Fifteen stretches out, luxuriating in the feel of the night air, giving her partner a first-class buffet for the senses. But it ended with Nikolai and his code.
"I'm sorry... really, really more sorry than you could ever know... but I probably need to respond to that. But...I don't think I can walk just yet. Do... do you think you could carry me?"
Her eyes narrow fiercely as she gazes to the tablet screen, seeing Piggy's message. She reaches for the tablet and turns it off. Then she rises, with the computer tucked under her arm.
"No. You need your rest."
Padding barefoot to the door, she turns the security lock back on and leaves, sealing it behind her. Then- she sprinted to the bay where Nikolai Ark was kept. The security mechanism was bypassed by the keycard, and second later Addison-15 slipped in, peering around the room. Piggy was lying in his bed, eyes closed, snoring softly. Fifteen entered, walking to the table next to his bed. She set a hand on his tablet computer, which had been shut off.
It was warm. She watched him snore. Piggy knew it and stayed motionless, pretending to sleep. After what seemed like far too long, Addison-15 turned back and left.
We'll never get anywhere with Laurence's pet roaming the halls, he thought grimly. Trying to avoid her is going to be absolutely miserable.
Addi-15 sees the message. She takes Rev's computer and runs to Piggy's bay. Piggy anticipated the move, putting the tablet in shutdown and pretending to be asleep. He barely avoids detection.
The base operators received the memo from Dr. Laurence, asking for no interruptions, no exceptions. The lights darkened, and witihn minutes the holographic images of five monolithic blocks appeared, each having the letters SEELE and a number on the block. The block labeled 01 spoke first.
"Dr. Laurence. Our gift for accepting our... invitation." it said.
SEELE 02 chimed in thereafter. "After all, we would not want you to be pressured into such a decision."
The pillars laughed lightly
"Congratulations on your appointment as the temporary commander of Nerv: West Africa. But that is not your only value."
SEELE 10 continued: "No, it's not. Your research has us very pleased. It's exciting how nearer a breakthrough we come every day."
SEELE 06: "You, however, needed to be more careful about the activities within Nerv itself."
SEELE 03: "Yes. recent events have left us unsure. It would be best to give you more assistance."
"I assure you gentleman, it won't happen again."
"You're right", the monolith said. "It won't."
There was a sudden terrifying, overwhelming feeling. A pain like never before. A feeling of suffocation, each breath a struggle. Lawrence coughed and coughed until he threw up. It felt like someone was drilling a hole in his back, drilling straight into the spine. Owen wanted to scream, but was still choking. He was on his knees on the floor while monoliths towered around him. Crying from pain and gasping for every half-breath of air. What followed was an even more hideous sensation- movement.
Something was twisting, moving inside him. Owen felt his back spasm, and his body arched violently backward; his teeth were clenching so tightly that they ached. It gradually dulled, and muscles slowly released. What was left was some pulsating thing at the top of his spine. Like a hard, spiny maggot.
The same place an Entry Plug would be on an Evangelion.
"Everying has a redundancy, Dr. Laurence. Including you."
"The Tattletale won't harm. All it does is... make sure you don't get lonely."
"Yes. God is with you always, and so are we. Because from now on, everything you do we'll be watching."
Seele congratulates Owen on his promotion, offers more aid to the base, and then implants him with a parasite to monitor him.
You make a deal with the devil, expect to get burned.
It wasn't very often you saw a door in NERV headquarters that went unlisted on every meticulous blueprint for the facility. It was even rarer that said door was covered with enough locks and security measures to keep out a small army of hackers armed with state of the art equipment and several kilotons of explosives.
His curiosity piqued, David carefully scrutinized the steel portal. Though the door's security measures were easy enough to spot, any and all signs of a manufacturer had been carefully erased. No hints as to who built the odd hatch, no clues as to its purpose, no ideas as to what lay behind it. All in all, quite the mystery.
Now, what's the best way to solve a mystery? Careful research and investigation? Time consuming, with very low chance of results (If someone was able to secretly build a door like this this deep within NERV, odds are they were clever enough to hide their tracks). Brute force? Unreasonable; it would take far more destructive power then David had access to in order to break through the stalwart aperture. Give up and leave it alone? Now, we all know that's not going to happen.
Well then, that really only leaves the one approach. The shortest distance between two points, after all, is a straight line.
Approaching the door, David scanned the metal ingress once more, still failing to garner any clues or information. Raising a fist, he performed either the most intelligent, or foolish action of his entire life. He knocked.
"Hello? Anyone there?"
David, wanting to know what Dr. Laurence was up to, knocks on the door leading to SEELE's communication room.
The scientists' grip was slipping. She could see it in them and the way they treated her. Despite what happened to her and what was going on, their attention seemed to be on her sister. For whatever reason they turned most of their heads to watch 15's progression in the outside world. It was unforeseen for her "arrival" to be this early on in the production cycle and with two of their manufactured running around it would no doubt stretch their resources in looking after both of them.
