Episode 18: A Man’s Fight/The Price of Freedom.
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(The scene opens looking upon the blood-encrusted upper torso of Evangelion Unit 01, now sitting inside EVA Cage 2. Here and there along the catwalk, the bodies of several NERV agents lie, their bloody forms riddled with scorch holes where Matt’s pistol has found it’s mark. Inside the entry-plug, a clearly angry Shinji Ikari sits, his eyes filled with rage.)
Maya: It’s no good, sir! All of the plug ejection codes aren’t responding! They’re being blocked from inside the plug!
Hyuga: (annoyed) Look, Shinji, if the commander hadn’t done what he did, you could have been killed!
Shinji: (coldly) That’s not the point.
Hyuga: Maybe, but it’s the truth!
Shinji: (yelling) Stop pushing me!!! Don’t push me any more!!! Unit 01 still has 180 seconds of reserve power left! That’s more than enough time for me to destroy at least half of headquarters!!!!
Aoba: (aside to sub-commander Fujutsuki) He’ll do it too, the way he is now.
Maya: Shinji! If the commander hadn’t engaged the dummy plug when he did, you wouldn’t have beaten that angel, and we all could have been killed!!
Shinji: I SAID THAT’S BESIDE THE POINT, DAMN YOU!!!! My father tried to kill Touji!! And he did it using my hands!!!!!
(Shinji smashes one of the EVA control handles with his fist in anger.)
Shinji: That bastard!
(Shinji’s angry screams can be heard across central-dogma.)
Shinji: FATHER!!! I know you’re out there!!! Say something!!! ANSWER ME!!!!!
(Suddenly, Matt’s voice comes across a personal comm to Shinji.)
Matt: Shinji.... stop it right now. Get out of the EVA.
Shinji: How can you say that? After what he did!!!
Matt: (calmly) This isn’t the time or place to worry about that! Just get out of the entry-plug before they remove you forcibly, and I’ll gladly help you beat him to within a micron of his life.
(This suggestion sounds fine to Shinji, who allows the entry-plug to be ejected finally.)
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(Later that day, clean-up squads move around the foot of Mount Nobei. All around the place, the torn remains of Evangelion Unit 03 lay, amidst pools of scarlet. Everything in the area is covered with vermilion, and the stench of dried blood hangs heavily in the air. Ritsuko stands supervising the removal of what remains of the shredded torso of the EVA. Her head has a small bandage wrapped around her forehead, indicating her luck at Matsushiro. As she watches, Misato walks up to join her.)
Ritsuko: How are you feeling?
(Misato still has her left arm in a sling, and her head has a bandage around it.)
Misato: I’m not hurt enough to lie around in bed when a crisis like this is happening. What happened with Shinji?
Ritsuko: It’s my understanding the Colonel had to talk him out of destroying headquarters himself, and the two of them are seeing the commander at the moment.
Misato: Jesus....... this time...I don’t think Shinji’s going to recover. If he ever pilots again, I’ll be amazed.
Ritsuko:....
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(Meanwhile, in the NERV infirmary, Touji Suzahara wakes lightly in bed, his thoughts jumbled and skewed as he hears a voice nearby.)
Voice: Now this is by special permission only. You’ve got exactly 5 minutes.
Hikari’s voice: Thank you.
(Touji opens his eyes and looks to the right of the bed...to see the smiling face of Hikari Horaki looking back at him.)
Touji: (weakly) Hey, it’s the class-rep.
Hikari: How’re you feeling, Suzahara?
Touji: Lousy. But at least I’m still alive. How long have I been here?
Hikari: Three days now....
Touji: (amazed) Three days?
(Then he smiles, looking at the class-rep.)
Touji: Did you....
Hikari: (flustered) What?! No! I mean, they wouldn’t let me! I came as the class representative, you know!
Touji: (looking away) I know....I’m sorry...
Hikari: ?
Touji: Sorry I didn’t get to eat the lunch you made.
Hikari: Oh...it’s okay...I’d bring it to you here...but it’s not allowed...
Touji: (very weak) Hmm....class rep?
