Subject: [FFML] [Final][original fic][Alternate Life][Part 1]
From: backup box
Date: 1/6/2001, 4:37 PM
To: ffml

Hey all, Here is Part 1 of Alternate Life, if you read

the Prologue then the same stuff applies.  Original

Fiction, Original Characters (They really are), and so

forth.



Enjoy



----------------



Alternate Life Part One



"Okay class, I have finished grading all of your tests

and will hand them back now."  Yui, teacher in room

206, addresses her students with their latest math

test scores.  Though some of her students have not

done that well, she is pleased that a select few she

knows well have yet again passed with high scores. 

Minutes away from the end of class, one of her

students receives her test back, on the top is a short

note meant for her and a few others telling her of a

meeting occurring after the last class of the day. 

The student sees she has received a 4.0 grade again,

then takes the time to read what the teacher has

written for her at the top.  -Rei, a meeting has been

scheduled for all of us, as soon as you finish your

studies in History, come to room 200.-  She puts away

her test just as the bell rings, symbolizing it is

time for her History class.



An hour later, once History class has ended, Rei makes

her way down the hall to room 200 where she is about

to attend a meeting.  The hallway is still crowded

with people getting ready to go home, but she doesn't

seem to mind too much as she just continues walking. 

When she finally arrives, she sees Yui is the only one

there at the moment.



"Rei, how was class?"



Rei walks over to an empty chair at the table and

takes a seat, "I appear to be doing well so far, but I

don't think I am ready for the test on Friday."



"Well, I am sure you will do fine, and if you need any

help, you can always come to me or ask Jon or Nuku at

home, I am sure they can help out."



"I am sure I will do fine knowledge-wise, but I am

unsure if I will understand the questions."



"What teacher do you have again?  Wait, I remember

now, you have Will Cranston, and he has a way of

confusing others.  I think I have something that may

help you a little with understanding the questions, I

will let you look at it while we wait for the others."

 She pulls out a folder marked CRANSTON and hands it

to Rei, "He had me run off a few copies of the test

today and I haven't had a chance to return the folder

yet.  I hope this helps you out some because I know

you are a bright student."



Rei pulls out a sheet marked Partial Key and glances

it over quickly, "He even confuses himself it seems." 

She takes one more glance as she giggles at her own

comment, then hands the contents back to her teacher.



"Yeah, amazing he is a teacher really, but I guess

that's what happens when there is a shortage of them. 

Oh, I almost forgot, I finished the recent report on

the activities concerning what DAMNATION has been

doing, but I only have my report with me right now." 

She pulls out another folder marked OPERATIONS 3 (Yui)

and slides it to Rei, the division supervisor.



"Two more present and accounted for here." says Karin

as she and Kei enter the room and take their seats at

the table. "Sorry we are running a little late but I

needed to find my homeroom teacher first." "It's okay

Karin.  Since the meetings never start on time anyway,

I don't see any problems." replies Yui.  "Has Yuri

shown her face yet?" asks Kei, "She still has my phone

since hers got stolen and I need it back." "She was in

class today.  Which brings up a good question, where

were you during math, Kei?" "I was getting some sun on

the roof, it's such a nice day." "Well, since you

still passed your test, I will let it slide, but

please don't skip anymore." "I know, I know.  Skipping

class is bad, you have told me this many times." "You

are just lucky you have me as a teacher." "I guess..."



"Dang, where is everyone?"  The current attendees turn

towards the door and see a few more members have shown

up, including the supervisor for OPERATIONS 1. "I

called this meeting and we don't have a full room

yet?" asks Nuku Nuku. "You know by now that we never

start on time Nuku." replies Rei.



The members standing in the doorway enter the room and

take their seats at the table, "Hey, it beats doing

homework for physics..." says Shinji the moment he is

seated.



"Shinji, Karin, Mana, and Junta, I need your reports

if you have them, and Jon said he will be here soon,

Yohko, Kei." informs Nuku.



The four members of OPERATIONS 1 hand over their

reports to their supervisor and continue waiting for

the other members.  "Why is it everytime someone calls

a meeting, we never start on time?.." asks Shinji.



"I guess it's because we all have different schedules

to attend to, but we should start on time."  Nuku

gathers the folders and pulls out a larger one to

stuff them in to, then pulls out a green folder

containing the info for this meeting.



After a ten minute period, more members have shows up

and taken their seats.  Misato, Kaji, and Ritsuko hand

in their reports to Rei, while Ami has handed her

report to Nuku. The others, Armitage, Yuri, and Asuka

continue to wait for their supervisor as well.  "Has

anyone spoken to Jon yet, it isn't like him to be the

last one here?" asks Yuri.  "That reminds me Yuri, you

still have my phone, I need it back." "But I am

waiting for a call." "I don't care, I need it back!"

"You can have it back later!"



Everyone hears the sound of a gun being prepped for

shooting and turn to see both Nagisa and Jon have

finally arrived.  "Ladies, there is no need to argue

over the phone.  I have Yuri's new phone with me right

now, so Kei can have hers back."  Jon raises his hand

to signal that everything is fine now to Nagisa, "You

can put that away now, thanks."  They both walk in and

sit down in the two remaining spots at the table. 

"Sorry we are running late, the 'meeting' we were at

took a bit longer to wrap up.  All lose ends from last

week's incident have been taken care of now.  Oh, how

did Nagisa do on her test, teacher?" "She got an A-

but overall she did good." "Glad to hear.  Shall we

get started then?" "Yes Jon, lets get going here so we

can go eat afterwards" replies Nuku.  "Then, I will

need the reports from my division handed over to me." 

