you can bet Mom, Shinji and I'll be there. Laughing our heads off. After the baby's born, of course." Going serious, she then asks, "Is it really possible, though?"

"All anyone can really do is try, Rits. If we don't try, then we might as well tell the last Angel 'Come on and kill us already! We can't take this crap anymore!'. And you know the Angel will be more than happy to accommodate us."

"Yeah. All too well." Rits' brown eyes start shedding tears before she rubs her belly even more before her face takes on a determined look. "But we are not ready or willing to die, are we?"

"Hell no, Rits. After all, humanity as a whole survived a lot of crap over the centuries. 2nd Impact may have killed half of us, but it was because of a bunch of old farts with Godhood level delusions of grandeur."

"Fuckin' assholes." Berto's resulting chuckles get Rits to smile once again.

(Tokisona/Uramishi safe-house; same time)

Opening her eyes, Shizuka smiles softly at the simple band on her finger before gazing toward her husband. The past fifteen hours had been the most exhilarating, yet nerve-wracking, of her life. She and Scott had gone to the nearest JoP and, after expressing their desire for a small, quiet wedding, got married.

Mark, Jamie and Alex met them at the JoP office in Portland. As their witnesses watched, Scott and Shizuka exchanged their vows. With tears in her eyes, Shizuka happily received her new husband's kiss. In the background, however, her eyes picked up a softly smiling African-American man in his sixties. Wearing a blue business suit. But before she can make any sense of it, the man rose to his feet and exited.

'Quite odd. I don't recall ever meeting him. When I asked Scott, he didn't recognize him either. Nor did the other Marshals. Not even Dr Tokisona. So who was he?' Little does she realize her family situation is about to take on an unexpected twist.

At a small motel five miles away from the safe-house, the man that was there is in a video conference. His glee is evident in his voice and face as he speaks.

"I found him, Eugene. He's currently ensconced in a cabin five miles away from me." The slightly younger red-haired Caucasian man smiles softly on the screen as the man goes on. "He's a UN Marshal and he just got married. A very pretty young lady and, from how she was caressing her belly, she has precious cargo. He's also with other Marshals, which means they're on the clock."

"On the clock? Which means… he started out protecting her but nature took its course." The man nods softly as Eugene asks, "He's not… like me, or Valerie, is he?"

"No. I even had trouble believing it myself. He grew up well." Eugene smiles softly before looking to his side and nodding.

"Valerie and I would like to meet with them, Raymond. In particular with Scott."

"Are you sure, Eugene?" Raymond can't help but be concerned at that.

"We… owe him a massive explanation." Eugene's eyes drip with tears before he blinks them clear. "It's just… how can we justify what we did?"

"You two did the only thing you could think of because you didn't and couldn't trust yourselves with him."

"Could you really blame us, Raymond?" The soft feminine voice to Eugene's side can't help but get Raymond to grin softly. "In one of our chats while we were… recovering from the waterfall, Eugene told me that you told him that he was like me. A walking disaster zone." Raymond can only wince at that.

"I admit, that was very harsh of me."

"It was also accurate." Eugene gives a soft chuckle while adding, "I still feel that straw up my nose to this day." Raymond can't help but guffaw while nodding.

"I still can't believe you two managed to survive that waterfall."

"Neither can we." Their deadpan reply gets Raymond to guffaw again before he sighs.

"When do you think you want to meet them?" Eugene looks to his side and nods right back before looking back toward Raymond.

"Daylight. We'll be at your hotel by sun-up tomorrow." Raymond nods his understanding before yawning.

"I'll see you then. Oh, and Eugene and Valerie?"

"Yes, Raymond?" Their tandem reply gets him to snicker softly.

"Try not to get hurt while reuniting with Scott. You'll probably scare your daughter-in-law." The twin raspberry can't help but put Raymond in stitches.

(NERV HQ; Section-2 Barracks; Machiko's quarters; same time)

As Jenk and Machiko kiss fervently, Machiko barely remembers to lock her door before undoing her white blouse. Revealing her lack of bra and small firm conical breasts. Upon feeling a hand go under her black skirt's waistband, she grins against his lips before ending the kiss.

"Mmm, you're certainly eager."

"Can you blame me?"

"No. I can't as I'm just as eager."

Unzipping the skirt's side-zipper, she allows it to fall, revealing blue bikini cut panties with a pink bow on the front. As Jenk's fingers gently probe her covered lower lips, Machiko gently bites her lower lip in ecstasy. Until she feels a hand gently cup her right bosom, the palm gently grazing her nipple.

"Jenk…" She then gasps as she feels Jenk's lips and tongue make contact with her left nipple before he starts gently suckling on it. "Mmm… that feels nice." Feeling his other hand cupping her crotch, his middle finger rubbing her slit, she starts trembling. "Oh, Jenk, I need… to take my… panties off… before...they're ruined." Jenk curtails his suckling before looking up into her eyes.