Hikari: Yes?
Touji: (almost a whisper) Could you do me a favour?
Hikari: Of course.
Touji: (a hoarse whisper) Could you...tell my sister...that there’s nothing wrong with me...
Hikari: Of course.
(It is now we can see that there is a depression under the sheets where Touji’s right arm and leg should be.)
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(Meanwhile, in the office of Gendo Ikari, Matt and Shinji stand before the commander, who is seated at his desk. There are two guards in the room, and it is obvious who they are more focused upon.)
Gendo: Colonel Eklom.....right now I can tell you are guilty of first-degree murder, disobeying orders, willful destruction, and carrying an unpermitted firearm into NERV facilities. Shinji......what can I say? Childish Intimidation. Insubordination. Using an EVA for personal vendettas. These are all criminal offences. Have you two anything to say?
(Matt takes a step forwards.)
Matt: (calmly) I was not aware of being under your command for any period of time, commander. Consult the terms of our agreement again. I am here under the command of my superiors. Not you. As far as my government and I are concerned, your charges against me mean nothing. I acted in the appropriate fashion. You refused to allow me access to the Black Templar. Therefore, our agreement is void. The Black Templar will be recovered at 10 PM tonight, regardless of your attempts to hold it here any longer. Any attempts to hold me or the ‘mech will result in your instant termination with no questions asked. The Republic is sick of having to put up with a homicidal maniac like you.
Gendo: I see no reason to stop you. Your actions up to date have caused more harm than good. What about you, Shinji?
Shinji: (sounding much like his father) I don’t want to pilot an EVA anymore. And I’m not staying here, either.
Gendo: Very well. You may leave.
Matt: Shinji will be accompanying me back to Australia. As far from you as possible.
Gendo: (to Shinji) You disappoint me. I assume we will never meet again.
Shinji: Yes. That’s my intent.
Matt: Good-bye, Commander Ikari. I’d wish you luck combating the Angels....but I know there’s not really much point. Without our help, you’re already dead.
(With that, Shinji and Matt turn and leave the room without another word.)
(As Shinji and Matt drive away from NERV for the last time, a conversation over the telephone can be heard.)
Gendo: This is me. Erase the Third Child’s Ram. Rei will be the new pilot for Evangelion Unit 01, with the Dummy Plug as the reserve.
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(A few hours later, at Matt’s apartment, Shinji and Matt work together to pack everything up in boxes.)
Shinji: How do we get this stuff out to the Righteous Endeavour anyway?
Matt: Actually, we’ll be going onboard the Errant Shroud thanks to a little incident a few nights ago. A Republic Dropship will land at the Airport in a few hours, to collect us, our gear, and the Black Templar. Leave the furniture here, take only what was yours when you got here, and perhaps a few other small things. The rest of this furniture belongs to the Republic, so they’ll worry about getting it out of here.
Shinji: (hesitantly) What about...my friends?
(Matt pauses for a moment as he packs his stereo.)
Matt: (Not turning to look at Shinji.) You’ve got three hours until the Dropship gets here. I can pack your stuff. Go ahead and say goodbye to your friends. But don’t go to see Touji. We’ll both go there later. I have a little proposition for Mr. Suzahara.
Shinji: Okay.....thanks Matt.
Matt: It’s no problem, Shinji. Just be back here soon. The Dropship won’t wait for us if we’re late. Get back here in two hours.
Shinji: Right.
(Shinji leaves the apartment, leaving Matt on his own to pack. After half an hour, he hears another ring at the door. Moving to answer it, he sees on the small screen that it is in fact James and Kendal. Opening the door, he lets them in.)
Matt: Surprised to see you two here.
James: Yeah, well, we didn’t have much else to do, so we thought we’d drop in and say hi.
Kendal: How’s Shinji?
Matt: He’s still pretty hurt, but I think he’s slowly recovering. It’s going to be a long process.
(James walks in and flops down on the couch.)
James: Well, thanks to your little stunt last night, Ned’s pulling in all field agents. Looks like we’re all going to abandon ship.
