2023-09-19: What Am I (If I Can't Be Yours)

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<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        The Invisible Burst has caused no end of trouble throughout the Earth Sphere and beyond, and that's only the tip of the iceburg. Still, though GGG is being mobilized to head to Jupiter and deal with the source, there are still problems on Earth that need to be dealt with.
        
        One of them is going to be announced today. NERV's main branch still needs to be on the ready in the event of an Angel or other kaiju attack, and part of the expansion of these duties includes the recently-completed Evangelion Unit-03. NERV Britannia had negotiated with NERV HQ to have them handle the testing phase, though exactly when this would happen had been up in the air for a while.
        
        One person has been informed already. And now everyone will be informed.
        
        Kaworu Nagisa and Shinji Ikari both stand by in Central Dogma, where the announcement will be imminent. Mari isn't here, and won't be; she's up at Orbit Base testing out upgrades to the S-type equipment in preparation for joining GGG in their space mission. Kaworu suspects she hasn't been informed of this announcement, though he intends to inform her afterwards.
        
        It isn't only main branch NERV members or Evangelion pilots here. This announcement is for any NERV member to listen in on if they so desire, regardless of their branch. It's not like it's an open invitation party, but there's nothing stopping anyone from coming by and listening in if they want.
        
        Granted, with quite a few NERV members having the Jupiter mission to worry about, that's probably more on people's minds than the selection of a test pilot for a single unit. But still.
        
        "The new test pilot... I wonder who it's going to be," Shinji murmurs to his companion. "It'd have to be one of us, right? The others were sent back to their home countries... unless they found a new pilot...?"
        
        "They have not," Kaworu murmurs back. There's a certain steeliness in his gaze.
Liam 7-020 teleports in. 

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Akane still hasn't made a decision about whether she's headed to Jupiter with 3G or not. At this point, though, it sounds like she's going to have things to do either way... so she really ought to know what's coming. She's arrived for the briefing in uniform -- red hoodie-vest with gold trim, white and blue dress.

Someone has to summarize this for 3G, after all.

Akane's ability to handle being around significant numbers of people is always a bit hit or miss -- and today it's very distinctly 'miss.' She's on her laptop in the corner, getting ready to do something she generally hates doing: take notes. (It's the same one that Kaworu picked out with her, a long time ago.) Also with her is a physical notepad.

That one's for drawing.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


One person had been informed already, but that didn't mean only one person knew. The knowledge that it aligned with a certain day had been heavy on her thoughts. And the words in that elevator...

... well it provoked a lot of thought in Asuka about how she treats, interacts with the people in her life. And not just the ones she likes and is close to.

So Asuka is here today in Central Dogma too, waiting for the formal announcement for the pilot of Evangelion Unit-03. Her thoughts on it so far were simply that she didn't like any unit upstaging Unit-02 in specifications.

"I don't like it. What we've been told about Unit-03 so far."

What isn't there to like? Well... she dislikes the color scheme. It's a petty complaint so she keeps it to herself. As Kaworu mentions they haven't found a new pilot, Asuka's eyes suddenly slide over to him... as if weighing the comment.

Her jaw tenses subtly. It's not quite a sign of anger so much as, realizing something. It makes sense that he would know.

"Whatever. It's better if it's one of us." She says as she tears her eyes away, "I wouldn't want another transfer anyway. Our last few couldn't hack it."

Is it true that they couldn't hack it? Or did Asuka just not like them? Or does she just think it's better if they're not in the direct line of fire of Angels? It's a surface excuse perhaps, before her thoughts return to the subject at hand.

Her eyes do wander eventually to Akane's laptop and notepad... just a glance, with arms crossed.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei Ayanami stands by.

She stands by herself; her arms are folded loosely. In her case, she is wearing her plugsuit, having been in Central Dogma long enough to get changed. She is not particularly near anyone else.

Rei had seen Akane and given her a brief nod, and no words afterwards. She is waiting; but then, she does that quite well. Perhaps she seems slightly more withdrawn than usual -- but it could just be a reversion to the mean.

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Chloe is one of those tasked with joining the mission to Jupiter. After all, those in command of Prometheus have concluded that should the solar system be destroyed by some malevolent entity, it could be a Problem. However, there's not much she needs to prepare for. The system by which her Makhia moves has already proven to be effective in space. And she is the type who travels light.

        Hence why Chloe has been assigned to yet another mission to escort a convoy out of NERV's HQ. And why she is yet again hanging around the NERV pilots while waiting for the transport to be ready. She hadn't heard any news about new Evangelion testing until a short time ago. And it all seems pretty normal to her. New designs for Makhia are often being tested too, it's just part of running a paramilitary organization.

        However, Chloe is curious about something Shinji says, and which Asuka expands on, and she asks, "Why would you want it to be one of you? Do you not already have your own units? Wouldn't it be safer to have all available units out instead of leaving one in the hangar?"

POT: Alouette Pommier is now set observer. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam is already preparing to leave for Jupiter, but that doesn't mean he's not going to provide moral support for his friends--especially with something as significant as pilot selection. The Evangelion units, as far as he knows, are unique, and incredibly valuable. This is a great and terrible responsibility.

        Like Akane, Liam is in uniform--in his case, a jumpsuit similar to those worn by technical personnel, but with maroon highlights instead of salmon. An enamel pin glimmers in the light from the wall of displays.

