BEGIN.


Amidst the bustling activities of the Neo-Nerv facility, Satsuki found herself locked in a heated debate with her new team, standing at a critical juncture regarding the necessary modifications for the Trident Land Cruiser.

"This is a completely different design." Kaede asserted, her gaze fixed on the files Koji had uploaded onto their tablets.

"Implanting a neural system and nerve connections into a machine of this magnitude?" Satsuki questioned, her voice laced with skepticism. "Is that even-"

"We didn't have a choice," Mitsuru interjected, cutting off her sentence. "The Commander pushed for this, defying even his fellow peers."

"The former commander may have spearheaded this initiative, but commander Nagisa would ne-" Satsuki's words were abruptly interrupted by Kaede's interjection.

"The neon engine isn't even compatible," Kaede countered, her tone filled with doubt.

"We'll find a way to make it compatible," Hajime insisted, his optimism and determination shining through.

"How?" Satsuki demanded, her confusion evident as she struggled to comprehend his unwavering confidence. Just then, a flustered woman burst into the room, gasping for breath as she entered.

"Hi, everyone," the woman greeted nervously.

"This is Hitomi Kaga," Hajime introduced. "She's a metaphysicist and biologist, and she just might have a solution to enhance your cockpit design and, possibly... the entire system."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Aoi inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Hitomi swiftly produced a USB stick and inserted it into the main computer. The screen illuminated with a projection revealing a radically different cockpit design—an enhanced version of their entry plug—accompanied by unfamiliar schematics.

"Currently, your pilot is situated in an exposed environment, burdened with an overwhelming number of controls and switches," Hitomi began her explanation. "Moreover, the neon engine is burdened with numerous tasks. Operating in such a manner, it's no surprise that its operational duration is limited."

Satsuki sought clarification. "What exactly are you proposing?"

"With this new entry plug system," Hitomi clarified, "Everything is centralized within the spinal column, specifically the cervical region, rather than at the forefront of the mech. It mimics the structure of the human body."

Kaede interjected, recognizing the similarity. "Almost like an imitation of the human anatomy."

"Indeed," Hitomi affirmed. "All neural connections and nerves will originate from and terminate at the entry plug. The pilot will be submerged in a protective fluid, akin to a viscous medium."

Mitsuru eagerly delved into theory. "So, in the event of the mech toppling over or requiring sudden movements..."

"The fluid's resistance to water molecules will absorb the kinetic energy, dampening any abrupt motions," Koji interjected, completing Mitsuru's thought.

Satsuki grasped the concept. "Similar to a bullet fired underwater."

"Precisely," they both affirmed in unison.

Aoi voiced her concerns, her dissatisfaction apparent. "But how will the pilot breathe in such a scenario?"

Hitomi responded promptly, addressing the issue. "The pilot will be equipped with a respirator mask linked to a full tank of oxygen, it should last for at least 30 minutes."

Satsuki, her tone filled with concern, challenged the proposal. "She's already risking her life, and now you're suggesting she takes on double that?"

Hitomi attempted to reassure Satsuki, addressing her concerns. "In the event that the tank is compromised, there is an emergency ejection system in place. The pilot will be safely ejected from within the mech."

Satsuki's questioning continued. "What about water temperatures?"

Hitomi responded confidently. "We have implemented an internal heating-cooling system that allows for temperature adjustments. The pilot will not suffer from exposure once outside the mech, nor will she experience overheating from within."

Before Aoi could interject with her own thoughts, the echoing sounds of footsteps reverberated through the hallway, drawing their attention. An agent entered the room, his voice cutting through the air. "You've initiated a new kind of arms race."

Curiosity piqued, Satsuki inquired, "And who might you be?"

"I am Kyoya Kenzaki," the agent introduced himself. "I am responsible for your intelligence and protection."

Satsuki gestured toward the tablet he placed on the table. "And what brings you here?"

Kyoya explained the urgency. "While you all continue to discuss the technicalities of this ground-breaking system, the Americans have already began building their own... and they have a pilot."

Satsuki's shock was evident. "Already!?"

"Yes, already," Kyoya confirmed, his voice steady and resolute.

Kaede's eyes scanned the intricate schematics, her expression filled with unease. "What we're engaging in here... it feels like sacrilege."

Aoi, visibly disturbed, slammed the tablet onto the table and abruptly exited the room, leaving behind an air of discontent.

Satsuki's gaze fixed upon the tablet, her eyes darting across the screen, absorbing the information. "What is the pilot's name?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity and concern.

"Maria Vincennes," Kyoya responded, his tone even. "I suggest you check your work emails. You should find all the details you're cleared to access."

Satsuki's fingers tapped on the tablet's surface as she delved deeper into the information. Another name crossed her mind. "And what about Mayumi Yamagishi?"