Kendal: Good way to put it. Without our intervention, they’re going to have a hard time fighting the Angels.
Matt: Yeah, well, command gave their orders. We follow them.
James: Hm. So, need a hand packing?
Matt I won’t say no if you’re offering.
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(Two hours later, Shinji is riding the elevator up to his floor, when as he steps off, he runs into Misato.)
Shinji: Uh...Hi Misato...
Misato: Hey Shinji.
(They stand in silence for a moment.)
Shinji: I didn’t even see Asuka today...
Misato: Yes, I think she’s trying to avoid you. Maybe it’s because she lost against the Angels again.
Shinji: She must be pretty disgusted with me...heh, that’s good.
Misato: It’s going to be harder if you keep trying to hide your anger like that.
Shinji: That’s your philosophy, Misato. I can’t live like that.
Misato: What are you going to do?
Shinji: I’m going back to Australia with Matt. As far away from all of this as I can. It’s over, Misato. I won’t pilot that thing. But just tell me one thing.
Misato: ?
Shinji: Why was Touji chosen as the Fourth Child?
Misato: It would seem all of your classmates are Fourth Level candidates. I just found out myself that it was yet another elaborate plot.
Shinji: (astonished) All of them? All of my classmates?
Misato: Shinji, about Suzahara. That was a mistake that can’t be mended with words alone. But you have to know...and when I say this I mean all of us, including everyone at NERV, was putting all of their hopes and confidence in you.
(They finally reach Matt’s door, and as Shinji swipes his access card, Misato goes silent.)
Shinji: Didn’t you want to come in and say goodbye to Matt?
Misato: ....It sounds like you have company...
(As Shinji turns his head to look, over the sound of Matt’s stereo <Ed’s Note: The song is “The Ballad of Robert Moore and Betty Coltrane” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds> the sounds of several voices can be heard. Shinji steps in.)
Shinji: Well, he won’t mind if you come in anyway.
(Misato follows Shinji into the lounge. where the area is almost completely packed. The only thing not packed is Matt’s stereo, which is still belting out music. Standing over near the window, Matt and two other people stand, neither of which are familiar to Misato or Shinji. Upon seeing them, Matt smiles and waves them over.)
Matt: Ahh, Shinji, I was beginning to wonder where you were. Misato, Shinji, these are two excellent friends of mine, James Thyne and Kendal Richards. Jimmai, Kendal, this is Misato Katsuragi and Shinji Ikari.
(They all greet each other before Matt speaks again.)
Matt: Well, it’s starting to get late. Shinji and I have got some unfinished business at NERV to attend to before we go, so we’d better get going now. (to James and Kendal) You two staying here?
James: Might as well catch a lift back with you two when the Dropship arrives, so yeeup.
Matt: Fine by me. You can get acquainted with Misato while we’re gone. Any-way, we’d better get moving. Come on, Shinji.
(As Shinji and Matt leave, Misato follows them out for a moment, before stopping at Matt’s door.)
Misato: Well Matt, this is probably the last time I’ll see you before you go.
Matt: Don’t count on it. The Black Templar gets picked up tonight via airfreight, so I’ll need to oversee that. You’ll see me then, if you’re there.
Misato: Well. I guess I’ll see you then.
Matt: What’s the matter, Misato? Would this have something to do with what happened in the EVA cages?
Misato: (cautiously) Something like that.
Matt: Well my orders were specific. I’m sorry for the men that died, but they stood in the way of my mission.
Misato: (angry) But surely you could have gone about it another way!
Matt: If you can come up with another way I could have gotten to the ‘mech in that situation, I’m willing to hear it.
(Misato’s silence answers his question.)
Matt: Exactly. Come on, Shinji.
(They walk on out of the apartment without another word.)
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(A little later, as they drive along through the streets of Tokyo-3, Matt looks over at Shinji. The boy sits looking out the opposite window, observing the passing lights.)
Matt: Shinji...
(Shinji turns to look.)
Shinji: Yeah?
Matt: You realize...coming to Australia with me...it’s going to mean a lot of changes for you.
