Chapter5


	Episode Five: From hells heart, I stab thee/Rei: Beyond her heart. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shinji: AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!! Matt: SHINJI!!!!! (As the streamlined form of the Black Templar stands in front of the hyper-powerful energy beam, both units go hurtling back down into the launch tube as they are both quickly brought back in. When they finally, reach the bottom of the shaft, The Black Templar steps back from the EVA as it’s Entry-Plug is removed and it’s pilot taken out.) Matt: Dammit!! I warned you!! Why didn’t you listen to me?!!!! (It is with these words that Matt resets the Titan-Mech-Warrior in it’s hanger, and deactivates it.) (A short time later, he is walking alongside the stretcher carrying a comatose Shinji Ikari along with Misato. As the stretcher is carried into the operating theater, Misato and Matt stand at the door, staring for a long time. Finally, Matt moves, turning to face the wall beside him. Bringing his fist back, he lets out a roar of anger loud enough to make Misato jump to look at him as he buries his arm in the plaster wall up to his shoulder.) Matt: RRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! DAMMIT!!!! (As Matt extricates himself from the wall, Misato grabs him by the shoulder, stopping him from hitting it again.) Misato: Matt!! Enough!! (Matt stops, shaking the plaster from his arm, and looks at Misato with a glare that could freeze carbon.) Matt: Next time I warn you about an Angel’s defensive capabilities, you won’t be in such a hurry to get in it’s way. Next time, I’ll block the damn launch bay with the Black Templar if I have to. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and repair the Mech. (As Matt pushes past her and storms off down the corridor, Misato can be heard softly...) Misato:........sorry...... ---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------- (A short time later, still at NERV, Misato Katsuragi, Aoba Shigeru, Maya Ibuki, Makoto Hyuga, Ritsuko Akagi, Gendo Ikari and Kouzou Fujutsuki stand in the debriefing room, discussing the recent catastrophy.) Maya: So it seems that the Colonel’s Threat Aquisition System was essentially correct. The Angel attacks anything that comes anywhere near it with that weapon. Hyuga: Sensors have identified the weapon as some sort of super-powerful Particle Cannon. Ritsuko: Repairs are currently under way on Unit 01. We were lucky. If the EVA had been exposed for another four seconds, the beam would have melted right through the guidance systems, and pretty-much written off the EVA. Fujutsuki: (To Gendo) Look’s like we were wrong to doubt the Colonel... Gendo: We had no way of knowing how accurate his system was. But now is not the time to blame anyone. We need to find that thing’s weakness. Misato: We’re already working on it, sir. Aoba: The Strategic Self Defense Force is already working on a contingency plan that may work.... Gendo: Excellent. (Suddenly, Matt walks into the room, his overalls caked with grease and other stains.) Gendo: Colonel? How are the repairs on the Black Templar going? (Matt casts an icy glare at Gendo before answering.) Matt: I was lucky. The ‘mech’s advanced Graviton Field took the damage of the beam long enough so the Black Templar took no damage. I’ve already managed to get it back up to full strength, so the Black Templar is back up to full operational capacity. But what I’m more concerned about is the fact that you deliberately ignored me, even when you knew nothing about the Angel’s defensive capabilities. Gendo: We’ve only known you a short time, Colonel. We had no way of knowing whether we could trust you or not. (Matt remains silent as the rest of the staff continue the briefing. But Misato is also silent, looking at Matt.....and knowing just how he feels...) ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ------------------------------------------ -------------------------------- (As a massive 1:1 replica of the Evangelion Unit 01 is floated out into the bay by boat, the Angel suddenly gleams for a moment- and instantly the replica is turned to flame as the hyper-powerful energy beam smashes through it, thus defeating that strategy.....) (One hour later, an immense Self-Propelled Mortar Cannon is driven out on the back of a train to face the Angel from eight kilometers away. It fires, the immense BOOM echoing across the hills. But just as the projectile hits the Angel, an almost invisble hex-pattered A.T. Field deflects the bolt, sending it flying off into the sky. Almost instantly, the Angel retaliates, firing an invisible hyper-powerful Particle beam that destroys the Self-Propelled Mortar Cannon and the train it is attached to in shot.) (The Angel meanwhile, has busied itself, lowering an immense drill to the concrete, and slowly drilling into the complex below...) ----------------------------- ----------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Hyuga: So far, everything we’ve tried just hasn’t worked. The Angel’s defensive capabilites are incredible. We’ve never seen anything like it. Misato: It’s just the sort of enemy we hate the most. How long until it penetrates into the Geo-Front? Aoba: The MAGI have calculated that it will penetrate into the Geo-Front at approximately midnight tonight. Maya: The MAGI have suggested a complete evacuation of the area. Misato: Maybe. But I’d like to try something first.... -------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------ (Ten minutes later, inside Commander Ikari’s office...) Fujutsuki: You want to use a sniper to attack the target? Misato: Yes sir. With a sniper, we can attack the target outside of it’s particle weapon’s range, and hopefully destroy it. Fujutuski: You can’t be serious.... Gendo: What do the Magi say? Misato: Their response was two affirmatives and one conditional. Gendo: Then I see nothing wrong with your plan. You may proceed, Captain Katsuragi. Misato: Thank you, sir. ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ---- (Ten minutes later on a moving catwalk inside of NERV) Ritsuko: You’re not really serious about this are you, Captain? Misato: Don’t be rude. My idea has the highest probability of success. Ritsuko: Really? But our Positron Cannons aren’t strong enough to penetrate that things A.T. Field.... (The two of them are standing in front of the new prototype weapon for the EVA’s, a massive Positron Cannon. Behind them, Matt stands, listening intently.) Matt: I think I know what she has in mind... Ritsuko: You don’t mean... Misato: Yup! The Strategic Self Defense Force’s new prototype. ---------------------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------- (Half an hour later, at the Energy Institute of Japan..) Misato: I am officially here on behalf of NERV to requisition the prototype. You’ll be releived of any responsibilities concerned. (Misato hands an approval to take the weapon to the man in charge, who is left dumbstruck by her audacity.) Misato: Okay, Matt!! Take it away!! (As the men watch, the side of the building is suddenly lifted up to reveal an immense face looking into the hanger. As an immense arm reaches in to pick up the huge prototype that takes up the length of the huge chamber, Misato can be heard yelling at him.) Misato: Be carefull with that, it’s a precision piece of machinery!! (A huge voice booms in the hanger as Matt speaks through the Black Templar’s external mikes.) Matt: Yeah, yeah, yeah, keep your shirt on. I’ll be carefull. (But it is as he says this, he accidently knocks the butt of the weapon against the wall of the hanger..) Matt: (over the speakers) Sorry!! (As the Black Templar carefully lifts the huge cargo containers out of the hanger, Makoto Hyuga walks up beside Misato.) Hyuga: But sir, sensors show that we’ll need a charge of about 185 000 Kilowatts to penetrate the Angel’s A.T. Field. Just where do you expect to get that sort of power from? (Misato turns to smile at Hyuga, a guesture that makes him blush.) Misato: Where do you think? From all of Japan! ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Announcer: We interrupt your normal programs for this special bulletin. At exactly Midnight tonight, there will be short blackout for the entire country. We regret to inform you that this will halt all train services and communications for a period of one half hour. We apologise for this break in service. -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------ (Later on, back at NERV,) Misato: So, how is the construction of the power-system coming along? Hyuga: They’re running about two percent behind schedule, but say it will be ready by eleven fifty tonight. Misato: And the Positron Cannon? Technitian: (Over the communicator) For the honour of the developement department, we think we’ll have it up and built in three hours. Misato: What about the defense systems? (Down in the EVA hangers..) Ritsuko: The best we’ve been able to come up with is this black shield. It was once a part of the Space Shuttle. It might not look good, but defense section says it’ll be able to withstand the Angel’s weapon for seventeen seconds. It’s all we’ve been able to find in such a short time. (Back in the control centre) Misato: Nice job, Ritsuko. I heard you were coming up with something, Matt? (Standing behind Ritsuko in the EVA hangers, Matt looks up from his wrist unit, and speaks, obviously weary from overwork.) Matt: Yeah. I’ve just spent the last hour and a half re-tuning the Black Templar’s Defense systems. It’s Graviton Field can stand up to the Angel’s weapon for about thirty seconds. Unfortunately, that’s all I’ve been able to come up with. Misato: Hopefully it’ll be enough. Now, what about the sniper position? Hyuga: Taking geographical location and location of the target into account, this has been deemed as the best position to take a shot at it. Misato: Right. Everything is going according to plan. From now on, this operation will be known as Operation: Yashima!! Hyuga: Roger. Misato: What about Rei? Maya: (Next to Ritsuko) Reactivation of Unit 00 was successful, but pilot’s brainwave patterns were erratic... Misato: So even if she could fight, she’d never survive combat.....What about Unit 01’s pilot? Aoba: The report’s just come in. The Third Child’s been stabilised, and he should be okay in a few hours time... (But as the operation continues, Misato thinks to herself) Misato: (Thinking) But will he really want to pilot? -------------- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------- (A