Shinji stands silently before Tokyo-3 as the sun rises from the mountains. Somehow he is thankful to be alive after nearly dying at the hands of the JGSDF, but he still questions why his father was willing to kill everyone, including him just to bring her mother back from the death; then realizes that now more than ever he is truly alone.

SCENE: Misato’s Apartment-Tokai District, Tokyo-3.
-----------------------------------
 
Shinji:
I can’t runaway; I have no place left to go. I’m alone again.
 
Rei (inside Shinji’s mind):
Don’t be afraid; I’m with you. Always.
 
Misato (Off Screen):
Hurry up, Shinji; or you’ll be late for class.
 
Shinji:
I will not run away. Not anymore, I’m tired of running, tired of being scared.

(Shinji turns around and walks in and walks up to Misato, who is putting on her red jacket; then Misato looks at Shinji and both their eyes lock.)

Misato (puzzled):
What?

(Shinji slowly walks up to her and hugs her.)

Shinji:
Just for a minute, I don’t want to be alone. Tell me you won’t leave me alone.

Misato (smiling):
I won’t leave you; I promise.

Asuka:
Ok, I’m ready; lets go, before we miss class.

-----------------------------------
TITLE SCREEN: Episode 01 –Gathering of Warriors
-----------------------------------
SCENE:  NERV Command Center-
Makoto, Shigeru and Maya talk as they sit in the control room and drink coffee.
-----------------------------------
 
Maya (off screen):
What? New pilots? New EVAs?
 
Makoto (off screen):
Is what the new commander said; we will have three additional units and three new pilots as well.
 
Maya (off screen):
Why do we need more pilots? I mean, aren't the pilots we have enough?
 
Shigeru (pouring coffee on two mugs and handing one to Maya):
Apparently we are changing roles and the new role requires us to have more units ready.
 
Makoto:
Ever since Commander Ikari was arrested, things have changed a lot. There have been a lot of new people around, a lot of American and British crews working on the new EVA units.
 
Maya (sipping coffee):
The new EVA units are here already?
 
Shigeru:
Yeah. I saw one of the units being uploaded to the transport frame yesterday; I thought EVA 01 was ugly, the one I saw was even uglier, and it looked like something out of a horror movie.
 
Makoto (off screen):
Well, anyway. I think I like the new commander; he seems to be more relaxed than Ikari, he even talked to a few of us this morning before coming to work.

Shigeru:
Yeah, but doesn’t it bother you the fact that there are so many foreign troops in the city? I mean, look around; there are NATO troops all around the city, some of them have replaced the local police at the train stations and bus stops.

Maya:
Shigeru is right; I walked past two American paratroopers on the way to the train platform; they were manning a checkpoint where the old city hall used to be.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Tokyo-3; A convoy of American vehicles pass along a road leading through the city, military policemen stop traffic as the convoy moves through the city. Overhead, a pair of US Marine Cobra gunships patrols the skies over the city as NATO troops guard key sensitive installations inside the city.
-----------------------------------
SCENE:  Misato in her car, turnout-overlooking Tokyo-3. A closer look at Misato's red jacket reveals that she has advanced to the rank of colonel. Misato is slumped forward with her chin resting on her forearm while resting her forearms on the steering wheel of her blue Honda NSX while a US Army convoy passes through. (Her prior car was destroyed during the attack on Tokyo-3).
-----------------------------------
 
Misato (to herself):
I can’t believe Ikari betrayed us like that. He was responsible for everything; the cover-up, the Instrumentality Of Man project, the Rei clones. My father died because of him and I never knew it.
 
(Misato leans back on the seat, shrugging her tired eyes in an effort to stay awake and clearheaded. She has been working nonstop in her new role as sub commander. She takes a deep yawn as she stretches out; her black mini dress stretches around her body and she zips her dress down slightly as she rubs her neck.)
 
Misato (to herself):
(Sighing) Forget about him, Misato. You need to focus on the task at hand, the defense of Tokyo-3 and of the world as a whole now rests on your shoulders.
 
(Misato turns on her car and turns to the dashboard of her car and looks at a picture of her and Shinji. She picks it up and looks at it.)

Misato (to herself):
I can’t let Shinji down; he has gone through so much and he depends so much on me.

(Misato then cradles the picture on her chest and closes her eyes while her lips curl up into a smile.)

Misato:
Now I have something to truly fight for.

US Soldier:
OK Ma’am, go ahead on through.

Misato:
Thank you, sergeant.

(Misato turns a corner as the convoy moves away in another direction.)

-----------------------------------
SCENE:  Rei lying in bed in her apartment.  She wakes up and looks out the window at the sun illuminating the sky; she gets up and walks up to a mirror in her room and looks at herself. She has grown mature and her body has changed with the passage of time; she looks at her hair and grabs a hairbrush and combs it.

Then looks out the window as a bird lands on the ledge; she walks up to it and puts her hand next to it and the bird perches itself on her finger, she smiles and the bird flies away into the sunlight.
-----------------------------------
SCENE:  Shinji sits in a bench inside Tokyo High School with his headphones on
The tape counter reads 01:29:59 and the tape stops and switches sides. He reads a novel from the school library. The title reads "Angels among us."
 
Then Shinji’s friends, Touji and Kensuke walk up to him and sit next to Shinji. Kensuke is dressed in his typical school uniform and Touji wears his black sports clothes.
-----------------------------------

Touji:
Hey Shinji! Whatcha doing?

Shinji (taking off his earphones):
Uh, nothing, just reading.

Kensuke (adjusting his eyeglasses):
Well, this is something rather new. It looks to me that our friend here just turned a corner in his life.

Shinji (perplexed):
What?

Kensuke (sighing):
Oh, never mind. Let’s go, before we miss class.

(The boys walk away and into a classroom.)

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Los Angeles International Airport.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Three young soldiers walk through the concourse of the airport. They talk among each other as they look around, feeling uneasy, and yet excited.
-----------------------------------

Hitomi:
Do you know what exit are we supposed to be in?

Sean:
Well, according to the monitor, we are supposed to go to exit 25.

Hitomi:
How long before our flight takes off?

Alex:
About 25 minutes to be exact; we have plenty of time.

Sean:
All right, let’s hurry up; we have a long flight ahead of us.

Female Voice (Off Screen):
Attention all passengers, TWA Flight 748 to Tokyo is now boarding; all First Class Passengers may board on exit 25.

Sean:
Oh Shit! That’s our flight, come on! Hurry!

Hitomi:
35 minutes, huh? Better change the batteries on that Mickey Mouse wristwatch of yours!

Alex (Struggling with attaché case while pulling out plane ticket):
Lay off the watch, is not my fault they changed the departure time!

-----------------------------------
SCENE:  Tokyo-3. Misato waits on a stoplight while she goes through paperwork and sees the pictures of the three new pilots.
-----------------------------------

Misato:
So, new pilots are coming in. I guess I’m going to have my hands even fuller than before.
 
Misato (To herself):
Are they replacements or a new crew to augment Shinji, Rei and Asuka? Ever since Gendou was replaced, there has been a lot of people moving in; Americans, French, Canadians, British, Germans; its something that could’ve been unheard of years ago.

Then Misato looks at a NATO checkpoint, manned by American troops. She sees the troops move around the checkpoint; one is manning the radios on a Humvee while one stands on the top turret behind a heavy machine gun and another checking ID’s on people moving past the checkpoint.

Misato:
Foreign troops in our soil; Hmm. Good thing they’re on our side.

(Cell-phone rings-Misato picks it up.)
 
Misato:
Yes?
 
Ritsuko (On the other side of the line):
I need you to oversee that transfer of three new units; they are arriving by air transport today. I need you to go to the airbase to oversee the transfer.
 
Misato (Exhaling):
I’m on my way.
 
Ritsuko:
Oh, and by the way, the pilots will also be arriving to day; can you pick them up as well?
 
Misato:
Right, I’ll get to it.
 
(Misato hangs up-exhales deeply)
Come on Misato; gather your strengths; you’re in command now.
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Tokyo International Airport-TWA Terminal.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: TWA Flight 748, from Los Angeles begins final approach into the city of Tokyo-3. A flight attendant tells the passengers to fasten their seatbelts and put their chairs in upright position as the plane descends.
-----------------------------------
 
Flight attendant (off-screen):
The captain has turned on the "Fasten your seatbelts." sign; we'll be landing in 10 minutes.
 
(The plane lands on the runway, as the plane slowly moves its way down the runway and comes to a halt; the pilots unbuckle their belts and make their way across the cabin.)
 
Pilot (off-screen):
Well, ladies and gentleman; this is the captain speaking. From the all the crew of TWA, we would like to welcome you to Tokyo-3; the weather is a cool and sunny 65 degrees, time is 1:12 in the afternoon. We would like to see you again in a future flight, good afternoon and thank you for flying TWA.

(As the passengers walk out of the plane and into the main concourse of the airport, the pilots pause to look around.)

Sean:
O.K. we’re here! Now what?

Hitomi:
I suppose there is someone waiting for us.

Alex (Putting on a leather jacket on):
Ok, but first we need to stop somewhere; I’m hungry like hell.

Sean:
Never mind that! Let's get our bags and get the heck out of here.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Misato waits in a traffic jam caused by an accident between two vehicles in an intersection; two military police vehicles try to solve the situation as tow trucks try to move the mangled vehicles out of the way.
-----------------------------------

Misato:
Grrr! How much longer am I going to wait here? (Honks horn) Come on! Hurry up; I have to get to the airport!

-----------------------------------
SCENE: The three pilots wait in front of the main entrance of the airport, sitting on top of their luggage. Several hours have passed since they landed in Japan and nobody has come to pick them up.
 -----------------------------------

Hitomi:
How much more do we have to wait?

Sean (Skeptical):
I can’t believe they forgot about us; do they even know we were coming?

Alex:
I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to sit here any longer. (Stands up and waves a taxi cab).

Hitomi:
What are you doing? We are supposed to wait here for a Colonel Katsuragi to come and pick us up.

Alex (putting his bags on the trunk of taxi):
Well, I am not waiting anymore; these people should’ve known we were coming and we should be already on our duty station, not waiting here.

Alex gets inside the taxi and keeps the door open.

Alex:
Well? Aren’t you guys coming?

Hitomi and Sean reluctantly get inside the taxi and the driver drives away just as Misato drives into the terminal building.

Misato:
Thank God the traffic gave way; I thought I was not going to make it. Now, where are those three new pilots?

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Downtown Tokyo-3.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: 25 minutes pass and they stop in the middle of Tokyo-3 and stop at a local arcade, where they get their bearings and grab a quick bite before heading back. While on the other side of the city, Shinji, Asuka and Rei exit a rail car and walk down the street towards the same arcade.
-----------------------------------

Asuka (Unhappy):
I can't believe it, a C in Algebra; this is so unfair!

Shinji:
That's not so bad.

Asuka (Looking at Shinji):
I can't believe it, you got a B and I got a C; that teacher is the most idiotic person I’ve ever seen in my whole life! Why should I have a C and you have a B?

Shinji (Trying to calm down Asuka):
Asuka, please, would you tone it down, everybody else is looking at us.

Asuka (Shouting):
WHO CARES ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE, I AM MAD AS HELL AND I WON'T CALM DOWN! IS NOT FAIR!

(Rei walks quietly reading a novel; seemingly unaware of the commotion Asuka creates.)

Asuka (Shouting):
Look, Ayanami had the best scores of the entire class; and I bet she didn't even study!

Shinji (Looking at Rei):
Maybe she studied before we came to take the test.

Asuka (Shouting some more):
Oh shut up Shinji, you are always defending her. Is so typical of men!

Rei:
If you‘d paid any attention in class, you would’ve gotten a better grade. So don’t complain about it. You got what you studied for.

The Japanese pilots enter into the arcade and walk past the American pilots, unaware of each other’s presence; Alex and Sean walk to a shooter game on the arcade and go on a two player shootout.

Alex:
OK, just like we did it in basic training; you tackle the targets on your side of the screen; I take the ones on my side of the screen. Whatever bonus items are on your side of the screen, you take and what’s on my side, I take. Got it?

Sean (grabbing light gun):
Right.

Asuka walks up to one of the tables and sets her books on a table and walks up to a novelty crane and puts in 20¥ on the machine and tries to get a plush key chain from the machine, but after several minutes, she is unsuccessful.

Asuka (kicking machine):
What’s wrong with this thing? Stupid machine!

Shinji:
She never changes, always kicking the machine when she loses.

(Then Asuka walks up to Shinji.)

Asuka:
Shinji, give me 100¥.

Shinji:
What for?

Asuka:
Come on; the machine needs money to operate and I don’t have anymore change.

Back in the shooter game, Alex is on the lead with 100% kills on his side of the screen while Sean has 55% kills.