Addison recovered fairly quickly from the Angel's mental attack but what she had said didn't leave her head. For first time she had spoke out and she didn't care what the others had to think about her. She got up from her cot and as she swung her legs around she heard the slight mumble of an engine outside. Addison went to the window to see Pollux sputtering away on his moped. From the direction he went towards, it looked like he was going towards the outskirts. But who would go at this time and day? The gray-slated sky made it even more of an odd question.
Then she received the message that Piggy had sent. She had contemplate what the meaning was until it occurred to her. Her fingers were running on the paper pages once again as she recalled what the passage said. Addison did so as she found her outside clothes.
13 Have you forgotten the Lord who made you, who stretched out the heavens and laid the earth's foundations? Why should you live in constant fear of the fury of those who oppress you, of those who are ready to destroy you? Their fury can no longer touch you. Addison pulled her pants nearly forgetting to take her phone.
14 Those who are prisoners will soon be set free; they will live a long life and have all the food they need. Her shirt caught her head as she pulled it down over her hospital gown. It wouldn't matter, there would be time to change. She got closer to the door.
15 "I am the Lord your God; I stir up the sea and make its waves roar. My name is the Lord Almighty! Addison zipped her jacket. It looked wet outside and cold weather was not a preference. Then in the narrow hallways she saw her.
There she was. Addison-15 was supposed to be better, stronger, and more importantly extremely beautiful. Thirteen didn't see that, she just saw another replication of a flawed genetic code. She wanted to fight Fifteen, one on one but it would only result in them not getting things done. Instead Thirteen sneered.
"Watch your step." Thirteen said before she went back into her room. She closed the door and went to the window. She almost forgot that jumping out of windows was the only way to get around these days for her. Addison slid open the window to feel the night time breeze. The edges were slightly slick from the rain so Addison had to be quick and careful about her grip. The building adjacent was connected by a walkway and it was only a few meters away and a floor up. Climbing up wasn't a problem but climbing down is another story.
Addison climbed out of the window and reached upwards with one foot on window railing. With some strength she pulled herself and made her way gently to the walkway.
In no time she was on the other building and she carefully made her way to the ice cream shop. The lack of light made her slow down but she didn't see a rush to get there.
Thirteen sees a diversion from attention from her to Fifteen. She is of course jealous and reads Piggy's message. Then she sees Pollux make his way to the outskirts and parkours her way there. Also she gives Fifteen a few words of advice before she leaves.
Fifteen walked through the halls, back from Piggy's room. All was clear. At least, it seemed to be. She turned the corner, and began to make her way to wherever her destination might be, before she heard a noise. Footsteps.
She turned. At the edge of the hallway, a hand came around the corner and placed itself on the wall, guiding its owner around to face her.
Mikhael Rev stood in the hallway. He was breathing heavily. He had been running, or walking was nearly impossible in his state. His arm was coated in bruises and slowly dripping blood from where a few drips had been hastily removed. His gown was stained red from the initial injuries. His head was bowed; his shaggy hair had grown longer in the last few weeks, and it now covered his eyes. But she still felt his gaze on her. It felt warm, and yet cold. Angry. In the pale light of hospital, it was noticeable that his formerly skin-and-bones frame now boasted a small layer of toned muscle. When had he found the time to work out? Perhaps the stress of working the Eva had improved him physically.
He took a few, ragged breaths before he gathered the ability to speak.
"Earlier... you were half right, what you said."
His hand balled into a fist. It trembled. "I may be crazy... but don't EVER mistake me for an idiot."
He took a step closer. He looked like he was about to collapse and die. But he didn't.
"Who are you working for? Are you just on NERV's payroll? The director's? Haven't I earned the right to know? I saved your life."
Mikhael confronts Addi-15 in the halls, looking like he maimed himself to get out of all the wires and IVs. He reveals that he's caught on that Addi-15 is working for someone, and asks who it is.
The pain was all but unimaginable and spreading to every corner of his mind and body with incredible speed and tenacity, as though lightning in his nerves. Yet, when the pain finally occupied his entire body, it suddenly vanished. It was replaced with a strange sense of being. He could feel another mind touching his, entwining itself with him. It was strange and foreign, yet with a hint of sameness that only enhanced the feeling of wrongness it gave off. He sensed it's mental tendrils burrowing their way into his mind, probing his being. And yet, the mind of this creature was sleeping, or some facsimile of that beyond human understanding. It was disturbing in a way that he suspected no human had ever felt and in such a way as to make words inadequate to describe it. Despite this, Owen's stomach held against the violation, the bile burning his throat.
[i/] Is this what the Eva's feel when they synch? [/i]
This alone should have done him in, but once more his stomach held.
[i/][b/]"I do not know, but I am told it is similar" [/b][/i] a voice seemed to say within his mind. At once Owen knew what had said it and the battle for his stomach was lost, the disembodied voices of Seele's laughter baring witness to the end of his endurance.
