image by Elaine Cardenas
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Episode 49: "Deliverance/ Toy soldiers"
Misato: . . .
Guard: . . . okay. You're clean.
Misato: . . . Thank you.
Guard: This is under special authorization only. No more than an hour. Do you understand?
Misato: Fully.
Guard: . . .
Misato: . . . . I probably won't even need that long . . .
Guard: Go Ahead.
(Far below the streets and homes of Tokyo 3
. . . in a secluded, darkened corner of The massive
subcomplex that is Nerv central . . . Major Misato Katsuragi is paying
a visit to the base prison . . .
Around her, is a hallway lined with row after
row of imposing, steel doors, each with nothing more than a sliding panel
to allow light and conversation to penetrate to the narrow confines within.
As She is escorted down the grim corridor, Misato eyes each one of them
nervously. . . though most are empty, however, save for the occasional,
hunched over form or nervous, pacing figure . . .
At long last, she and the guard come to their
destination: a cell marked R-13, one of the many
reserved for military prisoners . . .
With a heavy steel screech, the bolt is undone
and the door opened. As Katsuragi steps inside,
she nods to the guard, who shuts the portal behind her, locking it
once more. . .
. . . Several moments pass as Misato
stands there, looking thoughtfully at the prisoner sitting in
the shadows before her . . . for a long time, there is no movement;
no indication, of any kind, that the
person is even aware of her presence . . .
. . . until, finally, a weary voice breaks
the stillness-echoing hollowly off the steel cell walls . .
.)
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: . . . what . . are you doing here . . .?
(Misato shudders at the sudden sound, then checks herself, answering--)
Misato: I . . I came to see you.
Ritsuko: . . . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: (slowly) . . get out. . .leave me alone. . .
Misato: You know I won't do that . . .
(In the darkness, Dr. Ritsuko Akagi shakes her head . . .)
Ritsuko: (quietly) Then, you are wasting your time. . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuyutsuki: I don't believe it is . . .
Gendo: . . .
Fuyutsuki: After all, They haven't said anything since word of Unit 06's destruction spread.
Gendo: I see. . .
Fuyutsuki: Their attempts to . . . "Infiltrate" our command
structure seem so obvious that
one has to wonder if that is there intention at all.
(Meanwhile, in the observation deck above containment
cage 01, Gendo Ikari and Kuzou
Fuyutsuki discuss matters of a somewhat pivotal nature . . . although,
in truth,
they do it from a very odd perspective on things. . .)
Gendo: It is safe to assume so . . . at least, for the time being.
Fuyutsuki: If I may be so bold, You sound far less sure of yourself. . .than usual.
Gendo: Indeed. The plans have taken a turn . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Misato: I . . . thought you might like to know that Shinji's okay . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: He and Asuka were released from the hospital two days ago . . .
Ritsuko: . . what . . .
Misato: . . ?
Ritsuko: . . .what about the 6th?
(At the woman's question, Misato falls uneasily silent . . . contemplating what to say. . .)
Misato: . . .They found his plug three days ago . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: He was barely alive . . . they didn't expect him to pull through the night . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: Luckily, he did. . . The kid's resting, now.
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: But he hasn't woken up, yet . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gendo: . . . Is that so? Pity.
Fuyutsuki: Strange . . . I was sure you'd be a bit more concerned
than that. After all, this boy is still a
part of your plan . . .
Gendo: A very small part, old man. Not necessarily integral, I
can assure you. And certainly not as large
a part as this . .
(The man pauses, indicating the submerged form
of unit 01 far below . . . behind him, Fuyutsuki
seems to remember something, then shakes his head. . .)
Fuyutsuki: That reminds me--the head of the reconstruction teams
informed me of their latest results
regarding unit 01 . . .
Gendo: . . . really?
Fuyutsuki: It seems that, without Dr. Akagi's expertise, it will
take them much longer to repair the
damage than usual.
Gendo: Unacceptable. The very last thing we have to spare
is time.
Fuyutsuki: (disgusted) That has never been so true . . . especially
with the UN's "Representative" already
here . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: . . . Representative?
Misato: Yeah. After What happened to Nerv 2, the Americans
demanded the UN keep us in check while
they were being investigated . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: As it turns out, when commander Fuyutsuki returned from
the summit meeting yesterday, they'd
already decided on a "third party."
(The woman pauses, smirking)
Misato: . .. they even sent a watchdog with him.
Ritsuko: (distantly) Who. . . who was the third party?
Misato: (hesitantly) After what happened four days ago with unit
06, the UN decided to get D.S.I.
involved. UNSynaps was chosen to head the investigation . . .
Ritsuko: And . . . who was the representative?
(Misato sits down on the bench across from the woman, shaking her head . . .)
Misato: (sighing) You're not going to believe this . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Elsewhere . . .)
Lyn: -:-:-:-:-
Voice: The poor child . . .
Voice: What a terrible accident . . .
Voice: Does the boy even know what's going on?
Voice: Awful . . .
