Kael_L16


	Before anyone starts in on me, the following episode contains a little more harsh language than the others. Just thought you’d all like to know before you read on and then hate mailed me. Any-way, on with the story.... Episode 16: Intervention/Fourth Children. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (The scene opens up in the dark and secluded chamber containing the secret organisation known as SEELE. As a new light flashes down on a feminine figure, we can see that it is in fact Major Misato Katsuragi.) Keel: Major Katsuragi. It has come to our attention lately that there are certain other powers in the world who do not agree with our plans. SEELE Green: It is our understanding that you happen to live next door to a certain individual in their employ. SEELE Yellow: We wish to know what his government is up to. If you have heard anything at all from the Colonel, you will tell us now. Misato: The Colonel is as secretive with his Republic duties as you are with yours. I have no idea what his plans are, nor what his orders involve. However, because of the intervention on the part of his country and himself, NERV has been unable to get a sample of the Angels. However, it is also thanks to the Republic that we are in the position we are now. Without their help, the fight against the Angels would have been much harder. SEELE Red: Still, we are left to wonder if their “miraculous intervention” has more to it than meets the eye. SEELE Blue: There always the possibility that the Republic’s honourable intentions are merely a mask. Misato: What do you mean, sir? Keel: You may not ask questions. Misato: Understood. Keel. That is all. Dismissed. Misato: Yes sir. (With that, the holographic image of Misato vanishes.) Keel: Well, Ikari, what do you think? (Ikari appears at his place at the foot of the table, hunched over.) Gendo: It would appear the Republic has plans of it’s own. But the Colonel isn’t lettign on as to what they might be. SEELE Yellow: You must take steps to ensure he does not get near any of the Evangelions again. Gendo: Colonel Eklom has been placed under surveillance by our security forces. There is no danger of that. SEELE Green: Nevertheless, exactly how does the Republic seem to know almost every move the Angels are going to make? Gendo: Of that....not even I know.... All SEELE: .... Gendo: ..... --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- (Meanwhile, far from the SEELE chambers, in Matt’s apartment, Matt keeps in training despite the fact he is off the combat roster. In a cleared space in his lounge, he practices a silent martial art, kicking and punching at thin air. Shinji watches from a distance, packing his bag for school.) Shinji: That’s pretty impressive, Matt...I didn’t know you knew martial arts. Matt: (panting) Standard training for Republic Assassin’s, kiddo. Shinji: What sort of art is it? Matt: It’s a mixture of several I’ve learnt and then mixed in together to create my own fighting style. That way, it’s harder to judge my reactions because I don’t follow one paticular fighting style. So, you ready to go? Shinji: Yeah, I’m ready. I can take the trains if you like. Matt: Nah, it’s okay. I haven’t got anything better to do anyway. Shinji: Well..okay...I’ll go tell Asuka.... (As Shinji leaves the apartment, Matt goes to get his coat, keys and glasses...and soon afterwards, the apartment is silent again. ------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------- ------- (Some time later, a standard school day goes on as normal. As usual, the teacher is droning on about something unimportant, as usual. Most of the student’s attention is elsewhere, including Shinji and Touji, even as the roll is read by the teacher.) Teacher: Now, Miss Ayanami is missing, and so is Mister Aida... Shinji: (aside, to Touji) Hey, where is Kenske today, anyway? Touji: (leaning back in his seat) Eh, he’s off in New Yokosuka to see some new battleship...the “Myoko” or something dumb like that.. Teacher: Mister Suzahara?! Touji: (leaping to stand at attention) Yes sir?! Teacher: Could you give deliver this to Miss Ayanami tonight? Touji: Yes sir! (The class carries on until later that day, when it finally gets to lunch time.) Hikari: All Rise!! Bow!! Okay, dismissed! (In