Shin Tenkei Evangelion (New Divine Revelation Evangelion)
by Steven Thesken (jurai-knight@home.com)

Copyright Notice:  None of these characters are mine.  They all 
belong to Gainax (and AD Vision here in North America).  I only 
borrow them for the purpose of this fanfic.

Author Notes: Thoughts will be captioned by * on each end.  I tried 
to use dates as given in the Evangelion FAQ.  If they weren�t given, 
I made a guess as to time.  The Evangelion FAQ is at:  
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Lair/6195/part.htm


Revelation 0:1 - Towards a New Life

     For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against 
principalities, against powers�  Ephesians 6:12


*** JUNE 7, 2015

	Yui Ikari answered the phone in the large apartment she lived in 
with her son and her husband Gendou.  *If that�s Gendou, he owes 
me an explanation as to why he missed Shinji�s birthday.  He hasn�t 
even been home for two days now.*

	�Hello?  Ikari residence.�  She answered in her usual perky 
tones.

	�Yui?�  Gendou�s distinctive voice was heard on the other end, 
but quieter than his normal speaking voice

	�Gendou?  Where have you been, husband?�  Yui�s voice had 
the tone that Gendou knew from long experience meant that she was 
angry.

	�Rei was injured during an Entry Plug test.�  There was a faint 
roughness in his voice.  Yui stifled a faint gasp.

	�Injured?  How badly is she hurt?�  Yui began to pace around 
the kitchen as she talked on the phone.

	�She can�t pilot.  I need Shinji to act as a temporary backup.�  
Gendou braced himself for her reply.  His free hand held a copy of 
Shinji�s file from the Marduk Report, complete with a recent 
photograph of his son.

	�Are you sure about this Gendou?  We discussed this a long time 
ago.  We would keep him out of NERV.�  Yui�s tone of voice was 
very serious.  Gendou paused before answering her.

	�I know.  However, he is listed as approved for piloting status on 
the Marduk Report.  For security reasons, I would prefer to keep this 
in the family.�  Gendou flipped through the many pages of Shinji�s 
profile.  *Shinji is my only option at this point.  If the Angels attack 
while Rei is unable to pilot, the consequences will be dire for the 
human race.*

	�There�s no other alternative?�  Yui spoke quietly after a long 
pause.

	�None that are as convenient.  He probably won�t have to pilot, 
but I will need him available just in case.  I�ll send Captain 
Katsuragi to pick him up for testing tomorrow morning at ten.�  
Gendou set Shinji�s file back down, and a grim smile was on his 
face.  He can sense that Yui will back him in this.

	�All right, Gendou.  I�ll let him know when he gets home from 
school.�  Yui stopped and leaned against the wall.  Her voice was 
low-pitched.  �I love you Gendou Ikari, and I�m trusting you with 
our son.  Swear to me that you won�t betray that trust.�

	�I swear to you that I won�t betray your trust.  I love you too, 
Yui.  Bye now.�  Gendou hung up the phone quickly, and leaned 
back in his chair.  He crossed his hands before his chin.  *Good girl, 
Yui.  I just need you to believe in me for just a little while longer.*


	Shinji was tired from a long day at school.  *They must find the 
dullest teachers in the world to teach at my school.*

	�Hey Shinji!�  A voice called out from behind him.  �Wait up!�

	Shinji turned around to see his two best friends in Tokyo-3, 
Kensuke Aida and Touji Suzuhara, running to catch up to him.  
Kensuke was waving at him to wait up.  Touji just followed along.

	�You left class so quickly.  What�s up?�  Kensuke panted a little 
from the running.

	�I was hoping to finally see my father at home today.  Mother 
keeps telling me he�s been busy at work.�  *He�s always busy at 
work lately,* Shinji thought with a frown.

	�I�ll bet you want to ask him about Rei,� Touji said as he 
nudged Shinji.

	Shinji blushed a little.  �Hey, I just wonder why she hasn�t been 
to school for the last couple of days.  My father works with her, so I 
thought he�d know.�

	Kensuke and Touji exchanged grins.  Touji put an arm around 
Shinji�s shoulder, so he can�t run away.  They began their favorite 
game; grilling Shinji about his feelings for Rei.

	�Worried about the little mystery girl?�  Touji punctuated his 
question by rubbing a knuckle against Shinji�s skull.

	�It� it�s not like that!�  Shinji struggled against Touji�s hold.  
�She hasn�t been home to her apartment either.�

	�Oh?�  Kensuke leaped into the conversation.  �How did you 
know that?�

	�I went to check on her yesterday since she wasn�t at school,� 
Shinji's tone of voice had slipped into defensive mode.  �My father 
asked me to keep an eye on her when it came to school.�

	�So that�s why you�ve been watching her so closely during gym 
class, since your father asked you to?�  Touji smirked as Shinji 
started to blush more.

	�I� I�,� Shinji stammered.

	�Admit it,� Kensuke said as he pointed a finger at Shinji�s 
chest.  �You like her.�  He grinned as Shinji continued to struggle.

	�My father told me to�,� Shinji began to say.  Touji squeezed a 
bit harder.

	�What are you three idiots doing?�  A female voice piped up 
behind the three boys.  The three boys turned around to see Hikari 
Horaki, the Class President, frowning at them.  Touji�s grip shifted a 
little on Shinji.

	�Nothing you need to worry about, Hikari-chan,� replied Touji 
in a bored tone.  �We�re just having a little chat.�

	�You might want to know that Shinji�s turning blue,� said 
Hikari with a smirk.

	Touji turned Shinji loose with an apologetic look.  Shinji 
concentrated on breathing for a few moments.  Kensuke looked away 
and pretended that he wasn�t there while Touji dealt with Hikari.

	�Like I said,� Touji said, �we�re just having a little chat.  Guy 
stuff.�  He smiled at Hikari innocently.

	Hikari turned away with a little sniff, and stalked off.  Shinji 
took advantage of the distraction to make a break for it.  Talking 
about his feelings for Rei always made him feel anxious, and he was 
late already anyway.

	�See you tomorrow guys,� Shinji shouted as he ran off.

	Kensuke and Touji looked at each other.

	�He wants her,� Touji said with a nod and a smile.