        "What were you told about it?" he asks Asuka, brow furrowing a little in concern. "Is it a prototype?" He could understand being wary of that.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

                GOD'S IN HIS HEAVEN
                ALL'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD

The logo of NERV, framed in a fig leaf, hangs high over Central Dogma's command center. Members of NERV's staff mingle around the tiered set up of the ringed room; they chatter just as the Evangelion pilots and members of GGG staff do, talking about any variety of things -- Unit-03's eminent arrival is the main one, with Makoto Hyuga and Maya Ibuki talking about its completion with various levels of excitement and trepidation; it wasn't -that- long since Unit-04's near-cataclysmic near-disaster, after all.

(Shigeru Aoba, meanwhile, seems more or less ambivalent and has been talking the ear off of anyone unfortunate enough about the new Fender guitar he picked up)

Gossip continues as everyone gathers. As Asuka starts griping about Unit-03 and Liam asks after, Hyuga helpfully leans in.

"It's a big mess of development snarls! And the Britannia branch just wants to get rid of it after Unit-04 nearly blew up the Britannian west coast--" he begins to complain.

"Shh!" Maya interrupts, before offering Liam an awkward smile. "I-I'm sure it's going to be fine! That's what all the additional development was for!"

And so it goes; it isn't long after that the sound of hydraulic hisses fills the air, along with a simple chime of announcement as the command tower of Central Dogma rises, heralding the entrance of NERV's CO and XO: Gendo Ikari, sitting so stoically behind the commander's desk one might imagine that entire desk just shifts across the entirety of Central Dogma so that he can remain eternally implacable, and Kozo Fuyutsuki, standing ever-comfortably behind him.

Fuyutsuki clears his throat once to gain the attention of the gathered before he begins.

"Thank you all for coming. As you likely know by now, Evangelion Unit-03's development has been completed; we have accepted the Britannia branch's very generous offer" it's miraculous how he doesn't even miss a beat here "and will heretofor be taking direct ownership of the Eva. We expect the Eva's arrival within the week; preliminary testing will be taking place on the 29th, ten days from today. A viable pilot is needed, however..."

Fuyutsuki spares a single glance towards Gendo, before his stare trains forward once more.

"... and with that in mind, the decision has been made that the First Child, Rei Ayanami, will conduct the preliminary tests and, after their clearance, take over piloting Unit-03; given its current state, Evangelion Unit-00 will be mothballed following testing."

Gendo Ikari says not a single word during the entire announcement, seated as still as a hunched statue throughout.

POT: Guy Shishioh is now set observer.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It's been a long time since Kaworu and Akane went out laptop-shopping. He recognizes the device, and offers her a brief smile and nod--Shinji does as well, though they're quicker and more uncertain--before their attention both turns to Asuka.
        
        "Really? Why not?" Shinji murmurs to her. He frowns a bit at her comment on the others not 'hacking' it, but he leaves that comment alone. This is no time or place to start an argument. He glances over at Chloe when she asks her question, but... he wasn't the one who said he hoped it was one of them, so he lets Asuka answer for herself. Personally, he just hopes it isn't Kaworu. It's selfish, but he'd rather he stay his co-pilot on Unit-01.
        
        ...Shinji's pretty sure it'll be Kaworu, though. If it's no one new, who else would it be?
        
        The reminder of Unit-03's development hell doesn't help Shinji's nerves any, and he grimaces a bit at Liam, Makoto, and Maya. But then Fuyutsuki and--his father--arrive, rising up on the command tower, and Shinji automatically stands to attention.
        
        It makes sense that Fuyutsuki does the talking. That date, though--Shinji shoots Rei a worried glance. That's the date that they were going to...
        
        The decision has been made that... Rei Ayanami will conduct the preliminary tests...
        
        Shinji flinches. He hadn't wanted Kaworu to do it, but if that's going to be the day, he hadn't wanted Rei to do it, either. But there's nothing for it. He'll have to talk to Rei afterwards to figure something else out--
        
        "Kaworu-kun?" he murmurs, blinking, as his co-pilot takes a single step forward.
        
        But before Kaworu can actually say anything...

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


"Eva's take a while to repair." Asuka says without saying WHY they do, to Chloe, "If it's really better then it ought to replace someone's Eva, while their older one stays in reserve. We don't need an inexperienced new pilot to trip us up in a fight against Angels. Then we might have several Eva's out of commission."

Whereas Liam asks a question, and Asuka lets Hyuga answer him. Her own reasons are extremely petty for not liking it, but the rumors had certainly accentuated it.

"I just don't." She answers Shinji willfully, "Don't get on my case about it."

... Perhaps she also just hates it because it's Britannian? That would check out.

As the Commander makes his announcement. Asuka is quiet as he notes that it's only a week away, on the 29th. But when Rei is announced, Asuka makes one glance towards Kaworu, unlaces her arms and then abruptly steps forward ahead of him, "Commander. I object. I should be the test pilot of Evangelion Unit-03."

Didn't she indicate she didn't like it? Didn't trust it?

"Ultra Girl over there." As she jabs a finger straight at Rei, "It doesn't matter that you've ordered it, but her head isn't in the game. She'd much rather be in some crummy kitchen than piloting Eva. Whereas I know what I'm here for."

