Kael_L15


	Okay, okay, I know what all you NGE fans are saying....”Hey, that’s not how the episode goes!” and things to that end. Well, here’s why. I don’t own the video for this episode, and the one time that I borrowed it, I was extremely....err....inebriated when I watched it. And our TV service was too cheap to repeat the series, so I don’t remember much about this episode. However, I’ve decided to start putting more of a spin on things, like including more about the Republic, so I guess that’s my excuse, lame as it is. Don’t like it? No one forced you to. Any-way, if you’ve got any comments or queries about it, don’t bother Kat, she’s got enough to do at the moment. Send them to kael_lorenz@yahoo.com.au or overseer@katmail.zzn.com.au, and I’ll answer them as soon as I get to them (although after October 16, don’t expect a fast reply.). Well, enjoy the story!! Episode Fifteen: Splitting of the beast/The Real Thing. --------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------- (The scene opens up on another bright sunny day over Tokyo-3. It is early morning, and as usual, the city is bustling with people. At the local school, students are milling about outside, either going into the school or hanging around outside until the last minute. Over the multitudes of voices talking, the low, purring growl of Matt’s Jaguar can be heard again. As the camera pans, we can see the car rolling along slower than usual, avoiding the large clumps of school students milling around the street. As it finally reaches the front gates, it pulls to a stop, the engine revving to itself. As the passenger door opens, we see Asuka getting out and folding the seat forwards. The song “Life is a Minestrone” by 10CC can be heard ending as Shinji gets out behind her and closes the door. At the wheel, Matt looks out at the two of them.) Matt: Now remember, I’ll be here at 2 to pick you guys up. Make sure you’re here by then. Asuka: Yeah, yeah. What about wonder-girl? (Matt squints at Asuka in the harsh sunlight.) Matt: I’ll pick her up from here at 2 as well, so make sure you tell her, okay? Shinji: Don’t worry, we’ll make sure she finds out, Matt. Matt: Okay...see you two later then! Asuka/Shinji: Seeya! (As the song “Hit Me with your Rhythm Stick” by Brian Dury comes on, Matt casts a hard look at the stereo.) Matt: How the hell did that get in there? (Punching a button on the stereo, he is rewarded as the song “It’s Electric” by Metallica roars to life. Matt grins lopsidedly at the two children before stomping the gas.) Matt: (to himself) Better. (With that, Matt waves one last time at Asuka and Shinji before cruising off into the morning.) ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------- ------------------------ (Meanwhile, across the bay, a fair way out to sea, a different kind of bustling is taking place. Aboard the Republic Landship Righteous Endaevour, the flight crew in the aircraft hangers are busily working around a squadron of large bomber-style aircraft, ensuring they are ready for flight. High above this frenzy of activity, on the bridge, General Amy Patterson sits back in her command chair in the centre of the bridge, observing the status of the ship on her board whilst giving orders.) Amy: F.C., What’s the status of Vengeance Wing? (At the F.C (Fighter Control) station, a lieutenant looks up.) Fighter Controller: They can be scrambled into action in fifteen minutes at maximum. Amy: (looking to her left) Status of the 12th Angel? (On the other side of the bridge, the science officer looks up from her post and speaks.) S.O.: Another few hours and it will have hatched and become airborne. Estimated Time of Arrival at Tokyo-3: 7 hours present time. Amy: Fighter Control, make sure that payload is ready for when Vengeance Wing is given the order to scramble. F.C.: Yes ma’am. Amy: Sciences, keep an eye on that Angel, and if it shows any intention to change course, inform me ASAP. S.O.: Yes ma’am. (Amy clears her throat to address the bridge.) Amy: Listen up all of you. Today we are going to be engaging yet another Angel. However, this time it’s going to be a little harder. The target will be engaged in the heart of a major city in Japan, Tokyo-3. There is a good possibility that some serious damage may come of our intervention. But the simple fact is, we cannot simply rely on the EVA’s to take care of this Angel. It’s capabilities are much different than that of the other Angel’s, and this