High in the sky, the Eagle Nation's EVA transport plane flew slowly through blue skies, white clouds, and sunshine.
A red cross carrying Unit-03 hung beneath the EVA transport plane. Unit-03's head drooped, making for an unsettling sight from a distance.
At that moment, Unit-03's eyes were still dark.
The two pilots inside the transport plane were reporting their progress to NERV's headquarters in Japan and its Eagle Nation branch.
"This is Delta 64 calling Niaofan 400. Cumulonimbus clouds spotted along our flight path. Over."
The commander ordered, "This is Niaofan 400. Air pressure within the cumulonimbus clouds is normal. Maintain your current course and arrive on schedule."
The pilot flew the EVA transport plane straight into the cumulonimbus clouds.
Not long after the EVA transport plane entered them, faint flashes of lightning began flickering within the clouds.
And at that moment, unnoticed by anyone, Unit-03's eyes lit up briefly.
At Misato's home, Misato had put on a neatly arranged uniform for once and was getting ready to leave.
"You look gorgeous," Asuka complimented her.
Misato waved a hand. "Thanks! I'm going away on business. I've asked Kaji to look after you two for the next couple of days."
Just as she was about to leave, Misato remembered what Shinji had brought up yesterday.
"Shinji, the Commander and your mother have agreed to let you pilot Unit-01 and provide security on-site during the activation test."
"That's great!" Shinji said happily.
The incident with Unit-04 still haunted Shinji, so he had asked to be present during the test as a safety precaution.
Yui Ikari had naturally agreed. She didn't want any accidents, after all, and with Zero protecting Shinji, his safety was assured.
"Honestly, Shinji, I'm not surprised you asked for that," Zero said, looking at him with satisfaction.
Shinji had