Mobile Fighter Evangelion [NGE/AU/Not a Gundam crossover]

[Ultra Sonic 007]

"Brainwave activity of the Evas at rest have consistently shown events that coincide with the phenomenon called 'night terrors'."

…well. Wasn't that a lovely thing to learn. Mother…have you been suffering all this time? Shinji scowled, and the ball of anguish within his gut grew, ever-so-slightly.

"Whoa now, timeout!" interrupted Toji, quickly bounding to his feet. "You mean to tell me that all that crap that happened with the Angels…did my sister feel all of that?" He recalled vague impressions, and faint words; the suspicion of pain had been there, but nothing like this. "Well? Did she?!"

Rei was hesitant. "…it is uncertain if the trauma experienced by the Evas fully translates to the soul inhabiting it. But Dr. Akagi seems to believe so."

Toji scowled, his entire body vibrating with tension. "That's…gah!" He kicked the ground, unintentionally sending a giant chunk of earth into the lake. He glanced at Shinji, eyes narrow with fury. "I bet that bastard old man of yours knew too. I wouldn't have agreed if I knew my sis would be feeling the pain!"

"…why are you talking about your sister?"

The three Eva Pilots turned towards Mayumi and Mana, who were staring at them oddly. The former continued, "is it…classified?"

The trio looked at each other, before Shinji sighed. "Well…so much else has been revealed over the past few days. We all know about the threat of SEELE-"

"Which is awesome," cracked Mana, carelessly interrupting. "A global conspiracy threatening to end all life as we know it! You couldn't ask for a better enemy!"

"…so we all know about SEELE," continued Shinji, trying to make his point, "and we all know about ADAM and LILITH being kept inside of NERV headquarters. I don't think telling Kirishima-san and Yamagishi-san the truth about the Evas would hurt at this point."

"…I agree," said Rei. Turning towards the two Pilots of the Jet Alone, the First Child began the explanation. "An Evangelion requires a soul to move. Years ago, Shinji-kun's mother was injured in an experiment, and part of her soul was absorbed by Unit-00. The remainder of her soul was then absorbed by Unit-01. In a similar manner, Asuka's mother was absorbed by Unit-02. When Suzuhara-san became the Sixth Child, his sister was chosen to become the soul that would animate Unit-03. Does that answer your question?"

"…admittedly. But now I have more questions," asked Mayumi, her eyes wide with shock.

"So do I: namely, did the same deal apply with the Nagisas?" asked Mana.

Rei shook her head. "No. As the information briefing sent out by the Supreme Commander explained in detail, they were both Angels; that limitation did not apply to them."

Toji snorted. "Limitation, she says."

"…hmm. Gotcha." Mana huffed, skipping another rock. That one went over one hundred and twenty yards. "That's still kinda weird. But cool. I went mano-a-mano with an Angel! Twice!"

Mayumi raised her hand. "We lost terribly against Kaworu Nagisa, and you were taken down in one shot by Yomiko Nagisa."

"Eh, minor detail."

"…what are our chances?" asked Shinji, trying to divert the conversation from the subject of the souls in the Evas (oh gods did mother feel it when he got stabbed?!) and the Nagisas (my father still hasn't said what he did with Kaworu after Asuka defeated him, where is he?). "Tomorrow…I don't know what'll happen. The way my father's been speaking…we'll be facing a military assault unlike anything we've faced before."

"Speak for yourself," muttered Mana. "You gonna wuss out?"

Shinji shook his head. "I don't have the luxury of not making a choice. But I don't have to like it."

Mana shrugged. "Suit yourself. I mean, think about it! A pitched battle against the forces of the UN, to stop the end of the world: I can't see how you wouldn't like it."

"Not everyone is eager for battle as you are, sister."

"Eh, y'all are crazy."

"Says you," grumbled Toji.

"…it doesn't matter." Rei Ayanami rose to her feet, staring stoically at the first quarter-moon in the sky. "War is upon us, whether we like it or not. We each have a particular role to play. To do less than our best would be a betrayal of everything we have accomplished up to this point, of everything we have sacrificed." She turned on her heel, looking intently at Toji, Mayumi, Mana, and finally Shinji. "There will be a time for all of these questions afterwards, but only if we are victorious."

"Now that's more like it!" Grinning with anxious energy, Mana kicked down a nearby tree and chucked it into the water. "If we focus on kicking ass, we'll be just fine! Suzuhara's a glorified bodyguard, but you two will have your Evas, and my sis and I…well…" Her grin widened, becoming truly rapturous. "If this upgrade to the Jet Alone is all that Tokita's made it out to be, it'll be fantastic."

"…more than just a bodyguard…" mumbled Toji.

"Mana may be unnecessarily boisterous, but her point is a valid one." Mayumi fiddled with the tips of her long blue hair, looking solemnly at the stars. "If we let our doubts interfere, then we risk…everything."

"…you're right." Events were quickly converging; tomorrow would be unlike anything Shinji had ever experienced. "We should be getting back. We'll need all the rest we can get."

Mere hours later, Gendo's declaration of defiance was delivered to the world.

The stage was almost set for the end of everything.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/April 15, 2016/

/Sovereign Systems Facility, Gobi Desert north of Jiayuguan, Guazhou County, Gansu Province, China/

Kisai Oniwana stared stoically at his creations. No, that was too boastful; he had helped, and implemented the methodologies needed to advance production, but it had ultimately been a group effort. Still…it was impressive: twelve massive bludgeons the color of gunmetal, capable of transforming in a proverbial blink of an eye.

The speed of the transformation was probably the biggest achievement.