Owen stayed there, his body rebelling against him, sending pulsing spasms through both his physical and mental self. Minutes passed before Owen could move again, by which time Seele, in all their cold malice, had left, their pillars now just cold black hunks of metal and plastic. The one thing Owen was thankful for was that the creature in his mind had not spoken since, allowing his body a chance to recover. Owen, his will spent, merely rolled over, away from the vile mess below him, breathing heavily.
He had almost passed into unconsciousness when the monster in his mind reached out to him again. [i/][b/]"Do you need my aid?"[/b][/i] it questioned, not with any malice but with a tone, if the word were applicable, that suggesting innocence and concern. It occurred to Owen that his situation was laughable, being helped by the very being that had caused his current state, but he crushed the thought before the "parasite" caught glimpse of it; it would not do to insult his pilot, again for lack of better terminology, before a proper introduction.
[i/]"That would be kind" [/i]. As he said to it, he felt the strength of his body return, he even felt stronger; though he suspected that was the last of the adrenaline flushing from his system. Owen continued, careful not to offend the beast within [i/]"Thank you... um... Do you have a name?" [/i] Owen silently questioned, his upper brain functions beginning to reassert themselves, his scientific side eager to diagnose the creature in his spine.
[b/][i/]"I am Tattletale." [/i][/b] the creature stated in Owen's mind matter-of-factually. The answer surprised Owen; the creature seemed almost child like in it's understanding of self. Unable to resist, Owen questioned the creature on it's strange choice of answer. [i/]"Perhaps that is what you are, but not who you are."[/i]
[b/][i/]Are you human? [/i][/b] the creature rebutted and questioned. The question was a bit of a quandary. After having a creature plugged into his mind, and his free will restrained, how could he answer a parasite to which there was no lying? Lacking a better answer, Owen did his best. [i/]"Sometimes"[/i]
With the speed of a snake, the creature finished his point [i/][b/]"Then am I not also Tattletale sometimes." [/b][/i] Owen, his mind now back to full strength, had already thought of a response before the point was stated. [i/]"I'm also Operations Director, A PHD, and a half dozen other things. I have many titles and descriptions; my name however is Owen J. Laurence. What is yours?" [/i] he struck back with the force of a hammer.
Minutes passed. Owen could feel the creatures mind digging through itself, trying to find an answer. Before long, the creature's mind returned to his. [i/][b/]"I have none." [/b][/i] it said. A wave of sadness washed over Owen as he felt the creature question it's identity. Owen just smiled. [i/] "You're fortunate then; you get to pick one." [/i].
The tide of emotion receded and was replaced by, what could best be described as relief. [b/][i/] "I will." [/i][/b] it offered before retreating into it's own mind, finally de-synchronizing from Owen's nervous system. As the tattletale did, Owen's stomach heaved and the once recovered strength was stolen once more, as though a great wind had swept it from him.
Owen fell to the ground, narrowly avoiding the pile of vomit and blood. He stayed there for a few minutes before he heard a noise. Believing it was Seele, ready to unleash another horror upon him, Owen hunkered down, until he heard a voice from behind the sliding metal portal. "Hello? Anyone there?" it called, distorted by the thick metal door. Owen, to weak to stand, groaned, and pulled himself toward the doorway. He had crawled perhaps a foot, before the door unlocked and slid open, shining bright, blinding light into the hellish room.
Owen is in pain, losses his lunch, has a conversation with an angelic-parasite, and gets found by David as the door unlocks. Now that that's done, I have a surprising urge to watch Stargate SG-1... I wonder why?
Aiber stepped out of the jet onto the Nerv landing strip and found two guards and a guide waiting for him.
"Hello Mr.Blake and welcome to Nerv. Here is your security ID." the woman said, handing it to him.
"Please," the young man said as he adjusted the sleeves of his coat. "just call me Aiber. Before anything else I want to see Charles, could you please take me to the Eva dock?"
"Well, you're supposed to report to the Director first..." she said.
"Look, he must know I'm here or we wouldn't have landed. Please Miss, can I just go see Charlie and then we can go right to the director?"
"Umm...do you mean Unit 07.5?"
Aiber tensed a bit as he became more impatient and he thought of just running ahead.
"Yes, I call him Charlie, now please may I go see him?"
The woman, clearly a bit confused gave him a wavering nod and they went inside. They went through various chambers and hallways until they came to the dock where Charlie was being swept and inspected by Nerv personnel.
"What are they doing?" Aiber asked.
"The most recent Angel attack was able to get insider Nerv and well...things got complicated. We are making sure Unit 07.5 isn't contaminated or tampered with in any way."
"I'm going to see him." He said casually and began walking straight towards the Eva's head, which was on-level with the cat-walk.
The woman was confused for a moment then scurried to catch up with him.
"You can't interact with the Eva yet! We don't know it's condition!"
Aiber walked a few more steps and then smiled slightly, almost in a relieved way.
