Episode One:  A story begins/ A helping hand?

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(The scene opens deep within the office of NERV’s Supreme Commander, Gendo Ikari.  Beneath the massive depiction on the ceiling that is the Systema Sephirotica, two men can be seen sitting at a desk.  A serious discussion is taking place.....)
Fujutsuki:  So, I understand the Australian government has asked us if we want their help.
Gendo:  Yes.  It is something not fortold in the Dead Sea Scrolls....
Fujutsuki:  .....
Gendo:  But it can be made to suit our purposes.
Fujutsuki:  You don’t mean....
Gendo:  Yes.  We have accepted their offer.
Fujutsuki:  But, what did the commitee say?
Gendo:  They think that the situation is under control.  And for the time being, it is.
Fujutsuki:  Hmm.  So when can we expect the new EVA to arrive?
Gendo:  From what the government has told me, the pilot will be here tommorow.  However, the unit is being readied for transport.  It will not be here for another four weeks at least.
Fujutsuki:  Well, there’s something to look forwards to, I guess......

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Misato:  So Ritsuko, what’s this I hear about an Australian pilot joining us?
Ritsuko:  I’ve only just learned myself.  Apparently, he’ll be arriving today at noon.
(The scene is at NERV HQ, inside the control centre next day.  The two women stand next to the massive tower containing the second part of the MAGI supercomputer:  Magus Balthasar.  Around them, everyday work continues.)
Misato:  What about his EVA?  Will that be here today as well?
Ritsuko:  That’s the interesting part.  It won’t get here for another four weeks yet.  The pilot is being sent forwards in advance to prepare for it’s arrival.  Commander Ikari wants us to meet him personally when he arrives at the airport.
Misato:  So what else do we know about this guy?
Ritsuko:  Nothing but his name as of yet.
Misato:  Which is?
Ritsuko:  (Checking a folder)  Colonel Matthew James Eklom.
Misato:  Eklom?  Now there’s an odd name.  Why did Australia ask to send someone over here in the first place, anyway?
Ritsuko:  Of that, not even the commander is sure.  I guess we’ll find out.
Makoto Hyuga:  Sir?  We’re recieving a communication from a Republic aircraft.
Misato:  Already?  Put it through, please.
Hyuga:  Yes ma’am.
(With that, a window appears in front of Misato’s chair, however it reads “AUDIO ONLY”.)
Misato:  Colonel Eklom?
Radio:  This is Colonel Eklom.  To who am I speaking?
Misato:  Captain Misato Katsuragi, head of operations at NERV.
Radio:  Ahh, I’ve heard of you.  It is an honour to hear from you finally, Captain.
Misato:  You can speak Japenese?
Radio:  Fluently.  I am calling because I shall be arriving in Tokyo-3 in one hour.  I thought that someone should know.
Misato:  Very well.  Dr Akagi and I shall meet you personally, Colonel.
Radio:  Thank you, Captain.  I look forwards to meeting you.  Eklom out.
(With that, the transmission goes dead.)
Hyuga:  He’s broken contact, sir.
Misato:  Hmm.  Sounds a bit arrogant.
Ritsuko:  Well, we’d best head off.

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(One hour later, as Ritsuko Akagi and Misato Katsuragi stand on the tarmac at Tokyo-3 international airport, surrounded by security guards, they hear the sounds of powerful turbines approaching.  As they watch the skies, amongst the other air traffic, a lone aircraft the size of a fighter comes into view, banking in to face the group assembled on the tarmac.  As it come in to land, one can make out it’s features:  A smallish, compact fighter with short, swept forwards wings at the back, and a large cockpit in front.  As the fighter lands, the group finds themselves covering their ears over the sound of the roaring engines.  As the engines power down, the canopy suddenly seems to break.  Suddenly, it slides backwards, disappearing from view.  A lone male figure climbs from the cockpit, swinging himself over, and landing easily.  Taking a bag from the aircraft, he reseals the canopy, and then types something on a device attached to his wrist.  Within seconds, the sounds of locking can be heard as the aircraft secures itself from outside interference.  The pilot’s helmet accordions back over his head, folding neatly into his flight suit as he approaches, finally giving the group a look at his features.  A tall, muscular man in his mid-thirties, with short, dark brown hair, and sunglasses.  As he approaches the two women, the man halts, and salutes.)
Colonel:  Captain Katsuragi and Doctor Akagi?  Colonel Matthew Eklom of the Republic Defense Force reporting for active duty.
Misato:  Welcome to Japan, Colonel.  I trust your flight was pleasent.
Matt:  As well as could be expected.  Thank you for coming to meet me.  Dr Akagi?
Ritsuko:  It’s good to finally meet you, Colonel.  I believe arrangements have already been made concerning your living status.
Matt:  Yeah, how’s that for coincidence.  I believe it’s the apartment next door to yours, Captain.
Misato:  Hmm?  You’re kidding.
Matt:  That’s what I thought when I found out.  Well, I’m okay with it if you are.
Misato:  I guess.......
Ritsuko:  This way, please.  We have much to discuss.

