Chapter3


	Episode Three: A Righteous Endeavour/Hedgehog’s Dilemma --------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt: So, you’ve got your first day of school coming up today, Shinji? Shinji: Yeah. I’m a little nervous about it, myself. (The scene is early morning in Matt’s kitchen. It is still early outside, the sun rising slowly to shine through the window. It has been a week since the Third Angel struck.) Matt: Well, I have to go to work today, so I’ll give you a lift there, if you want. Shinji: Yeah, that could be handy. Matt: No problem, mate. What time do you start? Shinji: Nine o’clock, I think. Matt: Suits my timetable. I start work at Nine-Thirty today. (At this, Shinji looks up at Matt.) Shinji: Uhh, Matt? Matt: Hmm? Shinji: What exactly do you do at NERV, anyway? Matt: I thought I explained what I was- Shinji: No, not that. I meant since your EVA hasn’t arrived yet. You wouldn’t have much to do, would you? (Matt smiles, looking at the boy.) Matt: On any other day, you’d be right. But my EVA’s due to arrive today, so that’s where I’ll be. Shinji: Must be a pretty big ship to carry it over the water.... Matt: If you want to call two and a half kilometers big, yeah. (Shinji drops his toast, staring at Matt.) Shinji: TWO AND A HALF KILOMETERS?!! (Matt chuckles to himself.) Matt: Republic Landship, kiddo. Ever hear of one? Shinji: Only that they’re meant to be fictional.... Matt: Well, they are real. And Australia has built five of them. (Matt leans forwards to explain.) Matt: You see, Shinji, a Landship is basically a self-contained city on it’s own. They are a massive warship that floats along the ground on Anti-Gravity generators, or ‘Repulsors’. They are each two and a half kilometers long, one kilometer wide, and five hundred meters tall. They are basically the backbone of Australia’s armed forces. And they look incredible. Shinji: I’d be interested in seeing one... Matt: Well, the Righteous Endeavour will be pulling into the harbour in a few hours time. You’ll be able to see her then. And trust me, you won’t be disappointed. (With that, Matt stands, pulling on his black trench coat over his blue jeans and black cotton shirt. Putting on his sunglasses, he smiles at Shinji.) Matt: We’d better get going. Otherwise, you might be late. Shinji: Yeah........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- Half an hour later, outside the main district school for Tokyo-3, students are milling about. Some walk in groups, others walk by themselves. Suddenly, each student comes to be silent as they hear a deep roaring sound coming closer. As they all turn to look in the direction of the noise, the find it’s source: a sleek black sports car moving towards the school at a suicidal speed. As it nears the entrance, it begins to slide, it’s tires screeching loudly on the road. It moves at the fence still at high speed, making several students leap over the fence as the car come to a screaming halt, the engine still roaring... As the passenger side door opens, the sound of loud rock music can be heard pouring from the interior (it is the song ‘Don’t lose your head’ by INXS). A rather timid looking boy gets out of the car, taking a small bag with him. Inside the car, a man can be seen wearing dark sunglasses and an Akubra.) Matt: Think you’ll be okay, mate? Shinji: Well, I have to start going eventually. I might as well make it today. Matt: Good for you, Shinji. I’ll be by at four today to pick you up, okay? Shinji: Are you sure it’s no trouble? Matt: It’s no problem Shinji. Good luck, mate. See you. Shinji: Bye Matt. (As Shinji closes the door, the car lurches off the sidewalk, doing a massive U-slide before roaring back up the street again, leaving a long pair of skid marks behind.) (As Shinji walks into his new school, he cannot help but notice the dozens of pairs of eyes now settled upon him.) Shinji: Uhhh.......hi? ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- (An hour later, in NERV H.Q....) Aoba: Sir? We’re recieving a wireless communication from the Republic Landship Righteous Endeavour. Misato: Put it through. Aoba: Yes ma’am. (A moment later, a screen flashes up on the main computer board. On it, a middle-aged woman can be seen, smiling.) Woman: Captain Katsuragi? Misato: I am Captain Katsuragi. Woman: Greetings. I am General Amy Patterson, commander of the Republic Landship, Righteous Endeavour. I believe we have something we promised to loan to your organisation. Misato: Good to hear from you finally, General. How close are you to Japan? General: Another four hours and we will be arriving on the shore. We thought that you should know in advance. Misato: Thank you, sir. We’ll be ready. General: Look forwards to meeting you in person. Endeavour out. (With this, the transmission ends. As Misato turns, she sees Matt coming up to stand beside her. Matt: So, I take it she’s almost here? Misato: Four hours. (sigh) I guess I’d better get the forms I need. Take a chopper out there, and get them signed early. Matt: Hey, Misato? I just had an idea..... Misato: ? Matt: Rather than take a chopper or VTOL out there, I could take you out in the Starfury. Misato: Starfury? Matt: The fighter I flew over here with. If you want, I could fly you out there in that. Misato: You’re kidding! I mean, it’s a nice guesture, but.... Matt: But? Misato: Isn’t it a little risky? Matt: Well, if you’re too nervous..... (It is with these words that Misato detects a hint of a taunt in his words. Finally, she makes up her mind.) Misato: Okay. Let’s do it. ------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- (Half an hour later, Misato Katsuragi and Matthew Eklom walk out onto the tarmac at Tokyo-3 international airport, wearing full Republic flight armour. They head towards the small, sleek fighter sitting on it’s own.) Matt: You remember what I told you about G-Forces? Misato: Yeah. Just watch out for grey-outs, and hold on tight. Matt: Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ve flown these babies hundreds of times. Misato: Have you ever crashed one? (Matt grins before looking at Misato over the rims of his sunglasses.) Matt: Not yet..... (As he speaks, he presses a few keys on his wrist unit. The sound of powerful turbines winding up can now be heard, as the canopy of the fighter accordions back into it’s structure. As the wings of the fighter spread outwards slightly, Misato admires the sleek lines of the powerful vehicle.) Matt: Captain Katsuragi, allow me to introduce you to the world’s premier fighter. The ASF-100 Starfury Starfighter. Misato: Starfighter? Matt: Completely capable of flying in deep space. Impressive? Misato: Impressive.... (With that, the two people board the aircraft, Matt helping Misato into the right side of the cockpit. As she sits back in the seat, suddenly two lengths of material wrap over her shoulders, crossing halfway to link up to her seat at her waist. At the same time, another length wraps around her waist, linking up with another. She looks up at Matt in amazement.) Matt: Accordion technology. Incredible, no? Misato: Any more surprises waiting for us? Matt: Just one. Press the button on your right wrist, and be prepared. (Tentatively, she presses the button. Suddenly, some sort of metal coming from her armour accordions up around her arms and neck, encasing them in armour.) Misato: Whoa!! How does it know where to stop? Matt: It’s been designed along the same sort of principles as your Plug Suits. Put on your helmet, and we’ll get moving. (As he speaks, he pushes forwards on the throttle. The sounds of powerful engines warming up can be heard, as the dull hum ouside the canopy now becomes a deafening roar. As the engines pick up, the canopy suddenly accordions overhead, sealing the cockpit with a hiss.) (Matt looks over at Misato, and gives her a ‘thumbs up’, indicating whether she’s ready to fly or not. Misato responds with a ‘V’ finger sign.) Matt: Hang on tight, coz you’re in my world now, kid. (With that, he flips several switches and the fighter suddenly lifts off the ground, rising quickly to a hundred meters. As he pushes forwards on the throttle, the fighter surges forwards, the ground beneath them moving rapidly.) Matt: Ahh, such a nice day today, don’t you think? (His words are accented as the Starfury flies over the city of Tokyo-3.) Misato: Ughh! Yeah! Matt: You okay there? I’m not going too fast for you, am I? Misato: No, it’s not the speed. I think