Chapter 45: Does Ambition Surround Us?

The conflict within NERV between its dedicated crew and the SEELE insurgents was left at a standstill as the threat of new Angels continued to linger. Outside observers were able to view the best hope for humanity as though nothing had changed for the past few attacks. Only a select few, even those present within the tension held right now, had any knowledge of what allowed such a standstill to take place.

What could have been called a simpler time saw Gendo Ikari and Kozo Fuyutsuki reminiscing on what made them begin to aspire for their ambitions in the first place. Playing a game of shogi was not one of the activities they did often but proved to be a distraction that gave them time to reminisce how close they were to achieving their goals. It was not a review they held with many others but the more personal nature was more difficult to reveal to others even with their positions of power.

Fuyutsuki made his move as he inquired, "Yui is what has made you decide that this plan was worth striving for?"

Gendo raised a piece before taking one of Fuyutsuki's as he admitted, "It is a reductive reason. That simply is who I am. I never claimed to be anything more."

Looking down at the board, Fuyutsuki prepared for his next move as he assured, "It is not anything to be ashamed of. Love has been an aspiration throughout all of human history."

It was a tactic to lure him into a state of ease. Even as one of the few people Gendo felt he could trust, he also knew Fuyutsuki had to make sure he knew what he was doing. Their lives up to now had been determined by their choices but still had a number of possibilities in front of them. Any future he could imagine would be lost forever if he continued where he was going.

Gendo denied what possible futures could be considered as he told Fuyutsuki, "And this is to mark the end of it. SEELE expects more of its members than this."

The sense of commitment behind Gendo's statement did little to make Fuyutsuki reconsider his next move while he proposed, "Can their motivations not be seen as a kind of love? Clearly they see value in the human race and know it must be brought in a better direction. Enough that they will change the world in ways few can consider."

Having successfully lured Fuyutsuki into the position he wanted the pieces to go, Gendo moved again to take another piece. He had to wait for everything else to fall into place but he would be able to make one claim after another before finding a chance to claim victory. He also knew there was no reason for him to expect he would remain unchallenged either. Even knowing Fuyutsuki's mind through and through would not be enough for him to see him as a pawn as he did many others.

As soon as he was finished with his move, Gendo rejected Fuyutsuki's suggestion, "I am sure none of them care about what any of our motivations might be when they know we are here to fulfill their end goals. We work for them willingly. It is the only chance either of us have to see her again."

He was fully capable of taking advantage of his position but Fuyutsuki immediately saw what Gendo revealed about himself. There was no greater cause he was working towards but he could have a sense of how dedicated Gendo was to seeing SEELE's goal achieved. Being free of temptation from outside factors was the only way he knew there would be nothing to keep him from rethinking what he was doing.

Fuyutsuki made another move to avoid Gendo's position as he asked, "That is the extent SEELE means to us isn't it?"

Gendo looked down at the board as he formed his next strategy while admitting, "Simply as a convenience."

The memory of Yui was the first thing Fuyutsuki thought about as he watched Gendo make his next move. It was difficult to move him on an emotional level but it was one of the few things he could appeal to. It was also one of the most selfish things he ever heard Gendo rationalize.

Fuyutsuki appealed to this observation by suggesting, "What she wanted did not mean anything to you it seems."

Gendo did not need any clarification about who Fuyutsuki was talking about as he reasoned, "Nothing we do impedes on what she believes in. What I do now is only ensure her vision is realized."

Refocusing his attention on the game at hand, Fuyutsuki made another defensive move to Gendo's while agreeing, "And she is not here to judge if what we do is correct either."

The move Fuyutsuki made was to Gendo's advantage as he moved another one of his pieces forward agreeing, "I find it pointless to ponder alternative scenarios. It distracts from where I am now."

For as long as he knew him, Fuyutsuki knew Yui was the reason Gendo had any reason to continue on. Whether it was winning the game he was in right now or manipulating others around him there would be nothing to make him second guess his decisions. It was his prior dismissal that served as the ultimate test of his conversation.

