As they watched the words flashing across the screen, humanity's refusal to surrender Ultimate Force Zero, even Jean-bot and Jean-nine shed tiny green light particles from their eyes.
At that moment, they knew beyond all doubt that fighting for this planet was the right thing to do. It was far more than a mission-they wanted, from the bottom of their hearts, to protect this planet and the humans who believed in them.
In the areas hardest hit by demonstrations, the Surrender Faction's voices grew quieter and quieter after Yui Ikari's speech reached them. Then, at the United Nations' urging, the nations suppressed the most diehard elements.
They would not surrender the giants who protected them. That was humanity's final choice.
Learning that she would continue serving as acting Commander did nothing to ease Yui Ikari's tension. Her brow remained tightly furrowed.
Simply refusing to hand over the Zero Guard had been difficult enough. The next step would be even harder.
Until support from the Land of Light arrived, humanity could rely only on itself.
That burden was far too heavy.
"Next, our first priority is to prepare for the coming battle..."
Misato set down the phone beside her and addressed Yui Ikari with a grave expression. "The NERV bases are asking about further action. Commander, please give us your orders."
"Six hours. For now, the order is to hold out for six hours by every means possible once the Mass Production Models begin their destruction," Yui Ikari ordered after a moment's thought.
"Please relay that order to the United Nations exactly as stated."
Twenty-four hours-that was how long, in this universe's time, support from the Land of Light would need to reach this universe through the Star Gate.
It might take less time, but if the Land of Light had