front of Touji is an immense pile of food) Touji: Oh boy, lunchtime! My favourite time of the entire school day! (However, suddenly, at Shinji’s desk, there is an outburst.) Asuka: (yelling) WHAT?! What do you mean you didn’t make our lunches?! Shinji: I had too much homework last night, and I didn’t have time to make them... Asuka: (leaning over Shinji in a threatening way) OH YOU DID, DID YOU?! And that’s supposed to make up for me having to go hungry? Shinji: N-no! Matt didn’t have to go into work this morning, so he managed to make us something quick! Touji: Uh oh, the newlyweds are fighting again! (The class bursts out laughing at Touji’s joke, as Asuka and Shinji’s faces turn bright red.) Asuka/Shinji: Oh shut up!! --------------------------- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (Meanwhile, far across the world, in the distant Nevada Desert branch of NERV, the huge form of Evangelion Unit 04 stands, it’s body now totally armoured and ready for combat. However, deep inside it’s armoured torso, a small device quietly begins to beep to itself. As we are taken inside the EVA, we see the small egg-shaped device dropped into the EVA so many weeks ago. Now, finally, after weeks of silence, something is happening.) Bomb: TIME TO DETONATION: 00:00:05 (As the final seconds count down, the bomb suddenly beeps shrilly, a piercing noise that reaches the techs standing outside the EVA.) Tech: What the- (The rest of his sentence is cut off. With an almighty tearing sound that rips at the very fabric of time and space, the bomb detonates, instantly obliterating EVA Unit 04. The blast wave travels out, continuing to spread until finally swallowing the entire Second Branch of NERV whole. From space, the blast looks like nothing more than a black dot. However, from all around the outside, an immense black explosion can be seen raging for more than 30 kms. Finally, after five minutes, the blast dissapears, drawing back on itself until finally it simply sucks itself out of existence. All that remains is a gaping crater in the ground where NERV’s Second Branch once stood. Meanwhile, across the world in Tokyo-3, alarms are going wild in Central Dogma as the explosion is registered by the MAGI.) Hyuga: Is the second branch still intact?! Wait, never mind, reports are coming in now! (In Gendo’s office two minutes later.) Fujutsuki: (into a phone) It dissapeared? The entire second branch just vanished?! Aoba: (on the other end, dismayed) Yes sir...it’s been completely wiped off the map.... (A few minutes later, in a briefing room at NERV, Misato, Ritsuko, Maya, Aoba, Hyuga and Matt stand around a large tactical screen showing a satellite view of the blast wave spreading like wildfire across the second branch.) Misato: Oh my god.... Matt: Jesus.... Aoba: Section 8 is in a total panic... Maya: EVA Unit 04, it’s support group, and everyone else within 30 kilometers has been completely destroyed. Misato: What do they think...caused this? (The room goes silent for a moment....and it takes him a few seconds to realise that everyone is looking at Matt.) Matt: Don’t look at me! I didn’t have anything to do with this. Maya: The explosion WAS similar to the blasts seen when the Righteous Endeavour opened fire. Ritsuko: And I can’t think of any other country who’d want to sabotage the EVA’s, and actually have a means to do so..... Matt: You don’t honestly think I planted a bomb, do you?! Check your records, I haven’t been gone long enough to have gone to Nevada, planted a bomb, and then come back. Ritsuko: However, you were aware of where the two new EVA’s were being stored. (Matt looks at Ritsuko through slitted eyes.) Matt: Are you calling me a spy, Ritsuko? Hyuga: The chances are you did have somethign to do with- (Hyuga goes quiet as Matt turns a glare on him that would stop a charging Rhino in it’s tracks.) Hyuga: Never mind... Matt: Look, you can all believe what you want. Frankly, I don’t give a shit. But if you’re going to accuse me of anything, I want to see you prove I was actually involved in the first place. Until then, keep your comments to yourself. (With that, Matt turns on his heel and storms out of the room, leaving the rest behind to contemplate.) Misato: Maya......have you actually