time there’s no guaruntee the Evangelions can do it. So it’s up to us to make sure that Angel doesn’t leave Tokyo-3 alive. If necessary, we are to eliminate the entire city to ensure it’s destruction. But whatever happens, know this....it’s not easy for any of us. But if it means humanity will be saved, then we have no choice. So let’s all hope it doesn’t come to that. (There is an uneasy silence from around the bridge.) Amy: I guess there’s not much more to say....return to youur stations...and let’s get this job done. (As the bridge crew returns to it’s posts, Amy cna be seen to breathe a deep sigh.) Amy: For what it’s worth... ------------------------------ ----------------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------------------- (Later on, in the afternoon, at the local high school, Asuka, Rei, Hikari, Shinji, Touji and Kenske clean the classroom after the class has finished. Shinji, however, cannot take his eyes off Rei Ayanami, as she wrings out a cloth over a bucket of water. Shinji’s eyes seemed to be filled with recognition...for in his mind...he has seen this somewhere before.... However, before he can follow that train of though for very long, he is clouted across the back of the head by an irate mop-wielding Touji.) Touji: Hey! Get on with it, you wanna be stuck here all day?! Shinji: GYAH!!! Okay, okay, sorry!!! ------------------------------------ --------------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------------- (A little later on, Shinji and Rei travel down into NERV through one of the express elevators. As the stand in silence, Shinji cannot help but speak.) Shinji: Uh....Rei? Rei: (quietly) What? Shinji: The way you were washing the floor today....I don’t know.....there was something about it that reminded me... Rei: Of what? Shinji: Of...my mother... (Suddenly, Shinji laughs to himself.) Shinji: Never mind....I’m sure you’d make a great mother, Rei. (Rei however, hunches her shoulders slightly, her back still turned to Shinji.) Rei: You.....embarrass me.... Shinji: .... ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- -------------------- --------------------------------- (A short time later, the three EVA pilots sit in their entry-plugs, going through another synch-ratio test. In the booth overseeing the test, Misato, Ritsuko, Maya, Hyuga and Matt sit or stand, observing the results. As the computers beep an affirmative, everyone looks at the final readouts.) Misato: Is it just me, or is Asuka’s synch-ratio falling? Matt: Like a proverbial rock, as they say in the classics... Ritsuko: Yes. It seems Shinji has now got the highest synch-ratio of all...aside from yours, Matt. Matt: Well, ten years of training helped get me that far. Shinji’s done well considering he’s only been piloting for a few months. Ritsuko: I guess you’re right. Misato: (into the plug mikes) Okay, we’re finished you guys. (Inside his plug, Shinji’s eyes snap open as he looks into the external camera.) Shinji: Well? Misato? How does it look? (Misato’s holographic image winks to life in front of him, giving him a thumbs-up.) Misato: Congratulations, Shinji! You’ve got the highest synch-ratio! Shinji: What? No way! Asuka: (obviously angry) WHAT?!?!?! (Shinji sits back in his entry-plug, a grin on his face, while it is all Asuka can do to stop herself from smashing the insides of her entry-plug.) ------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------------------------- -------------------------------- (Afterwards, in the ladies changerooms, Asuka fumes as she takes redresses after removing her plug-suit. Rei finishes dressing quietly nearby.) Asuka: Damn him! So what if he’s got the highest synch-ratio score! Rei: .... Asuka: “Oh, Shinji the incredible! He’s so good because he’s got the highest synch ratio!” What a load of crap!!! Rei: .... Asuka: It’s not like he recieved any training like we did, is it?! GRRRR, I’m so mad I could kill something! (Behind her, Rei continues dressing. Suddenly, Asuka turns around to face her, rage in her eyes.) Asuka: What the hell is the matter with you?! Don’t you ever get angry?! Rei: (quietly) I do get angry. Asuka: Hmmph. Rei: ....but there is nothing you can do to make me so. (With that, Asuka turns back to her locker, still fuming. Rei turns to leave, stopping for a moment as the door opens.) Rei: I’m leaving. (That said, Rei walks out, the door sliding closed behind her. Asuka finishes dressing herself...and taking another look in the mirror for a moment, slams the locker door shut.) Asuka: Damn you!!! ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ----------------- (Meanwhile, out on the ocean, a new form is stirring quietly, and as the waves ripple around it, the Twelth Angel, Leliel, breaks the surface, it’s mirror like surface totally smooth as the giant sphere floats above the ocean towards Tokyo-3.) --------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- ----- (Meanwhile, aboard the Landship Righteous Endeavour....the sciences officer suddenly shouts out as her console starts beeping urgently.) S.O.: Sir!! The Angel has hatched, and is moving towards Tokyo-3 earlier than anticipated!!! (Amy looks across to the officer, a look of alertness in her otherwise tired eyes.) Amy: Time of arrival? S.O.: Less than half an hour. It’s moving faster than we anticipated. (Amy stands, and addresses various posts around the bridge.) Amy: Scramble Vengeance Wing NOW! Get those payloads loaded, and have those aircraft ready to go in five minutes! I want Vengeance Wing in the air and en route ASAP! Engineering, I want the Endeavour ready to move in ten minutes! Engineering Officer: Yes sir, beginning engine warm-ups. Amy: Tactical, inform A, B and D Cannon Fire Control to begin charging. We may need it sooner rather than later. Tactical Officer: Aye sir, all Cannon Fire Controllers report they are assuming fire procedures. C Cannon Fire Control is asking whether or not they should assume firing procedures as well. Amy: No. Until we’re sure that A.M. leak is contained, there’s no telling what it could do if fired. Tell C Cannon Fire Control to stand ready in case they are needed, but do not assume fire procedures. T.O.: Aye sir. (Outside the ship, the low, soothing hum begins to rise in intensity as the four massive engines mounted underneath the ship slowly begin to warm up as they prepare to move the ship again. Inside, in the aircraft hangers, activity reaches a frenzied pitch as technitians, ground crews, weapons engineers and pilots hurry about. The twenty bombers are hurriedly but carefully prepared for flight, each one being loaded with a lethal looking missile. Each missile is roughly four meters long, with a short range rocket engine inside concave fairing, targeting sensors in the centre, and at the tip of each, a bulging warhead. Each missile has the word “MARTYR” and a number stencilled on their side. They are also loaded with numerous other missiles and rockets. Finally, the pilots arrive, two to each bomber. As they start to warm up the engines, a piercing whine can be heard as each bomber’s tri-ramjets roar into life. Slowly, one by one, the bombers are rolled out of their positions and onto the runway. On the side of each, a picture of a sword sitting in front of a triangular shield pointing down can be seen.) Fighter Control Officer: Vengeance Wing is ready for action, sir. Amy: Excellent. Launch Vengeance Wing, and ready Raptor Wing for action should Vengeance require cover. F.C.O.: Yes sir. (into the post mike) Raptor Wing, get suited up and report to the breifing chambers for immeadiate breifing and sortie, on the double! (Back on the flight deck, the twenty bombers lift off the deck, supported by invisble beams of energy. As they reach one meter off the deck, their upward motion halts, and with a roar of unadulterated thrust, scream out of the hanger bay, out into the darkening afternoon.) F.C.O.: Vengeance Wing is away, sir! (The F.C.O.’s words area accented as the twenty bombers roar out of the hanger well below the bridge. As the bridge crew watches the aircraft thunder off towards the horizon, the Engineering Officer speaks.) E.O: Engines ready to go, ma’am. Amy: (looking at the helm) Right. Helm, set course for Tokyo-3. All Ahead Flank! Helmsman: Setting course for Tokyo-3, All Ahead Flank, Aye sir. (With a powerful, yet subdued roar, the Landship slowly, pondorously moves forwards, turning slowly to starboard as it does. As it ‘sets sail’ once more, the thirty fighters on guard duty move to follow, keeping a carefull watch over the ship as she once again sails forwards to make another moment in history. --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------- ------ (Meanwhile, the Righteous Endeavour is not the only thing to have spotted the Angel. At NERV H.Q., in Central Dogma, alarms are goign off everywhere as the newest Angel has been spotted on the horizon