Shinji: You mean because it’s a different culture?
Matt: No, I mean because I won’t be home very often, not like now. My work involves a lot of travel. Even if you do come to live with me, you’ll only see me every so often.
Shinji: Oh...I see....
Matt: Don’t take this the wrong way...it’s just.... well.... after Jess left for Texas again.... I haven’t had much of a reason to go home.....
Shinji: So...it’ll be like it was before....I’ll pretty much be on my own....
Matt: (ashamed) Sucks, doesn’t it?
Shinji: Yeah.....but I guess there’s no way around it....if I stay here, I’ll only be living with my old teacher, and it would be the same anyway.....
Matt: I guess....
Shinji: I’d still prefer to be as far away from this as I could possibly get.
Matt: Well, that’s not a problem. Once you’re in Australia, you’ll be under our legal and physical protection. NERV, the Japanese Government, and all the rest: they won’t be able to touch you. And neither will your father.
Shinji: That’s what I want.
Matt: Then that’s what you’ll get.
Shinji: (smiling)
Matt: (smiling) Glad we got that sorted out.
(They drive on in silence for a while...until finally, Shinji speaks again.)
Shinji: (hesitantly) Matt?
Matt: Hmm?
Shinji: Who is...Jess?
(Matt is silent for a moment...before answering with a smile on his face.)
Matt: Only the greatest thing that ever happened to me.
Shinji: Oh....
Matt: Perhaps I should elaborate. It’s a bit of a long story, one that Kendal and James know quite well.
Shinji: Well, only if you want to....
Matt: Well......we don’t really have time now...I’ll tell you on the way to Oz, okay?
Shinji: (smiling) Okay.
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(Twenty minutes later, deep within NERV, Shinji and Matt arrive at Touji Suzahara’s bedside. Whilst Shinji greets his old friend, Matt argues with the doctor nearby.)
Matt: We’ll be gone in five minutes. Stiff shit if you don’t like it.
(Matt closes the door on the doctor, leaving the three of them alone for the time being. He walks up to stand beside the bed and grins down at Touji.)
Matt: How’re you feeling, mate?
Touji: (weak) Still pretty lousy, but okay I guess...
Matt: I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner. If I did...your arm and leg might have been okay.
Touji: It’s all right....I don’t hold a grudge against Shinji either....it wasn’t his fault....Misato told me everything.
Shinji: You mean you’re not mad?
Touji: Not at you.
Matt: (smiling) You’re a good kid, Touji. Which brings me to the ulterior motive I had in coming to see you.
Touji/Shinji: ?
Matt: Mr. Suzahara, I have a little proposition for you.
(Twenty minutes later, Matt’s Jaguar is once again speeding away from NERV. However this time, there are two more passengers in it.)
Matt: You sure you’re all right there, Touji?
(In the front seat, Touji sits stiffly, near unconscious. In the back seat, his younger sister lies, with Shinji carefully making sure she is not moved too much...her wounds obviously worse than Touji’s.)
Touji: I’m....okay....how’s my sister?
Shinji: She’s asleep.
Matt: Don’t worry, mate, it won’t be too long, and we’ll have you aboard the Shroud. Then we’ll see what we can do about those injuries of yours.
Touji: Could you...do me a favour?
Matt: Of course.
Touji: Put on that music I liked.....
Matt: (laughing) I think your sister might get woken by that....tell you what....I’ll tape you a copy and make sure you get it once you start feeling better, okay?
Touji: Thanks....
(The car drives on into the night.)
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(Half an hour later, the immense bulk of a Republic Mech Transport flies over Tokyo-3, it’s destination: the Tokyo-3 International Airport. As it flies overhead, the huge rumble of it’s engines echoes across the hills until it finally settles in place at the Tokyo-3 Airport. As it’s engines power down, several huge flatbed trucks roll off the massive plane’s cargo bay, and drive out into the city, on their way to NERV to retrieve the Black Templar. As the convoy makes it’s way along the city streets, one takes a detour, stopping beside a familiar block of flats. Matt and James walk out of the building to greet the driver.)
