Rei's Child

Written By: Jon L

This Chapter follows the events of Chapter Six

"speaking"--'thinking'--<phone>--=dream=

Ah, Waking up can be a pain. It is a time that most people will feel like wanting to get more sleep, some do and some don't. There are some people that use caffeine to wake up, others use food, and even a few may find a method all their own to wake up. But, there are also those that have no trouble waking up, those that can be alert the second they open their eyes. One of these people is Rei Ayanami, a person that could be sleeping one moment and fighting angels the next. But, for some reason, This morning Rei seems to be having trouble waking up as Shinji tries to wake her.

"Rei, wake up. We need to get ready to go to NERV for your test,"

"Nnnnnn, let me sleep..."

"But Rei, you have to get up."

Now three days later, Ritsuko has requested that Rei and Shinji arrive at NERV for the next test concerning Rei's Child. It is mid morning now and the sun has risen and is peaking through the shades in the bedroom.

"Let me sle...zzz."

Shinji is beginning to get the impression that a more effective means will be needed. He walks over to the window and pulls open the shade, allowing the sun to shine on Rei.

"HEY!"

"Rei, it's time to get up."

She slowly rises from the bed as Shinji limps over to try and help her up but is pushed away as she tries to stand on her own, "It is okay Shinji..."

As she stands up, Shinji takes a good look at her and sees she looks tired as she tries to gain her balance.

"I will go prepare breakfast."

He walks out of the room as he sees her stagger over to the dresser to find something to wear before heading to the shower, 'I wonder why Rei looks so tired?..'

****************

After breakfast has been finished and dishes done Rei and Shinji are ready to head out the door and to NERV to do some swimming this morning, as they leave the apartment they hear Misato exit from next door.

"Morning you two, have a good nights sleep?"

"I did, Misato, but Rei seems to be a bit tired."

Misato walks up to Rei and sees she looks really worn down, "Rei, is anything wrong?"

She doesn't answer as she stares back with half closed eyes.

Shinji moves closer to Misato and whispers something in her ear, "Misato, do you think you can bring us in, I doubt if she passes out I will be able to help her much with a twisted ankle."

Misato nods, "Rei, I got a call saying that I would have to bring both you and Shinji in today because the rail lines are being tested for possible problems today and Ritsuko doesn't want Shinji to have to walk down into the Geofront on foot."

Rei doesn't make a sound as she looks at Misato.

"Rei?"

Misato gets no answer as she waves a hand in front of Rei's eyes.

"Shinji, here are my keys, I will bring Rei to the car."

"Hai."

****************

After a quick drive through the remains of the city, Misato has helped bring Rei to NERV where she leave both her and Shinji in Ritsuko's care.

"Shinji, how is your angle?"

"It feels better, but I am having trouble walking."

Ritsuko nods and turns to Rei, "Rei, how are you feeling this morning?"

"Ritsuko, She hasn't really said a word since we left the apartment..."

"She looks tired too..."

"She had trouble waking up this morning."

'Rei, can you hear me?"

Rei yawns before replying, "Yes..."

"Hmm...are you feeling okay?"

"I am fine..."

"Shinji, can I talk to you?"

They both exit into the hallway so they can talk in private.

"Shinji, is Rei staying up late?"

"Not that I know of."

"Has she awaken during the night at all?"

"No."

"Hmm, I have an idea, how about you head down to the pool and enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi while I see if I can find out what is wrong with her."

"Okay."

"I will page you when I have found out anything."

Shinji nods and walks in the direction of the NERV pool. After he has arrived and changed he carefully steps into the hot water and sits down, one thing he has become thankful for is the fact that he can swim without worrying about the dressings on his ankle being affected. As he enjoys the nice and hot water, he feels the presence of another close by, as soon as he turns around he sees Asuka standing behind him.

"Good morning, baka."

"Oh, morning Asuka."

"Where is Wondergirl?"

"Oh, Rei is with Ritsuko. She seems to be sick or something."

"Nah, Rei just needs to sleep since the baby is wearing her down."

"What? How did you know she was tired?"

"I don't know...I just felt that she was for some reason..."

"Asuka, I was never really clear on what happened after you and Rei got merged."

"I don't know how to describe it."

"I see..."

"Shinji, I know I have asked this before, but do you care for Rei a lot?"

"Yes, but I believe..."

"I know what you are about to say, and, after being inside Rei's head, I think I can tell you that you are doing the right thing for her."

"Really?"

"Hey, she likes how much you care for her, even though she doesn't always show it."

"Well, I am worried right now, I mean, this isn't normal for her..."

"Anta baka, she is carrying a child, that must wear her down some!"

"I know, gut to tell you the truth, this is the first morning she has shown signs of fatigue. Up until this point she has been up before me in the morning."

"I don't know what to say, except be patient."

He nods as he closes his eyes and enjoys the warmth of the water around him. Soon he opens his eyes again and sees the Asuka has left, but moments later he notices the color of the water has changed to a bluish-green.

"What the?.."

As he sits there, a strange feeling passes over him. He tries to stand up but appears to be restrained by an unseen force.

"Asuka?!"

He hears no reply as he struggles against the force holding him down, "ASUKA, HELP!" After many moments he sees a flash as he wakes up and sees Asuka sitting across from him in the water.

"Baka, what are you staring at?!"

"Asuka?"

"What?"

"Nothing, I guess it was just a dream..."

