In the laboratory, as the red lights on the computer screens turned green, the operators' voices came over the communicator again.
"MAGI System, subsystem three, has entered self-diagnostic mode."
"No abnormalities detected in the 127th routine inspection."
"Understood. Thank you for your hard work, everyone. Get some rest before the test begins."
In the decontamination room, Shinji Ikari listened to Ritsuko Akagi's final words and watched the alloy gate in front of him open.
Through the translucent glass door, the Child of God could be seen in a supremely natural state, possessed of the aesthetic beauty of an ancient Greek sculpture.
But he was not the only person standing in the decontamination room. Rei Ayanami and Asuka stood in small compartments to his left and right.
Only a small metal panel and transparent glass walls separated them.
These partitions were practically useless, since they could see one another in full simply by turning their heads.
Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami naturally did not mind. There was nothing they needed to hide from each other anyway.
Only Asuka was less than calm, though she still tried her best to look unconcerned.
She looked toward the ceiling at the front of the room. "All right, just as you wanted, we've been cleaned seventeen times now."
"Thank you for your cooperation. Next, all three of you can pass through this room and enter your Entry Plugs directly," Ritsuko Akagi's voice came through the speaker.
"What!?" Asuka cried out in agitation. At least she still had a small panel shielding her now. Once she stepped outside, there would be nothing at all.
"Don't worry. Video surveillance has been switched off. We absolutely guarantee your privacy."
"That's not what I'm worried about!" Asuka complained, her gaze involuntarily drifting toward Shinji Ikari in the neighboring compartment.