NERV Headquarters, Technical Department conference room.
"So, has it been decided?" Ryoji Kaji asked in a flippant tone, slumped over the long table. "Let me guess. Shinji Ikari is definitely one of the Eligibles going into battle."
"Even if we abandon the two-person operation, we can't leave Shinji out. With him there, at least we're guaranteed not to lose. We can't be that sure with anyone else."
Ritsuko Akagi yawned, picked up her hot coffee, and took a sip. She clearly needed something to keep her awake. If she could get some time off, she would definitely get a good night's sleep.
"You don't smoke anymore?" Ryoji Kaji asked. "I remember you always liked to light one up around this time."
"I quit," Ritsuko Akagi said flatly.
"You were still smoking just a couple of days ago. Still, he really does live up to his reputation as the ever-victorious Child of God," Ryoji Kaji mused. "So, have you decided on the second pilot?"
"Asuka, as before," Ritsuko Akagi answered offhandedly. "Europe has jurisdiction over Unit-02. They won't agree to let our Eligibles pilot it."
The First Child and the Third Child, Unit-00 and Unit-01, all belonged to Headquarters, so Headquarters could decide how to deploy them.
But the European Branch and SEELE had always retained control of Unit-02's system permissions. Even its system data was transmitted back to the European Branch in real time.
Ritsuko Akagi had even discovered that Asuka herself, its pilot, didn't fully understand Unit-02. The unit also contained hidden programs whose purpose was unknown.
Unit-02 had come to Japan not only as reinforcement against the Angels, but also, indeed, to act as SEELE's counterweight to Headquarters.
"You're still here, Chief Inspector Kaji? When are you planning to leave?" Misato Katsuragi pushed the door open and came