Campaign:NGA/logs/01

Episode 1: Hello World Session Soundtrack: Poe - Hello

August 31, 2026. Four Corners arcology. An organic, planned town in the northeastern part of Arizona, a state now wholly unsuitable to live in due to constant, seasonal flooding that gets extremely out of hand. Cities cope with domes, angled buildings, and creative terraces. Roads are situated on elevated, rocky portions of land that crisscross between dome, pyramid, and other creatively-shaped cities. Today, two young people leave this town, to visit the large, imposing pyramid situated just outside of town, fenced off and fortified greatly. Anthony and Ai have been picked up by a suited man and woman, and are in transit towards the pyramid. They both understand why they're being called, of course. They've known for at least a month. It's the dry season right now. Dust blows blindingly along with the wind. "You kids excited about being assigned to your units?", the woman will ask. She's an attractive, slim blonde. She looks pretty young.

Ai_Yamashiro answers without looking up from her portable console "Yeah", she sounds disinterested in talking, probably because she is trying to raise a shiny Pidgey with perfect EVs, America doesn't have tournaments like Japan does but this is still worth the trouble of showing off at events. "How long until we get there?"

Anthony_Hartman looks up from his book and responds, "Oh definitely. It's like something out of an old sci-fi novel."

The man speaks up. "Ha, yeah, you're right. I mean, you kids might not have seen a lot of it...but before the disaster, you know...the movies they had were getting crazy. Like in 3d, and high-definition and everything. Budgets you can't believe.", as for Ai's question, that's easy. "We've gotta pass through a couple of checkpoints. We'll be there soon enough.", and you are there soon enough. The elevated, winding road to the NERV pyramid facility is passed, checkpoints are run through...and you drive straight up to the looming, metal structure. Into what looks to be a small room. The door closes, and all is dark for a moment. The woman then speaks. "God, I hate this part.", flashing lights light up, temporarily blinding..and then...you get the sensation that you're all sinking, weightless.

Ai_Yamashiro is surprised at this, but after glancing around she relaxes and keeps killing Rattatas

Anthony_Hartman drops his book out of surprise.

"Don't worry, kids...you'll get used to the feeling of going underground as fast as we are...", the stop is JARRING. The woman up front looks positively green. The door opens into a garage, once again blinding, but this time with annoying, fluorescent light. The car, a simple black sedan, is parked, and you are let out and led to what looks to be an escalator from hell. A graying, olive-skinned man, and two children your age stand as if they've been waiting a while. The suited pair step back. "Welcome to NERV, kids. Good luck.", and back out.

James_Arroyo waves a little

Ai_Yamashiro saves the game and places the DS back into her bag, she gets out and looks at the others in disinterest.

The man clears his throat. "Hi, I'm Commander Arroyo. I run things here. And...these two here are the other pilots...James, and Jane. Come on, I'll tell you about this place while we descend.", he steps onto the escalator, which looks positively terrifying.

Anthony_Hartman gets on the escalator. "Ergh, I hate these things."

James_Arroyo gives an attempt at a reassuring smile while entering the elevator

Jane_Shepard stands in the corner, arms crossed, not even looking at anyone.

Ai_Yamashiro gives a salute to the Commander as he introduces himself "Ai Yamashiro, Sir." in a good enough English for an obvious foreigner, she follows suit and keeps quiet, looking around.

Ai_Yamashiro leans against the escalator, it should be safe, right? he is using it after all, she pays attention to the incoming exposition

The commander waves his hand. "That kind of formality's not needed here, miss... Yamashiro, correct?", he waits a while for everyone to get adjusted to the escalator. And then, as you descend, and glimpse the rather labyrinthine walls that open up into stairways, hallways, and large windows(one of which provides a clear view of a pallet gun), he proceeds to regale the entirely BORING history of arcologies, the construction of the base, and project I. The gist here really is this: "You children are the best we've been able to find. I look forward to working with all of you.", when you reach the intended destination floor, you're led towards the bridge, which is thankfully, only an elevator's trip away. "I hope you children will not mind the hassle of getting your IDs, having final synch tests, and finally, getting matched with your units TOO much."