	�No kidding,� replied Kensuke.  �Maybe he�ll finally work up 
the courage to talk to her about something other than school, one of 
these days.  It�s only been what� five months since she joined our 
class?  You up to hitting the arcade today?�

	�Planning to kick my butt around on the fighting games?  I 
don�t think so.  We�ll play one that I�m good at.�

	�Ok.  Mecha Mayhem again?�

	�Sounds good,� Touji replied as he started walking.  �I just wish 
I was as good a shot as Shinji by now.  He�s a damn natural at the 
game.�

	�Tell me something I don�t know.�  Kensuke followed his friend 
as they debated about Shinji�s skill at video games.


	�I�m home,� Shinji called out after he stepped inside.  He tossed 
his bookbag on the entryway table, and then slipped off his shoes.

	�Welcome home, Shinji,� Yui called out from the kitchen.  
�You forgot to take the trash out this morning.�

	�Sorry about that.  I�ll do it after dinner.�  He walked into the 
kitchen.  �Any word from father?�  He opened the refrigerator to 
look for something cold to drink.  *Hmmm.  Apple juice or orange 
juice?*  He rummaged through the shelves.

	�He called a little while ago,� replied Yui.  �There was an 
accident during a test.  Rei was injured��

	The refrigerator door slammed shut suddenly, and Shinji looked 
at his mother in shock.  �An accident?!  How bad?!�  An unopened 
can of orange juice rested in his hand.

	�He didn�t say,� she replied, surprised at the intensity of Shinji�s 
reaction to the news.  �He wants you to come see him tomorrow.  
They want to run some tests.  He�s sending someone named Captain 
Katsuragi to pick you up in the morning.�

	�I�ll finally get to see where father works?�  Shinji smiled a 
little.  His parents had always been very secretive about what Gendou 
Ikari did for the government.  �Will I get to see Rei?�

	�I imagine so, if you ask your father first.�  Yui smiled.

	�That sounds fine to me.  I�ve always wondered what it is that 
father does.  I guess it�s pretty important.�  Shinji opened the juice 
can with a deft movement.

	�Yes,� she replied, �it�s pretty important.�  Her face was a little 
solemn.


	The next morning, Captain Misato Katsuragi knocked on the 
door to the Ikari residence, only five minutes late.  *Pretty nice 
neighborhood,* she thought as she looked out the hall window.  The 
building was away from the center of Tokyo-3 a bit, in one of the 
older and smaller apartment complexes.  She tapped her foot against 
the floor as she waited.  It was a beautiful morning, one of those days 
that made you feel glad to be alive.

	The door opened, and Yui was standing there.  Shinji was in the 
process of putting on his shoes behind her.

	�Hi there!�  Misato greeted Yui in a cheerful tone.  �I�m 
Captain Misato Katsuragi.  You can call me Misato, though.  You 
must be Mrs. Ikari?  Your husband has your picture on his desk.�

	�Hello there.  Yes, I�m Mrs. Ikari, but you can call me Yui.�  
She had a smile on her face, but Yui was a little surprised.  *Oh my, 
Gendou, such an _attractive_ associate you have at NERV.  I hope 
you don�t have any other beautiful women running around there that 
I should know about.*  A brief memory of Doctor Naoko Akagi 
flashed through her mind, and her tragic death.

	�This must be Shinji.�  Misato peeked around Yui, and smiled 
at him.  �We meet at last.�

	Shinji looked up after finishing his shoes.  *A lady Captain?*  
Her outfit gave Shinji an excellent view of her legs as she stepped 
into the apartment.  He struggled to his feet while his mind whirled 
with a few adolescent fantasies.

	�That�s me� yes,� Shinji stammered.  �I mean, I�m Shinji 
Ikari.�

	�Should I tell Rei you were ogling another woman?�  Yui 
smiled.  Shinji blushed and studied the floor.

	�I don�t mind him looking,� said Misato in a teasing tone.  
Shinji just blushed some more before giving his mother a rather 
exasperated look, but said nothing.  Misato smiled at Shinji.  Yui 
busied herself with getting her things.

	�Are you going too, Yui?�  Misato looked confused.

	�Yes, Misato.  My husband and I have some things to discuss 
while Shinji goes through his testing.  I haven�t been to the facility 
in a few years, so I hope my ID card still works.�  She smiled as she 
rummaged through her handbag.

	�All right.  We should hurry though.  Do you have an ID card 
for Shinji?�  Misato stepped back into the hall.

	�Right here.�  Yui tapped her purse as she followed Misato out.  
�Don�t forget to lock the door, Shinji,� she called out behind her.  He 
rattled the lock to make sure it was.


	They got down to the car.  Shinji tossed his bag in and got into 
the back seat while his mother took the front passenger seat.  Misato 
got in and started the engine up with a smooth thrum of power.  She 
revved the engine up.

	�Hang on, everyone,� Misato smiled as she threw the car into 
gear.  They took off down the road like they were jet-propelled.  Yui 
blinked at the unexpected speed of their departure.  Her hand took a 
firm grip on the door handle.
 
	�Has Shinji had a chance to read the manual yet?�  Misato 
addressed Yui without taking her eyes off the road, a fact that Yui 
was very grateful for.  She left her hand on the door handle purely 
for her own ease of mind.  Misato didn�t appear to notice.

	�Manual?�  Shinji peeked over the back of the front seat.

	�Here.�  Misato flipped him a green portfolio over the back of 
her seat emblazoned across the front with �Welcome to NERV,� 
followed a little lower by �TOP SECRET: FOR YOUR EYES 
ONLY.�

	�NERV?  What�s that?�  Shinji started to flip through the pages.  
Densely packed text and a few diagrams greeted his eyes.

	�It�s a top secret organization controlled by the UN,� Misato 
said with a smile.

	�Is that where my father works?�  Shinji continued flipping 
through the manual.

	�Shinji,� Misato chuckled, �your father _runs_ NERV.  He�s the 
Commander there.�

	�Is that true, mother?�  Shinji kept paging through the thin 
manual.  NERV seemed to be set up like some sort of paramilitary 
unit crossed with a high-level research lab.