"You can call off the worker ants. Charlie is fine, I can feel his soul from here."
A pair of security guards put their hands on Aiber's shoulders and began to pull him away from Charlie.
"That Eva is not secured yet, we can't let you near it." One said.
"All right all right already," The young man replied as he shrugged off their hands. "Just take me to your director.
Aiber goes to check on Charlie, is satisfied that he is okay, and is being taken to the Director
Alexander sped down the street, weaving through cars and jumping multiple curves. It was dangerous but it was also really enjoyable. He had a few years until his brain failed on him, so why not enjoy it? He pilots a sentient alien robot to combat a race of angelic beings who simply want to see his demise. His "different" way of driving wouldn't hurt anyone. Alexander's escape plan had been ingenious. Step 1: Get dressed. Step 2: Leave room Step 3: Walk as fast you fucking can to the nearest elevator and hope no one questions his actions. As Alexander mulled over this, he realized what he should've done. He probably should've checked on his team, should've coordinated with them, should've asked Piggy what the hell he was thinking.
He also should've been on his way to the ice cream shop.
He had been on his way to the shop, but decided to make a pit stop at HQ. Alexander wanted to do at least one tiny thing, one thing to defy NERV for the first time in his life, and this was probably it. He wanted to get a head start, survey the guards he never cared about, learn about the security system he never noticed, and overall get a feel for the place. They were the eva pilots, the big boys and girls they let dance around and have fun with their giant, alien pets. Getting in would be easy. Getting to do there thing and simply slip away would be somewhat of a challenge. Today, Alexander would survey NERV a bit, start planning what he was gonna tell Piggy and the others, as well as talk to the director.
Though the Director had somehow been injured during an earlier angel battle, he was still at work, just now people barely see him...less than they already did. Alexander also wanted to check on Unit-31 and perhaps get a look at these new Plug Suits Owen supposedly developed. He'd also have to stop by that camera man, the one with the blood shot eyes, David he'd learned. He had a lot of footage and info on NERV, plus he seemed like the intrusive type, looking for the best shot or story. He may know things.
"So, you're really invested in this? I don't blame you, but what could these NERV guys be hiding that's so bad? And even if you knew something, what would you do with said knowledge?"
"I don't know, and honestly don't care. I just want to know how to get back at these guys, even if all it is is the equivalent of looking through someones underwear draw."
"Well, not like I can stop you. Just make sure that once you and your friends are done planning, try to enjoy yourself. You know, try not to act crazy-RED LIGHT, CROSSWALK!"
Alexander screeched across the pavement, the slick road cancelling his wheel's friction, moving to fast to stop in time. He pulled a bit and rocketed right, parallel to a crosswalk, a few inches away from group of civilians crossing the street. He landed in a bush on one side of the road and waited for his senses to return.
"Really Pollux, just take it cool, alright?"
He hauled his bike out of the bushes and mounted it.
"Alright, I'll take it easy." He said this while a staring into the faces of a small family, slightly shocked with his brazen actions. "Um, uh, my clutch needs a bit of work..." He let them take in his lame excuse for his stupidity and continued to NERV HQ.
Alexander decides to do some recon for before he plans with Piggy and the others, as well as finish of a few of his own personal duties.
"I may be crazy... but don't EVER mistake me for an idiot."
Rev approached her. Piggy heard them outside his room. He was small and chubby, but threw the covers off himself nonetheless, prepared to back Mikhael up if things went bad. Battle School training set in: He hid behind the door, hoping to trap Addison-15 between them and either headlock the girl or hit her in the back. If she dodged the flank, they could use the doorway as a chokepoint- Piggy knew his was the lower center of gravity, and she only had 2 arms-
"Who are you working for? Are you just on NERV's payroll? The director's? Haven't I earned the right to know? I saved your life."
"Myself!"
Her body, once excited and aroused now took a threatening stance. Their closeness evaporated. She paced up to him, hand curled into a fist.
"Go to sleep." she growled.
Rev didn't back down. 15 was ready to swing a pale arm and knock him flat. But something he said lost her.
He saved my life? What is he talking about? She searched her mind for some kind of context, and the memory came to her, rising like a slow-motion volcano. It was the night she left the tank, when she first opened her eyes. The docks, the plugsuit, the cockpit. And the Angel.
The thing that invaded her thoughts until she oversynched and she almost died. It stood erect and terrible, with colossal shoulders and blades protruding from all parts of it. The A.T. field surrounded it, responding to it's every thought. In an instant it changed from an impassable shield to a weapon of overwhelming power. It was unstoppable. There was nothing on Earth that could've taken that monster. Except. . . except for those others that warred with it.
It was shaped like a man, but the height of one hundred men. Amazing, massive power! It left footprints the size of swimming pools, 6 feet deep in the sand. It drove itself to an invincible rage and defeated Sametos with it's bare hands. And then, it had gently cradled the metal plug that enclosed her.
Rev was that creature.