Wait, is Asuka being misogynistic here? It certainly sounds like it by the comment. It's at least adjacent to the idea of telling her to get in the kitchen. Yet is that really what she thinks? She's certainly said in the past to Shinji's friends as much that she considers that way of thinking outdated.

"I'm the best possible candidate for testing if it's up to snuff, you can't count on her to perform up to your standards while she's playing house. So I'm putting in my formal request to test Evangelion Unit-03 in her stead."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Asuka tells Shinji not to get on her case. He opts to comply. But that doesn't matter in a minute, as not just Kaworu but Asuka step forward, with Asuka having an argument on why she should be Unit-03's test pilot instead. Shinji stares, taken aback--wasn't she just saying she didn't like it?--but Kaworu only regards her with a stoic evenness.
        
        When she's done, he states, "You aren't the best possible candidate." He turns his unyielding gaze to Fuyutsuki and Gendo. "I am. I should be Unit-03's test pilot instead."
        
        Shinji boggles, emotionally sideswiped. To him, this is completely unexpected behavior for both of them. What is going on here?? 

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei's eyes turn towards Chloe. "It might be," she answers her, if you can, in fact, call it an answer.

And then they come. The Commander and the Vice-Commander.

It's Fuyutsuki who speaks. Rei gazes upwards, without strong reaction, as he introduces the concept, paints the picture, and makes the announcement.

She, too, says nothing. Unit 03; the development hell; the hangar queen; the *threat*. Hers, it seems, for the taking. If anything she looks slightly downwards. Her mouth thins...

And then Asuka speaks up.

Rei looks at her as if startled. She blinks several times. Her arms stay folded. They, in fact, tighten slightly. She shifts her weight towards one side and turns her head away, looking towards the far corner of Central Dogma.

... Thank you.

Her head does turn rather sharply back, though, when Kaworu speaks.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

The notepad has the barest outline of a Red King-ish form on it; the notepad itself is just an outline of how to take notes on the announcement. Akane doesn't seem bothered by Asuka's wandering eyes, though she doesn't make a move to accommodate them, either.

Rei's arrival gets a brief nod back from Akane; she could do more... but she really was truly horrible to Rei, time and again, wasn't she? She's still not sure how to open that channel.

So instead, she gets to her actual task of taking notes. Her eyes widen a little when it's mentioned that Rei will be the one taking over Unit-03. It seems like they put a whole lot on her...

She can tell that Shinji also doesn't like it -- nor, for that matter, does Asuka. Indeed, no one seems to like this particularly much.

But... hm. Akane considers Asuka's situation a little more closely -- even the parts that she perhaps came by... somewhat unfairly. Does Asuka really want the role any more than Rei does...?

She chews on that in relative silence for a moment before --

"Kaworu, are you sure about that?" Akane asks. There's another question she wants to ask... but she can't make herself say it. Not with this many eyes -- it's... too complicated, and too much.

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Chloe admits there is some logic to Asuka's reasoning, so she doesn't press the issue any further, simply nodding in understanding. It's true that Evas are hard to come by, so letting a rookie into one could put it out of commission for longer than desired. Though relying on just a few experienced pilots without giving any others a chance to advance is also dangerous. There's even a saying about it, involving eggs, or something.

        NERV's commander proceeds to make his appearance, Chloe watching on. It's the first time she's actually seen him in person. Photos do little justice for his imposing form.

        But the test pilot is announced. And that's that. Grats(?) to Rei Ayanami. Chloe starts considering checking up on the status of the transport-

        -Asuka objects, declaring herself the better candidate. As does Kaworu.

        Chloe looks a little confused. She takes a few steps over to Liam, saying quietly so as to avoid drawing too much attention in what seems to be a tense moment, "The test pilot has already been selected... The order given. What more is there to say about it?"

CHANSYS: No channel with that name or alias found. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam turns to Hyuga, his eyes growing a little wider. "It nearly what," he says, but Maya cuts him off before he can chase that line of thought further. "Doesn't sound like 'fine'," he says, "if they're putting a pilot in it." He doesn't say anything more; he instinctively snaps to attention the moment that lift hisses into place. His eyes fix on Gendo for a moment...

        Liam listens. His whole face tightens. If this is a political play, Britannia has chosen a poor time to do it.

        It's Rei. On the surface, it makes sense; Eva-00 is logically the oldest model still in operation. Still--

        Liam meets Rei's eyes, worry just barely visible behind the stoicism. And then--

        "She's no less a pilot than you, Asuka," Liam says. Is she trying to help Rei? She's certainly picked a way to do it. His gaze darts to Kaworu, and he withdraws a little. Liam has... never been good at handling arguments among friends.

        As Chloe approaches, Liam takes a breath, in preparation. "They at least deserve to know what could go wrong," he says, softly. "The risks involved. Whomever it is."

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

"Well. Now that that's settled..." Fuyutsuki begins smoothly after his announcement. "... testing will be overseen directly by Colonel Katsuragi and Chief Akagi. Our off-site Facility Two has been prepared for initial activation tests. All personnel will be on standby for the duration." Fuyutsuki clears his throat, hands crossing behind his back. "In the meantime... we have done some shuffling of personnel in response to the situation on Jupiter. Mari Makinami Illustrious has been assigned to assist GGG, and is currently testing equipment to facilitate this at Orbit Base. We will be monitoring..."