Voice: It wasn't his fault. . . . he couldn't have known what he was doing . . .
Voice: The poor child . . .
Voice: His father must be devastated . . .
Voice: Does he blame the boy?
Voice: horrible . . .
Voice: And so young . . .
Voice: I pray that he doesn't . . .
Voice: But-in his heart?
Voice: A child is innocent . . .
Voice: He had no way of knowing . . .
Voice: In his heart?
Voice: He will not be held accountable
Voice: What will he do when he learns the truth?
Voice: but, in his heart?
Voice: So Awful . . .
Voice: In his heart. . . I believe he hates him . . .
Woman's voice: . . .Lyn?
Lyn: . . .
Woman's voice: . . .Lyn?
Lyn: . . .uuhn
Woman's voice: . . .hey
Lyn: . .mmn . . .Who's there . . .
Woman's voice: . . .
(Far above the brig. . . in the base hospital
reserved for wounded and infirm military personnel,
Pilot Lyn Anouilh is pulled from the plane of dreams by a Gentle, kindly
voice . . .
when the child opens his eyes, a blurred image of
a familiar looking, dimly lit hospital room
comes into view . . .
As does the indistinct, hazy face of his visitor,
who sits in the chair next to his bed, smiling down
at him . . .)
Woman's voice: Hey. . . how do you feel?
Lyn: . . nnnh . .. .
(The boy squints as his vision begins to clear.
Soon, the throbbing in his temples subsides,
allowing him to at last see her . . . )
Lyn: . . .!!!
(. . . then, almost at once, those same tired eyes widen abruptly with shock--)
Lyn: . S----SEYOKO!?
(The woman nods, leaning closer . . .)
Seyoko: Long time no see, Anouilh. Did you miss me?
(The boy is struck silent, looking at
someone who, in all honesty, he did not expect to see again .
. .)
Lyn: What--wait--what are you doing here? What happened!?
Seyoko: (chuckling) That was my question . . .
Lyn: . . you-
(Suddenly, the memories of events almost 4
days ago course through his mind, and the boy tries to sit
up--
only to be stunned by a sudden, excruciating pain
in his arm . . .)
Lyn: The test! Oh God, What ha-
Seyoko: (Interrupting) Whoa! Hold it, Lyn--you're not going anywhere!
(with these words, the woman gently pushes him back down, shaking her head . . .)
Lyn: But--The EVA-what happened to Shinji?! A-And Asuka! Are they okay?!
Seyoko: (gently) Calm down . . . the 2nd and 3rd children are
fine. . . you're the only one who was badly
hurt.
Lyn: . . .
(The boy closes his eyes, sighing with relief.
. . as he does so, he becomes aware of a substantial
weight on his arm . . .
Looking at it, he finds a large cast draped around
the limb . . .)
Seyoko: Well, I see you've been up to quite a bit since I left.
Lyn: What . .what are you doing here?
Seyoko: Isn't it obvious, Anouilh? I've come to check up on you . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ritsuko: O-Okazaki?
Misato: Yeah. The same.
Ritsuko: . . .
(Akagi falls silent once more, turning her eyes to the far corner of the room . . .)
Misato: . . .Ritsuko . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: . .please . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: I don't have much time . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: I won't lie to you. I came down here because I need
your help . . .
(Surprisingly, Akagi shakes her head)
Ritsuko: . . . I already know what you're going to ask.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: You want to know about Tenkei, don't you. . ?
Misato: . . . Tenkei. . ?
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: . . . Ev. N.
(Misato nods slowly . . .)
Misato: . . . yes.
Ritsuko: . . .
(The woman sighs, rubbing her eyelids in tight,
small circles . . . finally, she takes a deep breath,
seemingly, trying to overcome some barrier in her resolve--)
Ritsuko: Very well, Misato. I owe you that much, at least.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Tenkei . . . Is the culmination of my efforts with the Human Complementation project.
Misato: (curious) Human Complementation . . . ?
Ritsuko: The child is . . .he is a being created for the sole purpose of human interaction . . .
(The woman pauses, smirking at the concept)
Ritsuko: (whispering) He is a complement . . . in every sense of the word.
Misato: I don't understand . . .
Ritsuko: (interrupting)The boy exists to act as . . a catalyst
. . for human synchronization.
A living, breathing conduit between man and EVA.
Misato: . . .?
Ritsuko: (sighing) Okay--Do you remember . . .when unit 01 absorbed its pilot?
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: . .Something within the EVA willed Shinji's soul to become one with its own.
Misato: . . . yes . .
Ritsuko: . . .and the same thing . . happened to the first pilot, as well?
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Tenkei . . .Is a creature that halts that process.
Misato: "Halts it . . ?"
Ritsuko: He is a genetic creation that filters the pattern link between EVA and child . . .
Misato: . . how?
Ritsuko: I couldn't begin explain it to you . . . not in this place.
Misato: Ritsuko!
Ritsuko: (firmly) I'm not going to tell you any more. . .
Misato: . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shinji: . . . Well . ?
Asuka: . . .
