The attack of Bardiel was tremendous... With the loss of eva unit 3, months of research and millions of dollars were simply blown away. However, for other people, the damage to a good friend was more important than something which commander Ikari considered expandable anyway. Toji Susahara lost a leg and an arm while possessed by the eleventh angel and Shinji went back to his depressive stage thanks to his emotionless father. Asuka was still trying to hold onto it, Rei was the only one on her feet concerning about Ichiro's last request, before leaving God knows where. Still hiding on the basement of Kunou's mansion, one character in particular saw far beyond the reports on the television and the newspapers concerning the last angel attack. He could see it, he could feel it... A friend of his received an irreplaceable damage and another lost the progress he completely made, turning into worst from how he originally was. One Tuesday night, he got up from bed and got dressed with a dark robe. Neither Guillermo or Ukyou noticed that his son had escaped to help his friends and nothing else. The eyes of someone open violently after suffering a terrible nightmare on which angels had the main role, just to see something more unbelievable than the nightmare just suffered. Toji: - Ichiro kun, whatcha doing here ? Where da hell have ya been ? - Ichiro: - [ Smiling slightly ] Anywhere but close... If you were in my place, I'm sure you'd do the same. - Toji: - Then it was true, someone wants you dead for good... Who's da bast... - Ichiro: - [ Blinking an looking away ] Look, you're on NERV's hospital... This is a death trap for me understand ? - Toji: - Then, how didja got in here ? - Ichiro: - [ Sighing ] I don't know that myself. - Toji: - Then go, go... This ain't the time for no friggin' social visit. - Ichiro: - And I will go. Susahara kun... You know what you've lost don'tcha ? - Toji: - I'll get used ta it with the time, but ya still have a lotta live for. Go now, just go. - Ichiro: - Not before helping you Toji. - Ichiro touched strongly Toji's mutilated limbs. It was then, when Toji felt the strangest sensation. It was tickling and comfortable, so much that Toji felt relaxed with this " magic " and closed his eyes comfortably. When this finished, Toji opened his eyes once again to ask his old friend to leave again... Moving slightly the arm he had just lost. Toji: - [ Astonished ] Holy mother of God... - Ichiro: - [ Seriously ] Now I must ask you this Susahara kun. - Toji: - [ Nodding and blinking ] Hai ? - Ichiro: - Not a word to anyone... Not even to Asuka chan. As friends, do you think you can keep this secret ? - Toji: - 'Course, I will, I promise I will... Am I dreaming ? - Ichiro: - If this is a dream, at least it's a good one, Don'tcha think so ? ... Look, that is Shinji kun, right ? - Toji: - I, I guess so. - Ichiro: - He will be fine. However, I must ask you not to let him give up, not to run away again... [ Sighing ] Unfortunately, I can't do that. I failed you once and for that reason yo fell into that death trap. - Toji: - Eva 3 ? Ya knew that... ? - Ichiro: - I had a slight feeling. - Toji: - [ Blinking ] Who are you, Farfán Ichiro ? - Ichiro: - Either a godsend or perpetual example of suffering... [ Winking right eye ] Remember, it was a miracle or something like that. Yer good at improvising, right ? - Toji: - I'll, I'll do that, don't worry. - Ichiro: - Assure yourself as well to keep Shinji brave and strong. I know that the son of a bitch of his father did this... But I'll make sure he pays for all he has done to you and everyone. - Toji: - Ichiro kun, go now please, I beg ya. - Ichiro: - Ja ne, Susahara kun. - Toji: - Ja ne. - Ichiro held strongly Toji's new hand. Then, he walked away from the bed and went through the door, vanishing. Toji then turned to his right, watching Shinji with an uncertain seriousness. Toji: - [ Thinking ] Looks like we're playing a death game afterall, like Ichiro kun pointed sometimes unconsciously. What else do ya know ? What else do ya know 'bout this death game we're playing ? [ Silently ] Whatever it is, I wish ya good luck... Friend. - The scene fades in a black curtain. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Four ways of hatred, chapter four: " The soul of the assassin ". ------------------------------------------------------------------ Flashback: < Frankfurt, Germany... 08/26/98 >. This is a house where two men with class are dealing important business. One of them is a former scientist who had a more profitable job those days. Name: Otto Voeller. The other is a man whose field had many other uses. With an unknown past, background, or name, the alias of this man was Duke Togo. The only man capable to have a 100% accuracy as a sharpshooter during the last century. ( Note: Humans with cybernetic implants had that precision after the beginning of the century... They were considered humans, even with the mentioned advantages ). Working as a professional assassin sometimes, working as a double agent others, Mr. Togo had priorities of different kind this time... Something away from assassinations and espionage. Something called: survival. Otto: - [ Smiling slightly ] ... But you know it will be expensive, don't you ? - Duke: - [ Nodding and lighting a cigarette ] And when has anything been cheap with you ? - Otto: - But you have made me a lot of good Duke... Five million dollars by tomorrow on the usual account. - Duke: - I have a couple of contracts to accomplish. - Otto: - Oh yes, I almost forgot... Golgo 13 never leaves an accepted job undone. Very well, five million by Friday... An hour later ? Six million. - Duke: - Then I must go to Vienna, right ? - Otto: - [ Nodding ] Aha, that's where your capsule will be... And don't dare to give me "the look", I know which would be the price of betrayal against you. - Duke: - What look ? - Otto: - [ Blinking ] Then you trust me ? - Duke: - [ Coldly ] No. - Otto: - Just as I thought... Say, why do you want to wake up on 2014 ? Everyone else is waking up later. - Duke: - I have my reasons. - Otto: - Just as I thought... - Duke: - If you already know the answers, then don't ask a thing.