Alex (shooting):
Sean, are you shooting with your eyes open? You missed three already.

Sean:
I haven’t got the same skills as you; so lay off (Sean gets “killed” on the game.) Damn! Game over!

Alex (doing a victory dance):
Ha! Alex is the unrivaled champion once again.

Alex and Sean walk back to their table and Alex bumps into Asuka, knocking her to the ground.

Asuka (irate):
Watch where you’re going, you big klutz!

Alex:
Oh, I’m sorry; didn’t see you (helps Asuka up but she steps on his foot on purpose).

Alex:
Ouch! What did you do that for? I said I was sorry!

Asuka:
That was for knocking me to the ground, now we’re even.

Sean:
OK, calm down Alex. She’s not worth the trouble, besides we have to get going.

Alex:
Yeah! We have to.

Asuka:
See you around, loser.

Alex (infuriated):
Just one minute, that’s all I ask, just one minute to rearrange her face.

Sean pulls Alex away as the three American pilots exit the arcade and walk away.

As they reach the corner, Misato stops abruptly and sticks her head out the window.

Misato:
Where in hell where you? I was looking all over the place for you three. I thought you never came.

Hitomi:
Are you Misato?

Misato:
Yes I am; Colonel Misato Katsuragi, you were supposed to wait for me at the airport, not to wander off by yourselves.

Sean:
We waited for nearly three hours; so we came here instead, save you the trip to the airport.

Misato:
No, you were supposed to wait for me at the airport, now I wasted twice the gas it would’ve took me to get to the airport and back. (Sighing) Oh well, at least you are here; just get in the van.

The pilots get in the van and Misato drives away just as Shinji, Asuka and Rei exit the arcade, Asuka looks at the new key chain she won, using Shinji’s money to get it.

Asuka:
It’s so pretty, thanks for helping me Shinji.

Shinji (looking at empty wallet):
Don’t mention it. (I can’t believe it; she bled me dry.)

(After several minutes of driving around town, the vehicle drives up to a massive armored door with the NERV emblem painted on it and drives into a tunnel, where the vehicle is locked into an express lift that takes them directly to Central Dogma. They all look down in awe as they see the massive installation from high above unfold in majestic grandeur; the entire city is bathed in an orange light that gives the entire place an almost heavenly look.)
 
-----------------------------------
 
Alex:
Hey guys! Get a load of this! Man, an underground city.
 
Sean:
Wow!
 
(As the lift stops and the vehicle exits in front of the main building, the group of pilots walk into the pyramid like structure. As they enter the building, Dr. Akagi meets them and takes them into a meeting room.)
 
Ritsuko:
Hi there; I'm Dr. Ritsuko Akagi; I'm in charge of EVA design and development here in NERV. According to your files sent to us by your country, you have been selected as qualifiers to operate the new EVA units sent from abroad.
 
Ritsuko:
There's little time to waste and a lot of ground to cover, if you have any questions you will take them to Col. Katsuragi; she'll be in charge of you from now on.
 
(Misato walks into the room, and then General Craig walks into the room and stands in the center of the room, looking towards the pilots.)

Craig:
So, you guys are the new pilots? How was the trip from the states?

Alex:
It was all right, sir; kind of bumpy, but it was OK.

(Craig walks up to a desk and sits down. He takes their files and looks towards the trio of pilots.)

Craig:
Well, I hope you understand what’s going on and the importance of you being here; you are the best pilots in the world and upon your shoulders lie the future of mankind. I hope you also understand that your job will require you to risk your lives on a daily basis.

Pilots (in unison):
Yes sir!

Craig (off-screen):
Good, then there is no time to waste. Dr Akagi, issue them their equipment and begin synchronization and harmonic tests immediately. Dr Akagi; I want the results of the tests in my desk at no later than 1800 hours; that is all.

(Craig walks out of the room, leaving Misato, Ritsuko and the pilots alone.)

Misato:
Yes sir. OK, please follow me, I'll take you to meet the other pilots, they should be out of school and getting here.

Alex (Whispering into Sean’s ear):
Did you saw the rank on that guy’s collar?

Sean (Whispers back to Alex):
Yeah, man; 3 stars. He must be the man at the top.

Hitomi:
I can’t wait to meet the other pilots.

Alex:
I hope they are not like that girl back at the arcade.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: On an express train on the surface, Shinji, Asuka and Rei arriving in a train station just outside of the Central Dogma facilities.
-----------------------------------

Asuka:
Boy, that guy from the arcade was such a klutz, even more than you, Shinji.

Shinji (to himself):
Man, even after all the things we’ve gone through, she still treats me like an idiot. Why?

Then the Japanese pilots arrive in front of the access doors and Asuka pulls out her Identification card. On the other side of the door, Misato and the American pilots are about to exit the facility and Alex pulls out his card and both Asuka and Alex sweep their cards at the same time by the scanner and the doors open with both pilots staring at each other once the heavy steel doors opens.

Asuka and Alex (at the same time, while looking at each other):
AAGH! YOU AGAIN!

Alex:
What are you doing here? This is a restricted military installation, no civilians are allowed here!

Asuka:
Who are you calling a civilian! I am a member of NERV; what are you doing here?

Misato:
Asuka, Shinji, Rei; I want you to meet Alex, Sean and Hitomi. They are from the United States and they will be joining us in Tokyo-3 as pilots.

Asuka:
Is this a joke? Are you telling me that that klutz is a pilot? Wait, whom am I kidding? If Shinji can be a pilot, then any idiot can be one too.

Alex:
Hey! Who you calling a klutz?

Sean (to Alex):
Looks like you made a new friend, huh?
 
Alex (to Sean):
Shut up, Sean.
 
Misato:
(I have to defuse this one quick) Uh, would you like to see your EVA units?

Alex:
Oh, hell yeah!

Hitomi:
They're here already? That's great!

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Central Dogma, EVA Launch Facility.
-----------------------------------
 
(The pilots walk down to the launch facility to meet the new EVAs. Misato starts to answer some common questions from the new pilots as she gives them a tour of the installations.
 
The pilots enter through a pair of armored doors and enter into the launch facility, inside three new EVA units stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder while technical crews worked on them.)
 
Alex:
Oh, well what do you know! They look even better!
 
Misato:
I want you to meet the new Alpha One Series Evangelion Units.
 
(The team walks around the floor of the hangar and enters a cargo elevator that takes them to the Unit located in the center.)
 
Misato (Pointing to an EVA unit.):
These EVA units were made in America and in Germany using the latest in robotics and genetics, this special series of EVA are the most sophisticated in the world.
 
(As Misato describes the technical aspects of the Unit, they stare in awe at the robots, hypnotized at their sheer beauty. It's different colors, their almost human form; they were all in awe.)
 
Asuka (Perplexed):
How long have these units being here?
 
Misato:
The units were brought here under heavy guard 3 months ago; we've been testing these units with dummy plugs just prior to the arrival of the new pilots and they work up to perfection.

(Sean then looks into Unit 14's face and into his eyes; he sees something weird in them, almost as if it was alive.)

Misato:
We have the units ready for you to pilot them.

Ritsuko (Walking towards the group):
The simulators are ready; you can change into your plugsuits and we'll proceed.

(Then Ritsuko gives the team small booklets and advises them of the tests they are about to endure. Then everyone walks up to another room inside the structure.)

Ritsuko:
I want you to read this. It might be a little confusing at first, so anything you want to ask, just ask me or Misato; we'll help you get used to the training.

(Inside, the new pilots are given their plugsuits and are taken to a changing room, where they change into the suits. Each suit is custom made to match each pilot’s physique. Sean and Alex wear blue and white suits similar to the one Shinji wears and Hitomi wears a white and purple suit.)

Alex (Looking at himself):
This is so sweet; we'll get to operate EVAs for the first time.

Sean:
You think we might have trouble with the other pilots?

Alex:
I don’t know about the girl with the blue hair and the boy, but the redhead, I know she’s trouble.

(Hitomi looks at herself on a mirror in her locker and notices how the suit adheres to her figure; she turns around and looks at her backside and then both her sides.)

Hitomi (to herself):
I can get used to this; feels comfortable.
 
(Sean then walks out of the hall and looks at Alex and Hitomi.)
 
Sean (sighing):
OK guys, let's show them how we do it. Are you with me?
 
Hitomi:
You bet!
 
Alex:
Hell yeah!
 
(Then Alex looks at Rei as she walks out of the room; she stops by the doorway and turns her head around and looks at Alex, her red eyes glitter with warmth; she then turns around and walks away.)

Alex:
OK, she’s screwing me up. I can dig that.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Central Dogma, Training Room.
-----------------------------------
 
(The pilots then meet in the control room; there they see Misato, Ritsuko and Maya, one of the technicians as she prepares the simulators for harmonics testing. There we are given some basic instructions on how to enter the capsules and what to do once inside. They are also given a device to put on our heads; it looked like a pair of triangular shaped sensors; they all put their sensors on and walk to yet another room.
 
Inside the room, they see a pool in the middle of the room and three entry plugs lie half sunk in a reddish liquid, there several personnel in heavy anti-contamination suits stand beside each tube as the pilots enter.)
 
Alex (Rubbing his hands):
OK, when do we begin kicking ass?
 
Ritsuko:
Soon enough, but for now we'll run some harmonics testing to see how developed are your capabilities and as a criteria to base our future training sessions.
 
Sean:
Hey, that sounds good to me. Let's do it.
 
(They enter the tubes and the personnel close the hatches to the tubes. Sean and the others are now sitting inside, for other than the red lights in the control panels in the seat; the entire tube is pitch dark and they cannot distinguish the size of the tubes.
 
Then a bright flash of light blinds them as their tubes light up simultaneously. The controls are merely two control sticks on a sled like seat inside the tube. There are several display screens all around the tubes arranged to look like one large screen that enabled the pilots to have full 360° view on all directions. In the center of the screen, a mask-like symbol in the forward end of the plug connected all the screens into one.
 
Maya:
Can you all hear me?
 
Sean:
Yes.
 
Alex:
Yes.
 
Hitomi:
Yes.
 
Ritsuko (Putting on headphones):
We are beginning the harmonics testing; stand by for initiation sequence.
 
(Back in the control room, the technician pushes a button and the capsule starts to fill with LCL. The liquid slowly envelops the three pilots and the capsules are then filled with the yellowish liquid.)
 
Maya (watching a monitor):
All pilots submerged, beginning synchronization.
 
(A flash of light shoots inside the tubes as they are activated, the screen lights up and the word READY flashes past the screens.)
 
Sean (to himself):
O.K. capsule's filled up; now for the fun part.
 
Sean switches a button in his controls and sees the faces of the other pilots.
 
Sean:
Hey guys; are you OK?
 
Hitomi (breathing in LCL):
Yes, I'm all right.
 
Alex (looking around):
Yeah, no problem; this is so fucking cool.
 
Ritsuko:
Apparently they have been exposed to the LCL before.
 
Misato (looking over military records):
Well, according to their records they were trained to be EVA pilots back in the US, so I figure they have some acclimatization before they came here.
 
Ritsuko (talking through a microphone):
O.K. now all you need to do is relax, the sensors on your head will do the rest.
 
(Sean and the others calm themselves down. They put their hands close to their bodies and they lean back on their seats, the pilots can feel the LCL move around their bodies and start to go into an almost hypnotic stance as they sit motionless inside the training plugs. Meanwhile, back in the lab, Misato and Ritsuko see the progress on a computer monitor.)
 
Ritsuko:
Start to synchronize the pilots to the EVA's mainframe.
 
Maya (looking at data from monitor):
Dr. Akagi, take a look at this; it seems that they are progressing faster than we predicted, their synchronization rates are higher than we ever expected.
 
Ritsuko (looking at the preliminary results):
Good, that means that all the Marduk report was right; the charts can't lie, we’ve found the pilots, now all we need to do is to hope that the configuration on the units will work.
 
(Later, after the tests conclude, they lift the entry plugs off the pool and let the LCL out. The LCL is sucked out of the plugs through vent holes on the bottom of the plug and they open the hatches and let the pilots out.)
 
Sean (spitting LCL out of his mouth):
Man, is the same stuff they trained us for.
 
Hitomi (wringing LCL out of her hair):
This I just like back in Vail; the simulators, the LCL; even the temperature and the pool.
 
Alex (sitting down, putting his hand over his head and removing the head harness):
I think this is something we can get used to; I mean, the training is the same, the equipment is the same; hell, even the LCL tastes the same.
 
(After 15 minutes of clearing their lungs and letting air into them, the pilots sit down side by side by the pool in chairs with towels over their heads and shoulders as they recuperate.)
 
Hitomi (sitting next to Alex):
Are you OK?
 
Alex (Taking off oxygen mask):
Yeah, I'm all right. Little dizzy though, but I'll get over it.
 