	�Your father was placed in charge of NERV when it was first 
founded, quite a while ago.�  Yui sat back in her seat and crossed her 
arms, almost reluctantly letting go of the door handle.  �I used to be 
more active in the organization years ago when you were much 
younger, but not for the past several years.  Gendou and I thought it 
would be best if I remained home with you while you were growing 
up.  Since you�re going to be working for him, at least temporarily, I 
think I�ll have him reactivate me.�

	Yui wondered if this situation might not be a blessing in 
disguise for both Gendou and Shinji.  Gendou had been so busy for 
the last few years that the time he spent with Shinji wasn�t much.  
*A boy needs his father,* she thought while nodding to herself.

	�We�re going into the facility by car train,� Misato said after 
they drove for a while.  Yui nodded absently, her thoughts far away.  
Shinji just grunted from the back seat, his nose buried in the NERV 
manual.

	The car roared into a tunnel in the mountain.  Shinji looked up 
from his reading and laid the manual on the seat next to him.	  Yui 
turned her head and looked at him from the front seat.

	�I hope this trip shows you how important the work your father 
is doing is, Shinji.�  Yui smiled.  �In several minutes you will see 
some of the fruits of your father�s labors.�

	They pulled into an empty car train resting in the terminal at the 
end of the tunnel.  The car stopped, and Misato set the parking 
brake.  Within minutes after stopping, the car train began to make a 
smooth descent.  It quickly picked up speed.  Yui and Misato sat 
quietly in the front seat, both lost in their own thoughts.    Shinji 
wondered about the nature of what he would be doing for his father�s 
organization as the tunnel lights moved past the windows.

	Shinji blinked as the car train emerged into a large open area 
underneath the mountain.  A vast expanse of city buildings hung 
suspended from the ceiling.  Yui looked out the car window in joy at 
the beauty of the sight.  The lights reflected off of the various 
buildings like a fairy kingdom come to life.

	�Incredible!�  Shinji moved back and forth between both sides 
and looked out the side windows in wonder.  �It�s a real Geo-front!�

	Misato looked back at him and smiled.  �That's right.  This is 
our secret base, NERV Headquarters.  It's also the foundation for the 
rebuilding of the world and a fortress for the human race.�

	�My husband has certainly achieved significant things here 
since I last visited.�  Yui smiled at Misato.  �You must feel proud to 
work here.�

	�Uh huh,� Misato answered brightly.  �I couldn�t imagine 
myself being anywhere else.�


	Later, the group was standing on a mobile walkway.  Shinji just 
gazed about in wonder.  Yui was convinced that she�d seen this 
particular corridor before.

	�What on Earth?�  Misato studied her map.  �Isn�t this the right 
way?�  One of the heavy security doors slid open, and the moving 
walkway took them through an open area.  Yui�s longer skirt 
billowed up above her knees before she could drop her arms to hold 
it down.  On her right, Misato used her free hand to hold her own 
short skirt in place and sighed.

	�It�s because of these things that I hate to wear a skirt around 
here.�  Misato looked around the room that they are moving through, 
searching for anything familiar.  �I wonder where the heck Ritsuko 
is?  I�m sorry.  I�m still not used to this place.�

	�We passed this spot twice already,� Shinji offered in an attempt 
to be helpful.

	Misato growled at him briefly in reply.  She glanced at Yui�s 
smile and switched to a friendlier tone of voice  �Well, don�t worry 
about it.  They make these transit things to be used, you know.�


	An attractive blonde woman in a skintight diving suit was 
preparing to enter into a large reddish pool when the public address 
system sounded.

	�Attention please.  Would the Chairperson of Project E, Section 
One of the Technical Department, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi, please contact 
Captain Misato Katsuragi of Section One of the Operations 
Department immediately.�  The message repeated a second time 
before the public address system went silent again.

	Ritsuko lifted off her facemask with a disgusted look.  �I don�t 
believe it!  Is she lost again?�  She reached back and began to unzip 
her diving suit.  *I have a hundred things to get ready for the new 
pilot�s synchronization test, and Misato gets lost with the test 
subject.  What the hell _else_ could possibly go wrong today?*


	The trio was riding in an elevator.  Yui stood against the back 
wall, the image of peace and contentment.  Misato was nibbling her 
lower lip, hoping her friend Ritsuko wouldn�t be too mad at helping 
her find her way around for the seventh time.  Shinji had gone back 
to reading the NERV manual.

	The elevator door opened, and a frowning Ritsuko glared at 
Misato.  Misato looked embarrassed.  �Uhhh...  Hi there, Ritsuko.�

	Yui looked amused.  *My goodness, look how you�ve grown 
Ritsuko Akagi.  I must tell Gendou how _nice_ it is to see another 
beautiful woman working here with him that I didn�t know about.*

	Ritsuko stepped into the elevator, still glaring at Misato with a 
cold look.  �Hmm� Now why are you wasting my time, Captain?  
Don�t you know that we�re short on time AND manpower right 
now?�

	�Sorry.�  Misato bowed her head.

	�Hello, Dr. Akagi,� Yui said as she stepped forward.  �It�s been 
a few years since we�ve seen each other.�

	�Oh,� blurted out Ritsuko as she seemed to notice Yui for the 
first time.  �I�m sorry, Mrs. Ikari.  I didn�t realize that you were 
coming along with Shinji.�

	�Well, it was a last minute decision on my part.  I wanted to see 
how things have developed here since I dropped to reserve status 
several years ago.�  She smiled pleasantly.

	�You�re welcome to watch the tests,� Ritsuko said calmly in 
reply.  �I assume that your security clearance is being restored.�

	Yui blinked.  �I should be fully cleared by the afternoon.  Are 
you going to be in charge of the tests today?�

	�No,� she turned to Shinji, dismissing Yui.  �So, is this the 
Commander�s son?  Our new temporary addition?�  Yui blinked 
again at Ritsuko�s unexpected rudeness, and frowned a little.

	�Right,� replied Misato.  �According to the Marduk Report, 
Shinji here is the Third Child.�

	�Pleased to meet you,� Ritsuko said with a calm smile.

	Shinji had been staring at the floor, a little intimidated at having 
two beautiful women looking at him.  �Uhh, sure.�

	�I�m afraid he�s just like his father,� teased Misato.  �Neither of 
them are very sociable.�

	�Is that so, Shinji?�  Ritsuko smiled at him.

	�Well...,� Shinji started to reply when the door opened to the 
medical level.  All these strange women were bringing out his 
natural shyness to a strong degree.