it’s the height.... Matt: Don’t worry, this thing can’t crash. Not with it’s repulsorlifts. Misato: Repulsorlifts? (Matt chuckles, before looking at Misato.) Matt: Uhhh......I think there’s a few things I ought to explain before we get to the Endeavour....... -------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ (Meanwhile, more than a mile below.) Gendo: The Endeavour? Fujutsuki: I believe her full name is the Righteous Endeavour. A Landship. Gendo: Interesting that the Australian government should send such a huge warship to deliver so small an EVA...... Ritsuko: Captain Katsuragi is already on route to get the forms filled out, sir. Gendo: Excellent. Fujutsuki: I take it you’ll be meeting the ship’s commander personally? Gendo: There is no need. I’m sure Captain Katsuragi can take care of this situation herself. Fujutsuki: Don’t you think the Australians might take offence a such a guesture? Gendo: Perhaps. But I have more important details to take care of here, rather than such politiking. Fujutsuki, I trust you can greet our distinguished guests? Fujutsuki: Of course. Ritsuko: ..... ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- --------- (Twenty minutes later, over the ocean outside of Tokyo-3.) Misato: That’s incredible. You mean it just floats? Matt: We learned how to reverse gravity fairly early in our recovery. And there she is...... (The clouds surrounding the fighter part to reveal an immense landship that dominates the smaller fleet escorting it.) Misato: That’s..... Matt: That is the Republic Landship Righteous Endeavour, RLS-03. One of the five Landships of the Republic. And a beautiful thing she is, too.... Misato: How did your government find the funds to make something that big? Matt: FIVE things that big. And it wasn’t easy, let me tell you. Hold on. (With that, Matt toggles the fighter’s communicator.) Matt: Endeavour, this is Emmisary One. Requesting permission to land and requisition cargo. Comms: Roger, Emmisary One, we read you. Permission granted. Landing vector is 0770.32, landing grid 237. Welcome back, Colonel. Matt: Thanks, Endeavour. Emmisary out. (Turning back to Misato) Well, we’re cleared to enter. Enjoy the view... (The Starfury flies low towards the Landship, which takes up the enitre canopy’s forward view in time. Matt brings the fighter around the ship, coming in behind it. Misato can see two cavernous aircraft hangers on the back and front of the ship, on either side of two immense cannons..) Misato: What are those? Matt: Big guns. Sorry, I can’t tell you anymore. It’s classified. Misato: I see. Anything else I can’t know? Matt: Well, we’ll see about that. (The Starfighter glides into the left hand hanger, disappearing inside. Inside, hundreds of aircraft can be seen on the deck, all being serviced by technitians. As she looks around herself, she sees an empty landing grid in front of them, with a small group of people standing nearby. Matt brings the fighter in lightly, settling it down easily on the platform.) (As the engines of the fighter power down, the canopy accordions open, and Misato’s seat belts open themselves.) Misato: Who are we going to speak to? Matt: Don’t worry, I’ll introduce you. The General’s an old friend of mine. Misato: General? (The two exit the fighter, Misato taking the small case she has brought with her out of the vehicle. Then, they both walk towards the individual standing at the edge of the platform. As they arrive in front of her, Matt stops and salutes smartly.) Matt: Colonel Eklom reporting, sir. General: At ease and no rank, Matt. We’re familiar enough, I think. (Matt turns to indicate Misato.) Matt: Amy, may I present Captain Misato Katsuragi, head of operations at NERV. Misato, this is General Amy Patterson, commander of the Righteous Endeavour. (Misato and Amy shake hands.) Amy: Pleased to finally meet you, Captain. Misato: Please, call me Misato. Amy: Informal. Good. Call me Amy. Matt here and I go back a long way. Please, come this way. (Amy leads the two of them off the flight deck and into an elevator. As the doors close, the sounds of aircraft turbines is silenced slightly...) Amy: Patterson. Forward Cargo section. (The elevator gives a chime, and then suddenly