Shinji: Asuka! What's wrong!?
(Meanwhile, far above, on the roadside bluff overlooking the majesty of Tokyo 3 . . .)
Asuka: (snapping) I don't have anything to say to you.
Shinji: . . .was it something I did?
Asuka: . . .
Shinji: Why won't you tell me what's bothering you-
Asuka: (interrupting) Are you still so incredibly thick that you can't figure it out on your own!?
Shinji: . . .
Asuka: (coldly) Why do I have to draw a map for you every
single time!!? It's obvious, you twit! I'm
Pissed!
Shinji: . . . about what . .?
Asuka: What do you mean "about what?" You know what!
Shinji: . . .No, I don't-
Asuka: I LOST. There. Are you happy, great one? I said it. Go ahead. Gloat!
Shinji: . . . What are you talking about!? I'm not going to do that!
Asuka: (sarcastically) What, you're gonna' pity me instead? Oh, how KIND you are!
Shinji: . . .
(As the girl turns her angry gaze to the rooftops
and city streets below, Shinji Ikari detects, through the
now billowing wind, the beginnings of tears in her eyes. . .
. . . Tears of hurt . . .)
Shinji: (quietly ) I don't care about that . . .
Asuka: . . .
Shinji: You know that I -
Asuka: (interrupting) Well I care, you got that?! I LOST AGAIN!!
Shinji: So what!? It means you're human. No one is perfect!
Asuka: Speak for yourself!! I have to be better than that!!
Shinji: Aw, Why do you say things like that-
Asuka: (sharply) Because they're the truth!
Shinji: Why do you have to be so proud!!? I don't care if you lose!!
(As the words come out, Asuka turns to him
once more . . . this time, however, the look in her
eyes is not one of pain . ..
. . . it is one of rage . . .)
Asuka: (shouting) What the hell do you know, Ikari!?!
Shinji: . . .
Asuka: (shouting) Aarrrggh!!! I can't stand this!!
Shinji: . . .
(As she continues, the girl's voice breaks as angered tears gather . . )
Asuka: I CAN'T afford to lose anymore, Dammit!! It's
not Fair!! And The last thing I need is you trying
to tell me it is!
Shinji: That's not what I'm saying .. .
Asuka: (Shouting) Bull-SHIT!!
(Emboldened by some new, unknown resolve, Shinji
Ikari clenches his hand into a fist, shouting
back--)
Shinji: (Shouting) Why can't you just---just open up to me!!?
(At that very moment, Asuka Soryu raises her
gaze to the boy's eyes. For an instant, she stares
into them from afar, as if on the verge of some revelation .
. .
. . . then, she grits her teeth, shoving him
roughly to the ground--)
Asuka: (yelling) Because .. Because ich liebe dich, You Jerk!!
Shinji: (stunned) Wh-what? What does that mean?
(The girl does not answer, however, and runs;
attempting to hold back the tide of misery
threatening to burst forth. . .)
Shinji: . . .
(For a long time, Shinji Ikari simply lay there,
in a quiet state of bewilderment.
As the afternoon sun continues on its day long descent into evening,
the boy coughs
once--watching the girl disappear around a bend in the road . . .
Finally, he stands. Taking his school-bag
in hand, he begins to follow: totally
at a loss of just what to do next . . .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Misato: That's not enough. There's something else.
Ritsuko: . . ?
Misato: You still haven't told me what those . . . those things . . . were.
Ritsuko: What "things?"
Misato: You know. The three most recent attacks. You told me they weren't the angels.
Ritsuko: (laughing weakly) hmm, I did say that, didn't I . . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: . . . Well?
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: Ritsuko-
Ritsuko: Okay . ..
(exhausted, the woman shuts her eyes . . .moving on . . .)
Ritsuko: You're right . . . With the exception of . . unit
06 . . . the last few attacks have not been
perpetrated by the Angels. At least, not OUR definition of
the Angels. . .
Misato: . . . what were they, then?
Ritsuko: It's hard to say. The. . . the Waveform pattern
of the things was similar to the first 17 . . .but, it
was also different. . .
Misato: What do you mean, "different?"
Ritsuko: Artificial, somehow. Little flaws here and there
. . .Like . . . Like it wasn't quite the same makeup.
I can't put it in any better terms for you . ..
Misato: . . . how did you discover this?
Ritsuko: . . . I never told you . . . but after Unit 01 destroyed the
19th, Ikari had me analyze the remains of
the core that it had ejected into Nerv-
Misato: . . .and?
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: . . .
(Misato steps back as a small shudder passes through the woman's body . . .)
Ritsuko: What I found inside . . .
(Akagi closes her eyes, seemingly repulsed at the thought. . .)
Misato: . . .What? What was it?
Ritsuko: Misato, this is not the place to discuss it. . . I . . can't tell you. Not now.
Misato: . . .?
Ritsuko: I will give you this . . .dig deeper, and you will find what you want to know.
Misato: . . .
(Suddenly, Ritsuko fixes a cold gaze upon Katsuragi . .. )
Ritsuko: But I warn you . . . you won't like it.