	�I�ll take you to see Dr. Kamido,� offered Ritsuko.  �He�s eager 
to start you on your physical exam.  It shouldn�t take more than two 
or three hours for all the tests.�

	Shinji eeped.  This wasn�t looking to be as much fun as he 
thought it would be.  He hated hospitals.

	�Oh, Shinji,� said Misato in a mildly exasperated tone of voice.  
�Be a man about it.�  She took hold of his arm as Yui covered a 
smile with her hand.

	Still protesting a little, Shinji was dragged by Misato out of the 
elevator and they both followed Ritsuko.  Yui trailed along behind.


	Yui walked into her husband's office to find him looking over a 
stack of files.  She had left Shinji in the care of the doctors to take 
care of getting her clearance updated.  The tough-looking man at the 
main security office had told her in no uncertain terms that only 
Commander Ikari could help her with that, due to her level.  So here 
she was, and he was ignoring her.  It was enough to dim even her 
normally sunny disposition.

	�Gendou dear,� she began after clearing her throat lightly, as 
she stood by the door.  He didn�t look up from his stack of files, 
totally absorbed in his work.  Yui walked across the enormous length 
of his office and stood in front of his desk.  He looked up.

	�Oh, hello Yui.�  He began to put his paperwork back in order 
on his desk.  Yui noticed that he was wearing a new addition to his 
uniform, a pair of white gloves.

	�Aren�t you going to give me a kiss?�  Yui pouted slightly.  She 
knew that he couldn�t resist her pout.  Now was no exception.

	�Oh,� he shoved the files into a big pile, and stood up.  He 
walked around his desk.  �I have so much to juggle around here that 
I get rather preoccupied.  Forgive me?�  He pulled her into a casual 
hug and gave her a light kiss.  His tone was light, but the smile 
didn�t reach his eyes.

	�I forgive you.�  She relaxed in his hug.  She hadn�t realized 
how much she missed him until this moment.

	�Is Shinji down getting tested?�  He sat down on the edge of his 
desk as Yui continued to cling to him.

	�Yes,� she replied.  �They said that it would take a couple of 
hours.  I went to see about getting my access updated, since I want to 
keep an eye on what is being done with my son.  The security office 
said that I had to see you personally.�

	Gendou reached over and grabbed a folder from the stack.  He 
handed it to Yui.  �I suspected that you would come.  Your new 
access card and manual, dear wife.�

	The intercom on his desk buzzed.  �Commander Ikari?  We 
need you in the control room.�

	�Duty calls.�  He released her.  �I took the liberty of having a 
uniform in your size delivered to my office this morning.  I hope that 
it meets with your approval.�  He pointed to a thick package wrapped 
in clear plastic on the floor behind his desk.  �I�ll be in the control 
room for whatever it is that they need me for.�

	�All right Gendou.  I�ll change, and then be with you shortly.�

	�That�s a good wife,� he said.   He gave her a brief kiss on the 
lips, and then he left the office.


	Shinji was bored and hungry.  He had spent a couple of hours 
undergoing a battery of tests, and giving blood and urine samples to 
a series of doctors.  The elderly Dr. Kamido was the worst of the lot, 
and he must have taken four blood samples from Shinji by the time 
lunchtime rolled around.  The clock on the wall read 12:37, and 
Shinji was starved.

	His mother had left him in the care of the doctors while she took 
care of some business of her own.  Since nobody seemed to need him 
right at the moment, he hopped off the examination table he was 
lying on.  A peek out the door showed a quiet hallway, so Shinji 
headed in the direction of the commissary.  The signs made it easier 
to find than he imagined it would be after his little trek this morning 
with Misato.  The faint rumbling of his stomach demanded 
satisfaction.

	When he arrived at the commissary, the room was quiet.  A 
bank of vending machines stood against one wall, able to dispense 
anything from candy to pot pies.  �Great.  Food.�  He selected a soda 
from one machine and was in the process of drinking it down when 
Misato came walking in.  She grabbed his arm and led him out.  He 
tossed the empty can into a wastebasket while he trailed along.
	

	A strange, gigantic creature cruised underwater through a 
submerged city.  Despite its size, there was a strong sense of grace in 
its movements.  It paused a moment in the water before moving on at 
a faster rate.  The buildings remained undisturbed at its passing.

	It surfaced, and a group of tanks opened fire.  Heavy attack 
helicopters began to open up with rockets and heavy machine guns.  
Batteries of emplaced cannons attempted to slow the advance of the 
giant creature.


	�The unidentified intruder is still coming towards us,� said a 
female voice from one side of the command center.

	�We�ve got it on visual,� said a male voice.  �I�m putting it on 
the main screen.�

	Gendou and Fuyutsuki watched in grim silence.  Gendou had his 
hands folded in front of his chin as the light from the main monitor 
reflected off of his glasses.

	�It�s been fifteen years,� observed Fuyutsuki with detachment.

	�Yes, certainly.�  Gendou had not moved from his thoughtful 
position.  �Well, now we know for sure.  The Angels are back.�


	The ground-based military units and aircraft attacked with 
everything that they have.  Dozens of missiles and artillery shells 
piled into the Angel.  The radio frequencies filled with more and 
more increasingly frightened soldiers reporting in.  �Every single 
missile hit the target!  It�s not stopping!  Oh God!  It�s not 
stopping!�


	�The target�s still coming towards us,� reported a male voice.  
�It�s heading straight for Tokyo-3.�

	�The air defense forces don�t have enough firepower to stop it,� 
reported a female voice.

	The three UN commanders watched the slaughtering of their 
forces before this seemingly invincible threat with growing horror.

	�Fire everything we�ve got!�  The commander on the right 
shouted over the tactical frequencies.  �Commit all divisions at 
Atsugi and Iruma Bases to the battle!�

	�Don�t hold anything back!�  The commander on the left was 
getting more and more frantic as the Angel ripped through the UN 
forces like they were toy soldiers.  �Destroy that damned thing at any 
and all cost!�


	The Angel weathered assault after assault.  Missiles seemed to 
be totally ineffective, and artillery shells just bounced off.  A large 
missile thundered at the Angel from one of the UN attack planes.  
The Angel caught it with one hand, and destroyed it like it was made 
of paper.


	�That�s impossible,� the commander on the right screamed.  
�That was a direct hit!�

	�The tank battalion�s been wiped out.  Guided missile and 
artillery fire seem to have no effect at all.�  The commander on the 
left slumped into his seat in disbelief.