Sean:
This is some fucked up shit.
 
Alex:
No lie, man; but this sure beats the road marches.
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Monitor room, Central Dogma.
-----------------------------------
 
(Then the pilots exit the room to a warmer room in the lab. Later that day, the pilots are called back to the lab to meet with Ritsuko again to review their results.)
 
Hitomi:
You wanted to see us, doctor?
 
Misato (holding files in her hands):
Yes, your synchronization levels where quite high. I hope to have all 3 units ready for deployment by the end of the week, so until then you will be enrolled into NERV and you will get monetary compensation to help you finance your needs.
 
Ritsuko:
I hope that the introduction to the entry plug wasn't that discouraging, I know it must've been terrible, but I’m afraid you'll have to get used to it.
 
Sean:
Yes ma'am, we are ready to go right now. You just say the word.
 
Ritsuko:
O.K. then, if you need anything, just let me know.
 
Misato (smiling):
Well, you must be tired; how about I take you to your new quarters; there you can unpack your things and settle in.

(The group then exits the laboratory and towards their quarters, but as Alex exits the room, Asuka blocks his passage with her arm as she stands near the door.)

Asuka:
Let’s get one thing clear; I am the best pilot in NERV; I’ve never been defeated in combat and I will not have an amateur like you outrank me.

Alex:
I’m here to do a job, not to be competing with a snooty little spoiled brat like you. (Turns around and walks away)

Asuka (enraged while grabbing Alex by his shoulder.):
HEY! YOU CAN’T WALK AWAY WHILE I’M TALKING TO YOU!

Asuka then grabs Alex’s wrist, but he quickly turns around and twists Asuka’s wrist and knocks her down to the ground, applying pressure to her arm with his hands while keeping her pined down helplessly.

Alex (irate):
NEVER, EVER DARE TO TOUCH ME AGAIN! I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE OR WHOSE FAVORITE YOU ARE, YOU TOUCH ME AGAIN AND I WILL RIP YOUR ARM OFF. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?

Asuka nods her head and Alex lets go; she quickly clutches her arm in pain as Alex walks away; Asuka staggers back to her feet and looks at Alex while he fades from view.

Asuka:
We’ll see about that.
-----------------------------

Later, we see the team riding down through Tokyo-3 inside a white passenger van. They seem to be engaged in a conversation.)
 
Misato (off-screen):
Well, you must be tired from the long journey. NERV has furnished you with an apartment where you three can live; it’s an apartment close to mine, so whenever you need me, just walk down the hall and knock on my door.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Apartment Building- the team walks into a large apartment on the same building where Misato lives.)
-----------------------------------
 
Misato (off-screen-opening electronic door lock):
I was able to separate the largest apartment on the building for you guys. I hope the accommodations are up to your liking.
 
(The apartment has a large, fully furnished common area and separate bedrooms, the kitchen has been fully equipped with refrigerator, microwave oven, stove and all the silverware and china that they might need. Each of the pilots takes their belonging to separate rooms and start to unpack as Misato talks to them.)
 
Misato (putting some things on the dining room table):
All the utilities have been prepaid in full by NERV, along with the rent; but you'll have to provide yourselves with food and transportation. To that end, we have provided you with 4 months of pay in four separate savings and checking accounts to your names at the local bank.
 
Misato (off-screen as pilots go into their rooms and look at the apartment):
Also, NERV has taken the liberty of transferring all personal belongings. They’ll be arriving in a matter of days, but most of it is still here.
 
Alex:
Would you get a look at this? Separate rooms! We never had this in Vail.
 
Hitomi:
The rooms are so warm and comfortable; I love it.
 
Sean (walking up to the balcony):
Hey guys! Get a look at this; an apartment with a view. Man, this is so cool.
 
The pilots run out to the balcony and get the most beautiful scenery in all of Japan right in front of their eyes.
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Pilot’s Apartment. Several hours later.
-----------------------------------
 
(Sean then opens the door to his room and walks to Misato, who is standing outside of the apartment in the balcony.)
 
Sean:
Colonel, I don't know about the others, but I'd like to thank you for helping us move in; I hope that we don't disappoint anyone here and I can assure you; we'll do our best to get the job done.
 
Misato (watching the setting sun over the horizon):
I know; Commander Craig has put a lot of faith in you all, the safety of this world depends on all of us and I know we can get the job done.
 
Sean:
Well, we won’t let you down; I promise.
 
(Sean walks back into apartment.)
 
Misato (to herself):
I hope so.
 
(Misato stands motionless as the sun disappears at the distance. Another day end and the hopes and dreams of humanity again rest upon the shoulders of a few brave souls that are willing to suffer and die for a cause.)
 
-----------------------------------
HOWEVER, SEAN AND THE REST OF THE PILOTS HAVE LITTLE IDEA OF WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN THROWN INTO.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV Headquarters, Tokyo-3
-----------------------------------
SCENE: hallway leading to the Command Center.
-----------------------------------
 
(Ritsuko and Maya are walking towards the command center while talking among each other.)
 
Ritsuko:
Today we’ll begin advanced EVA training on the new pilots with the simulators. If the data we received from the US is correct. The new pilots will be ready in just a few days time.
 
Maya:
Do you think the pilots will do as well as Commander Ikari’s son and the others?
 
Ritsuko (pulling out ID card.):
I do not know, but I am sure we will find out soon enough.
 
(Ritsuko and Maya enter into the Command Center.)
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Briefing Room.
-----------------------------------
 
Misato (off-screen):
Today we’ll begin advanced EVA training with the simulators. The first time was to measure your synchronization levels; this time you'll be in a simulated combat scenario with hostile targets.
 
(Misato gives the pilots a folder with technical information and instructs them on the technical aspects of the simulators and the purpose of the training.)
 
Misato (off-screen):
The simulators are designed to automatically set themselves to your individual telekinetic settings, which means that they will react to impulses coming from your brains, and only from your brains.
 
(All three pilots pay close attention to everything Misato says, but despite their best efforts; they end up even more confused.)
 
Misato:
Any questions?
 
Alex (off-screen):
Can you go over this one more time? I think I got lost on the simulator deal.
 
(Misato’s face turns upset.)
 
Misato (sighing):
All right, I’ll take you to the simulators and give you one of the training sessions. Sean, you go first, Hitomi, you'll go next and Alex will go last.
 
(The pilots are then directed into the training simulators. The simulators are the same one used earlier in the synchronization phase. Sean enters the simulator with the help of a safety crew while Misato, Alex and Hitomi walk up to an observation booth.)
 
Maya:
The pilots are secured inside the simulators.
 
Ritsuko (off-screen):
Begin simulation 12 Alpha.
 
(As the simulator is activated, a V. R. scenario is activated. The scenario takes place in a mountainous region in Europe; the weather is dark with a thunderstorm rolling over the entire field of training. Lightning bolts strike the landscape in the distance and light up the simulated night skies with incredible realism.)
 
Sean (looking around the simulator cockpit):
Forget Sony Play station; this thing kicks ass, cool!
 
(A pulse rifle materializes in his unit's hands and goes to maximum charge.)
 
Misato (off-screen):
You have a target North of your current position, distance, 30 miles. The target is slowly moving towards you. Advance and neutralize target.
 
Sean (viewed from a video image on a monitor):
Roger that! One question though. Where's the gas pedal on this thing?
 
Misato (off-screen):
Ha, ha, very funny, you operate the Unit via telepathic commands; just order the Unit to walk and the unit will obey your command.
 
Sean:
All right then, let's get to work.
 
(Then Sean orders his “unit” to walk at a slow rate.)
 
Maya (looking at a graphic display of Sean’s neural response):
His synchronization is working; he has the Unit walking towards the target area.
 
Sean:
Well, now for something more elaborate.
 
(At Sean’s command, the Unit runs towards the target at rushing speed.)
 
Misato (off-screen):
Target coming up, he's on your right, take cover and engage!
 
(Sean quickly takes cover behind a rock formation and puts the pulse gun on target, his crosshairs fixed on the head of the creature.
 
However, unknown to Sean, the creature has already sensed him and is waiting for Sean to make his move. Sean slowly tracks the creature with the crosshairs of his rifle and removes the safety catch on the massive hand cannon and lets go an 8-round burst towards the creature. But the creature quickly turns his head and makes an amazing leap skywards just in time and the round simply whiz by.)
 
Sean (Shocked):
Damn! It maneuvered my bullets, but that’s impossible.
 
(However, before Sean can react, the creature pounces on top of him and slams the unit hard on the ground, driving his head into the rocks.)
 
Sean (grunts in pain):
Ungh! What the?
 
(Sean quickly tries to get his bearings and swings the gun towards his chest and fires a burst at close range, but the creature grabs the Unit's wrist and applies its massive strength on it. Sean’s teeth clamp down hard as the blood vessels in his hand start to inflate. Then a loud crack is heard, and the Unit's wrist breaks and the gun falls off his hand. Sean’s hand goes limb and he quickly grabs his arms in pain.)
 
Sean (screaming):
AAAGH! MY HAND, MY FUCKING HAND!
 
Misato (shouting):
Sean! Calm down! You're not getting hurt! Is only your mind!
 
(Sean tries to repel the attack, but the creature pulls his left arm extends it, nearly pulling it out of the shoulder. Then a large energy spike comes out of the creature’s right arm and impales the Unit into the ground, the energy spike is driven into the soil and through the Unit's shoulder; Sean screams in agony as he grabs his left shoulder.)
 
Sean (in pain):
AAAGH! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF ME!
 
(Then the unit wheels back a closed fist and strikes Sean in the face, obliterating the EVA unit’s skull and the simulator then stops.)
 
(Sean pulls the head sensors off his head and slumps forwards as he moans in pain. Alex runs towards the simulator as the crew retrieves Sean out of the simulator; Alex helps him to a cot, were Sean lays down as Alex opens Sean’s plugsuit and checks him for injuries.)
 
Sean (moaning slowly):
It felt so real! It actually hurt!
 
Alex (applying an ice pack on Sean’s shoulder):
OK, sit still buddy; this will cool your arm off. Are you OK?
 
Sean:
I…I think so. Man, that hurt like a mother!
 
Ritsuko (walking out of the booth):
Well, I guess I was a bit too hard on you. But you'll need to improve your skills. This was just a simulation, but the next time might be for real and you might get hurt real bad.
 
(Hitomi looked at Sean while Alex gave him some first aid; she then kneels beside Sean and looks at Alex as he works.)
 
Alex (pulling an ice pack from Sean’s left shoulder.)
Here Hitomi. Put a towel over his shoulder and keep the pack near his shoulder joint.

Asuka (looking from atop a platform):
Ha! That was so pathetic; they can’t even defeat a simulation.

Alex turns around and looks up to find Asuka and Shinji standing over them.

Alex (to himself):
She’s getting on my nerves!

(Craig watches with interest the unfolding scene from a top platform.)
 
Aide (off-screen):
It seems the pilot was caught off guard.
 
Craig:
Yes, but he’ll adjust. Just give him some time; talk to Dr Akagi to go easy on them, let them adjust to the training.
 
Aide (off-screen):
Yes sir; I’ll get right on it.
 
Craig:
Oh and tell Colonel Katsuragi to keep me posted on their training.
 
(The aide steps off screen, Craig watching the screen closely.)
 
Craig:
Time is a luxury we can’t afford.

-----------------------------------
End of Chapter 1
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Tereshkova Testing Facility, Kamchatka Province-Easternmost region of the Russian Federation.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: General alert in effect on all sections on a NERV manufacturing center nestled in the Central Mountains. Personnel fight fires and explosions, while heavily armed troops fire wantonly at an EVA0-05, which has escape from its restraining and has gone on a rampage.
-----------------------------------
 
Russian scientist (off-screen, on the phone, shouting in shock):
ALERT CENTRAL COMMAND, YOU HAVE TO CALL ALL FORWARD AIR ARM SQUADRONS IN THE AREA; THE UNIT IS HEADING TOWARDS JAPAN.
 
General Primokov (On the other line-pouring tea on cup):
Calm down Colonel, please calm down and tell me what's going on? What do you mean? I can't understand a word you're saying.
 
Russian scientist (off-screen):
GENERAL, THE TEST UNIT HAS GONE FULLY OPERATIONAL. I HAVE ABOUT A HUNDRED DEAD AND SEVERAL HUNDRED MORE INJURED, YOU NEED TO CALL NERV AND WARN THEM!
 
General Primokov (walking up to window, sipping tea):
Are you sure?
 
(Then Primokov walks up to his window and sees an EVA 05 Production Model walk past his window and towards the mountains. The General stands in shock as the cup falls of his hand and breaks into pieces as it hits the hardwood floor while the thunderous footsteps of the EVA rumble and rattle everything in his office out of place.)
 