Kyoya's response was measured. "Mayumi Yamagishi is the daughter of a U.N. representative, specifically a council member. She possesses remarkable intelligence."

Satsuki's brows furrowed as she processed the implications. "And we are seriously considering her as a pilot?"

Kyoya's silence and shrugged shoulders spoke volumes, prompting a mix of frustration and resignation in Satsuki. She shook her head, her voice filled with a sense of defeat. "Wonderful... Just wonderful."

Amidst the focused silence, Kaede's voice broke through the air, still engrossed in the contents of the files. "And what about this barrier?"

With a hint of reverence in his tone, Koji responded, "We call it Absolute Terror. It's an impenetrable, tactile shield, virtually invincible."

Satsuki, her curiosity piqued, sought further understanding. "But how did you come to create such an impregnable barrier?"

Mitsuru, confident in his response, clarified, "We didn't create it per se. Rather, it's an amplification of the pilot's psychic-mental barrier."

Hajime added his voice to the explanation. "Think of it as a force that binds one's essence together—a profound amplification of the soul itself."

Aoi, grappling with the concept, interjected with a question. "The soul?"

Satsuki, wanting to delve deeper, directed her inquiry to the source. "And where did you get this idea?"

Mari, who had been observing the unfolding drama with keen interest, finally spoke up. "That would be me. Ever heard of the Katsuragi expedition?"

Mitsuru, dismissing it as a futile endeavour, voiced his skepticism. "That was a dead end."

Mari, resolute in her conviction, responded, "No, it wasn't..."

A sense of unease settled over the room, and Kaede, her voice barely audible, expressed her apprehension. "This isn't going to end well."


A few weeks later...

Amidst the urgency of the mission, Satsuki voiced her disbelief. "Repairs in such a short time? How is that even possible?"

Mari, donning a playful grin, retorted, "I'm a miracle worker."

Satsuki, exasperated, rolled her eyes as they entered the central command—a briefing area that served as the Neo-nerv centre for all missions. Asuka had already familiarized herself with the operations, silently observing their every move. For now, Satsuki held the command, and Asuka respected her authority.

They stood in the testing site, anticipation filling the air. Kaede, immersed in her role, provided a brief status update. "Testing T•RIDEN•T systems with synthetic material."

Koji chimed in, his voice filled with assurance. "Neon Engines are stable."

Mitsuru, with a nod of confirmation, added, "T•RIDEN•T adjusting steadily."

Satsuki's voice resonated with determination. "Alright then, LAUNCH!"

With a firm push of the controls, Mana propelled forward, hurtling past the circular tunnel and emerging into the expansive expanse beyond. The mech felt more agile, less constricted. Manoeuvring became effortless, and without the burden of handling various gears and switches, Mana inched closer to achieving a harmonious unity with the machine.

Satsuki seized the opportunity to further evaluate their progress. "Mana, try activating your barrier," she commanded.

Puzzled, Mana inquired, "But how do I do that? You removed all the activation switches."

Satsuki's response was firm, her voice unwavering. "Just focus on a specific image, like an invisible wall. Concentrate your energy."

The weight of the moment hung in the air as Mana centred her thoughts, summoning the strength within her.

With focused determination, Mana channelled her energy, Activating the barrier field. As the protective shield enveloped her, a profound sense of tranquillity washed over her. It was as if she had melded with the surrounding waters, becoming one with the currents. However, this serene state was short-lived.

Observing the barrier's manifestation, Kaede couldn't help but voice her awe. "So that's what it looks like?"

Aoi, ever the pragmatic one, raised a valid concern. "Can we even measure that?"

Satsuki, maintaining her authoritative presence, demanded a status update. "Give me the pilot's status."

Aoi's gaze fixated on the interface, diligently running a diagnostics check. But the results that appeared on her screen perplexed her. "I can't really tell," she finally admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "These readings are...in another language."

Satsuki's confusion was evident. "Another language? What language is that?"

Aoi shook her head, her brows furrowed. "I don't know. It looks like some form of hieroglyphic, but I...I don't think..."

Before the gravity of the situation could fully sink in, the emergency screen flickered, jolting them into heightened alertness.

"I've lost connection with the plug system. It's gone blank," Kaede swiftly reported.

Satsuki wasted no time in seeking vital information. "What about her vitals?"

Aoi deftly switched her focus, studying the pilot's readings. Her voice carried a hint of worry as she relayed the unsettling findings. "Heart rate...elevated. Body heat and temperatures are increasing."

The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, the intensity of the mission escalating with each passing moment.

Satsuki issued her command with urgency. "Activate the cooling systems!"

Kaede's response carried a hint of desperation. "I'm trying, but they're not responding..."