Fuyutsuki pressed with what was waiting on his mind the most by suggesting, "Commitment is a trait that defines you. I'm sure you could even convince Shinji to assist you."

Gendo gave a long pause in response as he prepared for the next move before he finally dismissed, "He is a boy. He cannot comprehend what we are doing. That is why there are so few of us."

There were few times he could say he stuck a nerve in Gendo but Fuyutsuki could tell he accomplished what he was going for as he made his next move and told him, "He was forced to live in a world that has no concern for him. I could see him finding your cause to be worthwhile, especially for him."

Gendo refused to let himself be lured away from his earlier commitment as he made a retaliatory move, "His participation is not necessary. His ability to make Unit-01 operational is the only important contribution he makes."

As one of the few weaknesses he could claim against Gendo, Fuyutsuki warned, "It is a common mistake to assume anyone's value in anything. Your approval is what he is currently striving for."

Gendo remained unmoved while appealing to the greater scope of the plan by emphasizing, "And there will be a time where his involvement along with the remainder of the human race will mean nothing. So long as he and the others fulfill their expected designation, that is all we must expect."

Looking down at the board and thinking about his next move, Fuyutsuki agreed, "Your strategy shows. You do not let the fate of your pawns concern you. It can achieve many possibilities but just as many dangers."

Satisfied with where they settled, Gendo returned his focus to the board below as he remembered where the game and the purpose of NERV would lead up to, "And the pieces that remain will all be swept back where they came from."

Fuyutsuki decided he would not be able to get through to Gendo or discover anything new about him as he made his next move before announcing, "You're getting better. You will lose in 14 turns."

There were many things Ikuko could not begin to understand now that she was caught in the center of NERV's internal conflict. It was already intimidating enough to try and comprehend what her daughter had gotten herself into but now she had to try and find out how she could earn the time to even process what she was going through. Being able to have a chance to understand everything demanded she cooperate with people she had only just met. She hated making the decision but she knew she could not refuse to take part when her life was in danger as well.

She stepped out of the van she was taken in while asking Hawk, "What are we supposed to be doing out here anyway?"

Hawk could tell Ikuko was uneasy where she was as he answered, "This is our best chance to take care of the root of our troubles. Once this is over, I'll do my best to help you."

Before the two could discuss anything, an explosion erupted close to them causing Ikuko to fall back on the side of the van. The power factory outside the edge of Tokyo-3 was blown up in the center and lights flickered in her field of vision. She shielded her eyes while looking around to see the people she did not recognize running away from the premises. The sudden force of the explosion left her so shaken she felt a rush of relief as soon as Porter made his way out and rushed towards the two of them.

Porter announced, "It's done, we've cut the power!"

Hawk watched the flames of the recent explosion as he observed, "Remarkable that such pockets of humanity believe this is the right path."

Ikuko cut into the observation by asking, "You got people to do the work out here?"

Hawk confirmed what occurred, "There have been humans seeking the end of life since the beginning. This is a sort of discord that can be used to our advantage as long as it does not get out of control."

Just as soon as he revealed the detail, a V-TOL craft made its way over their location. It was already apparent to Ikuko there were people who wanted to hurt NERV in some way. Assisting organizations out of their control seemed to be a risky decision at first glance.

Ikuko managed to reason how someone would use such a plan by asking, "Real classy. Keeps your hands clean this way right?"

Hawk was distracted from answering as he received a call through his earpiece and told the others, "Special order from command."

Hawk ran to a part of the power plant that was not burning while placing himself in position against a wall. He looked up as he heard gunshots upstairs while a piece of the ceiling fell next to where he stood. The continuous collapse of debris around him served as the perfect cover to make sure he would not be overheard.

The voice commanding Hawk's attention asked, "Has she continued to cooperate with you?"

Hawk kept his sight focused on the door he came through before answering, "She has not done anything to interfere."

He was given a brief command as the voice required him, "Ensure she does not. It is time we remove all influence she has immediately."