General Primokov (in shock):
My God!
 
(General Primokov immediately hangs up the phone and picks up a red phone next to the regular line.)
 
General Primokov: (on red emergency phone):
This is General Primokov, alert all fighter wings in the area to intercept and destroy the Unit; it must be stopped before it reaches Kikhchik.
 
General Primokov (to himself):
The unit must not reach the safety of the sea; if it does, human lives will be in extreme danger.
 
(EVA-05 walks towards the mountains, knocking a power tower and stomping through a herd of sheep, crushing several of them while being pelted by rockets and tank rounds.)
 
-----------------------------------
Chapter 2: Blood On Steel
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Apartment 15C, Tokai District-Tokyo-3
-----------------------------------
 
SCENE: Sean and Alex are engaged in physical training; doing push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and flutter kicks. On the bathroom, Hitomi takes a bath using a shower stall.
 
(Sean stands up and walks up to the bathroom and knocks on the door.)
 
Sean:
Hitomi; are you done already?
 
Hitomi (off-screen):
I’m almost done, just a minute.
 
(The water runs gently down her hair, sliding down her back and in between her buttocks and down her legs. She slowly rinses her hair and then turns off the shower stall. She then walks up to a towel rack and covers her naked body with a towel and another one on her head and she walks out the bathroom. When she walks out, Alex and Sean are standing on both sides of the door, sweat dripping from their faces.)
 
Hitomi (looking at the male pilots):
There, I’m done.
 
Alex (looking down at Hitomi):
I hate it when she takes longer that usual to shower. Why does she do that?
 
Sean (taking a quarter in his hand):
OK; now, pick a side and the winner goes to the showers first.
 
Alex:
Sure, toss and we’ll call it in midair.
 
(Sean tosses the coin, but Alex takes advantage and rushes into the bathroom and closes the door; leaving Sean with the coin in the air. He catches the coin and closes his hand.)
 
Sean:
Hey! That’s cheating! No fair!
 
Alex (off-screen):
Heads, I win!
 
(Sean opens his hand and sees that he has the face of Washington in his hand- making Alex the winner.)
 
Sean: (pissed-off):
You son of a…
 
-----------------------------------
 SCENE: NERV Command Center.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: A Level 2 Alert has been called inside NERV; the entire Geofront has been alerted and have taken defensive measures. All pilots have been alerted and are inside the Command Center. Cdr. Ikari sits atop the massive platform and oversees the entire alert, while Misato rallies up the forces and delegates orders to everyone inside.
-----------------------------------
 
Maya (in front of monitor):
We have an unidentified object coming from the Northwest.
 
Misato:
How far back did the long-range scanners picked it up?
 
Maya (Off-screen):
About 40 miles back.
 
Misato:
But that’s impossible; our scanners can pick anything approaching us as far back as 300 miles back. How could it have gotten that close without being picked up?
 
Misato (turning around and looking at the six pilots):
All right, let's get the ball rolling fast. Sean; suit up, you'll be given primary on this mission; Alex, you suit up and go with him, you'll provide backup. O.K., Let's move!
 
Asuka:
Hey, wait a minute. What about us?
 
Misato:
I need the rest of you here in case Alex and Sean can’t stop it to provide defense for the city.

Asuka (to herself):
I can’t believe it; they get first crack at the EVA and I don’t. I hate them already.
 
(And in a split second, the CIC roars with activity, Sean and Alex quickly suit up and head toward their EVAs, which are being loaded on to special air transports, while ground personnel ready the units for deployment.)
 
Misato (On radio, off-screen):
Sean, Alex; the target's is 38 miles from the coast; ETA of the target to the nearest population center is 20 minutes.
 
Sean (using radio):
Roger that; we are taking off and on route.
 
(The duo sit inside two NERV air transports, flanked on both sides Russian made Su-35 Flanker D fighter-bombers. They are both suited in their plugsuits underneath military flight suits.)
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Aboard Air transports-inside cockpit.
-----------------------------------
 
Su-35 Pilot (off-screen):
We have you on visual.
 
Air Transport Pilot (looking out window):
Roger that, we have you on visual. Proceed to heading of 020, heading east; maintain current speed and altitude.
 
(Meanwhile, on the rear hull of each plane, we see the pilots getting ready, with a crewman standing by. Sean loosens his body and tries to relax while on the other plane Alex adjusts the head sensory array over his head. A crewman pulls out a metal container from a bin on the corner of the small room-like compartment; he pulls out an oxygen mask, which he promptly gives to Sean.)
 
Crewman (handing Sean a respirator):
Put this on; when we get to the release point the air might be a bit thin.
 
Sean:
Thanks!
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: A small repair crew working on a 20-mile stretch of oil pumping pipes on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan. They are inspecting the seams and welds on the pipeline that supplies crude oil from tankers on a harbor several miles away to refineries inland.
-----------------------------------
 
Technician (inspecting metal pipe section.):
Well, this entire section is holding well; the weather out here is regular, but we have some storm clouds coming from the west; I guess is going to rain.
 
(As the engineers make preparations to leave the area, a thunderous roar emerges from the distance; the men are startled as they look around for what did the noise. Slowly, a rumble begins to shake the ground as the sound of gigantic footsteps grows louder and louder- then from the sea comes out a gigantic beast walking ashore. The men make a run back to their base, when they see the figure moving towards them.)
 
Technician (On radio):
Central, Yasuhiro; call the National Guard, there's something going on in the pipeline; there's a monster coming at us from the west; it seems to be heading for the city.
 
Chief Engineer (on other side of line):
What are you talking about? Have you been drinking today?
 
Technician (Hysterical):
FUCK, THAT THING IS HUGE; GET IN THE TRUCK, MOVE IT!
 
(Intermittent rumble-Static)
 
Chief Engineer:
Yasuhiro? Yasuhiro! Answer me!
 
(Meanwhile, back in the pipeline, we see what's left of a section of the pipeline; the unknown creature has stepped over the pipeline, releasing millions of gallons of crude oil into the harbor. Besides one of the smashed gates of the pipes we see the radio that was in the engineer's hand while blood begins to pool around it.)
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Inside Air Transports
-----------------------------------
 
Air Transport Pilot (off-screen):
Tokyo-3, we are 50 miles from Hokkaido, 8 minutes out from release point, waiting on orders to deploy the EVA Units.
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV Command Center.
-----------------------------------
 
Misato:
All right, deploy the units.
 
Air Transport Pilot (off screen):
Roger that, deployment in 5 minutes.

Misato:
Hope they have been trained well.

-----------------------------
SCENE: Air Transports
-----------------------------

Crewman:
5 minutes. Check your gear and mount your EVA.
 
(The pilots stands up and unzip their flight suits off; then put respirators on while the crewmen with them deploy small-pressurized entry tubes to their entry plugs, connected to the EVA Units.)
 
Crewman:
Good luck.
 
(Sean makes his way into the entry plug and watches the crewman seal the hatch and a rush of cold air rushes up; he quickly takes a deep breath and takes off the respirator and enters the entry plug, sealing the hatch behind him. Immediately, the entry plug is inserted into the back of the EVA Unit and it's filled with LCL.)
 
Air transport Pilot:
Pilots are mounted, 2 minutes to target. Begin deployment.
 
(The massive transports break to the right and down into deployment altitude; hydraulic arms begin to lower the units from transport position into deployment position, while the planes descend to 10,000 feet. Sean and Alex prepare themselves for the turbulent free fall they are about to experience. Alex puts on a mouth guard and bites it in place while Sean adjust his head sensors and sheers the plugsuit around his arms ands legs. )
 
Sean:
Alex, you cool?
 
Alex:
I'm cool, you?
 
Sean:
Like ice; let's rock the spot.
 
Alex:
Hoah!
 
Air Transport pilot:
One minute to release point.
 
Sean (To himself):
Its “make it or break it” time; hope these things work.
 
Air Transport Pilot:
Standby to release; ready? Ready? Ready? Go!
 
(The bombardier presses two buttons simultaneously in his console and in a matter of seconds; both EVA 14 and 16 are released into freefall. The units extend their arms to their sides as they rush towards the ground.)
 
Alex (shouting like a cowboy):
WOOOOOHOOOOO!
 
(The Units glide towards the ground quickly and as they approach 1,000 feet, the pilots maneuver their units to land on their feet. The Units impact the ground sending tons of soil and rocks upward; once the dust settled, the Units rise up and move forward to the target area.)
 
Sean (shaking his head):
Whoa! Remind me not to do that again.
 
Alex (ecstatic):
Whoa! What a rush!

-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV Command Center:
-----------------------------------
 
Air Transport Pilot (off-screen):
Tokyo-3; Units have made touchdown; unit's undamaged; moving towards target area; over.
 
Misato:
That's a good copy; we have the units on visual. Have the planes return to base immediately. Alex, Sean. Move out!
 
Alex (off screen):
Roger that.
 
Sean (off screen):
Roger that.
 
Shigeru:
I have a call from Tereshkova; it looks serious.
 
Misato:
Put it on my line.
 
(Misato walks up to a desk and picks up the phone.)
 
Misato (on telephone):
Misato here.
 
Primokov (off-screen):
Yes, this is General Primokov from the Tereshkova Testing Facility; I have to warn you; one of our research units has escaped from our facility and is heading your direction.
 
Misato (face turned serious):
Are you sure?
 
Primokov:
Yes, is an EVA-05 Production Model; it was being upgraded for use in Russia, but somehow the unit managed to activate itself and has escaped our facility.
 
Misato:
That's impossible, how can an EVA unit activate itself without a pilot?
 
Primokov:
The EVA still had its internal dummy plug. We deactivated the plug prior to beginning upgrading, but apparently it reactivated itself. Look, the Unit has already severely damaged our facility and we've been unable to stop it.
 
(Misato looks back at the screen with worry in his eyes.)
 
Maya:
Colonel Katsuragi? Are you O.K.? What's going on?
 
Misato (shock-stricken):
My God, something bad is going to happen, I can feel it.
 
(Misato watches the Units mobilize unaware of the danger they are about to face.)
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Northern Japanese coast:
-----------------------------------
SCENE: As the EVA units rush towards the suspected site where the Unit is believed to be located. On the harbor a massive evacuation is taken place, ships begin to cast off as people evacuate the refinery and pump stations in the harbor.
-----------------------------------
 
Alex (looking at radar image on scanner):
I have a radar signature on the Unit, is heading straight towards Hokkaido.
 
Sean:
All right! Lock and load; let's rock!
 
Alex:
Let's go get him!
 
(As the two units track the path of destruction blazed by the third EVA; Misato tracks their movements on the screen while Maya, Shigeru and Makoto monitor the pilot’s vital signs and the neural link connections of the EVA units as well.)
 
Sean:
Did you get a load at the mess?
 
Alex:
Yeah. That thing’s on a rampage, we’ve better stop that mother before he gets too close for comfort.
 
Sean (looking at radar image on a heads-up display visor in front of him):
Got his ass! He’s moving away from us at a slow rate of speed; switching to visual.
 
Back in Central Dogma, Sean’s visual image is displayed on the main monitor. The backside of the EVA unit is visible, a large grayish substance has spewed over the plug; it is similar in fashion to the substance on EVA-03’s entry plug (Episode 10). Back in the cockpits, Sean's screen display has a good lead on the Unit, and then in a second, his screen goes blank.)
 
Sean (tapping on his monitor):
Hey! What the...Where in hell is that thing?
 
Alex (slapping the visor in front of his eyes):
I lost him too; the radar was working fine one second and then it stopped working! What's going on?
 
Sean:
All right, we'll split up; I'll take the direct route to the harbor, you go to the left, over the coastline, we'll cover more ground that way.
 
Alex (lifting visor from his face):
Copy that; but don't wander off too far.
 
(But unknown to Sean or Alex, The Russian Unit has being monitoring their every move; the unit then focuses its attention on Sean and Unit 14 as he moves away from Alex. The creature then maneuvers behind Sean, moving silently in the darkness, inside Unit 14 Sean is scanning the terrain in front of him, looking, listening, feeling the terrain as he walks slowly.)
 
(The Russian unit then creeps close to Sean; he doesn't seem to notice that the Russian Unit is within striking distance. Then an alarm sounds instantly on the scanners, Sean tries to react, but too late, the unit pounces on top of him and rams the unit hard on the ground headfirst and his pulse rifle skids out of Sean's reach. EVA 14 falls down on the ground head first, and the unknown android attacks him with fury.)
 
(The Russian EVA punches the unit in the face; the impact was so brutal, that all the screens inside the Unit flicker. Sean tries to repel the attack, but his unit is on the ground, facing to the floor; the Russian EVA takes advantage and attacks Sean by sinking the Unit's face into the earth and punching the Unit in the torso. The Russian EVA then rams his foot into Unit 14's back and yanks back on the Unit's head while applying his massive weight unto Unit's 14's back. Sean screams as his body tilts back; he holds his head in agony as the vessels in his forehead start to pop up.)
 
