Hrm....seems like everytime I announce the release of a new part to
this fic, I get requests for the other parts.  That's probably because
they come out about as often as anime videos ^_^.  I guess I should
post it to the RAAC eh?  Well here you go everyone.

I'm Shinji (Prelude do "War of Evangelion")

"Hello there, I'm Noriko Idohara."  The young woman in a white coat
sat
opposite Shinji Ikari who was nervously looking around the room.

"I'm Shinji.  Shinji Ikari.  What is this place?  This isn't the NERV
hospital."

"This is a special mental trauma center.  I'm here to see how you are
doing."

"Mental trauma?  Why would I be mentally traumatized?  Who is that
woman over there in the window?"

Noriko takes a deep breath before continuing.  She has done this with
Shinji countless times now.  There has been no progress since being
admitted.  "Lets start from the beginning.  How would you describe
your
childhood?

Shinji starts to calm down as he answers her question.  "Well, its
been
eventful.  Ever since my mother died, its been hard.  We had to keep
moving all over because of father's job and the problems caused by the

Second Impact, but we've managed to get by I guess."

"Tell me more about your father."

"He's been great.  He took it really hard when mother died, but he's
done everything he can to give us a better life."

"Who is 'us'?"

"Oh, you mean me, father and Rei."

"Rei?"

"Yeah, she's my sister.  She took mom's death hard too.  She's really
quiet, but we get along well."

The woman writes something down on her clipboard, but Shinji couldn't
see what it said.  "Now Shinji, could you tell me more about your
sister?"

"Well, like I said, she's really quiet, but she helps out as much as
she can.  But for some reason, she doesn't like my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?"

"Ya, Asuka.  Why are you asking me these questions?"  In previous
tests, Shinji was quite open with his responses, but he was getting
tired of
answering the same questions over and over again.  He was getting
bored
with them and he wanted to know why she was asking the obvious.

Noriko set her pencil down.  She felt this examination needed to be
stopped so Shinji could understand exactly what happened to him.
Giving a deep sigh, she looks at her patient very sadly.

"Listen, you are suffering from an extensive psychological disturbance

as a result of your last fight with an angel.  What you have just told

me is not exactly reality.  Rei and Asuka are Eva pilots just like
you..."

"NO!  You are lying!  You are keeping me from my family.  Why?  I want

to know why am I here?"  He was obviously very agitated at being
called
a liar.  He knew what his life was like, vividly to be exact.  He just

couldn't understand why he had been placed her away from his friend
and
family.  Sure the nurses were very supportive and he was able to keep
an upbeat feeling about this place, but he still wanted to go home and

see
everyone.

"Shinji, this is not really you."  She was speaking in a soft voice,
hoping he will calm down.  "You work for NERV and..."

"Father works for NERV.  Me, Rei, Asuka, we are just kids.  We don't
go
out and fight those things."  <Why does she keep saying these stupid
things?>  Shinji was quite annoyed with all these tests by now.  He
had
heard this story about him piloting these robots a hundred times, but
this was stupid in his mixed up mind.  Why would a kid be given
control
of the fate of mankind?

"Shinji, you know what you are saying isn't true.  You are..."
continuing in a soft voice.  This was the same thing that happened in
the other talks with him, when he was told what reality was, he just
broke down and started shouting.

"I know who I am.  I'm Shinji Ikari!"  He suddenly stands up and looks

straight at the figure in the window.  Giving a strained look at her,
he continued shouting.  "I'm Shinji Ikari!  SHINJI IKARI!"

Two doctors grab a hold of Shinji and pull him away to his room.
Noriko stands up and exits the door.  She shakes her head, then goes
over to the young woman and takes a deep breath.  "Well it looks like
he didn't even recognize you again."

"It looks that way."  Misato looks through the glass again just in
time
to see Shinji pulled into his room.  Well doctor?  Do you have any
clue
as to help him recover?

"It appears his memory has been damaged so much, it has effected his
reality.  He has coped by completely reconstructing his past with more

agreeable memories.  From what the neurologist said, I think this is
irreversible.  This means,"

"This means he won't be able to pilot again."

"I don't think he will be able to cope with society again."

"I didn't want to be the one to say it, but I think you're right.
Would

it be ok if I brought Asuka or Rei here to see him?"  She continues to

stare through the window and at the doorway of Shinji's room.  She was

trying to keep a professional tone to her voice, but worried tone kept

coming through.  "Maybe seeing them would help him regain his memory."

