A very short one.

A full week had passed, the passage of time obscured by a sky draped in a pallid shroud of unrelenting grey. It was a peculiar sight, an unsettling departure from the vibrant hues that typically painted the canvas of a Japanese spring.

And nearby, within the confines of a meeting room, the air was pregnant with tense uncertainty.

Around a polished table, the whole team had gathered, their faces etched with a mixture of weariness and concern. At the heart of this meeting, occupying the forefront with a composed demeanour, sat Kaworu Nagisa. His presence exuding an air of quiet authority, a sentinel in the midst of a gathering storm.

"The calculations were wrong." Satsuki said, with a mixture of frustration and bewilderment "The Angel codenamed Atalibu, is rapidly approaching."

Kaworu's gaze bore into her, his question cutting through the air, "Where is it coming from and where is it going?"

"Initial data indicates the Angel emerged from the north pole," Keade responded, her eyes glued to the tablet's display. "Its current path...south."

"Any insight into its motive?" Kaworu inquired, his question hanging in the air - unanswered. In truth he was testing the waters, probing for any potential information leaks, be it from Shinji, Mari, or perhaps even Asuka - he was uncertain about the extent of her knowledge within the Neo-Nerv labyrinth.

The room held its collective breath, silence falling like a heavy veil. Kaworu's demeanor remained composed, his facade impenetrable.

So then, nothing's changed.

"Colonel Langely-Soryu, Major Ikari, how are our pilots fairing when it comes to their respective Mecha-Units?" He changed the topic

Asuka then released a weary sigh before offering her report, "Marie is excelling in the tests, but her performance falters in actual combat.

Mana comes in second, her experience evident as she is in seamless synchronization with the Trident, but she's reckless...in dire need of proper guidance – This when compared to Musashi Lee, who continuously struggles synchronization and training, live combat scenarios...I'm afraid the data results show that he should not be piloting."

"Musashi has been a cornerstone since the inception of our efforts, Neo-Nerv is indebted to him, just as it is to Mana for its invaluable data," Aoi interjected.

"I understand that." Asuka's voice was firm as she cut in, "but if we persist with Musashi, we risk not only his life but ours and possibly more."

"Commander if I may?" Hajime Suruga's voice pierced the air from his seat. "Expanding on Colonel Langley-Soryu's point, reducing our pilot roster, ideally by two, would provide greater room for enhancements on both Trident and Unit-Null."

"Agreed," Koji Katori chimed in, his support echoing through the room. "It's not only a matter of their well-being but also the progress we can achieve."

Satsuki countered with determination, "Our calculations indicate that all five pilots are necessary for success."

Asuka interjected, her tone sharp, "Your Calculations haven't been serving us well lately, as evidenced by our current unpreparedness for the Angel's impending arrival."

"Nobody is making any decisions yet." Kaworu said, his voice cut through the burgeoning debate, those words carrying a weight that held the room in check, the tension sharpening. "I need updates on Mayumi."

Shinji's response was laden with concern, "Evangelion Unit-Null's situation is complex... Mayumi requires more time."

"Time, we do not have." Hajime's frustration was evident, "Her synch ratio is stable, she's bonded with the EVA. Why can't she pilot?"

Shinji's gaze locked with Hajime's, "Mayumi's emotional readiness is critical. If her entry plug falls into the negative levels due to emotional instability, the consequences could be catastrophic...there's no telling what might happen."

"So, she's not an option for the upcoming battle?" Kaworu's voice held a tinge of disappointment.

Shinji's regretful nod was met with a sigh from Kaworu. "Our focus then remains on Mana and Maire, Kieta and Musashi will serve as back up...The impending battle rests upon their shoulders."

"The meeting stands adjourned," Kaworu's voice resounded, the air heavy with the weight of their deliberations. "Colonel, draft a comprehensive battle strategy, ensure it reaches me before the day's end. Major Ikari, I entrust Mayumi's progress to you. If you can expedite the process, it would be greatly appreciated."

Shinji and Asuka nodded in unison, their acknowledgment swift and respectful.

"Satsuki and Kaede, your collaboration with Hajime and Koji is imperative," Kaworu continued, his tone unwavering. "I require substantial enhancements to Jet Alone Kai and the Trident Land Cruiser's combat capabilities, effective for deployment by tomorrow."

Satsuki's voice was tinged with skepticism as she raised a concern, "Implementing new features at such speed could compromise quality."

A raised hand and a confident voice cut through the room's tension, "We can manage it," Mari declared. Her eyes met Hitomi's, their dedication evident. "We've been putting in considerable effort lately, and we've uncovered multiple practical applications for the LCL."

Aoi's voice joined the conversation, her concern for the uncharted territory they were venturing into evident. "While I comprehend the necessity of such urgency for Unit-Null, exposing other mechanical entities to an unfamiliar substance raises questions."

Mari met Aoi's gaze firmly, her response resolute. "It's a calculated risk, but it's either that or facing the angel without sufficient resources. We're treading the line of the unknown, and if we're to confront this imminent threat within the week, we must act now."

"Commander...I beg you."

Aoi's appeal to Kaworu was sincere, her plea laden with caution. She was concerned for the potential consequences.

Kaworu, attuned to both viewpoints, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. "Mari and Hitomi will lend their expertise to Satsuki and Hajime, but within defined limits. We won't venture beyond necessary boundaries."

Mari's nod was firm, and Aoi's cautious acceptance signaled a tentative agreement.

"Let us return to our tasks," Kaworu directed, the finality in his voice closing the discussion as he left the room, leaving them to confront the challenges that lay ahead.

END.