The logistics continue; but Gendo Ikari's attention shifts as Fuyutsuki speaks, just as Kaworu steps forward. Behind tinted glasses, that cool gaze shifts. And then--

Commander. I object.

"... know that the resources we are providing are sparse, but... eh?"

Fuyutsuki blinks exactly once. His gaze turns towards Asuka as she files her aggressively blunt complaint.

"The decision's been made," begins Fuyutsuki. "... But if Ayanami is amenable, we can take a formal request into consideration..."

You aren't the best possible candidate.

Another interruption. Fuyutsuki's offer trails. He looks to Kaworu, as the Fifth Child makes his -own- request counter to Asuka's.

"... Well now."

This time, the Vice-Commander of NERV lapses into silence as Liam adds on; all the tell-tale tinder of a brewing argument. He looks sidelong towards Gendo.

But for now, the Commander of NERV remains silent, pushing orange-tinted glasses upward along the bridge of his nose as the glint of light conceals his stare.

Like he was waiting for them to make their case. Or...

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Asuka catches Rei's look, she tries her hardest not to look at her, but it's there out of the corner of her eyes.

She's not the best judge of Rei's feelings despite it all but... she'd swear...

When Kaworu steps forward with that stoic evenness, her anger returns, of course he'd object.

... and his objection prickles her pride, in more ways than one. Why can't he just let her do this?

But saying he's the best candidate when she already put herself forward?

... It's on.

Asuka lets Akane's attempt to get him to back down pass, and darts an angry glare at Liam as he tries to defend Rei before turning fully to Kaworu.

She doesn't even speak to Fuyutsuki's request about Ayanami being 'amenable'. She feels she will be, and even if she isn't. It's not about that because Asuka knows where Rei's heart is on this matter...

"You? What about YOU makes you the better candidate?" As she takes a step towards him, leaning in just subtly, "Your synch rates aren't even comparable. They're below everyone else's in every single test."

Is she being insubordinate? Absolutely. Does she care? No. She believes, whether correct or not that the Commander is fine with insubordination towards other people.

(She definitely knows Fuyutsuki isn't.)

"There's a reason why you're forever in reserve, and it has nothing to do with your rank Administrator."

Both hands subtly clinch at either side of her, face alit with a sudden distaste at the fact that he's wounded her pride, "If this Eva really is the best of the best. Then it's a complete waste on someone like you! You don't stand the slightest chance of bringing out it's full potential, so it's better that you're never given a permanent assignment."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        "Yes," Kaworu says to Akane, decisive and matter-of-fact. There may be another question she wants to ask, but she doesn't voice it, and so it remains buried. "I am the only appropriate choice to pilot Unit-03."
        
        It's a hell of a way to put himself forward, for sure. He may not outright put down Asuka as Asuka had Rei, but there's a certain implication there. It's not just against Asuka, even.
        
        Which makes it doubly confusing to Shinji. "Asuka! Kaworu-kun! What's gotten into you two?" he hisses, leaning in to the two and keeping his voice as low as he can. He shoots a glance over Rei's way. It seems to him like she's relieved to let someone else do it, but is she okay with getting talked about like this?
        
        Though beyond that... if Shinji's being honest with himself, if any of them have to pilot Unit-03 and it can't be Mari, who's going to be joining the Jupiter mission, then Asuka would be Shinji's pick. Fuyutsuki seemed open to having her pilot instead, even. But now he's going silent--and his father hasn't said anything at all. Shinji looks between the four nervously.
        
        Kaworu smiles over his shoulder at Shinji, a softness in his expression that seems reserved for just him--though he's given similar looks to Rei and Gridman before, and indeed gives one to Rei now. Shinji smiles back, even, if with trepidation. But then Asuka starts tearing into Kaworu, and Shinji backs off nervously, shooting Liam and Akane looks as if they might somehow quell this argument. (Chloe he's fairly certain won't try.)
        
        Kaworu's smile meanwhile fades as he regards Asuka anew, letting her say her piece. What she says is not untrue; Kaworu's scores have always, since day one, been about five to ten points behind the others. Considering that one's sync ratio is what makes an Evangelion move in the first place, it might be surprising when he says, unruffled:
        
        "That's irrelevant."
        
        Is she being insubordinate? Kaworu clearly doesn't care. Indeed, he continues relentlessly, "My rank is also irrelevant. But since you bring it up, and I know you care about such things, I'll make use of it all the same. Asuka Shikinami Langley, as your superior officer, I order you to stand down on this matter." He turns his head to regard Gendo--not Fuyutsuki and Gendo, but only the Commander. "I will be the pilot of Unit-03."

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei's eyes turn towards Liam in plain if not exactly blatant surprise. She did not expect a comment like this. She lowers her head a little, arms folding tighter as she lets out a slightly more forceful breath.

Perhaps she didn't expect THIS.

Her expression is growing clearer as Asuka rounds on Kaworu, metaphorically if not physically.

He looks towards Shinji, then towards her. She isn't shocked. She does meet Shinji's eyes, and her look is one of wide-eyed and increasing shock. It turns to something nearer to alarm when Kaworu goes so far as to assert rank to claim the prize.

It's as if he grew a second head. Rei simply stares. Her mouth is, faintly, slack; not quite hanging open, but lips slightly parted.