heading straight for Tokyo-3.) Hyuga: Spectral Analysis confirms it: It’s an Angel! Misato: Get the pilots to their units and stand ready for launch! Maya: Roger! Shifting operations to battle stations. (Down below in the EVA hangers, the three EVA pilots get to their entry-plugs whilst Matt climbs into the cockpit of the Black Templar and starts activating it.) Matt: (talking to the Black Templar) Been a long time since combat, hasn’t it, old girl? Don’t worry, we’re gonna kick us some serious Angel ass today. (As he talks to the Titan-Mech, he suddenly notices a flashing light on the console. A very important flashing light on the console.) Matt: Uh oh...something tells me this isn’t going to be a standard mission... (With that, he seals the cockpit, shuts off all external communications and presses the light in. Instantly, Amy’s voice can be heard in the cockpit.) Amy: Matt, where the hell have you been?! Matt: Traffic was a bitch. What’s up? Amy: Well, to start with, the Angel hatched earlier than we anticipated. Matt: That much is obvious. Amy: And we know for a fact that the EVA’s have got no chance against what it’s capable of. They won’t even be able to get near the thing. Matt: Fuck...what are we going to do? Amy: I’ve got a flight of Venoms on their way in now. They’ll arrive shortly after the Angel. (As Amy explains, awareness dawns in Matt’s eyes.) Matt: They’re carrying Martyr’s, aren’t they? (The silence on the other end of the comm answers his question.) Matt: Is the situation that serious? Amy: Worse than you think. Matt: Then tell those Venoms to get their asses into gear, while we distract it. Amy: Matt, just don’t do anything stupid, okay? Matt: Trust me, that’s the last thing I’m going to do. Take care, Amy. Amy: You too, Matt. Watch yourself. (With that, both individuals discomm. Matt synchs with his mech, and as he prepares to launch, he opens external communications again.) Matt: Black Templar ready to launch. ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------------- (A short time later, the immense form of the Twelth Angel floats into Tokyo-3. As it seemingly hovers unchallenged, we see the giant form of Evangelion Unit 01 leaning up against a building, it’s head carefully looking around the edge at the unaware Angel, a pistol in it’s hands. On the other side of the city, Unit 00 stands carefully concealed behind another building, propping a massive sniper rifle in the ready position. On the western face, Asuka’s red Unit 02 stands, a spear in hand, watching the Angel from a hidden vantage point. Finally, on the eastern edge of the city, the awesome Black Templar stands, it’s shoulder pauldrons open, and it’s missiles ready to fire. As the four behemoths prepare to attack, the Black Templar holds back.) Matt: (over the comm) Hold up. I think we should stay clear for the moment. Misato: (over the comm) What do you mean? Is the ‘Templar’s tactical scan showing something we don’t know? (There is silence for a moment before Matt answers.) Matt: I just think we should let them have a crack at it first... (As everyone else is confused by his words, suddenly, Aoba Shigeru’s voice comes over the comm.) Aoba: We’re detecting a large squadron of aircraft coming this way! It’s the Republic! (Suddenly, Gendo’s voice can be heard.) Gendo: Colonel, what’s going on?! Matt: Commander, I think now would be a good time to call the retreat. Something tells me you’re not going to like what’s about to happen. (As everyone tries to work out what he means, on the horizon, the disturbing sight of twenty bombers can be seen, their silhouettes giving them a more sinister appearance. Suddenly, a new voice can be heard.) Voice: This is the Republic of Australia officially declaring this area a war-zone. Evacuate all units, we’ll handle this. Gendo: You have no right to barge in and take control like this. Turn your aircraft around or you will be fired upon. Matt: Commander, so help me, if you fire on those aircraft, they’ll take down the entire city in an attempt to kill you. Voice: This is not an arguing point. Withdraw your units now, or we will open fire on the Angel anyway. Gendo: All units, ignore the Republic aircraft. Proceed with the destruction of the target! (In their entry-plugs, two of the pilots are unsure as of what to do....however, one has no reservations about follwoing orders. With a step to the right, Unit 00 steps out of hiding and unleashes a volley of shots