Stage 52 - Reminiscence Cover: Pre-Second Impact Gendo and Fuyutsuki Scene: Gendo standing silently before Eva-01 in the cage Scene: Fuyutsuki looks down at Gendo, then walks down a corridor engrossed in thought Fuyutsuki (muttering to himself): His son comes back safely, and he doesn't even go to visit him... (thinking) What on earth is Ikari thinking? (Kaji's shadow approaches Fuyutsuki from behind) Scene: Shinji opens his eyes to see sunlight streaming in through the hospital room window. He gets up, goes to the door and opens it, and sees Rei pushing a cart with food. Rei: Ikari... Shinji: Ayanami... (The two stand and stare at each other for a moment) Shinji: Thank you, Ayanami. Rei: ... Why? Shinji: I don't know why, but when I saw your face I just wanted to say that. Rei (looking down): ... I see... I'm glad...to be able to see your face again. But Ikari, is this what you wanted? Shinji: To be honest, I'm not really sure. I don't remember much of what happened while I was taken into the Eva, but... I'm glad to see you again, too... Scene: Tactical Operations Room ミ Misato and two Intelligence Division goons Misato (standing in surprise): Kidnapped!? The Deputy Commander!? Intel goon: Two hours ago. He was last confirmed in the West No. 8 District of the Geofront. Misato: That's within our premises! What were you people in the Intelligence Division doing? Intel goon: They had an informant and guide on the inside, and thus were able to outmaneuver us. Kaji Ryohji -- he is the person suspected of masterminding the incident. (Misato stops in shock, then sinks into her chair in resignation) Misato: ...And so you have come to me. Intel goon: It pains me as a colleague to have to doubt the Chief of Tactical Operations, but it is my job. Misato: Given our past history, it is to be expected. (reaches into jacket and removes gun) Will that be okay? Intel goon: Thank you for your quick understanding. (to other goon) Take her away. Intel goon#2: Yes sir. (Misato is led away by the other Intel goon) Scene: Seele monolith 01 before Fuyutsuki bound in chair 01 (Keel): It's been a while, Deputy Commander. Fuyutsuki: Chairman Keel... A rather rough welcome, wouldn't you say? 01 (Keel): I do not intend to apologize for any discourtesy. It is a necessary measure in order to talk to you at our convenience. Fuyutsuki: Of course my convenience is never an issue... 01 (Keel): The issue for discussion is an urgent matter. (Other monoliths appear) 04: Indeed. 03: Please understand. Fuyutsuki: ... Not the Committee, but Seele itself... 01 (Keel): Evangelion Unit 01 has taken into itself the S^2 engine... This is synonymous with obtaining a semi-permanent power source that is theoretically capable of infinite operation. 04: From 5 minutes to infinity... an outrageous proposition. 09: The only absolute existence must be that of God himself. 06: Humans must not exceed their mortality. 11: We have no need for a materialized god. 01 (Keel): And moreover we must not make the son of Ikari into the son of God. Fuyutsuki: I do not understand exactly... what you mean. 02: Ikari Gendo... 03: Is he truly a person worthy of your trust? 01 (Keel): Think very carefully -- whether you wish to side with Ikari or with us... In any case we will have you tell us all you know... So inform us when you are ready to talk, Professor Fuyutsuki. Scene: Gendo's Nerv HQ office Ritsuko: How does the Committee intend to respond to the current incident? Gendo: They won't do anything. After all it was the Committee who ordered the kidnapping. You needn't worry about things that are not your concern. Just hurry with the re-testing of Rei and Asuka. Ritsuko (neutral expression): Yes sir. Scene: Fuyutsuki and the monoliths Fuyutsuki (eyes closed): Professor Fuyutsuki...? Scene: Flashback -- Kyoto 1999. Kyoto University, Metaphysical Biology Lab No. 1 (Fuyutsuki) Yui: Professor Fuyutsuki, did you read my report? Fuyutsuki (looking up from papers): Yes, I read it. I still have two or three doubts, but it presents an interesting viewpoint. A very stimulating report -- the kind I haven't seen much of in recent years, Ikari. Yui: Thank you. Fuyutsuki: So, what are your plans for the future? Will you seek employment? Or do you intend to join our laboratory? Yui: I haven't thought that far ahead yet. Besides, isn't there also a third choice? Fuyutsuki: Huh? Yui: I am also thinking about domestic life. (smiling) That is if I can find the right person... Fuyutsuki (speechless): ..... Scene: Rain. Voice of Fuyutsuki speaking on the phone Fuyutsuki: Rokubungi Gendo? No I have never met him... with the unsavory rumors and all... What? He designated me as his guarantor? No, I'll come to the station. When should I come? Scene: Fuyutsuki picking up a gaunt, batered and scraggly Gendo from the police station Gendo: I've been waiting for you, Professor Fuyutsuki. I heard about you from a woman I am on friendly terms with, and wanted to meet you. Fuyutsuki: Engaging in a drunken brawl... you have lower-class habits than I had expected. Gendo: I was attacked without notice or provocation. Well... I guess I'm used to being treated like an outcast. Fuyutsuki: I can't say as I will take a liking to you either. Gendo (laughing): You are exactly the type of person I had expected. Scene: Fuyutsuki and Yui hiking together, Fuyutsuki with a somewhat hardened expression Fuyutsuki: So it was you who introduced me to him. Yui: I'm sorry. Did it cause you any trouble? Fuyutsuki: No. I admit he is an intriguing fellow; just not the kind I would make an effort to meet on my own. However, I can't imagine you and that man walking side by side. Yui: Why not? (Fuyutsuki turns to face Yui and places his hand on her shoulder) Fuyutsuki: How on earth could you and that man... Yui: Professor Fuyutsuki... He's a very lonely person, and very sweet. People just aren't aware of it. (Fuyutsuki releases Yui's shoulder in silence) Fuyutsuki (recollection ミ thinking): But the consensus among people in the know was that Rokubungi Gendo had approached Ikari Yui for her talent and the organization that backed her. (Seele mark chiseled in stone) And I would later hear rumors that the organization was called "Seele"... - End Stage 52