The wind blew, and the Japanese man raised a hand over his face to block the dust. According to the communique sent out yesterday, the Replicas were to be picked up this morning.

Since then, all outside communication had gone dark.

"Any idea what's happening?"

Oniwana turned towards one of his assistants; though most of the team was still asleep, quite a few had gathered alongside him to witness the pickup in person. "Regarding?"

"The blackout; I haven't been able to find news about anything since yesterday evening."

"If the Replicas are being picked up today, then it likely means the anti-NERV rhetoric has reached a boiling point." That had been the topic of discussion over the past week, ever since half of Berlin-2 had been annihilated. "I can only surmise that the First Branch in Tokyo-3 is going to be attacked, and soon." How ironic, that these Replicas which had been developed for use against the Angels were to be turned against NERV itself.

"…what do you think?"

"About the situation?"

"Well, I mean…you were part of the JET ALONE Project before coming here, right? And that Gundam's been fighting alongside NERV since the Fifth Angel. So…"

"Do you have an actual question?"

"…I don't know. I suppose what I'm trying to ask is if you're concerned about your former coworkers."

Oniwana shrugged. "Given what I know of Shiro Tokita, the moment the winds started to shift against NERV, he would have begun enacting measures to withdraw from Tokyo-3. He may be a stubborn fellow, but he's not stupid." That Tokita had stuck with NERV for so long was surprising in and of itself, but this whole unpleasant business was surely the last straw.

Another assistant suddenly shouted, "look! Over there!"

Everyone's gaze followed the man's outstretched arm, looking to the northwest. Soaring above the horizon were twelve – twelve! – YC-49 jets, their massive profiles arranged in a wedge formation. As they neared their position, the aircraft began to bank to their right, slowly turning…and then twelve objects dropped from their undersides, one from each jet.

Seconds later into their free fall, those objects sprouted wings.

"…what the…?"

Kisai Oniwana couldn't help but agree with his colleague's sentiment. There was an almost deadly grace in their movements, as they slowly arranged themselves into a single file. As they got closer to the ground, the light of the morning sun brought more of their features into stark contrast; the moment he could make out armored limbs, he couldn't help but pale, despite his reserved demeanor. "They're Evangelions." Twelve Evangelions capable of flight...and, judging by the fact they had no external power source, also capable of operating beyond the five-minute limit that had been such a big selling point for the Jet Alone. "…what is the meaning of this…?"

The white-and-black Evas descended, sliding to a halt in a seamless manner. Their impact still kicked up vast clouds of dust and sand, casting a surreal shadow over the facility. One of the titans – marked with an '01' on its breastplate – advanced, calmly picking up the nearest Replica by the handles on its back. With slow, careful movements, the Evangelion manipulated the bludgeon; suddenly, the weapon twisted, transforming into a bident, a recreation of the Lance of Longinus. Just as quickly, it shifted back. Seconds later, it twisted once more, this time becoming a massive zweihander, the Sword of Uriel.

To everyone's horror, the Eva – with big red lips and harsh teeth – grinned. And then it spoke. "Just as the specifications promised. Excellent."

An uncomfortable feeling slowly began to overtake Kisai Oniwana. If he had to properly categorize it, it would be horror.

As the other eleven began to reach for their weapons, the Eva marked as '01' raised its zweihander. "Your services are no longer required." With a massive horizontal swing, an arc of ethereal energy erupted from the Replica Sword, boiling with heat and power.

In a sudden rush of sound and fury, the entire Sovereign Systems facility was razed to the ground, along with everyone inside.

A second swing was sufficient to vaporize Kisai Oniwana and those gathered with him.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Bridge of USS Harry S. Truman, UN Pacific Fleet TF-12, Odawara-2 Naval Port, Shores of Sagami Bay, Japan/

Admiral Nathaniel Ackerson found his current situation to be somewhat...nostalgic. Here we are once more, in Sagami Bay. The circumstances now, however, were decidedly different.

This was not Task Force 2, given the duty to transport Unit-02 from Hawaii to Japan. This was not over sixty percent of the UN Pacific Fleet, which had ended up losing five vessels to the Sixth Angel.

This was Task Force 12...the entire Pacific Fleet. Six aircraft carriers, each with their respective air wings. Fifteen cruisers. Seventeen destroyers. Twenty frigates. Five submarines. Six supply ships. And, of course, the command ship itself: the USS Blue Ridge. And once more, I'm not on it. To be fair, there was a rather important reason that he wasn't there. Namely, because command of Task Force 12 had fallen under Fleet Admiral David Bradley: the first individual to attain the five-star rank since Chester Nimitz, and almost solely due to his actions in the Impact Wars.

The fact that he had been pulled from the Atlantic Fleet to take command said volumes about how seriously the UN was taking this whole situation. He and Admiral Shinya Akumura of the JMSDF had been designated to serve as the seconds, to maintain the chain of command during the upcoming assault on NERV-1.

You'd think we'd have begun by now. The pieces were practically in place; the entire Central Army of the JGSDF had surrounded Hakone, maintaining a twenty-mile perimeter around the city limits of Tokyo-3. Aerial assets from the JASDF were ready to launch, to work in coordination with the Pacific Fleet's own air wings. As far as the ground operation went, it was General Hiroki Sakamura's show, and his distaste for NERV was well-known. That they had yet to launch was...telling.

"Sir...what do you think of the broadcast?"