found evidence of any unidentified data transfers? Maya: None so far. But from what we’ve seen of Australian technology... Hyuga: I wouldn’t put it above their capabilities to slice into our network.... Misato: Look, I know we’re all thinking the same thing. And for certain, the Republic had a hand in it. But that doesn’t mean Matt did. They could have come by that information through a member of the second branch! Ritsuko: It doesn’t matter where they got the information. What does matter is that they’ve destroyed an entire section of NERV. That constitutes a terrorist action in the eyes of the Commander. Another thing is that now we now the Colonel can’t be trusted. Sure, he might not have had anything to do with this incident. But who’s to say he hasn’t been giving information on our secret work to his superiors? Gendo: I’m in total agreement with you, Doctor. (Everyone turns and salutes as Commander Ikari walks into the room. Standing to look down at the map, he speaks in his usual, even tone.) Gendo: I’m reducing the Colonel’s security level. He will only be permitted to access the Black Templar under a strict guard from Section 7, and he will not be allowed to access any other parts of this facility. Also, I don’t want him involved in any more tests or their like. Major Katsuragi, you will ensure you restrict your conversations with the Colonel as much as possible. Is this understood? (Misato is silent, unsure of how to answer.) Gendo: (impatient) Major? Misato: (quietly) Understood..... ----------------------------------------- ------------------ -------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ----- (A while later, Misato and Ritsuko ride down one of the many escalators in NERV.) Misato: So, what’s goign to happen with EVA Unit 03? Ritsuko: Well, seeing as the Republic hasn’t made any actions against the three EVA’s we have here, they’re transferring it here as soon as possible. Misato: Weren’t they the ones who pushed so hard to get to build their own EVAs? And now they’re pushing it all back in our laps. They’re really pushing it. Ritsuko: It can’t be helped. Wouldn’t you do the same if you were in their position? Misato: Yeah, you’re right, I guess. So, will you attempt to find another pilot, or will you use the Dummy Plug system to test the new EVA? Ritsuko: I’ll decide soon. (A little while later, Ritsuko stands deep within the bowels of NERV with Gendo, looking up at an entry-plug that is red in colour.) Ritsuko: This is the prototype of the Dummy-Plug system. It’s loaded with Rei’s personal data, and once inserted into an EVA, transmits a signal that makes the EVA think there is a pilot and synchronise. However, we are unable to duplicate a human mind or soul, and therefore it’s incomplete. Gendo: It serves our purposes for now. Load tha data for each EVA. Ritsuko: But we’re sttill working out the bugs, sir. Gendo: Just do it. It’s sufficient for now. Ritsuko: Yes sir. (A short time later, they both stand in a huge chamber with a single glowing tube in the centre. In it, a naked Rei Ayanami hangs, suspended in L.C.L..) Gendo: I have arranged for the aerial transport of Unit 03. It will arrive here before the weekend. After that time, you will take care of it. Ritsuko: Yes sir. Also, about the next candidate? Gendo: They will be chosen as the Fourth. Ritsuko: There is one more thing...one of the pilot’s personal data is ready to be loaded into the plug now. Gendo: Then make it so. (Gendo smiles at Rei in the tube, and speaks.) Gendo: Rei. We’re finished now. (In the tube, Rei’s eyes open, and she smiles back.) Rei: Right. Gendo: Let’s eat. (However, behind him, Ritsuko’s expression is anything from pleasant.