Although it was a brief exchange, it was everything Hawk needed to hear before he heard the other line shut off. The debris continued to fall around him as he rushed out the way he came in. To his fortune he saw Porter and Ikuko maintaining their distance from the recently destroyed power plant.

Ikuko tried to comprehend the brief disappearance by asking, "Anything important happen in there?"

Hawk turned his attention to Porter ordering, "The next phase of our mission has begun."

Porter agreed as he prepared the handcuffs he carried, "It is time for you to cooperate Mrs. Katsuragi."

The terrorist attack that occurred 6 hours ago left NERV caught off guard. Much to Takeshi's fortune he had the personnel necessary to keep his prisoners secure. His hopes of keeping basic operations moving was another matter entirely.

He looked around the dimly lit command center of NERV before asking, "What is the status of our situation?"

Makoto reported, "We have some confirmation from the outside General. A terrorist organization attacked our power supply plant and caused significant damage."

Shigeru added, "It may be a matter of days before they can reintegrate basic power supply back to us. All base defenses are currently compromised other than emergency operational power for the Eva units."

The report made Takeshi sigh in disappointment before he accepted, "That is going to be the least we need right now. As long as those responsible are found, we can prevent this from happening again."

He was reminded how loose his hold of the situation was as soon as Fuyutsuki observed, "It is as your reputation proceeds. You were tasked with enduring scenarios like these."

Although he was still the unquestioned authority figure within NERV, Takeshi was still left with one of the few conspirators he believed would be a challenge to him. He had every reason to dismiss Fuyutsuki's attempts to discern his mindset but was still determined to make sure he could demonstrate he was in command. Doing so relied on being able to steer the conversation in a direction he knew he could overtake him with.

Takeshi turned to see Fuyutsuki standing across from him in the dimly lit command room before correcting, "I do not endure anything. It is my duty to prove myself going above what is expected of me."

He could only see Fuyutsuki remain where he stood before hearing him ask, "Even when such a commitment puts you at risk of starting a war with Korea?"

Takeshi saw the opportunity he was looking for as he prepared to steer Fuyutsuki down his direction of the conversation by admitting, "I would have started it myself if it was possible. Anyone who has any pride for Japan in the slightest should want the old empire to be restored."

Fuyutsuki remained unmoved by the answer as he reminded, "Yet that does leave us in a dilemma as well. Starting such a conflict requires choosing between the good of one nation and the good of the human race."

"I do not need to be reminded of our current conflict."

"And that is the only window you allow yourself to view. Remaining so committed to such a narrow ambition will prevent you from seeing things on a greater scale."

Maintaining his composure in the face of such proved to be even more of a challenge for Takeshi than he initially thought but felt assured of his advantage reminding, "You say that despite where you and SEELE are cornered right now. It will not be long before I have you and your collaborators at the mercy of the human race you claim to value."

He had no reason to believe he had a foolproof strategy but Takeshi still felt more than enough reason to stand firm against Fuyutsuki warning, "The faith you place in the human race is a less than assured investment."

Confident he made the point he needed to make, Takeshi turned away from Fuyutsuki dismissing, "And your attempts to make anyone doubt where we are now are cryptic at best."

NERV was left almost defenseless in its current state with much of Tokyo-3 left trying to restore power. Many were committed but could not hope to finish repairs before humanity was challenged again. The arrival of the next Angel proved there would be no moment of ease when they were at their most desperate.

The Angel known as Baraqijal hovered in the air with its yellow membrane carrying its central core. Lake Ashiniko lay in front of it while a select few civilians ran from the sight of the Angels approach. What little that stood in its way was less than trivial to Baraqijal as it made its descent to the ground and made a short roll to the waters in front of it.

Despite the current status of NERV, Takeshi was still able to remain up to date about what was happening outside as he received reports about the recent appearance. Everyone else was left in suspense as they were forced to wait for developments but knew they were not safe as soon as word of an Angel appearing was made apparent. NERV still did not have its source of power restored and the recent threat did not have any concern for the state of its opponents.