Satsuki's focus sharpened as she seized the mic, her determination palpable. "Get me a connection with the pilot now!" She anxiously awaited the green light, gripping the mic tightly. Once the connection was established, she wasted no time. "Mana, can you hear me?"

Silence hung heavy in the air, intensifying the weight of the moment. Satsuki persisted, her voice laced with urgency. "Mana?" She paused, her heart pounding. "Pilot Kirishima, I order you to respond." Still, there was no reply. Panic surged within her. "Mana!" she yelled, the sheer force of her voice reverberating through the tense atmosphere.

Amidst the swirling chaos, Mana gradually opened her eyes, her vision clouded and distorted. She inhaled deeply through the respirator, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling upon her. The waters surrounding her took on an eerie orange hue, adding to the disorienting atmosphere.

"Satsuki, Mana is unresponsive," Aoi relayed the troubling information.

However, a glimmer of hope emerged from Aoi's subsequent report. "Vitals stabilizing. Temperatures are dropping. Shutting down the Absolute Terror field."

A mix of confusion and relief washed over Aoi and Kaede as they absorbed the baffling turn of events unfolding before them.

Examining the newly restored data, Koji's voice cut through the tension. "System connections have been restored. The pilot is... stable."

Satsuki released a heavy sigh, a blend of exhaustion and concern. "Mana, come back. That's enough for today," she spoke with a firm resolve, a touch of compassion resonating in her voice.

With Satsuki's command echoing in her ears, Mana acknowledged with unwavering obedience. "Yes, Ma'am," she responded, steeling herself for the journey back, both physically and mentally. The intensity of the mission lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the team's collective consciousness.


Shinji's apartment...

It was 5:00 in the morning, and the weight of sleeplessness pressed heavily upon Shinji's weary mind. Since that fateful day at the test launch, rest had eluded him, leaving him trapped in a restless cycle. The consequences of his sleepless nights were beginning to manifest. He had missed several rehearsals and practices, and the duties that came with being a teacher were slipping through his fingers. Tossing and turning in his bed, he felt ensnared by his own thoughts, entangled in a web of memories.

Mari, his roommate, had been consumed by her own late-night endeavours, leaving their apartment mostly empty. As for Asuka... the mere mention of her name stirred a whirlwind of conflicting memories. Asuka Shikinami... Soryu? The lines between past and present blurred, with some memories resurfacing while others faded into the recesses of his mind.

He pondered the strange occurrence, contemplating the reasons behind this sudden resurgence of past traumas. These were battles he thought he had left behind, a life he had tried to erase. Yet, in the darkness of the night, they emerged with a haunting persistence.

Finally, unable to find solace in his bed, Shinji rose and made his way to the kitchen. The soft glow of the city's late-night traffic cast eerie reflections upon the glass surfaces. Standing amidst the stillness of the apartment, he felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness seep into his bones. The weight of silence enveloped him, compelling him to gaze out into the world beyond the window.

After a while, he reluctantly turned away from the window and headed back to his room. It was then, in the midst of the hushed solitude, that the unexpected sound of the doorbell shattered the quietude. Late at night? Who could it be? Shinji wondered, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension welling up within him.

Approaching the door with cautious steps, he slowly opened it, revealing a figure standing on the other side. It was Asuka Langley-Soryu, or so she appeared to be.

"I'm starting to think I should get a restraining order," Shinji jested, his voice laced with confusion at Asuka's sudden appearance.

A faint smile played upon Asuka's lips as she responded, playing along with his comment. "It wouldn't really help, would it?" Her greeting held a tinge of forced cheerfulness. "Hi..."

Observing the bags in her hands, Shinji couldn't help but inquire, "What are you doing here?"

Asuka hesitated, her gaze wandering around the surroundings before she answered. "My place is undergoing some repairs," she explained. "I found myself with nowhere to go, and money is tight. So, I asked Mari, and she said I could crash with her for a while."

Shinji let out a weary sigh. "She said that, huh?"

"Look, I'm not thrilled about this either," Asuka admitted, her false smile faltering. "And I thought she had her own apartment. I didn't know that you two were living together."

"It's fine," Shinji chuckled, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Come in, we have an extra room."

Pouting slightly, Asuka shifted her bags and entered the apartment, taking in the spaciousness of the surroundings. "Upper class, huh?" she remarked.

Shinji shook his head. "Definitely not. I can guarantee you we're as middle class as can be. We can barely afford our groceries," he muttered under his breath.

"You say that, but this area seems nice. It doesn't look like you have any break-ins or robberies," Asuka commented.

"It's a great place and all, but..." Shinji paused, his gaze drifting towards the window. "Ever since we moved here, it's been nothing but stress and problems."

Curiosity gleamed in Asuka's eyes as she inquired, "What do you mean?"