short time later, in the private hospital in NERV......Shinji Ikari awakes, realising he is back in hospital again. However, as he looks around, he sees someone he didn’t think would come..) Shinji: R...Rei? (Indeed, it is Rei Ayanami standing beside Shinji’s bed, pushing a small trolley.) Rei: I have been ordered to brief you on tonight’s mission, Pilot Ikari. (Rei pulls out a small book as Shinji looks on in dumbstruck silence.) Rei: At exactly 2000 hours tonight, Units Zero, One and Templar are to report to the staging area. There, they will await further orders before engaging the target. Here, this is a new one. (As Rei says the last sentence, she throws a new Plug Suit for Shinji on the bed. Shinji sits up, unaware that he is not wearing any clothes underneath.) Rei: Don’t show up looking like that, Pilot Ikari. (As Shinji realises the position he is in, he lets out a yelp of surprise and covers up.) Shinji: Dammit......I’ve been apologising for everything lately...... (As a silence ensues, Shinji’s eyes drift to the tray on the trolley.) Rei: ..your meal. Shinji: (consignedly) I don’t feel like eating.....do I have to show up at all? Rei: Yes. You do. Shinji: But I don’t want to pilot that stupid thing!! Every time I do, I get hurt!! (It is after a moment of silence that Rei answers.) Rei: Then don’t come. I will carry out the mission. (As Shinji looks at her, surprised, Rei turns to leave.) Rei: I will pilot Unit 01 and complete the mission. Goodbye. (With that, she exits the room, leaving Shinji alone with his thoughts.) ----------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- (Half an hour later, in the main operations centre at NERV, Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami and Matthew Eklom stand in front of Ritsuko Akagi and Misato Katsuragi as their mission is explained.) Misato: So that’s how it is. Shinji will be the gunner. Rei and Matt will be his protection. Matt: Understood. Shinji: Right. Rei: I’m just to protect Unit One, is that correct? Ritusko: Correct. Rei: .....Understood. Misato: Okay. The Operation will begin shortly. You three had better move out. Shinji/Rei/Matt: Right. ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ (A short time later, in the changerooms. The room has been temporarily divided in half by a sheet, separating the mens side from the womens. On one side, Shinji and Matt get into their uniforms, Shinji in his Plug Suit, Matt in his battle-armour. On the other side, Rei get’s into her Plug Suit.) Shinji: What’s going to happen if one of us dies out there? Rei: Why would you say such a thing? Matt: Cut that out, Shinji. No one’s going to die out there. We play our cards right, we’ll all come out of this fine. Shinji: That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t had the experiences I’ve had in those things. (It is with a heavy tone that Matt answers.) Matt: I’d like to agree with you there, Shinji. But that isn’t true. (As Shinji turns to look at Matt, Matt finshes putting on his armour, and starts for the door.) Matt: Just remember that I was a soldier before I was a Mech-Warrior, mate. (Shinji watches as Matt leaves the room, before finally pressing a button on his left wrist: instantly the suit shrinks, fitting the contours of his body perfectly.) Shinji: I guess this is goodbye, then Rei. (Rei suddenly answers Shinji, in a tone that is more consigned than Shinji has ever heard.) Rei: You won’t die. I’ll be protecting you. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------- (A short time later, outside of an apartment complex in Tokyo-3..) Touji: C’mon, Kenske, we gotta get to the shelters!! Kenske: No way! My dad said they’d be coming out here right about now. Touji: Well, I don’t see them! Kenske: Look!!! (Suddenly, with the sounds of low pitched sirens, the mountainside the two boys and other students are watching suddenly slides down, revealing Evangelion Units 00 and 01, and Titan Mech-Warrior Unit Alpha. As the three behemoths stride forwards, the students watching cheer them on, barracking for the EVA’s and mech. Suddenly, the mech stops, and looks over to the cheering students, who quickly go silent. It raises it’s right arm, and salutes them quickly as it continues walking, making the boys cheer that much louder.) (A short time later, around the staging zone set up for the units, the three units can be seen standing around a massive long Sniper Rifle, obviously refitted to be used with the Evangelions. At the moment, all of the units are on standby, awaiting the time when the Positron Cannon is finally connected up to it’s power supply, and the operation can begin. The three pilots sit on a massive platform sitting at the shoulder level of EVA Unit 00 and 01. Watching the moon go rise into the sky, they are all silent until finally Shinji speaks.) Shinji: Rei? Just why do you pilot? Rei: It’s a bond. Shinji: A bond? Rei: Yes. Shinji: To the EVA? Rei: To all humans. Shinji: You’re very strong, Rei. Rei: I have nothing else. Shinji: What do you mean? (Suddenly, Rei stands.) Rei: It’s time. We need to move out. (As she continues to look away from Shinji and Matt, she continues.) Rei: Goodbye, Pilots Ikari and Eklom. (Without another word, she leaves to get into her EVA.) ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ -------------------------------- (A few minutes later, an odd scene is taking place. The huge form of EVA Unit 01 can be seen sprawled out behind the Positron Cannon, holding it in a classic Sniper’s position. In front of it, EVA Unit 00 can be seen holding a massive Shuttle-Shield in front of itself, ready to protect Unit 01 from the Angel’s weapon. Beside it, the huge Black Templar stands, it form covered by an invisible Graviton Field, giving it protection from the weapon. As the clock strikes midnight, Misato can be heard over the comm. Misato: Okay, Shinji. We’re trusting you with all the power in Japan, so be carefull out there. Shinji: Yes ma’am. But how do I fire it? Misato: It’s the same as when you practiced firing the Pallete Rifle. Just position the target in the centre, and pull the switch. The computer will do the rest. Shinji: Oh. Okay, I’ll do my best. Misato: Rei, Matt? Be carefull out there. Matt: No worries, Misato. We’ll be okay. Rei: Understood, ma’am. Misato: Okay, Shinji. Give it your best shot, kiddo. (But as the Positronic Cannon charges up, Suddenly, Aoba shouts out.) Aoba: Sir!! I’m detecting a huge energy buildup in the target!! Misato: What?!! Another one?!! (Suddenly, as Shinji fires the Positron Cannon with a huge BOOM!!, the Angel fires. As the two super-powerful energy beams intersect one another, they seemed to warp in mid air, twisting out of their flight paths, and exploding harmlessly nearby their targets.) Misato: Did he hit?!! Hyuga: Negetive!! The target is charging up for another shot!! Misato: Not now!! How long until the cannon can fire again?! Hyuga: Ten seconds!!! Misato: Look out up there!!! (The Angel fires, it’s second shot screaming across the bay. Shinji closes his eyes tightly, expecting the worst.....and getting nothing. Opening his eyes, he sees Unit 00 suddenly step in the way of the beam, holding it’s Shuttle-Shield aloft, blocking the incredible energy. However, slowly, bit by bit, the shield begins to melt, allowing the EVA standing behind it to melt as well. As it is about to fall, the Black Templar suddenly pushes it clear, allowing the energy beam to strike it cleanly on the chest plate.) Matt: Shinji!!!! Fire it now, god dammit!!! (Shinji loads up the weapons, takes aim, and lets fly, the incredibly powerfull energy bolt screaming throught the air, finally striking home on the Angel. As the shot completely pierces the Angel’s super-armoured hull, the Angel is sent crashing to the ground, it’s weapon shut off. As Unit 01 gets off the ground, the Black Templar drops to it’s knees, it’s force field destroyed. Unit 00 has fallen to the ground, lying on it’s front.) Shinji: Matt!! Rei!!! (Suddenly, Matt’s voice comes over the comm.) Matt: Shinji.............................help.....Rei....... Shinji: But Matt, I can’t jus- Matt: Dammit, Shinji just help Rei, for god’s sake!! I’m fine!!!! (Shinji moves to tear the entry-plug’s cover off Unit 00 as the Black Templar slowly rises to it’s feet again, a huge hole burnt into the centre of the Templar Cross on it’s chest.) Misato: All units, report!! Matt: Black Templar here......I’m...............fine........... Shinji: Unit 01.....I’m fine, and I’m checking on Unit 00 now!! Rei: .... Misato: Get Rei out of there, Shinji!! (With a bone jarring tearing sound, Unit 01 tears the armour away from the entry-plug’s port as the plug is ejected, and it’s L.C.L. emptied. As Unit 01 gently pulls the entry plug free, Shinji sets the hand down, and then exits his EVA. Rushing over to the entry plug, he grabs onto it’s emergency exit handles, their superheated surface burning his hands. But even as the searing pain courses through him, Shinji struggles on, until finally, with a groan, the entry-plug’s hatch opens. Shinji rushes inside the door. Shinji: Rei?! Rei?!! (The girl lays slumped in her seat. However, as Shinji calls her name, she opens her eyes to look at him, straightening up. With tears in his eyes, Shinji continues.) Shinji: Just don’t say you have nothing else like that!! And don’t say goodbye before every mission!! It’s just too sad!! (As the boy weeps in the doorway, Rei, straightens, looking at him with confused eyes.) Rei: Why are you crying? (Shinji, however, does not answer, nor does he look in her direction. He keeps crying, his head low. Rei looks away, a confused look on her face.) Rei: I’m sorry......I don’t know what I should be saying or feeling right now.... (Shinji looks up at her, the tears still in his eyes.) Shinji: Why don’t you just try smiling? Rei: !! (Rei is dumbstruck: for as Shinji says smile, suddenly a million visions flood her mind, one of which dominates her.... It is of Commander Ikari. Smiling at her.) (As she sees Shinji smiling at her, it is slow at first. But finally, a broad smile crosses her face, one that makes Shinji feel better than he ever has before.) (Suddenly, over the comms, Misato’s voice can be heard.) Misato: Shinji!! Rei!! Are you two okay? Shinji: We’re fine Misato. (As the two continue smiling, he goes on...) Shinji: Everything’s fine. --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ --------------------- To be continued....