Matt: (yelling over the rumble of the engine) Just park it out here! The rest of our stuff is upstairs, so you might want to give us a hand getting it down. I have to oversee the handling and transport of the Black Templar, so while I’m gone, Major Thyne here is in command. Take everything from the flat, and ensure that Mr. Ikari and his guests are taken care of. You got that, soldier?
Marine Driver: Yes sir! But sir, I wasn’t aware of any guests....
Matt: Just follow your orders, lieutenant! Authorization will come through shortly.
Marine Driver: Yes sir!
(Matt nods to James before heading over to his car parked on the side of the road, and heading off to NERV.)
(A while later, on the other side of town, the convoy has arrived at NERV. As Australian technicians are led by several dozen NERV security agents to the EVA hanger, the presence of 20 Republic Marines in full combat armour seems to dwarf the business suit clad security agents. As they arrive in the Titan Mech’s hanger, Matt greets them as he just arrives from topside. Pressing a few buttons on his wrist unit, he deactivates the A.I. Field.)
Matt: Okay, the field is down. Let’s move her out of here.
(As the techs go about the careful process of separating the ‘mech into three pieces, Matt stands on the catwalk overhead, watching the activity with interest. The marines keep watch on the NERV Agents, who in turn watch the technicians. Slowly, but surely, the ‘mech is taken apart, until three pieces remain. The ‘mech’s legs, the ‘mech’s torso and head, and the ‘mechs arms. As the overhead doors are opened, the flatbed trucks arrive on the scene, and with the help of the EVA hanger’s hydraulic lifts, the ‘mech is carefully loaded onto the waiting flatbed trucks. Once the behemoth is secured, the doors to the EVA hanger are closed again, and Matt watches from the outside as the trucks slowly make their way out of Tokyo-3 towards the airport. As the trucks disappear, Matt makes his way back to his car...where he meets Ritsuko and Misato.)
Matt: Well ladies, it’s been fun, but it’s time for me to leave.
Ritsuko: I wouldn’t mind so much if you weren’t taking our best pilot with you.
Matt: The choice was his to make.
Misato: Take care of yourself, Matt.
Matt: It’s you two who need to take care of yourselves. Anyway, all the best to the both of you. I hope everything turns out for the better.
(He stops to shake both their hands.)
Misato: Any chance we’ll ever see you again?
Matt: Probably not. You both know how secretive my country is. And you know Ikari won’t take me on as a pilot again.
Ritsuko: Well, the place sure won’t be as lively without you around.
Matt: Aww. It’s so tempting to stay, you know?
Misato: Come back and visit sometime.
Matt: Will do. Well, long goodbyes kill me, so good luck you two.
(He briefly gives each one a hug before waving cheerfully and climbing into the Jaguar. As Ritsuko and Misato walk back into NERV, the car roars past beeping it’s horn.)
(Half an hour later, all of the trucks have returned to the massive Dropship at Tokyo-3 International Airport. With a low thrumming sound that builds in intensity, the mammoth aircraft lifts off of the tarmac, and a few minutes later, can be seen roaring over the cityscape. It heads onwards, out to sea, before finally, it vanishes on the horizon. From Central Dogma, the few remaining staff watches as the ship finally fades from view. Misato sighs deeply, before smiling to herself.)
Misato: Good luck finding Jess, Matt.
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(Onboard the huge Dropship, Matt and Shinji stand next to the stretcher bearing the half-conscious form of Touji Suzahara. Next to him, his sister lies on a similar bed, with med-techs working to make sure she is comfortable.)
Matt: How you handling, Touji?
Touji: I’m okay...not hurting at all..those painkillers your doctors gave to me really helped. Hows.
(Matt looks up at the med-tech observing the girl’s bio-readouts. The tech looks up at Matt and nods lightly, indicating that Touji is for the moment in a safe condition.)
Matt: She’s fine. Well, it’s only a half hour flight, and we’ll have you in a proper medical facility. Until then, you’d better get some shut-eye, Touji.