	�Damn it!  With such limited firepower, we can�t seem to do 
anything to it!�  The commander on the right joined him fellow in 
slumping down in disbelief.

	In the back area of the control room, both Commander Ikari and 
Sub-Commander Fuyutsuki watched and made their own quiet 
commentary on the lack of effectiveness on the part of the UN 
military.  The door behind them swished open, and Yui Ikari stood 
there in her new NERV uniform.

	�Looks like an AT field, hmmm?�  Fuyutsuki calmly observed 
as the UN forces are routed a second time.

	�Yes,� agreed Gendou as Yui moved up behind him.  �When 
fighting the Angels, conventional weapons are simply no match for 
them.�

	�Hello, Yui,� greeted Fuyutsuki.

	�Hello yourself, Dr. Fuyutsuki,� Yui said with a smile.  She 
turned to watch the main viewscreen with surprise.   �Gendou, is 
that what I think it is?�

	�Yes,� Gendou replied.  �It seems like Shinji will be needed 
after all, Yui.�  Gendou turned to look at his wife.  She stared at the 
carnage on the screen for a moment before grimly nodding.

	*Oh, Gendou.  What will become of our son now?*

	At that moment, the phone rang.  The commander on the right 
picked it up.  �Understood, sir.  We�ll execute backup plan at once.�


	The aircraft cleared out of the area around the Angel.  Silence 
reigned for a few moments, and then a nuclear explosion bloomed 
around the Angel.  A wave of destruction blasted out in every 
direction as the Angel was hidden by the fireball.


	The crowd of technicians and soldiers in NERV headquarters 
began to cheer.  The UN commander on the right turned to look at 
Gendou with a cocky look.  �Well, Ikari,� he said in sarcastic tones, 
�it looks like _you_ won�t even be getting a shot at it.�

	Gendou said nothing.  He continued to watch the screen with his 
hands folded in front of his chin, silent as death.  Yui placed her 
hand on his shoulder as she stood behind him.  She could feel the 
tension in him that he refused to show.

	�Shockwave approaching,� reported a female tech.  The 
monitors went dead a moment later.

	�So what�s the status of the target,� asked one of the UN 
commanders.

	�We are unable to confirm,� reported a female voice over on the 
right.  �The EM pulse knocked everything out.�

	�It must be dead,� said one of the commanders confidently.  �It 
took the full blast at ground zero.�

	The sensor display reactivated.  The system rebooted itself 
quickly as the main display lighted up once more.  �The external 
sensors are restored.�

	Suddenly, a female voice shouted out, �ENERGY READING!  
AT THE EPICENTER!�

	�It can�t be!�  The rightmost commander stood up in shock.

	�The external cameras are now on-line,� reported one of the 
male technicians.  All three commanders were stunned by the sight 
of the Angel, still relatively intact.

	�That was our last resort,� said one of the commanders in a 
follow voice.  �No effect at all.�

	�It�s a demon!�  The commander on the left threw his pen at the 
far wall in disgust.  �It�s a goddamn demon!�


	In the center of the molten pit created by the nuclear blast, the 
Angel slowly flapped its gills.  The damaged tissues have already 
begun to heal from the primitive assaults done to it.  The nuclear 
blast did do some impressive damage to it�s exterior, but it would 
regain full function within a short time.  Its purpose was not 
frustrated, only delayed.


	�As we suspected,� observed Fuyutsuki in his usual calm 
manner, �it�s regenerating itself.�

	�Without that ability it couldn�t operate without support units,� 
replied Gendou.  A flicker of interest lighted his eyes as the Angel 
fired a beam that took out the camera plane observing it.  The view 
shifted to another angle.

	�Well now,� said Fuyutsuki.  �That was _quite_ impressive.  It 
appears that our friend can upgrade it�s operational parameters.�

	�And it�s also getting smarter,� observed Gendou grimly.

	�My guess is that it will renew it�s attack any minute now,� 
observed Yui in a surprisingly calm voice.  �What are we going to 
do, Gendou?�

	�We wait.�  Gendou sat and eyed the Angel on the main 
monitor.

	The phone rang, and the middle commander answered it.  He 
listened to the voice on the other end for a minute, then hung up.  He 
conferred with his fellow commanders, and then they began to 
gather their effects.  Gendou let a small smile cross his face.

	�Command of this operation is now being entrusted to you,� the 
middle commander addressed Gendou.  �DON�T betray our trust.�

	�Of course not, gentlemen.�  The grim smile is back on his face.  
The overhead light reflected off of his glasses.

	�Mr. Ikari, we�ve already seen that our weapons have no effect,� 
stated the commander on the right.  �That�s why we�re giving you a 
chance.�

	�Are you sure that you can beat them?�  The middle commander 
looked Gendou squarely in the eyes.

	�That is why NERV exists, gentlemen.�  Gendou raised his 
glasses up higher on his nose.  �We won�t fail.�

	�I pray you�re right,� solemnly stated the middle commander as 
he looked down at Gendou.  �I pray that you�re right for all of our 
sakes.�  The long desk platform, behind which the three UN 
commanders were seated, retracted into the floor.

	�Report status of the Angel,� requested Gendou.

	�The target is still stationary,� reported a female technician as 
she turned to look at Gendou.

	�Estimated current ability to intercept is only 7.5%,� reported a 
male technician.

	�The UN forces are exhausted,� observed Fuyutsuki.  �What are 
you going to do?�  He turned to look at Gendou.

	�Activate Unit-01.�  Gendou said as he turned to look at Yui.  
Her face was fearful, but she nodded.

	�Activate it?�  Fuyutsuki was totally confused now.  �Who�s 
going to pilot it?  You mean with Shinji?  My God!  Gendou, he�s 
your only son!�

	�If God was willing to sacrifice a son to save a world, can I be 
willing to do any less now?�  Gendou�s tone was grim.  He turned to 
look at Yui.  �For what it�s worth, I have no choice.�

	�I understand, Gendou.�  Yui�s voice caught a little in her 
throat.  �God help our son, but I understand.�

	Gendou turned and walked for the lift.  Yui trailed along 
behind.  They both got on, Yui standing behind Gendou.  She was 
trying to be brave, but fear for her son was evident on her face.  
Gendou seemed carved from ice, purpose personified as a man.  He 
was about to send his own son to a possible death against the enemy, 
but at this point there really was no choice.