But it was more than just memories. It was more. This boy had carried with him some small part of the Evangelion. Like a computer transferring a document onto a drive, the Eva's being had been burned into him so that even separated from the Eva, the imprint was there.
For a few seconds, nothing happened. Addison-15 just stared at him, glanced at his face, his eyes. She stared in awe, and then bolted for the exit.
Fifteen and Rev confront. A fist fight seems imminent until Rev reveals that he was the Unit-27 pilot. Fifteen realizes the truth of it. She is astonished, becomes fearful of him, and flees.
Lisa awoke suddenly. Beads of sweat covered her body in addition to wires and sensors. Her chocolate eyes darted back and forth, scanning her surroundings. A white room. Electronic equipment. Hospital? No, can't be, they wouldn't take her from headquarters. A sick bay. Lovely.
Looking around, she saw empty beds with ruffled sheets. No doubt her fellow pilots had been here as well. She lay her head back down with a sigh, knowing she was going nowhere fast.
He watched her run. Mikhael pondered his possible actions. But before he could even decide, his heart had taken command from his mind. One foot forward, then the other. Back and forth, back and forth... in a moment he was running. He was sprinting. He was catching up.
Beads of sweat and blood rolled down his skin. He wasn't prepared for this. He was still supposed to be in bed. He shouldn't be standing. But he stood. He stood, and he ran, and now he was chasing after a beautiful girl he had just met, who had fled from him like she'd seen the devil in his eyes.
He thought of his partner, his midnight beast. Maybe she had seen the devil.
His muscles reached their peak quickly, and she still eluded him by several feet, as their forms dashed down the halls of the hospital. He needed something to give him an edge.
She ran into the stairwell. This was it. As she began her flight down the steps, Rev propped himself on the edge. This would hurt.
As she passed underneath him, he dropped. Almost ten feet, directly on top of her. He jammed a finger into her side on impact, breaking it. Nothing compared to the pain he had endured thus far. But, that did nothing to dull the pain any.
The two lied there for a moment, silent. He was on top of her, this time, staring down at her red eyes. They looked like they were about to cry. She was actually afraid? Rev took a deep breath, fresh pain filling his lungs.
"Please..." he began. Blood fell from his face onto hers, red contrasted against the pale white. "Don't go."
His strength was sapped, completely. It was clear that he couldn't stop her from leaving anymore. Not if he tried.
Rev chases Fifteen, eventually catching her by jumping on her from a floor above on a stairwell. He's quite clearly at his limit at this point.
"He got here yesterday. Champ couldn't wait to see his unit. Thinks he knows more about it than the scientists, the ones who grew the damn thing."
"Maybe he does, at least about the things that matter."
"Spare me. So in the judgment of the committee, he's combat-capable."
"And the new clone?"
"Something spooked her. There was an incident with the berserker pilot. Dumbass is lucky he didn't break her neck. They've arranged a field trip this morning. It's important to introduce subjects to the outside world and avoid extreme introversion."
"She's only a week old."
"But physically mature. A normal human would already have had years of sensory exposure before they begin training. We have an intuitive sense of how reality functions, that manufactured pilots learn at an accelerated rate. 13 has been sensitized to the environment- she understands the physical world and is socially proficient. 15 must do the same."
"People are going to think she's weird."
"Fortunately, it's the city on a Saturday morning. It'll be full of weird people."
"Not this weird. It could be trouble."
"As long as she has empathy we're okay. I mean, what's the worst she could do?"
"Jack, I don't want to think about the worst she could do."
"Fair enough. But if I happen to be right, make sure I get a medal from Nerv."
"For what?"
"For keeping an idiot like you from screwing things up."
[hr]
Ice Cream Shop
"Okay everyone, we need to plan this out. Has anyone come up with an idea for how to get to Owen's computer?"
Everyone gets to the meeting place. Time to plan the operation.
Aiber was unpacking in his belongings when w buzz came over the intercom.
"Mr.Bla- er, Aiber. Colonel Blake is here to see you."
Aiber's face hardened. The nerves of that man to come here was almost astounding, almost.
"Don't let him in. Tell him I'm not here." Aiber said coldly.
"Well...he is already on his way to your room, we don't have the authority to stop him."
Aiber slammed his fist into the wall with a swear and exhaled deeply.
"Never mind, we'll be fine." he said in a tone that indicated "fine" was the last thing they would be.
The door opened and there stood the very picture of American military poise. The Colonel was tall with straight posture, broad shoulders, a strong jaw, perfectly combed thick brown hair, and immaculate decorated uniform.
"Hello son." The colonel declared.
He stepped confidently inside the room and the door closed behind him. He simply looked around for a moment, inspecting the room, the same way he would inspect the quarters of one of his men.
Aiber plopped unceremoniously into the chair at his desk, turned it around and said the first words he had spoken to his father in months.
"What do you want dad?"
"That's how you greet your father? I came to see how you are doing and where you'll be living."
Aiber chuckled for a moment before responding.