Ackerson glanced at Captain Benjamin Matthews, noting the wary look in the man's eyes. And for good reason. "Truthfully? I don't know." Scuttlebutt in the fleet was utterly chaotic following Gendo Ikari's defiant challenge the previous night. Opinion was split in so many different directions, and the unified sense of purpose behind Task Force 12 had been weakened severely. "It was a good strategic move, to make us second-guess ourselves."

"You know that's not what I'm referring to, sir."

"If you're asking whether I believe there was any truth to the man's words?" Of a grand conspiracy? Of SEELE? Of a plot to destroy the world? "No comment."

Matthews huffed.

"If it makes you feel any better, Fleet Admiral Bradley has decided to stay the course." That was in spite of the fact that the various intelligence reports coming from New Washington and Tokyo-2 seemed to contradict themselves with each passing hour. The sense of being stuck in a fog of war was...acute. "Once we receive word from General Sakamura, we will begin ourselves."

"...may I speak frankly, sir?"

"You may."

Speaking in hushed tones, Captain Matthews sounded somewhat...paranoid. "I don't like it, sir. Everything was pulled together so quickly for this. I have no love for Gendo Ikari...but this entire operation seems like a bad idea."

"Hrm." In all honesty, Ackerson had to agree. Something about this whole situation seems...off.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Meanwhile, as Nathaniel Ackerson was mulling over the strange circumstances of the impending assault on NERV-1, General Hiroki Sakamura sat within his field office, erected on the slopes of Mt. Fuji. From this grand vantage point, the Hakone Caldera was easily visible; the storm of fire and metal that would soon engulf NERV would be seen in its entirety. If there was a part of him that felt a sense of primal satisfaction at the whole scenario...well, there was no point in denying it. Especially given the news report of Pieter Langley's apparent connection to the death of Hiroto Mizugumi.

Ikari will finally be brought to heel, my old friend, thought Sakamura with a stern expression. He stood stoically, arms crossed behind his back as the sounds and words of his subordinates filtered through the prefabricated field office.

"-1st Aerial Commandos are airborne and waiting for signal to drop-"

"Roger that, Colonel Kurosawa, 1st Artillery Battalion is in position on Mt. Ashitaka-"

"-supply lines into the Gotenba Operational Zone are operating at capacity, redirecting the 10th Logistic Support Regiment to Oyama, copy?"

"Please repeat and confirm, all SHOCK units are in position?"

"-five Taiyang class flights are ready to mobilize-"

"Please confirm strength of the 10th Russian Air Wing...three squadrons of Leo class Gundams, with additional support of Highhawk class Gundams..."

"Nephilim Oversight is confirming over a dozen deployments-"

Sakamura couldn't help but smile. Yes, my old friend; you will be avenged. His eyes fell upon the massive map arranged in the center of the field office, where markers and pieces designating particular units were changed and rearranged as needed. Of particular note were the legion of all-white pieces that was closest to Tokyo-3: the SHOCK units, an operation-specific term that identified units with a majority cultist makeup. And to think that the first shots will be fired by the Angel worshippers, of all people.

The irony was almost too good to be true; after the February invasion, NERV had provided an unbelievable swath of intelligence on the number of cultists within their ranks. Those with higher ranks had been swiftly 'subdued', while the lower rank-and-file were consolidated into units with less direct access to military intelligence. Though the idea of executing them all had been enticing, the prospect of having 'disposable' soldiers on hand was too valuable to ignore. In their zealous rage against NERV for defiling their precious 'Angels', they will throw themselves into the grinder. The truly loyal would then step in to mop up. The gods must be smiling on me, today.

At long last, Gendo Ikari would get what he deserved. "We are commencing the operation. Send the word."

xxxx

/Ashigara Defensive Line, North of Tokyo-3, Japan/

The sergeant held a hand up to his earpiece. "...understood. Roger." He looked warily at the nine 'soldiers' under his command; cultists of LILITH's Legion one and all, he was hesitant to even call them 'men'. Alas, their weapons would be turned against NERV-1, and that was just fine per the 'infinite wisdom' of Command. "We're commencing the operation." They had less than half a mile between them and downtown Tokyo-3; while vehicles and long-distance artillery would be making work of NERV's remaining defensive batteries, they would infiltrate the Geofront itself. "Let's move out!"

"Yes sir!"

As one, all nine soldiers - clad in the dark blue fatigues and black ballistics armor of the UN military - turned their rifles on the sergeant and shot him.

As the loyal JSSDF soldier fell to the ground, bleeding profusely, the nine cultists looked at each other, nodding with grim determination. "Let's move out, my fellow Legionnaires."

Similar incidents happened within all of the other SHOCK units, as all non-Angel worshippers were killed quickly and mercilessly.

They took to their radios, and as one, the hundreds - if not thousands - let loose a defiant roar.

"FOR ADAM!"

"FOR LILITH!"

"DEATH TO SEELE'S DOGS!"

And as one, the cultists turned their weapons - guns, vehicles, and all - upon the forces of the United Nations.

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Smoke and fire erupted across the Hakone region.

Almost all of it, however, was occurring outside of Tokyo-3.

In a single moment of treachery, the entire operation to subjugate NERV fell into chaos.