She gives him a cold glare, "Better not have been about me."

"I-It wasn't."

****************

Down in Ritsuko Akagi's office, Misato and Ritsuko have met for a brief update on the situation concerning the JSSDF.

"Ritsuko, you said you had some news for me?"

"Yes, that device you had brought to me is the same type used to affect the power lines here. It looks like personal will need to be sifted through since the person had to have had the schematics to pull this off. But, that is not the kicker."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the Generator that was affected was also a data port for emergencies, if at some point normal access goes offline and a person need to connect right away, then a few locations on the surface have been fitted with emergency ports."

"You mean, the line it was attached to was not for the generator itself?"

"No, it was for the generator, but it also served as a port."

"Then, someone was trying to gain access to the MAGI?"

"I believe so, but when the device was activated, it caused feedback for the unit and triggered the backup power system."

"But how would that cause it to blow up?"

"Simple, if main power is still on, then it will overheat the core, and since they run on gas, it blew up once the temp reached a certain point."

"I get it now. I will request that Security research personal records to see if they find any red flags."

Ritsuko nods and turns to a monitor in the room.

"Ritsuko, is that Rei?"

"Yes, I have checked her into one of the NERV sleeping areas for a bit so she can sleep."

"Is anything wrong?"

"Yes and no..."

"What?"

"Well, nothing that requires me to put her in a hospital bed or to worry about, but she seems to be getting drained energy-wise by her unborn child at an abnormal rate."

"Well, should I exclude her from this week's round of tests?"

"Well, I have to think about it, it depends on how long she sleeps today, if she goes over 6 hours right now, then I will say yes."

"Will Shinji be needed then, or should I relieve him to watch Rei?"

"If Rei stays at home, have him removed from training until Rei is better. I can use Asuka for Unit-01's entry plug if required."

"You can't be serious?!"

"I am, I think it is safe to say she won't be rejected by it."

"Understood."

****************

Somewhere of on another plane of reality, someone has begun a new journey taken by another person already, a journey that provides a key to that person's present state of mind.

=(A child can be seen standing in front of some large windows looking into a larger room beyond, this child wears no expression on her face since she is unaware of what is going on.)=

=(The child hears a voice come from behind her.)=

="Asuka dear, momma has to go now. Please be a good girl."=

=(The girl does not say a word as she stares at the person's reflection in the glass.)=

="Asuka?"=

="I understand."=

="Is something wrong? Has momma upset you?"=

="No. I am fine."=

="Well, be a good girl and wait for your father here, momma has to go for a test."=

="Understood"=

=(After a few moments of hesitation, the person standing behind Rei heads out of the room to perform the test she is to be apart of today.)=

="Who are you?"=

=(The young girl sees a person walk up to the round shiny thing and climb in, then sees it close up and fall in to the giant. She can hear stuff being said over the loudspeaker in the room but is unable to understand it. After a few minutes have passed she feels the room vibrate as the test starts up. When the test is about to proceed to the next phase, the child hears the door open behind her.)=

="Hello, Asuka dear."=

=(The child does not reply as the person comes closer.)=

="Asuka?"=

=(The girl continues to stare out the window at the giant in the next room.)=

='I know of this...'=

=(After a few moments pass by the girl watches as the giant starts to break free of the restraints holding it to the wall before she is grabbed and rushed out of the room by the person behind her.)=

="Asuka, I think it would be best to get something to eat."=

="Who are you?"=

="Asuka, I am your father."=

="No, you are not."=

The world around Rei begins to fall apart after she has said these words aloud. After all has disappeared she sees a figure with the appearance of Asuka standing a fair distance away from her.

"What is it you want?"

"I want help."

"I do not understand?.."

"You will when the time comes."

Rei blankly stares into the eyes of the figure as it begins to take on a new shape, one of a torn doll.

"I don't want this to be me."

"Then, don't be it."

"I must first learn what I can become."

"You do not require me for that."

"You know my past, you know my pain. I need your help."

"You are but a dream."

"No, I am a dream outside of the dream, a thing that your mind has created from the memories of another."

"Then, what was the dream is gone."

"All that remains is the part outside of it, a part that does what the person it represents can't do."

"So, you are the Asuka that is crying for help?"

"Yes, but help will not be required right away, you will know when that time come."

The darkness soon begins to turn into a room with four white walls and a bed with a person in it. Soon, a wall holding a window appears in front of her along with a figure on the bed holding a doll.

=(Rei looks through the window in front of her and sees a person feeding food to a doll.)=

="Asuka, you should eat. If you don't that girl will laugh at you."=

=(Rei watches as the soup drips down off of the doll's face as the person continues to feed it.)=

='Another memory I know...'=

=(The figure Rei was talking to reappears next to her.)=

="Only you will be able to understand what type of help is needed when the time comes, otherwise this may be the end result."=

="I understand."=

The dream fades away as Rei awakens in a bed she is not familiar with, "Asuka will require the help of her rival..."

She doesn't say anything else as she closes her eyes again and falls asleep.

****************

A few hours later, Asuka and Shinji have been paged to the conference room concerning the schedule for the week. As they arrive they see Rei is not present as of yet but Ritsuko and Misato have arrived. Misato signals for them to sit down before she starts the meeting.

"Thanks for being prompt. I have the schedule for the week right now..."

"Wait, what about Rei?"