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Chloe mmms in response to Liam, but says nothing more on it right now. She instead considers how Prometheus's General would respond to such objections to orders. She suspects he'd be far more strict about it... Far more so than Fuyutsuki and Ikari seem to be. Does Prometheus really follow more strict military discipline compared to NERV?

        ... Yes. From what Chloe's seen, she thinks it does. This is proving to be an interesting look into the inner workings of the allied organization in comparison to her own.

        Asuka's argument about the best unit going to the best pilot does make sense to Chloe. And while she hasn't had a lot of opportunity to closely analyze and compare the Evangelion pilots, she would not be against the idea of rating Asuka with the highest performance. Chloe doesn't say anything to that effect, because it's not her place. But she does nod along a little to Asuka's words.

        Of course, Kaworu then proceeds to pull rank. To which Chloe silently admits he has the right to. Unless the Commander or Vice-Commander object. Chloe herself doesn't, but she does actually speak up to offer some perspective, "It is an officer's duty to weigh the options and then give orders that should provide the highest opportunity for the success of the mission." What Chloe doesn't speak to is whether she thinks Kaworu's doing that. Or perhaps her statement was meant to make him ponder whether he is or not.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Akane looks at Chloe, visibly anxious at that framing -- despite knowing full well that in an organization like this, that really is the long and short of it. She doesn't respond out loud.

... It takes her a long time to come up with something to say. The gears in her head churn through it slowly. This machine is obviously a danger to the pilot -- though whether that's an accident or the course of its operation is an open question. Akane tries to consider whether this is a case of the wolf guarding the henhouse.

Shinji looks to her, and she gives him a strained look back. "... I don't -- like this," Akane says, continuing to take notes as she formulates something to say. "But I don't think anyone's going to settle this except the Evangelion pilots themselves, either way." The consequences of living in a world where there are as many right decisions as human beings... 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam flinches a little as Asuka glares at him, but he doesn't shrink back, the way he would've months ago. "...Shinji's right," he says, "Making your case is one thing--" And his eyes fall squarely on Asuka, here, "--but don't tear down your fellow pilots, the people you're relying on, to do it." He gives a little look towards Kaworu, but that's less 'concerned elder sibling' and more 'confused'. Kaworu and Asuka don't like each other, plain and simple, but it's... never come to a head quite like this.

        "I agree," he says to Chloe, "but... I've also 'volunteered' to pilot something like this. It nearly killed me. Not saying that's the case here, but..." Akane speaks up, and Liam gives her a nod. "Yeah. They're the ones at risk. With all due respect."

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.



Shinji asks the question, what's gotten into the two of them. "Nothing's gotten into me! You think I'm gonna let that slide from him? Him claiming he's the best candidate? What a joke!"

Akane on the other hand responds to Shinji, and Asuka looks sideways at her, "Got it in one, there's no chance I'm backing down on this." Whereas Liam? And his argument about tearing them down, "And? Did I ask for your opinion Baldy? Fifth String is really asking for it now, so he's gonna get it."

And yet Kaworu claiming it's irrelevant, Asuka looks flabbergasted at first, "'Irrelevant'?!" Then just, angrier, "Are you even listening to yourself? In what world is performance irrelevant in an Eva? You might as well say test scores are irrelevant towards someone's class rank!"

Yet, he then orders her as her superior officer to stand down. And Asuka's entire body grows rigid, her posture looking like she's ready to slug him.

It wouldn't be the first superior officer she's struck before - though not at NERV, many of them know about her record in the AEU.

And yet, she draws back up and crosses her arms, is she going to comply? "Nothing doing. Vice-Commander Fuyutsuki already accepted my request, and he outranks you." She eyes him triumphantly, "So long as Ultra Girl is amenable, it doesn't matter what you say... my request remains under consideration. You can't order me to withdraw it."

It does rather put Rei on the spot doesn't it? Asuka doesn't demand her to publically say if she's amenable to her request but...

... she could stop this any time, couldn't she?

"The way I see it, you haven't offered a single reason as to why you should do it over me. So come on. Tell me. Tell the whole room as to why you're a better candidate than me other than 'because I said so'."

Her chin just lifts subtly, "Unless you're afraid of putting yourself out there like that."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Chloe weighs in on an officer's duty. In response, Kaworu states, "Correct."
        
        Whether he has thought this through or not--and rest assured he has--he is very certain in his position.
        
        Shinji cringes at Asuka--Liam at least comes in clutch about what she was saying about Rei, but he's certain that there's no stopping her from lashing out at Kaworu. He knows--they all know--that Asuka is so proud. Why would Kaworu do this? Rei looks as perplexed as he feels, which in her case means looking perplexed at all. And Akane voices his thoughts, that she doesn't like this... but then says something else, that the pilots will have to work this out. That, as Liam follows up, it's them who take the rists.
        
        He was afraid of this. Because Asuka won't back down, as she's just made clear, and Kaworu--why does this matter so much to him? Shinji trusts that he must have a good reason to want it, but is it really worth fighting over?
        
        When Asuka refuses to accept that order, Kaworu frowns, eyes sliding towards her without moving his head. He's silent as she speaks... until she demands he give a reason, accuses him of being afraid to give one. His eyes slide forward anew towards Commander Ikari.
        
        "You aren't authorized to receive that information," Kaworu tells Asuka.
        