(Touji says no more as he drifts off by himself. Matt and Shinji walk over to the canvas seats along the wall of the plane, and sit down.)
Shinji: Uh, Matt?
Matt: Yeah?
Shinji: I don’t...mean to sound rude...but could you tell me who Jess is now?
(Matt turns to grin at Shinji.)
Matt: You really want to know, don’t you?
(Shinji nods. Matt turns back to look at the opposite wall as he speaks.)
Matt: Jess was my first true love. Believe it or not, we actually met over the Internet fifteen years ago. It wasn’t long before I finally managed to bring her over to Australia to show her my great country.....then the Second Impact occurred....and before we could do anything.....Jess was trapped in Australia. Over the years afterwards, she became a distinguished Republic Physician, working in a section apart from the RADF, because she deplored violence so much. After ten years together, things couldn’t have been better for us. But then I found a way to get her back to her parents again. We wasted no time...although our parting was the hardest thing I have ever done. That was five years ago now. I’ve hardly heard from her since, except that she is alive and well. In any case, we vowed to one another to stay true to each other.
Shinji: Is that why nothing happened between you and Misato?
(Matt turns to regard Shinji.)
Matt: Nothing happened between Misato and myself because despite what she said, Misato is still very much in love with Kagi. I knew it, she knew it, we all knew it. So I kept my distance.
Shinji: I think I’m beginning to see...
Matt: I thought you might.
(They sit in silence for a while, relaxing as the Dropship engine’s hum reverberates throughout the ship as it flies back to it’s Landship. After what seems to be a long time, the intercom chimes.)
Intercom: This is the pilot speaking. We’re approaching our destination. All personnel, please remain seated and prepare to land.
Matt: Hey Shinji? Want a good look at your father’s handiwork? Take a quick look out the window before you strap yourself in.
(Shinji proceeds to do so....and stares. Two Landships sit side by side, amongst a swarm of aircraft in the air around them. However, one of the Landships is badly damaged, with repair crews clearly visible in it’s huge floodlights. A massive crater can be seen on the front of the ship, directly between where it’s two huge cannons normally sit. However now, both cannons are gone, and the left side-landing ramp is missing altogether, a jagged tear visible where it once proudly jutted. As they head towards the intact Landship, Shinji is beckoned by Matt to sit down before landing. Just before he does, Shinji catches a glimpse of something that truly shocks him. On the side of the damaged Landship, although a little hard to tell, Shinji can see the following words.)
Words: RLS RIGHTEOUS ENDEAVOUR.
(As Shinji belts himself into the seat, he yells to Matt over the sound of the engine turbines, which has increased in volume as the craft comes in to land.)
Shinji: What happened?
Matt: An N2 Mine happened, that’s what. Two of them to be exact.
(As Shinji realizes Matt’s words, the aircraft starts buffeting as it comes in for a landing on the forward landing platform of the Errant Shroud.)
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(As they arrive onboard the Errant Shroud, they are all met by the Landship commander, General Phillip Crouch. As they step off the transport, Matt and James shake his hand whilst Kendal dives him a quick hug.)
Matt: Sir.
Kendal: Sir.
James: Sir.
Phil: Knock it off. You know as well as I do you can be casual around me.
James: Sorry Philby. (gesturing to the Endeavour) Looks like someone screwed up royal.
Phil: Don’t look at us. We were all taken completely by surprise by this. The Endeavour’s been completely taken out of action.
Matt: How’s the crew?
Phil: Crew’s okay...what’s left of them, anyway. She lost a third of her complement in the attack, and the ones they do have left are not in what you’d call a combat-ready condition.
Kendal: How could something like this have happened?
Phil: I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, Command isn’t taken this lying down. My orders are to tow the Righteous Endeavour back to Sydney Harbour, whilst the Daedallus takes her place.
James: What’s the Daedallus going to do?
Phil: I don’t know. And from what I do know, it’s not our place to find out.
(Matt suddenly realizes Shinji standing behind him...and remembers Touji and his sister.)
Matt: Phil...I’d like you to meet the boy I’ve been taking care of for the last five months. This is Shinji Ikari, the Third Child and pilot of Evangelion Unit 01.