Misato: I still don't understand, why won't you just tell me?
(In the dimness of the prison cell, Akagi Shakes her head . . .)
image by Elaine Cardenas
Ritsuko: Because I don't want you to despise me any more than you already do, Misato.
Misato: . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lyn: . . .I thought I'd never see you again. . .
Seyoko: Well, I'll admit the feeling was mutual.
Lyn: . . .
(Meanwhile, far above, in the base hospital room where Lyn Anouilh resides .. . .)
Lyn: (passively, in English) Did you go back to Europe?
Seyoko: Last month . . . Oh, I visited Oxford . . .
(To the young woman's surprise, Lyn laughs weakly to himself, turning his eyes to the ceiling --)
Lyn: . .Heh . . Did you? How is old Jean Philippe?
(The girl shakes her head, correcting him . .. )
Seyoko: Your father. . . is fine.
Lyn: . .Hmmph . . . and what about 'dear Anna?'
Seyoko: (Annoyed) your Step-mother was okay too . .. Lyn!
It's unhealthy for you to refer to your parents
by their first names . . .
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: (quietly) It's also disrespectful . . .
Lyn: Well, at least I'm being honest about my feelings, aren't I?
Seyoko: . . .
Lyn: Why didn't you write? Or call?
Seyoko: . . .I was kind of out of it for a while, Lyn. I was very busy . . .
Lyn: Too busy to see if I'd gotten killed yet?
Seyoko: Now, That's not fair.
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: . . .
Lyn: (quietly)You left without even saying goodbye. Just
a note on the table and good intentions at the
door.
(Seyoko is hesitant before responding)
Seyoko: Lyn . . . I was responsible for you getting injured. I could barely look at you, let alone talk.
Lyn: Whatever . . .
(an uneasy silence passes between them for a moment. Then, Seyoko continues . . .)
Seyoko: Oh . . . Major Arnold asked about you . . .
(At the sound of the man's name, Anouilh's
eyes widen momentarily . .. then fall, as he averts
his gaze to the window on the other side of the bed . . .)
Lyn: . . . did he have anything to say to me?
Seyoko: Not really.
Lyn: . . .
(Alarmed by the boy's sudden reclusiveness,
Seyoko feels an almost overwhelming
uneasiness grow within her. A moment later, she stands, taking her
bag from the floor
beside her chair. . .)
Seyoko: Look. . . I'm going to let you get some rest . . .
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: But I want you to Remember something, Anouilh;
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: You are not to blame for what happened.
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: It was an accident. You had no control over the situation.
Lyn: . . .
Seyoko: . . It was not your fault. I know you did what you could . . .
Lyn: . . .
(the woman stands there for a while, waiting
for a response from the boy . . . when there is none,
she shakes her head, taking her leave.
Lyn does not move as the door shuts quietly
behind her. A reserved, silent moment passes as he
continues staring out the window through half-open lids. Outside,
a featureless view affords him no
solace as he lies there, unmoving. . .
Finally, he turns away--looking up at the ceiling . . .)
Lyn: (quietly) . . . that's what they said . . .the first time. . ..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Meanwhile, far below, a voice is heard from outside cell R-13 . .)
Guard: You've got 20 minutes . . .
Misato: (calling) I understand.
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: I haven't got too much longer . . .
Ritsuko: (sarcastically) . . . What makes you say that?
Misato: I . . .checked the charges against you . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: You're . . . under investigation for what happened to
Unit 06. . . and defying
Commander Ikari's orders . . .
Ritsuko: Anything else?
Misato: . . .uh . . .
(Ritsuko sits there, expectantly . . .when Katsuragi does not answer, however, she intones--)
Ritsuko: Misato, I'm going to find out sooner or later. You might as well tell me.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Misato!
(At last, Misato closes her eyes, whispering quietly--)
Misato: . . .You're being charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder.
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: I'm . . . I'm not surprised. The dummy system, eh?
Misato: . . .
(Katsuragi simply nods . . .)
Ritsuko: (quietly) very good, Gendo . . .
(Misato says nothing for a long time . . .
as Ritsuko shakes
her head in almost morbid amusement . .)
(then--)
Misato: Ritsuko . . . tell me. . .
Ritsuko: (interrupting) What, you expect me to "pour my heart
out to you?"
Before they take me away to face my fate?
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Do you think that cross on your neck makes you a priest, Misato?
Misato: . .
Ritsuko: . . Hardly. .
Misato: You've got nothing else. Help me.
Ritsuko: . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: (reluctantly) Fine, then. But I'll only tell you if you promise a favor for me in return.
Misato: (surprised) What?
Ritsuko: (quietly) you heard me.
Misato: Well. . . What do you want. . ?
(Akagi shuts her eyes-)
Ritsuko: You'll find out. Soon.
Misato: . . . Dammit, Ritsuko! This isn't funny!
Ritsuko: (calmly) I'm not joking.
Misato: (scowling) Fine.