        Which implies a whole mess of other things. Shinji hastily gets in between the two before Asuka actually does slug Kaworu. "Can we please stop?" he asks desperately. He turns to his co-pilot, eyes beseeching. "Kaworu-kun, Asuka wants to do it, and she asked first. Why not just let her do it? Okay?"
        
        Kaworu's eyebrows tick upwards as he does turn his face to Shinji. For a heartbeat, two, three, he says nothing. Then he shuts his eyes.
        
        "No. It must be me," he says softly. "I'm sorry, Shinji-kun." 

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Akane does not like this; Rei does not, either.

What did she expect to have happen? Not this.

She looks at the ground now, about five paces in front of her. Her folded arms are moving nearer to a self-embrace, hands each behind opposing elbows.

I should take it back.
This was a mistake.

And as of on cue, Asuka calls her on it.

Rei says something but it's so inaudible that she cannot expect anyone to hear it. SHE could barely hear it. An unusual sort of feeling at herself crawls up the back of her spine and she says it again.

"... I don't have a preference. She was right," meaning Chloe. "The needs of the mission are primary."

This does absolutely nothing to address the dispute. Except that maybe it's a really half-hearted volunteering to take the role back. The others present have known Rei long enough to recognize the subtle shading of her voice. It doesn't help that Rei doesn't look up from the floor.

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Chloe doesn't notice Akane's reaction to her words. Not that she'd understand it if she did anyway. But she's too busy observing the situation play out. Asuka attempts to claim that Fuyutsuki's brief agreement to Asuka's volunteering is enough to override Kaworu's orders. And Chloe just... Shakes her head, suspecting that it is not. Especially as neither Commander has stepped in yet to end this.

        It seems clear from this point-especially as Rei chooses not to ouright support Asuka as a replacement and Kaworu doubles down on using his authority to not explain why-that it is Kaworu who is going to end up as the pilot.

        It also seems clear that Asuka is not taking this very well. While Shinji steps forward between the two to try and disarm the situation, Chloe steps forward too, but for different reasons. To be ready. Just in case Shinji's presence is not enough to keep Asuka from doing what it seems like she wants to do: Escalate this with a fist.

        "Further debate is pointless. Orders are orders."

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        "No," Liam says, his lips twisting, "but I'm not sitting by while you bully your fellow pilots." Shinji steps between the two of them, and Liam's eyes widen again, wondering if he's going to have to get between him and Asuka. "You're better than this."

        And then Kaworu says those few words, and Liam feels a throbbing start to build at his temple. Three people--three teenagers, kids who should be worried about school, and not this bullshit--put on the spot about who has to pilot the experimental machine. (If it even is a machine. He saw Wolfpack's teeth.)

        Liam looks up at the two men standing above, and it feels like they're so much higher up. 'Orders are orders', Chloe says, "but whose," Liam mutters.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Akane looks up from her laptop. She hasn't moved, and has no intention of doing so; her gaze tracks to Liam, and turns a little bit withering. "You think that's what she's up to, huh," she floats, casually. "I think you're probably misreading the situation."

She doesn't intercede in the Evangelion pilots' argument directly; that argument is for them alone to have, or perhaps for their direct reports to cut through. "'Orders are orders' doesn't mean orders can't change," Akane points out. "Trust me, I'm an expert on inconsistent orders."

That's about as much as she can make herself say, though; the higher the tension climbs, the harder it is to make herself say anything.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Rei? She has no preference. Asuka closes her eyes momentarily, at the soft words, but then lets it pass without comment, as if she were just willing her to...

... just let her do this for her.

Kaworu's response, that she's simply not authorized to receive such information causes her to simmer all the more, stiffening.

It's a good thing that Shinji gets in the way, "Stop? Oh no. He's REALLY stepped in it now!" And Liam, accuses her of bullying!? Saying she's better than this? Asuka rears back, and lifts her chin giving him a sharp look.

Because this is her being better.

She might have redirected ire his way, only Akane intervenes, and indeed...

... 'Orders are orders' doesn't mean orders can't change' However... there's something more that she's focused upon in this moment.

Asuka then she then leans sideways around Shinji to just continue chewing Kaworu out, "I'm not authorized, am I?"

It's clear her anger has reached a fever pitch, and yet for whatever reason her volume has dimmed somewhat, perhaps because she's hit upon something, "You really must think I'm stupid! If you had critical information on why it has to be you, the Commander and Vice-Commander would already know it. They would have already selected you! They would have never considered my request at all!"

She then eyes him suspiciously, eyes narrowing faintly, "Unless you're withholding vital information from your superior officers that would play a role in this decision?"

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

The debate - if it could ever have been called that - has swiftly become an argument. Makoto and Maya both grimace in sync with increasing intensity as they slowly sink back into the crowds to avoid becoming associated with whatever is unfolding in any way. NERV HQ's staff has begun to gather around the pilots and their friend, quietly watching the spectacle.

Shigeru mostly looks annoyed this is prolonging what should have been a very straightforward and short meeting.

Hey; he's got a new Fender and he could die literally tomorrow; he knows where his priorities are.

Fuyutsuki, for his part, just pinches the bridge of his nose, squeezes his eyes shut, and sighs.

"I suppose we can always count on the Second Child to make a fine mess of things," the old Vice-Commander mumbles beneath his breath,

"And in record time, at that."