The members of OPERATIONS 2 each pull out a folder

containing a few sheets of paper and slide them to

Jon.  "Well, it's your meeting Nuku dear."



"Thank you Jon, let me first say that I have read the

news concerning the accident involving our nice van,

and though I wish it could have been avoided, I have

written it off as a loss and therefore ordered a new

one.  I am going to ask that for now on if anyone uses

it to please make sure you have grounded the gas

canisters properly, they are still able to blow up if

they collect static energy.  Now as for the purpose of

this meeting, I want to be sure everyone is aware of

the info passed onto us by 'Tech 1' concerning the

data stolen from BIOSYS."  Everyone nods in

compliance.  "I have taken a look at BIOS today and

found that it did not directly involve DAMNATION, but

did eventually tie to them.  I have decided to put a

tracer program into BIOS just in case more info is

taken.  How this will effect everyone is you will all

be given an examination by someone at BIOSYS so they

can recover some data quickly." "Is that all you

wanted to say?" "Well, there is one other thing, they

need us to show up as soon as possible for the

examinations.  In other words, we have to go now..."



"Well, lets get this over with then.  Meeting

adjourned."  Everyone gets up and heads for the door,

except for the three head persons of REISON known as

Rei, Nuku Nuku, and Jon. "Nuku, what did you find out

about the military thefts?" "Jon, I hacked into

SAT-OPS126 and found that two nuclear warheads were

taken from the weapons locker at the old military

base.  I was not able to get any data concerning the

security logs though.  Rei, would you be able to send

Misato in to get me the needed security info?" "I will

write up the orders when we get to base." "Sounds

good.  I guess we should head out now and get the

exams done so we can all eat some dinner.  Nuku, can

you go get the car, I need to talk to Rei for a quick

moment about something..."



"I guess so, but don't take too long." Nuku shows a

quick smile before turning and walking out of the

room.  "Rei, I did some more research on your parents

whereabouts, and the best info I could gather was that

they are still alive somewhere in South America, the

computer system was not able to get a good connection

to any records systems there." "But they are still

alive..." "Yes, they are still alive, and I promise

that soon I will know exactly where they are.  At that

time I will contact them and have them brought here."

"Thank you Jon, I have been waiting my whole life to

meet them and to ask them why they left me..." "Well,

soon you will have the answer."  They say no more as

they head out of the room and down to the car.



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



After everyone has been examined by BIOSYS, they head

out to one of the few fast food places that still

exist after the last war, it is there that everyone

finally relaxes after a long late afternoon.



"I can't believe BIOSYS took so long on the

verifications." says Yuri.  "Well, if you hadn't

kicked the cord out of the wall, they would have been

done a lot sooner!" replies Kei.  "Hey, it's not my

fault the cord was in my way!" "Yes it was, why do you

think they had that spot blocked off?" "How am I

supposed to know?"



Everyone else moans as they continue to listen to the

argument at hand, until the management came over with

two armed men, "Hey, do you think you can SHUT UP!!"

"Who the hell do you think you are?!" asks Armitage. 

"I am the person that will have you all killed if you

don't pipe down."  To show that he wasn't kidding, the

owner snaps his fingers, signaling to the other two

men to prepare to fire.



"Hmm...it looks like we are being threatened

everyone." says Nuku moments before she snaps her

fingers, which in turn causes Jon, Rei, and all of

OPERATIONS 2 and 3 to withdraw their guns at lightning

speed, "Be careful who you threaten, this group will

have you all on the floor before you even get the

chance to fire a round."  The owner sees that he and

his men are out numbered and withdraw from the group,

"Eheh...enjoy your meals everyone."



"Baka asshole..." mumbles Asuka.  "Okay everyone,

disarm." says Jon.  Everyone holding guns clicks the

safeties back on and puts their gun away.  "Yuri, Kei

is correct, you did delay us some at BIOSYS, but I

don't think you are to blame really since you couldn't

get through the other way to the bathroom.  I want you

both to drop the argument for now at least.  Yuri,

here is your new phone, the code for it is on the

battery right now, be sure to change it soon."  He

digs out a dark green cell phone and slides it to Yuri

at the other end of the table, "As soon as everyone is

done eating, we will all be heading to base to do

whatever you want.  OPERATIONS 0 will be going over

your reports at that time so be ready in case we call

you to the meeting room.  Understood?"  They all

comply with a nod.



"Well, if everyone here is done eating, I say we get

out of this dump." says Nuku Nuku.  "Agreed, this food

is a little undercooked" replies Shinji.  They all get

up and head to the exit on their way to base, when the

owner confronts Nuku by the door, "What is this, your

death wish?" asks Nuku.  "Nope, we just want to make

sure you know to never threaten us again, little

girl." replies the owner.



It isn't long before the sound of two clicks can be

heard coming from behind the men.  "What were you

saying, sir?" says Jon as he withdraws his gun and

aims for the owner's head from behind, "I don't like

it when people threaten my people, and right now that

is what you are doing.  If you are smart, your men

will hand their guns over to the two nice ladies

behind them slowly, then you will allow us to leave in

peace, is that understood?"



"Do as he says men."  The armed men withdraw their

guns and hand them over to Kei and Yuri, but the owner

withdraws his and uses Nuku Nuku as a shield from

Jon's gun, "You didn't think I was going to give up

that easily, did you?" "No, I didn't, that is why you

have a little red dot on your head right now from a

fourth person in the back, and she can hit a fly from

100 feet away dead center.  I have told her to give

you ten seconds starting now to release my friend here

and hand over your gun to me.  I don't think I have to

tell you what will happen if you don't follow through,

do I?" Jon gives the man a sly smile as he finishes. 