Ritsuko: . . . what do you want to know?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hikari: . . .
Touji: Hikari?
Hikari: . . .hmm?
Touji: You're zoning out again . . .
Hikari: Oh . . sorry . ..
Touji: What's the matter? You feelin' sick?
Hikari: No.
Touji: What, then?
Hikari: . . . I guess . . .I'm worried.
Touji: . . ?
Hikari: . . about Asuka.
(Elsewhere, far above on a city sidewalk in
the southern district, Touji Suzihara and Hikari
Horaki walk the street in the slowly dwindling daylight. On his
left shoulder, Touji carries both his
school-bag, and hers. As the two continue their conversation,
Horaki shakes her head . . )
Hikari: I guess its really nothing. . .but . . .
(as her voice trails off, Touji edges closer . . )
Touji: She'll get over it. This has happened before, right? She can work it out.
Hikari: I can't . . seem to get it out of my mind, though.
Touji: . . .
(suddenly, Hikari stops, looking up into her companion's eyes-)
Hikari: Touji . . . can we please go to your house? My sisters
won't be home for another hour or two . . . I
don't want to be alone. . .
(The boy almost recoils in sudden embarrassment, before answering-)
Touji: . .sure . .. I guess.
Hikari: . . .you mean, it wouldn't be a problem?
Touji: No . . .
Hikari: . . thank you . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Misato: (in shock) A . . .a delivery system?
Ritsuko: That's the best I could come up with.
Misato: Who in the hell would create something like that!?
Ritsuko: I couldn't say. It's all speculation, at this point.
The committee doesn't have the expertise or
the resources. Not to create something as large or as powerful as
one of those.
Misato: But, to deliver what? And why use Angels?
Ritsuko: . . . I couldn't say. You know that.
Misato: but-
Ritsuko: When will you understand that I simply don't know!? I'm trying not to steer you into a wall!
Misato: (frustrated) Okay . .Okay . . .what about Ikari?
Ritsuko: . . .
Misato: What does HE want from all this?
Ritsuko: I . . .used to think that I knew. . .
Misato: . . used to?
Ritsuko: Just ask yourself . . .what does he stand to gain . . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: He has his own goals now.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: And he's willing to do anything to achieve them.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Even if it means using someone else's children as a means to an end.
Misato: . . . you mean, like the sixth child?
(Suddenly, Ritsuko smirks . .
. . .Something which does not ease Katsuragi's nerves . . . )
Ritsuko: Oh, There's more, Misato.
Misato: . . ?
Ritsuko: The boy . . . Lyn Anouilh?
Misato: yeah?
Ritsuko: He . . . is not the sixth child.
Misato: (in disbelief) . . . What?
Ritsuko: You Already know the truth about the Marduk . . . about our selection protocols . ..
Misato: (coldly) What of it. . .?
Ritsuko: Ikari 'engineered' the Marduk report . . . so this boy
would be chosen.
But he was the seventh . .
(Ritsuko pauses, taking a curious satisfaction in Misato's surprised reaction . . .)
Misato: . . !
Ritsuko: . . Not the 6th.
(Misato stares at Akagi, baffled)
Misato: Ritsuko, why? What--what do you mean he's not the 6th? How did this happen!?
Ritsuko: (sighing) After the death of the 5th . .and Asuka recovered
. . . I began the search for
the next qualified child. Unit 06 had been approved for testing,
but we didn't
want to risk losing an experienced pilot in the event that it went . .
.berserk.
Misato: . . . and?
Ritsuko: It took me almost a week to find her . .a child whose
core was the most feasible for the New
EVA's systems.
Misato: "Her?"
Ritsuko: Yes.
Misato: And--What happened?
(Akagi exhales slowly, cradling her head in her hand-)
Ritsuko: . . . She refused.
Misato: What?
Ritsuko: She Refused.
Misato: Wait--What do you mean "refused?"
Ritsuko: She didn't want to be a part of it. I can't tell
you I was surprised, either. The Girl didn't even
stay for the full interview. She politely rejected, stood, and left.
Misato: . . . refused . . .
Ritsuko: . . .There isn't much more to say.
Misato: . ..
Ritsuko: My guess is it had something to do with what happened to the 4th..
Misato: . . .Touji. . .
Ritsuko: Whatever. At any rate, I certainly wasn't going
to force her. . . Not that she
gave me the chance to.
Misato: Who . . . who was she?
Ritsuko: Oh . . . I don't remember.
Misato: You don't remember?!
Ritsuko: . . .Just one of Shinji's classmates.
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: Anyway . . . after that, I had no choice but to go back
to the list of possible candidates.
Before I could, though, I found the Marduk report on my desk the next morning,
indicating a
pilot had already been 'found'.
Misato: . . . Anouilh.
Ritsuko: Right. And it was obvious who decided on him in the first place. . .
Misato: But . .why would commander Ikari do that? It just created a hell of a lot of confusion-
(At this, Akagi almost smiles, looking the major in the eye--)
Ritsuko: . . Precisely. . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: He's been behind this from the start. He knows
better than anyone else what's going on, and
he's not telling. Not even me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maya: (indicating herself) "girl-"
Tenkei: G .. . Grrll.
