Chapter I: Dr. Richards
Genesis 1:2
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
11/13/2005
The laboratory seemed a dark and sterile moor. Essentially, it was not the alluring place that any young scientist would dream about. The ceiling was so high that it looked non-existing (and maybe that was the case). Therefore, the room lacked light; which, in turn, made the scientists feel unwelcome. Air quality would be a problem too, since it was dusty, moist and cold. Conversely, the quality of the machinery was unquestionable. All the scientific equipment was brand new. Some of it looked experimental or, at least, not commercialized. There were still a few excavators, pneumatic drills and the like lying around. Overall, the facilities looked as if they still needed a lot of time before they could welcome a sizable crew. That might have explained why the few scientists that had stayed there for a bit had returned so worn-out. It was difficult to feel at home or to concentrate at all. And of course, there was the other issue.
The sights were breathtaking. Beyond the lab, most of the cave remained in perpetual darkness except for a small parcel, where a spotlight illuminated a giant. Humanoid in form, its faint resemblance made the monster look more grotesque. Its skin was pale as the moon and its arms, long and flaccid, had been nailed to a giant cross. Warding the creature's chest, the Lance of Longinus was supposed to ensure that it would not stand up and leave. The sole idea of it was terrifying.
Staring at the void goddess, Dr. Richards could not avoid grimacing. "That shouldn't be real."
"But it is." The voice echoed throughout the chamber. Little by little, the sound of the steps gave pass to a familiar shadow.
"Gendo Ikari…" the doctor announced. "Why do I have the feeling that it's been months since the last time we saw each other?"
"That's because it's been three months." The commander approached the scientist. "I should visit your team more often."
Half a smile on his face, Richards murmured, "You should visit old friends more often."
Lantern in hand, the commander apologized for the state of the facilities. The first phase would not yet be completed for a couple of months, at the least. Ikari led the way until the couple found some narrow stairs. They ended beside a moving platform where a control panel allowed the workers to approach the creature. After Richards had accessed said platform, the commander turned the power on. The movement was slow but decisive.
"I've heard that the first person who looked her in the eye lost their judgment," Ikari said. "That's the reason SEELE bid us cover her face."
"Those old men?" Richards inquired.
Rarely did the commander talk about the council. The doctor only knew the basics. They were a reduced circle who had influence, capital and a plan. He did not understand what the plan was supposed to entail, but he knew he played a small part in it. Hopefully, he would get his name written in history books. Being around the right people at the right time was a perk that the doctor would not refuse.
"How do you know it's a she?" he asked again, hoping for an answer.
Gendo condescended. "It is simply a way of talking, or a way of encapsulating her inside our tradition. We call her Lilith, because, as Adam's first wife, she was supposed to give birth to humanity."
The platform stopped in a sudden manner. About to lose balance, the doctor grasped at the security railing.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Asked the commander — taking in the enormity of the living corpse. "Once the Lance pierced her, her movement was restricted. Nevertheless, her body is always fighting while asleep. Hence, the undersized legs growing all over her."
"In her own terms, I admit she may be a splendid creature… but I wouldn't call her beautiful." The doctor weighed his next words. "What are we planning to do with her?"
The commander did not look him in the eye. "Well, of course, study her."
"I see."
"This time, we'll make no mistakes. I will personally supervise every step of the way."
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I pity the poor souls that will conduct the research. This monstrosity has a somber way of lurking over us. I feel as if she was looking through me, behind that mask."
Adjusting his glasses, Gendo addressed the doctor. "The data produced in the Evangelion project so far will inform your team's research."
Richards studied the commander's countenance. "I assume you learned a thing or two back in Antarctica. If you add whatever you have gotten out of this thing…"
"It's highly probable that it can help your cellular replication project." Ikari smirked. "Since it seems your progress has come to a halt."
"In fact, we're in the last steps of the process. In any case, I hate to admit that I could use your help."
"Apart from Lilith, and your project, there is someone else."
As Ikari talked, the doctor's eyes adjusted to the poor illumination. Under the platform, something returned an orange glimmer. The scent appeared familiar.
"Her name's Naoko Akagi. She is an eminence in bio-computers and is helping us further our understanding of AI."
The doctor raised a brow. "Is that why I've been hearing an incessant yap about coding, lately?"
"The concept we're working on revolves around human-like advanced reasoning. The applications of this technology could be integral. Soon enough, the MAGI will run the day-to-day operations of Gehirn."
The sight of Lilith was starting to become unbearable for the doctor when Ikari pulled back the lever, and they started moving again. Even though the platform receded, the creature seemed to maintain the same size. Silence was thick, but there was something that burned inside the doctor's throat.
"We used to be close, didn't we? A few years ago… Before you lost her."