"Not anytime soon.  He needs some time to get things sorted out
himself.  Its a mess up there in his brain and I think that if he saw
them now, it would only make things worse."

"I see."

Four hours later, Misato meets Gendo in his office.

"I'm afraid Shinji will not be able to pilot Unit 01 again."  Misato
was forlorn as she gave details of the examination.

"So the doctor doesn't think he will ever see the outside again."
Gendo, as always keeps an expressionless face and an even tone while
speaking of business.

"She also feels Shinji shouldn't see anyone.  It would only disturb
him
even more."

"Does anyone else know about this?"

"No.  Besides Ritsuko, everyone else thinks he is at the NERV hospital

recovering."

"Good.  He knows too much sensitive information about Evas and NERV.
Since its been determined he is no longer of use to us, I'm afraid we
will have to dispose of him."  His voice was still quite calm.

This was too much for Misato.  Immediately, she begins to lash out at
her boss, unable to control her emotions.  "What? You mean kill him?
How could you say that?  You're his father."

Commander Ikari is still able to keep his cold voice, unmoved by
Misato's comments.  "I know who I am.  He has served his purpose.  And

besides, it seems it would be better if he doesn't have to suffer."

Misato is able to calm herself down just enough so she could try to
talk him out of this heartless operation.  "I don't think its
necessary.

For the first time, he has happy memories.  The doctor said Shinji has

been upbeat since he had been there for the past two months with the
examinations being the exception."

"Still, it would be detrimental to NERV should he fall into the hands
of

our enemies.  I am going to order the doctor to inject an air bubble
into his bloodstream when he gets his medicine tonight."

Misato could not hold her anger in anymore.  Unable to drive a fist
through her boss' head, she settled for kicking her chair across the
room.  Too angry to make out any words, she turns around and walks out

the door before she could do anything more violent.

Still in a calm voice, Gendo starts to talk to himself.  "If only you
were in my shoes, Misato, then you might be able to understand this is

the right decision..."

"War of Evangelion"

Episode 1:  Lines are drawn (Read "I'm Shinji" for prelude)

Misato whips open the door to her apartment to see Asuka sitting on
the
futon listening to music.  Asuka promptly turns off the music after
seeing the expression on her face.  The apartment is a mess since
Shinji hasn't been home for 9 weeks.

"What's wrong Misato?"  Asuka was quite concerned.  Never has she seen

her this angry since she had come over from Germany.

Misato says nothing and promptly goes to the closet and pulls out a
small box.

"Misato?  What are you doing?"  Asuka gets up and goes over to where
Misato is crouched, turning the key to the box.

"What am I doing?"  The box opens and she pulls out a side arm, six
clips, and puts them in her pockets.  "I'm going to get Shinji.
That's
what I'm doing."

"What?  Why do you need that for?"  Her surprise gives away her German

accent.

"Are you coming?  I'll tell you on the way.  I'm going to need your
help."

They both get up and grab a few other important things before leaving
the apartment for the last time.  In their haste, they leave most of
their belongings, including Pen Pen.  Asuka follows Misato out the
door, obviously scared of what she is unaware of.

On the drive over, Misato tells Asuka the truth about Shinji and his
mental state, but not the part involving her, feeling that can wait
for
now.  When told about Commander Ikari's order to execute Shinji, her
eyes go wide.

"...But he can't do that.  Even if Shinji's a male, he still doesn't
deserve to be killed."  Asuka begins to let her mind wander, not
knowing why this is happening.  Insulting Shinji's gender was just one

way of letting some of her stress go.  <How can this happen?  I don't
care about how much I hate Shinji, what if this happened to me?  I
wouldn't want to be killed.  Oh its all my fault...>

"Listen.  What we are going to do will have really bad repercussions.
We could be executed for pulling this.  You understand this don't
you?"
Misato is very serious about this conversation.

"Ya, I can't let this happen.  Japanese have such stupid ideas of
honor
and death and stuff."

"This is not about any of that.  Commander Ikari is always this cold
and heartless.  Well this time he has gone too far."  She pauses for a

second.  "What I need you to do is steal Unit 02.  We have to fight
back and the only way we can do that is with an Eva."

"You can count on me.  Just drop me off at headquarters and I'll ask
to
do a field training exercise.  But where do you want me to take it?"
Asuka asked inquisitively.