"Wow, I know I'm a huge disappointment to you," the boy said as he took off his hat and put it on the desk. "but I figured that after I showed you I'm smart enough to get out of that prison you had me kept in that you would at least respect me enough to be up-front with me."
"I've always known you were smart Aiber. That's why I pushed you so hard, that's why I put you in the neo-spartan program. You're my son, nd you are destined to do great things."
Aiber tensed visibly and his hands curled into fists. "Oh of course, I'm a Blake greatness is in my blood, isn't that right? I'm so damn special because you happened to be my dad that now I have no choice but to spend my life fighting giant monsters."
"And where would you be if you weren't an Eva pilot? Rapidly working your way through high school, so you can go on to get a job in the military that will never be as significant as what is happening here and now?"
Aiber bolted up from his chair with a look of concentrated fury boiling on his face, he and his father were the same height so they were staring into each others eyes.
"You want to know where I would be if you hadn't turned me into a government funded lab rat? Huh!? I'd be with mom."
At this point Colonel Blake's face contorted into an equal picture of rage as his son's. He put his right hand on the nape of Aiber's neck and pulled him in close to the point where they could feel one anothers' breath on their faces.
"Like it or not son, you will live up to your name. You may hate me now but that is to be expected; I never made you any promises that this would be easy, but when it is all over and your name is known across the world, you will thank me Aiber. Because I. Made. You. Strong."
There was a quiet few moments where neither of them moved and the tension between them was like a brick wall. Then Aiber yanked his father's hand off of his neck and exited the room without a word, leaving the man alone. He was going to go find the head scientist and request some sync testing. He wanted to be with Charlie.
Aiber's dad shows up and they have a conversation that shows what their relationship is really like. Just read it, it's awesome.
"Yes, it's a room down in NERV's lower levels, doesn't appear on any of the blueprints or schematics. ...No, I wasn't able to figure anything out, that's why I'm asking you! ...Fine, you're the best, just tell me whenever you find anything, alright? Thanks Pal, you know where to find me."
Exasperated, David hung up his phone, glaring at the device as it entered its sleep state. Damn kids, give them a bit of talent and they think they're God's gift to the world.
Still, despite Pallas' lack of social civility, the ...guy? Girl? Was one of, if not the, best information brokers on Earth. The youth always operated in total anonymity, never speaking directly to David or his other clients, but they always got the job done. If someone needed to know, well, ANYTHING, odds were Pallas knew how to get the information.
Though David had initially been reluctant to utilize someone he knew nothing about, especially someone with prices that high, the hacker had never failed him, and always had the utmost discretion for confidentiality. Given enough time, Pallas could dig up the dirt on any person, place, or object named. Even if their attitude was exceedingly obnoxious, you don't just turn away an asset like that.
Hopefully said asset would be able to figure out the mysteries behind that door. After finding Dr. Laurence collapsed, writhing in what must have been agonizing pain, David had been left with little time to analyze the room itself. The poor lighting didn't exactly help his search; it seemed as though the entire place was shrouded in unnatural darkness, hiding clandestine secrets and arcane knowledge.
The only things David had been able to identify had been a series of large monoliths, forming a circle in the rooms center. Massive, smooth, they had towered above him, their surfaces devoid of markings or symbols of any kind. Clearly, they were important, but their purpose was an utter mystery. Given more time, David might have been able to find something, but it was clear that the doctor needed help. Curious as he was, David couldn't just leave the man alone to suffer.
After planting a small bug on the back of one of the monoliths, David had awkwardly lifted Dr. Laurence into a fireman's carry, lugging him out of the room. Upon their exit, the steel gate swung shut, locks sliding into place with a loud clang. Taking a moment to affix another bug outside the door, David then carried his passenger to the medical bay, a small smile spreading across his face as he saw the pilots celebrate their victory with trash talk and vulgar gestures. Mankind wasn't dead just yet; the end was not quite nigh.
Leaving the scientist in the capable hands of the medical team, David had finally stumbled home, collapsing into his bed as soon as he entered the apartment. His exhausted mind quickly fell into the abyss, dreams of Angels and doors and stars filling his thoughts.
Upon waking, several hours later, David had made his next move, contacting Pallas. Though the hacker had mocked him for not knowing the inner workings of his employer, a few insults would hopefully be worth whatever information Pallas managed to turn up.
Now then, let's see if the good doctor is in a mood to chat.
Upon taking Owen to the medical bay, David goes home, finally gets some sleep. Upon waking, he contacts a hacker to get information on the SEELE door, and decides to interrogate Dr. Laurence.
He awoke with a start, his breathing heavy as though from exertion, his head pounding with each beat of his heart. He had dreamed of the destruction of everything; angel, human, animal, plant; in his dream, all had died a horrid painful death. As the dreams faded from his mind, his heart rate returned to normal and his breathing calmed, giving Owen a chance to take in his surroundings. Somehow, he had found his way to the medical bay and now lay prostrate upon an extraordinarily uncomfortable bed. He could not recall how he had made his way here, his last memory of passing out in Seele's comm room.