But otherwise, he conspicuously says nothing. Nor does Gendo. The man simply observes placidly, the lower half of his face hidden behind a bridge of gloved fingers as Kaworu invokes his authority, and Asuka doubles down. An unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.

Unless you're withholding vital information from your superior officers that would play a role in this decision?

"Enough."

The benefits of rarely speaking is that a voice often unheard rings out all the louder when it finally speaks. Such is doubly the case for the cold, authoritative voice of Gendo Ikari; that single, two-syllable word cuts through the unfolding argument like the efficient stroke of a hot knife. It is not a shout; and yet it is projected with such cold and absolute certainty that it demands immediate attention.

A second passes, two, three. Gendo stares down at Kaworu and Asuka, a thing more felt than seen past the tint of his glasses.

"..."

And then he pushes out of his desk into a smooth stand, one gloved hand tucking into the pocket of his commander's jacket as he speaks.

"The Second Child will take over for the First. Unit-03 will be assigned to her. Testing will proceed within ten days. There will be no further delays. There will be no further argument."

Behind the veil of those glasses, Gendo's stare affixes on Kaworu, the weight of it bearing down like a challenge.

"The Fifth Child will remain on standby until further orders are given.

"Unless you believe you have authority that supercedes your commander."

Unspoken behind the orders is a very clear message:

'Remember your place.'

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam meets Asuka's gaze, his jaw tensing. Akane's words come at exactly the right time, even though they're like an unexpected dunk into ice-cold water. He turns to her, and the emotional shift is visible in his eyes--anger turns to frustration, then to guilt, and then to nothing. He takes a discreet step back, and focuses on his breathing, rather than turning all that anger on himself. It partly works.Did he think he could swoop in and save them all?

        His hands go limp at his sides. Opening his mouth was a mistake.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Is Liam misreading the situation? Shinji... actually thinks Akane's on to something; he knows Asuka well enough to know she has a kind side that she absolutely hates showing. And the date of the initial test... if Asuka happened to know about that, then...
        
        Still, that's not something Shinji can bring up in present company. And he thinks it's more than fair for Liam to think that this is bullying. Even with his own insight into the behavior of these two people closest to him, he doesn't know if he really knows what's going on. He grimaces a bit, catching Liam's eye as if to convey 'thanks for trying,' but... if even Kaworu won't listen, what can he do?
        
        Enough.
        
        Shinji holds his breath. But, somehow, not in a bad way. For the first time in... ever, he's glad for his father's cold, commanding personality. Him putting his foot down means this argument can be over now. Once the call is decisively made, he breathes a silent sigh of relief, grateful for once to the elder Ikari.
        
        Except--
        
        "..."
        
        Kaworu meets Gendo's stare unsmiling. Their orders are clear--as clear as the fact that this is the final word. Normally, Kaworu Nagisa would not countermand that. Normally, Kaworu Nagisa would not have provoked this argument in the first place.
        
        "You're making a mistake," Kaworu states.
        
        He doesn't get angry. He doesn't raise his voice. But there is an insistent note there--enough of one to cue in a listener that this is not just backtalk (which by itself would be egregious, let alone this entire argument), but a meeting of that challenge in Gendo's stare. 

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Even Asuka just stops when those two syllables cross the air. When the Commander speaks, even she shuts up. And so she does, her whole posture just full of suspended anger.

She meets the Commander's stare, while she'd like to say she doesn't flinch from it, the fact that she's not speaking right now? Perhaps that is her way of flinching...

... and his decision. Asuka doesn't smile, but her eyes do light up, as she glances sidelong at Kaworu. Her looks is perhaps gloating, in that teenage way as simple as 'I win', in which she conveys her triumph.

She doesn't... say that though. Instead she waits for him to finish, as he asserts his authority over Kaworu and...

'You're making a mistake,'

Even Asuka's eyebrows shoot up, as it's so out of character. She almost blurts out the words 'Excuse me' outright, it's so shocking to her.

Because while she'd say far worse to an AEU officer... she'd never say something like that to the Commander of NERV. She can't believe it came from Kaworu of all people.

Instead, her eyes remain plastered upon Kaworu, and it's like in this moment she's saying a line they've all heard so many times from her, even if she hasn't said it in so long.

'What are you, stupid?'

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Akane's words prove to be true. The orders do change. And Chloe doesn't seem to mind. Though the sudden intervention of Gendo Ikari does certainly draw Chloe's attention. While she's rarely heard the voice before, the tone is one that rings familiar.

        Regardless, the 'debate' is settled. And Asuka gets her way.

        This surely won't inflate her ego or anything.

        Though Asuka's questioning of Kaworu's motives does briefly get Chloe wondering. Though she says nothing about it, since the matter is clearly settled now.

        But if Chloe is judging things correctly, she expects this is a moment to say to Asuka, "Congratulations." Getting a new unit is an important moment for a pilot, right? Even if it is just for testing purposes at this point.

        Of course, Kaworu's challenging of Ikari's authority does give Chloe pause. And she looks at him in further confusion, wondering what is driving him to this.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.


Rei looks towards Akane, for a moment, as she speaks, but then her eyes go back to the ground.

Judgment is made: it will be the Second.

Rei's shoulders relax visibly. Her eyes lift.

She takes a deeper-than-usual breath, and before she can let it out:

Kaworu speaks.