"I can do that for you, Machiko."

"Okay. But please be gentle with them."

Machiko can't help but feel anxious as they're her favorite pair. Only for her anxiousness to be soothed as Jenk gently runs them down her slender legs, admiring the brown hairs on her lower segment before looking back up to her face.

"You are so beautiful." Machiko smiles warmly at him before smirking.

"Thank you, Jenk-kun. Allow me to return the favor." Machiko then bends down and undoes his belt before opening his trousers. "Let's just see what kind of 'weapon' you have in here, shall we." Reaching in, she gasps in delight at the warm flesh before licking her lips. "I see you went 'Commando', Jenk."

"What can I say? That blood smell from the LCL's gonna be Hell to get rid of. I'm lucky that there was soap in the shower to help get rid of the smell." Machiko softly smiles at that while stroking his member before he adds, "I better bring my trousers down."

"I'll handle that, since you did my panties." With great care, she eases them off of him and licks her lips again before stroking him again. Looking up to his face, she then winks before engulfing him into her mouth.

"M… Machiko!" As the young woman bobs her head up and down, he gently runs his hand along her hair. "Oh… man…" Feeling Machiko giggling, he chuckles himself. "That kinda tickles." Machiko stops her sucking before positioning herself to straddle him. Her cheeks red in blush as Jenk holds her hips. "Machiko… are you sure you want to have… my baby? You barely know me, after all."

"I know enough about you, Jenk. Lisa was most informative about how dishonorably you'd been treated. I fully intend to show that whore what she threw away."

With that, she quickly sinks herself onto Jenk's member, piercing her maidenhead in one blow and getting her to gasp in shock. Feeling Jenk wrap his arms around her, she returns the embrace as she feels the pain subside. As tears drip from her eyes, she feels Jenk's lips on hers before she kisses him back. As their tongues dance, the pain becomes pleasure before she tentatively moves. Jenk feels the motion and moves just as tentatively before Machiko ends the kiss. Her eyes smoldering.

"Let's make a baby, Jenk."

(Ikari apartment; same time)

"I'm home." Shinji's greeting is greeted by silence, prompting him to ask, "Rits?" At the lack of answer, he checks the bedroom and smiles softly at the sight of his 'wife', sleeping soundly on their futon. The palm of her right hand on her lower belly in a soft caress. Taking care to strip down quietly so as not to disturb her, he then gets onto the futon behind her. Only…

"I heard from Berto something came up."

"Yeah." Softly kissing her shoulder while snaking an arm around her and putting a hand atop the one on her belly, he smiles softly when she intertwines their fingers together. "Sorry I didn't leave a note."

"It's cool." Moving her hand along her belly, she smiles softly as his hand moves with hers.

"Hmm… I wonder."

"About what?"

"Will five be enough for us?" Rits can't help but sigh happily at the thought before turning to face him.

"As long as you can keep knocking me up, I'll bear as many children we can have. My… Birth Mother wanted a large family. 'Dumbass' took that away when he killed my birth parents." Shinji's lips on hers get her to moan in sheer delight as she gets onto her back and splays her legs open.

(UN SECGEN Office; 1500 hours)

"Oh my, my. Dread certainly did screw with a lot of people in his lifetime." Rachel pores over the list of people that had crossed paths with Dread under any one of his anagram-based aliases. Next thing she knows, she sees a name she recognizes through a feed from Dragonelle's comm. "This one shows promise."

(Tokyo-3; Treadwell Industries; same time)

As he goes over the paperwork for arranging transportation of the office furniture, Sam's gaze wanders over to the family picture and smiles softly. Only for the ringing of the phone to grab his attention.

"Treadwell."

"Sam Treadwell, Captain, USAF, final unit 1258th Air-Cav. AKA the 'Reapers'. Call sign 'Dark Scythe'. Qualified to fly the F-104 Starfighter, A-37 Dragonfly and F-5 Tiger. On General Jensen's short-list for promotion to Major before the mission that decimated half of the unit." The sound of SECGEN's voice gets Sam to blink before he chuckles lightly.

"You're well-informed, Madam SECGEN."

"I also know your pending promotion was cancelled because of your 'voluntary discharge' in lieu of court martial for striking a superior officer. However, given the facts that've just come up, I'd like to extend to you an opportunity."

"What kind, ma'am?"

"To settle the score with the person that ruined everything."

"Sounds fun. But what're the facts that came up?"