Within the field office at Mt. Fuji, General Sakamura watched in growing horror as the front line of their assault collapsed into confusion and havoc. "What…" A pitched aerial battle began to break out as helicopter gunships, controlled by the cultists, opened fire on the ranks of the loyal; before long, more gunships and Heavy Fighter Jet VTOLs fought back. The sky flickered with tracers and missiles, accompanied by burning metal and acrid smoke. "…the hell…?!" Snarling, Sakamura stomped towards a nearby communications officer, ripping the handset away and opening a line to the Pacific Fleet. "This is General Sakamura; we have a situation! Those damn cultists have started attacking us instead of NERV! Commence your end of the operation!" Turning towards his other subordinates, the General roared, "focus, men! We need to regroup and break through to Tokyo-3!"

xxxx

/Bridge of USS Harry S. Truman, UN Pacific Fleet TF-12, Odawara-2 Naval Port, Shores of Sagami Bay, Japan/

"We've received word from General Sakamura. His forces are currently preoccupied, so we will begin our attack on Tokyo-3. If any units in the Central Army attack you, then they are likely cultists and are to be considered hostile."

The words of Fleet Admiral Bradley were sobering. Though, what did they expect, using damned Angel worshippers on the frontlines? "With all due respect sir, this whole situation is suspect. I don't want to risk any of our men until we have a handle on exactly what we're up against."

"I am…uncertain," said Admiral Shinya Akumura, his gaunt face looking unusually stern, even through the monitor. "Although subjugating NERV is still the operation's ultimate objective, this sudden reversal warrants caution."

Fleet Admiral Bradley – his grim visage heightened by slick black hair and an eyepatch covering his left eye – glared with every measure of wrath he was known for. "We have our objective, and we must not falter. To delay any further will only result in more people dying."

But that's missing the point. "Our intelligence reports on NERV-1 and Gendo Ikari keep changing, to the point of contradicting what we received an hour before. I cannot in good conscience advocate following the operation. Not now."

"Your concerns are noted. But we have our mission, and time is of the essence." Bradley glanced off-screen, gesturing toward one of his associates. "Send the word to every commanding officer in the Fleet. We are moving out-!"

Bang!

A single gunshot rang out, and the side of the Fleet Admiral's head burst open into a bloody flower. Outraged shouts and scuffling could be heard, but it didn't ease the icy feeling that slowly gripped Admiral Ackerson's heart. What…what is happening?

Moments later, a disheveled officer came on screen, a blond with green eyes. The man wiped a bit of blood from his nose, saying, "This is Captain Robert Maxwell. Fleet Admiral Bradley is down…" The Captain glanced off-screen. "…and according to Communications, we have small-arms fire being reported throughout several ships in the Fleet."

"…I see." Nathaniel Ackerson huffed, glancing at the separate monitor showing Admiral Akumura from aboard the JDS Kurama. "Admiral Akumura; my thoughts on the matter are clear. What is your recommended course of action?

The Admiral stared back in relative silence, an odd look in his eyes. "My recommendation?"

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Well that certainly didn't go according to plan.

Click to shrink...

Oh, but it most certainly did.

xxxx

This entire scenario had been unforeseen by the military; the probability of the cultists turning against the UN, given the prospect of continuing their crusade against NERV, had been deemed extremely low, almost nonexistent.

A shame that what you didn't know, could indeed kill you.

This was something that the Supreme Commander of NERV knew very well.

xxxx

/February 2, 2016/

/Section 2 Interrogation Chambers, NERV-1, Geofront, Tokyo-3/

"Also, I lied earlier," said Gendo Ikari. "My sole purpose here was to gloat."

Major Daigo Higurashi snarled. "I hate you so much."

"You're at least the ten-thousandth person to tell me that to my face. Congratulations again."

"Stop clapping."

"No."

The cheerful music playing suddenly included a long applause line. Abruptly, Gendo stopped clapping, reaching into his cloak and pulling out a piece of paper. Calmly, he slid it over towards Daigo Higurashi.

The Major frowned, looking warily at his captor.

The Supreme Commander mouthed, 'read it.'

Scowling, Higurashi leaned over, looking carefully at the handwritten message.

Even though the cameras are down, the audio sensors are not. I dare not say these words aloud.​

He looked up, arching an eyebrow.

Gendo mouthed, 'keep reading'.

So he did.

Your efforts were well-coordinated, and well-planned. Unfortunately, your ultimate goal - the destruction of NERV - was never in the cards. At best, you would have killed me, and that would have been just fine for our true enemies.

Your informant spoke of the Illuminati. A cute choice of words, but the truth is no less significant. NERV is controlled from the shadows by a group called SEELE, and they have a nefarious agenda involving the Angels. Their public front is the Human Instrumentality Committee.

For the time being, they tolerate me because of of my track record against the Angels. Little does the world know, the Angels attacking thus far are mere remnants of ADAM, the First Angel; with each one that is destroyed, the more that ADAM regenerates. Once all of the Angels are destroyed, ADAM will be whole, and SEELE will make their move.

Locked deep within this base are ADAM and LILITH; that much is true. Despite any outward pretenses, I am opposed to SEELE's agenda, and they are well aware of this. Ultimately, once ADAM is whole, they will redirect every resource at their disposal to subjugate NERV and reclaim ADAM and LILITH. They will abuse their power, unmake our world, and remake it in their own image. I refuse to let that happen.

You have a choice. Despite my words, you and your fellow Angel worshippers will be deemed too useful to execute: the military would absolutely love to have an 'expendable' group of soldiers, and SEELE would view your zealous hatred of NERV as an asset. Make no mistake: when the time comes, it will be you and yours that will be on the front lines. However...you can help stop that.

Help me keep SEELE from destroying the world, and you will save ADAM and LILITH in turn.​

Daigo Higurashi looked up, eyes narrow with suspicion. Does he honestly believe that I'll buy this? However...now that he thought about it, a few things made sense. We were guaranteed that the Evangelions would not be a factor in our invasion...and yet they were. There was just enough of a sliver of doubt to make Ikari's words seem plausible.