- Otto: - [ Smiling and sweating ] Right, right. - Then, a close up focuses the right pupil of Togo, getting out as slow as it went in. Duke is now in the middle of a mechanical room, almost in front of many men with cybernetic implants... And the questions now were these: What was an assassin believed dead almost two decades ago doing right in the backbone of SEELE ? And why would they deal anything with anyone in person ? The militants of their own organization rarely had the opportunity to see their leaders. Lorenz: - We require your services Mr. Togo. - Duke: - I know. - Seele 2: - [ Turning on the screen on the table ] These are lieutenants Mizuno Ami and Kino Makoto, working for the U.N. in a inspection labor on NERV. - Seele 3: - We need you to dispose of both women. - Duke: - Why ? - Lorenz: - Interference. - Seele 4: - Indeed, the elimination of both is imperative in order to be successful with plans we have. - Duke: - Plans you say... Hmm, who's guarding these women right now ? - Seele 2: - Of regular HRU unit. Four members with heavily equipped personal tanks. - ( Note: HRU is a hostage rescue unit ). Duke: - Six million dollars, no negotiations. - Lorenz: - Six million dollars is out of the question, you should know that. - Duke: - And so you should know my word for deals is final. - Seele 5: - Don't you dare to push your luck so far. You should be proud that we accepted to do business with you personally, here.- Duke: - Why ? You know that means nothing to me... Good afternoon gentlemen. - Duke made his way outside through the door he went in and the members of the table allowed this... Duke found himself surrounded outside by fifteen men with semi-automatic weapons. ( You know, those with the " Nothing personal, just doing my job " profile ). After being surrounded, a voice was heard from small speakers on the end of that hall. Lorenz voice: - Mr. Togo, you either leave this place with a three million dollars offer, or you'll simply don't leave... In one piece. - Duke didn't move a muscle, he watched SEELE men from left to right once. A second after that, the dazzle of a cutting lightening was seen between both flanks surrounding the assassin. Each and every single weapon was cut in half... Some of the guards were confused, others decided to grab their revolvers. Then, the action moves inside to the main room of the mighty leaders, who are watching the actions outside their meeting room. Lorenz: - Look at him, he could make his way out of this place in case of using only his actual means. - Seele 2: - Regular manpower is useless against this man. - Seele 4: - One of the few talents of the old world. - Seele 3: - For a talent like this, the price he's asking is fair. He's the only one who can take out the interlopers who are trying to destroy our sacred mission. - The picture outside was this: Fifteen SEELE men on the floor, bloody and comatose while a victorious Duke Togo on his feet, is holding photon laser blade of unique manufacture. Lorenz voice: - Why won't you dispose of our personnel ? - Duke: - Killing is not for sport. - Lorenz voice: - A very human point of view. - Duke: - Which seems far from your conception, I suppose. - Lorenz voice: - Wrong, all we are is human... Reason why you must stop these women from disrupting our plans... The amount you demanded is being deposited right now on your account. - Duke: - ...... I'll take the job. - Lorenz voice: - When will we see the results of your job ? - Duke: - [ Walking with face down ] When it's done. - ( Note: Ami and Makoto represented the part opposite to NERV actions on the U.N. Guards of their own agencies couldn't be used this time, but a professional assassin who could leave no lead on who was the intellectual criminal ). The legendary assassin began walking away from the end to the beginning of the hall, not looking back to the point where he had a meeting with men who may had paid him the enormous sum he demanded... Maybe, he disliked this sort of clients, though. The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- { Music cue: " Sittin' up in my room " Brandy }. Tokyo 2 was cool for Ami and Makoto. Even when merely enjoying it literally locked inside a U.N. safehouse on the city. Four of public security's ninth section best agents were now... Guarding the safety of U.N. inspectors ??? This was all general Corgan's doing. By convincing the internal affairs minister of telling Aramaki that a hostage rescue unit was better than a regular surveillance team, the chief of section nine had no other choice but to accede... For a while. It was not the year of Motoko Kusanagi. First, angels begin invading Tokyo 3, putting the safety of the whole country over an organization who knew their function and had the means to combat... Well, Macross city was almost at that level of efficiency. However, angels were out of their jurisdiction. The point is that public security, along with other law enforcement agencies were almost obsolete with the current situation. There was still crime and terrorism acts to be stopped. But lieutenant Kusanagi knew life was never going to be the same for her or her team. Second, just months ago she had to be saved by a full organic human female... And as if this wasn't enough, she had to omit the superpowers she saw on major Haruka, as a promise to keep for saving her life. Third, Saito, Ishikawa, Batou and her were assigned to remain out of their line of duty as an apparent " favor " that someone did to someone and all that crap. However, there were no insignificant missions for section nine members ( Even when bitching about it form when to when ). If Aramaki gave them the order to perform the task of protectors, it was probably for a very important reason....... Or at least they loved to think that way, in order to compensate the lack of action the whole team was suffering. However, guarding the safety of two exceptional women like Ami and Makoto were, was a privilege for everyone; and so the feeling was mutual. Commander Ikari felt pretty disgusted with the presence of an inquisitive lawyer ( Even