from it’s Sniper Rifle, the shots impacting harmlessly on the target’s surface. However, just as the Angel becomes aware of the attack, the Republic aircraft swoop in. Inside the cockpit of the lead aircraft, Commander Nick Adler barks orders into the comm.) Nick: All fighters split up by twos and take separate runs at the target! I don’t want anyone to miss with those Martyr’s, so check your firing and watch your spacing! (With that, the twenty aircraft flying in formation split by twos, each pair flying aroudn to come at the Angel from a different direction. However, the Angel is obviously aware of the situation now, and floats into the centre of the city, making a direct strafing run impossible.) Nick: Damn!! Continue working in pairs, and cut off all access out of the city! If that bastard so much as sticks a toe out of there, I want it blown off, you hear me? (As the comm is interspersed with numerous “roger”s and “yes sir”s, the aircraft move into positions around the outside of the city, effectively blocking all routes out of it for the Angel. One by one, the aircraft start patrolling the city blocks, searching out the Angel.) Gendo: Commander, cease this activity at once and pull your units out! This is a matter for NERV!! Nick: Sorry, Commander Ikari, but my orders come from the Republic. You’ll have to take it up with them. All units, keep your eyes peeled, the first sign of that Angel, don’t get cocky or overconfidant, just call for backup and wait till they get there. (Inside his EVA, Shinji watches as one of the aircraft slowly glides past, it’s engines roaring. As he watches, the Venom halts in mid flight and pivots in mid air to turn it’s back on Unit 01.) Shinji: (over a private link) Matt...what’s going on? What are these fighters doing here? Matt: (quietly) Saving our hides, Shinji, trust me. (Suddenly, over the comm, another voice can be heard.) Voice: Leader, this is V-5. I’ve found it. Coordinates coming through now. Request immediate backup and permission to fire, it’s starting to move. Nick: Roger V-5, permission granted. All units, converge on that point ASAP!! (The fighter in front of Shinji roars and soars forwards, followed by two other aircraft which come banking in from the right and left. As he watches, he can see another aircraft backing out of a main street, it’s wings ablaze as it opens fire on the Angel.) V-5: Energy weapons useless. Permission to fire Martyr! Nick: Permission Granted. Everyone, get clear! (The fighter lowers a long, sleek missile out from underneath itself, and with a roar and streak of jet engine, it thunders away from the fighter, causing it to buck slightly in mid air. As it fires, the Venom reverses, banking in mid air to head away.) V-5: Martyr away! Detonation in 3, 2, 1.... (With an almighty BOOM that shakes the entire town, a massive explosion spreads upwards into the air, amidst loose debris and other effluent on the ground. An inhuman screaming can be heard as the Angel is struck by the weapon, and suddenly, all of the fighters start moving in.) Nick: Target is down!!!! All units move in and tractor that sucker outta there!!! (All twenty aircraft now seem to be grouping around the same area...until suddenly, they all slowly start movign in the same direction, out of the city...and although it takes a moment for him to realise, suddenly Shinji understands.....for behind the aircraft, being dragged along the ground by some unseen force, is the inert form of the Twelth Angel. As the fighters drag it out to sea, they all struggle to stay airborne as the hold it above the water.) ----------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------- (Meanwhile, in NERV H.Q....) Misato: What’s the status of the Angel?! Hyuga: We’re unable to confirm....but we’re not getting any readings! Maya: It’s still alive, but it’s not moving! Aoba: Scans indicate the missile was some sort of heavy electrical energy weapon! Ritsuko: Somehow they must have temporarilly disabled it! Gendo: Status of the Evangelions? Hyuga: All fuctioning properly sir. But they’re all out of the A.T. Field neutralisation zone. Aoba: Sir!! I’m detecting a new reading on radar.....IT’S THE RIGHTEOUS ENDEAVOUR! (Back outside, the bombers have succeeded in dragging the inert Angel out to a safe distance over the ocean. In the distance, the Righteous Endeavour can be seen aiming it’s huge forward weapons at the Angel. Over the comm, Amy’s voice can be heard.) Amy: This