"I will get to her in a moment. The schedule for the week holds a few tests, Asuka will be assisting with the tests. Shinji, you and Rei have this week off, the reason for that is Rei is not up to current performance and you will be required to watch her at home. Asuka will be helping with the final modifications to Unit-01's entry plug so that the interface will be ready by the time Rei is up to basic standards again."

"Wait, why is it I can't watch Rei?! Shinji is pilot of that monster too!"

"Because, this is part of his job since he lives with Rei, and I would rather not have her stuck down here." answers Ritsuko.

"But..."

"Asuka, I will order you in to the plug if I need to!"

"Hai, Misato..."

"Shinji, Ritsuko will give you the needed info for the week and if anything changes you will need to contact her. Asuka, you and I will quickly go over the differences between the entry plugs."

Ritsuko signals to Shinji to follow her to her office.

"Misato, the first test will be tomorrow."

Misato nods as both Ritsuko and Shinji walk into the hall.

"Shinji, I am glad you chose to live with Rei, this will give her a chance to get used to living with others, and it helps since I don't want to keep her here but do want her under a watchful eye."

"Hai."

"First off, the generator that blew up is being replaced this week so you may hear lots of noise for a while one day. Second, your phones in the apartment are still down, so be sure to keep one cell phone on at a time until the lines have been restored. Third, I want you to call me if Rei's situation changes, you will be getting the number for my office, the test cage, central control, and my place. If I am not in those spots just call the front desk and say 'Code R-57', I will have that as a priority respond code but use if only if it is an emergency."

"Got it."

"Also, do not try anything funny this time like on the camping trip, I still don't know what will happen as a result."

They arrive at one of the evacuation shafts as Ritsuko pulls out a key and inserts it into a lock, then turns it.

"I figure this is quicker since it will bring us to the correct floor."

Moments later, the wall quickly opens and they both step in. As soon as the doors close the car rushes downward until Ritsuko presses the hold button causing the car to stop about halfway to the bottom.

"Normally these things are not used for this, they are meant for quick evacuation to the lower areas, but I feel that this is faster then using the main elevator." They step out and walk down the hall until they reach the room Rei is currently sleeping in and enter. Shinji reaches for the light but is stopped by the doctor as she just picks up Rei off the bed, "I don't want her to wake up yet, but I left the key in the evac elevator, so can you get to it before the doors close?"

He nods and hurries back to the shaft before the doors have a chance to close and pulls the key out, then steps out only to see Ritsuko carrying Rei down the hall and allows them to enter first before reentering himself.

"Put the key in and turn it to the right."

He does as asked and feel the car rush upward after the doors have a chance to close as it approaches the upper layers.

"Push hold."

"The moment he does the elevator slows down and stops when it has reached the next level.

"Grab the key and lets go, I am going to give you a ride back to your place."

As soon as the doors have opened he sees they are in the parking garage. Once they get to her car Shinji opens the door for Ritsuko and allows her to set Rei in before getting into the front seat on the passenger side.

An hour later Shinji and Ritsuko are going over a few details back at the apartment before Ritsuko heads back to NERV.

"Okay, be sure she eats at least two times a day and if you need to have something picked up call Makoto and ask him to have someone bring you the needed items."

Shinji nods and watches as Ritsuko leaves he and Rei in peace.

****************

The next day, down in NERV, Asuka has finished putting on her plugsuit and is on her way to the testing cage. The moment she has stepped into the room, Misato greets her and leads her to the plug.

"Asuka, remember, the right side is the spot you want to be in for the tests, the left side does not have the controls on it."

"I know, Misato!"

"Then, have fun."

Misato walks away as she nears the plug and climbs in. The moment the plug has closed up, she gets a faint impression even before it is activated. After a few moments she feels the plug screw in and watches the patterns on the walls as the plug finishes filling.

"Misato, you said that the Eva may reject me, right?"

<Yes, why?>

"Well...it's nothing, nevermind."

<Asuka, did you feel something?>

"No, I was just wondering is all."

The moment connections are made, Asuka shudders as the feeling she sensed becomes stronger for a moment before disappearing.

<Asuka, anything wrong?>

"NO!"

Misato's voice fades out as Asuka's vision fades, "Hey, what is going on, Misato?!"

//"They can't hear you."

"What are you doing?"

//"I am giving you some knowledge that is important right now, you will know what to do when the time comes."

"Wait, why me, why not the baka?"

//"Because you are able to do what he can't at the moment."

"That being?"

//"I can't tell you when you are in Eva. You will find out on your own when the time comes."

Seconds later her vision is restored as she hears the test is done for now, <Asuka, everything checked out for the first test, you are free to get something to eat until I am ready to go.>

After a quick meal, she has headed to Misato's office to wait for her. After a minute has passed she moves over to the desk and sits down. She sees the mess that Misato has left and wonders how she can find anything then looks at the computer terminal and starts typing random stuff.

SHINJI AND REI ARE TWO SISSIES THAT PILOT AN EVA BECAUSE THEY LOVE EACH OTHER %KAT@EEIU

After hitting return she is greeted by a message she did not expect to see

[PASSWORD ACCEPTED FOR KATSURAGI, MISATO]

This in turn scares Asuka, causing her to turn off the terminal. After a few minutes go by, she turns it back on and sees it has reset, so she tries the same random keys again.

%KAT@EEIU

[PASSWORD ACCEPTED FOR KATSURAGI, MISATO]

Surprised that she has found out how to access the MAGI this way, she logs out and tries a new code.

