Vertigo, Part 12

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.

Notes, the parenthesis indicates languages other than Japanese, in this case, English.

Day Seven

NERV Germany
Sublevel 26
Research and Development Laboratory (Secret location)

"(Are the samples viable, Herr Professor Morrow?)" Lorenz Kiehl asked plainly, in slightly accented English. Despite a decade and a half of collaboration, Morrow's persistent American accent made him almost unintelligible in German. The man just couldn't manage to speak German, though he understood it well enough for technical matters, and was extremely good with the written word. His reports were very clear in purpose and meaning.

"(Preliminary studies are positive, Herr Kiehl. Unit-02's S2 Organ is both viable and functional, the samples are stable and with just a bit of stimulation, they grow larger and generate more energy. I'll have to consult with Professor Ivo to develop proper containment measures, but I see no insurmountable difficulties for now.)" Morrow tapped quickly on the keyboard of his computer terminal, and showed the results in easy to follow graphics. "(The fiasco with Unit-04 showed us what not to do.)"

"(Do you have a possible date in mind?)"

"(I do not like to venture a guess with so little data, but tentatively, a prototype should be ready by next year, February or March at the earliest.)"

"(Unacceptable, Herr Professor. I want the Mass Production Evangelion's ready and operating by late November, at the most.)"

"(Our current resources…)" Morrow started.

"(Will be increased. We cannot afford to depend on the short-lived batteries the EVA Units currently use, not anymore.)" Kiehl stamped his walking cane on the floor, startling Morrow, "(The Fourteenth Angel was so close to unleash Third Impact because the batteries held insufficient change.)" Kiehl lied smoothly. But a lie based on the truth was so much more convincing. "(Check with Herr Professor Ivo and prepare a list of whatever you two will need. Equipment, staff, anything you can think of that will accelerate the making and installing the S2 organs in the MPEs.)"

Morrow nodded, "(It will be on your desk tomorrow afternoon, Herr Kiehl.)"He paused, "(Um… I wonder if you could answer a question Ivo and myself have. About the MPEs.)"

"(Ask.)" Kiehl grumbled.

"(Was it necessary to design such a creepy face? I can understand the foldable wings for deployment; but frankly, they look like the thrice-damned Joker designed their faces.)"

Kiehl nailed Morrow with a glare of his visor, "(The refinements of the cell growing process caused it. That is their true visage. Unlike the prototypes and the combat models, the MPEs have no need for helmets, armor, or even functional eyes.)"

"(I… I see. It was just idle curiosity.)" Morrow turned back to his tablet for an uncomfortable moment.

Kiehl ignored the answer and kept on walking, "(How is the Kaworu batch progressing?)"

"(Ivo has adjusted the parameters, using the Rei Dummy Plug data. All the simulations we've ran show their performance in combat will be more than adequate. Once the current, individual combat scenarios have finished, we will upload the team strategic modules. Starting with teams of two versus a single enemy. Simulations, of course.)"

"(Good, they must fight with ruthless efficiency, Herr Professor Morrow.)"

"(They will.)"The supervillain grinned. "(All the combat data from Tokyo-3 has allowed us to develop a close combat routine that's extremely versatile. The Second and Third Children synergy gave us some problems during the analysis stage. Turns out they are still showing a residual synch from their first combat deployment. They anticipate and compense for each other's actions like they have been training together for months, even years.)"

Kiehl said nothing for a moment. "(Natural talent, there is no other explanation.)" He turned towards Morrow, "(I'm satisfied with your current progress, Herr Professor Morrow. I'll be expecting your list of requirements. Good day.)"

He turned back to the door, and left the laboratory. To Morrow's relief. He returned to his work, comparing and evaluating the development of the embryonic Super Solenoid Organs. During a pause while the NERV Germany MAGI analyzed the data, he had some time to think. '(Well… more work for us, I guess. It's nice to have some job security. And things have been so much better since that maniac Donovan got himself turned to stinking goo. Who could have guessed the sample was tainted?)' He held back a nasty smile.

Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ
Pribnow Box Observation Deck

"I heard Toji had an… interesting reaction to this procedure, Maya." Major Katsuragi asked softly, while standing behind Lt. Ibuki's seat. Though normally, that specific post would have been occupied by her friend, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi. But the blonde scientists was too busy preparing Asuka's rescue.

"He didn't take it well at first, Major. Took me about half an hour to calm him enough for him to listen." Lt. Ibuki answered, a bit sharper than she normally would have.

"Easy, Maya. It's natural for a teen to react that way. I mean, having his new girlfriend walking around in the buff in an underground lab, with his male friend and another girl… that's gonna make his imagination go into overdrive and his emotions into several different directions at once."

"Sorry, Major." Maya shook her head. "It's just that this is my first time in charge."

"Yeah, first time nerves. Been there too. Don't worry, you're doing great so far."

Maya released a breath. "Thank you, Major."

"Just Misato. We went through a full brown pants event less than a week ago. I think we can go first name from now on."

