NERV Headquarters. Gendo Ikari's office level.
Outside light sealed off. The vast space pitch black. Five colored projections materialized before Gendo. Arranged in a circle. Meeting in session.
"Unit-02 will arrive at headquarters shortly. The pilot's mental state is highly compatible with EVA operation."
"Additionally, Angel interception operations are proceeding smoothly." Gendo's hands steepled at his lips. Glasses reflecting light. His report to the Human Instrumentality Committee members came measured. Deliberate.
"The Third, Fourth, and Fifth Angels have all been eliminated."
SEELE's watchdogs. Sent to monitor me. But they control the UN too.
I asked for a naval escort for Unit-02. They actually agreed. Eliminating Angels—they care about that more than anything.
Their entire plan depends on it. Third through Sixteenth Angels. All must fall before they can proceed.
"Good." Kiel Lorenz nodded. German representative. Committee chairman. Green military uniform. White hair. Long visor across his face.
[Kiel Lorenz]
"However, according to the combat reports we received, the Third and Fifth Angels were eliminated by that mysterious giant."
"Gendo Ikari. What do you know about this giant?" The old man's voice carried the weight of decades in power.
Before, you said you were investigating. The giant appeared too suddenly. But it's shown up twice now. Time for answers.
"Based on soil samples from the site, the giant's estimated weight is approximately 42,000 tons. Height, based on reference objects, approximately 52 meters." Gendo began with standard data.
"However, during combat with the Fifth Angel, it reappeared at 80 meters—matching EVA series height. Our assessment: it possesses the ability to alter size based on environmental factors."
"Furthermore, its body density and demonstrated durability far exceed steel constructs. Pure physical strength capable of tearing through Angel AT Fields. Sustained output of high-thermal beam attacks with 500,000 horsepower destructive capacity. Flight capability confirmed."
"Last operation, it ascended to the troposphere and vanished instantly. Satellites and our detection systems lost the target simultaneously."
"In short, our current military capabilities cannot contend with it." Gendo stated the brutal truth.
They've had the data. But hearing it aloud—that we're powerless against this thing—that hits different.
The weight settled over them. Expressions hardened.
Bare-handed AT Field destruction. Predicted single-unit atmospheric breakthrough capability. Long-range high-destruction attacks.
Add it all up. Calling it a god wouldn't be wrong.
Even Adam, creator deity, probably couldn't match it in pure combat power.
"So it's essentially an uncontrollable mobile disaster?" Chairman Kiel's frown deepened.
An existence this powerful. The threat is immense.
"No." Gendo's rebuttal came swift. "Based on observed behavior, the giant shows no hostility toward humanity. On the contrary, it's assisted us in achieving Angel elimination objectives."
So far, the giant's been on humanity's side.
"A reasonable assessment." The American representative spoke next. Hard features. Middle-aged. Upright posture. Black officer's uniform. Voice steady.
"The giant hasn't displayed hostility. For the plan's smooth execution, we'd best avoid provoking it."
"As for the giant's designation... Ultraman. How's that?" He proposed. "Codename: Ultraman. During the Angel elimination phase, we minimize conflict. We could even coordinate with it for Angel elimination."
The proposal hung in the air.
The Human Instrumentality Committee members fell into thought.
No conflict of interest between us. Avoiding incidents is the correct decision.
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
The routine meeting ended. Committee members logged off. Images faded.
Finally.
Only Gendo and the American representative who'd proposed "Ultraman" remained.
"Something else?" Gendo's voice came low. Pointed.
Meeting's over. But he's still staring. Unusual.
SEELE pushed this guy up recently. Zao Jefferson. Before him, America's rep was that guy with the thick beard.
"No. Just wanted a private word." Jefferson spoke unhurried.
His hands also steepled. Gaze locked on Gendo—deep and sharp. "I know you have your own agenda. But right now, our goals align."
"Until all Angels are eliminated, don't provoke Ultraman. With that level of power, it could cause catastrophic disruption to our plans."
"Once our apotheosis succeeds, one Ultraman will pose no threat."
Gendo's brow furrowed slightly.
This guy knows too much.
"Understood."
After his nod, Jefferson's image slowly dissolved.
The light-blocking curtains lowered. Brightness returned to the room.
"Troublesome bunch." Gendo muttered to himself.
Every single one. SEELE's watchdogs.
Meeting concluded, he picked up an encrypted call.
"It's me."
"Unexpected situation? No matter. Bring the item back."
"Leave the rest to them." Gendo spoke into the comms.
Field reports already reached me.
"Roger." Ryoji Kaji's voice came through the line.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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