Absence, Part 3
Please Read and Review. I'd like to know what I'm doing right (to keep doing it), and what I am doing wrong (to correct it)
Day Two
Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ, Evangelion Cage Nr. Five
11:07 A.M.
"Looks like it's sleeping, doesn't it, Makoto?" Major Katsuragi leaned forward on the safety rail, 20 meters above the head of the normally red Evangelion. The Angel's detonation had burned off the red paint, leaving only bare metal instead. "I have no idea how many tons of Bakelite are down there. But I still have the feeling it could get free at any time."
Lt. Hyuga looked down, at Unit-02's green eyes. "Well, there are no signs of any kind of activity there, Major. No heat emissions, free electrons, electromagnetic fields, chemical reactions, nothing. If any of those is happening inside EVA-02, it's so faint we can't detect it. Well, apart from the magnetized backpack in the plug. That's the only thing there. For all practical purposes, it's perfectly still. Even a statue has more activity."
"I wouldn't be so sure it's really inert. Both Unit-01 and 02 have moved without energy. I cannot discount Unit-02 from doing it again, especially with a S2 Organ in play. We cannot trust it won't move by itself again."
"Yeah, we can't take chances, hence, that big block of Bakelite." Somehow, the soft glow of the four green eyes seemed to shift, just a little, almost as of it was looking right at him. A trick of the light, surely.
"Come on, let's check on the other EVAs." She said.
Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ, Commander's Lair
Same Time
"My, my, what an unexpected situation." Special Inspector Ryoji Kaji said with a smile, almost sitting on Commander Ikari's desk. Something he knew would aggravate the man, who preferred to conduct business at a distance. "I mean, how did you explain this to the Comitee? Two Evangelion Units going so far beyond specs!"
Vice-Commander Fujutsuki answered from his usual place, standing behind Commander Ikari's right side. "Unit-02 wasn't under the pilot's control. Unit-00 reacted to a pilot who hadn't been deployed for combat in it. Both Units displayed previously unknown capabilities, unlocked by desperate pilots."
"Unit-02 will stay frozen until the Comitee issues orders to the contrary." Commander Ikari added, barely moving from his usual pose.
"That's a very prudent decision." Kaji agreed. "But… isn't the pilot trapped inside? What is being done about it?"
"Yeah, what is being done about it, Commander Badshave?" Deadman demanded from the Astral Plane. "At least make it look as if you're trying, dammit!"
Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ, Evangelion Cage Nr. Five
Observation Room
Two Hours Later
Shrill alarms filled the air in the observation deck next to the Evangelion Cages.
Dr. Akagi grabbed Maya's chair, leaning forward to study the screen. Maya reported over the alarms noise. "It's hopeless. Unit-02 is rejecting the expulsion code. The Entry Plug didn't move at all."
"What about the back-up codes?" Dr. Akagi proposed.
"Rejected too. Not even a direct circuit has gotten through.
Major Katsuragi shook her head, 'As if Asuka herself was trying to stay in there. Why would she do that?' She thought.
Lt. Hyuga reported, looking at his screen. "The plug's video monitor has come back in line, transferring image to the main screen."
The image showed the seat and the control yoke, serenely immersed in LCL. There was no one in sight. The camera panned around, showing the empty Entry Plug, with a redundant note at the lower right of the screen: "Pilot Vanished". The only trace of Asuka was her empty Plugsuit, the backpack still attached to the seat, the high tech fabric moving slowly in the amber fluid.
Major Katsuragi gasped, "What the Hell? Where is Asuka?"
Dr. Akagi answered, her voice as flat as if reading her groceries list. "That's the consequence of a 400% synch, I'd say."
Major Katsuragi ran to the screen, not believing her eyes. "I can't believe it! What happened to Asuka?"
"Apparently, the EVA has claimed her for itself."
Misato's voice was cold and dangerous, "What does that even mean? What the hell is an EVA?!"
"It's something created by Man in its own image." Akagi answered, as if by rote. "I can't describe it any other way."
"Created by Man? Pfah! You just copied something found in the Antarctic! What I want to know is exactly what in the name of heaven and hell was the original!" Misato stamped a hand on the surface of a desk. Her anger spent for the moment, she continued. "What. Is. It?"
"It's not just a copy, it contains a human will." Akagi almost interrupted herself, but doing so would reveal more that she had already spilled.
"Of course it does! It's Asuka!" To Akagi's surprise, Misato slapped her, hard. A red mark in the shape of her hand appeared on her cheek. "Do something! Get her out of there! Find a way, dammit!"