"NERV has a secret underground auxiliary base in Tokyo 2.  You should
know where it is from learning all the preplanned retrieval stations.
Right now it is vacant and used only in case of emergencies."

"Just leave it all to me."  Asuka remarks as confident as ever.

"Good.  I'll be going to get Shinji and I'll meet you there.  Remember

not to let anybody know about this.  Also, once NERV operatives figure

out what's up, they will probably inform Commander Fuyutski who will
order to have your umbilical cord ejected.  Once that happens, you
will
have only 5 minutes to get to Tokyo 2 and get underground.  And
remember, it would be best if you make sure no UN security helicopters

are watching your recovery.  This way, we will have more time to..."

"I know, I know.  I can handle it.  Just make sure you get Shinji
there
before all of this gets started."  Asuka folds her arms.  <Oh well.  I

guess I owe him for saving me twice.  This one should cover it.  Maybe

now I can finally get out of that stupid Japanese school...>  She
could
feel the tension inside her build.  She could usually handle pressure
because of all the demands she has being an Eva pilot, but this time,
it was different, she felt this actually was dangerous.

Meanwhile in Commander Ikari's office.  Commander Fuyutski has been
summoned to be brought up to date with the situation with Shinji.

"I'd hate to say this, but it appears that pilot Ikari will no longer
be available to us for piloting his Eva.  Since we cannot afford to
have

Shinji fall into the hands of SEELE, I've been forced to order his
execution."  Gendou with his ever calm voice showed no feelings of
regret.

"You can't be serious.  Your own son."  Fuyutski was just as shocked
as
Misato was to hear of this plan, but being more professional, retained

his emotions.

"It was not an easy decision.  Eva pilots are not expendable you know.

You will see to it that this order will be carried out, won't you."
He
knew this was not easy.

"Of course sir."  There had been a time not too long ago that Fuyutski

despised Ikari.  <I couldn't possibly work with a despicable man like
that, I once said...>  But times have changed and now SEELE had to be
put in check.  In these past few years, he had grown to respect NERV's

director.  He may have questionable morals, but it was certain he was
making the project his highest priority.  Mankind's survival was at
stake and Ikari was not going to allow his emotions to make the
mistake
that would cost the human race to go extinct.

"Oh yes.  I told Commander Katsuragi about this and I should say she
was not exactly thrilled about this operation.  I have a feeling she
may try something."

"Katsuragi?  That may not have been a good decision."

"I told her it was, say, an act of compassion.  She doesn't know
everything, but I want increased surveillance for the time being."

As his deputy commander left, he had to grin a little.  <Misato will
try to get him out.  I know her well enough.>

"Understood."

Meanwhile at NERV headquarters, Asuka is dropped off to see if she
could get her Unit 02 out of docking.

"Listen, I need to get my Unit 02 out for target practice.  That last
fight with the angel was pathetic.  I need to work on my aim."  Asuka
was constantly thinking <What if they find out?  What if they don't
let
me?>  She was scared, but she was able to conceal all of this.

"Huh?  You don't need to go to the surface.  What about the simulator?

Besides, we can't go up there with all those civilians around..."  The

technician was surprised that this child was going to come in and
demand to have a training exercise without any approval by NERV
operations planning director.

"Didn't you hear me?  I said I want to go up.  Put me on the Mount
Yoshida practice facility.  There won't be anyone to see me there."

"Still, I need approval from the operations planning..."

"Then get it!  And stop wasting my time."  Asuka was being as
demanding
as always.

Over at the hospital, Misato was using forceful measure of her own.
She walks through the front door, past the nurse's station and up to
the security doors.  NERV security was not informed in time so she
was able to reach the secured ward with little difficulty.

"Um...Miss.  can...I...help...."  The nurse's voice trails off as she
sees Misato pull her gun out.

"I'm here to pick up Shinji Ikari."  She thinks about how she was
going
to get the door open with the keypad lock, but settles for shattering
the glass with a couple shots from her sidearm.  The extremeness of
her
actions resulted in the nurse fleeing to get the doctor.

Misato then moves through the hole in the door and reaches Shinji's
door.  As she looks for a way to break it down her cell phone rings.
After a sigh she pulls it out and answers it.

"Captain Katsuragi?"  In the background, Misato can hear Asuka
screaming.  "Hurry up.  I want go.  Hurry up will ya!"  The voice
continues, "Sorry to disturb you but pilot Langley-Soryu is here and
she's demanding a surface practice operation and..."