when not showing it outside, Makoto knew she was performing her job correctly over him ). Ritsuko felt happy after seeing Ami again, awaking that good old rivalry of college days. Both had victories over each other, but Ami was more recognized after winning a Nobel prize with her advances on photonic energy..... Even when saying that she didn't care at all about prizes and all that crap, Dr. Akagi felt envy in the strongest of the ways for her college's prestige. Just imagine it, two lovers hiding their true emotions... Ain't that just lovely ? In months of stay, the only thing both had found is that the deepest level of NERV installations had something else but a pile of rocks with an " under construction " sign... But what was it ? Ami was satisfied with the news that the YF project on New York she started, was almost complete... Test pilots were already trying the effectiveness on these ships. Not willing to leave yet, Makoto had the feeling something good for their cause was about to happen... General Corgan agreed with this and made the terms of their stay longer, for at least a week. ( Note: Ami and Makoto made the announcement of the hologram crap to general Corgan... However, the silence was kept as a strategy to obtain silently and without troubles what were commander Ikari and Dr. Akagi hiding deep inside NERV ). Lorenz communicated Ikari that an assassin was hired to take the interlopers out of his way. Ikari felt happy for this... For one of the fewest times in his life, commander Ikari thanked Keel Lorenz. Ami and Makoto were desperate to find soon a way to clear this... But they forgot for a moment that: " The wormcan must be opened sometimes from inside. " The morning was pleasant for both lieutenants, as well of for their guardians while Makoto was preparing breakfast for everyone... Excepting Ishikawa and Saito, who were on fuchikomas, outside. Makoto: - [ Smiling ] Breakfast's ready everyone. - Motoko: - Ma'am, I must beg you again to accept the offer of having one of our cooks to take care of the meals. - Makoto: - First lieutenant, why do you keep on offending me ? You dislike my food ? Don't eat it. - Motoko: - This has nothing to do with tastes. - Makoto: - If it's not about tastes, then don't say a thing... [ Smiling ] Here, " Bon apetit ". - Batou: - [ Checking his gun ] Hey, no big deal Motoko... 'Sides, it's not like someone's gonna say a thing about it. If the old ape face knew lieutenant's cooking skills, he would come here to have at least dinner everyday. - Makoto: - You're so sweet as always sergeant major... [ Extending chopsticks ] Here, have a bite. - Batou: - [ Blushing and smiling ] As I said before major... No big deal. - Motoko: - [ Sweating with cracked lips ] Coming from you Batou, I can't really see professionalism on your comments. - Ami: - Food's to be judged with appetite, not with protocols. Motoko chan, how long have we been together ? - Motoko: - You know that better than me lieutenant. - Ami: - [ Munching pork bun ] Right... Come on, you'll get back to action soon. We have a week left to stay here, either we accomplish the assignment or not. - Motoko: - No, it's not that Ami chan... It's just that I've been feeling strange lately. - ( Note: Aha ! " Ami chan ? " Yes, even cyborgs have the right to have friends and act without procedures ). Ami and Makoto: - And so we have been like that too. - Makoto: - Motoko chan, I need to get somewhere today at four. - Motoko: - [ Drinking tea ] Where at Makoto chan ? - Makoto: - You know Kazuya café, right ? - Motoko: - I do. - Ami: - I'll stay here and communicate with my colleges in New York to see how the final process of the YF program is doing. - Motoko: - Fine. Okay Batou, you will come with me then. - Batou: - A pleasure lieutenant... Say, have you tried your noodles yet ? If you don't want them, I'll... - Motoko: - Keep your eyes off my food dear Batou... If you don't want to lose an arm or two. - Batou: - [ Improvising tune ] And she's so beautiful and sweet, oh yeah. Just like the very honey, oh yeah. - Motoko: - [ Grinning ] Saito and Ishikawa will remain here with lieutenant Mizuno... Oh and be sure to leave them with appropriate hardware, I don't want no damn rookie assassin to think breaking through this safehouse is easy. - Batou: - [ Smiling with little eyes ] I bet not even your shadow would think that about yourself, lieutenant. - Makoto: - You know, I wonder... We have some friends we haven't visited yet since we came and... - Motoko: - Makoto chan, can't you understand that we have an Alpha code over you and lieutenant Mizuno ? - Ami: - Just one night, it won't be hard to contact them. For a single dinner... The four of you can share the table with us. - Batou: - How long would that take ? - Ami: - An hour and a half, max. - Batou: - Hey, we have done that before, lieutenant. - Motoko: - ..... An hour and a half you said, I'll be the responsible of measuring the stipulated time. Give me a date and and hour and I'll make the arrangements personally. - Makoto: - All right !... Ami, you know how to contact the girls, right ? - Ami: - No, but I do have access to any phone number in the world, even Ikari's scarecrow. - Motoko: - [ Smirking ] So, we have a pro hacker here, huh ? - Batou: - [ Smiling and sweating ] Aw, come on Motoko. You know that if we look at it through that point of view, we all are what you just said. - Motoko: - [ Smart smile ] Just don't even have the idea to make those qualities public under any circumstance. - Ami and Motoko: - Why no ma'am, arigato gosai mas. - The scene is now changed to see Makoto dressed on her regular outside uniform, waiting for someone on the most hidden table on a café ubicated downtown Tokyo 2. Mokoto is at her right side wearing a black attire. Batou's at the main gate of the café, waiting man asking for " some light to smoke ". Makoto: - Aren't you going to ask me what are we doing here ? - Motoko: - [ Coldly ] It is not of my business, ma'am. - Makoto: - Right, I forgot... Well, isn't there anything you would like to tell me at all, first lieutenant ? - Motoko: - .... Your uniforms are truly