%AYA@GIIN

[PASSWORD ACCEPTED FOR AYANAMI, REI]

She tries one more code to see if it works.

%IKA@XEES

[CARD REQUIRED FOR ALPHA ACCESS]

"Dang, it didn't work..."

She turns off the terminal before she hears Misato enters the room, "Asuka, lets go."

****************

After a quick ride back to the apartment, Misato has dropped off Asuka and headed back to NERV to try and get some work done.

'Why is it I can't tell Shinji and Rei about the plan?..'

As she drives she suddenly realizes that Asuka seemed different today during the tests.

'Why is it Asuka didn't argue during the tests? It isn't like her to just follow orders plain and simple...'

As she pulls into her parking spot she sees Ritsuko walk up with a sheet of paper in her hand, "Misato, I think it was a bad idea to put Asuka in Unit-01. I just saw the brainwave chart and it is almost as if she was not even there."

****************

Asuka has just entered the apartment and is on her way to the kitchen when she tries to see if Misato's computer is linked to the MAGI right now. When she boots it up, a window asking for a password greets her and, for reasons she doesn't understand, she knows the bypass code for the firewalls.

#NAO$3431

As soon as the line is sent the system gives her access to the core of the MAGI.

"Cool, why didn't I try this before?"

She starts searching for data on her to find out what Misato has said about her when she hits a roadblock.

[PLEASE ENTER PASSWORD]

%KAT@EEIU

[PASSWORD ACCEPTED FOR KATSURAGI, MISATO]

As soon as the message vanishes she sees a whole folder full of notes on her, she proceeds to read each one and soon begins to become very annoyed at what she has read, 'Misato has a lot of explaining to do!'

Before she turns off the computer she sees a file marked 'Special' in the lower corner and opens it. After she finishes reading it, she goes numb as the info sets in, "So Rei is going to die..."

****************

Down in Ritsuko's office, Misato and Ritsuko have just finished going over the results of the test.

"So what does this all mean, Ritsuko?"

"I think the means Eva-01 is it key component to all of this. Shinji passed out in the entry plug weeks ago, Rei has had problems in it before, and now Asuka has shown results that point to it being the key."

Ritsuko proceeds to open a file marked 'Special' when she gets an error.

[ERROR-FILE IN USE]

"What the?.."

"Ritsuko, I thought that file was hidden?!"

"It is, I have it set for access by two people only, and you are here..."

She quickly does a trace of the connection using the file and finds that it leads back to Misato's apartment.

"Misato, did you leave your computer on?"

"No...ASUKA!!!"

"Misato, she has bypassed the firewalls somehow!"

"How?"

"I don't know..."

After a quick jog and drive, both NERV officers have arrived in front of the building housing the pilots and hurry up to Misato's place, "Okay Ritsu, I will go in first and see if she is in trouble."

Misato activates the manual release and quietly slides the door open as she enters, then quietly proceeds down the hall to her room where she sees Asuka sitting at the desk reading the screen, "Asuka, what are you doing?"

She watches Asuka leap into the air and fall down, "Misato, don't do that!"

"I will ask again before I shoot, what are you doing?"

"I was reading something!"

"Asuka, we know. You opened a file Ritsu and I wanted to see."

"Oh..."

Ritsuko walks into the room and looks at the screen, "Asuka, I want you to tell me how you got into the core, otherwise you are going to be locked up for a long while!"

"Ritsuko, err...I don't really know..."

"Well you must in order to get into the core of the MAGI."

"I just knew what to do, it just came to me is all..."

Ritsuko examines the screen and sees a mode she hasn't seen many times before, "Asuka, what is the MAGI?"

"The NERV computer system."

"And how many parts, including basic sub-systems, are there?"

"Umm...10?"

"Misato, I think we need to bring her in...for research."

"I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Don't worry, that is not why."

****************

Next door, Shinji is just getting ready to fall asleep on the couch when he is greeted to a close up view of Rei's crotch the moment he opens his eyes, "AAAAAAAAAAAHH!!! Rei, don't do that!"

"Sorry."

"What is it, Rei?"

"Why are you out here?"

"I didn't want to wake you."

"I am awake."

"I see that..."

He sits upright and rubs his eyes as Rei sits down beside him, "Is something wrong?"

"I believe you are right about the truth being hidden from us."

"What?"

"You told me that you think there is something we are not being told."

"Oh."

"I believe you are correct."

"But, we can't just demand the truth..."

"I do not believe it will be a problem."

"Rei, what are..."

Shinji is interrupted when he hears the front door open.

"Shinji, I heard you yell, something wrong?"

"No, Misato, Rei just scared me a bit is all..."

"But everything is okay?"

"Yes, Misato."

"Well, have a good night then."

The door closes moments later as Shinji and Rei continue to talk.

"Rei, what were you going to say?"

"It will not be a problem, but I will require a terminal with access to the MAGI."

****************

Misato reenters her place and walks to her room where Asuka and Ritsuko wait.

"They are fine. Shall we head to HQ?"

"Yes, Misato, Asuka has a few questions to answer on MAGI's codes."

After a brief delay, the three of them head towards Misato's car and head off to NERV. Once they arrive at NERV they head in the direction of Terminal Dogma.

"Asuka, I am surprised you have studied the MAGI, but why did you hack in?"

"Ritsuko, it may be best to hold off on the questions for now."