moves sideways, towards the front of the ship....) Matt: So Amy. I’m glad to see they gave you a commision. Amy: Yeah, about time they saw some real talent. Matt: Well, it’s good news, anyway. I’m wouldn’t have anyone else bring my baby over. Misato: Your baby? (Matt smiles, removing his sunglasses.) Matt: The Black Templar. My baby. Misato: Am I missing something here? The Black Templar? Matt: The Titan Mech-Warrior. That’s it’s name. Misato: Who called it that? (A silence ensues, in which Amy looks at Matt, who looks away guiltilly, instead staring out the glass viewport set in the elevator door.) Matt: It’s a good name. Misato: Oh no, I’m not saying it isn’t. It’s just an odd name.... Matt: Wait till you see it. You won’t say that. Amy: I thought I’d give you a sneak preview of the Black Templar in storage. Of course, it’s lying down at the moment..... Matt: And hopefully hasn’t been damaged. Amy: Hey, I carry out my orders to the letter. Unlike a certain lovestruck pilot I know..... (Matt looks up at Amy coldly, before answering.) Matt: I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. (Misato looks between Amy and Matt, not knowing what to say in the silence that follows....) Misato: Uhhh.....sorry if I said something I shouldn’t have........ Amy: Don’t worry about it, Misato. It was my fault. Sorry Matt. Matt: No praw. And besides, I wasn’t rubbishing your command ability, either. Just the handling ability of those goons in the cargo bay. Amy: They were hand picked. Don’t worry, Matt. It’ll live. Matt: Ahhh!! There she is now!!! (As they watch through the viewport in the elevator door, a massive cargo bay comes into view. Inside it, a huge leviathan can be seen lying on it’s back.) Misato: Interesting colours...... (Indeed, the unit’s colours can now be plainly seen. A completely black body, with dark green trimmings. On it’s chest, a long Templar Cross can be seen. The unit’s face is a pair of brooding eyes set over a gnashing jawline with a smile that makes Misato shudder slightly.) Misato: Quite impressive..... Matt: And as beautiful as the day I left her. Was there any trouble getting her onboard, Amy? Amy: Actually, no. It fits in quite snugly, as you can see. (As the doors open, Matt steps out to observe his beloved Titan Mech-Warrior.) Amy: Misato, I think we should leave this guy here, and get those forms signed. What do you say? Misato: That sounds like a good idea. Matt: I’ll catch up with you two later. Ladies. (It is with this last line that Matt makes a big show of bowing away from the two women.) (As the doors close, Amy can be heard to utter,) Amy: Showoff....... -------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------- (Meanwhile, across the bay, in the local school, things are getting under way in Shinji’s class. Shinji himself sits alone at a desk by himself, apart from the other students. Occasionally, he can be seen to look at a girl at a desk next to the window..... Rei Ayanami can be seen looking out the window, oblivious to everything around her.....) Kenske: Brrrrmmmmm!!! Dududududududududu!!! BOOOM!!!!! (Kenske plays with a model of a VTOL transport, following it with his video camera, when suddenly, a voice brings him back to reality...) Hikari: Did you deliver those printouts to Touji yesterday? Kenske: Uhhhh.......there was no one home at the Suzahara’s..... (As he says this, Kenske hides the printouts from the Class Rep in his desk, out of her sight.) Hikari: Mr Aida, you are supposed to be his best friend. Doesn’t it worry you that he hasn’t come to school for the last week? Kenske: Maybe he got hurt in that robot battle..... Hikari: But the reports said no one was hurt...... Kenske: Are you kidding? There were fighters scrambled from as far in as Kushu!! I bet there had to be some casualties. And maybe a few fatalities, as well...... (Suddenly, the door to the classroom opens, and a tall boy walks in.) Hikari: Suzahara...... Kenske: Touji....... (Touji sits down at his desk, in front of Kenske and speaks,) Touji: Hey, where is everyone? Kenske: They’ve all left town. Since that robot incident, they’ve all been afraid to come. Touji: Huh. Guess you’d be the only one who’s actually happy to see a real war. Kenske: That’s true. Say, where were you the last week? Did you get involved in the war? Touji: Heh. No, but my little sister did. (Kenske almost drops the camera in surprise.) Touji: She was crushed under a pile of debris.......She’s okay, but she can’t leave the hospital. And because Dad and Grandad can’t leave the lab, she’s all alone if I’m not there...... Kenske: .... Touji: That pilot’s really dumb!! How could he do something so stupid?!! It makes me so angry!! Kenske: Speaking of the pilot, did you hear about the new kid? (Kenske guestures to the boy sitting several desks up from them.) Kenske: He was transferred here right after the battle. Don’t you think that’s a little coincidental? (As Touji is about to answer, however, the door opens again, this time revealing the teacher..) Hikari: All Rise!! (The class gets underway, however eventually, the teacher trails off again, talking about his youth....) (Sitting at his desk and typing idly at his small computer, Shinji is suddenly surprised by a message popping up on his screen....) Are you the pilot? Y/N (Shinji looks around to find the messenger, and sees two girls at the back of the class giggling, and typing another message at him...) You're the one, right? (Shinji looks around for a moment, before finally answering the constantly repeated question....) YES (The classroom erupts, all of the students save two’s attention fully focused on Shinji now.....) Hikari: Hey, we’re still in class you guys!! Show some respect!!! Boy: Ahh, don’t mind her!!! Girl: How did you get chosen?! Girl: Did you have to take a test?! Boy: What’s the cockpit look like?! Shinji: Uhh, I’m not supposed to talk about classified stuff like that..... Girl: What’s the robot called? Shinji: I don’t know.....everyone calls it EVA, or Unit One...... Boy: What’s it’s main mode of attack? Shinji: Uhh, some sort of vibrating, ultrasonic blade....... Hikari: Hey, you guys!! Sit down!!! At least show some manners!!!!! (The teacher goes on talking, even thought the class no longer listens. However, two students are not interested in the new find. Rei Ayanami continues staring out the window, as if nothing has happened. Touji Suzahara now looks towards Shinji, but his face is that of anything but exitement..... Rather, it is a face of hatred......) (As if on cue, the bells indicating school is out ring.....) Teacher: Oh, right. Dismissed. -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- (Meanwhile, out in the bay of Tokyo-3, the massive Landship Righteous Endeavour can be seen finally docking at the shoreline, it’s two massive forward runway prongs opening at the bottom to open the ship’s massive cargo bay.) (Outside it, a small group of NERV’s command group stands, awaiting the arrival of the ship’s commander. They watch as the immense Titan-Mech Warrior is rolled out of the cargo bay, on a huge anti-grav flatbed transport. They are rewarded when the General finally arrives.... Fujutsuki: General Patterson. Welcome to Tokyo-3 at last. I am sub-commander Fujutsuki. Amy: Sub-commander? Where is Commander Ikari? Fujutsuki: Er.....he sends his apologies.....he had other pressing matters to attend to...... Amy: Well, it doesn’t matter. Thank you for meeting us, Commander. (Nearby, the loud rumble of the Landship’s engines and Repulsorlifts make speaking difficult, especially since the huge flatbed transport nearby compunds matters...) Fujutsuki: We have an escort standing by for your unit. Please, come this way.... (As the group goes to leave, Matt excuses himself.) Matt: Er.....Sir? Amy: ? Matt: Uhhh.....I have buisness elsewhere I need to attend to....may I be excused? (Amy stares at him for a moment, before realising that it is important, whatever it is.... Amy: Dismissed, Colonel. I can oversee the transportation and handling of the Black Templar. Matt: Thank you, sir. (Matt walks off by himself, into the growing throngs of people staring at the massive Landship...) ----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ Shinji: Unngh!!!! (The scene is shortly after school has ended, inside the school grounds. Shinji Ikari has just been on the recieving end of a right cross to the head from one Touji Suzahara. As Shinji hits the