Maya: (indicating Tenkei) "boy . . ."
Tenkei: b---Boo . .eee?
Maya: "Boy."
Tenkei: B .. .booeey.
Maya: (indicating herself) "Me."
Tenkei: . .. ?
Maya: "Me."
Tenkei: . . M . . .Meee.
Maya: (indicating Tenkei) "You."
Tenkei: Yu . . .yooo.
(Far below central dogma, in the now brightly
lit Ev. N development lab, a language lesson of
sorts is taking place. . .
Maya Ibuki, assistant to Dr. Ritsuko Akagi,
kneels in front of the placid, white-haired child known simply as " Tenkei."
Her hands on the boy's shoulders, the woman nods slowly as he
attempts to pronounce the words she gives him . . . )
Maya: Very good
Tenkei: Gooood?
Maya: Yes.
(The woman nods as the boy struggles to repeat her . . .)
Maya: can you say "man?"
Tenkei . . .?
Maya: "man"
Tenkei: m . .Maa. . maan?
Maya: . . . and "Woman"
Tenkei . . .?
Maya: "woman."
Tenkei: ooo-
Maya: . . .
Tenkei: Oooo-maan?
Maya: "Woman"
Tenkei: Ooman?
Maya: (laughing) . . .close enough.
(At the site of Maya's joy, the boy smiles, giggling with delight--)
Tenkei: Shou helua . . . 'Anna ouhi'buha wa hi'ya sa'ida!
(Maya shakes her head, correcting him.)
Maya: Tenkei--you must speak in Japanese.
Tenkei: j-jap-an-eez?
Maya: yes.
Tenkei: Ma'alashi. An' ehki anta, wa anta ma'ba'rif.
Maya: . . . I can't understand you.
Tenkei: (frustrated) Lah . . . anna ma'bide.
Maya: I know you can understand me.
Tenkei: . . .
Maya: Can you say, "Nerv?"
Tenkei: . . .
Maya: "Nerv . ."
Tenkei: Na . . .Ne-Nehv.
Maya: What about "Tokyo 3?"
Tenkei: . . . nnn?
Maya: "Tokyo-three"
Tenkei: nn! B-b-
Maya: . .?
Tenkei: Ba--bel!
Maya: . . .what?
Tenkei: Babel! Babel!
Maya: No. "Tokyo 3"
Tenkei: . . .
(the child shakes his head, raising his hand to the sky--)
Tenkei: Babyl!
Maya: . . . .?
Tenkei: Babyl--on!
(The lesson immediately stops, however---
As Maya has found herself mute with shock .
. .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Meanwhile, outside the door . . . neither
Maya nor Tenkei seem to notice a still, sad figure
standing in the hallway outside the closed door that leads into
the laboratory.
Rei Ayanami runs her fingers over the smooth, cold
steel of the Lab door for the second time. Turning
her eyes upward as the sound of laughter can be heard coming from inside,
her gaze finds a steel plate
affixed to the very center of the portal.
T.D.
0264
Ayanami stares at it for a several moments, absently tracing the stenciled numbers with her fingertips.
And, as the light in her soul recedes for perhaps
the thousandth time, Rei ingrains the door's number on
her memory . . . to finally complete the fearsome visions that have
haunted her since her first meeting
with the boy almost 6 months ago . . .
Then, she sighs--turning back to the path that
will lead her to the world above. In her heart, she has a
new sense of worry . . .of trepidation . . .
. . .for now, she knows something is coming. . .
. . . Very, very soon . . . )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Elsewhere, several levels above . . .)
Ritsuko: He . . . He betrayed me, Misato. Again.
Misato: . . .
(Akagi inhales sharply, moving on--)
Ritsuko: I was a fool . . . blind and ignorant. . .
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: I thought I could still compete with "her".
Misato: . . .
(As she pushes on, Akagi's voice breaks. .
.As her firmness waivers, and her emotions threaten to
let loose . . )
Ritsuko: . . .but . . . in the . .end, . . . she used my . . my own creation against me . . . .
(The woman stops-digging her fingers into her
eyes in a vain attempt to halt the first tracings of
tears . . .)
Misato: Ritsuko-
(As Katsuragi edges closer, Ritsuko suddenly
stands, turning away --)
Ritsuko: (shouting) Get back!!
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: (panting) My life ended . . . when he put Tenkei in the
plug with Rei. He used the boy as a
weapon. With HER. He. . .HE KNEW what would come
of it! He promised me the child would
be used to protect the pilots . . .To protect Shinji . . . The boy was
my salvation!
Misato: . . .
Ritsuko: He took my only chance for repentance and turned into my damnation . . .
Misato: . . .Ritsuko . . I still don't understand-
Ritsuko: I don't expect you to!
Misato: But-- what is he?!
Ritsuko: he is . .he is. . . the seventh.