	�I�m trusting you to handle things here,� he said solemnly to 
Fuyutsuki.  The lift slowly began to lower.  Yui put her arms around 
Gendou from behind, and tried not to cry.

	�Sir?�  One of the male technicians turned to Fuyutsuki.  �It 
looks like the target is starting to move again.�

	�I see,� he replied.  �You know the drill, people.  Let�s go to 
battle stations, level one.�  The control room crew began to quickly 
spread the alert.


	Misato pulled Shinji along with her, one hand on his arm like 
he was a small child.  �You shouldn�t wander around like that.  This 
is an easy place to get lost in.�  She led Shinji to the nearest 
slideway, where Ritsuko was waiting impatiently.

	�Where did you find him,� asked Ritsuko with a smile.

	�He was getting something to drink,� replied Misato.  �It was 
just like you guessed.  How did you know?�

	�Woman�s intuition.�  Ritsuko smiled at Shinji.  �We should get 
up to the cage.  I managed to actually get things ready ahead of 
schedule for a synchronization test.�

	�Synchronization test?�  Shinji looked puzzled.

	�You�ll see, Shinji.�  Ritsuko walked on ahead to a lift, and 
started up.  Shinji shrugged and followed along behind.  Misato 
brought up the rear.  The lift slowly moved past thick panes of 
impact-resistant armored glass.

	�Red alert!�  The public address system suddenly filled the air 
with a loud female voice.  �Repeat, red alert!  All hands report to 
battle stations!  All hands report to battle stations!  Prepare for 
ground interception of the enemy.�

	�Did you hear that?�  Misato looked at Ritsuko.

	Ritsuko nodded.  �This is serious.�

	�So, how is Unit-00?�  Misato walked up past Shinji to speak 
with Ritsuko.  Shinji didn�t notice.  He was watching what he 
thought was some sort of figure off in the distance of the pink murk 
beyond the glass.

	�It's outfitted with B-type equipment right now.  It's being 
frozen.�  Ritsuko looked briefly at Shinji.

	�Will it really work?�  Misato looked worried.  �I'd heard you 
hadn't managed that yet.�

	�The probability of it working is 0.000000001 percent.  The �09 
system� seemed like a good name for it.�  Ritsuko had on her serious 
face now.  Misato looked even more worried.

	�You mean it won't work, don't you?�  Misato looked Ritsuko in 
the eyes.

	�Don't be rude!� Ritsuko snapped back.  �The chance isn't zero.�

	�It's still only a number,� Misato replied.  �Anyway, saying �It 
doesn�t work at all...� won't be much of an excuse.�


	A little later, the trio entered into a large chamber through a 
partially open door.  The little light that entered didn�t allow Shinji 
to see beyond the walkway he was standing on.  The door behind 
him suddenly slid closed with a heavy rumbling.  �Hey!  It�s pitch 
black in here!  Somebody turn on a light!�

	The heavy flood lights in the room snapped on suddenly.  Shinji 
found himself face to face with the head of some sort of giant figure.  
He jumped back a step from the sheer surprise of its sudden 
appearance.  �Hey!  What the hell is that?�  He peered at it for a 
moment.  �It�s a giant robot!�

	 �Behold the crowning achievement of man�s technology,� said 
Ritsuko as she stepped forward next to Shinji.  �This is the Multi-
purpose Humanoid Fighting Machine EVANGELION, which 
humanity has finally developed.�  Her eyes shimmered with pride.

	�This is Father's work?�  Shinji leaned over the edge to peer 
down into the pink murk surrounding the giant figure.

	�That's right,� said Gendou from above.  Shinji turned to see his 
mother and father standing in uniform in the observation area on the 
far side of the chamber.  �Welcome to NERV, my son.�  He turned to 
address the two women standing on the catwalk.  �Prepare to move 
out.�

	�Move out?!�  Misato blinked in surprise.  �Unit-00 is still being 
frozen...�  She paused.  �You can�t be serious.  You mean that you'll 
activate Unit-01?�

	�We appear to have no other choice.�  Ritsuko looked grimly at 
Misato.

	�Wait a sec!�  Misato refused to back down.  �We can't let Rei 
board it.  We don�t have a pilot, unless you mean....�

	�Shinji is here.  He can pilot it.�  Ritsuko looked Misato 
squarely in the eyes.

	Misato blinked in disbelief.  �Are you serious?�

	Ritsuko turned to Shinji.  �Shinji-kun, please get into it.�

	�This is ridiculous!  Even in Rei Ayanami's case, it took a full 
seven months for her to synchronize with Eva.�  Misato glared at 
Ritsuko.

	�Rei is a pilot?�  Shinji looked surprised.

	�Up until two days ago, she was the only pilot that we had.�  
Ritsuko kneeled down next to Shinji.  She put her right hand on his 
shoulder.   �You just have to sit in it and try.  We would never expect 
more from you.�

	�But Ritsuko...�  Misato couldn�t believe what she was hearing.

	�At present, stopping the Angel's attack has top priority.�  
Ritsuko stood back up, shifting back into ice queen mode.  �Even if 
there is little potential for synchronizing with Eva, we have no 
choice but to have someone board it.  Do you understand, Captain 
Katsuragi?�

	�I guess you�re right...�  Misato appeared to concede defeat.

	�Hold on,� shouted Shinji.  �What the heck is an Angel?�

	�An Angel is a deadly enemy to mankind,� said Gendou 
solemnly from the observation platform.  �You are here to prevent 
the destruction of us all.  I need you to pilot.�

	�But I don�t know how to fight,� said Shinji.  �How can you 
expect me to survive against an enemy that needs to be fought 
against by something like that?�  Shinji pointed at the Eva.  �Do you 
expect me to just climb in because you say so?�

	�Correct.�  Gendou looked down at Shinji, and there was a 
hardness in his eyes that Shinji had never seen in his father before.  
Shinji glared back at this man that he thought he knew.  Yui looked 
back and forth between them.  She should have expected something 
like this.  Both of them were stubborn in their own way.