The music and applause came to an end, and Gendo stood up. "I hope you'll enjoy death row. Good day, Major."

"...hmph. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"Oh?"

"I refuse to lie down and accept death; my crusade against you will never end." Let's wait this out and see what happens. "I will cooperate with the military. But our cause is righteous."

"...so you say. But at least you're sensible." The Supreme Commander turned on his heel, exiting the cell. "After all...death creates nothing."

And so it had gone from there.

Daigo Higurashi had cooperated with the JSSDF. He had spoken freely, while holding back some information (after all, he wasn't stupid), and those identified as cultists had been dealt with: the commissioned officers had been isolated and removed from command decisions, while the enlisted had been transferred and consolidated into distinct units. All the while, Daigo and his fellow true believers had disseminated rumors about SEELE, and that NERV was actually protecting ADAM and LILITH.

Even if it had only been playing along at first, world events had made Gendo Ikari's words more and more plausible. Plans had been quietly made by the leadership of LILITH's Legion and the fellow cults, trying to account for different scenarios.

Time passed, and more Angels had been defeated. Half of Berlin-2 had vanished in fire. World opinion had slowly - almost inexorably - turned against NERV. The UN had made plans to assault NERV-1, for the 'sake of humanity'. The Defense Minister, who had long been a supporter of Ikari and NERV, had inexplicably become downright hostile.

And then, there had been the Broadcast. Ikari's declaration of defiance. Footage of LILITH, whole. Of ADAM...whole.

On that evening, Daigo Higurashi had been utterly flummoxed, and in disbelief over how things had gone. And yet...it made sense.

Despite his current status of incarcerated-in-all-but-name, he had managed to send a message through discreet means. He had not been the only one to do so, as the various Angelic cults needed to make a decision.

Higurashi had no idea who his message would eventually reach.

xxxx

For on the night of April 14, at Odawara-2, a four-star officer within the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force read a slip of paper from a trusted agent. An initial review of the data leaked regarding SEELE and the Instrumentality Project had already been conducted; on the face of it, Ikari's words had been legitimate.

To think I'm in this position, thought the man with a stern frown. However...in the grand scheme of things, the UN operation could not be allowed to go through. Mizugumi, Sakamura...I'm sorry. But our country's survival depends on NERV, now. Even though e-mail was not as secure as a physical message delivered to a designated drop point, time was of the essence. Thus, the man opened a message and sent it to the few that he trusted within the Defense Ministry. It was a simple, one-sentence message: Send the word.

And so it had.

Thus did Shinya Akumura, Admiral of the JMSDF, and Grand Marshall of the Light of the Divine, throw a gigantic wrench into SEELE's plans.

xxxx

/Bridge of USS Harry S. Truman, UN Pacific Fleet TF-12, Odawara-2 Naval Port, Shores of Sagami Bay, Japan/

"My recommendation?" Akumura closed his eyes, in obvious deep thought. Finally, he said, "we cannot commence with the operation. Not while we have cultists that have infiltrated the Fleet."

Admiral Ackerson nodded. "My thoughts exactly. We can't risk our own weapons being turned against us."

"I will notify General Sakamura that, for the time being, he will not be receiving reinforcements."

xxxx

/Reserve Command Deck, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"...no, the MAGI aren't malfunctioning. The Central Army seems to be fighting itself, and the UN Pacific Fleet is on an apparent security lockdown," said Maya Ibuki, eyes wide with surprise.

Misato Katsuragi blinked. "...well, a gift is a gift! Keep up with the defensive preparations! If anything slips past our defensive lines, we need to be ready!"

As the command staff continued their preparations, Kozou Fuyutsuki turned a dry eye towards Gendo Ikari. "...you had a hand in this, didn't you?"

Gendo smirked.

"...how?"

"I believe I'll leave you guessing on that one."

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Sakamura's Field Office, Eastern Slopes of Mt. Fuji/

"…this is not helping," snarled Hiroki Sakamura, his hand threatening to crush the handset.

"My decision stands, Sakamura. I will not risk the Fleet turning on itself."

"Akumura-!"

"Focus on your own objectives, General."

"…very well, Admiral." The absolute IDIOCY! He should be seeing the big picture here! Growling, Sakamura turned towards his subordinates. "We're launching the second wave early. We need to quell the SHOCK units before they throw the entire order of battle into disarray. Commence bombardment of Tokyo-3!"

xxxx

/Reserve Command Deck, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"Aerial units are starting to intrude upon Tokyo-3 airspace. We have long-range artillery incoming!" said Aoba.

"Aim all missile batteries in Groups A through D and open fire," commanded Misato. "Ritsuko, have MELCHIOR direct the remaining Defender Gundams in a staggered formation near the ground. We need to hold off the ground offensive as long as possible!"

"Already on it."

Misato glanced over her shoulder, staring at the Head of the JET ALONE Project. "So. This upgrade of yours. Will it be up to snuff?"

Tokita smirked. "You'll see."

"Well, we'll find out one way or another, because we're deploying the Jet Alone to the surface."

As the command staff continued their frenzied monitoring of the impending assault, Gendo Ikari quietly stood up from his seat, heading towards the exit. Kozou Fuyutsuki calmly asked, "going somewhere?"

"Just preparing a contingency."

"I see. I suppose you know what you're doing."

The Professor grinned wryly. "If you say so."

xxxx

/Geofront, Tokyo-3, Japan/

The Burning Gundam slowly ascended into the air, approaching the hole that led to the surface of Tokyo-3 proper. Within the cockpit of the Jet Alone, Mana Kirishima had a strange, almost-giddy smile on her face. "So. Into the breach again."