more elegant than ours, lieutenant Kino. - Makoto: - Well, I've gotta be the judge of that first. - Then, both women saw a man standing in front of Batou a little nervous. Batou registered him and after finishing, he allowed the man to get to the table where lieutenant Kino was. Motoko: - [ Through encrypted channel ] Batou, what about him ? - Batou: - No weapons, no cybernetic lectures or camouflage. Nothing but a common human who didn't even brought coins to use the phone. - Motoko: - Change your position to I40 and so order the fuchikomas to do the same. - Batou: - Roger that, lieutenant. - The man took a seat in front of Motoko and Makoto smirking. Man: - Cyborgs, and of the best kind. Whoever sent you did right in choosing this kind of protection for you. - Makoto: - Sir, who are you and how did you manage to get into my private transmission system ? - Man: - I'm here with you, about to share the ultimate secret of all... You call me dead meat, that's all. Well, getting into your frequency was no walk in the park, that's for sure. Though, it was for a very important reason. - Makoto: - You work for NERV, right ? - Man: - I suppose you already figured out the holographic shit Dr. Akagi created to hide the last section of NERV... It would have fooled anyone but Dr. Mizuno, I know that quite well. - Makoto: - [ Spark on eye ] So, you know what's at the other side of the big lie ? - Man: - I work at the other side of the big lie Doctor... I preferred to deal this with a lawyer than with a colleague because you just know how to find pressure points over commander Ikari better than anyone. - Makoto: - But you know you're committing treason to your own government... What can make anyone inquire in such action ? Is it really so dangerous, whatever's inside there ? - Man: - [ Speaking through close up ] He, he, heh... To your point of view I may be a traitor. I'm sure you'll change your points of view after hearing what I'm about to say. You have examined the rests of the slain angels by the evangelion units, finding interesting results on their molecular structures and properties, right ? Though, neither you or doctor Mizuno have seen yet the most interesting of the angels... The first one. - Makoto: - Very well sir, I am willing to listen whatever you would like to share with me. - Man: - Then, lie back and get comfortable because this is going to be very interesting. Very interesting. - It took a while to explain clearly and as briefly as possible the reasons why he was doing all what he was. Being a fugitive from NERV facilities ( Since scientists on that level are to remain there... Excepting Dr. Akagi ) Dr. Ito was being search everywhere on both Tokyos by the military and others. Makoto: - You were right when you suggested me to get comfortable Doctor... You know ? I do believe what you're saying. Tell me, how many other people know about this Lilith ? - Dr. Ito: - Only a few selected staff, Dr. Akagi and both commanders... The ones on upper sections know nothing. [ Chuckling ] Just imagine what they would do in case of hearing only a bit about it. - Makoto: - This is serious Dr. Ito, very serious. Did you hear about this human complementation program directly from any of the people you just mentioned ? - Dr. Ito: - I have made my own conclusions from the little I have heard in secret. Only Dr. Akagi and commander Ikari know fully the contents of the project. But you've got to believe me, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't true. - Makoto: - Do they know you're here on Tokyo 2 ? - Dr. Ito: - Not yet, but they'll find out soon enough, they're too damn smart not to notice I'm here. - Makoto: - Dr. Ito, I want you to leave with us the day after tomorrow with Dr. Mizuno and me to New York. It would be very useful for my superiors to hear all this. Besides, you'd be safer with us. - Dr. Ito: - Of course. - Makoto: - Are you safe where you are right now ? - Dr. Ito: - I am. - Makoto: - [ Writing in a piece of paper ] I'll set a meeting for Thursday in this address. We'll pick you up there on our way to the airport, understood ? - Dr. Ito: - Certainly, arigato ma'am. - Makoto: - No, my thanks to you Dr. Ito, until Thrusday. - Dr. Ito: - [ Standing up and smiling slightly ] You're really a God's messenger, you know ? Ja. - The man left silently the place with a hidden smile of joy, as lieutenant Mizuno began sweating after realizing the gravity of of her feelings she and Ami originally had about project eva. The scene moves now again to the safehouse, inside both lieutenants living room. Both were using long sleeping shirts with the Macross government insignia... Their expressions were more than serious while analyzing the recent news. Ami: - Not a word to the general, I suppose. - Makoto: - Not until we get there. It has become way too dangerous to even speak about it in private. - Ami: - A higher level of existence ? Then, the term was not technical, these people really think the creatures we examined are angels... I didn't want to offend Ritsuko with comments at first but... What do you think is going to happen now ? - Makoto: - According with Dr. Ito, he's not close to be found, at least not yet. We'll have a day off in order to fool everyone...- Ami: - [ Ascending smile ] While we have dinner with the girls ! Mako chan, you're a genius. - Makoto: - Arigato. Tell me, have the pilots of the YF's been found ? - Ami: - [ Nodding and smiling ] Uh-huh. Though, I have my doubts on one, he sure is one of the best, but he's also a rogue one. - Makoto: - Well, wildcards can be controlled, you'll see everything will be fine... Let's get some sleep now. - Ami: - [ Yawning ] Right, very wise from you. - Then, the scene is once again moved, to a dirty room on the fourth floor of a bad death motel. The main door of the room is broken by a frontal kick and Misato Katsuragi is the first one in getting in with a team of five men with M-16's. She searches everywhere with her Magnum 45 on hand, until she spots her target on the bathroom... Having a bath with his own blood inside a dirty tube. Major Katsuragi didn't made an expression of disgust, instead, she pointed her gun to the suicidal Dr, Ito. Ito: - Following orders Katsuragi ? - Misato: - Putting you away from your torture you mean. - Ito: - [ Chuckling ] Before you shoot Katsuragi san, I would like to tell you one last thing. - Misato: - Make it quick. - Ito: - You should really know who your friends are in your revenge against angels. - Misato: - [ Blinking ] What do you mean !? - Ito: - You should really know who your friends are... Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, !! - The mad laughter got Misato's worry. Then she began looking all around her, until she found a crucifix that had a little piece of C-4, with an indicator which said that only five seconds remained before it could detonate. Her face got filled with absolute terror and she screamed to the rest of the team: " GET OUT OF HERE NOW !!! ". Misato's quick and impulsive instinct commanded her to get out of there, jumping from the bathroom's window... Which she did fearlessly, acknowledging that the explosive was going to take out the last floor and maybe another. In slow motion, we can see how Misato falls inside a garbage dumpster and then the explosion takes out the floor she was on and another as she predicted. Misato kept her eyes wide open in terror... She almost dies during eva 3 possession by Bardiel and now once again, she was safe... But were Misato's nine lives running out of space ? Wondering about why she had survived so many times from assured death sentences, Misato thinks again on how she lived through the very center of the second impact and lived to tell the tale. The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- { Music cue: " The perfect year " Dina Caroll }. One of the most notorious and coincidental events that happened during lieutenants Kino and Mizuno inquire, were visitations. Holy knights from the house of Paro had visited characters who had once this same title, in order to warn them about the worries they all had from an uncertain but dangerous future. But even when being uncertain, the message remained identical: " You all must be together in that chaotic day. " Ikki, now knight of Pitti region, had during the days he trained Mamoru, Tetsuya and Shingo a slight and unclear premonition of this even, which was beginning to take shape little by little. Haruka and Kunou had as well similar feelings of a greater threat after Kilma ( See chapter ten )... But evil was nowhere to be found, which got everyone's worry and sent lord Paro back again to meditate with the Creator. But one thing was certain, the disbelief of people on faith itself rose up during and after the second impact. Many also had their own theories about heaven and angels ( Examples which you might probably know )... This was not good at all, humanity was at the mercy of anyone who could merely appear as a savior. Anyway, Yohko and Tetsuya returned to Tokyo 3 on a very desolated plane and rendezvous with those ones they shared fates with. ( Note: Due to the problems, the rate of passengers worldwide to Japan was considerably reduced. Mostly emergencies or very important situations moved people to both of the Tokyos ). Only Haruka and Hotaru were not there to complete the circle, but both sworn to everyone by phone that the day to be together again was very close indeed. Shinji, Asuka and even Rei remained perplex after noticing how Toji retrieved the limbs he lost for eva 1 after taken by the dummy plug for commander Ikari's command. Toji managed to fake surprise and say that he found out this after waking up from the strangest dream of all. Though, the happiest of all was Hikari, who kissed Susahara shortly in a brief but wild attack of joy. Ikari bought the tale, not having even suspects that there might have been a responsible behind the miraculous healing. But, there was another thing instead which got commander Ikari's worry: " Had Ito spoke to anybody at all about Lilith ? " Ikari assumed that he didn't since no reaction from the media or regular police was seen ( And none of this have retarded reactions, you know that ). ( Note: In the case of the media, the information would have been discarded easily, since there was no concrete proof on the declarations of Dr. Ito. In the case of the cops, archives of declarations are to be deleted from databases and destroyed in paper ). Dr. Ito used his scientific skills in fooling cameras, retinal and vocal analyzers and even guards with the greatest of all disguises. In few words, one of the greatest escapes of all times. In the end, commander Ikari assumed that he probably spoke to the media, but they didn't found the information credible, since Dr. Ito left his credentials on NERV headquarters, committing suicide and taking four special forces members with him in a pseudo heroic act by not dying like others... But as you might suppose, they were all expandable. The show had to go on for him, in order to see his dear Yui again. Unfortunately, Susahra failed on his mission. As soon as Shinji got liberated from the hospital and then from his imprison, the hatred against his father reached unbelievable proportions. Forced to almost take out the life of his friend, treated as worst as a criminal even though he had saved the world many times and treated like an instrument by his own father... For these reasons and more, Shinji just quitted and there was nothing Toji, Kensuke, Asuka, Rei or Misato could say or do to keep him away from the decision just taken. But moving into another spot of friendship, the inner senshi like the outer, found also a time to be together again... On a restaurant of Italian food on Tokyo 2 the inner were having theirs. After finishing a successful tour, Terry Medfield had plans for another soon. However, the sunshine mermaids changed their minds when the attack of angels began, not moving to another country but staying instead. Terry assumed they were all crazy, but remained on Tokyo 3 as well, for being in love with Usagi even though she re-engaged her compromise with an old love: The actor, Mamoru Chiba. In certain way, the presence of the so called angels created an advantage