"Good idea, Misato."

When everyone has arrived at the bottom level, they head in the opposite direction that Shinji and Rei headed in a few months ago, "Asuka, the area you are being taken to hasn't been used much since the death of my mother. Her research is located in this room and I want to see if you are able to decipher any of it."

"Asuka, you are not in trouble, but you have done something that worries us."

"Misato, why did you put me in handcuffs then?"

"So you can't do any more damage until we get to the room."

They stop in front of a room labeled AKAGI, NAOKO. Ritsuko reaches for the door handle since this area has not been fitted with sliding doors yet and pushes the door open, "After you."

As soon as everyone has entered she turns on the light and leads Asuka to a computer and turns it on, "Okay Asuka, as soon as this thing has booted up, I will set it up so you can tell me what the notes displayed mean."

Moments later the computer has finished loading and Ritsuko opens a file labeled 'Inter-access Notes' and points to the screen, "Asuka, I want you to read this whole section and tell me what it means."

"Can you take the handcuffs off first?"

Misato walks over to her and frees Asuka's wrists.

"This computer isn't connected to the MAGI, is it?"

"Don't worry, Misato, the connection is direct access so we won't be found out, and the access codes are much different then the normal ones."

After several minutes have passed by, Asuka turns and faces the pair sitting in a corner of the room. "Okay, basically, it all means that if the MAGI is taken over by an external source, then a person can reset all the ports on the MAGI to forbidden access for all levels. If this is done, then only the direct ports can be used to restore access levels. Also, if the MAGI parameter files have been altered then CASPER will block all commands until the files have been restored to the defaults. Mode 802 is the command required to turn off the MAGI systems, but if this is done then all systems connected to the Supercomputer will go into default mode. Oh, and the notes at the end refer to this computer being the only one that can be used to disable anything at any level of access if so required in the case of an emergency."

Ritsuko blankly stares at Asuka as she tries to compute what has just been said, "Umm...can you tell me that last part again?"

"Simply put, if you were to modify the MAGI then you would have to use this computer to do it, it is the only one that has the highest access level all the time. One more thing, I may know the shortcut to the login."

Asuka turns and enters three lines of code.

IA**SET/1

IA**OPN/MAGI_PORT

IA**USR/DNA

[DIRECT CONNECTION ESTABLISHED]

[ACCESS LEVEL CREATER HAS BEEN REACHED]

[WELCOME HOME DOCTOR NAOKO AKAGI]

Ritsuko's mouth drops open the moment Asuka finishes, "I didn't even know that..."

"So, what else do you need to know?"

Misato doesn't really know what is going on but she is determined to find out, "Asuka, what is Ritsuko talking about?"

"Well, I know a bit more then she does."

"Misato, Asuka has just told me the purpose this computer was left connected to the port it was. She has also gained access to every single file that is stored in the system by using a shortcut..."

"Meaning?"

"She can even read the files you and I can't, those being the Alpha Level files."

"Asuka, see if you can look up info on Rei that the Commander has at Alpha level."

Asuka tries to access the search system but fails in her attempt, "How do I do it from here?"

"You mean, you don't know?"

"Ritsuko, I am not a scientist like you!"

"Then how did..."

"Rei's Child gave me some info during the last test."

"THAT'S IT, the brainwaves, it isn't Unit-01, it's the brainwaves!"

Misato is confused, "Ritsuko, what are you talking about?"

"Misato, there must be some kind of link between the pilots. Asuka, I need you to come with me for a moment?"

"No, I don't want to be dragged around like Wondergirl is!"

Misato reaches for Asuka's arm but meets a field similar to the one she met a few days ago, "Asuka, what is that?"

"It is an isolation field created by the mind as I understand it..."

"But...how?"

"I am not sure, I think it is like an AT field, only not as good."

Misato pulls out her gun but Ritsuko stops her from doing more.

"Misato, it is okay, I guess it is better to leave the situation alone for now, as long as it does not effect the pilots I see no problem."

"Okay."

"But, before you can go, Asuka, we have to talk about one thing, the file you saw."

"Rei's file?"

"Yes, that file was hidden from all, and for good reason as you saw. I ask that you don't tell the parents yet until I can help them."

"They deserve to know..."

"Asuka, I don't want them to know because if they do, then they will react to it."

"Will you tell them?"

"Yes, when the time comes to."

****************

In a chamber miles away from the city of Tokyo-3, planning has begun concerning the situation of NERV.

1 "The time has come to decide whether to attack or not."

In the chambers of Seele, a secret meeting has begun.

4 "What is it Ikari is doing?"

7 "He has begun his own plan."

10 "We must stop him from carrying out the final part."

1 "Yes, he must be stopped, but do we use our final cards now?"

3 "The MP units have proven to be of no use until we can recover a sample of the 17th angel."

6 "And is it right to stop Ikari before we really know his plan?"

9 "I have heard that he is altering our plan to his bidding."

12 "The JSSDF have failed in recovering enough data to proceed due to a few setbacks concerning the MAGI."

1 "Then, we must wait before we can proceed."

****************

A week later, after a thorough search of the systems in NERV and a background check on the personnel, Misato has been called to a location on the south end of the city near one of the entrances to NERV via train.

"Ritsuko, what has you discovered?"

"I found a third device today when I was checking the safeties for the external doors here. I found that someone tapped the data lines here as well, I am guessing so they could gain access without a card."