"Shit, who the hell are you?" "Just someone that

watches out for his own."



The owner sees he has no choice but to give up,

handing over his gun in the process, "If I ever see

you in here again, I promise you won't live for long."

"You made a wise move sir, I hope you make more in the

future, and as for coming here again, next time we

won't stall on killing you if you ever threaten us

again."  Jon, Kei, Nuku, and Yuri walk out the doors

still holding the guns, once they have cleared, Nagisa

waves to the paralyzed owner as she leaves through the

back door and heads to the car where OPERATIONS 0

waits.



"What fools they were, I can't believe they didn't get

the point when they backed off the first time." says

Nuku from the front passenger seat.  "Heck, I am

surprised they are still in business with the way they

cook the food" replies Jon sitting in the back with

Nagisa.  "Would you like a wipe of the place, Jon?"

asks Nagisa. "Nah, I am willing to give them one more

chance.  Get ready to toss their guns once we start

moving, Nagisa." "Hai."  Jon takes one last look at

the building before tapping Rei on the shoulder, "Lets

go, Rei." "Hai, Jon." Rei releases the clutch and

sends the car shooting forward as Nagisa tosses the

guns out the car window.  She makes one last comment

before they are on the street again "Next time I will

be bringing a grenade as well..."



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



Down in an old underground storage building, everyone

has gathered for some R&R after an intense moment,

with the exception of OPERATIONS 0 who are going over

the reports retrieved from the other members. 

"According to the report I have received from Mana,

DAMNATION is planing something big for sometime this

year, but she was not able to discover who the leader

was yet.  Ami's report confirms her findings." reports

Nuku.  "Well, the report from Asuka has alerted me to

a possible weakness in the top plates of this

sub-complex.  If anyone were to use a drill in the

northwest far corner, they could get through easily. 

I have asked that she assists Yohko and Kei with any

needed upgrades, but I hear Kei is in need of some

studying so I was hoping Junta could offer some

assistance, if it's okay with you Nuku?" reports Jon. 

"I don't see any problem with that.  When will the

upgrade be done?" "Tomorrow." "Go for it, I will let

him know to report to Asuka on the matter."  Jon nods

to Nuku Nuku and turns to Rei "Rei, what about your

reports?"  Rei reads off the latest info to be handed

to her "Ritsuko has discovered the identity of the

contact that told us about US ARC, she has set up a

meeting for 14:00h on Thursday.  If everything goes

right, I will have her and Kaji retrieve the system

and bring it here for our use, it is said to be in

good shape considering it was within range of the EMP,

none of the data was corrupted." "Wow, I hope she is

right, maybe then we can assist in bringing order to

chaos again." "My thoughts exactly." "Have you written

up the orders for Misato yet?"  Rei pulls out a sheet

of paper signed by her stating that Misato is to enter

the military base, get into the computer system, and

retrieve all the security logs concerning the theft

without being caught.  "Looks good, I trust you will

send it to her promptly then." "She will have it

before she leaves." "Then I believe we have covered

everything then, lets go and enjoy the rest of the

night." Nuku replies as she stands up "Hey, I badly

need to get into the hot-tub, my body is aching."  Jon

puts the summaries into the file cabinet and gives his

reply "I think I will join you, I find that some

troubles can fade away when in the water..."  Rei

collects a few notes and asks a question "Will you be

locking the door this time?" "Rei!" replies Jon, "You

have been around us for too long, but you are welcome

to join us this time." "Nah, I think I will do a bit

of working out in the weight room tonight after I give

Misato her orders, but I will keep your offer in

mind."



Five minutes later, Rei has dropped off the orders and

is on her way to the weight room when she is

confronted by Asuka, "Rei, did you finish studying yet

for History?" "Not yet, why?" "Well, I was hoping you

could offer me a little help before the test Friday."

"Sure, I guess I can study a little while I work out

some if you care to join me in the weight room."

"Sounds cool, let me go get the textbook and I will

meet you there." "Okay."



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



"Nuku, have you had a chance to talk to Lori today?"

"Not yet Jon, I called her house but she wasn't

there."  Jon and Nuku Nuku sit in the hot-tub thinking

about anything but business.  "Dang, I was hoping I

could talk to her some, she seems like a nice

person..." replies Jon.  "Don't worry, I am sure she

will be home one of these times I call." replies Nuku.

 "I know, I just don't want her to start lagging

behind in class is all." "Well, if she starts coming

to classes more often then maybe you will have a

chance to talk to her at the college."



They are both interrupted by the sound of the door

opening to the room, "May I join you two?" asks Yui. 

"I don't see why not." replies Jon.  "Thanks, teaching

can be stressful at times, you know?" "I can

understand that.  Trying to teach many others what you

know isn't easy." "Neither is running this group of

people at times.  I saw what you did for Nuku tonight,

Jon.  I am happy that you care for her a lot, but I am

almost curious about whether you are ready for the day

when you have to sacrifice her for REISON." "Yui, I

pray that day never comes a lot, but if I am left with

no other choice, then she knows I will let go, and she

expects me to do the same, she would even make the

same choice if needed concerning me..." "I understand

that, but I see you both growing together more each

day, and I just want you to know that I have been

there before." "What do you mean?" "Do you remember

how I used to be, the first time we met?" "Yes, you

were crying when I first saw you a few months ago." "I

am sure you heard about the killings nearby that day

as well." "Hai." "I was the one that killed that group

of children, they were my students and I was forced to

kill them before they had a chance to kill all their

classmates the following day.  I killed them myself,

and I didn't want to..."  "I never knew you were so

attached to your students..." "Well, it was either

them or many innocent children." "You made the right

choice, and I can understand how you feel.  I really

can Yui." "Well, just remember that you may be faced

with the same choice someday."