"Indeed," replied Mayumi Yamagishi, her eyes darting back and forth from the monitors detailing enemy units. The entire map of Hakone was overlaid with red dots, vastly overwhelming the friendly blue units. Yellow dots designated the forces of the Central Army that had turned against their fellows, 'SHOCK units' according to the information gleaned from military communications. "Remember not to target anyone designated as an Angel worshipper. They are an ally in this conflict…which is very odd for me to say."

"Given what happened in February? Probably, but I don't care. If they want to help, I'll take it."

"…I suppose, in the end, your point of view was correct. Here we are, facing humans. In the end…perhaps the struggle was always fated to continue."

"Well, duh." Mana shrugged, her bodysuit bearing far more cables and nodes as a result of the upgrade. "But you know…it is what it is. Besides, they're probably gonna deploy nephilim too. To be honest…if I was the one calling the shots, I probably wouldn't be that much different."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I mean…I'm kinda screwed up. I like fighting, and I love kicking ass." The silver-haired nephilim grinned at the images coming through her helmet: the sky was awash with tracer fire and missile contrails, with various aircraft launching rockets into the city. NERV's defensive batteries were valiantly firing back, but the Central Army's long-range artillery were slowly whittling away at them. In the distance, at the various highways connecting Tokyo-3 with the rest of Japan, a proverbial deluge of armored vehicles was beginning to break through, in spite of spirited resistance from the cultists and the Defender Gundams. Fire and sulfur, smoke and rubble, blood and metal…truly, it was war. "At least these guys have a decent reason to fight. They think they're stopping the end of the world."

"...you've changed, haven't you. That's a much more mature outlook."

Mana scoffed. "Eh, don't be like that. You're gonna make me change my mind."

Mayumi giggled. "If you say so, sister." Her fingers blurred over her control panels. "Beginning the activation sequence."

"Got it." The Burning Gundam slowed to a stop, now visible above the Tokyo-3 skyline. They were now an open target, and that was exactly the point. "Let's show these poor bastards what a real war machine is! SUPER MODE: ENGAGE!"

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

"Let's show these poor bastards what a real war machine is! SUPER MODE: ENGAGE!"

And so it began. Panels along the shoulders, legs, arms, and torso of the Jet Alone opened up, shimmering with a shiny substance: the nanomachines from Iruel's remains. With the exception of Tokita's handheld prototype and the functional model now wielded by the Burning Gundam, all of the other beam sabers made by the JET ALONE Project had been broken, to repurpose the nanites within. With the help of Project E, an elegant form of synchronization had been invented: the nephilim Pilots would 'sync' with their Gundam…using the nanomachines as a medium.

The results promised to be…spectacular.

"They see us, sister," warned Mayumi.

"…you think people will think of us as heroes after this?"

Mayumi looked at Mana with a flabbergasted expression. "…that's an odd question, coming from you."

"I know. I'll do what I have to do regardless of what other people say." She knew her existence began as a weapon, to be wielded with impunity by the JSSDF. Her physical superiority over a normal human was a given, to be expected…so why make a big deal out of it? "But…if I have to be honest…it would be nice to get a little recognition for it."

"…"

"…you're laughing at me at the inside, aren't you?"

"No, not at all! It's just…hearing you sound insecure is surprisingly cute."

"Fine then, see if I ever confess anything to you again," said Mana with a snort. "Cute and insecure, my ass!"

A loud ping came from Mayumi's main monitor. "We have an incoming missile."

"All right then. Configure the Kleinium core output to zero-point-three G's." Mana flexed her knees and reared her fist, willing her AT-Field to manifest. The faceguard of the Burning Gundam flipped open, and its six metallic wings flexed out, glowing red. "Let's do this!"

xxxx

The missile – an AAM-5, with a blast-frag warhead and a seventeen-inch wingspan – aimed straight and true at the blue-and-red Gundam. The projectile, if it hit, would annihilate the ten-meter machine.

It would never get that far: the Gundam's right hand possessed a strange orange glow, a harbinger of the Jet Alone's terrifying upgrade. Through the nanomachines of the Tenth Angel, Mana Kirishima and Mayumi Yamagishi's AT-Fields could manifest through the Jet Alone itself.

The Burning Gundam punched the air, and a fist made of orange light rocketed towards the missile.

(ONE PUNCH!!!)​

The orange fist shattered the missile, and it fell apart in a shower of debris and wiring.

A laugh of pure delight bubbled forth from the Gundam's external speakers. "Yes…yes…YES!"

With a flare of its thrusters, surrounded by an invisible bubble of reduced gravitational force, the Burning Gundam stormed into the sky, bringing itself amidst the squadrons of the JASDF.

(Three! Two! One! Kill shot!)​

The Burning Gundam plowed through a Heavy Fighter Jet VTOL, its AT-Field protecting it from the abrasive force.

(Sanjou! Hisshou! Shijou saikyou!)​

The VTOL exploded in a burst of fire, and the forces of the UN military swiftly realized that they had a problem.

(Nan dattenda? FURASUTOREESHON, ore wa tomaranai!)​

Helicopter gunships took aim, firing a storm of tracer bullets at the Gundam. Each bullet bounced off, rebuffed by a flicker of orange light.

(ONE PUNCH! Kanryou! Rensen renshou!)​

Like lightning, the Gundam shifted from gunship to gunship, pulping the cockpits with precise, powerful punches.

(Ore wa katsu!! Tsune ni katsu!! Asshou!!)​

Aircraft began to fall, dead in every sense of the world.