Jane_Shepard grimaces, as if disgusted by something he said.

<Ai_Yamashiro> "Yamashiro sir, yes." she barely manages to reply before getting flooded with useless info she does her best not to zone out while she is listening, but fails horribly, god this is boring, she wakes up at the mention of Evas "It will be a pleasure, sir" she gives a slight grin

<Anthony_Hartman> "Doesn't sound too bad, I think."

James_Arroyo leans over to Ai and whispers as an aside, 'hey, no need to be nervous. He's a nice guy.'

Ai_Yamashiro looks at him in... disgust? why the hell are you talking to me? she does not answer besides doing that.

James_Arroyo :<

"Now, if you'll excuse me...I'll leave you four to get to know each other while you all get checked in. That includes you two, Jane and James. We need your most recent data. And your profiles are being updated, along with extra privileges and an improvement in living quarters.", Commander Arroyo leaves. You are waiting inside what appears to be an empty room lined with computers and filing cabinets...is someone supposed to be here?

Ai_Yamashiro looks around, great, she'll sit in a table if there are no free chairs and wait

<Anthony_Hartman> "Reminds me too much of the doctor's office."

<James_Arroyo> "So, where are you guys from?"

Jane_Shepard finds a dark corner to just sit in, quietly.

See, doctor's offices usually have like, places to sit. And doctors. Or at least assistants and secretaries. There's not even a comfortable table to sit upon. A couple of small desks built into walls, sure. But nothing else.

<Ai_Yamashiro> "This is boring" frustrated at not finding anywhere to sit, freaking Americans are supposed to be lazy and have lots of chairs, "Where do you think I'm from? Japan"

<Anthony_Hartman> I'm from Connecticut.

<James_Arroyo> "What part of Japan?"

...after a short wait, your conversation is interrupted by a middle-aged man bursting through the doors. He looks red in the face, like he's just worn himself the hell out running. Which is impressive, considering all the hellish walkways and escalators and elevators. His eyes are also red, his hair looks messed-up, and he's sporting some messy-looking stubble. "Crap, I almost forgot!", he'll shout out coming in. A nametag on his lab coat reads "Thompson". He will then scan the room...just four kids..."Well...what the commander doesn't know...", he scowls. "He'll probably find out anyways and kick my ass for. Come on, follow me.", he'll motion for you to exit the room the way he came in.

<Ai_Yamashiro> "Does not matter, it's all the same to you westerners anyway" there isn't anything interesting around, is there? Oh thank God this is over, she'll follow the man.

Jane_Shepard goes first.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Seems rather haphazardly run for a professional organization, doesn't it?"

James_Arroyo follows. 'Hey, that's not necessarily true. I've been to Japan a few times. Like the Hakone branch.'

Anthony_Hartman leans over to James. "I'd avoid her. She's been nothing but hostile the entire way here."

James_Arroyo gives Anthony a helpless shrug.

Ai_Yamashiro will actually dignify James with a look and a reply "Really, well I haven't. Do you speak Japanese?"

<James_Arroyo> 'Sukoshi desu.'

Ai_Yamashiro raises an eyebrow "<NERV Japan is absolutely horrible, I wouldn't bother.>"

"Sorry, sorry! Most of our staff consists of biochemists and stuff and I'm one of the few medical doctors here.", you come to a double-door that says HOSPITAL WING in bright red. There's a smaller door next to it that says DECONTAMINATION. "Go in the smaller door and follow the instructions. Please be mature about it.", the doctor enters the double doors.

<James_Arroyo> "<Uh... No, no, speak that much Japanese do not I>"

Jane_Shepard goes into Decon.

Jane_Shepard has done this many times before...

<Anthony_Hartman> "Be 'mature', huh? I don't like the sound of this."

Ai_Yamashiro smirks to herself, that's a better effort than most "Does not matter" she sighs, suspecting what is coming next

James_Arroyo already starts taking off his NERV hoodie.

<Ai_Yamashiro> ...There will be separate rooms, right? slightly afraid, she enters the room and reads the instructions.

<James_Arroyo> "...sort of."