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



It is now close to 23:00h down in REISON, most of the

people have left for their homes to get a good night's

sleep.   For the people that are still here, it's a

time for peace and quiet, and by the looks of it, only

five people remain here for a bit of late night work. 

Rei and Asuka have finished in the weight room and

joined Yui in the dining area to get a little more

help on their studies, while Nuku Nuku and Mana have

ended up in the kitchen for a late snack.  "Mana, you

said you wanted to ask me something earlier?" asks

Nuku.  "Yes, I wanted to know if you could help me out

with something...concerning a friend?" replies Mana. 

"What kind of help?" "Well, my friend got beat up

pretty badly in a mugging about two weeks ago, he is

okay, but he was left with nothing of his own." "Not

even identification?" "No..." Mana slowly lowers her

head in sadness, "He only has the clothes on his back

and his house right now." "Well, tell you what, you

have him give me a call and I will see what I can do,

okay?" "Thank you, Nuku.  You are a good friend."

"Well, you know me, I want everything to be okay again

for the city.  By the way, what's his name?" "Tommy. 

I will let him know to call the main number just to be

safe." "Sounds good Mana.  So how about some food, I

need to eat something that will get the soggy taste

out of my mouth from dinner." "I think I saw some nice

cookies around here somewhere this morning." She goes

looking through the cabinets until she stumbles upon

the cookies "Yummy, they are chocolate." says Mana

with a happy look on her face.



"What's going on in here?  We can hear you next door."

asks Asuka with an annoyed look on her face.  "Sorry

Asuka, we were just talking some and raiding the

cabinets for food. Want some cookies?" replies Nuku. 

"I guess a little snack can't hurt, bring them out

here so we can all have some." "Sounds fair." replies

Mana as she and Nuku Nuku join Rei, Yui, and Asuka in

the dining area with cookies in hand.  "We won't be

interrupting your studies, will we?" asks Nuku.  "No,

we are just about done for the night anyway." replies

Yui.  "Good, then let's eat." "Yes, let's eat

something to make up for dinner."



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



The time has finally reached 23:30h, Yui, Asuka, Mana,

and Nuku have left for the night and gone home, but

one person still remains at a computer terminal down

in REISON.  The person isn't really there to figure

out what to do next or play games or anything business

like, this person sits at the terminal tracing out a

few leads she has been given on her parents.  Though

some could say that the two she lives with serve as

her parents most of the time.  No, this person is

trying to find her real parents, the ones that left

her at a very young age.  She still recalls being

suddenly abandoned with some strangers during the

middle of the night.



"Mommy, where are we going?" asked a young Rei.  "We

are going to a friends house, Rei dear." replied her

mother.  "Why?" "Don't ask why dear, please just enjoy

the ride."  The car rolls to a stop about two minutes

later and Rei is lead up to a house she has not seen

before "Where are we mommy?" "We are at a friends

house, you will be staying with them for a little

while." "Okay, mommy."  They walk up to the door and

ring the doorbell, moments later the door is opened

and out comes a man in his 30's "You have brought your

daughter.  Is it too dangerous for you to stay now?"

"Yes, we need to get out of town tonight.  Please take

care of my daughter till we get back." "I

understand..."  The man turns and calls into the house

"Jon, can you come down for a moment?" "Yes dad."

comes a reply from upstairs, and soon a boy comes

running down the stairs to greet the guests, "Hello

Miss Kim, how are you doing?" "Fine, Jon.  This is my

daughter, Rei."  Jon turns and greets the young child

cowering behind her mother "Hello, my name is Jon." He

reaches for her shaking hand and takes it in his

"Would you like something to eat?"  Rei feels the

warmth of Jon's hand and follows him into the kitchen

where they grab something to eat while the two adults

finish their conversation.



"Mother, why did you leave me?.." is her question as

she ends her search for her parents for the night and

starts to head home to join her current family known

as Jon and Nuku Nuku.



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



The next morning, Jon, Nuku Nuku, and Rei are awoken

by the sound of gunfire outside the house.  "Damn,

can't they wait till at least 11:00h before they start

shooting?.." asks Nuku.  "You should know by now that

this area is notorious for gunfire, why make a

timeframe for it?" replies Jon.  "Mom, do you think

you can stop this, I have had a bullet already hit my

room." says Rei as she stands in the doorway.  "Is

this just a target practice deal again?" "I think so

mom." "Fools.  I will go take care of this, be right

back." She gets up and grabs her high powered rife

from the closet, then makes her way out the front door

and to the leader of the group, "Excuse me, do you

think you could keep it down out here?" asks Nuku. 

"Who the hell do you think you are, bitch?!" replies

the leader.  This in turn causes his guards to raise

their guns and aim for her.  Nuku isn't phased by this

one bit as she rapidly pulls out her rifle and rams it

into the leader's chin, "I think I am someone that

will kill you before your people even have a chance to

fire one round at me.  Plus I have two other people

waiting to kill your men as well.  So if you are

smart, you will tell your people to stop firing and

move to a rural area away from my house, got it?" she

gives the man a smile as she finishes her sentence and

unlatches the safety.  The leader holds up a radio,

"Stop firing, pull out and meet in area 794." "Sir?"

is the reply.  "Do it, I will explain later."

"Understood" comes the reply.  "You are lucky you have

backup, bitch.  Otherwise you would be dead right

now." Nuku doesn't like this comment one bit

"Umm...what was that?" is her reply.  "I said you are

a bitch, do I need to spell it out for you?" "No, I

just wanted to be sure you were as stupid as you

look."  She lowers the rifle to his shoulder and fires

off two round, causing him to fall backwards, "Don't

call me a bitch!"