	�I won�t do it,� declared Shinji.  �No way!  I can�t believe that 
you expect me to fight.�

	�I�m your father, Shinji,� Gendou continued in a level tone as he 
spoke.  �I need you to pilot because no one else can.�  Gendou was 
starting to wonder if Shinji was defying him out of cowardice or 
stubbornness.  Either reason was inconvenient during the current 
crisis.  Yui held her voice.  This was all turning out wrong.

	�I can't do this,� said Shinji.  �This is impossible.  Why do you 
say I can?�

	�Listen to the explanations, son,� said Gendou in a milder tone.

	�No!�  He turned to stare at the silent, armored, giant figure in 
front of him.  �I can't... It's impossible!�

	Gendou was at the end of his patience.  *My son is a coward,* 
he thought grimly.  *I should have invested more time in him.  Now 
it may be too late.*  �If you're going to do this, then don't waste 
time,� he thundered.  �Otherwise, leave!�

	Yui started to move forward.  Gendou turned to look at her, and 
she could see the pain in his eyes.  She put a hand on his shoulder.  
He seemed to slump a little in defeat for a moment, but purpose 
stiffened his spine again a moment later.  The maintenance teams 
found their attention drawn to watching the walls, instead of the 
family drama being played out.


	The Angel paused.  It appeared to sense that it was close to its 
goal.  Beams of energy lashed out at the ground.  Each one generated 
a pillar of white light like a geyser.  They each expanded out a single 
crossbar near their apex until they appeared to be crosses made of 
light before fading away.


	The destruction could be heard in the Evangelion storage area.  
It sounded almost like distant thunder.  Gendou looked up.  The time 
of destiny appeared to be at hand, but his son was failing him.  Yui 
looked around as the rumbling seemed to be growing closer.  She 
moved in closer to Gendou.  He put a comforting arm around her 
shoulders.

	�That thing seems to have found us,� Gendou remarked.

	�Shinji-kun,� said Ritsuko, �we have no time.�  Shinji turned 
from her to face Misato.

	�Board it,� said Misato in cold tones.

	�I�m... I�m afraid,� stammered Shinji.  �I don�t think I can do 
this.  I could get killed.�

	Misato smiled reassuringly.  �We need you, Shinji.  Don't run 
away from this.  Your father wouldn�t send you out if he thought you 
would fail.  I have faith in you, and you should have some faith in 
yourself.�

	�I... I...,� Shinji couldn�t decide what to do.  *Somebody tell me 
what I should do!*

	Gendou looked down on his son and sighed.  Shinji was 
obviously too frightened to be useful.  As much as it pained him, he 
would have to go with an alternative that was most likely to fail.  He 
looked briefly at Yui before turning to the monitor.  Yui was 
watching her only son, and crying.

	�Fuyutsuki,� he said.  Fuyutsuki�s image appeared on the 
monitor.  Gendou paused and suddenly felt very old.  He cleared his 
throat before speaking.  �Rei--wake her.�

	�Is she available?�  Fuyutsuki looked sadly out of the monitor.

	�She's all we have left now,� replied Gendou.

	�Understood.�  The image blanked.  Gendou touched another 
switch as he shifted to audio mode.

	�Rei?�  Gendou�s voice was slightly husky with sorrow.

	�Yes,� replied Rei.

	�The replacement pilot turned out to be useless.�  Gendou 
paused a moment.  �I need you to pilot again.�

	�Yes,� replied Rei.

	Yui let Gendou regain control of himself.  She knew that he 
would need her to be strong.  She looked down on her son, who 
looked so alone right now.  *He looks so frightened,* she thought.

	Meanwhile, Ritsuko looked once more at Shinji.  *Useless 
coward,* she thought to herself.  She started to shout out orders to 
the scurrying technicians.   �Reconfigure the system of Unit-01 for 
Rei!  Restart!�

	�Roger,� replied a female technician.  �Aborting current process 
and restarting.�

	�Wait a second,� shouted Shinji.  He grabbed Ritsuko�s arm.  
�You can�t send Rei out there!  I thought she was injured!�

	�We don�t have any other choice now, Shinji,� said Ritsuko in 
cold tones.  �You�ve made it necessary.�  She shrugged Shinji off of 
her.

	Shinji turned at the sound of several pairs of running feet.  
Several doctors surrounded a mobile hospital bed that was being 
wheeled in.  Rei lay upon the bed; bandages covered her body.  One 
eye was covered by gauze.  She looked at Shinji as she was wheeled 
past.  Shinji could only stare at her in shock.

	The doctors began to prepare Rei for combat.  The IV tube was 
removed from her arm.  One of the doctors helped her to sit up.  She 
did so with little gasps of pain.  Each little gasp was like a knife of 
guilt through his heart.

	Shinji started to walk towards her, and many thoughts filled his 
mind.  He wanted to apologize for his cowardice.  He wanted to 
protect her.  He wanted to tell her how he felt about her.  He wanted 
her to be safe.

	A sudden rumbling occurred as the Angel opened fire once 
more.  A large chunk of the city suspended overhead came crashing 
down onto NERV headquarters.  Large chunks of concrete and steel 
began to rain down in the Eva storage area.  One of the doctors was 
turned to red pulp as Rei was thrown off of her bed.

	�Watch out!�  Shinji ran towards Rei, his only thought was to 
keep her safe.  He would protect her.  His father had told him to take 
care of her.  Out of the edge of his vision, he could see a large chunk 
of concrete as it began to fall from overhead.  He had to get her out 
of the way, but he wasn�t sure if he would make it.

	Eva Unit-01 suddenly moved.  The right arm ripped free of its 
restraints with little apparent effort.  The hand rose out of the pink 
fluid to stop over Shinji and Rei.  Concrete blocks bounced off of the 
enormous hand like hailstones.  Shinji dove to cover Rei with his 
own body, not realizing that they were already safe.

	Gendou and Yui both stared at the tableau before them.  What 
they had just seen couldn�t happen, but it had.  Yui rushed to the 
glass to try and see how her son was.  Gendou watched as the 
technicians began to scurry about again.  A smile appeared on his 
face.  *This is perfect.*

	�Eva moved!�  A male technician couldn�t believe what he had 
just seen.  �What's wrong with it?!�

	�It tore off the binding attached to its right arm,� said another.