Misato: The seventh? But --I thought you said Lyn was the seventh child-
Ritsuko: You don't understand. Tenkei is Not one of the children. . .
Misato: Then what IS Ev. N? How does it---
Ritsuko: (interrupting) Dammit, Misato, you're not listening! . . .he is factae de Adamo.
Misato: . . .What do you mea-
(Before Misato can respond, however, the sound
of the bolt on the other side of the cell door
being undone echoes loudly within the confines of the tiny room, cutting
her off. The woman turns her
head to see two guards enter , squinting as the light behind them pours
into the dimly lit chamber )
Misato: Wait! I've still got 5 minutes!
Guard A: I know.
Misato: What is this, then?
(The man shakes his head, indicating Dr. Akagi--)
Guard A: The commander wants to see her. Then . . .
Misato: (interrupting) Then what?
Guard A: Then, She is to be extradited.
(Without a word, Ritsuko stands--stepping slowly
toward the men as Misato's gaze falls to the
floor. . .
Then, as the men affix handcuffs to Ritsuko's
writs, Katsuragi finds something within her heart
that still needs release . . .)
Misato: Ritsuko?
(The men stop for a moment, as Akagi turns to the major for perhaps the last time . . .)
Ritsuko: Yes?
(Misato straightens up, looking the other woman with regretful, somber eyes. . .)
Misato: I want you to know . . .I forgive you.
(Surprisingly, Ritsuko shakes her head . . . returning the major's gaze, for an instant . . . )
Ritsuko: I wish I could believe that. . . But thank you.
Misato: . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Moments later, in the ominous, vast office
of Nerv's supreme commander . . .)
Gendo: . . . Criminal Negligence.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: Insubordination.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: counterproductive influence.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: Disobeying orders. . .
Ritsuko: . ..
Gendo: Murder.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: . . . Multiple counts . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: Every one of these is a court-marshal offense.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: Do you have anything to say on your behalf?
Ritsuko: . . .
(When Akagi does not answer, the man behind
the ominous desk turns to the officers waiting at
the door--)
Gendo: Gentleman, you may wait outside.
(With a quick salute, the men comply, exiting. . .)
(As the doors close behind the two, Gendo turns
once more to Ritsuko.)
Gendo: You knew it would be this way.
Ritsuko: . . . yes.
Gendo: You gave me no other options.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: It is unfortunate that it had to come to this, Ritsuko.
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: You know, of course, what will happen to you.
Ritsuko: I do. And I do not care.
Gendo: . . . very well. Tell me . ..
Ritsuko: . . ?
Gendo: After all that has occurred . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: Do you have any new regrets?
Ritsuko: . . . yes . . .
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: I have one.
Gendo: . . .
Ritsuko: . . . I regret that, After all that has happened, I find that
I cannot bring myself to hate you . . .the
same way they hate you. I can only feel so for myself.
(As Akagi turns to take her leave, where the
guards are waiting to escort her away from the
facility, Gendo utters one more thing . . .)
Gendo: By the way . . .
Ritsuko: . . .
Gendo: I truly. . . did care for you.
Ritsuko: . . .
(The woman turns, stepping slowly toward the man seated behind the desk . . )
Gendo: . .
(Ikari, however, does not so much as flinch-
As Dr. Ritsuko Akagi spits in his face . . .)
Ritsuko: Liar!
Gendo: . . .
(The woman gives him one last cold glare before
turning away once more, walking unhesitantly
toward the exit. . .)
Gendo: (thinking) so, it shall be.
(The man says nothing as the doors shut behind her for the last time . . .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Elsewhere . . .)
(far from Nerv . . .)
(In a secluded, darkened hangar on the other side of the planet . . .)
( . . .Dozens of technicians, wearing unfamiliar,
blue uniforms, go about the repair and
reconstruction of a giant . . .)
Announcer: (in English) Attention, primary docking crew.
M.A.R.I. activation and Harmonization trial will
begin in T-minus 600 minutes and counting. Primary ordinance installation,
report to the Armory department head for final confirmation. Plug
insertion,
organics, and pilot STC teams, system orientation and final Neural A-10
synapse installation will begin at 0900. Repeat, Evangelion
unit 04
Mobile Armored Reconniasance and Infantry activation
and Harmonization
trial will begin in T-minus 59 minutes and counting . . .
(. . .in the very center of the massive bay,
the ominous form of Evangelion unit 04 stands, affixed to a
large, winding scaffold. Its reconstruction nearly complete,
the EVA is silent-the sparks from the dozen
or so acetylene torches affixing armor to its body glinting brightly
off its gray, metal hide. As the workers
scurry about the unit's feet, directing the crews as they complete
their duties, a single, simple symbol can
be seen, painted carefully on the unit's shoulders . . .)
(and, when the men finally complete their work, the lights go
out . . . as the EVA is finally
locked into place, like a juggernaut , awaiting the moment when it
will, at last, be activated . . .)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Meanwhile . . .)
(In a place far removed from the rest of humanity . . .)