Once she is 200 ft. away, she hears the shouts of the

men taking care of their boss "Hey, freeze you little

tramp!" she hears them come running up to her just as

she sees a red beam the light come from the bushes in

front of her.  The hidden person fires one round at

one of the approaching men, hitting him in the head

and causing him to fall backwards, killing him

instantly.  "You freeze." is Nuku's response.  The men

stop chasing her since they are unable to see where

the bullet came from, "We will let you go this time,

but don't think we will forgive you!"  "You just keep

thinking that, but don't forget I have a better gun

then you, plus a few snipers."  The men retrieve their

fallen man and hurry away.



As Nuku enters through the back door, she calls to the

person still in the bushes "Nice work, Misato.  I knew

you would come check on us at the sound of gunfire..."

 "Hey, you are the ones that keep me alive, I might as

well do the same." is her reply.  "Well, since you are

here, why don't you join us for breakfast?" "I would

love to." she walks out of the bushes and follows Nuku

into the house.  At the table already is Jon and Rei,

"Misato, nice of you to show up." says Jon as he

finishes pouring the milk into his cereal.  "Well,

like I told Nuku here, you keep me alive, so I do the

same for you." "Well, have a seat, plenty of food to

go around." "Thanks, the run over was a good way to

start off my morning."



As breakfast comes to a close, Misato departs from the

group, off to fulfill her orders given to her

yesterday evening.  Once all the dishes have been

done, the three remaining housemates head off to

school, "Rei, when you get to school, hand this note

in to the attendance office, if they have any

questions, they should call either Nuku Nuku, Yui, or

I.  I have sent an email to Yui already explaining the

problem." "Understood father." "Rei, I am more like a

brother then a father..." "Well, I still consider you

a father figure." "I guess it's true, but just be

careful because there still are a few laws in effect

here about who you can live with..." "I know, but I

can still consider you as my family." Rei gets out

once they have all pulled up to the high school, "Have

fun at college." "Bye Rei." Nuku pulls away from the

curb and continues in the direction of the college,

"Jon, I have a favor to ask of you.  I have a package

waiting for me in the Records Office, and I was

wondering if you could pick it up on your way to class

today for me?" "Sure thing hun."



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



At the college, Jon makes his way to the Records

Office to pick up Nuku's package.  As he enters, he

sees a familiar face already in the room.  "Lori, is

that you?" asks Jon.  "Jon, nice to see you, I just

wish it was on better terms..." replies Lori as she

turns and faces him, "I can't afford to stay in

college anymore..." "Why not?" "My grades are too low,

and I have to many things going on right now in my

life." "If you need money, I can help you out, you

don't really need to drop out." "But I have to Jon,

it's the only option I have.  I'm sorry." She gives

him a small hug and walks to the exit.  "Lori, if you

ever need help, you know you can always rely on Nuku

and I..." "Thank you, Jon..." replies Lori as she

disappears from Jon's sight.  'Why does she bring

herself more pain?..' thought Jon as he approached the

counter.  "Can I help you, sir?" asks the

receptionist.  "Yes, I am here to pick up a package

for Nuku Nuku Lorenzo." "Do you have some

identification?" "Yes. "  He pulls an ID card out and

hands it to the person helping him.  "I'm sorry, but

only Nuku Nuku can pick this up, sir." "I should be

able to pick stuff up for her, I am on the access

list." "Let me check on that, hold on..."  She walks

over to another person and starts to verify Jon's

claims, after a few moments have passed she comes back

with a form in her hand, "You will need to fill this

out before I can hand over the package, it's just for

security reasons so that if anything goes wrong we

will know who came here." "I understand miss." He

picks up a pen and signs his name on the bottom line,

then hands it back.  "Here you go sir, and your ID as

well, please have a nice day." "Thanks, you too.  Jon

turns and walks out of the office with the package in

hand.



When the last class of the day has ended, Jon waits

down in the cafeteria for Nuku to arrive, what he

doesn't expect is for Misato to show up, "Misato? 

What's up?" asks Jon.  "Nuku asked me to report my

findings to her as soon as I got the info." She pulls

out a chair and takes a seat, "So what have you been

up to since this morning?" "Not much really, I met up

with a friend today, she has dropped out of school

though, so I won't be seeing her much anymore..."

"Really, who?" "Lori Goll, I don't think you have met

her yet...Misato?" he notices that Misato has a

stunned look on her face, "What's wrong?"  She gets up

and motions for him to follow her to a closet, once

inside she gives him some info not listed in her

report, "Jon, the person you just mentioned may be

linked to the theft at the military base.  I did some

searching into the access logs and her name popped up

as one with the right clearance level for the weapons

systems, I found it was a glitch in the system, but it

may not be anymore..."



They both freeze as they hear the sound of quiet

knocking on the door, but ease up as they hear the

sequence used by all members of REISON, and open the

door.  "Nuku, how did you know we were in here?"  Nuku

doesn't waste any time as she pushes her way in and

quickly closes the door. "Shhh, we have some trouble

outside.  A disgruntle student has been kicked out of

the school and is now threatening to blow it up."