You hear Dr. Thompson's voice on an intercom. "Take off your clothes. All of them. No, I can't see you guys. When the red light stops flashing, you guys can open those drawers and use the gowns there.", inside the room there's a courtesy barrier that divides the room in half. But it's not exactly awesome. It'll cover your parts as long as nobody's TRYING too hard to look and nobody's very tall.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Oh, god. It's gym class all over again." Anthony_Hartman grabs a gown and changes as quickly as he can.

You get the feeling your clothes should be off...NOW. Flashing red lights start going off, making the room take on a hellish sort of aspect. The sound of pumps and whirring and nozzles winding up isn't encouraging, either. You'll have enough time to get naked before the alternately chilling cold and slightly stinging, and the scalding hot and numbing nozzles start spraying.

<James_Arroyo> "You on a team in school?" James_Arroyo changes casually.

Ai_Yamashiro facepalms "<Pedophiles. Everywhere.>" she'll shake her head and look at the males, giving a look that could kill, and will follow the instructions swiftly.

Jane_Shepard gets undressed quickly, and grabs a gown. She doesn't bother being neat about it.

Ai_Yamashiro mumbles something in Japanese about shitty protocols

Jane_Shepard just stands there, barely even feeling it.

James_Arroyo finishes stripping just in time, and continues conversing.

It passes...after what seems like ten or so agonizing, invading minutes. "Alright, get dressed and come out. There's some special suits for you to put on in the next room. Then come into the hall. I'll be waiting."

Anthony_Hartman yelps in surprise.

<James_Arroyo> "So how's the weather in Connecticut? Its far up north enough to get something different than the mid belt area right?"

<Anthony_Hartman> "Yeah. It's pretty humid all year round."

Ai_Yamashiro is the first to grab her clothes back

Jane_Shepard gets dressed and walks out, still silent.

James_Arroyo puts on gown, and tucks clothing under arm.

Anthony_Hartman changes his soaked gown for a dry one.

...you have something better than your clothes here. Or at least, maybe better if you're into cosplay. Plugsuits, all stark white in appearance greet you. Rather than the fancy auto-fitting stuff you might be expecting, it looks like they connect with shittons of adjustable straps.

<James_Arroyo> "Man, that sucks. I hate humidity."

<Anthony_Hartman> "You get used to it."

James_Arroyo puts it on with little difficulty, having seen a lot of plug suits in his time.

Jane_Shepard sighs and puts on her suit.

Ai_Yamashiro sets her clothes apart and gives one last glare at the other side of the room before changing into the Plug Suit

...Ai, who's logged lots of simulation time, as well as Jane and James probably have experience with these suits already.

<James_Arroyo> "...Do you need help?" James asks innocently.

Anthony_Hartman picks up his suit and tries to put it on.

Ai_Yamashiro presses the button to tighten the suit after putting it on, she'll then straighten her hair that was messed up by the decontamination

<Anthony_Hartman> "Who's brilliant idea was it to put on all these straps?"

...there's no buttons to tighten. Those are fancy Japanese things that they apparently don't have here. ...beltan zipper

<Ai_Yamashiro> "<Christ. I hate America>" she'll mumble

The suit that went with the simulator in Nevada was better than this. Ai might have a reason to be pissed.

Ai_Yamashiro will bring this up later and request the suit from Nevada to be transferred, she deserves better than... this

<James_Arroyo> "You're gonna wanna loosen those two first," he points, "otherwise its a bitch to get your feet in.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Huh? Oh. Right, thanks."

Anthony_Hartman struggles with his suit some more before finally getting it on.

Dr. Thompson out there wonders if they're having problems. They sure are taking a long time. He refrains from peeking in. No need to get slapped by a little girl this early.

Ai_Yamashiro taps her foot impatiently outside

Jane_Shepard waits, outwardly patient.

James_Arroyo knocks on the wall separating the males and females "Done?"

<Anthony_Hartman> "Couldn't come up with decent uniforms, always gotta do things the complicated way. That's American bureaucracy for you."

<Ai_Yamashiro> "We're already out here, Dummy"

<Anthony_Hartman> "Something like that."