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- -------- (Some time later, back at the local high school, the day is finally drawing to a close. As the school bell rings, the Class Rep’s voice can be heard.) Hikari: All Rise!! Bow! Dismissed! (As everyone starts walking out of the room, Hikari stops Touji as he packs his bag.) Hikari: Don’t forget, Suzahara, you’ve got bulletin duty this week. Touji: (looking up) I’ve got what? (Hikari pushes the bulletin in question at him.) Hikari: Bulleting duty. You’re supposed to deliver this to Miss Ayanami. Touji: (looking annoyed) Aww, come on, who else has got it? Hikari: It’s you and Ayanami this week. Touji: (looking shocked) Ayanami and me? Huh, then I guess I got it. (Taking the bulletin, he continues.) Touji: Aww, but I can’t go to a girl’s place on my own! (At this, Hikari perks up, looking at him with a smile.) Hikari: I could go with you- Touji: (not paying attention) Hey! Shinji! Walk home with me, willya? (Shinji, almost out of the classroom, looks up at Touji as Hikari’s face becomes crestfallen.) Touji: (walking towards Shinji) You know where Ayanami lives, right? (Touji and Shinji walk from the room, leaving Hikari alone by herself. It can be plainly seen she is sad....) ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------------- (Shinji and Touji walk alone along the streets, until finally they come to Rei’s apartment building. Taking the elevator, they soon arrive at Rei’s door. However, after a few insistent pushes at the doorbell, it is clear no one is home. Touji is about to suggest leaving when Shinji suddenly places a hand to the door handle...which is surprisingly unlocked.) Shinji: Uh...Rei! It’s me! I’m coming in, okay? Touji: Hey, you can’t just enter a girl’s house without her permission! Shinji: (guesturing to the full mail-box) Well...she won’t see it if we leave it here.... (The two boys quietly walk in, closing the door behind them. Carefull to remove their shoes first, they walk into the main room of the apartment...and survey the contents. A small bed, it’s sheets rumpled, sits against the far wall. On the other wall, a small washbasin and cabinet sit, the cabinet with several items of surgical equipment on them. A beaker of water sits foremost among them. The floor is littered with paper. In the background, echoed by the distance, the continuing hammering sounds of construction can be heard.) Touji: This is a girl’s room?! It’s so....decrepid! (Shinji, however, remains silent, looking around the room like nothing is wrong. Walking over to her bed, he carefully puts the collection of bulletin papers on the mattress. Then, bending down, he proceeds to start cleaning up the litter into a plastic bag.) Touji: You shouldn’t do that....she’ll get pissed! Shinji: I’m just cleaning up. Touji: (looking away and crossing his arms) Well...I won’t help you do it. It’s just not manly. Shinji: (looking up at Touji) Well...okay...but you know, Misato hates guys like that. Touji: (obviously getting annoyed) Rrrr, I don’t care, it’s just my policy, allright?! (Shinji just grins and keeps working whilst Touji pulls up a chair and sits down.) Touji: You know something, Shinji? You’ve changed. Shinji: Hmm? Touji: You, Shinji. I mean, four months ago I thought you were a total loser. But today, you’re one of the best guys I know. (Shinji smiles up at Touji...just as the sound of an opening door can be heard. Shortly afterwards, Rei walks into the room wearing her school uniform.) Touji: Err....sorry... Rei: For what? Touji: Errrm....we brought you your school bulletin! (As Rei looks across to Shinji, he stands, holding the bag up.) Shinji: I was just cleaning up....it was just trash, right? (Rei’s expression is one of complete shock as she stutters over her reply.) Rei: Uh......thank you.... (A short time later, the two boys are walking up the street towards their homes.) Touji: Man, you EVA pilots are a bunch of wackos, huh? (Back in the flat, Rei lies stretched out on her bed, face down, her face deep in contemplation. In time, we can hear her thoughts.) Rei: Thank you......words I’ve never used... (An image of Gendo Ikari flashes across her mind, and her eyes look to the floor.) Rei: Not even with him... --------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------------- (Back at NERV, Ritsuko types idly away at her keyboard whilst Misato leans on her desk nearby.) Misato: (sighing) So, what are you working on? Ritsuko: This new boy, the Fourth. Misato: (turning to look at Ritsuko with wide eyes) The Fourth? The Fourth Child’s been found? Ritsuko: (absently) Yesterday. Misato: (turning away, a scowl on her face) I didn’t receive a report from the Marduk Institute. Ritsuko: Don’t worry, Major, you’ll get your report soon enough. Misato: Yeah, I guess....so, who’s the kid? (Ritsuko punches