"What?!" whispers Jon.  "He is located under an air

vent in the south-eastern corner of the room.  Another

one is roaming around holding a gun.  Misato, do you

think you can prepare to knock the first one out on my

signal?" "You don't want him dead?" "No, just

unconscious." "I can do that, give me five minutes to

get in position." "Got it, we will be outside as some

of the hostages, they saw me come back here." "I will

be ready." Misato opens up one of the vent covers and

climbs in while Jon and Nuku Nuku exit the room and

into the sight of the gunman, "Hey, you two, get over

here and get on the floor!"  They both do as told and

wait for Misato to get in position.  After a good four

minutes have passed, they make their move when Jon

speaks up "Hey, what do you hope to accomplish here by

threatening us with a bomb?"  The first guy turns and

looks at Jon as he answers "I hope to teach this place

that they don't mess with me ever, I will never

tolerate it.  I want them to give me passing grades in

all of my classes, plus all of my money back!" "And

you think that this is the best way to do it?" "Shut

up!  You have no idea what it is like to be kicked out

of school!"  At this point, Nuku decides it is now or

never for the attack "Too bad you failed."  Sheer

moments later, Misato lets the vent drop as she slams

her gun into a man's head and takes aim for the gunman

"Don't even think about firing, I may be up-side-down,

but I have good marksmanship."  The first guy falls to

the floor and drops the controller in his hand as he

is knocked out cold from the blow.  The gunman sees

that he may still have a chance to win this, "So you

say, but can you kill me before I kill..." He doesn't

get a chance to finish as Misato fires a round at the

back of his head, "Yes."  She watches as he falls to

the floor before she falls down and rights herself,

"Stupid kid." Is her last comment to the fallen

gunman.  "Misato, perfect as always." says Jon as he

stands up and proceeds to check on the gunman,

"Hmm...he's dead, but I don't see anything wrong with

that, he would have killed someone if you hadn't shot

first.  Shall we head out?" "Yes, lets.  I think we

have done enough here for one day." comes Misato's

reply.



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



Twenty minutes later, Misato has headed to the school

to pick up the few members she takes care of, while

Jon and Nuku make their way to the place where they

will pick up the new van.  "Misato said she has the

info you have requested with her right now.  When we

get to base tonight, we can go over the results when

everyone has been accounted for." reports Jon.  "I

just hope we can get something better to eat tonight."

replies Nuku as she hears her phone ring, "Hello? 

Yui, what's wrong?  WHAT?!" Nuku slams on the brakes

as she hears some dreaded news "Yui, Jon will be there

soon!  Just do your best until he arrives!"  She

tosses the phone onto the dashboard as she guns the

engine, "Jon, I will bring the van to base, but you

are needed right away at the high school...Rei has

been shot by one of the people from this morning.  Yui

is the only one there right now since everyone else

was cleared out and brought to base already for safety

reasons." "How bad is she?" "She is alive, but

bleeding badly."  Nuku brings the car to a halt and

dashes out so Jon can speed away quickly, "I will see

you later." "Hai!"  Jon throws the car into gear and

hurries off to the school.



When he arrives he parks the car at an odd angle in

the middle of the street and runs inside to room 206. 

As he is about to enter, he hears Yui's voice, "You

will have to get by me first before I let you kill

her!" "Look lady, I would be glad to kill you as well,

but my orders are to only kill her!  Now get out of my

way!"  Jon reaches for his guns and enters the room at

full speed, "Hey fucker!  DIE!"  He releases several

rounds into the mans body as the man falls down,

"ASSHOLE!"  When the clip has run empty, he shoves the

gun back into it's holder and takes the dead man's gun

as well, then rushes to Rei's side.  "Rei!"  She

doesn't respond as he picks her up and carries her to

the car with Yui in tow, "Yui, be ready to cover me in

case he was not the only one!" "Got it!"  She grabs

the gun Jon retrieved and gets ready to use it.  As

they all approach the exit, Jon takes a round in the

shoulder from a man waiting in the entryway, but Yui

is ready for him and unloads a few rounds into his

chest before she rushes ahead to open the car door for

Jon.  Once everyone is in, she jumps in the driver's

seat and speeds away from the school in the direction

of the base.  As Jon removes his shirt, Rei stirs a

little in his arms as she slowly wakes up, "Jon..."

Jon feels her hand fall to his side as she speaks,

"You look better with the shirt on..." "Rei, you

awake."  He grunts in pain as he moves his right arm

to lift up her head, "You have been hit in the leg and

chest, we are on our way the base right now, just hold

on..." "I will try to, but I feel dizzy." "Then just

relax some..." "Okay..." "YUI, HURRY!!!" shouts Jon to

the driver.  "We are at the entrance, hold on tight! 

replies Yui moments before she takes a sharp turn into

a parking garage and into the entrance to the base

car-lift.  The lift doors close moments before they

hear the sound of the motor kicking in, "Going down to

the 5th level." says Yui, "The current base condition

is Code Blue.  Kaji and Nagisa are standing by at the

lift doors ready to rush Rei to the medical bay, and

Kei is standing by to tend to you as well."

"Understood."



Once the lift levels out and the doors open, Kaji,

Kei, and Nagisa rush in and load Rei onto a gurney. 

Kaji and Nagisa rush her down the hall to the medical

bay while Kei helps Jon out of the car and starts

tending to the shoulder, and Yui grabs the wheelchair

Kei brought along for Jon.  "Kei, has Nuku arrived

yet?" asks Jon.  "Yes, she will be helping to

stabilize Rei while Shinji and I get your shoulder

fixed up." replies Kei as she rushes him out of the

lift, "Yui, why don't you bring the car down to level

1, then join everyone else down in the Rec room." "Got

it."  Yui closes the doors for the lift and sends it

down to level 1 as she gets back in the car.  Kei

continues down the hall, pushing Jon as quickly as she

can to the medical bay.  When they have arrived, she

brings him to one of the beds and is met by Shinji who

is ready with the gas.  Jon listens to the action

coming from across the room as he feel a needle enter

into his arm right before he drifts off to sleep,

hoping at the same time that Rei will pull through.