"Then you are thinking the JSSDF are planning an attack soon."

"That would be my guess. But I have found out that if they were trying to get data as well, then they must have a transmitter somewhere, and at least one more device hidden among the wiring of NERV."

"Then we have to do a search ASAP..."

"No, so far they have not damaged anything besides a generator, and that was by mistake. I think that we will find that last box soon. As for the transmitter, we have not detected a signal so I don't think they have turned it on."

"Well, I still want a search of the systems that concern the detection grids."

"Yes, Misato."

****************

The next day, Rei has been called down to NERV for an examination by Ritsuko and Shinji has decided to join her since it does concern him.

"Rei, I am going to do a simple test today, I just need to see if anything has changed since the last exam.

Rei undresses while Shinji leaves the room with Rei's ID card in hand. He proceeds to the nearest room with a terminal and begins to search the MAGI archives for info concerning the child. After a good five minutes have passed by, he sees the screen go blank before a message appears.

[ID CARD IS INVALID FOR INFO RETRIEVAL]

'What?'

[INCOMING MESSAGE]

[Shinji, it was a nice try at finding the info concerning Rei, please accept my apologies since I can't let you see it.]

[Doctor Akagi]

'She knew...'

He gives up on trying since he is sure Ritsuko is watching his moves at the moment and heads back in the direction of the room she and Rei are currently in.

"Shinji, I must say, you and Rei were smart in planning that out, but I can't let you see those results yet, the test results contain classified info in them."

"So, you know that I am curious about a few things?"

"Yes, and I can't blame you, but don't worry, I will let you know what they are as soon as I edit them."

****************

Once Rei and Shinji get back to the apartment they see Asuka waiting inside for them, "Hello."

Shinji is surprised that she got in since the doors were all locked, "How..."

"Well, I have as of recent gained a bit of knowledge concerning the MAGI, so I was able to open the door."

"Why are you here?"

"I have learned some info as of late that concerns the both of you, but I have been asked not to tell you."

"Wait, what do you mean? Have you seen the tests?"

"That is a cover. All I can really tell you is that everything you are being told may be false, if you want to learn more then I suggest you start looking in the basement of NERV in the area the MAGI was created."

She gets up and walks out the door while Rei and Shinji stand there,

still in shock as to what has been learned from their fellow pilot.

"Rei, I think it is time to plan a trip to NERV soon."

"Agreed."

****************

After a thorough inspection of the MAGI's detection grids, Ritsuko has discovered a gap in the system for a narrow bandwidth. The moment she reaches the affected junction she removes the panel and finds that it has been tapped by the same device that has been found in other spots around NERV. The moment she removes it she hears alarms go off signaling an invasion. She pockets the device and runs to Control to assess the situation.

The moment she has entered she sees Misato is already there, "Report?!"

"Ritsuko, we have detected an unknown transmission inside of HQ, unable to locate the source!"

"I think I know why, I just found the last device attached to the detection system, I think it was made to trigger the transmitter the moment I removed the thing."

"We can't trace the signal."

"I think I know why, follow me."

"Makoto, take care of this."

Misato follows Ritsuko to the main elevator as Ritsuko pulls out her keypad, "Misato, I modified the programming for the IA computer so that I could used the basic functions if needed."

She enters a few commands and sees everything shut down in the hallway as the elevator doors just begin to open a crack but stop due to power loss, "Don't worry, I still have control, the power for IA is isolated as is the MAGI banks."

Ritsuko reaches for the doors and slides them the rest of the way open so both her and Misato can get in. She enters a few commands that reactivate lighting to the halls and power to the elevator, "Asuka was a big help, but we have to be fast, otherwise questions will be raised."

Once they reach the floor Ritsuko's office is on they waste no time in hurrying down the hallway to her office to reactivate the Control systems.

After a good ten minutes have passed the basic functions for the MAGI have been restored and the NERV officers have now started to find the spot that they believe is the location of the problem. When they have arrived at the door to an office they open it and find nothing but a terminal sitting on a desk, "This has to be the right room!"

"Ritsuko, whose office is this?"

"I don't know, but I do know this it part of the tech section."

She turns on the terminal in the corner and sees that it is functioning properly, Misato on the other hand looks at the back and spots something out of the ordinary, "Ritsu, since when did the tech division get these things installed?"

"What, Misato?"

She walks around to the back and sees that this terminal has been modified by someone, "Misato, as soon as we disable this thing, start tearing this office apart, this is the transmitter!" Ritsuko attempts to remove the lid without success.

"Move, I have a quick situation." Misato takes out her gun and aims at the wall connections for the terminal, cutting the power and data lines running into the back.

"Well, I guess it works." She enters a command into the keypad in her hand and sees it restore all systems to normal.

Hours later, Ritsuko calls Misato to her office to go over what has been discovered. As soon as Misato has entered she indicates for her to sit.

"Misato, I found out that the person that had that office up until a few days ago was part of the programming section, they knew enough to pull off this kind of hacking. But first lets hear what you have so I can make a few notes."

"Right. First, Section Two did report that some files are missing for the security logs concerning the network and entryways, they are doing their best right now to recover what they can. Second, from what I hear that terminal was set up for Alpha Level access for some reason, so a few files were uploaded to a remote location, they have no idea where."

"Well, I guess it is time to turn on 666B in the meantime..."

"666B?"