a few buttons on her console, and an image flashes up on the screen.) Misato: (gasping) You’re kidding! Him? Ritsuko: Yes, well, the prospective students have to be kept together for security reasons. Misato: I don’t know how to tell them this....Asuka will be fine...she’s devoted to piloting an EVA....Rei also been exceptional, we’ve never had any problems with her...but Shinji on the other hand....he might not take this so easy. He’s been through some rough times in the past. Ritsuko: Well, the new pilot will be informed in a few days time. Misato: .... --------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------- ----------- (Later that afternoon, Gendo and Fujutsuki ride in one of the many trains that lead into the Geo-Front. Both stare out the window at the sun setting over Tokyo-3. Both are obviously deep in thought, but occasionally speak to one another [Ed’s note: NGE fans will note I have edited a certain section of this scene, where Gendo and Fujutsuki speak philosophically. Come on, it sounded good, but really, it has absolutely no bearing on the story, does it? Besides, I couldn’t be buggered remembering all that philosophical crap anyway. So shoot me.].) Fujutsuki: So, how are you presenting the loss of the Second Branch to the committee? Gendo: With the facts. It’s obvious who’s responsible for what happened. What’s not obvious is why they did it. Fujutsuki: How are they taking it? Gendo: Well, they’re in an uproar about the event, and are trying to put heavier security around the EVA’s. It’s completely at odds with their scenario. Fujutsuki: (laughing) Yes, I’m sure that’s ruffled their feathers a little. Gendo: Events not depicted in the Dead Sea Scrolls will annoy them. This should teach the old men a lesson. ------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------- ----------------- (Meanwhile, back at NERV, Kagi and Maya stand in the mess hall of NERV, talking. Kagi is obviously annoyed about something.) Kagi: Construction is finally finished on the seventh section of NERV, and they’re not going to have a party for it? NERV has got to be one of the most stuck-up and stifling organisations on earth! (To illustrate his annoyance, he throws his empty drink can at the overfilled bin, knocking several cans out of it.) Maya: (sitting on a chair nearby) I think it’s because of Commander Ikari. He says we should stay on alert in case another Angel attacks. (Kagi leans in close to Maya’s face, grinning.) Kagi: And what do you think? (Maya blushes, obviously a little embarrased.) Maya: Err..I don’t think I can answer that, sir...and I’m going to have to tell the Major and Dr Akagi about this... (Kagi leans in closer) Kagi: Not if I cover your mouth with mine. (Suddenly, any action Kagi might have taken is stopped as he detects another presence behind him.) Misato: (sarcastic) Kagi, how’s it going? Kagi: (nervously) Err, it’s going I guess.... Maya (standing up to ashamedly sidle out of the room) Uhhh, I think I’ve got some work to do elsewhere...sorry! (As Kagi cleans up the spilt cans, Misato leans up against the drinks machine.) Misato: Far be it for me to judge your personal life, but isn’t it a little difficult to be dating people under certain chains of command? Kagi: (sitting down) Who’s under who’s command isn’t your concern. Would you prefer to be hit on? Misato: That depends on how you answer this. You know the secrets behind the Marduk Institute and that Adam, thing, don’t you? (Kagi looks away, trying to look innocent.) Kagi: Errr....what secrets? Misato: Don’t play games with me. Kagi: (looking back at her) Asking for help isn’t like you, Misato. Misato: Well, I’m asking you. Something stinks here. The way the Fourth Child was found was too easy. (Kagi stands, smiling slightly.) Kagi: I’ll tell you one thing. (With that, he leans in close to Misato, one hand holding him up propped against the drink machine behind her.) Kagi: (looking dead serious) The Marduk Institute doesn’t exist. NERV is pulling the strings all by itself. Misato: (looking shocked) NERV’s pulling the strings? Commander Ikari? Kagi: Code 701 is a good place to start looking. Misato: Code 701? Isn’t that Shinji’s class number- (As Kagi is about to go on, suddenly Shinji enters the room...causing Kagi to suddenly appear leaning against a drinks machine, drinking, and Misato to be leaning against another nearby.) Shinji: Uh...Misato? Misato: Err...yes? Shinji: Ritsuko said she needed you help with something. Misato: Oh, right away. (As she walks past Kagi, she mumbles.) Misato: (quietly) I’ll see you later. Kagi: (from behind a can of soda) Mmm hmm. (Misato leaves the room, and Shinji walks past Kagi, who takes away the can and looks at Shinji, smiling.) Kagi: So, can I buy you a drink? Cup-o-tea? (Shinji looks at Kagi as if to say “Real condescending, you jerk.”) Shinji: (flatly) Kagi...I’m a boy. ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------------------- ------------------- (A little later on that day, Matt is walking through NERV, when he finally comes out onto a scenic area looking out over the Geo-Front. Sitting on a chair looking out over the landscape, Kagi and Shinji talk amongst themselves. Matt walks up, grinning.) Matt: G’day everyone...what’s happening? (Kagi and Shinji both turn to greet Matt...although Kagi’s greeting is less than joyous.) Shinji: Nothing, really, Matt. We’re just talking. Matt: Well, don’t stop on my account. (However, the two remain silent. Matt’s expression changes from one of friendliness...to a darker one.) Matt: Don’t tell me you don’t trust me enough so you can’t even talk freely around me? Shinji: Umm... Kagi: Well...uh.... (Matt turns around and walks off muttering to himself.) Matt: Say no more. I know when I’m not wanted. I’ll see later, Shinji. Shinji: (standing) Wait, Matt! Where are you going? Matt: Home. It’s obvious no one around here cares to see me hanging around so I’ll take off. See you at home, Shinji. Don’t stay out too late. (It is with these final words that Matt leaves the area, leaving Shinji and Kagi alone.) Shinji: He sounds a little upset. Kagi: Errm...I’m sure it’s just for the moment...don’t worry, Shinji. (Shinji, however, is less than convinced.) --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------- ------------------- (Later on, that night at Matt’s apartment.) Matt: (into the phone) What was that?! Misato: Matt...I’m sorry...these were Commander Ikari’s orders.... Matt: So you’re telling me Shinji has to move out of my apartment and into yours...because the Commander ordered it?! Misato: .... Matt: Since when did that lunatic ever have any concern for his son? Misato: .... Matt: I think we both know exactly why he’s been ordered to move in with you for the time being. Let me guess. You’ve been asked to limit your contact with me as well, haven’t you? (The silence on the other end of the line answers his question.) Matt: I thought so. (sarcastically) Well, if the commander ordered it, I guess we’d better hop to it, eh? (covering the receiver with his hand) Shinji! (Shinji walks into the lounge from his room.) Shinji: Yeah? Matt: Your father doesn’t trust me enough to let you live with me anymore. Shinji: (surprised) Huh? Matt: (handing him the handset) Here, talk to Misato about it. I wash my hands of this entire forsaken buisness. (As Shinji takes the reciever, Matt storms out of the room, slamming his door shut as he enters his room.) Shinji: (into the reciever) Uh....Misato? -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- --------------------------------- -------------------------- (Next day, back at NERV H.Q.. Another synch-ratio test is taking place. However, this time Matt’s prescence is missing. Misato and Ritsuko talk whilst the computers work out the details.) Ritsuko: So, how did the Colonel take it? Misato: Well, I haven’t spoken to him since I told him. He’s refusing to speak to anyone. Shinji’s not much better. Ritsuko: So I can see. According to these results, his synch-ratio has dropped slightly since the last test. So...have you told him about the new pilot yet? Misato: (hesitantly) Err...not yet.... Ritsuko: Well, the child will be officially informed tommorow. Misato: (sighing) Yeah, I know....I just...don’t know how.... Ritsuko: .... ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------------------ -------------------- (Next day, at the local school. The lunch bell rings loudly, indicating lunch time has arrived.) Touji: (leaning back in his chair) Allright! Lunch-time!!!! (However, over the school intercom, a voice can be heard.) Announcer: Touji Suzahara, report to the Principal’s office. (As Touji and Kenske’s expressions drop, Kenske turns to his friend.) Kenske: What’d you do now? (Touji’s face is completely bewildered as Shinji turns in his seat to look at the two.) Touji: Uhh...I dunno..... (Shortly afterwards, Touji arrives at the Principal’s office, and knocks twice.) Touji: Excuse me, I’m Suzahara. Ritsuko’s voice: You are Touji Suzahara? -------------------- --------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -------------------------------- (A little later on, the class goes on as normal. As the teacher drones on yet again about another useless subject, Shinji and Hikari look around for Touji...who suddenly appears at the doorway.) Touji: Err...sorry I’m late. Teacher: I know about it. Be seated. (Touji returns to his seat, his face clearly upset about something. Hikari and Shinji are left wondering what is wrong with their friend.) (Finally, the day comes to an end. Kenske walks up to Shinji’s desk, his bag over his shoulder.) Kenske: Let’s get outta here! Shinji: And Touji? Kenske: (looking back at a clearly depressed Touji) Oh, he’s got cleanup duty today. -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------- (A little later on, Touji stands in front of the school’s incinerator. As the intense flames consume the garbage inside, Touji watches, his face grim. It is obvious he is deep in thought. (A little later, Touji sits in the classroom, eating his lunch. The class rep walks by, and seeing Touji in the room, enters hesitantly.) Hikari: Uh...Suzahara? Touji: Hmm? Hikari: Uh...you’re on cleanup duty...you have to clean off the blackboard and straighten the desks... Touji: (absently over a mouthfull of food) Mmph, I’ll get it as soon as I’ve eaten. I haven’t had lunch yet. Hikari: (hesitantly) Uh...Suzahara? Touji: Hmm? Hikari: Err...I have two younger sisters...Mom and Dad aren’t home much, so I cook for the three of us...you may not know it, but I’m actually a pretty good cook. Touji: Hmm, it sounds like a lot of work... Hikari: (continuing) Yeah...well..the problem is, there’s always too much food left over... Touji: Well, that’s defintely a problem....if you need help getting rid of extra food, I’ll help! (Hikari looks up, smiling at him.) Hikari: Yes, please! ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------- (Meanwhile, deep inside NERV, Matt works by himself on the Black Templar. On the platform at the giant’s shoulders, two men in NERV security suits stand, obviously keeping an eye on his movements. Matt, who is currently sitting on one of the ‘mech’s shoulders, looks over to the men, and grins like a chimp.) Matt: So, seen any good movies lately? (Neither man speaks.) Matt: Ookay....fired any expensive guns lately? (Again, neither man says a word.) Matt: Okay, next one....Hey, who does your suits? I think the tailor messed up around your pants, you both look like you’ve got one hell of a wedgie. (Silence.) Matt: Hmm.....So, where did Ikari pick you two up? Goons-R-Us? (Still, the two men say nothng as Matt turns back to his work, chuckling quietly.) Matt: (chuckling) One of you is gonna crack, sooner or later. (As he works, Misato walks into the hanger. The two men salute, and Matt looks over to see her, and waves.) Matt: G’day. Misato: Umm..Matt? Can we talk? Matt: Eh, sure. (As Misato walks forwards, the two NERV men block her path.) NERV security agent: Sorry, ma’am, but no one can speak to the Colonel while he is in our custody. Matt: (from the top of the ‘mech, wielding a meaty looking wrench) Who’s in who’s custody? Kindly apologise and let the lady through, or I’ll come down there and jam this spanner right up your spineless backsides!! NERV S.A.: Sorry, ma’am, but our orders stand. Matt: If you don’t let her through, I’ll turn up the ‘mech’s anti-intrusion system to the point where you jerks’ll be fried right where you’re standing. Now, stand aside and let the lady through. (The two men concede, although as Matt climbs back onto the platform, the two NERV men stand at a not-too-close-but-not-too-far distance from the pair, obviously listening.) Matt: (guesturing at the two men) Assholes. I don’t know why