Turning his attention to the personnel below, Takeshi announced, "All reports confirm the next Angel is making its approach to this location. I need everyone on standby."

Ritsuko tried to make sure Takeshi understood what was at stake, reporting, "Due to our current position we will not be able to provide any assistance with the engagement."

One of the doors opened behind Takeshi where he saw the three pilots making their way towards him before he acknowledged, "And if we do nothing, we will allow the enemy to endanger us all."

As soon as he made his way to the pilots, Ritsuko accepted the situation before reminding, "We will need every detail reported if it cannot be defeated."

Asuka overheard the reminder before asking Takeshi, "She thinks I'm not supposed to finish off that thing when this is done? I don't know what she's worried about."

Despite her enthusiasm, Takeshi prepared her, Rei, and Kaworu for what was at hand by warning, "We are not fighting under normal circumstances. We still barely have any power making its way here and operating the Evas will be a greater challenge. Due to those factors, we will be able to launch the units but we will only be able to have them operate on emergency power. Which will place all of you under the five minute limit."

Asuka was the only pilot to visibly acknowledge what was set up but remained unshaken by boasting, "We've all taken out Angels in less time than that."

Kaworu corrected her on how easy the fight would supposedly be by warning, "You will remember that we were able to deal at least some necessary damage before we were forced in such a corner."

This did little to intimidate Asuka, making her counter, "Yeah? Well just think of it as pushing us to do better. Don't think I'm going to sweep you off your feet when you need me Boy Wonder."

Disappointed he did not have any more time to describe the severity of the situation, Takeshi gave his decisive order, "Things are going to be difficult to handle out there. Once you hit the surface and approach Lake Ashinoko, the countdown will begin. Retreat the moment you reach the last minute of power and not a second later."

Takeshi felt assured as he saw Kaworu and Rei give their acknowledgement but knew Asuka would continue to be difficult to hope for as she accepted, "Whatever you say sir."

The three Eva units shot up from their cages to the surface with Lake Ashinoko in the distance and Baraqijal rolling away from it. The stakes were made clear in Takeshi's meeting but being forced to go in without any information was a detriment the three pilots were forced to accept. Asuka was pleased by the conditions however as she prepared to charge into battle and took hold of the grips that commanded her unit.

The voice of Takeshi sounded through the radius of the three units as he ordered, "Launch preparations have been completed. All units charge forward and follow the plan."

Asuka did not hesitate as she made an immediate dash in Baraqijal's direction while Units Alpha and Beta followed behind. In their rush forward, the two units gradually lost more slack to their umbilical cables as the edge of the city came closer in view. It was a sight Rei kept track of knowing the moment of conflict with the Angel was about to begin.

Her own spiral of cable began to reach its end before she announced, "Preparing for contact."

Takeshi followed up on the announcement ordering, "Release the cables!"

The three Eva units had their cables severed and were given the freedom to make their way out of the city but now had the five minute limitation placed upon them. Baraqijal was still rolling towards them but recognized its great obstacles were preparing whatever measure it would take to stop it. It continued to roll forward despite the impending danger knowing its greater purpose demanded it be achieved at all costs.

Baraqijal opened its A.T. Field and sent a volley of its membrane out to the chatting Eva units. Unit-02 leapt to its right to avoid contact while witnessing the effect of the recent spewing. The ground beneath the liquid dissolved and formed a new trench alongside the Eva units.

Kaworu suggested, "We should avoid close contact. It will have no effect."

Asuka charged forward with Unit-02 proclaiming, "I don't need you to tell me what I can do!"

Drawing out its pallet rifle, Unit-02 fired a burst of rounds towards Baraqijal as it avoided another stream of acid coming its way. Unit Alpha took advantage of the chaos at hand by following behind Unit-02 and activated its laser pods to follow behind it. The sight of the two Eva units preparing to make their assault was reassuring for Kaworu but knew he would be forced to act as soon as he saw one of them take damage. Without the threat of the DSS fibers activating, he feared he would not be able to assist.