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Ritsuko:  You can’t be serious!!
Matt:  I’m afraid I am, doctor.
(It is one hour later, inside NERV H.Q..  In Commander Ikari’s office, a heated discusssion is taking place.)
Ritsuko:  Colonel, I’m sure that we can take care of your EVA, we seem to do well with our own!
Matt:  I know that, but the thing you don’t seem to understand is what the differences between your and our EVA’s are.  Allow me to explain.
(With this, Matt seats himself without asking.)
Gendo:  Go ahead, Colonel.
Matt:  Australia does not call their units Evangelions.  Our units are called “Titan-Mech-Warriors”, and they are totally different to an EVA for one important reason:  They do not incorporate any biological components except for the pilot.  They are fully automated machines, capable of carrying out every order issued to them.
Ritsuko:  Then how on earth can these Mech-Warrior’s expect to defeat an Angel without an A.T. Field?
(Matt looks away for a moment, before looking back.)
Matt:  My orders do not allow for me to explain that, Doctor Akagi.
Ritsuko:  But the ability to generate an A.T. Field mechanically has been proven to be impossible!
Matt:  All the more reason to keep the technology to one country.  I’m sorry, sirs, but that’s the way it is.  My orders are specific.  No one touches the unit without my permission, and no one works on or pilots it but me.  That is one of the terms of our help here.
Gendo:  And the other?
Matt:  That no action be taken against any Australian forces when they arrive.
(A long silence ensues, before finally, Gendo excuses himself, Ritsuko and Misato from Matt to converse.)
Gendo:  Your opinions, please.
Ritsuko:  I’m happy with everything but not being able to work on the unit.  Otherwise, his terms seem fine.
Misato:  I can understand where Australia is coming from, sir.  Their country is a very protective one now.  I agree to the terms that he has laid down.
Gendo:  Then it is decided.  Colonel?
(Matt approaches the three.)
Matt:  Sir?
Gendo:  Welcome aboard, Colonel Eklom.
(With that, Colonel Eklom and Commander Ikari shake hands.)

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Matt:  Ugh!  That’s the last of it.
(It is early next day.  After spending the night in a hotel, Matt is now moving into his new apartment, bringing his personal belongings with him after they have arrived in boxes.  Misato helps him to move in, as she is off duty.)
Matt:  I appreciate the help, Captain.
Misato:  Oh, it’s no trouble, you’re a part of my job anyway.  And please, call me Misato.
Matt:  If you insist.  Call me Matt.  Now, where’s that esky?
Misato:  You mean this one?
(She points to a large blue esky sitting in the corner of the room beside a lounge suite.)
Matt:  Phew!!  I thought I’d left it at home.
Misato:  Food for the night?
(Matt looks at her and laughs.)
Matt:  I guess you can call it that.
(He opens the esky to reveal that it is in fact full of Australian beer.)
Misato:  I see.
Matt:  Don’t take me for an alcoholic.  I simply love my beer, and don’t want to miss my country’s own.
(With that, he takes out a small bottle, and opens it.)
Misato:  You like beer?
Matt:  I LOVE it.  It’s a family tradition for everyone to drink a beer in our new homes.  Here, want to try a Vic Bitter?
Misato:  Okay.  I’ll try it.
(Matt takes out a bottle, and throws it to Misato, who just manages to catch it.)
Matt:  Enjoy, I know I will.
(Matt clinks his bottle against Misato’s, and then chugs it, throwing his head back.)
Misato:  Uhhhh, yeah.
(Misato opens hers more carefully, and then takes a gulp.)
Misato:  Hmm.  Not bad at all....
Matt:  BURP!!!  God, excuse me, there was no call for that.  I have to remember, I’m not home anymore.
(However, he is surprised to see Misato now chugging down her bottle.)
Matt:  Ahh.  I take it you like it?
(Misato comes up for air.)
Misato:  YeeeeHaaaa!!!  BURP!!  That’s the good stuff!!
Matt:  Glad you like it.  I always keep a good stock of beer and spirits handy.
Misato:  I can see I’m going to enjoy living next door to you.
Matt:  You mean you drink a bit too?
Misato:  Well, I drink perhaps a little too much sometimes.  And I’m into junk food.
Matt:  Finally!!  A woman who understands my way of thinking!!
Misato:  What you don’t have a girlfriend back in Oz?  Some lucky little girl you left behind?
(At this, Matt’s smile vanishes, making Misato wish she hadn’t said anything.)
Matt:  ......no.  Not for a long time.
(As Misato looks at him questioningly, he continues.)
Matt:  ........My girlfriend lives in Texas....I haven’t seen her for five years.
Misato:  I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-
Matt:  Don’t worry about it.  I know what you meant.  And the answer is yeah, if she hasn’t married someone else.
(With this, Matt looks up at Misato and smiles.)
Matt:  One of these days, I’ll get the time to find her again.
Misato:  I’m sure you’ll find her eventually.
Matt:  Yeah, eventually.
(Matt looks away, out to the window, which shows a beautiful clear sky outside.)
Matt:  I’m a soldier now.  Until I retire, or get the time, that is what I shall remain.
(He turns back to Misato, smiling.)
Matt:  Besides, I got a new life and new friends to make now, don’t I?
(Misato smiles, back, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at his seeming pessimism.)