ground, Touji speaks.) Touji: Sorry, newcomer, but I had to pop you one to work off my own anger. Kenske: He’s mean, huh? It’s because his sister was injured in that robot battle..... (Suzahara and Aida turn away to leave, when suddenly, Shinji answers....) Shinji: It wasn’t my fault.....they made me pilot the stupid thing...... (With this announcement, Touji turns back to face Shinji. Shoving Kenske aside, he picks Shinji up roughly, holding him up, and preparing to strike with his right fist. He hesitates for a moment.....and this is more than enough time for a muscular arm to suddenly clamp onto Touji’s right arm with an iron grip....) Touji: What the...? (The boys turn to see a tall, muscular man holding Touji’s arm back. His eyes are hidden behind sunglasses.) Man: I wouldn’t do that if I were you, mate. Shinji: .....Matt? Touji: Who are- Matt: Let’s just say I’m a good friend of Mr Ikari’s. And that you’d do well not to hit him again. Touji: Listen, I don’t think you understand. This idiot almost killed my- Matt: I understand alright. And I’m telling you to let him go NOW. (This last sentence is delivered with a force that brooks no argument. Nothing is said for a moment, before finally, with much anger, Touji releases Shinji, letting Shinji fall to the ground. Matt releases Touji’s arm, stepping back.) Matt: Now, get out of here. (Touji turns around, and walks off, followed by Kenske. As Matt helps Shinji to his feet, the boy wipes the blood from his mouth.) Matt: You okay, Shinji? Shinji: Yeah, I think so. Just my pride. Matt: That blood on your face doesn’t say so. Here, let me take a look..... (As Matt inspects the wound, Shinji grimaces.) Shinji: I guess you’d like to know how this started..... Matt: Don’t worry, I know why. This have something to do with the Angel incident? Shinji: Yeah. His sister got hurt by some falling debris caused by the EVA..... Matt: Hmm. I guess that’s why he hit you....It’s nothing serious. I think you’ll get a bruise, but nothing more. You were lucky I stopped by..... Shinji: I guess......but I think I deserved it..... (Matt stands, looking at Shinji.) Matt: Shinji, it was your first time piloting the damn thing. You did the best you could. Besides, if you hadn’t done that, we’d all be dead by now. Shinji: I know that.....it’s just.... .Matt: I know. Hard to accept. (With that Matt puts his arm around Shinji, and heads him towards his car.) Matt: I think it’s about time I tell you about my first time in the Black Tem- (Suddenly, the alert sirens start wailing loudly, indicating an emergency......) Matt: What the hell? Come on, Shinji, we gotta report in!!!! (With that, both men run off to Matt’s car...) ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- -------------------- (Meanwhile, at NERV H.Q.....) Misato: An Angel?! Now?!! Fujutsuki: Get Unit 01’s pilot here NOW!!!! Amy: That won’t be necessary. Fujutsuki/Misato: ? (The scene is in EVA cage three, in which the Titan Mech-Warrior Unit 01 “Black Templar” has just been secured. The three stand on a platform overlooking the mech, surrounded by Republic and NERV guards.) Misato: What do you mean? Fujutsuki: We must launch an EVA to intercept and destroy that Angel! Amy: Incorrect. Allow me, please. (With that, Amy presses a button on her wrist unit....) Amy: XO? Communicator: Standing by. Amy: Destroy the incoming Angel. Communicator: With pleasure, sir. Charging the stern weapons now. (Amy turns off the communicator, looking up to face the two surprised NERV staff.) Amy: If you have an Ops centre, I would like to see it now. I think you will find this.....interesting. Fujutsuki: This way, please. ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- ----- (Meanwhile, aboard the Righteous Endeavour, activity is at a frenzied pitch, as the first combat situation against an Angel for the Endeavour’s crew gets under way. On the stern of the ship, the upper cannon swivels slowly on it’s turret, aiming towards the Angel amidst the sounds of warning sirens. On the bridge...) Tactical: The stern A.M. Cannon reports ready to fire, sir. Sciences: Sensors indicate the Angel is closing rapidly, ETA, two minutes. Area is clear of all traffic. Second Officer: Right. Tactical, inform stern fire control to get a lock on the target, and fire at will. Tactical: Stern fire control has acknowledged. Standby for recoil in 5.... 