Unit-02 continued to fire towards Baraqijal while Unit Alpha began its own attack upon it. While the pallet gun had an effect, the damage being dealt by the lasers was becoming even more visible. The edge of the membrane was worn away with each blast that flew backwards but was quickly concentrated into another stream to spew forth.

Baraqijal recognized the danger being posed to it and this time sprayed a wider range of acid towards the three Eva units. Realizing he would not be able to do much damage was the best excuse Kaworu had for not advancing forward but found himself afraid of what would befall Asuka and Rei. Unit-02 found an area where it would be able to avoid the descending rain but Unit Alpha had much more to worry about.

The two laser pods that followed alongside Unit Alpha were drenched in a rain of the Angel's acid causing them to fall to the ground as they melted away. Rei realized her best chance to attack Baraqijal was lost as she was still not far from the towering shape of acid that blocked off attackers from its core. With plenty more to spare it rolled closer prepared to make its first casualty.

Asuka recognized this danger ordering, "Get out of here! You'll only get in the way!"

Whether it came from a sense of concern or a demand to claim the glory for herself was not Rei's concern as she prepared to make her retreat. While Unit-02 continued to fire its pallet gun on Baraqijal, Unit Alpha was forced to make a retreat with the eye of the Angel still focused on it. Rei's best attempts to save herself from the threat behind her were not rewarded as she saw the next spray fall upon her.

Acid wore away at the leg of Unit Alpha causing it to snap off in mid run and fall to the ground. Rei let out a yelp as she fell face first before breaking her fall with both hands of her unit. The sight of her struggling to save herself made Kaworu cast aside what concerns he had of being overwhelmed by his opponent. If anything he now had a reason to be on the defensive and protecting the others he fought alongside.

Asuka looked behind to see the two units struggling to pick themselves up against the rain of acid but continued her charge towards Baraqijal proclaiming, "Just like it ought to be!"

Unit-02 continued its charge towards Baraqijal with its pallet rifle wearing away its membrane. The Angel recognized its opportunity as it stopped its attack and raised its A.T. Field before Unit-02 could come any closer. Unit-02 fell backwards as it collided but picked itself back up as it prepared its progressive knife to continue its attack.

Kaworu saw the danger that loomed as Unit-02 made its way through Baraqijal's A.T. Field while warning, "Rei, you have to eject."

Realizing there was no other option for her to enter the fight again, Rei acknowledged, "Save Unit-02's pilot."

Kaworu turned to see Baraqijal remaining where it stood as its A.T. Field was split open but prepared to spill the contents of its attack. This made him rush Unit Beta to the area where Unit-02 stood and tackle it out of the way. Before Asuka had a chance to protest the sudden collision, she looked up and saw the stream of acid fly over her head and into the distance.

Acid flew through the sky at a mightier and longer distance than previous attacks but missed its opportunity to melt the target it was aiming at. Unit Alpha was not spared of this danger however as it was showered in the stream coming down upon it. Kaworu found himself relieved as he saw the dummy plug of the Eva units eject from its back and towards the general area of NERV's headquarters.

Asuka was only focused on the mission however as she forced Unit Beta off of Unit-02 demanding, "Let me finish this already!"

Although there was far less acid surrounding Baraqijal than before, Kaworu knew there was one weakness that was keeping them from claiming victory today. The power their Eva units had was rapidly reaching below the 1 minute mark Takeshi wanted them to avoid. A precise series of attacks were going to be the best chance either of them would have of defeating the Angel. An attack Kaworu had come to doubt Asuka was capable of mastering.

The closing window made Kaworu call out, "Asuka, we have to leave now!"

Unit-02 remained where it stood however as Asuka denied, "You run away if you want to so bad! Just watch me!"

Unit-02 fired its pallet rifle at Baraqijal again until finally there was no more surrounding it. The Angel was now reduced to only the urchin-like core and left exposed to attacks. It was not completely safe however as it rolled itself forward prepared to crush both Eva units under its spikes.