for the sunshine mermaids. Given the destructive rate by the creatures, the media had more reasons to be covering those news in particular rather than showbiz. Usagi: - [ Drunken blush ] ... But you really want to know what I find damn frettering ? That even with your priorities, you didn't thought about leaving Japan without having at least a litti-bity meeting with us. - Minako: - [ Smiling ] True, it was so shocking to know from you Ami chan, about the meting. - Rei: - Ami chan, is it true that we're guarded by cyborgs... ? Never thought that I was ever going to meet one. - Ami: - [ Smiling ] Well, only the first lieutenant is fully a cyborg, nevermind that. - Makoto: - Right... [ Grinning ] After years without seeing each other, how does it feel to communicate in person and not by using letters ? - Usagi: - Strange, we're having Italian. I don't know you, but that's weird enough for me. - ( Note: As part of the " arrangements " made by lieutenant Kusanagi, the restaurant was also chosen for being pretty secure for her, given the relationship between the owner and other sections of public security ). Minako: - You know ? We have all been invincible always, even without our powers... [ Sighing ] Not even death kept us apart. - Rei: - Feh, we may not remember how heaven looked like, or how did it felt to be angels. But I have always assured myself that even there, away from what we were, we were always together. - Minako: - [ Smiling tenderly ] An so it will be that way forever and ever. - Ami: - [ Shedding a tear ] You brought the camera Mako chan, please tell me you did. - Makoto: - Hey, I know better than you which moments deserve to be remembered, believe me. - Usagi: - Yay, let's make this a night to remember ! - All: - Alright ! - Then, we see a sequence of frozen photographs that explain clearly what happened during the whole night: Nothing else but fun !! One pictures Makoto and Ami showing their medals and recognitions with funny grins, another shows Ami with a disgust gesture for tasting a dry Martini and a last one shows the faces of all the former inner senshi together smiling. But then, a rapid sequence of embarrassing take ups of the night followed that, stopping on three in particular. -) The five friends dancing a tarantella, while their scort team looks worried with sweatdrops, following the movements of the Italian bands not close, but not far. -) Minako holding a huge accordion, while smiling widely. -) Makoto kissing Batou on the lips, as he blushes deep red. -) First lieutenant Kusanagi fuming horribly in front of a terrified Batou. Later, Motoko and Batou are on the front seats of a shielded BMW as Makoto and Ami are on the back seats, drunk and asleep. Batou had as always his smile of joy ( And now specially after kissed by lieutenant Kino ), on the other hand Motoko was serious and out of the mood for jokes on the recent festivity. Batou changed his smile, acknowledging that Motoko's attitude demonstrated that she wanted to share anything at that moment, but will to party. Batou: - Okay Motoko san, I will cease my piñata attitude if you want me to, but please don't be mad anymore. - Motoko: - [ Coldly ] You can do whatever you please Batou. - Batou: - But you must see things through... [ Blinking ] Can I? - Motoko: - [ Nodding ] I have more intriguing things to think about right now. - Batou: - Well, it can't definitively be about tomorrow's sudden escape to hangar 29, it is all well planned. 'Sides, we have done it before. There must be only one possible cause for your behavior first lieutenant, you have been like this since yesterday, when that man had the meeting with Makoto sama. Be sincere with me, what did they talk about ? - Motoko: - Sergeant major, you're out of line, I'm warning you. - Batou: - [ Smiling slightly ] But aren't we all first lieutenant ? I'm asking you this not for curiosity, just plain friendship. - Motoko: - ....... Batou, haven't you ever asked yourself what is going to happen with our souls the day we die ? - Batou: - I don't know why, but I think that we have had this conversation and you already know my opinion. - Motoko: - Wrong, this time is different. Tell me, what would you think if you could force your way to heaven, even when not deserving it, given your unworthy actions during a lifetime ? Even manmade souls or ghosts, as we know them. - Batou: - You know ? That is actually more interesting than the first conversation we first had. Well, through what I've seen and analyzed by myself between what many people consider faith and religion... No, I think not. What, don't tell me you think otherwise ? - Motoko: - No, you know I don't, my reason elements aren't that cheap. But finding out if these theories are true or not is not that important, but something else: In case of not being this heaven, what would you think this is, if using some sort of ritual which could have unseen reactions ? - Batou: - [ Sighing ] I don't really know Motoko san. However, it gets my attention the fact that the lieutenant and that man had that kind of conversation; and I know lieutenant Kino wouldn't waste her time just to discuss theories, which worries me a little I must confess. - Motoko: - I have a bad feeling about this Batou, I just don't know what it is but... Nothing ever seen or ever faced by us would be compared with this strange premonition. - Batou: - Then in few words, you're trying to say that the end of the world is close, eh first lieutenant ? - Motoko: - That is something I don't know Batou... Take the drive for a minute, I need to rest a little. - Batou: - Hokay, Motoko san. - As Batou takes the place her superior had at that moment, our friends don't notice a slight glimpse from the other side of the highway they were on. The sharp look and the cold expression of this individual allowed anyone to think that a trivial conflict was close. --------------- { Music cue: " Route 101 " Herp Albert }. Duke Togo was on the fourth floor of a building still under construction, which was on Tokyo 3, casually almost in front of a corner. Loading a re-re-re-modified model of M-16, ( Making it look like something but the original weapon ) Duke began to smoke again a cigarette, cool and quiet. It is strange to hear this, but Duke had randomly, from when to when, encounters with himself, his reasonable side. Duke assumed this had happened, when he began hearing his voice from behind speaking with the wise tone he disliked quite much. Voice: - So, you're still thinking about doing it ? - Duke: - [ Without turning ] If you are who you claim to be, then you should know better than me that I'm not just thinking about it. - Then, the voice took the shape of a four year old kid investing fancy and nice clothes... Still talking with the same voice of Duke ??? Yes, he moved right in front of him and Duke did nothing but maintain his coldness in front that dislikable situation. Kid: - I know what you're thinking, but this time you'll have to rely on anything else but killing. 