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(Two days go by.  Colonel Eklom adjusts to life in Japan, taking on his new role as Mech-Warrior pilot.  However, as his unit has not yet arrived in Japan, he has nothing to do.  One day, Misato and he are standing in the park below their apartment complex.)
Misato:  So what will you do at the moment?
Matt:  I dunno.  Kick around, get to know Tokyo-3.  Any good pubs in the area?
Misato:  Pubs?
(Matt laughs, shaking his head.)
Matt:  Sorry about that.  When I say pub, I mean bar.  You know, drinking establishment.
Misato:  Ohhh!!  I see what you mean.  And yeah, a couple.
Matt:  Beauty.  Best get aquainted with ‘em then.  Well, I guess I’ll just drive around the city for a while.
Misato:  With what?
Matt:  My car.
(Matt guestures to a brand new black Jaguar SV90 sitting two cars over from Misato’s blue sports car.
Misato:  THAT’s yours?
Matt:  Not bad, eh?  I must admit, it’s a beautiful car.  Want a lift to work?
Misato:  And how!
(As they approach Matt’s car, he presses a button on the device strapped to his wrist, and the car unlocks.)
Misato:  What is that thing on your wrist?
Matt:  A gift from my superiors.  And a fine one at that.  Shall we?
(The two get into Matt’s car, Matt in the driver’s seat.  As he turns the ignition, music floods through the six CD changer.  The song “Four Sticks” by Led Zeppelin can be heard.  As he sees Misato’s face, he turns it down.)
Matt:  Sorry.  If you don’t like it, I won’t put it on.
Misato:  No, please.  Besides, it didn’t sound that bad.
(Matt grins, turning up the volume and flicking on his sunglasses.)
Matt:  Let’s roll.
(With that, the car slides backwards out of the ramp and onto the street.  Matt drops the car into first, releases the clutch and floors it, speeding the car out into the morning sun.)
Misato:  Who taught you to drive?
Matt:  Stevie Wonder.  Sorry if it’s too quick, but I like to move FAST.
Misato:  Just don’t kill us.
Matt: Heh heh heh heh.

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(A short time later, outside of NERV H.Q.,)
(Maya Ibuki, assisstant Evangelion head, walks to work in her normal way, getting to the entrance.  However, as she is about to swipe her card through the reader, she hears a speeding car.  Turning to face the sound, she sees a sleek black sports car come sliding across the street, making a perfect hook slide into the park beside the entrance.  As the car comes to a screeching halt, it settles back onto it’s right wheels with a metallic THUD.  The passenger door opens, and a familiar figure steps out.)
Maya:  Major?  Are you okay?
Misato:  Oh hi, Maya.  Yeah, just getting a lift into work.
(She guestures to the driver.)
Matt:  Hey, lieutenant.  Just giving your boss a ride in.  How are you?
Maya:  Oh!  Uhh, fine, sir!
Matt:  Just call me Matt.  You don’t answer to me directly.
Maya:  Oh.  Okay, Matt.
Misato:  See you, Matt.  Thanks for the lift in.
Matt:  No praw.  Catch you guys later.  I might have a bit of a wander around the Geo-Front.
Maya and Misato:  Bye!
(Misato closes the door, and Matt hits the accelarator, roaring off into the morning sun.)
Maya:  He seems nice.
Misato:  Yeah, he does. Maybe this will be fun after all.
(With that, the two women walk into NERV.)

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(Meanwhile, a mile below the above conversation)
Fujustuki:  It looks like the new pilot is making quite a stir amongst the staff.
Gendo:  Indeed.  He’s quite a change.
Fujutsuki:  Any news on the Third Child?
Gendo:  I have sent for him.  He will be here in a week’s time.
Fujutsuki:  Let’s just hope the Angels don’t attack until then....
Gendo:  ....

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To be Continued.....

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