Rei stops moving, mind breath. Complete stillness, like a statue, other than (if you looked closely) her pupils dilating noticeably.

<Pose Tracker> Akane Shinjo has posed.

Liam deflates -- and Akane... well -- while she feels bad about it, she can't really... wallow in that. She has a duty here -- to take notes to be distributed to 3G and other affiliated parties, to make sure all branches of NERV are on the same side... and she has a duty as a person, too. Neither of those are particularly compatible with the impulse to feel bad about Liam's abrupt loss of momentum.

And yet, the impulse remains.

Akane makes note of a few more adjustments -- so it will be the Second, now. What truly startles her, though, is Kaworu's 'you're making a mistake' -- it seems uncharacteristic even to her, who's made many mistakes in front of Kaworu.

Akane looks to Rei, again -- and then forward, once more. ... She doesn't volunteer any more comments. This isn't her fight to adjudicate.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

                You're making a mistake.

For a long time, silence reigns after that statement. None of NERV's assembled staff speaks. Even Shigeru grimaces.

Behind Gendo, Fuyutsuki's brows lift fractionally, but the man says nothing. He just looks to the back of NERV's commander, his stare full of something unstated; communicating something that perhaps only the two of them are privy to.

Gendo Ikari's expression, however, doesn't shift. For that entire time, the man is stock still, hidden eyes staring in a way that wholly through suggestion implies he hasn't blinked once.

His lips part.

"Pilot Liam," he says suddenly, and though he addresses Liam, his gaze never leaves Kaworu's.

"Administrator Nagisa is to be detained for insubordination. Escort him to the brig immediately."

And here, Gendo turns his back to Kaworu -- to all of them, even the son he has failed to acknowledge even once today -- and steps back towards his chair.

"Ten days. Reflect on your place during that time, Administrator."

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam is silent and still as Gendo renders his judgment. It's only when Kaworu protests that he moves--a glance sideways, eyes growing wide. Fear. Astonishment. Challenging Asuka was one thing, but challenging Gendo--

        Liam stares at one of his first new friends for a moment longer, and then looks up at Gendo. He wants to fight this. He knows that if he fights it, he might be punished, too. "Yes, sir," he says, as old, old survival instincts kick in. He steps forward, to stand behind Kaworu. "Please come with me," Liam says, and it's like he's taken everything he's developed since his escape and pulled it inside a protective shell. Maybe if he focuses on executing the order, it will hurt less. (It won't.)

<Pose Tracker> Chloe has posed.

        Gendo comes down hard on Kaworu...

        ... Which is about what Chloe expected. She doesn't know the man, but his reputation definitely precedes him. Plus, it's the kind of thing she would expect if she were to speak out against her own commander. Clearly that's just the way things are.

        As Chloe said, an officer must weigh the options for the good of the mission. The option chosen here appears to be a brief stint in the brig for insubordination. Since Kaworu agreed with Chloe's sentiments, no doubt he is willing to accept this judgement with honour and grace.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It's not as though Kaworu doesn't understand the gravity of what he's saying and doing. He feels the weight of Asuka's scandalized stare; can guess at how taken aback Akane is; doesn't need to look at Rei to take in her dilating pupils. And Shinji is, of course next to him. His pale face and open-mouthed shock are on plain display.
        
        Even so, Kaworu doesn't break eye contact--such as it is--with Gendo Ikari, either. And when Gendo makes his decree of ten days, which doesn't escape Kaworu's notice is when the test is to begin, Kaworu opens his mouth, seemingly not content with the punishment he's garnered already.
        
        But Shinji grabs his wrist then. Kaworu can't help but look away from one Ikari to lock eyes with another. Shinji has always had his heart first.
        
        Terror vibrating deep within him, having never noticed once that his father had never acknowledged him today (because he's far too used to it, and aren't they starting to be on better terms, and isn't this the wrong time and place anyway?), Shinji whispers, "Please, Kaworu-kun, don't..."
        
        Kaworu hesitates.
        
        Then his shoulders sink. "As you wish," he concedes.
        
        He looks up to meet Liam's eyes and gives him a soft, apologetic smile, as if in regret of the position he's been put in; that gaze shifts to Rei with the same feeling, as if in regret of the distress this has surely caused her. Asuka gets no such consideration; Chloe and Akane aren't ignored, but they are on the sidelines of this affair, after all. After that, he turns to leave with Liam without further resistance.
        
        In other words, the only reason Kaworu is backing down--
        
                --is because Shinji asked him to.
        
        All considered, that might be a nuance that ends up lost. It's almost certain it won't end up in the report. But perhaps there are those here who noticed it, and will remember in the coming days. 

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.


Asuka watches the stare down without moving. She is breathing, of course, and her heart is beating faster than she knew possible in a moment whereupon the ire of someone with real authority in NERV was not fixated upon her.

And then, the orders come. Kaworu wasn't finished. Obviously he wasn't. Shinji's hand on his wrist...

Asuka just eyes Kaworu and Shinji as Liam takes him for detention. There's no sense of triumph anymore.

Just a deep disquiet.

Asuka only briefly looks at Shinji as they're dismissed, before storming out of the room, trying her hardest not to look at Rei.

A locker in the women's locker room will soon after suffer a dent, but one doesn't have to worry about the feelings of a metal door.

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