"Can't you hear her?  She says she wants up so let her up."  Misato
was
obviously annoyed by the call and running around shooting down doors
was not helping her mood.

"Oh.  Ok ok.  I just had to get the operations planning manager's
permiss..."

"Will you just shut up and do it?"  She hangs up and goes about her
business of breaking Shinji out.  In a few seconds, a doctor comes
from
the door she had just shot through.

"What, what are you doing?"  The doctor is quite agitated at this
outburst.

"I am here to check Shinji out."  Misato was now speaking with a toned

down voice, but was filled with sarcasm.

"You can't do that!  This is a special security wing.  You have to
get..."

"In that case, with my power as operations planning manager, this
facility is now under NERV jurisdiction.  All actions including
discharging patients are now under the control of NERV authorities."

The doctor was quick to snap back.  "Ha.  This is not a military
emergency.  Your authority does not warrant anything."

"Well how about this?"  Misato raises her sidearm and aims it at the
doctor's forehead.  "Now open this damn door!"

The doctor was shocked, but was still feeling in control.  "If you
shoot me, you can't open it."

Misato has completely lost her composure  "Ya, well if you don't open
it right now, you won't be the one to worry about it, doctor."

Finally, he breaks down and punches the proper numbers to unlock the
door and slowly backs away.

Back at the hanger, Asuka gets into her entry plug which is inserted
into Unit 02.  As preparations are made for the launch, Asuka goes
through her checklist.

In fluent German, she gives her commands into the computer.  "Set
language interface to German.  Set all exterior commands to German.
Internal battery fully charged..."

Once all preparations are set, a voice comes over the radio.  "We are
having difficulties launching your Eva, Asuka."

She allows the thought noise to lower her synch ratio by responding in

Japanese.  "Don't worry, I'll handle it manually."  Back in German,
<Hah!  I love that feature.  Those idiots...>  She puts on her devious

grin as she manually launches her Eva.

This does not disturb the operators, they have worked with Asuka
before
and they know she can get pushy.  They also knew she preferred to
interface in German since it was her native language.  She might have
been a little encroaching when she forced the command center to work
in
German, but Asuka's need to always show off soon put away any
suspicions of what she was up to.

The door to Shinji's room opens and reveals a confused Shinji.  He
stands up and starts to look around.

"Shinji, we're leaving."  Still holding off the doctor with a gun,
Misato motions Shinji to come out.

"Who, who are you?"  Shinji was even more confused when he focused
on the incident outside his door.

"Its Misato.  We're going home."

Shinji could not remember a Misato, but the offering to go home was
enough to get him out and listen to her.

With Shinji behind her, she backs off back through the door and by the

nurses station, still holding the gun on the doctor.  Just as she is
ready to leave the door, she turns the gun on the phone on the desk
next to her.  With two well placed shots, the phone jolts and falls to

the ground.  Running to the car, she also notices the main phone jack
on a wall 20 feet from the exit.  Again she fires and puts holes
through

her target.

"That should keep us covered for a little while.  I just hope they
don't think of cell phones."  Not moving fast enough, Shinji get
pulled
along until they reach the car.  (Misato has since gotten the car
fixed
and is no longer pieced together with duct tape.)

"We're not going home, are we?"  Shinji was no longer optimistic about

his chances of going back to a 'normal' life.  After this lady barges
in and shoots up the place, they were likely to be wanted by the
police.

"Not exactly."  Misato does not look over toward Shinji as she speeds
through the streets of Tokyo 3 and out of the city.  "We are going to
your new home.  Where Asuka should be waiting."

"Asuka?  Where is she?"  Shinji was quite surprised she had known of
Asuka.  <Who is this woman anyway?  Now that I think of it, she does
seem familiar...>

Asuka survey's the land around her looking for the best way to reach
Tokyo 2.  She had chose this place to surface because it was already
halfway to her destination, therefore, less time for NERV and the UN
to
react.  She looks over the preset targets on the east face of the
mountain and then turns around and breaks into a run down the west
face.

The radio began screaming back at her to get back on course, all in
Japanese.

"Those idiots have no clue."  She continues toward Tokyo 2,
maintaining
her radio silence.  "They're gonna have to speak to me in German if
I'm
even going to bother to respond.