"A program that will create a false entry whether the external source has access or not, at the same time it will trace the line to see if it is an authorized entry."

"Very good."

"Now, I will also see if I can find out what data was uploaded."

****************

Days later, in the chamber of Seele, another meeting has been called to review to newest data.

1 "We have discovered Ikari's plans?"

2 "Yes, according to the data retrieved, he is planning to replace Rei with something he is able to control better."

5 "He has not been granted this option."

8 "Ikari, your death will be among many soon."

11 "The United Nations is ready to proceed with an attack."

1 "Then, we must decide now, all that oppose to an invasion may speak now."

None of the members speak as time passes by.

1 "Then, we will proceed with the invasion, the first phase is the shutdown of the MAGI."

****************

Two weeks later after a thorough inspection of all the systems, Ritsuko has disabled 666B since nothing has occurred to warrant use any longer. Everything is peaceful on this day, Misato has asked for the day off since Asuka wanted to get out of the city for a while and Ritsuko has chosen to review some data concerning Unit-02.

The staff that remains is currently enjoying a break since everything is quiet in Central Control. Makoto has found a manga to read, Shigeru has brought in his guitar and begins to play a few strings, and Maya has pulled out a book to read while the MAGI finish running a test. As for the rest of the staff that mans the other stations, they have been called into meetings so only three people remain now on the high tower.

"Maya, do you think we will ever be released from NERV?" asks Shigeru as he tunes his guitar.

"I hope so, I am starting to miss the sun..."

Makoto looks up from his manga at the screen, "Well, I don't see any reason why we have to stay here all the time, if the JSSDF want to attack, then they should have done it by now."

"Why are we needed right now? I mean, Ritsuko can assign other techs to man our stations."

Shigeru puts down the guitar, "It's because we are the highest ranking officers half the time."

****************

In the city of Tokyo-2, in the office of one of the Prime ministers, a decision is about to be made.

"So, NERV is planning on triggering Third Impact, I find that to be unacceptable."

"Sir, I have prepared a statement for you to deliver to NERV."

"This is a part of the job I hate, but I must do it..."

He picks up the phone and asks to be connected to NERV. After a few clicks he hears a reply, <Good afternoon, NERV front desk. How may I help you?>

"This is the Japanese Prime Minister's Office, please patch me to an officer on duty?"

"Highest will be fine."

After many clicks the minister hears another reply, <Central Control, Shigeru speaking.>

"Yes, I am calling to relay a statement concerning the nullification of NERV's rights. Beginning at 16:00 today, NERV is to be handed over to the United Nations. If you refuse then we will be forced to take stronger measures. The code is an A-801. As of right now, you have five minutes to decide, I will call back at that time and ask for your decision."

He hangs up the phone and signals for his assistant to contact the other branches of NERV to be ready just in case."

****************

Down in NERV, Shigeru is looking up what an A-801 is.

"Okay, A-801 is the order stating that we have lost all legal rights through the United Nations.

Maya quickly calls Ritsuko and the commanders to Central Control while Shigeru awaits the call back.

After the five minutes are up he gets a call again, "Shigeru."

"I will put you through to Commander Ikari."

He enters a few commands and hangs up the phone. After a few tense moments he hears the voice of the Commander from above, "Go to first stage alert."

It doesn't take long for the rest of the technical staff to rush into Central Control to man their stations just as the MAGI invasion begins.

Makoto "ALL OUTSIDES LINES HAVE BEEN CAPTURED!"

Maya "SATELLITE LINKS ARE DOWN!"

Shigeru "MELCHIOR HAS BEEN INVADED!"

Soon, Ritsuko runs in and assess the situation, "What is going on?!"

Shigeru "The United Nations is attempting to take over the MAGI."

"Can you stop it?"

"They have taken over one of the three MAGI already, I can't halt it!"

"Raise as many decoys as you can!"

"No good, other MAGI systems are the origins."

"Do what you can!"

****************

Moments later, Ritsuko has exited into the hall and pulled out her control pad, 'Damn, I can't access the system if the other MAGI's are the attackers...'

After a brief pause, she runs down the hall to the only evac shaft that leads to Terminal Dogma and rides it down to the IA room as she now calls it. Once she arrives she sees the Sub-Commander waiting for her, "Doctor Akagi, why are you here during an emergency?"

"I came to grab a few notes so I can..."

"He knows that you have found out how to access this system."

"Well, right now I have to stop this invasion!"

He steps aside and allows her to sit down as she starts the process of freezing CASPER. After a nice wait she is successful as the computer beeps a few times to signal success."

"Good work, but I am afraid you will have to explain how the Second Child knew about this as well."

"Sir, I do not know."

"How is it Rei's unborn child can communicate with her?"

"Sir..."

"And why you have been trying to stop what Ikari has planned?"

"Sir..."

She doesn't finish as Security enters the room and arrests her for relaying forbidden information to unauthorized personal.

****************

Miles away from the chaos, Misato and Asuka are enjoying the sun at the beach they have found, or at least Asuka is while Misato does her best to find out about Second Impact, "So this is the truth..."

Right before she is able to read it the screen goes blank right before she realizes that NERV is being invaded, "ASUKA, PACK UP NOW! WE GOTTA GET BACK NOW!!!!"

Asuka is jolted awake as Misato starts tossing stuff into the car as fast as she can, "Misato, what is wrong?.."

"INVASION!"