(Power! Get power!)​

From below, on Prefectural Route 734 – coiling around the northern slopes of Mt. Hakone – a multitude of Type-74 tanks of the Central Army turned their attention from the traitorous SHOCK units to the sudden threat of the Jet Alone.

(GIRIGIRI genkai made!)​

"Big mistake!" roared the voice of Mana, grabbing the tails of two gunships and slinging them at the ground forces below.

(HERO! Furimukazu aruku no sa!)​

Ferocious plumes of fire and heat erupted amidst the ground forces; in the proverbial blink of an eye, the Burning Gundam was on the ground.

(Mugen no chikara ga aru!)​

With a single glowing punch, the Burning Gundam crushed one of the tanks, the force sending it backwards into the line of olive-green vehicles.

(HERO! Donna ni kushiku demo yari togeru!)​

Infantry began to flee from the scene, terrified to the man by the Jet Alone's monstrous havoc.

(Gonna give it my all!!)​

The Burning Gundam leapt over the immediate pileup, grabbing one tank by the turret…

(Sora ooi oshiyoseru teki!)​

…and using the armored vehicle as a bat. With its weight reduced by the Jet Alone's Kleinium, yet reinforced by the amplified AT-Field of Mana and Mayumi, the tank was a bludgeon that sent everything it hit flying.

(Ore wa se o muke wa shinai!)​

It would be an unforgettable memory for everyone, the sight of Type-74s going airborne like children's toys.

(HERO! Naraba yuruginaki kakugo shita tame!)​

Further to the north, accompanied by a salvo of rockets and long-distance howitzers, flights of crimson Taiyang Gundams – fifteen meters tall, loaded with wicked blades and heavy weaponry, single optic senors glowing a pale yellow – descended to engage, firing their handheld chainguns.

(Tatakau HERO!!)​

With a joyful roar, the Burning Gundam flung its battered bludgeon into the sky, taking out two Taiyang Gundams at once.

(Kodoku na HERO!!)​

And then the Burning Gundam was right in the face of the lead Taiyang. "You saw what we're capable of. What did you think was gonna happen?!"

(Ah, ah, ah, AH, AH, AH! I WANNA BE A SAIKYOU HERO!!!)​

The long-range reconnaissance of the Central Army could only watch in abject horror as the Jet Alone took down the larger Taiyang Gundams with a single blow each time, its fists and feet shimmering with orange light.

As of this moment, the Jet Alone was the deadliest thing on the battlefield.

xxxx

/there was actually a minor lyrical change made by yours truly
//guess what they are
///bonus points if you guess what anime they came from

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Sakamura's Field Office, Eastern Slopes of Mt. Fuji/

"...how...?" General Sakamura, gripped by disbelief, looked at the images being transmitted by long-range recon. The diminutive Jet Alone was moving about with a speed that belied imagination, destroying whole vehicles and shrugging off attacks that should have utterly annihilated the Gundam. The machine was a proverbial god of war, unleashing absolute hell upon the UN forces. The flickering orange lights that shimmered around it indicated a horrific reality; how did NERV replicate the AT-Field for a mere Gundam?! "...redirect all Gundam units to focus on the Jet Alone. We need overwhelming firepower to bring it down!"

"Sir, we've just got a report from the 35th Infantry Regiment! Colonel Wakamoto has made it past the SHOCK units and is about to breach the Geofront access junctions!"

"Troop strength?"

"Still over a thousand strong!"

"Excellent news." It was always important to maintain a proper perspective about everything; the entire offensive had over thirty thousand soldiers involved. The number of vehicles, aircraft, and Gundams totaled over a thousand. Despite the shocking betrayal of the SHOCK units, the unwillingness of the Pacific Fleet to launch, and the surprising tricks up NERV's sleeve...they still had the upper hand, if only through sheer numbers. "Let's continue. What's the status of the 14th Artillery Battalion?"

And so the General kept his eyes and ears on the flow of battle, waiting for the opportune moment to break NERV's back.

xxxx

/Prefectural Route 20, Southern Outskirts of Hakone/

KABOOM!

With a single shot from a 105 mm cannon, the AMX-10RC blasted away the shield doors blocking access to the Geofront. As the smoke cleared, the convoy of jeeps, covered trucks, and light recon vehicles delved into the dimly-lit tunnels. At various junctions, the 35th Infantry Regiment broke off into smaller companies and platoons, delving deeper into the shell of the Geofront. Eventually, some of the platoons found themselves looking into the picturesque interior of the Geofront-

BOOM!

-and immediately coming under fire from long-range sniper fire and howitzers, situated in various spots amidst the forests, hills, and cliffs of the Geofront. The AMX-10RC armored cars returned fire with their cannons, moving into positions to shield the lesser-protected jeeps and trucks.

Meanwhile, others found themselves arriving in the reception level beneath the Geofront's surface, where supplies were processed and distributed through to the rest of the First Branch. One particular company pulled up in front of a loading dock, the AMX-10RC aiming its cannon at the armored overhead door.

KABOOM!

The door was blown open-

BATABATABATABATABATABATA!!!

A storm of automated sentry fire greeted the company, the armor-piercing bullets making large pockmarks in the light recon vehicle. Heavy infantry with rocket launchers moved into position behind their vehicles, waiting for the prime opportunity to retaliate.

xxxx

/Reserve Command Center, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"We have a Level 1 breach at Loading Dock 37-D," said Hyuga. "Sentry turrets are retaliating, and we have personnel en route to intercept the invaders."

Misato grinned, bringing a hand up to her earpiece. "Dell?"

"Yes Boss?"

"Your turrets are a literal lifesaver."