(Phil smiles at Shinji, and shakes his hand.)
Phil: Pleasure to meet you.
Shinji: Uhhh, yeah, I guess...
Matt: Phil, I’ve brought someone else.
(At this, Phil’s expression becomes more severe.)
Phil: Matt, you had your orders.
Matt: Phil, listen, the kid lost an arm and a leg in an EVA fight, and his sister has been in traction and intensive care for the last five months. If we leave them in NERV’s hands, it’s going to take months for them to recover.
Phil: So you want us to nurse them back to health?
Matt: And then I’d take them both back to Tokyo-3, yes.
Phil: Well, I’ll have to consider it. Where are they now?
Matt: On the drop ship. Neither one can walk on their own. The girl can’t even stand.
(Phil turns to a medtech standing nearby.)
Phil: Doctor, have these children taken to the infirmary ASAP. See to it personally that they are taken care of, and that their wounds are seen to.
Doctor: Yes sir.
(A few minutes later, Touji is wheeled past on his stretcher, accompanied by several doctors. His sister follows after him, likewise on a stretcher.)
Shinji: I might go with them, if that’s okay, Matt?
Matt: No problem, Shinji. Just don’t get in the way of the doctors.
Shinji: I won’t.
(Shinji leaves to follow Touji, leaving Kendal, James, Matt, and Phil together on the deck, as technicians work around them to bring the Black Templar off the Dropship. Phil turns to eye the gargantuan as it’s three pieces are removed from the ship.)
Phil: Looks well taken care of.
Matt: I pride myself on my work.
Phil: Ben will be pleased.
Matt: Ben? You mean-
Phil: Oh yeah. Ben Davis. He’s our resident Mechwarrior Technician Chief.
(Phil gestures behind Matt at an individual overseeing the transport of the ‘mech. Matt walks over to meet him.)
Matt: Of all the places on earth, I never thought I’d see you here!
(The tall man turns to look at Matt for a moment before grinning.)
Ben: G’day Matt. Figured you were going to come by me sooner or later, so I signed on board this ship and made it sooner.
Matt: Long time no see.
Ben: It has, far too long. Listen, I’d like to chat longer, but I’ve gotta get this thing under cover.
Matt: Yeah, no worries Ben. Talk to you later.
(As Ben goes back to his work, Phil comes over to Matt again.)
Phil: You’d better get over to the Endeavour, I think Amy wanted to see you about something. Sounded important.
Matt: Important as in good or bad?
(Phil does not answer straight away...he simply looks at Matt for a moment before looking back to the unloading in progress.)
Phil: (amused) Don’t make me make that an order, Colonel.
(Matt perks up at this..for now he knows...whatever the news is, it isn’t bad.)
Matt: Yes sir. And Shinji?
Phil: I’ll see to it Mr. Ikari is given quarters. He’ll be fine.
Matt: Understood. I’ll be back ASAP.
(As Matt walks off to the aircraft hangers, Phil grins widely as Kendal and James raise an eyebrow.)
Kendal: Something you’re not telling us, Philby?
Phil: Somehow I don’t think he’ll be back soon.
James: Riiiight...what’s an ark?
(Phil turns to his friends and tells them why.)
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Taking a Starfury across to the Endeavour, and landing it safely at the rear of the Landship, he soon finds himself walking towards the quarters of General Patterson once more. Stopping in front of the guard, he gives him a firm look.)
Matt: Colonel Matthew Eklom, wishing to see the General, Private.
Private: One moment sir.
(The guard speaks into the comm on his right for a moment before waving Matt through.)
Private: The General will see you now.
(Matt walks through the door, which closes quickly behind him, into Amy’s quarters. Amy, sits at the table, reading a text pad.)
Amy: Matt. I was wondering how long it would take you to get here.
Matt: Amy, what the hell happened?
(Amy stands up, and angrily brushes the pad off the table, sending it clattering to the floor.)
Amy: The fucking people we were supposedly protecting from their own misguided perceptions took a shot at us, that’s what happened!