NERV was currently on standby so none of NERV's leadership was in the
operation room.  Those who were on duty were not ready to deal with an

uncooperative pilot, and of course, none spoke German.

"What do we do?  Should we call Captain Katsuragi?'

"If she finds out, do you know what kind of hole we'd be in?  We
better
try to do this ourselves.  First detach the umbilical cord."

"Affirmative."  The operator at one of the comm. stations shatters the

glass on the console and pulls the handle out.  <Now what?>

Asuka's cockpit flashes red as it reports the problem and begins the 5

minute countdown.  "Aw damn.  They cut my power.  Luckily I can
get this thing there in 3 minutes."  Now with full mobility due to the

loss of the umbilical cable, Asuka begins to make her Eva leap down
the hillside at 2 mile bounds toward the outskirts of the city."

Misato picks up her phone and dials Dr. Ikagi's number.  After the
other end picks up, she begins to tell her what she needs before
hanging

up to avoid any possible scans.  "Ritsuko.  I need to see you at the
corner of Shinto and Foritu streets as soon as possible."

"Shinto and Foritu?  That's in Tokyo 2.  Why do we..."

"Listen, its important.  Get there as soon.  Its important."  Misato
hangs up and continues driving.  Shinji remains silent.

Ritsuko sighs and gets up to leave Unit 00's cryostasis chamber.  <Now

what's that all about?  I'm off in fifteen minutes, whatever it is, it

can wait until I'm off work.>  Ritsuko was not too surprised by this
"urgent" call from Misato.  Ever since they became friends, she has
always needed to bail Misato out of some kind of trouble.

Misato, used to driving at high speeds lets the tires squeal as she
turns corners through the streets of the city dodging anything in the
way.  They pull into the building that makes as the surface part of
their new base of operations and begins to descend to the shelter.
Being only an auxiliary base, it was not equipped to accommodate large

numbers of workers, it used elevators rather than escalators like the
Geofront.  It also was only 200 feet below the surface, making it more

vulnerable to angel attacks.

The driver leans back in her seat and takes a deep breath.  "Now how
long until they figure out where we are..."

"Where are we?"

"Your home.  Don't worry, you'll see Asuka soon.  Then we'll figure
out
how straighten out your brain."

They step out to see a dark and abandoned facility.  Only the systems
needed to barely maintain it were running.  While they looked for the
computer to start up the main systems and turn on the lights, Unit 02
drops down through the retrieval elevator.

As the entry plug is ejected and the LCL drained, Asuka starts
laughing.  "Hehehe...the faces of all those people.  What's the matter

with them?  Never seen a building sized robot walking through their
city?"  She begins to grin as she replays her navigation through the
city in her mind.

Misato looked over toward Shinji, then up at Asuka who was pulling
herself out of the entry plug and onto the umbilical bridge platform
and start climbing down toward them.  "Now to see if Ritsuko is crazy
enough to join us."

Episode 2:  Strategy

"Asuka?"  Shinji stares at her in disbelief as she runs over to
Misato.

"You see Misato?  Got it here, no problem.  Oh.  Shinji, hi."  She was

obviously in a good mood. Her excitement from moving through a city
and
frightening people was something she had enjoyed thoroughly

"You're here, Asuka?"  Shinji runs to meet Asuka, throwing his arms
around her.

"Oh.  ummm."  Asuka was a little confused at the moment.  <Ok.
I'll let him get away with this but only because he hasn't been back
for

a while.  He's supposed to be deranged anywise.  Huh?  What the?
What's his hand doing there?>  Her eyes narrow as she is about to give

Shinji a piece of her mind.  Then they suddenly go wide as his face
drew

near.  "What the hell?"  As soon as their lips meet she pushes him
away.

"Was (Slap to his left cheek) machst (Backhand to his right) du (Leg
to
the groin) dummkopf (Uppercut to the face)!  Pervert!"  Shinji falls
back in agony, trying to recover.  She briefly looked over to Misato
to
display her protest.  "You see that?  He kissed me!"  Then she looks
down at Shinji.  "Take this you jerk!"  Asuka then began kicking him
while he was down.

"Asuka, I think he's had enough."  Misato was demanding, but was
unable
to hide her amusement.  "Remember he's delusional?  Well, you're his
girlfriend in his mind."  She gives out a small giggle as she gets
between Asuka and the rolling ball of agony.

