An Eva Elseworlds:
Images flashed across a screen, detailing the damage precisely. Nearly
three billion yen in damage to Unit 01 alone! Almost two weeks before
Tokyo 3's infrastructure returned to normalcy, three thousand displaced
from their homes, and one of the Eva Pilots still hadn't regained
consciousness.
Akagi Ritsuko hung her head in shame. She could feel the commanders
eyes press down on her, silence leaving her to make her own conclusions
about her fate. Fuyutsuki rose from his seat as the images ceased. His
silence was not as intimidating as the Commanders, and his face was not
as set either.
"The council has decided that it is time for a change," the Commander
began, sliding a folder across the table, "in the manner we operate our
Evas. One of the supporting companies has been recommended as a
replacement for Project E."
"What?" Ritsuko asked, confusion filling her. "There's no one else who
has the proper knowledge to maintain the Evas," the doctor objected.
He's finally discarded me, she thought dejectedly.
"That was our complaint to the committee. They provided a brief resume
of this company and we were forced to admit that they possess enough
related knowledge to aid us. However," Fuyutsuki said, "we told them
that your performance was excellent in all cases, and that your worth to
the Instrumentality Program was essential to its continued advancement."
"The committee's problems are not with you, but rather the bottom line.
NERV is being run too loosely, so to save money, the committee wanted to
outsource Eva matenience."
Ritsuko blinked. Outsource? She thought. "With all respect sir," she
began, addressing her comments directly at the Commander, "outsourcing
is what one does with the cafeteria, not weapons development."
"We both agree with your assessment. Unfortunately, SEELE does not.
They did ask for you to stay on as coordinator and liaison between NERV
and the new company."
"What is this mysterious company?" Ritsuko asked, flustered and a bit
angry.
"Ajo Heavy Industries." A beep sounded from the Commander's desk. "What
is it?" Ikari demanded.
"Mr. Ajo is here," the secretary replied.
"Send him in."
He walked through the doors a moment later, striding across Jacob's
Ladder as if he owned the entire office. He wore a simply expensive
brown suit, looking every inch the domineering businessman, and at the
same time his deeply lined face radiated control. He glanced at the
doctor, nodding his head in a dismissive manner as he faced the
Commander.
"Ikari Gendo I presume?" he asked.
"Mr. Ajo."
"I'm sure it will be a pleasure working with you."
Author's Notes:
My university outsourced the cafeterias. I'm bitter and we're
rewatching Key in Anime club. That sort of explains where this came
from. Will it continue? If the food gets worse.
Jerico Mele