Or was that a dream as well?
[i/][b/] "It was not a dream doctor" [/b][/i] the all too familiar voice called out in his mind. Owen was less surprised this time and his stomach was fortunately still empty. [i/][b/] "I have thought of your question doctor, you may call me Alastor; it seemed appropriate" [/b][/i]
Owen vaguely recognized the name; some Judo-Christian demon if memory served and highly appropriate if that were the case. [i/] "You have a flare for the dramatic"[/i] Owen said, his worry growing. He tried to hide his unease from the creature, but it proved to be a lesson in futility. [i/][b/]"If the name bothers you, I can pick another" [/b][/i] Alastor responded coldly.
[i/] "It's a good name. After all, what better ally to have against the angels than a demon" [/i] Owen sputtered out, trying to compose himself. Owen could feel Alastor's skepticism through their link as Alastor tried to dig into his mind. Owen, fearing the effects of further mental connection, pushed a line he had read when he was younger to the forefront of his mind.
[i/] "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet." [/i]
The trick seemed to work; Alastor's mind withdrew from his. [i/] "Well, Alastor; It is a pleasure to meet you." [/i] Owen communicated, his mind conjuring an image of an olive branch. If they were to share a mind and body, best to stay on good terms. [i/][b/] "And the same to you Dr. Laurence [/b][/i]. Owen, on the verge of asking the creature to drop the formalities, was ripped from his conversation by the arrival of an assistant.
"Director, are you feeling well? Mr. Ashford said he found you unconscious downstairs. the medical staff were quite worried." the assistant said with a combination of false concern and apathy, entirely tired of being here. Owen could imagine how the assistant would be thrilled if he were removed as he would be all assured a promotion.
"I'm quite alright Mr..." Owen paused, searching for the mans name [b/][i/] "Raymond" [/i][/b] the annoying voice said in his head, a feeling of amusement passing through the bond. Owen could not help but raise an eyebrow at the curious answer [/i] "How in the bloody hell do you... never-mind, thank you" [/i] Owen passed through the bond.
"Mr. Raymond I believe" Owen continued. The assistant looked a little shocked, clearly he though Owen was incapable of remembering names. Which was true until his recent "upgrade." Owen did not wait for the shock to end, but rather continued. "I'm sure there is a reason you are here and I assume it has nothing to do with standing there slack-jawed. If you would be so kind as to get on with it, I would be most grateful" Owen couldn't help but smile; he was rarely this quick on his feet in conversation.
"Ah.. yes.. er, Yes sir rather." Raymond sputtered out frantically. "The new pilot from America just arrived. He requested to meet with you." the man finally stammered out. "His father, Colonel Blake, has also arrived and is awaiting your orders. I believe Mr. Ashford also wishes to speak with you at your convenience" The man continued. His message delivered, the man turned and readied to leave before he was scolded for being "slack-jawed" again. As he did so, He uttered the a quick good-bye of "If that is all sir, I will be leaving."
Owen was going to let him go, but Alastor interrupted him. [b/]"Mr. Raymond"[/b] Owen heard in his own voice, [b/]"Could you please arrange for the Blake's to meet me in my office as soon as possible and Mr. Ashford thereafter. Also, would it be possible to get a different shirt;, this one is in particularly bad shape? Thank you"[/b]. Owen was horrified, Alastor had controlled him. When Seele had all but suggested they were going to make him into a puppet leader, he had not been expecting such a literal usage of the word puppet.
With just a slight chirp of "Yes Sir" the assistant left, the sound of his running echoing through the corridor. Owen found himself unable to move of his own free will. Mind control was nothing like watching a movie, it was like being chained to a wall, unable to move, as the world moved past you, unaware of your presence, while your shadow was mistaken for the real you. It was wrong, it was violating, it was horrifying, and it itched like hell.
Moments later, his body was returned and Owen gasped, releasing the tension in his chest. Owen said nothing to Alastor. it was too shocking an experience and he refused to give Seele the pleasure of his reaction. He steeled his mind against the creature's intrusion until the reaction passed. He buried the words he had wanted to say as deep in his mind as possible, with all of his most personal thoughts, where he though even Alastor could not see, and exited the room, making his way to his office.
Owen awakens, His new companion names himself Alastor. before the two can properly meet, they are interrupted by an assistant who informs them that a new pilot, Aiber (Viking Incognito), and his father have arrived and wish to see him. He also discovers that David (Pappytech)carried him to the medical bay. Alastor takes control of Owen and sets up the meetings, much to Owens horror. Owen thinks of some choice words for Seele; words that would get me banned from the forumns if I used them.
"Okay everyone, we need to plan this out. Has anyone come up with an idea for how to get to Owen's computer?"