A few hours later, Jon wakes up in another room with

Shinji sitting in the chair bedside his bed,

"Shinji...hi."  Shinji looks up from the report in

front of him and replies back "Eh, hi Jon, you're

awake finally." "Heh, no bullet to the shoulder will

slow he down, Shinji.  You know that by now..." "True,

though your shoulder will be painful for a few days at

least." "Heheh.  So, how is Rei doing?.." "She will

live, but she hasn't woken up as of yet.  She had a

bullet hit her ribcage and almost damage her liver

from what I hear, plus she will need some stitches on

her left leg where Kaji ended up removing the bullet

imbedded near the bone.  She also lost a fair amount

of blood on the way here, so she may not wake up real

soon." "At least she didn't die..." "Yes, you did the

right thing by rushing to her aid.  I hear that you

had a disturbance this morning too from the same

people." "Yup, we thought we were rid of them, but I

guess not...aaah, I know I am going to feel this pain

for a good while." "You are lucky Kei is a good

surgeon.  She got that bullet out in a hurry."  Shinji

chuckles at his own comment, "She is just as good with

a scalpel as she is with a gun." "Hey, she got high

scores in precision, I wouldn't be surprised she is

good with surgery as well." "Yeah...well, I am going

to let Nuku know you are okay, just get some rest for

now, she will handle the reports for today."  Jon nods

and closes his eyes again as he hears Shinji exit the

room.



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



Two hours later, Jon has awoken again and joined

everyone else in the primary meeting room for an

update on what's going on.  "Okay, I have read all of

the latest info on the situation." reports Nuku, "Now

we will need to plan out exactly how we will

counterstrike, I don't care how messy it is, I want a

counterstrike against these people.  Misato, did you

notice any markings on any of the men from this

morning?"  Misato types in a few keystrokes into her

computer and reads off her data, "I saw one on them

had a tattoo on their right arm, I did a bit of

research and found that it was the symbol of the 'Mark

4' clan. I also ran an origins trace and found they

lead back to DAMNATION in the end." replies Misato. 

"Yui, did the school have anything to report?" "They

reported that the security system had been tampered

with and that is how both men Jon and I saw got in.  I

was also informed that the other student that was hit

will be fine, he just has a flesh wound." "What about

the attackers?" "Dead, from gunshot wounds.  The

school will have the messes cleaned up by tomorrow at

the latest." "Good, it's best not to bring back

memories to the children."  Nuku finally turns to Jon,

"Anything you want to say, hun?" "Yes, one thing I am

confused on is how they knew what room to go to? 

According to what I have read, these men knew where to

go, even what seat Rei was in."  Kei stands up and

reports a few details to everyone "I did not include

this in my report, but I may have seen a sniper across

the street in the trees, so it is possible that there

was a third person involved." "I see, then that person

will be the first to die." replies Jon.  Nuku Nuku

moves on to the last item on the list "And finally,

the status on Rei.  We have stabilized her and she is

now sleeping.  She took one bullet near the upper left

corner of her right breast, and another close to her

left kneecap.  Both bullets have been removed and

blood loss has been resolved."  She punches in a few

keys on the table causing a call to be placed to the

room Rei is residing in, "Nagisa, what is Rei's

current condition?" "Her vitals are good, all we need

to do now is wait for her to wake." "Understood, I

will have two people stay here tonight and watch the

base.  It may also be wise for one or two people to

stand guard at my house just in case we have visitors.

Yohko and Yuri will stay here with Nagisa and Rei

tonight, while Ami will stay with Jon and I at the

house."  As soon as Nuku finishes, Jon voices his

opinion to her "Nuku, it may be best if I stay here

tonight instead, in case Rei wakes up.  I have known

her the longest and I feel she will want me close by

at that time..." "I understand Jon, I will then have

Armitage assigned to the house as well.  Misato can

serve as backup like she did this morning too."

"Sounds good then." "Anyone else that would like to

stay here or at the house as a precaution is welcome

to."  Nuku sees everyone nod in compliance, "First

off, is there anyone that wants to stay here?"  Kei

ends up raising her hand in interest.  "Okay, we have

one for here.  What about the house, maybe even Misato

and Kaji could aid in room at their place?  I know we

can fit three more." Mana, Karin, and Junta raise

their hands.  "Okay, then everyone else will have to

go to Misato place, if they choose to."



The meeting is concluded as everyone gets up and makes

their way to their destinations for the night.  "Kei,

Yuri, may I have a word with you?" asks Jon.  "Okay."

they both reply as they sit down at the table again. 

"I know that both of you are normally not assigned to

do traces and such for wipe missions, but could you

both go into Blue Nexus and find out as much as you

can on 'Mark 4' and find out where they are hiding

out.  I want to be sure they are dealt with ASAP,

meaning you both can use whatever means, including

hacking, to find them and prepare to take them out in

the simplest way possible.  I don't care how messy,

just make sure they suffer." "You have my word, Jon. 

I will patch into Nexops and Nexus 04 for the trace,

if Yuri patches into Nexarrays 01-04 and Nexus 03 for

all data that we may have." repies Kei.  "Sounds fair

to me, I will use terminal 2-C, I find that it is

configured best for Nexarrays 01-11." "Then I will go

into the Blue Nexus main data room for the Nexops

patch." "Sounds like you both have your attack plans

ready, go for it, but don't change the login file,

Yohko will be in the controls room watching the

monitors." "Hai." they both reply again.  "Good luck,

gals, I will see you in the morning.  After being

shot, it's best if I try to store up some energy for

the hit..."