Akagi looked away.
"Even if you don't, I'm sure we will do something." Deadman shrugged in the Astral Plane. "Just a matter of getting everybody in the same page."
Tokyo-3, Japan
Ayanami-Soryu Apartment
2:17 .P.M.
Shinji helped a nameless NERV agent, probably Section-2, to guide Rei into her home. As a precaution, the bluenette was in a wheelchair, with instructions to rest as much as possible for the rest of the day.
"Where's Asuka?" She asked, once the man left.
"Um…" Shinji hesitaded, just how much he dared to say? "Something happened, Rei. Asuka… she… she oversynched with Unit-02… and…"
Rei's eyes opened wide. "Oh, no." She gasped.
Shinji looked at the floor, Rei spoke again. "Absorbed." Her breath stuck in her throat. Her eyes stung. Despite their differences, she counted the bombastic pilot as a friend, and had she had a reference point, she would have thought of her as almost a sister.
Her fellow pilot squatted next to her. "She will come back, just have faith. I know she will come back."
They stayed in the apartment, keeping each other company in the almost empty building.
Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ, Commander's Lair
4:15 P.M.
"Here's Hikari Horaki's medical file, sir." Dr. Akagi said, professionally, the red mark on her cheek barely visible now, though it still hurt. "She is a very viable candidate for the pilot post. She is in perfect health. Incredibly healthy, in my opinion."
Commander Ikari took the file, and examined random pages. "Elaborate." He said, his lips barely moving. Behind Ikari's left shoulder, unseen and unheard, Deadman hummed to himself, reading quickly. He looked thoughtful, and rubbed his chin.
Akagi answered. "She is perfectly healthy, sir. Perfectly. After her vaccinations, there is not a single medical appointment, except for follow-ups to confirm there were no secondary effects to the vaccines, and two minor cases of sprained ankles in elementary school, and one in primary school. She has never been treated for any cavities, her family dentist even notes her teeth are worthy of study. Seems to be a family trait. Her grandfather and father are very healthy too. Apparently, the elder Horaki only has needed one extraction in his entire life, due to an accident that broke his upper incisives. He had to wear a bridge for a while, and eventually got two prosthetic pieces affixed. If she has ever caught a cold, she has not required a visit to the doctor."
Commander Ikari thought about it for a moment. "Mental issues?"
"None that could impede her performance. She is well adjusted, according to all tests. Shows an eagerness to excel, has organizational skills, and in her role as Class Rep she shows a willingness to both follow and enforce rules and procedures. The only mental handicap detected so far is a minor case of pyrophobia. Though it must be well controlled, as according to her file, she enjoys cooking and baking."
"Interesting. Any leverage?"
"Her family is upper-middle class, not rich, but there are no outstanding debts and they are frugal in their expenses. The elder sister works in a restaurant, and saves most of her wages towards college expenses. The father is an accountant, the grandfather was a janitor at New Concept Industries (1), and retired a year before Second Impact; since then, he tends to a small orchard as a hobby. I think we would have to use some emotional issues to recruit her, instead of financial reasons, as was the case with the Fourth Child."
"Evaluate her with that angle in mind. The mother was inducted?"
"Yes, a case of malignant cancer. She was inducted into Core 57, could be installed in an EVA Unit."
"No. The cores are to remain in their respective EVA Units, unless there are issues to impede their functions. Let's see if the Horaki girl can activate Unit-02. If so, we would have an Evangelion free from the umbilical cable available. An asset we cannot afford to not use." Commander Ikari pushed his glasses up his nose. "Continue the recovery process."
"Commander? The previous attempt failed and was dropped. I thought I was only to make a token effort."
"I'm very aware of that failure." His head didn't move, but his eyes darted quickly to her, "But our knowledge of the Evangelions' inner workings has increased since. Make a legitimate effort. It is even possible that the link between the future Fifth Child and the Second will work in our favor. The Second Child's status as a pilot is not relevant, but her possible recovery from Unit-02's Core could be the breakthrough we need."
'To rescue your precious Yui, you mean.' Dr. Akagi kept her face carefully neutral, but the pang of anger and hurt in her heart was like a knife.