is General Patterson. All unitis prepare to disengage tractors and get clear on my command. (Over their private link, Matt’s voice can be heard to each of the EVA pilots.) Matt: Get down and shield your eyes!!!!! Do it now!!! (Shinji realises the meaning of his words...and Unit 01 sudddenly kneels to the ground, facing away from the scene with it’s eyes shielded by it’s right forearm. Unit 02 does the same, but Unit 00 is not so certain, as inside, Rei is torn between obeying her commander’s orders or disobeying.....The Black Templar reaches her position, and places itself between the Angel and Unit 00.) Matt: Rei, for god’s sake, trust me and cover your eyes!! (Meanwhile, aboard the Endeavour, blast shutters can be seen closing over every window, viewport and hatch, and even the two massive aircraft hangers can be seen slowly sealing themselves with two immense doors. Up on the bridge, as the blast shutter slams down over the forward viewport, Amy give the final count. Amy: (over the comm) Standby Vengeance flight....5, 4, 3, 2, 1...FIRE!! (As the last count is reached, the twenty fighters suddenly release their invisible hold on the Angel, and hurtle backwards or forwards as fast as they can from the Angel. With a massive sonic BOOM, the lower cannon on the front of the Endeavour fires, actually pushing the ship backwards a few meters with it’s immense recoil. The Angel, half falling, is struck centre on by the invisible projectile, which slams home and buries itself deep inside the Angel’s body. As the Angel’s huge body hits the ocean, Matt in the Black Templar throws the Titan Mech over Unit 00, turning it away and shielding it from what he knows is to come. As the Angel sinks beneath the surface....time seems to stand still..... No one says a word a silence echoes across the bay.... then... all of a sudden... quietly at first, yet steadilly becoming louder.... an immense roaring can be heard. And with a massive blast of spray, the ocean seems to split for a moment as the Angel finally explodes, the blast sending millions of litres of water fountaining hundreds of meters into the air for miles around. Across Tokyo-3, the effect is like the city has been thrown into an immense rainstorm as the water splashes across it, saturating everything not inside or covered. Finally, as the water finally seems to settle, and the deluge stops, everyone starts returning to normal...outside, the three EVA’s and the Titan Mech stand, checking themselves over.) Matt: Everyone by the numbers! Is everyone allright? Shinji: (as Unit 01 stands) Yeah, I’m okay. Asuka: What the hell was that?! Rei: No problems.... Misato: (over the comm) Matt, what the hell was that?! Aoba: The Endeavour!! It’s gone!!!! Fujutsuki: WHAT?! Hyuga: Confirmed! There’s no trace of the Landship or any other Republic units other than the Black Templar within scanner range. Gendo: All units, return to base immediately. Stand down from red alert. Colonel, when you get out of that mech, I want to see you in my office IMMEDIATELY. Matt: No problem, Commander. C’mon guys, we better head back. (With that, the four behemoths start back towards the launch scaffolds.) ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------- -- (Mewanwhile, not twenty kilometers from the coast of Tokyo-3, invisibly steaming away from the city, the Righteous Endeavour sails back out towards the ocean under the protection of a light-bending field. Up on the bridge...) Amy: Status of Vengeance Wing? F.C.O.: They’ve returned to the hangers and are now going through post-flight checks. Amy: Any signs we’ve been detected? Tactical: Negative, ma’am. Refractor Field is functioning normally. Our departure was not detected. Amy: Excellent. Communications, inform Fleet Command that the test firing of the Seeder Cannon was a complete success. And tell all Cannon Fire Control stations to stand down from Combat Alert. Well done everyone, I think we can all agree this mission went a whole lot better than what we originally thought. ------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ------------------------------------------- (A short time later, in the spacious office of Gendo Ikari, Matt stands in front of the Commander’s desk, whilst Ikari sits behind it with Fujutsuki standing at his side.) Gendo: Why didn’t you tell us that the Republic had something planned, Colonel? Matt: Commander, my orders don’t allow me to tell you everything I know. But in this