"We used to live in a small city, Ube, Yamaguchi," Shinji revealed. "Life was so... easy back there."

Nodding in understanding, Asuka replied, "I was there for a while. It feels like a lifetime ago, but I know what you mean."

"Yeah," Shinji responded softly. "Anyway, I'm exhausted." He motioned towards the hallway, indicating the other room.

Once Asuka had settled into the apartment, her eyes scanned the surroundings, finally landing on the slightly untidy bed in the other room.

Curiosity getting the better of her, she couldn't help but ask Shinji, who was already lying on his own bed, "Don't you two sleep together?"

Shinji found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to explain their peculiar arrangement. "Well..." he began, searching for the right words. "It's... complicated."

Raising an eyebrow, Asuka pressed further, her voice laced with skepticism. "How complicated can it be?"

"We look out for each other," Shinji explained with a gentle smile. "We have each other's backs. But... we're not really... I don't know how to describe it."

"Okay..." Asuka's voice held a hint of acceptance as she retreated back to her own room, leaving Shinji to his thoughts.

Lying there in the darkness, Shinji contemplated their unusual dynamic, closing his eyes in an attempt to find solace and drift off to sleep.


In an undisclosed location, a group of men surrounded Commander Nagisa, their intentions shrouded in darkness. Tension hung heavily in the air as the interrogation commenced.

"Shinji Ikari?" one of the members inquired, his voice laced with curiosity. "Who is he?"

"He's an enigma," another member chimed in. "No trace of his past, a blank slate."

Commander Nagisa remained seated, his gaze distant and detached, until the head of the council directed a question his way. With a slight shift of his attention, he focused on the speaker. "Hmm?" he responded, appearing somewhat detached from the proceedings.

"Is he even paying attention?" a skeptical member scoffed.

"Why do you believe we should recruit this Shinji Ikari?" another interrogator pressed, his skepticism evident. "He lacks any military experience or training."

"He's like a phantom, barely leaving a trace," someone added. "It's almost a miracle that we even know he exists."

Kaworu paused for a moment, contemplating his response. "Well..." he began, his tone measured. "It's quite simple, really... He's the one we need."

"That's all?" a member questioned, his skepticism lingering.

"Please, Commander Nagisa, take this matter seriously," the most prominent figure in the room urged, his voice stern.

"I assure you, I am." Kaworu replied calmly. "Appearances can be deceiving. Despite his outward demeanor, Shinji Ikari possesses unique insights and knowledge that could greatly benefit our cause. I would be remiss were i to neglect this opportunity."

"And how do you know this."

"I just do." Kaworu replied, leaving no room for further questioning.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their decision pressing upon them. The darkness seemed to amplify the intensity of the interrogation, as they grappled with the enigmatic nature of Shinji Ikari and the potential impact he could have on their mission.

"You're still not telling us how." they persisted, their voices laced with frustration. Kaworu, seemingly unfazed, simply shrugged and settled back into his seat.

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" One council member grumbled. "You truly believe he's our best option?"

Kaworu's conviction remained unyielding. "Yes, he is." he insisted, his voice resolute.

Silence hung in the air as the council members pondered Kaworu's unwavering confidence. The weight of their decision loomed over them, each considering the potential risks and rewards.

"Fine," the head of the council finally spoke, his tone hesitant."We will bring this...Shinji Ikari... on board,"

"I understand the consequences." Kaworu affirmed, his determination unwavering. "His failures will be our failures, and his successes will reflect upon us. We bear the responsibility for anything that goes awry."

All the council nodded, a sense of cautious agreement settling among them.

"Very well," Kaworu accepted, acknowledging the weight of their agreement.

"In three days, we will receive two additional pilots as per our agreement with the Americans," the head of the council revealed. "And the mechs? All the necessary files have been sent to your branch, this meeting adjourned. Until next time Commander Nagisa."

The holographic projections flickered off, plunging the room into darkness. Kaworu sat alone, contemplating the gravity of the decisions made.

"Yeah...next time." He whispered to himself.

A few moments later, Mari entered the room, her presence offering a glimmer of light amidst the shadows.

"I'm guessing it didn't go so smoothly," she deduced, her voice filled with concern.

"It actually went better than we expected," Kaworu responded, his tone tinged with a mix of relief and uncertainty. "They've agreed to bring Shinji on board."

Mari's expression mirrored his mixed emotions. "I should be thrilled, but I can't shake the feeling that he may not want to come here," she expressed, her apprehension palpable.

"I know," Kaworu acknowledged, his voice filled with understanding. "But if anyone can convince him..."

"It's her," Mari finished his thought, nodding in agreement. The weight of their hopes and the intensity of their mission hung heavy in the room, as they relied on a fragile connection to bring Shinji into their world.


END.