Sean (in extreme pain):
AAAGH! GET IT OFF ME! ALEX! WHERE THE...GUUAAA!
 
(Alex sees that Sean is in trouble and his unit turns around and starts running back towards the harbor.)
 
Alex (shouting):
Hold on, Sean! I'm coming!
 
(Sean tries to reach for his aileron-mounted weapons, but the Russian EVA grabs both the unit's arms and yanks them back, nearly breaking both arms off. The unit then grabs Sean’s unit by the neck and rams it into a building, driving the Unit’s head right into a metal support column.

Maya (monitoring screens):
Colonel; Sean's heart rate is going way up; his neural output is erratic; he's going into shock!

Inside the cockpit, Sean is slumped over his controls; clutching the side of his head as blood slowly seeps out of his ear. The blood mixes in with the LCL, creating a reddish haze in front of his eyes; Sean can feel the taste of blood in his mouth and puts a finger inside, he grimaces in pain as he pulls out his fingers and sees that their covered in blood, then blood starts to come out of Sean's mouth.

Sean:
Oh my god. I… I’m bleeding.

Misato (shouting):
Watch out! Is going to attack again!

(Then suddenly with great force he grabs Unit 14 by the neck and raises the entire unit with both arms. The unit must weigh at least a good 80 tons, and this thing picked it up like a rag doll.

Sean grabs a hold of his neck as the Russian EVA "strangulates" him; the sound of his heart beating drowns his voice as he gasps for air; then slowly his eyes roll back as the oxygen in his lungs begins to dwindle and his body slumps in his chair. Then the Russian EVA slams the unit down with such violent force, that the windows in every building within visual range explode outward.)

Sean (rushing towards both units):
SEAN!!!

Unit 16 rams into the Russian EVA, sending both units to the ground; both units begin to grapple on the floor, Alex grabs a hold of EVA-05's neck and applies a powerful headlock. The Russian EVA begins to struggle to free itself, but Alex uses all of his strength to keep his "vise-like" grip on the enemy; he claps down on the EVA's legs and pulls back on the controls as hard as possible.

Alex uses all of his body to pull back on the controls, he literally stands up inside the cockpit and yanks on the controls; his back arches backwards and he clamps his teeth down, his arms are near the point or tearing themselves off and he begins to scream as the sound of metal buckling and flesh tearing becomes unbearable.

Then Alex's EVA finally snaps the Russian EVA's neck in two, ripping his head apart from his neck in a violent torrent of purplish blood, which showers EVA-16 in it's totality. Alex releases the lifeless EVA and staggers up to Sean's EVA and tries to communicate with his fallen comrade.

Alex (over the radio):
Sean! Come in; Respond. Please respond. Damn it! Answer me for Christ’s sake!

(Alex switches the monitors on his EVA back to video and tries to get visual confirmation of Sean while Maya tries to reconnect video to try and get a picture of Sean, but the attack was so brutal, that neither Alex nor Maya can restart the video uplink.)

-----------------------------------
NERV HQ's Command Room.
-----------------------------------

Maya:
Body functions of the pilot have gone down, neural response is zero; I have no pulse.

Misato:
Oh god, Sean!

Shigeru:
Video is damaged; cannot get an uplink back. Neural links 1 through 75 have been severed, unit is non responsive.

Makoto:
Medical team is standing by. Awaiting orders.

Misato:
Deploy the medical team down to the area; tell Dr. Hicks to get her gear ready, just in case we need her.

(Misato runs quickly out the door.)

Ritsuko:
Colonel, where are you going?

Misato:
I have to see if Sean is alive.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: EVA Launch Platform. EVA Unit 14 is retrieved into the hangar.
-----------------------------------

(Technical personnel open the entry plug and retrieve Sean's almost lifeless body out of the cockpit. He's quickly put on a stretcher board and immobilized with a neck brace and a broken arm splinted; then sent to a waiting ambulance; Alex exits his unit and rushes towards the ambulance, but Misato stops him before he can reach his injured friend.)

Alex (shouting hysterically):
Sean! Let me go! Sean!

Misato:
No, you can't do anything for him; let the doctors try to save him.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: inside ambulance speeding to a hospital
-----------------------------------

Dr. Hicks (ripping Sean’s plugsuit open with scissors.):
Don't die on me; hang in there, fight it! Begin CPR.

Nurse (off screen):
He's bleeding badly, starting a unit of plasma on him.

Dr Hicks:
Hurry, we have to stabilize him or else we'll lose him.

The nurse put an oxygen mask over Sean’s face and pumps air into his lugs as Dr. Hicks inserts a needle in Sean's arms and pumps plasma into his body while blood slowly seeps out his nose. Then his eyes open wide and a blast of pain shoots throughout his body; he starts to scream in pain and his body begins to move erratically. Dr Hicks struggles to calm Sean down and to keep him still, but Sean is in so much pain, that he cannot control his own body.

Dr Hicks:
Shit! Strap his body down before he hurts himself; get me 2cc of morphine; I can’t hold him much longer.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV HQ- Launch Platform.
-----------------------------------

Alex is kneeling on the floor, banging his fist on the steel floor while crying. Hitomi and Misato are with him.

Alex (clutching his head in agony):
Dammit! Dammit! What the fuck happened? Why did we have to split up? Is my entire fault! I should've been right beside him. Why?

Hitomi (tears running from her eyes):
Alex, please don't curse yourself; he'll be fine. He's not going to die.

Misato:
Come on, let’s take him out of here; he needs to rest.

(Misato and Hitomi take Alex out of the launch platform and to a resting room inside the complex.)

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Command Center, upper platform.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Craig reviews the video images and sees the actions of both Sean and the EVA-05.
-----------------------------------

Aide:
Hmm, it seems the EVA was even stronger than expected.

Craig:
Yes, but why? Why that unit went operational? What were the Russians working on? Tell Katsuragi to report to me the condition of the pilot involved, it is of the utmost importance that we do not repeat this blunder. And also tell Dr Akagi to recover the wreckage of the EVA-05 for a complete analysis; I want to know what where the Russians trying to develop.

Craig (to himself):
Dammit! What are they up to?

-----------------------------------
SCENE:  Hospital - Intensive Care Department
Hospital room (No. 523), Sean lying in bed.
-----------------------------------
Background announcement:
Sections 2 and 3 of the East Annex will close at 6 p.m. today.
Staff is requested to finish all work by 4: 30 p.m.
-----------------------------------

Female Nurse (off-screen):
For a second, I thought that he was going to die!

Misato (Talking to a doctor):
Where is the pilot being kept?

Doctor:
He was transferred to room 523 in the intensive care ward. He hasn't made any movement for the last 2 weeks, but he was upgraded from critical to stable.

Misato (breathing a sigh of relief):
Thank God, for a second I thought he was a goner.

(Misato then walks up to Sean’s room. She opens the door and sees Sean lying quietly in a bed. His left arm in inside a cast and IV bottles hang from his side; an oxygen line is taped to his nose and a heart monitor stands beside him with sensors taped to his chest.)

Misato (feeling guilty):
Damn! I should’ve warned them.

(Misato walks quietly out the door and leaves the room; sitting outside his room keeping vigil. Finally, he slowly opens his eyes; his hands slowly close as his body begins to move; he moans as he bones in his body slowly creak inside him.)

Sean (moaning in discomfort):
Ungh! Someone get the license plate of the truck that ran me over?

(Sean's ribs hurt and the bandages just make it more unbearable. He closes and opens his hands as he struggles to sit up; the cold air inside the room is unbearable and his naked body shivers as Sean slowly moves around; his movements are slow, made cumbersome by the bandages he wears, his bare body slowly flexes and moves as Sean tries to regain his senses. His back hurts and Sean places his hands on the sides of his temples and moans in pain.)

Sean (moaning in discomfort):
Ungh! Oh god, my head, it hurts!! What the fuck happened?

(Sean tries to sit up in his bed, but his ribs are so bruised up and his arm so badly broken, that despite his best efforts, the pain keeps him from moving.)

Sean (moaning in pain-to himself):
I'm too weak to even move, Oh God don't let me die like this.

(As Sean slowly lies back in bed, Misato and Dr Hicks walk through the door and up to his bedside.)

Dr Hicks (helping Sean back down to his bed.):
How do you feel Sean?

Sean:
Like someone stuffed me inside a cement mixer.

Misato:
Thank God Alex came in time, a few minutes later, and you'd be dead.

Sean (off-screen):
What... happened?

Misato:
An EVA attacked you.

(Sean then he looks at the other woman beside Misato. She is not dressed in the same tan and white outfit Maya and the other female personnel in NERV wear, so he’s a bit suspicious. He watches her putting a new IV bottle in his arm and ensuring that his arm is not injured more than it already is.)

Sean:
Who are you?

Misato:
Oh, she's Dr. Hicks; she was the one that kept you alive; she's the chief medical officer with NERV.

Dr Hicks:
I've been working with NERV for several years now; I'm the one in charge of your medical well being.

Sean (rubbing his neck):
Did...did we destroy it.

Misato:
Yes, Alex was able to destroy the EVA before it could kill you; He saved your life;

Sean:
Thank God, I owe him a lot.

Dr Hicks:
We better let him rest; he's been through a lot already.

(Dr Hicks and Misato leave the room. Sean leans back in his bed. As they leave the room, Hitomi and Alex walk up to the window of the door and sees Sean with both his hands on his face.)

Alex (feeling guilty):
Oh man, I've should've been with him.

Hitomi (comforting Alex):
There's nothing that you could've done to help him. Don't curse yourself for that; you did all you could.

(Then Shinji, Rei and Asuka walk into the corridor and see Alex and Hitomi standing in front of the door.)

Shinji (looking into the room):
How is he doing?

Hitomi:
He's alive, but he's injured bad; doctors say that he'll be out of action for a few more weeks.

Asuka:
That's just part of the job; we've all visited the hospital once or twice before; he's lucky to be alive.

Rei (looking through window):
He will be all right; is not the time for him to die.

Asuka:
If I’ve been out there, I would’ve defeated him single-handed.

Alex:
I bet you would’ve; but you weren’t, so shut up.

Asuka:
Hey! Who you telling to shut up?

Alex (irritated):
I am telling you to shut up; you want me to translate for you?

Hitomi (pulling Alex back):
OK, OK, enough. You and I are leaving. Sean won’t be able to rest if you both keep yelling at each other.

-----------------------------
SCENE: Outside hospital.
-----------------------------

Alex (infuriated):
I can’t believe it; did you see her rambling?

Hitomi:
Yes, I’m afraid I did.

Alex:
What kind of a person she thinks she is? That’s no way for a pilot to behave!

Hitomi:
Look, don’t listen to her; she’s not even half what you are, there is no reason for you to lower yourself to her level.

Alex:
If she wasn’t a girl, I swear to God that I would knock all her teeth out.

Hitomi:
Hey! Relax, will you? There is nothing we can do to change that; just ignore her, sooner or later she’ll get tired and she won’t mess with you no more.

(2 weeks pass and Sean fells stronger and asks repeatedly to return to duty, but Dr Hicks and Misato refuse on the basis that he needs to tend for his wounds for a little longer.)
 
-----------------------------------
SCENE: EVA Storage Facility. NERV technicians do minor repairs on both the EVAs. The attack was extremely powerful, but despite the beating, both units were partially damaged and are repaired fairly quickly.
-----------------------------------
 
Ritsuko (looking at crews):
Luckily the new units are stronger than expected, they took the beating with exceptional resilience; I'll have to admit it, the new units are far better than ours.
 
Maya:
According to Misato, the injured pilot has fully recuperated and has left the hospital.
 
Ritsuko:
Good, that means that the pilots are just as resilient as the units. I guess we have to hand it to the Americans; they've trained their pilots just a bit better.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Apartment 15C- dinning room. Sean's sitting in quarters, having some solid food for the first time since he left the hospital; Alex walks up to him and sits down beside him on the table.
-----------------------------------

Alex:
How you feeling, buddy?

Sean (disgusted):
Ugh, I feel awful; I can't even taste my food.

Alex:
Well, I guess is all that IV they injected into your body; Misato says it'll take a few days to wear off.

Sean (standing up):
Man, they told us it was going to be tough, but I never thought it was going to be this though.

Alex (walking up to the kitchen):
Well, consider that the groundwork was already made by Shinji and the girls; they already did the hard part. Our job should be easy.

Sean:
I guess you're right on that.

Alex:
But back on the launch pad, when they were putting you in the ambulance; I thought you were dead. I nearly lost it.

Sean:
You saved my life; that's the second time already.

