NERV Headquarters, experimental testing area
Asuka had gotten up rather late that day because she felt terrible, especially in her abdomen. But she had to come in anyway to have her performance tested.
Already mentally exhausted, Asuka sat inside Unit-02's Dummy Entry Plug for the test when another cramp twisted through her lower abdomen. She endured it without letting her expression change.
But the discomfort, combined with the recent changes in her feelings, only made her more agitated.
After the test, Akagi and Ibuki began checking the data.
This time, the results were even worse than before. Her synchronization rate had fallen to negative 12.8 degrees. Her previous score had been below the passing mark, but this test had sent it straight to rock bottom.
Those numbers barely met the activation threshold...
Akagi and Ibuki exchanged a glance, then shook their heads at Misato beside them.
"This is awful. Isn't it even lower than yesterday?" Ibuki asked worriedly, handing the data to Akagi after recording it in the file.
Misato looked just as troubled as she explained, "Asuka isn't feeling well today. Her period just started. (A woman's menstrual cycle.)"
"Synchronization rate isn't affected by superficial physical discomfort. The problem lies deeper in her consciousness." Akagi immediately countered Misato's explanation with her expertise.
Akagi signaled Ibuki with her eyes. Ibuki switched on the microphone and told Asuka inside the Dummy Entry Plug, "Asuka, you can get out now."
Asuka was dazed. She had no idea what she should do or where she should go. Another cramp in her lower abdomen brought her back to her senses, her body reminding her what she needed to do.
Misato sighed helplessly. "If we show Asuka her results later, her pride will be shattered, won't it?"
"I'm afraid we'll have to modify Unit-02's core