"I'm his what!?!  You didn't tell me anything about this!  If I'd
known
that, I'd have let him stay there and rot."  Asuka was very angry at
this point.  (Not that she wasn't already.)  She then turns towards
Shinji.  "Listen here third child.  If you ever try something like
that
again, I'll see to it you lose your manhood."

"Give him time.  I'm sure he'll come around sooner or later."  Misato
was helping Shinji up as Asuka stormed away in anger.

Shinji was totally confused at this point.  "What did, what did I do?"

He was slow to get up after Asuka's attack.

"Asuka's just a little excitable.  You got to remember that some
things
aren't all they will seem to be."

"I know she is.  But why did she hit me?"

"I think in time you'll understand."

Meanwhile at NERV central, Commander Ikari was making his moves as
well.

"Ritsuko, may I have a word with you in my office?"  Gendou was
speaking to her over the intercom.

"After work, I was supposed to see Misato, can it wait?"  Ritsuko was
still unaware of what has occurred.  The operators did not put up an
alert and Gendou did not wish to do so anyway.

"Actually, that's exactly who I want to talk about."  Gendou gave a
grin.  He knew exactly what he needed her for.  Misato was a good
friend of Ritsuko and knew she would contact the doctor if she got
into
trouble.

Shinji was soon able to move normally again.  Asuka wasn't strong
enough to hurt him seriously, he was more shocked at her outburst than

anything.

"So what is this place?"

"Its a NERV auxiliary base.  Its just used for emergency retrievals
and
minor repairs now."  Misato was still looking over the computer to
start up some of the systems.  "Asuka? Could you help me by going over

to that terminal and turning on some of the lights?"  Asuka nods and
moves to the computer.

"Is this it?"  Asuka pushes a button which causes a horn to go off.
"Damn.  Why did they write everything in kanji?  I can't understand it

all."

"Could you help her Shinji?  I'm too busy here."  Misato was typing
away and executing programs.

Shinji does what he's told and goes over to Asuka to fix the problem.
The alarm goes off and the main lights go on.

"You are such a show off.  Just because you can turn on a few lights
doesn't mean you're very smart."  Asuka was irritated with Shinji's
correction, but more with his close proximity.

"Why are you acting this way?  I thought you liked me."  Shinji was
quiet while saying this, not knowing how she was going to react.  His
first thought was to put his arm around her to try to calm her down,
but decided against it after thinking about the result of the last
physical contact they had.

Asuka starts a low growl, then hits Shinji upside the head.  "Du
idiot!
When have I ever said that?"

"Will you two just stop fighting?  We have things to do and we can't
be
wasting time, so just stop."  Misato was annoyed by all the arguing.

"Ok, but he just better keep his hands to himself.  Got it third
child?"  Asuka had her hands on her hips waiting for an answer from
Shinji.

After Gendou had spoken to Ritsuko, he called up Fuyutski.

"Commander, what is the status?"

"It appears Misato was quicker than security and has taken Shinji from

the hospital.  Also, Asuka has disobeyed orders and is somewhere in
Tokyo-2."

"In that case, I will need to speak to you right away."  <So she took
the bait after all.  Tokyo-2, hrm.  This is working better than I
planned...>

SEELE Headquarters.  The leadership has hastily gathered a meeting to
discuss the latest incidents.  It was a dark room where faces are
difficult to see clearly.

"As of 1745 hours, Misato Katsuragi of NERV had taken the third child
from the Yoshida hospital in Tokyo-3 to the NERV base in Tokyo-2.
Also,

Unit 02 and its pilot, reported to be Asuka Langley-Soryu disregarded
procedures and was retrieved in the before mentioned NERV base.  There

was a report that security was to be tightened around the hospital,
but
was not carried out in time.  Currently, NERV is attempting to keep a
normal status, possibly to keep leaks to a minimum."

(SEELE 1)  "So what is Ikari doing this time?"

(SEELE 2)  "We haven't received all of the information.  This should
be
obtained by tomorrow morning."

(SEELE 3)  "It appears Katsuragi acted on her own.  What should we do
about an insubordinate on our doorstep?"

(SEELE 1)  "Nothing right now.  She doesn't know anything.  We might
be
able to use her."

(SEELE 4)  "Agreed let's see what our friend Ikari does first.  Lets
wait this out and see how events unfold."

(SEELE 5)  "Yes.  And if Gendou does not handle this to our approval,
then we can have him dismissed."