	�That's impossible!�  Ritsuko stared at the now-immobile arm of 
Eva Unit-01.  �The entry plug has not yet been inserted.  It _can't_ 
move!�

	�It reacted without the interface...,� muttered Misato.  �Or 
rather, did it protect him...?  He can do it!�

	Shinji held Rei in his arms.  Her blood is leaking from her 
bandages as he stared at her face.   Rei�s face contorted in agony.   
Shinji�s only thought was that he�d failed her.  Rei needed to be 
protected, and he�d failed her.  His fear had done this to her.

	�Don't run away, don't run away, don't run away, don't run       
away, don't run away...�  He repeated the sentences again and again 
as tears leaked from the corner of his eyes.  Suddenly, he stopped.  
Purpose burned in his eyes when he opened them.

	�I'll do it,� he shouted at his father.  �I'll pilot it!�


	�Freezing process has finished.�

	�The bindings on the right arm have been repaired.�

	�Position is correct for docking in the cage.�

	The technicians hurried to get everything ready for launch.  Eva 
Unit-01 was removed from its storage area to the pilot entry area.  
The pilot entry plug was prepared for insertion into the spinal mount 
area.

	Up in the control area, Maya Ibuki took charge of managing 
final preparations under Ritsuko�s watchful eye.  �The termination 
signal plug has been discharged,� she said.

	�Roger,� replied a male voice over the intercom.  �Insert entry 
plug.�  The entry plug wound down into place and was secured.

	�The plug has been secured.�

	�Begin the primary connection.�

	Shinji waited in the entry plug cockpit.  Two small metal objects 
are affixed above each temple.  His eyes have the same look in them 
that Gendou�s have in the control room, cold purpose.
 
	�Commence entry plug LCL injection,� ordered Ritsuko.  A pale 
yellow fluid began to flood up from the base of the cockpit Shinji 
was sitting in.  It swept up higher and higher as Shinji tried to keep 
his face above it.

	�Huh?  What is this?  Ah, ah, ah, uguh....�  His head submerged 
as he looked around in panic.

	�It's all right,� said Ritsuko in a calm voice.  �After your lungs 
fill with LCL, it will directly supply you with oxygen. You'll get used 
to it soon.�

	Shinji let out his breath, unable to hold it any longer, and took 
in a lungful of LCL.  His features turned greenish.  �Fuah... ghah... I 
think I feel sick...�

	�Bear it!�  Misato looked like she had absolutely no sympathy 
for him as she shouted at him over the intercom.  �Act like a man, 
all right?!�

	�Connect to the main power supply.�

	�Transmit power to all circuits.�

	�Roger.�

	�Commencing secondary contact.�

	Shinji saw the cockpit fuzz out, and he suddenly had a 
panoramic view of the area in front of him.  He whistled at the 
clarity of the image, but it didn�t make any sound in the LCL.  He 
felt something touch his mind.

	�The connection to the A10 nerve is operational.�

	�Japanese language parameters have been fixed to the system as 
the fundamental interface method for the control of Eva,� said 
Ritsuko as she tapped a few keys.  �All initial contacts are set.�

	�Connecting the mutual lines,� said Maya.  �Synchronization 
readings are nominal.  Synchronization rate is stable at 44.8%.�

	�Incredible,� whispered Ritsuko.  *This boy was born to be an 
Eva pilot,* she thought.

	Gendou sat in his command chair and let a small smile cross his 
face.  Pride in his son filled him.  Shinji was doing even better than 
he�d dared hope.  He looked up at Yui, and she smiled back at him.

	�You should be proud of him, Gendou,� she said.

	�Don�t let it out,� he replied.  �It will spoil my reputation.�

	�All harmonics values are normal,� said Maya.  �Everything is 
under control.�

	�It�s really going to work!�  Ritsuko couldn�t believe her eyes.

	�Ready to launch on your order, Commander Ikari,� reported 
Misato with a smile.


	The staff voices continued to shout back and forth as final 
preparation for launch began.

	�Release the first lock bolt!�

	�Released!�

	�Remove the umbilical bridge!�

	�Release the second lock bolt!�

	�Remove the first, then second bindings.�

	�Disengage the first through fifteenth safety locks.�

	�Internal battery fully charged.�

	�External power supply socket operational.�


	�Okay,� Maya said.  �Move Eva Unit-01 to the launching pad.�

	Evangelion was moved into position on the launching platform.  
Above it, a series of armored doors began to pop open leading all the 
way to the surface.  Maya kept her eye on the status board for them.  
The last one blinked into the green.

	�Course clear,� Maya reported.  �We are green across the 
board.�

	�It's ready for launch,� reported Ritsuko.

	�Okay,� replied Misato.  She turned to look at Gendou.  �Not 
that it matters, right?�

	�Of course it matters,� replied Gendou.  He folded his hands in 
front of his chin as he sat at his desk.  �We have no future unless we 
beat the Angels.�  Yui remained a silent shadow behind him.

	�Ikari,� asked Fuyutsuki, �are you truly satisfied with this?�

	Gendou nodded to Misato.

	�Evangelion Unit-01...Launch!�  Misato watched as the 
technical crew carried out her orders.

	Shinji felt a heavy pressure pushing him down in the cockpit, as 
the launch platform rocketed up the shaft.  He focused his thoughts 
on Rei�s face.  When he got back from this, he was going to tell her 
how he felt about her.  He just had to survive this.


	Above, the Angel walked among the buildings of the city.  It 
appeared to be searching for something as it trudged along.  It 
paused as it appeared to sense something.  It turned to face the 
intruder.

	The final launch door popped open and guide rods shot 
upwards.  The launch platform rocketed up into position between 
them.  Eva Unit-01 was ready for combat.  Inside, Shinji focused all 
of his hate on the Angel.  Rei had been injured.  This thing was 
going to pay!


	Down below, two women shared a similar thought.  Yui and 
Misato both watched the monitor.

	�Shinji,� whispered Misato and Yui, �come back alive.�

	Gendou patted Yui�s hand that she had placed on his shoulder.

	*Don�t fail me, Shinji,* thought Gendou.


To be continued�

Author Endnote: Events are going to head away from the original 
series timeline in a gradual fashion at first.  External events will 
follow roughly the same timeline, but I want to focus on the 
interactions of the people more in this series.  Events will be more 
and more different as the effects of Yui�s continued existence 
continue to alter things around her.  Shinji is different, and so is 
Gendou.  Gendou still has secrets, even some that he�s kept from his 
own wife.  I hope you stay tuned for future episodes.