Matt: Okay, okay, ask a stupid question, I guess...
Amy: (a little quieter) I’m sorry, Matt. It’s just I’ve been on the go since we were hit...starting to get a little tired.
(Amy’s tone lessens.)
Amy: The Endeavour is finished. The Shroud is going to have to tow it back home, she can’t move under her own power anymore....and once she gets there, she’ll have to spend the next year or so undergoing repairs.
Matt: Christ...I’m sorry, Amy.....I don’t know what else to say...
Amy: It’s all right.....besides...that’s not the reason I got you to come so soon.
Matt: Why did you send for me, then?
(Amy does not answer...she smiles at something behind Matt. Matt becomes aware of another presence in the room, standing behind him. Before he can turn around, he hears a familiar female voice.)
Voice: (nervous) Matt?
(Matt spins around, his eyes wide...
And stops as he realizes who the new visitor is.)
Matt: JESS!!!!
(Jessica Gomez stands behind Matt, wearing the white coat and black uniform of a Republic Physician. Her long black hair is tied in a ponytail down her back, and the smile she wears could not be happier.)
Jess: MATT!!
(Not another word is spoken. The two rush together and hold one another in a tender embrace, neither one wishing to ever let go again. Behind them, Amy smiles to herself as she retrieves the fallen pad and places it back on the table.)
Amy: Welcome back, you guys.
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(A little later on, Matt and Jess walk down one of the many passages of the Righteous Endeavour.)
Matt: What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were still in Texas, where you were safe.
Jess: I got back to Oz not all that long ago...and asked for a transfer out here. General Pierce was more than happy to send me.
Matt: You mean...
Jess: Yeah...I’m the Chief Physician aboard the Endeavour.....the last poor man died during the attack.
(Neither one says anything for a moment as they think once again of all the poor souls who have died.)
Matt: Where will you go once the Endeavour gets home?
Jess: I don’t know yet....I was going to look you up as soon as I got back to Oz....but Pierce sent me out here...and then I ran into Amy....and she told me you were already here.
Matt: How long have you been aboard?
Jess: Since yesterday. I flew in from the Shroud. And believe me, I’ve been busy.
Matt: I can imagine.
(They stop for a moment in the passage, and Matt holds Jess lightly in his arms, a gesture Jess copies.)
Matt: Every day without you has been like a never-ending torture.
Jess: You know it was the same for me. But there’s nothing for me at home anymore....
(Jess looks away sadly.)
Jess: Somehow people found out I’d come from Oz....it’s amazing the garbage people’s minds are filled with....somehow they think Australia is the cause of so much widespread destruction. The hate glares and harsh words in the streets....I just couldn’t take it anymore.
(Matt hugs her tightly as he voice begins to break with sadness.)
Jess: I couldn’t be apart from you anymore.
Matt: It’s all right, baby, it’s all right.
(Nothing more is said for a few minutes as they hold one another..until a voice breaks the moment.)
Intercom: Will Doctor Gomez please report to the infirmary immediately. Repeat, Dr Gomez to the infirmary as soon as possible.
Jess: Baby..I’ve got to go....
Matt: I know.....you have work....
(Neither one of them says anything for a few minutes...until finally they kiss, a long passionate kiss, that is only broken when Jess pulls away.)
Jess: I should go....they need me down there.
Matt: I’ll accompany you down there.
(The two walk quickly in the direction of the ship’s huge infirmary. As they go through the large doors, Matt stops, whilst Jess moves quickly ahead, obviously to begin her job. The room is huge, with a long catwalk that goes around the second story of the chamber, allowing access to smaller private rooms. However, the centre of the chamber is what holds Matt’s attention. For all the way back to the far wall of the room, all that can be seen are the injured and sick, lying in beds or sitting in chairs as nurses, orderlies and doctors attend to them. Despite the cleanliness of the environment, one can almost taste the pain in the air.)
Matt: (shocked) God......Lorenz....you will truly never have any idea as to what you have done....may God have mercy on your unrepentant soul.
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To be continued....