Deadman looked up from the still open file, shaking his head in mockingly false simpathy. "Gendo, Gendo, Gendo; my dear chap. You are digging yourself a nice grave! I was not the most observant guy back when I was alive, but I am Sherlock Holmes next to you! I will have to keep an eye on Dr. Dyejob here. She's gonna bust your butt real good if she gets half a chance. Scorned woman and all that." He chuckled, "I wonder if we could even recruit her! Hmm… or maybe…" he rubbed his chin again, "Ok, put a pin on that, check with the Stranger, save the world. Now, where were we.. "
Quintessence Plane
The Past
The image of Earth spun serenely in the dark emptiness of space, surrounded by a barely visible green bubble. Under it, beings of great power gathered, exchanging impatient looks.
Finally, the last member of the conclave appeared, the Phantom Stranger nodded solemnly at his companions.
"Well… what did you find?" Zeus asked impatiently. His encounter with the Hecatae had shaken him to the core, and was in no mood to waste time.
The Stranger extended his hands, and the Dead Sea Scrolls appeared. "Metron is working on translating the scrolls, he is making good progress. What I can tell you now is this: misguided men have misunderstood the purpose and scope of the entities who wrote the scrolls, and in their hubris, have set events in motion that will destroy us all."
Shazam shook his head. "Is there nothing to do? I refuse to accept such a fate."
Ganthet's big eyes shone on his blue face, the old red robe fluttered in an inexistent wind, and the Green Lantern symbol on his chest glowed. "So do I. I have protected the Galaxy for long aeons, and Earth will be the birthplace of our successors. I won't surrender just like that."
Highfather nodded, "I don't dare to stay for long. Darkseid's attacks are getting bolder each time. Not only on New Genesis, I fear his search for the Anti-Life Equation will expand far from Earth."
The Stranger nodded gravely. "Without Earth to focus on, Darkseid will undoubtably wage war on other star systems. Go to your people, Highfather, we all will go back to our respective duties in a few moments more. Anything else you'd need to be aware of, I will go to New Genesis to update you."
Highfather tilted his head respectfully, and disappeared.
Zeus shook his head. "So all our efforts were useless?"
"No." The Stranger said. "Even if fruitless, each one if us has proved our dedication to protect this planet, this galaxy, and this universe."
Shazam looked down. "Even absent, our last companion does so."
"You know the reason for the Spectre's absence." Zeus suppressed a shiver. Even gods feared the Wrath of the Spectre.
"I thank you all for your efforts." The Phantom Stranger said, ending the Quintessence meeting.
The others exchanged worried looks. And one by one, they vanished, until only the Phantom Stranger remained in the Quintessence Plane. The glowing sphere his only company in the dark void of space.
The Dreaming
Now
"Welcome back, Lady Kyoko." Lucien, the Librarian (2), opened the titanic, ornate wooden door for the guests of his master. "Lord Daniel is regrettably busy at the moment, I must say." The door closed silently after the two women had crossed the threshold. "Ah! I see." He exclaimed. "Congratulations on your reunification!"
He then adjusted his spectacles on his long, aquiline nose, "And this charming young lady must be your daughter. The family resemblance is clear to the eye. Welcome, young Asuka." He bowed exaggeratedly.
"Uh, yes. Thank you…" Surprised, Asuka bowed back clumsily.
"Lucien, if you please." He adjusted his cravat. "I am Chief Librarian in my Lord Daniel's castle, though I can play butler in a pinch."
"This place can't really exist, can it?" Asuka asked, looking around at the impossible architecture. Ceilings so high they lost themselves in the heights, doors made for giants next to rooms made for ants, furniture that made he eyes water, and stairs that looked like M.C. Escher had designed them.
"Indeed it can't, young lady. But the fact that it can't exist doesn't make it any less real." Lucien said with a cryptic smile, as he was about to guide the guests along an impossibly long hall. Suddenly, a fat man with a short beard and moustache emerged from a lateral door, and stumbled, falling to the ground in front of them. His old fashioned clothes wrinkled and dirty in elbows and knees.
"No, brother! P-Please, take that t-thing away!" He managed to move his body away from the place a double headed axe imbedded into the floor. "I didn't mean it!" He had barely dodged an emasculating axe strike. The wielder of said axe was a rail thin man, with yellow tinted spectacles, a kind of scar on his forehead that Asuka didn't see clearly, and a short beard similar to the one Commander Ikari had (though bifurcated), putting him instantly in Asuka's bad list. The guy wore a kind of hunter jacket, with square pockets bulging with some stuff Asuka didn't recognize. With some effort, he pulled the axe off the wooden floor raising it above his head.
"Hey!" Asuka yelled as the axe was behind the man, interposing herself between him and his would be victim, but ready to punch the man in the face. "Leave him alone, you bully!"