4 3 2 1 FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!! (With an incredible scream that echoes out across the city and hills of Tokyo-3, drowning out all other noise, and making everyone within two miles of the blast cover their ears, the massive cannon fires with an almighty BOOM!!!, it’s flash illuminating the darkening sky......) -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ (Meanwhile, on the hilltop looking over Tokyo-3......) Shinji: My god!!!! (Matt and Shinji stand, watching the immense cannon fire upon the Angel..) Matt: Jesus...... ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------- (As the Angel throws up it’s A.T. Field, the blast strikes the Angel head on, spreading out in an immense black explosion with an incredible tearing sound. The Angel screams in pain as it is torn from existence by the shot, which swallows the A.T. Field, the Angel, and everything else within five hundred meters. As the blast expands to it’s fullest, suddenly, it contracts rapidly, swallowing itself until nothing but air remains.....and within a minute of it’s arrival, the Fourth Angel, Shamshell, is no more.) ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Tactical: Target Destroyed!!!!!! (The bridge of the Righteous Endeavour erupts into cheers as their first combat situation comes as a complete success....) Second Officer: General Patterson? Rebecca: (Over the comm) XO? XO: The target has been completely destroyed. Amy: Excellent work, Colonel. Stand down from red alert, and prepare for departure. XO: Yes sir. ---------------------------- ------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Matt: YES!!!!! GOT THE BASTARD!!!!! Shinji: But.....that’s not possible....the Angel’s A.T. Field....... Matt: Doesn’t work against Anti-Matter, mate!!! We’ve won!!!!! (The two men rush back to Matt’s car, to get to NERV as soon as possible.) --------------------------- -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- --------------------- Aoba: Sir........the target has been completely destroyed..... Misato: (stunned) Anything left of it? Hyuga: No sir, the blast has destroyed everything....... (As the silence in the Ops centre at NERV pervades everyone, it is Fujutsuki who is first to break it.) Fujutsuki: Well, I’ll be..... Amy: Don’t ever doubt our abilities again, Commander. I’m sorry I can’t stay any longer, however. The Endeavour is due back in Australia shortly. (As Amy and her guards leave the chamber, the rest of NERV’s staff are left dumbfounded.) Fujutsuki: Of course........ ---------------------- ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Matt: It was good to see you again, Amy. Rebecca: We must do this again sometime. Matt: Heh. Good job with the Angel. Amy: Just thought we’d save you the trouble of having to kill it yourself. (Matt grins over his sunglasses...it is clear there was more to this than meets the eye.) Matt: Take care of youself, Amy. Amy: You too, Matt. See you around, hm? Matt: Count on it. (It is with these words that Matt turns to board his Starfury Starfighter, sitting just beside the two. As he gets in and powes up the engines, Amy can be heard calling to him over the noise...) Amy: Good Luck with your mission, Matt. (The Starfury lifts off, and a few seconds later, it can be seen exiting the hanger, afterburners flaring.) ----------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------- (Meanwhile, a mile beneath, and two miles away.....) Fujutsuki: So, did the Fourth Angel’s demisie fit in with the comittee’s schedule? (Gendo is silent for a moment, before answering slowly.) Gendo: .....No. Fujutsuki: .... Gendo: Up until now, there were no known weapons that could kill an Angel so effectively and so quickly. The Australian’s seem to have stumbled onto a source of great power..... Fujutsuki: Yes. It makes me wonder........ Gendo: ? Fujutsuki: Just how else do they intend to use it? Gendo: .... (An uneasy silence pervades, one that neither man is willing to end.......) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------- To be continued......