James_Arroyo shrugs. Thompson, we're good!

Finally, when you guys are dressed...you're led down the hallway and back OUT of the hospital ward, down a long walkway that says HANGARS. Another large double-door is present. No, there's not a decontamination door. Dr. Thompson will scan his card, opening the door, and open it. You go inside, turn a corner...and a window on the left side of the walkway greets you with something a bit exciting...the head of a gray and white Eva unit.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Sweet Jesus."

Ai_Yamashiro looks excited for the first time in the entirety of this trip

Anthony_Hartman is awestruck.

Ai_Yamashiro whispers to herself "Sugoi" she can't hold herself back, she'll jump forward, run and get as close as possible to the familiar figure

<James_Arroyo> "That's Production Model Evangelion Unit 03," James smiles.

Ai_Yamashiro ignores the first Eva, it's not what she is looking for

"Impressive, huh? That's the new unit that came from Germany.", he'll nod as James speaks. "You guys are going to hop into this one, and the others and we're going to record your data."

Jane_Shepard shrugs.

Only 03 is visible, right now.

Jane_Shepard says "What bay is Unit 01 in?"

Anthony_Hartman tries to regain his composure. "Wow. That was much bigger than I was expecting."

You are led past other windows. You see a hulking blue and white Eva that dwarfs the one that you just saw. It's receiving....a lot of maintenance, from what you can see. It looks....noticeably rougher than the first, and is distinctly biological in its appearance.

Ai_Yamashiro is struggling with composure as well "I... I know, it's impressive" she'll mention to Anthony, keeping her voice low

<Anthony_Hartman> "Wait. That second one. I thought these were supposed to be some kind of robot."

Jane_Shepard mutters "Idiot."

Anthony_Hartman twitches slightly, but lets otherwise acts like he didn't hear it.

James_Arroyo leans over to Anthony. "She's actually nice when you get to know her"

And beyond that, a yellow and orange Eva with an unusual structure on its back stands. It looks rather tame compared to the first. And finally...another gray and white eva. It is also distinctly biological in appearance. And looks wimpy as hell. Anyone who's logged simulator time recognizes this unit as the one who's specs you've used.

Ai_Yamashiro is unimpressed with the next two, they look too 'hip', it's the last one where it's at. She'll walk closer to it with a grin.

"They're not robots, really. They're... uhm, cyborgs, I guess would be a safe term. They are mostly biological, but enhanced with machinery."

Anthony_Hartman just stares at the yellow and orange Eva barely responding with an "I see."

Ai_Yamashiro asks Thompson without looking away from her Eva "So they're alive?"

James_Arroyo nods. "Yup."

Dr. Thompson will kindly explain as he leads them through another set of double-doors into a room that turns a corner and leads to the hangar where you can observe your deathmachines without a window in the way. "This is only temporary. We'll have a more convenient setup soon. But...we'll have each of you step into the entry plug of each unit and record your data. We'll make your final assignments after that.", Ai asks an interesting question. "I don't know...is a mechanically animated arm without a body connected to it alive?"

James_Arroyo shrugs "Its alive though."

Ai_Yamashiro nods "Everything has a Spirit, or a Soul, this should still have its own even if it is no longer 'alive' by our standards."

James_Arroyo looks confused. "Um... sorry to ask, but what's everyone's clearance level?"

<Anthony_Hartman> "Clearance? Um..."

"I understand you might think so...but I don't believe these things are really alive. They don't react without user input.", you guys don't have the clearance to know the TRUTH yet. "Anyways...which one of you is Hartman? You're the least experienced....let's get you in first.", he'll reach into his coat pocket, and hand out two clips with electrodes hanging off. "Connect the electrodes to your temples. The clips can just go in your hair. Let's get you started...from unit 00 to 03.", as for clearance...well, Ai has nominal clearance and Anthony has NONE yet, as he's yet to be processed.

Anthony_Hartman takes the clips. "So I just stick them on?"

"Yes. They receive signals from your brain and transmit them from the clips."

Anthony_Hartman attaches the clips to his temples.