'Cause I am you and you are me... Killing me would mean to kill yourself. - Duke: - And you know death means nothing to me. - Kid: - Exactly ! And that is precisely what has kept you alive through the years, man. But you don't really want to die, you still have many things left to do on this life. - Duke: - I haven't ever failed on a mission, never. I won't fall for the fairy tale that my life depends on my targets. - Kid: - Tell me, have seen an angel ? Not on the T.V. no. Have you ever seen one live, by yourself ? - Duke: - No, have you ? - Kid: - Many times. Believe me, that is something you don't want to see. The rotten images of corpses mean nothing compared with the feeling these creatures can create on you. - Duke: - I will do my job and that's final. - Kid: - Yosh, fine... However, you don't mind if I remain here for a while, or do you ? - Duke: - You can blow into pieces if you want to right this moment. - Kid: - [ Smiling ] Ahhh, as noble as always. Nothing like talking with one's self. - Then, an alarm is heard suddenly, indicating the citizens to evacuate to their designated shelters. Kid: - Oh, well what do you know ? An angel attack. - Duke: - They will come, this means nothing to them. - Kid: - Very well then, let's wait a little more for our guests. - A minute of patience was enough for Duke and the mysterious kid to see suddenly a BMW stopping abruptly in front of the corner. Duke grabbed the M-16 calmly and assumed aiming position in a discreet angle, literally invisible to common eyes. Makoto gets out of the car and begins to look desperately for the man she had an appointment with, Motoko and Batou lose control while protecting Makoto, for the evacuation alarm. Duke had both targets locked, a clear angle of Makoto's head was clear for him between Motoko and Batou and Ami's head was clearly visible inside the car, even with the dark windows. But then, the kid spoke with wisdom to his dark half. Kid: - Well my friend, behold the wonders and looks of one of the so many we have baptized as angels. - A moment of doubt, a moment of curiosity, a moment of unprofessionalism, any of these or the three made Golgo 13 for the very first time hesitate in taking easily a couple of shots. Duke turned left slightly, but them completely after catching a glimpse of a descending amorph creature. Then, he began contemplating the maintenance of that creature against heavy fire from one of the robots people called evas. Then, the sniper lost control, putting his rifle down and then contemplating on that monster sensations without images. These spoke about bizarre behavior, patterns of joy and sadness which provided a total madness... A mixture of confusion and unreason, which Duke hated. Ten seconds of his time were enough to realize that his other side was right, killing those targets would have meant the end of all life and at the same time the end of his career. No price was worth of that; and even when looking at it through the most selfish point of view of all, Duke allowed Ami and Makoto to flee without their witness to a secret hangar on Tokyo 3. Duke kept on watching how eva 2 then followed her regular attack with rocket launchers, not even stumbling the advance of Zeruel. Kid: - Don't worry man, this will be the last time I'll prevent you from taking the shot. - Duke: - How did you know all this ? How did you know the truth about these creatures ? - Kid: - I know many things you don't, you know many things I don't, that's the way how things work. - Duke: - Will I ever see you again ? - Kid: - Hey, I'm always here, like I said: I am you and you're me. You know SEELE will try to get your head now, don't you ? - Duke: - You have seen them, right. If you were in my place, would you be scared about their threats ? - Kid: - The thought just happens to be amusing. See you later, Golgo 13. - Duke: - [ Smiling slightly ] Don't get lost, uh ? - The image of the kid disappears and Duke makes his way out of there, storing the rifle back to the case. Unethical ? Maybe, Duke just preferred that on his reputation than having no reputation. Duke watched again the slow, but mortal advance of the 12th angel after mutilating eva 2 while bombarded by heavily assault devices from NERV. He just thought after finishing the cigarette: " I have done my part, go now and do your best. I need to live just a little longer. " The scene changes to the BMW, forcing its way in the middle of the fire against the angel. Motoko had the wheel, using the best reflexes section nine invested on her. Motoko: - Kuso ! What a damn coincidence. - Batou: - Motoko ! Look out ! - The car evades miraculously a photon beam from Zeruel. Ami: - That was a photon beam !! And we survived to it ?? - Motoko: - Oh, no shit ? And would you feel happier if that thing had destroyed us !? - Makoto: - But I don't understand, what happened with Dr. Ito ? - Batou: - The man is dead, Mako chan, dead ! NERV probably found him and took him out, ahhhhh ! - Another hard maneuver, evading a rocket. Motoko: - Old ape face must recognize my efforts after driving my ass right in the middle of a cross fire. - Batou: - But we're just three miles away from the hangar, hang in there and stop bitching first lieutenant... [ Grabbing a transmitter ] Crazy