I’m even tolerating them. Misato: Matt...I’m sorry about all this... Matt: Oh, don’t apologise, it’s not your fault. To tell you the truth, if I were in your position, I’d be doing the same thing. Misato: Still....I feel like I’m insulting an old friend... Matt: Don’t worry about it. I’m not. These morons couldn’t stop me even if I did want to access something without their watching me. Misato: Well....I’m sorry anyway. More so about the thing with Shinji. (At this, Matt stops cold.) Matt: Well....even then, I don’t blame you for it. But this hasn’t earned the commander any brownie points in my book, that’s for sure. Or his sons, for that matter. I don’t think a day goes by where Shinji doesn’t hate his father more and more. And who can blame the poor kid? How is he, anyway? Misato: He seems okay, but you can see he’s a little upset. Even his synch-ratio has fallen slightly. Matt: Hell, I didn’t know I affected him THAT much...think he’ll be okay? Misato: I hope so. If his ratio drops any further, it’s going to start affecting his performance in the field. Matt: Hmm....poor guy.... Misato: Well, I’ve got some work to get into before I head off to Matsushiro. (At this, the two NERV men look about ready to make a move...when suddenly Matt silences them.) Matt: Don’t worry, I’m not the slightest bit interested in what she’s doing at Matsushiro, so shut up and go back to acting like spare dicks at a wedding. Misato: I think I’d better go before they do something they’ll regret...see you later, Matt. Matt: Later, Misato! (As Misato exits the hanger, the two men accompnay her, only to stop at the doorway. Turning around they are about to walk back to the foot of the platform when suddenly they are both stopped by an invisible field. Standing inside the field, Matt chuckles at their antics as they try to push through it.) Matt: (laughing) Man, if I’d’ve known section seven was so good at entertainment, I would have pissed Ikari off sooner.... ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------ (Meanwhile, back at the school, another class is in progress. However, again, Touji is not in class. He sits outside, his back against a post, looking up at the sky. In time, we can see his thoughts.) Touji: Flashback: When Touji punched Shinij out Touji: Sorry, newcomer, but I had to clobber you. I had to beat you to work off my own anger. (Back in the real world, Touji raises a fist to the sky, and unclenches and clenches it twice.) (A little later, in an aparatment across from town, Hikari stands in her kitchen, humming to herself [and yes, the song is “Fly me to the moon”], preparing a meal for the night’s dinner.) (Back at school, Touji stands on the basketball court, bouncing the ball a few times, before carefully lifting it to shoot for a goal. Pausing for a moment, his face suddenly becomes tense, and with a quikc motion, he tosses the ball into the air. It passes through the ring without even touching it. Touji walks away, satisfied, almost as if he has finally decided something to himself. -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ --------------------------- ------------- (That night, far across the ocean, in America, the gleaming black-and-white form of Evangelion Unit 03 is loaded onto a giant F-TYPE transport in the middle of the pouring rain.. Shortly afterwards, amidst the whining of turbines, the transport takes off, bound for Japan.) ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------- -------------------- (Meanwhile, in the darkened chambers of SEELE, another meetign is taking place.) Gendo: So what do you want me to do about the Colonel? Keel: Leave him be for the time being. He is of no concern to us. Gendo: And the Endeavour? (There is silence for a moment, before a reply comes.) Keel: That also...is being taken care of. Gendo: I understand. ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- (On a secluded airstrip far from uncleared eyes, a large squadron of aircraft sit, being prepared for a mission. As the scene begins to fade, the last thing we see is several large trucks, each carrying a large cylinder on it’s tray. Each cylinder has a small inscription on it.) Inscription: N2. ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------- To be continued......