"Whu?" The man managed to say, exactly when he was unbalanced by the weight of the axe. He stumbled back, lost his balance, and promptly fell backwards, hitting the wall with the axe and breaking the support of a shelf. A marble bust of Athena fell on his head.
To her surprise, the man stood immobile for a couple of seconds, still holding the axe, and with a trio of canaries flying circles around his head. His eyes crossed comically, and only then, he fell down like a plank. The axe vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Oh, my." Kyoko said. "Cain (3) is gonna be so cross."
"You know this maniac, Mama?"
The rotund little man stood up, trembling in fear, "He-he is my brother, Miss."
Lucien looked down at the unconscious man, the canaries looked up at Lucien. "We'll show ourselves out."
"Of course." He answered, perfectly at ease with the events. "Abel (4), are you Okay?"
"Ju-just a little sc-cared." He stuttered a lot, Asuka thought, offering him a hand to help him up. Abel hesitated for a moment, but accepted. After dusting his clothes, he bowed deeply to Asuka, "T-thank you, miss, I thought C-Cain was gonna kill me again."
"What? What do you mean "again"?" Asuka glared at the downed man, who was snoring soundly.
"He does t-that all the t-t-time!" Abel said, his eyes darting between the red headed girl, and his still unconscious brother. "K-k-kill me, I mean."
"What?"
Kyoko grabbed Asuka's shoulder, "This is the Dreaming, mein Schatz. Things are very different here."
Lucien put a blanket over Cain, "Let him sleep for a while." He said. "I'll make sure your brother won't do anything rash when he wakes up. My deepest apologies, ladies, I fear I must tend matters with Cain, but Abel is a most excelent host, and you'll be perfectly safe at his house. Abel, would you take host duties in the meanwhile?"
"S-sure, Lucien! Gladly!" Abel's face lit up. "C-come! I'll tell you a story if you can keep the secret!"
As if propelled by a spring, Cain sat up for a moment, pointing at the ceiling, "And then I'll tell you a story!" He said, slurring the words, and fell down again. Lucien adjusted the blanket over him.
"Oh, my!" Abel tried to hide behind Kyoko. An impossible attempt, even in the Dreaming.
"Wait a minute! I am not moving a foot until I get some answers!" She pointed at Cain, "He was trying to kill you!"
"He was, yes." Abel said, excitedly. "Let's go to my house, b-before he wak-k-kes up, I'll t-tell you a bit, and then a st-tory! Only for you!"
"Let's go then!" Kyoko smiled happily, pulling Asuka behind. "See you later, Lucien! Our regards to Lord Daniel!"
"Certainly, Lady Kyoko."
Once they left, Lucien listened attentively, waiting for some kind of catastrophe befalling the girl. "Hmm… interesting." (5)
Author Notes.
After some thought, I decided to rename the chapters dealing with the recovery efforts, so, the previous Interludes have been retitled as "Absence". You don't need to go back, as the text is the same, only the title itself has changed. Now, to the numbered notes.
(1) New Concept Industries was one of Yuchiro Takata companies. It was instrumental in the economic recovery of Japan after Second Impact. It was mentioned back during the study meeting in Misato's apartment. Yuchiro Takata himself disappeared mysteriously sometime after Second Impact. Both New Concept Industries and Yuchiro Takata debuted in Martian Manhunter issue 2 (Jan, 1999).
(2) Lucien is a sentient part of the Dreaming. Nominally, he is in charge of the Library, including a full wing, containing the books that were not written, the ones that only exist as unrealized possibilities. If you have ever thought of writing a book, but didn't, that book is in the Dreaming Library. Lucien debuted in Weird Mystery Tales, issue 18 (May, 1975) as a host and narrator of horror tales.
(3) Cain is one of the classic host of horror tales in DC. He debuted (along with his brother, Abel) in Picture Stories From the Bible, Old Testament, issue 3 (Spring, 1943), though he is better known as the host and narrator in House of Mystery, starting in House of Mystery issue 175 (Aug, 1968). His hobby, apart from narrating horror stories, is to repeatedly kill his brother Abel.
(4) Abel is another host/narrator. He is known as the First Victim, as he is the biblical Abel. He debuted as a narrator in DC Special, issue 4 (Sept, 1969).
(5) Being the first murderer, Cain received a mark on his forehead. Anybody who harms Cain, will suffer seven instantaneous disasters. Lucien was half expecting Asuka to suffer some retribution, but there are extenuating circumstances here, namely, Asuka acted in defense of Abel; she had no intention to harm Cain; and, technically, Cain just had an accident.