"Just doing my job, ma'am," replied the Engineer.

"Are the rest of the boys gonna be okay?"

xxxx

/Loading Dock 36-A, Level 1, NERV-1/

Whirr…BARRABAARABAARABAARABAARABAARA!

KaBOOM!

The Heavy and the Demoman laughed joyously as minigun bullets and grenades demolished the position of the JSSDF.

"YOUR FOCUS IS LIKE THAT OF AN ABSENT-MINDED CHILD!" roared the Soldier as he fired his rocket launcher. "You bring dishonor to the very notion of an invading army! NAPOLEON WOULD BE ASHAMED!"

xxxx

/Ayanami's Training Grounds, Geofront, Tokyo-3/

The Sniper looked quietly through his scope, eyes narrowed, finger slowly squeezing the trigger...

KRAKOOM!

With an explosive burst, the front tire of a jeep exploded, and the vehicle went tumbling end over end, blocking the path of the vehicles behind it. "...good enough." He quickly vacated his pine tree, moving to a different spot.

xxxx

/Receiving Area, Loading Dock 36-G, Level 1, NERV-1/

The JSSDF soldiers moved passed the smoldering wrecks of the sentry turrets, the point man wielding an M2 flamethrower. Moving through the corridor, the platoon neared a sliding door; another soldier triggered the door to open, and the point man unleashed a gout of flame into the hallway beyond. When no screams emerged, he said, "all clear."

As the flames died away, his fellows all paused at the sight of an individual clad in a red bodysuit and a black facemask.

With a muffled chuckle, the Pyro raised their own custom flamethrower.

FWOOSH!

The invaders all screamed as their flesh cooked.

xxxx

/Loading Dock 35-X, Level 1, NERV-1/

The squad of JSSDF soldiers dove behind the wreck of their truck, grimacing as more sentry rockets pelted their position. Their company had had the misfortune of encountering a dock that was already guarded by Section 2 personnel.

As if that wasn't enough, some gaijin in a red shirt was darting all over the area, hiding behind various shipping containers and somehow reappearing in an entirely different location; the damned bat-wielder somehow moved as one flying!

"BONK!"

BOOM!

A disorienting blow to the head, followed by a shotgun blast to the face: it kept happening like clockwork, and damned if it wasn't effective!

"Over here!"

The squad glanced over at the edge of the loading dock; another soldier was standing in front of a small door wedged into the side. "We can get out through here!"

Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, the squad unleashed a burst of covering fire on the Section 2 personnel and the sentries, dashing towards the door. The helpful soldier waved them through-

"The hell?!" The sergeant leading the squad skidded to a halt in front of shelves filled with cleaning equipment. "This is a damned janitor's room!"

"True," said the 'helpful' soldier, his accent suddenly turning French. "But you will be getting out of here." He reached into his vest, pulling out a grenade. "By dying." The Spy dropped the grenade, slamming the door shut behind him.

The Spy dove away from the janitor's room as it burst into flames.

xxxx

/Section 2 Barracks, Deployment Room, NERV-1/

The security guard, clad in black combat armor, glanced nervously at the syringe. "...this steroid won't have any permanent effects, right?"

The Medic laughed. "Do not vorry! I can guarantee zat it vill not causse you to mutate into a giant lizard. Zough, you may experience some consstipation. Now: arm, pleasse."

xxxx

/Reserve Command Center, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"Eh, what am I worrying about? They can take care of themselves."

"That's the can-do spirit, Boss!"

 

[Ultra Sonic 007]

/Reserve Command Center, NERV-1, Tokyo-3/

"Eh, what am I worrying about? They can take care of themselves."

"That's the can-do spirit, Boss!"

"But seriously: no dying. None of you are allowed to die."

The Engineer chuckled. "Ain't no guarantees in this life. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta get back to it."

Misato smiled sadly. "You do that." She let her hand fall, gazing around the command center. Despite how well things appeared to be going, the opposition still had an overwhelming advantage in terms of numbers...and there was no guarantee how long the Jet Alone's Super Mode would last. Her eyes fell upon the relatively diminutive form of the Sixth Child, standing sullenly near the edge of the command deck. "You okay, Toji-kun?"

"...just nervous. That's all."

The Operations Director sighed, looking warmly at the young teen. "Not even gonna put up a manly front, huh?"

The boy blushed, looking away from her. "...none of my friends are around."

No one to try and look tough for, then. "I understand. But don't worry; we're not going down without a fight."

"That's what I'm scared of." The pseudo-nephilim ran a hand through his streaked hair; his hands were trembling. "I don't know how I'm gonna react if I do have to fight. All I've done so far is spar and train. I've never had to...had to..."

Kill, or potentially maim, finished Misato in her mind. "When the time comes...I believe you'll know what to do."

"...thanks, Misato-sama."

She grinned cheekily. "I wouldn't be much of a Lieutenant Colonel if I couldn't give a decent pep talk."

A sudden ping from Miyata's terminal caught her attention. "Bad news. The access junctions at Prefectural Routes 75 and 733 have just been breached. Multiple hostiles are now accessing the Geofront from the north side!"

"Tch. They must be sending in reinforcements early. Status on the Defender Gundams?"

"Currently holding in position. Sixty-five units are still functioning out of seventy total!"

"...hmm. Guess now's as good a time as any." Even though it would escalate the conflict - possibly prompting an excessive response from the Central Army - there was really no choice: if too many of the UN's forces slipped into the Geofront, they would gradually become bottle-necked within the First Branch, and eventually slaughtered. "It's time to deploy Units-00 and 01."