Late into the night, Nagisa is awoken by the sound of

moaning coming from the bed beside her,

"Nnnnn...brother..." is the first thing Rei says as

she awakens.  "Rei?.." "Nagisa?.." "Yes, Rei.  How do

you feel?" "My chest hurts."  Nagisa can't help but

laugh at this slightly as she hugs Rei, "We missed you

kiddo, you are lucky to have people that would give

their lives for each other." "Jon is a good brother

and father to me..." "Heh, he is more like a guardian

angel by the sound of it, his shoulder will be a

little soar for a while..." Rei tries to sit up as she

coughs a few times, "Where is Jon?" "Asleep right now,

he decided to try to sleep a little bit while we

waited for you to wake." "Then, I will let him sleep

some more..." "No need to Rei, I am right here..."

replies Jon from the doorway, "I was always able to

tell when you were awake." "Jon!" shouts Rei. 

"Nagisa, could you excuse us for a few moments?" she

nods and leaves the room so both Jon and Rei could

talk some, "Rei, how are you feeling after being hit

in the chest?" "I feel like I have been hit by a

truck!" "Heh, I had a feeling that would be it.  You

are lucky, no organ damage." "Mmm...yey...." "Well,

you are going to be fine, both bullets were taken out.

 We know who tried to kill you as well, I have both

Kei and Yuri working on a plan for a hit as we speak."

"Brother...why?" "Because they almost did kill you,

and because they also know where we live and work,

plus they injured another student as well.  I consider

that enough for a hit, that and they are tied to

DAMNATION so they will have to be wiped." "Why kill

them?  It wouldn't help us any..." "They will just try

again, we have killed three of their people so now

they will come after us full force.  Rei...I know you

don't like all the killing any...but remember what the

goal is." "I know, to bring back the good in the world

by fixing this place first..." "Rei, you know that I

hate the killings as much as you, but I must do what

is forced, but if you wish, I will stay here with you

when the wipe happens, Nuku can handle it herself."

"Jon, I would like to kill the bastard that brought

this pain, I know that it was a sniper that got my

leg." "Then, we will go together.  For now, just get

some rest, I will be in the next room if you need

anything."  Moments before Jon exits, the security

alarm sounds in the hallway ""Perimeter Alert,

Perimeter Alert..."" Jon reaches for his phone and

places a call to control "Yohko, what's going on?!"

"The damn Paperboy threw another paper at the camera

for Access Door 1 again!" "DAMNIT, this time I am

using the paintball gun on him!  Cancel the alarm."



Ten minutes later, Jon, armed with a paintball gun has

just cornered the Paperboy in the public hall area of

the building above, "How many times have I told you to

NOT throw the paper at the camera!" "Sorry sir, I

didn't mean to." "Well, since you keep doing it, I

will just have to teach you with a different method." 

Jon raises the gun and shoots one round at the

terrified boy, "Don't worry, this one won't kill you,

but it will leave a mark on your shirt." "Huh?" the

paperboy looks down and sees he has been hit with

paintballs. "Next time, you may get shot by a more

painful item from the camera, so I suggest you just

drop the paper off in the mail slot for now on. 

Okay?" "Yes sir." "Good, now run along now, you bother

me."  Jon turns and lets the stunned boy go as he

walks away.



- A L T E R N A T E   L I F E -



A day later, Jon, Rei, Kaji, and OPERATIONS 2 have

gathered in the new van, being prepared for the job at

hand.  "Okay, here is the plan that has been prepared

by Kei and Yuri.  The location of 'Mark 4' is in a

warehouse at the corner of Vine and 7th.  We are going

to wipe the outer perimeter first, enter through the

south doors, and find the sniper from the school, once

we do, Rei will fire the first rounds at him before

everyone else inside starts the second part of the

mission.  When everyone has been killed and the gas

line severed, we will meet back here, at that time,

Kaji will fire a missile at the building, thus

destroying it.  In the meantime, Kaji will be the

driver and lookout.  Any questions?"  No one speaks

up, "Good. Kaji, lets go."  Kaji waves his hand and

starts the van.



When everyone has arrived at the site, the automatic

weapons are handed out, and everyone is deployed. 

Kaji moves to the back of the van where he is to watch

the action.  Armitage starts shooting at the lookouts,

killing them as everyone moves forward.  When they

have arrived at the room where the leader resides, Jon

is the first one to enter, "I presume you are the

leader of this group?" "I sure am.  What can I do for

you before I kill you?" "Tell me who the person was

that killed my friend at the school?" "Rob, step

forward."  I short and thin man steps forward, "This

is the only person you were not able to kill two days

ago." "Well, I kinda lied as well.  You see, my friend

lived, as a matter of fact...Rei, enter please."  Rei

steps into the room with gun in hand before everyone

else follows with weapons drawn, "Rei, why don't you

show Rob here what it feels like to be shot in the leg

and chest."  She takes aim and fires one round at his

left leg, then another at his chest, "Bastard!  Now

you know what it feels like to be shot twice, and now

you will die!"  She fires one more round at his head

before the rest of the group opens fire and kills

everyone in sight.  After the second part of the plan

has been carried out, Jon damages the gas line and

gives the order for everyone to clear out.  As soon as

everyone has safely made it back into the van, Kaji

fires a missile at the building, causing it to be

consumed in a huge ball of fire before he starts the

engine and makes his way back to the base known as

REISON.



T O   B E   C O N T I N U E D . . .



----------------



for more information, you can go to the site at:

http://www.geocities.com/quizered/index.htm



or email the author at:

quizered@evafan.com



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