Fuyutski enters Gendo's office.  "Sir, you needed to see me?"

"Yes.  Now that Shinji escaped I'll tell you what I really want."

"Sir?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but I needed NERV to run as
naturally as possible until this happened.  I have already spoken to
Ritsuko about this matter."

"In case of SEELE infiltration?"

"Of course.  I have arranged for Dr. Ikagi to keep an eye on Captain
Katsuragi.  I'll need you to make a few adjustments now that Misato
and
Ritsuko will be gone..."

After Misato had gotten the base up to full operation, she received a
phone call on the cell phone.

"Its me, Ritsuko, I'm done with work and I'll be in Tokyo-2 in fifteen

minutes."

"Good.  You know what this is all about?" Misato asked, hoping to
get an idea of what NERV might know about her desertion.

"From what I've heard, I've got a pretty good idea."

Back in Gendo's office.

"Creating an enemy who now possesses an Eva?  With the UN to deal with

and SEELE watching us, don't you think its a little dangerous?"
Fuyutski had doubts about this plan.

"Dangerous.  Haven't we always played this dangerous game?  I'm just
changing the rules a little to suit our needs."  Despite this protest,

Gendou was certain that this plan will work.

"Still, we only have one pilot left and down one Eva.  What about the
angels?

"Katsuragi is not that reckless.  She won't forget about the angels.
As long as we have Unit 01, that's all that is important for now.
Ritsuko has been overseeing the dummy plug and it is scheduled to
be completed in a month.  Until then, Rei will be moved to Unit 01."

"Understood."

"This will give SEELE something to think about.  They have been acting

more aggressively than normal lately.  With this new factor in their
city, they will think twice about making themselves known to Misato.
Like us, they can't draw attention themselves for a problem like
this."

"But why Misato?  We need her for operations."

"We're playing for high stakes.  A few casualties are acceptable as
long as the Adam Project is completed before SEELE can carry out their

plans..."

"And if they call our bluff?"

"If they do, then we lose."

Ritsuko reaches the place Misato mentioned, but she wasn't there.
After waiting five minutes, she decided to call her.

"Ritsuko?  Sorry.  I got caught up in some things."

"Alright so why did you want me to come all this way for?"

"Not over the phone.  Listen, I'll be there in five minutes.  Then
follow me to another place."  Misato hangs up the phone and goes to
her
car.  Before leaving, she tells the two children that she will be out
for a couple of minutes and not to start fighting again.

When Misato reaches Ritsuko, she motions for her to follow her.  At
the
same time, she looks out in case someone else was following.  When
they
get back, Misato get out to again see Asuka and Shinji arguing.

"How come you're so stupid?  Your father was trying to kill you.  If
it
wasn't for me and Misato, you'd be dead right now."

"You know my father wouldn't do that..."

Misato cuts Shinji off, angry because they didn't listen to what she
said.  "Shinji.  Asuka.  I want you two to not talk to each other for
the rest of the day.  Got that?"

"Fine with me."  Asuka answers as she turns around and storms away
from
Shinji.

"Problems playing the motherly role?"  Ritsuko inquires sarcastically.

"That's the least of my problems.  You probably know by now that we've

taken Unit-02 and have disregarded orders.  I'm hoping you can help
us."

"Ya, I've heard all of that.  You've really stirred up problems you
know..."

"So will you join us?"  Misato was worried.  If they were going to
stand a chance, Ritsuko had to help them.

"Well if I wasn't going to help out, I wouldn't be here.  I have my
own
reasons for breaking with the commander.  I'm tired of being a tool
for
his work.  I think we can stand a chance as long as Unit-02 is not
severely damaged.  I've got some ideas that will keep us alive
anyway."

"Thanks Ritsuko.  I really owe you this time."

"You always owe me." Ritsuko grins at these words.  "You know, you
should really think about your actions before you act on them."

"I wasn't going to sit there and let the commander kill his own son."
Misato was annoyed by her friend's statement.

Ritsuko seemed surprised at this bit of information.  "Really?  I
didn't hear about that.  Why would he do something like that?"

"Because he's a cold heartless worm.  How could I listen to a man like

that?"

"Hrm.  I wonder what he was thinking when he decided that."  She
rubbed
her chin.  "Listen, we can talk about this later.  We have work to
do."
<I hope Commander Ikari's right.>

TO BE CONTINUED