Kaworu realized what Asuka was trying to do as he warned, "This isn't like previous times! You can't let this Angel kill you!"

Asuka looked at her panel, noticing how little time she had left. She could have sworn she was close to defeating Baraqijal but knew it would mean nothing if she was only given a scant few seconds to come anywhere closer to cutting the core. Her pride and her life were in the balance and she could not find a scenario where she could take hold of both.

Intent to keep herself alive, Asuka turned Unit-02 away from Baraqijal and its advance as she called out, "Stay out of my way!"

Unit-02 made its rush away from Baraqijal while Unit Beta followed behind while seeing the remains of Unit Alpha pass by. Losing one of their units was already a serious blow but remaining behind would have made the remaining pilots meet the same fate. Kaworu was thankful to see Asuka saw reason in his warning as he kept watch of what Baraqijal would do in its supposed planned advance.

The Angel watched its opponents make their escape but knew making a pursuit now would be risky. Most of the acid it used to create a series of holes around the land its human adversaries laid claim to and would have a difficult time being able to achieve anything if it continued forward. Just as the Eva units were forced to retreat, so too would Baraqijal find an opportunity to prepare itself for a chance to fight again.

The core of Baraqijal rolled into Lake Ashinoko and lay in the center of a stream. A quiet calm fell over the field as it was left to replenish itself while any onlookers were little more than casualties. The personnel of NERV would not find out about the situation with the Angel until the return of the Eva pilots but being forced in the defensive was currently the only victory the Angel could claim to have.

Within the main bridge of NERV, Takeshi was forced to rely on updates from his radio as he heard, "The confrontation has ceased. Two of the Eva units are retreating. The Angel seems to be solidifying its position on the lake."

Takeshi could not decide what would be the worst casualty as he asked, "Do you have a visual on which units are functioning?"

The voice in the other line reported, "It seems like Unit-02 and Unit Beta are making their way back. The dummy plug for Unit Alpha had launched its way to the city."

For many listening, the miracle that Asuka managed to see reason not to place her life in danger was relieving. Losing one of their units after trying its best to attack Baraqijal was a harsh reminder how much further they would have to go. Takeshi looked around anticipating the moment NERV headquarters would regain its power.

He was reminded of what he would have to address as Ritsuko told him, "If we have any samples from the field, we can find a weakness to utilize when we fight it again."

Takeshi was pleased to hear the opportunity in place as he ordered, "That will assist us greatly doctor. Be sure to have the results as soon as you can. I'm putting your division on overtime to find its weakness."

Makoto was not so assured of what would happen as he reminded, "Is that going to even help now that we've lost one of the units sir?"

With such a dire loss fresh on the minds of everyone, Takeshi relied on keeping the others prepared by warning, "It's either that or allowing ourselves to be subject to the Angel. As long as this confrontation bought us the time we needed, we still have a chance."

Ritsuko made her way back to Takeshi reporting, "Everyone has their assigned duties General. You may want to commit to one of our new developments."

The development caught Takeshi's interest before he asked, "Something we haven't seen in all this?"

Maya answered, "The Agents you sent have returned. They have a prisoner to report as well."

A/N: There's the next one done. A little bit of a challenge honestly because I've been trying to find the next direction to go with events right now and you can probably see it. Probably also just trying a little hard to align events with the lead up to Baraqijal as mentioned in the NERV White Paper RPG.

So when does the conversation between Gendo and Fuyutsuki take place? Good question. I really just thought it felt right to put it in here to serve as buildup.

I understand being disappointed by the lack of Shinji and Misato as well. I'm pretty much trying to make sure that Ikuko had a significant part in this story considering who she is and all and that will be at least half the focus of the next chapter. I've really taken in more than I anticipated I can tell you that much.

I guarantee more character development will occur next chapter along with the confrontation. Ideally with some action you might not anticipate as well. I hope to see you all next time.