devil, Batou here. Cease your fire on sectors five and six, we have a 306 situation here. - ( Note: 306, U.N. members with priority A ). Voice: - Impossible Batou, we have direct orders from Okazaki to not cease our fire under any circumstance. - Batou: - Fine yo shit ! Is the Macross ship still there ? - Voice: - If you don't call us right now, they would have left in a minute. - Batou: - At least be a good boy and move the trajectory of your fire to an upper degree. - Then, everyone saw in front that a photon beam from Zeruel destroys the rocket post close to the airport, not having an expansive effect. Well, not horizontal, but vertical, with a point in form of a cross. Motoko: - [ Smiling madly and accelerating ] Well, someone else ceased fire for us, what a gentleman. - Batou: - Motoko, maybe I should grab the wheel now... - Motoko: - [ Aming Batou with a Seburo ] No more interference from you sergeant major, got that ? - Batou: - [ Sweating with little eyes ] Terrible day, huh ? - The car accelerates more now that the fire has been diminished. Matoko: - [ Looking behind ] They're not going to stop him. - Ami: - Probably not, saw the evangelion unit without its arms ? If these robots don't stop him... Oh my God ! - Makoto: - Those also happens to be my thoughts, but don't you get foolish ideas about going back or something, you know there's nothing we can do like this. Besides, you just saw one of them, two are still left. - Ami: - [ Worried ] An do you think they might... ? - Makoto: - [ Sighing ] I can just have hopes they might. - The car went inside the hangar, even breaking the security line at the entrance with the shielded surface of the BWM. ( Note: For those who know sec. 9's tale, the cars were redesigned against HV bullets with an considerable amount of titanium... You could say this was even expensiver than the car itself ). A VF15 ( Obviously an invented model ) was expecting them, the departure arrangements were quickly made by Motoko... With a Seburo in hand and not with a signature on any form. Even the goodbye ritual was fast, Makoto kissed Batou on his right cheek slightly and said a silent but tender " Arigato ". Ami bowed both of her guardians a small " Ja ", shouting at some distance: " You just don't have any idea of how good it was. " The departure was being slow, in order to accumulate the ship's reactor with a faster speed and reach the U.S. in minutes only. After getting some distance away from the city, Ami had still visibility over Zeruel, who suddenly found and encounter to meet eva unit zero. The evangelion ran fast towards the angel with something on its arm, but it was not until an AT field display took place when lieutenant Mizuno remained lost and perplex in wonder. " Light of mind " she whispered silently. This was the last thing said by her, when the reaction of the expansive effect made by the N2 mine made the Macross ship lose control, forcing the pilots to descended away from the shores of the city. Unfortunately, the emergency systems were still malfunctioning for the explosion's secondary effects and the ship began to sink inside the ocean... With its pilots and crew inside. The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- Someone's sight begins to get focus, spotting a familiar face below a strong light. The face was general Corgan's and the light looked like the ones used for hospital's rooms. Corgan: - You scared us to death lieutenant, you've been like this for a whole week. - Makoto: - [ Weakly ] Ami chan, where... ? - Corgan: - She's outside, I'll call her immediately. - Makoto: - [ Shaking head and blinking rapidly ] General, the angel on Tokyo 3, the destroyed evas... - Corgan: - [ Smiling lightly ] Feh, have no fear lieutenant. This is not heaven, one of the evangelions managed to submit the aggressor angel. - Makoto: - Heaven ? Sir, then you know... ? - Corgan: - Ami told me part of it, but I was expecting you to get up, so you could inform me better. You really fooled commander Ikari, no one known by me has ever managed to do that. - Makoto: - Sir, as soon as I incorporate back to my feet, I'll surrender a full report to you gladly. We're maybe out of time and, and, and.... - Corgan: - Hush, not another word child. You'll tell me all about it as soon as you get better. [ Walking out ] I'll tell Ami to get in... [ Turning around ] By the way, the team of section nine that took care of you both sends regards, specially sergeant major Batou. - Makoto: - [ Smiling slightly ] Thank you sir. - As the general gets out of the room, Makoto realizes how right was she when she used to think Darius was exactly like a father figure for her, like for Ami... Makoto smiles with pride. The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- SEELE meeting table was busy again, but now Keel Lorenz had a different mood. His expression showed uncertain, anything but the objective and fearful image the leader of the ancient organization had. Seele 9: - The head of Duke Togo will fall in a matter of days.- Seele 7: - No one can do this to us, the price to pay for this pseudo assassin will be his life. - Seele 3: - Both inspectors are out of our jurisdiction now, general Corgan has his very own personal army taking care of them. - Then, silence came again to the meeting room, as the rest of the SEELE members got trapped with their head's uncertainess. Lorenz is closed up slowly on his meditating position and then, his thoughts get voice. Lorenz: - [ Thinking ] The gates for humanity to evolve are almost open, our purpose will be fulfilled soon... Why did Golgo 13 changed his mind ? I remember that his reputation before the end of the century was undisputed, his jobs were always sacred. He even returned the amount given... Why, why was the pattern of an assassin like him changed in a sudden ? - Then Duke is spotted at the balcony of a hotel at the side of the sea, viewing sunset and repairing an old but deadly 38 special. Before the scene fades completely, while nobody was looking him, Duke Togo smiles just for the fact of doing so. The scene fades with a seductive saxophone tune. End of chapter four.