It doesn't take any time for her to know what that means as she helps throw stuff into the car before she climbs in, "Misato, give me the comp!"

"What for?"

"Think about this for a moment, I can get access to anything from here."

"BUT THE SCREEN IS BLANK!!"

"Trust me!"

Misato doesn't see any harm in what has been asked and gives it to Asuka who starts typing in mass codes with she drives back to Tokyo-3 as fast as possible.

"Asuka, what are you doing?"

"I am searching for a log in the highest level that will say what is going on."

After a few moments she finds it, "A-801 has been ordered?"

"SHIT!!"

Misato slams on the brakes when she hears this info.

"There is more. MAGI ports have been..."

"I know, the United Nations is trying to invade...with the other MAGI's."

"Hold on, I am getting a message..." After a few moments Asuka passes the computer to Misato, "Addressed to you."

Misato takes the time to read the screen.

[Misato, have been found out, CASPER frozen, Plan-C.]

"Asuka, how much do you want to live?"

"What?"

"Answer the question!"

"Misato, what are you talking about?!"

"Ritsuko has been arrested, she told me that in case something goes wrong that she has drawn up a few plans to get you, Rei, Shinji, and Rei's kid out of the city whether you want to go or not!"

"Why?! What is so bad that we have to go?!"

"You saw the file concerning the child, so you know Rei is in danger, and Shinji is going to follow her if she goes, you are the one that has been designated as the contact."

Asuka is a bit confused, "Huh?"

"You know how to override the MAGI if needed, so you can contact me if needed, and I will be sure to send you an all clear when I see fit. Ritsu has prepared a plan to have all of you shipped out of the city in a large box to a warehouse in Kyoto. Until everything is okay, you will need to be there, and don't let yourselves be seen."

"Misato, I think that has to be the DUMBEST IDEA Y..."

"Ritsu knew you may say that..."

She watches Asuka slump forward as the drug takes hold.

"Asuka, I am sorry for doing this, but it is needed."

After a few hours pass by, Misato arrives at Shinji and Rei's apartment only to find Security there already preparing to control the Third Child's actions against them, "I refuse to let you take her!"

"Shinji!"

The Section Two officers turn to see Misato standing in the doorway, "Major, we have the situation in hand."

"Right, then why is there one officer on the floor? Look, I will bring them in, you are relieved."

"Yes, Major."

They exit the apartment just as Shinji gets ready to take out Misato, "I don't want Rei to be locked up!"

"Shini, calm down..." She lowers her voice on the next part, "...You are leaving the city, Rei too."

Minutes later, Misato has managed to get both pilots out of the building and into her car, "Okay, you are both going to be leave the city today, Rei, can you dig out the computer from under your seat??"

Rei pulls out a laptop and hands it to Misato. While her hand is extended Misato fires a small dart at her and sees the computer hit the front passenger seat.

"Misato!"

She fires one last dart before she screeches to a halt in front of a building and pulls in after making sure no one is watching from a distance, 'Ritsuko, I hope those cameras are disabled.'

****************

After a long delay down at one of the entrances to NERV, Section Two has been told to find the pilots and Misato and bring them to NERV. Once they see Misato's car has crashed into a building and the doors open, they rush up and see she has been knocked unconscious. Minutes later they are able to revive her and hear that the pilots overpowered her then ran.

****************

Hidden inside of a wooden box, three children lay unconscious as they are shipped to an unknown location, the driver of the truck only being told that the box is to arrive today at the destination. This method had been chosen since Ritsuko and Misato were not sure if they could trust anyone, even the driver was given very little into about its contents. Payment was up front so she didn't bother to ask what it was, all she knew was that it was to be handled with care.

Hours later, after the box has been dropped off, the sound of moaning can be heard coming from inside, since the driver of the truck had been told to unlock the box for some reason. The moaning is soon followed by the lifting of the lid as the first of the three occupants crawls out into the dimly lit building.

****************

Back at NERV, Misato has been treated for a head injury while Section Two relays what they know of the situation to her.

"Major Katsuragi, we have been unable to locate the pilots with visual systems down on the surface. Our current situation remains at first stage, but we are unable to restore the MAGI at this point to working condition."

"Has Doctor Akagi been locked up?"

"Yes, but she isn't giving us any info."

"Then I will speak to her, maybe I can get her to talk if I offer her a lesser sentence."

"Commander Ikari already has offered, she refused."

"I will still try."

****************

Two hours later, Ritsuko can hear the sound of footsteps outside her cell door then the sound of the lock being undone before the door opens.

"I already told you, I won't fix the MAGI."

"Ritsu, please reconsider."

She turns towards the door and sees Misato has entered as it is closed again, "Misato, I hope you are hear to tell me I am free..."

"Nope, only to offer you a deal."

Misato hands her two pieces of paper so she can read them. The first doesn't really appeal to her yet, but the second holds the info she has wanted to hear for a few hours now.

THEY ARE GONE, PLAN WORKED

"Misato, I guess you are right, it is best if I agree to this deal. I will reset the MAGI now."

Misato nods and bangs on the door, "Division Two will lead you down to IA."

To Be Continued…

Remember that question from Chapter Six? Well, you have the answer. Now for more:

What will happen to the pilots now that NERV has no idea where they have ended up?

What will happen to Ritsuko?

Will the JSSDF attack next?

What ever happened to Pen-Pen?

Well, find out next time in Rei's Child, Chapter VIII