Piggy got right to the point, and simply asked if anyone had an ideas. Addison sat opposite Piggy, steadily piecing away a small sundae. Rev was to Piggy's left, still quite pale and slightly dejected. Something involving Addison's sister, simply saying he didn't want to talk about it. Alexander had a bit on his mind, mainly all he'd seen a bit earlier that day.
[hr]
He'd gone to HQ, looked around and seen what he'd expected. Alexander had asked a few guards about NERV's security, simply saying he was a bit curious. They gave him the basic stuff: A couple cameras here, a few key cards for stuff they couldn't talk about, etc. After awhile, Alexander realized he didn't need to know any of this. It was just a guys laptop. Getting to wherever it was Owen kept his laptop might be a bit of a hassle, but a few hacked keypads, broken doors, or a "random theft" wouldn't hurt anyone. They'd probably just return it. But, Alexander didn't think it was that easy.
He was now in the eva bay, checking the new plug suits laying on a table. They looked a hell of a lot more comfortable than what they had now. He then turned his attention to the evas. Waiting around for a fight must be boring. Dioscuri at least had plenty of things to think about. How an eva that had Rev as a pilot could stay still though, was beyond him. He looked at the other evas. Lisa's was where Piggy's eva would be. He was hoping he hadn't sent a message to her. Not because she was a bad person or anything, but because she was a commander. Here, Alexander and the rest of the team didn't really care about ranks, and if they had any, no one was telling them. However, she might not be so keen on just taking valuable NERV equipment for our own petty inquiries. Then again, he didn't know much about her. Rev had barely even got a chance to shake hands with her before they were all thrust into a life threatening situation.
Then he noticed another eva, one he'd never seen. Who the hell did this belong too? None of the engineers honestly knew who the pilot was, all they knew was that it was Unit-7.5, from America. Decimals? That was knew. Alexander was walking, in thought when he heard voices coming from a room.
"Like it or not son, you will live up to your name. You may hate me now but that is to be expected; I never made you any promises that this would be easy, but when it is all over and your name is known across the world, you will thank me Aiber. Because I. Made. You. Strong."
There was a quiet moment, with only heavy breathing. Alexander wasn't sure if he should check what was going on in that room or if he had to put a stop to it. A few moments later, an America kid, probably only a year younger than Alexander, walked out of the room frustrated and ran right into Alexander.
"Oh, sorry about that. I was just looking for the head scientist. I need to do some sync testing with my eva."
"Oh, so I guess that makes you the newest pilot. Cool eva." Where the hell are these guys coming from, thought Alexander. And then he had a minor brainstorm. Owen typically handles things like this, he'd already created new plug suits. Alexander could easily take the new guy to see Owen and while they were messing around, Alexander could get at Owen's laptop. Perfect.
"Hey, you don't need to see the head scientist. C'mon, there's a guy who can handle this easily. Just follow me."
Alexander learned the boys name was Aiber, though he was sure he'd heard whoever he was talking with in the room call him that. He'd also called him son. It sounded like they'd been having an argument of sorts and Alexander noticed the minor redness on the American boy's neck. He didn't want to prod, so he decided to simply continue with small talk. "The names Alexander, but you can call me Pollux. All my friends do."
Eventually, they were at Mr. Laurence's place of work...and he was nowhere to be found. Alexander looked around the room. No laptop either. Alexander and Aiber asked around, but no one had seen him. He was supposed to be doing some diagnostic test on Unit-7.5. In fact, they hadn't seen him for a while either. Eventually the boys gave up and Alexander decided to leave the new guy with a few engineers. They were sure, that in time Owen would pop ups somewhere somehow.
"Where the hell are you Owen?" Alexander figured it would be a good idea to meet up with the team at the ice cream shop and actually come up with a game plan.
A few moments after Alexander left NERV, Owen apparently arranged to meet Blake.
"Hmm, where was he earlier?" Aiber didn't think much of it, and simply headed where he was told.
[hr]
Piggy was simply looking around the table, waiting for a response. Alexander decided he'd give him one.
"I have a few minor ideas but something might be up with Owen."
"Doesn't matter, we just need that laptop." Piggy said quickly.
Alexander recalls his day, meeting Aiber, and a curious case of a missing scientist.
Could I get some more definition on what exactly happened between the hospital and now? Should I write it up myself and just get approval? I just don't want to derail anything.
Could I get some more definition on what exactly happened between the hospital and now? Should I write it up myself and just get approval? I just don't want to derail anything.
Well, Asp just sorta jumped kicked us ahead, out of nowhere. I adapted.
I was gonna put something about Alexander deciding to go back to the hospital and check you guys out, finding you after your confrontation with Addison-15, making some bullshit excuse so Lisa doesn't figure out what we're up too, getting the doctors to fix you up with an excuse like, "he tripped", and then sneaking away to the shop to see what Piggy was up to. Do as you wish with said info. Plus, Rev is probably still pissed about Piggy cock blocking him and your situation with Addison-15. Does she leave or stay. Your choice. I'll adapt, Asc will probably adapt, etc.
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