Alex:
Like I told you back in Vail, you stick with me and no matter what happens, I'll watch your back. You and I we're soul brothers, don't forget that.

Sean:
I won't.

Alex:
How’s the arm?

Sean (looking at his broken arm, which is held together by a cast):
Broken; it might take a few months to fully heal.

Alex:
Then I guess you won’t be piloting EVAs for a little while.

Sean:
Oh yeah? Just you wait and see.

-----------------------------------
SCENE:  SEELE monoliths
-----------------------------------

SEELE 01:
This was not to have happened.

SEELE 04:
The original plans will have to be scrapped.

SEELE 09:
This is an unforeseen turn of events at the most, but there might still be hope for our final solution.

SEELE 05:
These pilots are not like the others. They are somewhat different.

SEELE 02:
They have something that the other pilots lack. Specially the third pilot, the one called Alex; he has something inside of him that makes him more dangerous than the others.

SEELE 01:
That something cannot be traced to his parent’s lineage or to their training. Is something more… ancient.

SEELE 10:
We must kill him; this could jeopardize everything.

SEELE 01:
No, if we terminate him now, the repercussions could be too much for us to control. For now, we must observe how he situation develops.

(Monoliths disappear, for exception of SEELE 01)

SEELE 01:
This might complicate matters.

(SEELE 01 monolith disappears.)

-----------------------------------
End of Chapter 2
-----------------------------------
 Chapter 3- Guardian Angel
-----------------------------------

SUGGESTED OPENING SOUNDTRACK
“The Four Horsemen” By Metallica from their “Kill ’em All” CD.

OPENING SCENE
American Pilot's apartment, Tokai District

SCENE: Sean tapes a plastic bag over his cast and removes the dressings on his body. He cringes in discomfort as he slowly removes the bandages from his skin.

Sean (removing a bandage dressing from his torso):
Ugh! This shit hurts worst than my arm. OK Sean, just one more.

Sean than removes another bandage from his back; then walks up to a bathtub filled with warm water. Next to the tub is an opened box of Epsom Salts and a small face towel. He moans in discomfort as the salt-laced water touches his bruises and the stinging sensation is bearable, yet annoying. After a few minutes of soaking in the water, he starts to rub the dead skin and dried blood off his body.

Sean (to himself):
Man! Thank God that son of a bitch didn't kill me; but damn he whipped me good. Getting bitch-slapped around is not funny, I need to work on my attack skills or else I won’t last a minute out there.

Sean then reminisces about his first days in the center and how he met Alex.

Sean (to himself):
I wouldn’t last a minute in the center if it weren’t for Alex.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: United States Training Institute for Gifted Youths, Vail, Colorado. Several days after Sean's entrance into the center, there has been a fistfight between the students in the center after they took a toy from Sean. Three children lie on the floor and another child walks away from the group, his nose broken and blood coming from it. In his hand, he clutches a small toy action figure that was taken away from Sean while he was playing with it. The child walks up to Sean, who is sitting alone in a corner of the playground.
-----------------------------------

Young Alex (handing Sean his toy):
Here, I think this is yours.

(Sean stands up and takes the toy.)

Young Sean:
Thanks.

Young Alex:
Hi, I'm Alexis Negrón, but my friends call me Alex; some of the kids here tend to pick on the new kids.

Young Sean:
Thanks, I'll remember that.

Sean (off screen):
Alex has been my only friend throughout all of this. He's been almost like a brother to me-he made sure I never flunked in the training scores.

Sean:
He's almost like my guardian angel.

-----------------------------------
SCREEN TITLE: Episode 3- Guardian Angel.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Alex's room. Alex is sound asleep in his room, everything is quiet and only the slow hum of the air conditioner breaks the silence. Then an alarm clock begins to beep, breaking the silence and breaking Alex's deep slumber. He slaps the radio off and slowly gets up from bed; he wipes the sleep from his eyes and stands up, walking up to the window and opening it up.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: 8 a.m. Sean gets dressed for another day of life on Tokyo 3. He walks out of his room in good spirits and sees that Hitomi is in the kitchen, popping food into the microwave over.
-----------------------------------

Sean:
Good morning, Hitomi.

Hitomi (pressing buttons on the microwave oven):
Hey Sean! How you doing?

Sean:
I’m OK; a bit sore, but I’ll live.

Hitomi (walking up to refrigerator and serving orange juice on three metal tumblers):
Good, have you seen Alex?

Sean:
Uh! No, haven't seen him. Isn't he awake?

Hitomi:
Well, no I haven't seen him all morning; is he in his room?

Sean (scratching his head):
I don't know; I'll have a look.

(He walks up to Alex's bedroom and sees him walking through the door. Alex yawns as he sits down in the dinning room.)

Sean:
Slept well last night?

Alex:
Like a log.

Hitomi:
Misato just called; she wants us to meet with the other pilots at school.

Alex:
Got it. Let's go.

Hitomi:
Not so fast, I just made breakfast; you sit down and eat your portion before we leave.

Alex sits down and looks at his breakfast; his plate is filled with noodles, strips of grilled chicken and diced fruit. Alex looks at Sean as he eats, then looks down at his breakfast, then looks at Hitomi as she eats, then looks back down again.

Alex (to himself):
Well, at least it looks like a typical Japanese breakfast; now, where is the damn fork?

(Sean, Mitsumi and Alex eat their breakfast.)

-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV HQ- Misato is having a meeting with General Craig in his office.
-----------------------------------

Misato:
Well, the kids have adjusted well to their environment; their synchronization rates are higher than what we expected and their harmonic rates are also higher than expected.

Craig:
Excellent, I hope that all six can be up to the same standards and I want you to make sure they don’t fall behind; I’ve contacted Dr Akagi and she’ll coordinate with you their training. I want the pilots to be in top shape before they go against another EVA.

Misato (looking at technical data on new EVA weapons, delivered from the US):
Yes sir. Another thing I wanted to ask you. What about the new hardware we are to receive?

Craig:
Now, the weapons package consists of three large caliber riot guns, based on the Italian Franchi SPAS-12 combat shotgun, three rapid fire rifles, based on the Swedish STG-77 design, two large caliber pulse cannons based on our Barrett M82A2 gun. The guns should arrive dismantled aboard three cargo ships later this month.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Tokyo High- Touji, Kensuke, Shinji, Sean and Alex are talking among each other on the lunch break.
-----------------------------------

Kensuke:
Wow, you guys are the new pilots? I thought we had the only EVA units in the world.

Alex:
Well, there is an academy in Colorado where all the candidates go through before being assigned to NERV.

Sean:
The school was created after the formation of NERV to train EVA pilots and to form an EVA unit within the US military, in the case NERV failed. But after several victories, the UN consolidated the academy under NERV to train new pilots while NERV created new EVA units for us to use.

Shinji:
I wish we had that before.  We had to train ourselves the hard way, learning from our mistakes.

Asuka:
It doesn’t make any difference; we defeated all of the Angels without the luxury of an academy.

Alex:
Yeah, but now that the academy is in place, you might be able to defeat an Angel faster and with less collateral damage than before. Which is a big plus, considering the mess you all made killing those Angels.

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

Misato:
Will the new guns replace our existing arsenal?

Craig:
No, but the new guns will enable us to use different guns for different scenarios, depending on the threat.

Misato:
What about the guns themselves?

Craig:
The guns use specially modified ammunition, using a hardened penetrator made out of depleted uranium. The fléchette flies at supersonic speed and can penetrate through armor up to 24 inches in diameter.

Misato:
Hopefully we won’t have to use such awesome weaponry.

Craig:
I hope so too; but in the case we do; the weaponry will be ready.
-----------------------------------
SCENE- Roadway leading to NERV HQ; a large convoy of UN marked vehicles approaches one of the service hangars as powerful cranes dock the newly arrived weapons and ammunition into the Gun Lockers; Misato watches on the sidelines from a NERV car with a pair of binoculars; she notices the inscription on the side of the shotguns and the ammunition as it is being loaded into the Lockers.
-----------------------------------

Misato (reading etching on breech of shotgun.):
FRANCHI SPAS-12E, 12 GA.-NERV; Hmm! That thing looks like it can do some damage.

(Cell phone rings, Misato picks it up.)

Misato (on cell phone):
Misato here!

Ritsuko (on other side of the line):
How is the uploading going?

Misato:
Like clockwork; the weapons are almost in place and the ammunition is already in the lockers.

Ritsuko:
Good; I’ve finished doing the neural telemetry check on EVA-14, the unit is ready; hopefully the pilot will be ready.

Misato:
Sean tells me that he’s ready to go, but I have my doubts.

Ritsuko:
Don’t worry colonel; the boy will go through another round of synchronizations; I’ll make sure he gets ready.

(A technician hands a tablet to Misato, which she signs and she gets inside her car.)

Misato (fastening seatbelts):
Well, I’ll go to their school and pick them up. Bye!

(Misato drives away as more ammunition is put on the locker.)

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Outside of High School as students walk out; Sean, Hitomi, Alex, Shinji, Asuka and Rei walk out of the front yard and up to the parking lot, here hey wait ore Misato to arrive. The kids are wearing typical school attire worn by high school students in Japan.
-----------------------------------

Alex (looking at his school uniform):
I feel like a dork wearing this outfit; why wouldn’t they allow me to use jeans?

Asuka:
Because that is the authorized uniform to wear, that’s why.

Alex:
Yeah, but I look like an extra out of a Kung Fu movie.

Shinji:
I don’t see anything wrong with these clothes; we all wear these clothes to school everyday.

Hitomi:
Well, I think you look handsome, even a bit cute.

Sean:
Really?

Hitomi (looking at Sean):
I think those clothes make you the most handsome guy in class.

Alex:
Oh please, stop that! You’re making me nauseous.

Asuka (to herself):
Why do I always end up with the class clowns?

(Then Misato arrives and picks up the pilots and return to base.)

Misato:
So, how was your first day at school?

Alex:
Like any other day of class; boring. I expected something a bit more challenging.

Hitomi:
Teachers are OK and the other girls seem to be friendly.

Sean:
Pretty OK, but the uniforms is what I can’t get used to.

Misato:
Well, I think I can alleviate the boredom, but the uniforms are out of my hands.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: NERV HQ- Ritsuko is giving Sean another round of harmonics to verify that he is still capable of operating an EVA. He sits inside a training plug, being given the tests.
-----------------------------------

Maya (verifying charts):
Dr Akagi; the testing indicates no change in the pilot’s synch rate or any decrease of the pilot’s neural harmonics.

Ritsuko:
Thank heavens; the pilot’s synchronization was not damaged.

Maya:
Should I notify colonel Katsuragi?

Ritsuko:
Yes, please do that and also notify Commander Craig

(Ritsuko walks out into the training room, and waits for Sean to exit the entry plug.)

Ritsuko:
How do you feel, Sean?

Sean (rubbing his neck slightly):
OK I guess. But my arm is what worries me, how am I going to fit the cast inside my plugsuit?

Ritsuko:
Well, maybe I can do something about the arm. Maybe modify the suit so you can wear it with the cast on; maybe either shorten the sleeve or remove it altogether.

(Ritsuko and Sean walk out of the training room and are met by Misato and the other pilots. The pilots are dressed in their plugsuits.)

Ritsuko:
What’s going on? Where are you all going?

Misato:
The pilots are going to field-test the new equipment that came from America.

Ritsuko:
Oh, that’s right; I forgot to tell Sean.

Alex (handing Sean his plugsuit):
Here, suit up; we have people waiting for us.

Asuka:
What kind of equipment are we going to use?

Hitomi:
Some of the most technologically advanced EVA armament and equipment yet to be seen, all of it specifically designed for close quarter battles.

Shinji:
Close quarter battle?

Misato:
Yes, since most of the Angels we’ve faced have fought within the confines of Tokyo-3; making it difficult to effectively engage them and the weaponry that we have, although effective is designed for use primarily in open areas and not within the narrow confines of the city.

Asuka:
What about the pulse rifles? They work pretty well, what’s wrong with them?

Misato:
The rifles although effective, have become obsolete; their barrels are worn, and the Americans have come up with a cost-effective weapon system that not only will give us longer lasting weapons, but also less expensive to operate and produce.

Alex:
In short words “More bang for the buck”

Rei:
That means that we’ll have more powerful weapons at our disposal.

Misato:
Exactly. The weapons are better suited for our combat parameters and can be easily maintained and modified for different environments.

----------------------------------
SCENE: Commander Craig’s office-Colonel Katsuragi, Dr Akagi and Cdr. Craig having a meeting
-----------------------------------

Craig:
SEELE has become a far greater threat than what we’ve expected. The possibility of SEELE operatives infiltrating into the complex is very remote, but I will not take any chances. So as of this moment, I am having every single member of NERV trained in basic combat skills.