"The man you decked committed a federal offense by impersonating a Lieutenant Colonel." Sam's stunned silence tells her all. "Correct. He wasn't even in the military. So you shouldn't have been charged to begin with. Let alone forced to resign your commission. He'd forged his credentials with the aim of decimating your entire unit on behalf of the combined cartels. Only for it to backfire as half of the 'Reapers' survived the mission."

"That miserable sack of shit son of a bitch…"

"My sentiments exactly." Rachel's voice then becomes velvet-wrapped steel as she adds, "With that in mind, Captain, you and your unit are due some payback." Sam's so flabbergasted, he doesn't notice Edith in the doorway until she clears her throat.

"Um, can I have a moment to confer with my wife, ma'am?"

"Most certainly." Sam puts the call on 'Hold' and looks toward Edith, prompting the redhead to smirk softly.

"Who is it, Anaheim?"

"UN SECGEN." Edith's eyes go wide in shock as Sam nods. "I know."

"What's up?"

"An opportunity for payback." Edith's smirk becomes a scowl before she gives her reply.

"What are you waiting for, then? Tell her you're in."

"You sure? What about Emmy?"

"She's getting to be a big girl, Sam. She'll understand." Crossing to his desk and eying the picture, she adds, "If I had the chance to pay that bastard back for killing my parents, I'd jump at it." Sam nods his understanding before smirking.

"I'll give him your regards." As Edith nods her approval, he resumes the call.

"I'm in."

"Most excellent. Any questions?" As it is, he has only one question for her.

"Where and when do I report, ma'am?"

"El Toro UNMCAS, ASAP. You'll get further details from General Mullins."

"I understand, ma'am. I'll catch a red-eye out tonight."

"Splendid. As per my authority as UN SECGEN, you're now back on Active Duty, at the rank of Major. Oh, and Major Treadwell?"

"Yes ma'am?" Rachel's voice comes back, ice-cold in tone.

"When you get that worthless bastard in your crosshairs, make him suffer. Immensely." Sam can only give a grimly feral grin at that.

"It'll be my pleasure, Madam SECGEN." When the call ends, he sees tears welling in Edith's eyes. Rising to comfort his wife, he feels her mass collide against him, her arms wrapping around him tightly.

"I don't care how, Anaheim, but do whatever it takes to come back to us." Sam nods before gently bringing her chin up to his level.

"I will." At that, the two engage in the longest kiss possible.

(El Toro UNMCAS; 1258th Air-Cav 'Reapers' staging area; twenty hours later)

In the hangar, voices chattering in unison for the reunion are filled with both joy and sorrow. After their unit was put on 'stand down', the 'Reapers' slowly drifted apart. From the 125 that survived the last mission, only 124 are present. With the remaining member elsewhere. Only until one of the 'Reapers' glances around and blinks upon seeing a familiar face and grins.

"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle." Turning to the others, he calls out, "Guys, 'Dark Scythe' is on deck!" Hearing the yell and his call sign, Treadwell can only shake his head.

"Only you, Bobby." Bobby Granger gives Treadwell a sheepish grin before he adds, "It's damn good to see you again, 'Psycho Scythe'. Been a long time."

"Likewise, DS." Bobby then blinks before adding, "Or perhaps I should say Major DS." Treadwell blinks as well before remembering the Major leaf on his collar. Smirking softly, he nods back toward Bobby.

"Yeah, came with the recall."

"Oh, so you're why we're back together. Mostly, anyway." Treadwell blinks again before nodding.

"How's Jane?"

"As well as can be expected. How about you?"

"A wife and daughter."

"If that don't beat all. How long?"

"About 17 years. Our little girl just turned 14 eleven months ago and we missed it just by being in Tokyo-3."

"Wha… what're you doing where those aliens are attacking?"

"My company's been building the buildings under automation. But we're in the process of pulling out." Smirking, he adds, "In fact, we were wrapping up the logistics for the pull-out when I got the call."

"Groovy." Sam snickers at the quip before he kinks his head to the side.

"Who's General Mullins, anyway?"

"Our new CO since... Oh… right." His face going grim after he blinks, he adds, "I take it you hadn't heard about General Jensen."

"No, I haven't. What happened?"

"He '.45d' himself five years back. No note."

"Damn. What's Mullins like?"

"From what we can determine so far, he's a good politician and a skilled strategist, but a shitty pilot." Looking around and seeing the grins on the faces of their fellow 'Reapers', Bobby echoes their grin before turning back to Sam. "You've always been the eloquent one, Major."

"Right." Clearing his throat, he calls out, "1258th, attention!" At the prompt response of them going ramrod, Sam goes on. "My fellow 'Reapers', we all know a certain sack of shit and his friends and what they did to half of us." At the sight of their faces going feral, he adds, "Our enemy has a long overdue appointment, 'Reapers'. Let's help them keep it."

"HOORAH!"