Maya nodded, "I really appreciate the trust… Misato. Oh, it feels a bit strange."

"You'll get used to it. Now, how are things going?"

"Shinji and Rei's synch is lower than usual. He dropped four points and she went down seven. It must be stress over Asuka's situation."

"Yeah. I'm in the same boat. I can't sleep well. What about Hikari? Could she operate an EVA?"

"She is at 36.4% in the simbody; she could do it, but the response would be slow, and her sensory feedback low. However, for a first try, it's very good. Still, we cannot know her real score unless she's at the controls of a real Evangelion."

"Very good in any case." Major Katsuragi agreed and opened the comms. "You're doing well, kids. Try to relax and deepen the connection."

"Okay." Shinji answered, he sounded tired. Rei added an "Affirmative." While Hikari said, "I am trying, but can't focus."

"Would you like some music? Maybe that will help."

"Something soothing, please."

Misato looked at Maya. "Any suggestions?"

"Well… Shinji brought some classical music a while ago. Let me check the files."

A couple of minutes later, the notes of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata were heard in the three simplugs. "Is this okay?"

"Yes, thank you."

Later

"Well, that was a good choice, Maya; they are up almost half a point."

The House of Mystery
Commander Ikari's Office (facsimile version)

Asuka returned to the room, after a quick trip to the facilities. Strange how she was dreaming and still her mind was so convinced her body was functioning normally that she had to go. At least the bathroom was a modern one, the same kind available at NERV HQ. She wasn't sure what she would have done if the only bathroom in the House of Mystery had turned out to be an old outhouse over a septic pit. Probably with spiders. Big spiders.

Cain had opened a small fridge, and was eating a really stinky sandwich. Mockingly, he offered her the other half, and she declined as graciously as she could. What damned kind of cheese was that? It smelled absolutely rotten, but apparently Cain enjoyed it immensely.

He checked the digital watch on the wall, nodded to himself, and finished his sandwich. After wiping his mouth with a napkin that had the NERV logo printed multiple times, he stood up. "My turn. You can eat anything you want, except for what's in the polka dot orange container with black spiders. That's mine." As he left the room, he pushed a button, and the AC quickly extracted the fouled air.

But while Asuka cautiously examined the content of the fridge, she realized that the stupid contraption was now freezing the room!

Tokyo-3, Japan
NERV HQ
Central Dogma (formerly the Secondary Bridge)

"Wow! That's a serious change of look, Tomoyo!" Lt. Satsuke Ooi said, smiling appreciatively at her fellow Bridge Bunny, "Who's your hairdresser?"

Before Lt. Yamaguchi could answer, Lt. Kaede Agano clapped her hands happily. "I bet Makoto will notice you! That free-style do will do the job!"

"I hope so! A friend did all the work. To be honest, I was tired of my old hairdo."

"It looks very good! It compliments your eyes perfectly, you look like a model!" Lt. Aoi Mogami added. "I'd like to see if your friend can suggest me a new look." She shook her short hair to demonstrate. "Maybe a change in color or something."

They kept talking animatedly about Tomoyo's new look. Neither noticed when the object of Tomoyo's crush crossed the hall, stopping a moment at the door.

He certainly did notice Tomoyo this time.

Quintessence Plane

"Stop the presses! I got the scoop." Deadman practically danced in the air. "And didn't have to follow Commander Badshave to the showers!"

The Phantom Stranger tilted his head in silent approval.

Deadman punched the air above him. "The multiple-damned guy had Adam implanted right here!" He pointed at the palm of his right hand. "That's why he never takes the gloves off! He went to wash his hands, and I saw it. He has a weird fetus-like growth in his hand. The weirdest thing I have seen this week, I can tell you!"

"Hmm…" the Stranger thought about the I plications for almost a minute. "He might be able to use a part of Adam's power. However, he is now effectively a prisoner at Tokyo-3."

"What do you mean?" Deadman flew around the Stranger.

"If he leaves the city before an Angel manifests, the Angel will not follow Lilith's lure, it will go after Adam. "

"Ah! I see. He painted a big target on his own back! Can we arrange things so he has to, say… travel to NERV Germany?"

"Unfortunately, that would result in an attack against a city that doesn't have the resources to repel an Angel attack, and probably in Third Impact. No. It's better that Gendo Ikari stats right at the center of his web."

"Riiight… sorry. Got carried away." He said, contrite. "Meanwhile, the Hikari girl got a good score in her synch test. She might be able to handle an EVA, but she's not ready for combat. She's about Shinji's starting level. Dr. Dyehard reported that as soon as the Comitee clears it, and the repairs are complete, Hikari should try to synch with Unit-02."

"Did you ask Shinji about her?"

"Yeaup. He says he trusts Hikari, but would like to ease her into our little anti-conspiracy group. I think if you're gonna do your little trip down Memory Lane with her, you better take him along."

"I will do so. We cannot risk her stumbling upon our plans and revealing them to NERV and SEELE."