Misato (amazed):
Everyone?

Craig:
Everyone, from the technical crews all the way up to the pilots and general staff; every member of NERV will be required to carry a firearm and to know how to use it. I have transferred two Army divisions from Europe to be headquartered at Camp Zama and at Nakajima AFB; they will be there to provide us with heavy support, should the need for reinforcements arise.

Misato:
But sir; do we really need so much manpower? We have enough troops stationed in garrison to provide adequate protection.

Craig (turning around, looking at Misato):
Colonel, in my 28 years as a soldier I’ve never allowed myself to become lax when it comes to these matters. The necessity of a combat force strong enough to repel any attempt to retake this installation is paramount, the survival of our species lies within these walls and there will be people that will do anything to destroy this complex.

Misato ponders on what Craig tells her; she understands that the safety of the entire world is at stake and their efforts could be in jeopardy if SEELE tries to repeat their attack.

Craig:
I will also ask the President and the UN High Council to increase our budget for operations; I hope to get an additional 100 billion dollars to our budget, raising our total budget to 2.5 trillion dollars. That should cover the expenditures of the organization for the fiscal year, with luck the next year as well.

Ritsuko:
That is an awful lot of money; there will be problems with the other members of the council.

Craig:
According to my calculations, it costs nearly 9 million dollars to maintain an EVA unit in peacetime, double that amount in combat, not to mention battle damage and the fact that we have six operational units; this amounts to nearly 5 and a half billion dollars a year, not including wages, maintenance of the installation, utilities and so forth. Operating this complex and everything inside to full capacity is not a “nickels and dimes” operation.

Craig stands up and walks up to window, looking outside and towards lake.

Craig:
The fate of our species lies in our hands; we cannot let humanity down; for if we do, there will not be a future for our children. We must continue our efforts, no matter the costs.
-----------------------------------
SCENE: Rei walks out into a balcony, dressed in her plugsuit and finds Alex looking at the city landscape at night.
-----------------------------------

Alex:
The city looks so beautiful from here, lighted up like a Christmas tree.

Rei:
Humans fear the darkness; that’s why they scrape at the edges with fire.

Alex:
We fear what we cannot control; is that simple, when we lose control out of something, we feel vulnerable and threaten, so we sometimes resort to violence and when we cannot control something, we destroy it as an easy way to regain control. (Bows his head down) Sometimes I wonder why we do those things.

Rei looks at Alex in wonder, and then walks up to him and stands looking at the stars while standing next to him.

Alex:
Have you ever wondered why we were born? I mean, you and I; we’re not like the others.

Rei:
I was born to pilot EVA.

Alex:
So was I, but what will happen to us when EVAs become obsolete? Sooner or later, our EVAs will become useless, then what? Would we become useless as well?

Rei stops to think, then looks at Alex, perplexed at his question.

Alex:
Yeah, I know. I’ve been thinking about it myself too. Sooner or later, we will outlive our usefulness; there is no escaping that fact. I hope we can live a normal life after this.

Rei bows her head and slowly curl her arms around Alex, her body trembles slightly as she cuddles up to him.

Alex:
But until that time comes, we must be ready to put it all on the line.

-----------------------------
SCENE: Misato’s apartment- the following day after school. Alex walks up to the apartment clutching some papers in his hands.
-----------------------------

Alex:
This Shinji character worries me; he has his head on the clouds. Look at this, I have to get his assignment because he left it in the classroom; he has friends, so they get his papers? No! I have to take time from my already busy schedule to get his papers. Why the heck do I even bother to complain?

Alex reaches the floor where Misato’s apartment is, he looks at the door for a second and verifies that the number is correct, and then rings the bell.

Meanwhile, Misato is in the shower relaxing after a long day of work while Shinji is in his room listening to music. Back in the front door, Alex grows impatient as he waits for someone to open the door.

Alex (knocking on the door):
Yo! Hello? Anyone inside? Come on, answer; I haven’t got all day!

Alex (to himself):
Shit! This is not happening. Someone’s got to open this door.

Then Pen-Pen listens to the commotion and walks up to the door and opens it to Alex’s relief.

Alex (looking ahead):
Thank God, is Shinji…

Alex looks around and sees no one in front of him; he scratches his head and wonders who opened the door for him.

Alex:
In? Who opened the door?

Then he hears a squeak and looks down and finds Pen-Pen standing in front of him, looking back at him in wonder.

Alex:
And what are you supposed to be? Something that jumped out of a National Geographic magazine?

Then Misato walks out of the shower, her wet hair covered in a pink towel and her naked body covered by a green towel.

Alex (looking at Misato as she walks out of the shower):
Hello!

Misato:
Alex? What are you doing here?

Alex:
Oh, sorry Colonel. But Shinji left his assignment back in class; I just stopped by to give it to him.

Alex looks around and finds the apartment in total disarray; notices that the kitchen is full of empty bottles and the living room has woman’s clothes all around. The house looks more like a battle zone than an actual home.

Misato:
Oh, sorry about the mess; I am about to take the clothes to the laundry, so the house is a bit messy.

Alex (to himself):
A bit messy? Who is she kidding? You have to get yourself a bulldozer to clear your way around this place. Good thing my room is neat.

Alex:
Where’s Shinji?

Misato (plugging hair dryer):
He should be in his room.

Alex:
Ok, I’ll just give him this and leave.

Alex (to himself-walking to Shinji’s room):
Before something jumps out and bites my head off.

When Alex reaches Shinji’s room, he finds him lying in bed looking up at the ceiling.

Alex:
Hey! Ikari!

Shinji:
What are you doing here?

Alex:
Just dropped by to give you this. You left it back in school.

Shinji:
Oh, thank you.

Alex:
Don’t mention it; listen, Sean, Hitomi and I are going to the local mall; want to come?

Shinji:
Uh, I don’t know.

Alex:
Oh come on, it’ll be fun; besides, I haven’t seen you outside of training and school. You need to go out more often.

Shinji:
But what if we are called for duty; won’t we be too far?

Alex (grabbing Shinji by the arm and yanking him out of bed):
Come on! This entire city is a base; you can get a better excuse than that! Besides, you are coming with us. You will get out of this house and enjoy yourself.

Alex (to Misato):
Misato! I’m taking Shinji out to the mall; is that OK with you?

Misato:
Sure, have fun.

Alex (smirking):
Oh, we will!

-----------------------------
SCENE: West Mall Shopping District, Tokyo-3. Sean, Hitomi, Alex and Shinji are walking around the mall, shopping for everything from clothes to electronics to motorcycles. They seem to be enjoying themselves for exception of Shinji, who feels out of place.
-----------------------------

Hitomi (looking at display on a clothing store):
Oh, that looks so beautiful; I wonder how it will look on me?

Sean: (looking at mannequin while Hitomi enters into store):
I don’t know; it looks nice but I don’t think…

Then Sean looks around and sees that Hitomi is already inside the shop, stepping into a dresser room with the item she was watching.

Sean:
Did I mention she was quick?

Alex and Shinji enter into a motorcycle shop, where Alex stares at a top of the line Honda CBR900R “Fireblade” motorcycle.

Alex:
Oh man; I’ve always dreamed of having a motorcycle like that. I can see myself in it already, tearing down the highway at 120 miles an hour.

Shinji:
Don’t you think is a little dangerous; you could get hurt bad if you ride that fast.

Alex:
Yeah, well, we all die one way or another. Besides, I will be wearing protection when I ride this bad boy, so if I get kicked out of the bike, I’ll just beat the dust off me and ride some more.

Alex (to store owner while handing him a credit card):
Yes, I’ll take the Honda CBR900R with all the trimmings; charge it!

Store Owner (taking card and noticing NERV symbol on the card and hands Alex a form):
OK sir; take whatever you need and fill this out for me.

Alex:
OK, that was easy. Shinji, here’s where you’ll help me out; follow me.

Store Owner:
Which CBR do you want? I have three colors here.

Alex looks at the three motorcycles, each one with a different color scheme; he thinks for a second then looks at the one with a black and red paint scheme.

Alex:
I’ll take the black and red one.

Shinji looks at the motorcycle and sees the engine harnessed inside its carbon fiber and steel shell.

Shinji:
That thing looks powerful.

Alex (zipping up a leather riding suit):
That’s because it is powerful; well, how do I look.

Shinji:
Like one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Alex:
Really? Then I’m taking it. I’m also taking the gloves, the boots and the helmet; all black.

Then the wailing of sirens alerts everyone inside the shopping mall and a voice comes over the PA system.

Male Voice (off screen):
Attention, this is a level 3 alert covering the Tokai District, all residents report to your assigned shelters using Main Support Routes Red and Green, Main Support Route Blue is for military and government vehicles only-no civilian vehicles will be allowed inside this route.

Alex (using cell phone.):
Shit! An alert; Sean! Hitomi! We have to go!

Sean (through cell phone):
Yeah! We are out of the mall and running towards the car; where the hell are you?

Alex:
You take off, Shinji and I will catch up!

Sean:
How?

Alex:
Just go!

Sean (turning off cell phone):
Damn, Alex!

Hitomi (throwing shopping bags inside car):
What’s going on? Where are Alex and Shinji?

Sean:
I don’t know! Alex said he would catch up with us, but how?

BACK INSIDE BIKE SHOP.

Alex (Putting on gloves and boots):
I’m a military officer; I have to take the bike now.

Shop Owner:
What about the payment? Your approval hasn’t come in yet!

Alex (putting on helmet):
I haven’t got time for that. Just call NERV and ask for Colonel Katsuragi; she will cover the expenses.

Alex (handing Shinji a helmet):
Shinji; put this on!

(Alex turns the bike on and Shinji gets on it, holding to Alex tight as he powers up the bike and storms out of the shop through a window.)

Shop Owner (infuriated):
Goddamn Americans! Don’t they know how to used the door?

Shinji:
Are you nuts? You’re going to get us both killed!

Alex:
Just shut up and hold on tight.

Alex hammers the motorcycle down the hallway of the mall while honking his horn as people get out of his way. He’s barreling down towards the doors of the mall and instead of pulling the brakes, he hammers the throttle and goes faster.

Shinji (Hysterical):
Oh shit! I’m going to die!

Alex:
Not with me you aren’t.

Alex passes the across the doors without touching them and jumps over a median and lands on the street and punches it forward towards NERV HQ.

Shinji:
Oh God; I think I’m going to throw up.

Alex:
Don’t you dare throw up on me! Hold it until we get to base.

As the motorcycle reaches the highway, Alex finds that the road is jammed with people evacuating from the city. So he jumps the median again and lands on MSR Blue; he blasts past two military policemen and past several military vehicles.

Military Policeman:
Hey! This is a restricted route.

Shinji:
You just entered into a restricted route; we have to get out of here.

Alex (hammering the throttle down):
No time for that, we have to get back to base ASAP.

Then Alex sees that there is a barricade moving traffic out of the way and that the main route to NERV HQ is clear; so he slams on the brakes and moves out of the restricted route and back on the main highway.

-----------------------------
SCENE: NERV HQ The EVA units are mounted for launch. Rei and Asuka are inside their EVAs while Misato anxiously waits for the others.
-----------------------------

Misato:
Where are they? They were supposed to be here.

Ritsuko:
I hope they were not caught on traffic.

Misato (to Maya):
Any word of the other pilots and their whereabouts?

Maya:
Negative Colonel; the pilots are nowhere in sight.

Misato:
Dammit! Why now? Oh, the hell with it! Launch Units 00 and 02, have Units 01, 14, 15 and 16 on ready standby.

Then at that moment, Sean and Hitomi arrive, already dressed in their plugsuits.

Sean:
Sorry we’re late.

Misato:
Where are Alex and Shinji?

Hitomi:
They said they were going to catch up with us.

Misato:
Never mind that! Get on your units!

Then the sound of a motorcycle engine roaring into the launch room thunder loudly as Alex and Shinji arrive just in the nick of time; Alex pulls on the brakes and narrowly misses a technician and the bike makes a tailspin and stops in front of Misato.

Alex (to Shinji):
There, just in the nick of time. Next time, I’m riding solo; you squirm too much.

Misato:
Alex? Is that you? What are you doing dressed in that? And where did you get that motorcycle?

Alex:
Hey, one question at a time, please.

Misato:
Never mind; just get in your plugsuit and mount your EVA; you too, Shinji. Let’s go!

Shinji (walking dazed):
Ugh! I think I’m going to…

(Shinji falls to his knees and throws up)

Misato:
What’s wrong, Shinji?

Then a sudden explosion shudders the underground building slightly while above ground, NATO and USAF fighter planes fire at an oncoming EVA unit.