case, I was only informed at the last minute of their intentions anyway. Gendo: Liar. We know for a fact that you’ve been unaccounted for at least once a week since you arrived here. And for the whole three and a half months, no one knows what you’ve really been up to. Matt: I won’t deny that I haven’t been totally honest with you, Commander. But I’m also not going to say what I have been up to. What the Republic orders me to do is of no concern to you whatsoever. Gendo: On the contrary, Colonel. Todays incident proved one thing for me. You are no longer to be trusted, nor is the Republic. Despite the fact that they destroyed the Angel, it was at a great risk to both our units and the civilians of Tokyo-3. As of this moment, I am taking you off our combat roster and keeping the Black Templar under guard. (After a moment of silence, Matt speaks...but his tone contains more venom thatn before.) Matt: I warn you, Commander. There is more at work here than you think. If you make any attempt to place me under arrest or deny me access to the Black Templar, my government will not stand for it. They will be here in a matter of hours to promptly take the Titan-Mech and myself out of here and then proceed to take you into custody as an international criminal. And before you say it, don’t think they won’t. (Nothing is said by anyone for some time...they simply stare at one another, Matt’s gaze betraying no hint of emotion as Gendo’s bespectacled visage remaining as indifferent as ever.) Gendo: The Black Templar is still your to access, Colonel. But you are off the combat roster, and your actions will now be closely monitored. In a combat situation I do not want to see you anywhere near Central Dogma or the other EVA’s. Do you understand? (Matt grins coldly, and laughs, an action which causes Ikari’s left eyebrow to raise whilst Fujutsuki’s eyes widen at his seeming disrespect for rank.) Matt: You seem to be forgetting who answers to who here, Commander. And I sure as hell don’t answer to you. If a combat situation arises, and I see the need to get the Black Templar out there, nothing you say or do is going to stop me. Gendo: Hmmph. I think now would be a good time for you to leave, Colonel. Matt: I think so too. Otherwise one of us is going to do something we might regret. (With that, Matt turns on his heel and walks out of the office, the door sliding shut behind him with a click. Behind him, Fujutsuki addresses Gendo.) Fujutsuki: What do think he meant by that? Gendo: I have no idea. But we must take steps to ensure that todays incident is not repeated. I want a constant yet discreet surveillance kept on Colonel Eklom at all times. And he is not to interfere in a combat situation. I want him kept as far away from the EVA’s as possible. Fujutsuki: Understood. --------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------- ----- (Some time later, in Matt’s Jaguar, Misato sits in the front with Matt whilst Shinji and Asuka sit in the back. However, Misato seems quieter than usual for some reason.) Shinji: I can’t believe you’re off the combat roster, Matt. Matt: To tell you the truth, I’m surprised he didn’t do it earlier. He trusts me about as far as he can throw me. I just hope he doesn’t get carried away and stop me from accessing the Black Templar. Hey, Misato? You feeling okay? (Misato looks back from the window at Matt grinning. But it is clear from her eyes she is anythign but happy.) Misato: Oh yeah, I just zoned out, sorry....maybe there’s something I can do. Matt: (looking back to the road with a raised eyebrow) Oookay...and don’t bother, his mind’s made up. Nothing short of a bomb down his shorts is going to change that now. Not that I care. If another Angel comes, I’ll be out there anyway, regardless of what he says. Misato: And just how do you plan to do that? Section 7 is pretty good at their job. Matt: Maybe, but I’m better at my job. If anyone stands in my way, I’ll go through them. Misato: Say that now... (Matt chuckles, a low, cold sound.) Matt: Oh, indeed I do, Misato. Indeed I do. Misato: .... Matt: Misato, are you sure you feel okay? You’re pretty quiet today. Misato: Yeah, I’m okay. I just sort of got some odd news today. Matt: Ah. Nothing too serious, I hope? (Misato does not answer him directly...she seems more to address herself.) Misato: ....not for the moment.... Matt: ..... -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------------------- To be continued.....