This chapter was written by ElfenLied619. Niether Tamas or myself own Evangelion or any of its characters. They are the exclusive property of Hideaki Anno and Gainax productions.

Scenario 2

The small, cramped room was unnecessarily dark. With no lighting fixtures of any kind or windows, the room was as black as a starless night. Even the door that lead into the hallway was so tightly closed that no light could filter in through its cracks and seems. The only source of illumination inside came from five holographic projections of men sitting at a table; the rooms only notable feature. Each was colored differently and their detail was so in depth and impressive that you might forget they weren’t really there. There were six men total at the table. Only one of the six was physically there. His hair was dark brown, slightly ruffled and messy. Eyes hidden behind tinted glasses, they disguised any emotion he might be showing. His expression was blank and his face unshaven, leaving behind the formation of a stubble. This is Gendo Ikari; the director of NERV. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, his hands folded; almost prayer like.

The other five leaning on the table were members of NERV’s financial backers SEELE. They all looked like average men of age and were not likely to turn any heads of people passing them by in the streets, however unlikely it was for them to even go out in public. Yet the power each of these men held in their respective countries and within NERV and SEELE itself was simply staggering beyond any fathoming. SEELE’s elite members, they could be called the leaders of the leaders if one wanted to coin it. And what made their power even more frightful was not that it came from physical dominance, but from political superiority. They could easily have anyone killed and with even greater ease cover it up or find some way to perform it within legal boundaries. And such tactics were not beyond them. They were the kind of men who would go to any lengths to achieve their goals. If anyone stood in their way they’d buy them off, force them into submission with threats, or just kill them outright. And if they didn’t kill you, it was simply because you either weren’t a big enough threat or worth their effort. In other words...dangerous men.

“From this day forth, this shall be the Instrumentality Committee,” said Keel Lorenz. If ever their were a puppet master, it was him. “The purpose of this committee is not only to oversee the actions of NERV and its personnel, but is also to make sure the scenario portrayed in the Dead Sea Scrolls is properly carried out.” Keel and the others leaned forward and looked directly at Gendo. Their meaning was not lost on him. Gendo had been around these men long enough to understand when he was being passively aggressively bullied.

Even though they were similar on several levels, Gendo didn’t very much like SEELE or its members. He’d originally only came into contact with them through Yui and was planning on using them to further his own scientific career. But now, he needed them for something far more important. But that didn’t mean he disliked dealing with them any less. They were too rigged and prone to complain over the smallest details. Gendo never placed much stock into relationships with others anyway, but something about SEELE was different. Perhaps it was because they were so alike that he disliked them. And as usual, he conducted himself with them as he did with all people; stoic and professional.

“I have taken the necessary precautions. There will be no problems,” Ikari answered plainly.

“But what about the death of Dr. Akagi?” one member of the committee asked.

“Yes, she has rendered remarkable services to us and her death is unfortunate,” added another. Gendo knew better then to think he meant it was unfortunate for her. What he really meant was that it was unfortunate for them. But then again, Gendo wasn’t any better. He had used her for his own means just like he knew SEELE was using him and NERV for theirs. He didn’t mourn her like he knew he should because he knew if he did it’d only be for the appearance of it. Besides, he always found her to be annoying. But he undertood why they were so concerned now. With the death of such a esteemed scientist as Dr. Akagi, and the near lose of their tool Rei, would make anyone a bit on edge. A public organization like Gehirn couldn’t afford to deal with such publicity. Which is the reason many speculated as to why SEELE chose dissolve Gehirn in election for a more...private organization like NERV.

“Her daughter Ritsuko will be taking her place,” Gendo assured them.

“Yes, but will she be capable of exceeding her mother’s talent?” asked the man colored in blue.

“And that is not our only concern,” Keel began, “We also understand that you have yet to create a functioning prototype. All of your attempts on Unit 00 have failed thus far. Construction of the Evas is grossly behind schedule. ”

“This is merely a time of trial and error,” Gendo answered quickly, “It is only a matter of time before we create a working Eva. And as far as Dr. Akagi is concerned, there will be no problems.” There was a moment of silence at the table before anyone spoke again.

“Very well. We will trust your judgment for the time being. As long as our scenario is enacted on schedule, that is your only priority.” Chairman Keel leaned in closer to suggest that beneath his visor he was glaring directly at Gendo. “But let me remind you of how much faith and investment we are putting into you and your organization. I hope you will not betray our trust.” Gendo had to stifle a laugh. Once again, the silent threats were not lost on him so easily. And he knew that they only described NERV as ‘his organization’ out of some petty scheming to make try and make Gendo feel more secure and powerful then he really was. It was just another leash to keep on him. With him as commander, it would be easier to keep an eye on him, and Gendo knew it.

“I understand,” Gendo said automatically.

‘The rest of the meeting does not concern you.” The lights all flickered out at once without anyone of them giving Gendo the courtesy of a proper goodbye. Only Gendo’s light remained on, casting him in a spotlight that seemed to isolate him from the darkness of the room and the world. He sat there frozen for a moment, not budging an inch.

“Soon Yui,” he mumbled to himself, “Soon.”