Below ground, Alex, Shinji, Sean and Hitomi are launched topside to meet the oncoming EVA unit; this one is again an EVA-05 Production Model, this one stands motionless as he is being pelted by missiles and bombs, with no effect done. Then a B-1B bomber flies low and launches an ALCM* at the EVA, but the EVA simply raises his arm and a tentacles lashes out towards the missile, detonating it in midair then with slices the wing off the bomber and the disabled plane crashes into the city in a fireball.

*Air-launched cruise missile.

Misato:
Units, the target is near the main hydro-electrical dam; neutralize the target without damaging the dam. Units 00,16 and 02 will lead the attack, while units 14, 01 and 15 will stand by within the city limits to provide safety.

Maya:
The units will engage the target too close to the dam, won’t that expose the dam to a possible break?

Misato:
Hopefully it won’t, but in case it happens; the city has a well-built channeling system, so in the case of the damn breaking, the channel will divert the water away from the city and into the coast.

Meanwhile, on the city, Units 01, 14 and 15 stand ready while American and British military forces evacuate the city and patrol the streets to prevent looting.

Shinji:
Do you think our EVA units will stop the enemy EVA from destroying the city?

Hitomi:
If Rei and Asuka are as good as we hope they are, then there is no need for us to worry; three units can tackle one easily.

Sean:
But, in the likelihood event of our EVA units being defeated, we are standing by with our rail gun; that should do the trick.

Ritsuko (on weapon storage with EVA rail gun (modified Barrett M82A2 gun) while crews arm it and ready it for use.):
Sean, the rail gun is loaded and ready for use, pick it up on launch platform B-5 east of you. Hurry!

Unit 14 moves out and picks up the gun as it rises from a large platform; he cradles the gun, and then moves to a building, where he deploys the gun, pulls back the charging handle and racks a round into the breech. He flips up the scope on the gun and the magnified image appears on his display. Unit 01 and 15 on the other hand take defensive positions with their pulse rifles.

Back at the damn, Units 00, 02 and 16 take covering positions behind a mountain, while they observe the enemy EVA unit, which stands motionless over the dam.

Asuka:
Why are we here, wasting our time when we should be destroying that EVA?

Rei:
We were ordered to observe any movement made by the enemy EVA and to fire only when threatened.

Asuka:
That’s a dumb strategy; we should be attacking on three sides and neutralize the EVA before it can strike.

Alex:
Are you crazy? Attacking too close to the dam will destroy it; then Tokyo-3 would end up flooded. Just relax and wait, that’s what Misato ordered us to do.

Asuka:
Well, I still say that we should attack; that thing could be plotting his next move while we sit here doing nothing.

Alex:
One day, when you become an officer you will do things your way; but until then, follow Misato’s orders; she knows what she’s doing.

Asuka (To Alex):
I don’t like you.

Alex:
The feeling is mutual.

Asuka grumbles, but follows orders and stands by with the others as Misato watches carefully from NERV HQ.

Craig:
What is the status of the target?

Shigeru:
No movement from the target so far, sir.

Sean:
Should we take it out from a distance?

Misato:
No, we do not know what its intentions are. Just keep him in your sights until I give the orders.

Makoto:
Colonel; the target is surrounded from all sides by our units, awaiting orders.

Misato:
What are the internal readings on the enemy unit?

Maya:
Readings are nominal, colonel.

Misato:
What is that thing doing?

Long minutes pass and the situation becomes a standoff; neither side attacks, nor any attempt to communicate goes answered. The pilots begin to wear out inside their units as they wait, under orders for the enemy EVA to respond. Then the EVA-05 lashes with his tentacles down into the dam’s hydroelectrical generators and begins to absorb the electricity from them.

Misato:
What is it doing?

Maya:
Colonel; the unit’s internal S-2 engine is absorbing the energy; internal electrical output has increased to 750,000 volts and his energy level has increased by 75%.

Misato:
Asuka, Rei, Alex; get ready, the unit is absorbing power from the dam’s generators. Rei, stop the unit.

Rei:
Copy that.

EVA-00 attacks using its pulse rifle and firing at the unit, but the EVA-05 lashes out with his tentacles and wraps it around EVA-00’s neck; then hits Rei with a powerful electric charge that surges all over Rei’s EVA unit; Rei shocked with a blinding jolt that races up and down her spine, she shrieks in pain as her hands are shocked closed around her controls.

Alex:
Ayanami!

Asuka:
I’m going in while he is distracted. Cover me!

Alex:
Go!

As Asuka rushes towards the EVA-05, Alex fires his pulse gun and blows the tentacle around EVA-00’s neck while Asuka jumps into the man-made lake surrounding the dam and rushes towards it at attack speed. EVA-16 then pulls EVA-00 out of the way.

Alex:
Rei, Rei, answer me. Rei!

Maya (back in HQ):
Unit-00 is non-responsive; internal subsystems damaged, telemetry disabled-60 seconds to reestablishment.

Shigeru:
Links 1-41 disconnected, links 42-68 inactive, links 69-75 active; pilot’s heartbeat low, neural response minimal.

Misato:
Launch emergency crews to area immediately; Sean, you and the others mobilize to the area and backup Asuka; Hitomi, you and Alex retrieve Unit-00 out of area, Shinji will backup Asuka on attack; Sean, you will maintain your position and act as rear guard; take the shot if you get a chance.

Sean:
Copy that; switching ammo armor-piercing rounds.

EVA 16 removes the magazine and switches it with another magazine, lying on the rooftop of the building; the rounds have black warheads with silver tips instead of the conventional rounds, which have yellow warheads with red tips. He slaps the magazine into the well and pulls back the handle, ejecting the normal round and feeding in a HEAP round into the breech and takes aim.

Inside, Sean pulls down the visor and sets it on his head and presses a button on the visor, inside the visor, a magnified image of the target area appears; Sean then isolates the target EVA and maximized the image and places the crosshairs on the head of the target EVA. He then presses a button on his left control and his EVA switches the selector on the sniper rifle from SAFE to FIRE.

Back in the dam, Hitomi and Alex have retreated EVA-00 from the area and Rei is removed from the battle zone and they join Asuka and Shinji, who are engaging the enemy EVA.

Shinji fires his pulse rifle at the target, but the EVA engages his AT Field and repels Shinji’s attack. Asuka retrieves her sectional knife and jabs the shield with it.

Asuka:
Ha! Your shield is no match for me.

The enemy EVA then fights back, lashing with its electrified tentacles at Asuka; the tentacle wraps around EVA-02’s arm and it discharges a powerful electrical charge that hits Asuka with fury. She twitches in agony as she fights desperately to free herself.

Alex:
SEAN, OPEN FIRE; NOW!

Sean:
ON THE WAY!

Sean fires his gun and the gun surges back as a powerful blast blasts out of the massive barrel, the blast shatters every window nearby and raises a column of cordite that shoots sideways through the rifle’s flash deflector. As the round flies out of the barrel, the round’s sabots are ejected and a solid depleted uranium dart streaks towards the target at hypersonic speed. The dart hits the mark, piercing through the EVA’s head and out the back in a violent spray of blood; the EVA’s head yanks back as his body falls backwards into the other side of the dam, sending a massive wall of water over the side of the dam, the impact, breaks open several locks and two of the dam’s doors blow open, releasing millions of gallons of water into the valley below.

Maya:
The dam broke! Water is flooding the valley below and its heading towards the city.

Misato:
Alert civil defense units to activate the emergency door locks on the dam; open the aqueduct doors and divert the water towards sectors 12 and 13. That should divert the bulk of the water away from the city.

Misato:
Sean; good shot; Asuka, is she all right?

Makoto:
Unit 02’s electrical circuitry badly damaged, receiving negative electronic feedback.

Misato:
Disconnect all circuits, reverse polarity.

Maya:
Pilot neural wave pattern below normal; she is responsive, but her heartbeat is accelerated and her breathing is erratic.

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Inside EVA-02, Asuka clutches her heart as she tries to breathe, she coughs hard and her hands shake out of control.
-----------------------------------

Asuka:
I… I won’t give up; have… have to… defeat … the… enemy…

Asuka gasps desperately for air as she tries to get back up, but she collapses, her unit sinks into the lake.

Alex:
Shit, not again. Hitomi, give me a hand.

Hitomi:
Oh no, now is Asuka!

Craig:
Shinji, finish off the enemy unit while it is still on the ground; Alex, Hitomi; retrieve Asuka to safety.

Unit-00 walks up to where the enemy EVA fell and stands over it, pulse rifle in hand. But Shinji hesitates for a minute as he sees the head of the vanquished unit, blood gushing out of the impact hole.

Shinji:
What am I doing? Nobody can survive a hit like that?

Then Shinji remembers his first battle; how he was impaled with an energy spike that went right through EVA-01’s skull and he survived.

Then the enemy EVA clamps his hands around EVA-01’s neck as he struggles to get up; Shinji tries to maneuver his pulse rifle, but the EVA grabs it and moves it out of the way.

Shinji (shocked):
Oh my God, it’s still alive!

Misato:
Shinji!

Then the enemy EVA’s head explodes into a million pieces and his lifeless body collapses; Shinji looks to his side and sees Alex’s Unit 16, holding a pistol, smoke coming out of the barrel.

Alex:
Phew! Close call. Are you OK, Shinji?

Shinji:
I… I think so, yeah.

Misato breathes a sigh of relief as she sits down.

Misato:
Phew! A minute later and I would’ve lost all three units.

Craig:
I want a full report on this manner as soon as possible; Dr. Akagi, I want a damage assessment on the units on my desk within the hour; Colonel Katsuragi, in my office; now!

Misato:
Yes sir! (Ugh, I’m going to get it now.)

SCENE: EVA Launch facility. The units are retrieved into their respective places and the pilots exit their units. Rei and Asuka are placed into beds and moved to an infirmary for a medical checkup, while Shinji, Alex, Sean and Hitomi exit the platform.

Alex:
Good shot Sean, that was nearly four miles away.

Sean:
4.7 miles distance, with a 7MPH crosswind to the west, but I calculated the deviation in a minute.

Alex:
Bullshit, that was a lucky shot.

Sean:
You’re just jealous you didn’t take the shot.

Alex:
Yeah, well Shinji should be thankful he managed to stay alive out there; speaking of Shinji, where is he?

Sean looks around and sees Shinji sitting quietly near his unit.

Hitomi:
Oh, poor Shinji; I’ll cheer him up.

Alex:
No, leave it to me.

Alex walks up to Shinji; who is sitting on top of a box, next to a vehicle.

Alex:
Hey Shinji, are you OK? You don’t look so good.

Shinji:
I’m OK, just a little shaky, that’s all.

Alex:
You did a good job back there; a little slow, but you did fine.

Shinji:
I froze up back there; the unit nearly killed me. If it wasn’t for you, I would be dead.

Alex:
Come on, don’t be so hard on yourself; even good pilots have their bad days. Come on, let’s get out of these plugsuits and go out to eat, my treat.

Shinji:
Are you sure?

Alex:
Yeah! Besides, anyone that can ride with me on a bike at 100MPH and still fight with EVAs deserves lunch anytime.

Shinji smiles and stands up and joins Sean and Hitomi. They all walk away.

Alex:
Shinji, you stick with me and you’ll be the best pilot in NERV. I guarantee it.

Sean:
Uh oh, Shinji is in deep trouble now!

Alex (to Sean):
Shut up, junior!

-----------------------------------
SCENE: Hospital  (Room 525).
-----------------------------------

Alex walks into the room where Rei is recuperating from her attack; she has her forearms and neck bandaged with silver nitrate bandages (bandages designed to treat burns), he sits down next to her bed and holds her hand, she moans in pain and opens her eyes.

Alex:
Hi there, how you feeling.

Rei:
It hurts; my back hurts a lot.

Alex:
Misato convinced the doctors to allow me to visit you after hours. I got a bit worried.

Rei:
Why?

Alex (rubbing his head):
I don’t know; I guess is in my nature to worry about others.

Alex then puts some white roses on a vase next to her bed.

Alex:
I brought you some flowers to cheer you up; doctors say that you’ll get out in a few days, that you were lucky that your unit took most of the damage.

Alex takes one of the freshly cut flowers and puts it on her hand, Rei reaches and smells it, the soft smell is pleasant and Rei smiles with satisfaction.

Alex:
Well, have to go; they only gave me 5 minutes and time is almost up. I hope you get well soon.

Then Alex walks up to the door.

Rei:
Thank you, for being so nice to me; nobody has been this nice to me before.

Alex (smiling):
My pleasure.

-----------------------------------
End of Chapter 3
-----------------------------------

What lies in the future for our pilots? EVA units are beginning to crop up out of the woodwork and NERV has to find a way to be ready for the unexpected. Sean, Alex and Hitomi face new challenges as they join NERV in their struggle to save the human species from extinction; the stakes are getting higher and our pilots and crew will face daunting challenges and new enemies along the way.

...Stay tuned!