"The rubes would surely do something rash, wouldn't they?" Deadman rubbed his chin, "Big no-no. It would ruin my fun. And that would be terrible! Worse than some villain stealing forty cakes level!" (1)

"…Indeed." The Stranger answered after a few awkward seconds, Deadman smiled to himself, happy to have confused the mysterious man.

Later

"Lady Death has been very kind to me, Stranger. She allowed me to stay anchored to the mortal plane, in a way of speaking."

"Your duties require it."

"My duties, yes. But had she wanted, I would have been helpless to stay, and no matter my duties." Shazam, the ancien wizard sighed. "And now my champion is being granted a boon too, if he accepts it. Otherwise, I will need to choose a new champion to wield my power."

"Billy Batson has always had a good head on his shoulders, and a good heart. I am sure even without Solomon's Wisdom, he will choose the right way to follow."

Tokyo-3, Japan
Katsuragi-Ikari Apartment
Shinji's Lovely Suite

The only sound in the apartment was the soft tapping of keys in Shinji's room. Despite everything, he still had to do homework. He did his best to keep the faith on Asuka's return, but…

Suddenly, the text on the screen changed.

"You okay, kid? You don't look so good."

Shinji smiled in relief, the talkative wandering ghost was always welcome. In a much improved mood, he wrote. "I miss Asuka, Boston-San. I know she will come back, but I still worry something will go wrong."

"Try to keep that worry under control, buddy. Don't let it pull you down. BTW, I bring you good news! Also, Inspector Kaji is out, he went to get some food and we have about 10 minutes to talk. Well, you talk, I write, but that's the basic idea."

Shinji nodded, and a new text appeared. "The Stranger is almost back in the game. He wants to recruit Hikari into our little merry band, and do it as soon as humanly possible. Think you can get her alone with you tomorrow after school?"

"Shouldn't be much of a problem. We get up here before Rei and Kensuke for our study sessions. That's a window of close to ten to fifteen minutes."

"Capital! Also, I got new from my boss, Death. Red is still in the Dreaming, safe and sound." Shinji sagged in relief when he read those words. "I don't know how long will she stay there, but she's okay. Let the eggheads work to recover her, Commander Badshave and Dr. Dyejob want to get her back, though not for any altruistic reasons."

Shinji thought about that last bit of information for a moment. "He wants to get my mother back the same way, doesn't he?"

"Right on the first try, kid. And we are counting on that particular obsession of his to help your gal. As long as Daddy Dearest (2) thinks he is getting his way, we have a very good idea of what he's gonna do. Just wait and see. BTW, I need to be alert for anytime Unit-00 gets activated, if you hear something, let me know, okay. I don't want your little sis to think I have abandoned her or some thing like that."

"I think it will be at least a few days. They are still repairing the damages."

"Yeah, I thought so. Well, I'll get back to the job, you know how it is. Bye for now! (Winking)"

H.I.V.E. HQ
Queen Bee's Private Dining Room

"Mr. Weatherbee is being very cautious with his mission, don't you think, dear doctor?" The Queen Bee mused over the very expensive confectionery and coffee after dinner.

"He's doing well, my Queen." Dr. Cyber answered, sipping her own coffe. "He is not only seeding little bits of info to entice that Special Inspector of his into finding your prize, he is also identifying some pesky SEELE moles in the process. Inspector Kaji is uniquely situated to unknowingly serve you, and he can also get rid of your competition to the prize."

"Good thinking on his part." The ruler of H.I.V.E. conceded. "Have you given him some… incentives lately?"

"No need for that. Not yet. He is working diligently and he is quite competent. So far, three of your agents are now working for NERV, in low level positions to not raise suspicion. I have no reason to think he will not manage to add a couple more to the NERV payroll by the end of the year."

"I love that little detail. It's delightful that NERV will pay my agents to rob them."

"In the current economy, having two jobs is a necessity" Cyber agreed.

After a moment, both women laughed heartily.

Author Notes:

To Armiture:

There's somebody else in the line before Batman, somebody who has repeatedly expressed his wish to show his displeasure to all the Conspiracy members in general, and Gendo in specific. (Wink)

Personal Note: with this chapter, Stranger Visitations has gone over the 400,000 words! though I think that discounting the autor notes, the real story wprd count must be around 390,000.

(1) There was a learning book (the 1978 children's dictionary The Super Dictionary) featuring heroes and villains of the DCU demonstrating words and numbers. Luthor was shown in the act of stealing cakes, with the text "When no one was looking, Lex Luthor took forty cakes. He took 40 cakes. That's as many as four tens. And that's terrible." Some years ago, the overblown text, along with Luthor's gleefully malicious facial expression reached memetic status. And eventually, DC made canon the stealing of the forty cakes (Superman issue 709, May 2011).

(2) A mocking reference to the book (1978), and later movie (1981) "Mommy Dearest", the autobiography of Christina Crawford, centering on her upbringing and her relationship with Joan Crawford (190?-1977), her adoptive mother. To say it is a very unflattering portrait of the late actress is extremely diplomatic.