(The monolithic throne of souls speaks . . .
of designs made . .
and plans achieved . . .)
Seele: Once more, we are on schedule.
Seele: indeed, it would seem our time is finally at hand.
Seele: The insertion was a success . . . and extraction was achieved.
Seele: You have performed well beyond our expectations.
UNSynaps: It could not be any other way . . . The final stage is now set to begin.
Seele: The time?
Seele: Soon
Seele: At last . .
Seele: At last!
Kihl: Ikari, not even you could have expected such an attack.
Seele: He seems to be totally unaware . . .
Seele: It does not matter.
Seele: Yes. Soon, he shall be dead.
Seele: Such is the price for betrayal.
Seele: But, not until he has served his final purpose.
Kihl: Yes.
Seele: That which was central to his plan now lies strewn about the cursed city.
Seele: But, you do not fear he will try to prevent seizure?
Seele: Of Nerv?
Kihl: He would not be so foolish. He will try to salvage what remains of his scheme.
Seele: And that will be his downfall . . .
Seele: . . .
Seele: . . .
(suddenly, from beyond the darkness, a New voice is heard. . .)
Girl's voice: . . . And so, It shall also be yours, as well.
Seele: . .!
Seele: . .what !
UNSynaps: . . .!
Seele: . . What?!
Kihl: . . .
(abruptly, from the shadows, a lithe, feminine
form steps into the minuscule light of the cold,
sable chamber . . . It walks into the circle of steles , without fear,
and faces the representation of Kihl . . .)
Kihl: (angrily) You . . .
Seele: . . .
Seele: . . . how dare you . . .
Kihl: You were never to show yourself in this place!
Girl's voice: (quietly) Speak not to me of promises broken, Keel.
Kihl: . . .
Seele: Hmmph. So, the "plant" at last shows herself.
Seele: We were beginning to think you'd gone.
Seele: Or worse.
Seele: Indeed.
Seele: Why are you here? You have failed in your mission!
(strangely, a sudden laugh is the answer is the to monolith's accusation)
Girl: Really? I was not aware that I was under any "orders" . . .
Seele: . . .
Seele: . . .
(As the girl's form steps into the light reflected
off of the stout, black, ebony surfaces, a familiar
figure can at last be seen . . .
The figure of Aoi Tamashii . . .)
Aoi: You dare to interfere. . . when I am that which decides their fate . . .!?
Seele: . . .
Seele: You . . .
Seele: . . .
Seele: You proved worthless to our endeavor!
Seele: . . . Useless . . .
Seele: You did not succeed in your duty!
Seele: Instead, you chose to waste your time . . .
Seele: Yes.
Seele: . . . With the children . . .
Seele: . . .
Aoi: (quietly) Watch your tone, puppet . . . I will not warn you again.
Seele: Oh, Spare us your threats!
Seele: You became distracted.
Seele: With that boy . . .
Seele: Indeed! Your . . . "interest" . .. in that child is well known among the circle-
Seele: Yes . . .
Aoi: . . .
(rather than answer the accusation, however,
Aoi simply raises her hand, balling it into a fist as
she turns an icy, hate-filled glare toward the monolith marked "SEELE
03" . . .
. . . seconds later, the air about it distorts,
as, with several loud, grinding "CRACKS", A long,
serpentine fracture nearly splits the obelisk in two . . .)
Seele: . . .!!!!!
(An instant later, the image of the monolith fades, distorts,
then, finally, it vanishes . . .)
Seele: . . .
Kihl: enough of this . . !
(With this, the girl drops her hand . . .and approaches the representation of Kihl . . .
as she speaks, her voice is both slow and deliberate . . .)
Aoi: If you dare to interfere again. . .if you so much as touch
the child, or any of the children . . I will
eradicate what little
remains of your pathetic species . . .
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: . . . beginning, first, with you, ancient one.
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: Whatever plans you have made, know now that they mean nothing.
Your designs will be strewn
about the stream of
fate like so much dust, if I so desire. Your Annihilation has been
delayed only
because I have
deemed it so.
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: You will not go near the chosen progeny.
Kihl: . . .
(The girl frowns, eyeing the representation of UNSynaps . . .)
Aoi: Your new pawn has served you well.
But It shall not guarantee
your place in the Ascension.
Know this. Know
also your false ones will be useless to you,
should you hazard trying
again.
Kihl: . . .
(At last, she smirks, turning to Kihl once more . . .)
Aoi: Have no fear, my Keel.
When the time of the release
comes . . .
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: When your time comes . . .
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: You will be erased.
Kihl: . . .
(The girl turns to the remaining monoliths . . )
Aoi: . . . All of you will.
(with this, Aoi shuts her eyes, turns away, and walks into the darkness . . .
. . . And, As her form recedes from sight, she adds--)
Seele: . . .
Seele: . . .
UNSynaps: . . .
Seele: . . .
Seele: . . .
Kihl: . . .
Aoi: And the many, shall become one.
Kihl: . .
Aoi: . . .this . . I so promise . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To Be Continued . . .