"Now...come over here...just sit down here. It's going to fill with liquid. You won't drown, I promise. When you feel comfortable, just speak, and we'll start the tests.", a walkway leading to the entry plug is conveniently located here. Anthony is guided towards it.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Er... ok then." Anthony_Hartman climbs into the plug.

The plug then closes shut, and descends. It then fills with disgusting, meat-flavored liquid. And it's not meat-flavored in a good way.

Anthony_Hartman nearly vomits as he tries to breathe the stuff. <Anthony_Hartman> "Oh, god. What is this?"

Jane_Shepard wonders just how badly they trained Hartman.

The loudspeaker is on. Everyone can hear retching and stuff played through the loudspeaker. Thompson reaches for a phone on the wall. "It's a fluid that increases your neural transfer rate. It allows you to control the unit like it was your own body. Relax...and tell me when you're ready. It'll only take a minute for each unit."

Ai_Yamashiro wonders just how different -or not- is this going to be from the usual simulations, she can hardly wait

Anthony_Hartman responds weakly, "Ok. I... I think I'm good to go."

Anthony says that, and his cockpit lights up. He can see...everything in front of him. A HUD is present, and controls are apparent in front of him. It's mostly just two handles at each side. Nothing very intricate. He'll get the distinct feeling though, looking through the HUD, that this is a bit too much for him. His body feels numb and he'll have a headache. Colors don't seem too right, either. It's only a minute, though. Orange fluid drains, the plug ejects, and he's lead to the next unit. Which is more of the same, but without any of the discomfort though he feels MORE numb. Unit 01 will feel like a pure headache. Unit 03 feels comfortable. It is quickly over with. "Who wants to go next?"

<Ai_Yamashiro> "I do!"

Anthony_Hartman just sits there clutching his head for a bit.

Ai_Yamashiro raises her hand, enthusiastic

Ai is then guided through the units. Unit 00 feels like a complete rush. Visually, there's a lot to take in. When unit 01 is entered, though...there's a problem. It just plain refuses to turn on. There's a claustrophobic, 30 minute delay wherein Ai is stuck inside.....

Ai_Yamashiro is somewhat nervous, what with being trapped inside a giant zombie and all, but she keeps her cool. Ai_Yamashiro finally relaxes once the process is done and, well, this smells different than the sim, interesting.

"Hey, hold on in there, we're getting you out...the plug is stuck, too....", after a while though, the plug comes out of its own volition. "aha...that one gives us a few problems. The plug's got issues. Which is why it has an advanced model. Go ahead and try the others.", Ai also gets to feel the hypersensitive nightmare and the production model which feels like a normal arcade system's cockpit. "Ah...you guys...you've done this before...right? Wanna just skip unit 02? You had really low synch ratios with it, anyways.", he's looking at the manufactured kids.

Jane_Shepard says "I don't care."

<James_Arroyo> "Whichever is fine."

"Fine, then...we'll just run you two through quickly...", and you are. The tests don't feel any different than what you're used to. You're led back out to a room that overlooks the hangar. There's sheets of paper out there. "Well, this is pretty easy, then...the commander's already given his approval...take these folders, look them over. You can't take them out of the room...but you can look over your units now and read the specifications.", everyone is probably happy with their assignments, no?

James_Arroyo nods. "Yeah."

<Ai_Yamashiro> "It's perfect" she sounds satisfied, which might surprise the others considering what her Eva -looks- like

Anthony_Hartman still has a bit of a headache. "Yeah. Yeah, it's fine."

Jane_Shepard doesn't even look, just tosses it aside.

Ai_Yamashiro reads the folder marked 00, and rereads it and rereads it again.

"Jane, James...can you guide these two down to processing? You're supposed to get new ID cards. I also hear that you're getting new quarters...a suite, no less. And access to the subway. Looks like you two will be able to go into town when you want, now. Congrats.", Thompson now promptly ignores them.

<James_Arroyo> "Thanks," James says, then waits patiently for the new pilots to finish reading to their satisfaction.

Jane_Shepard sighs, looks back at the two new arrivals. She is mildly surprised she'd actually be let into town on a regular basis.

Perhaps this gift of freedom is some sort of contract of good faith: that if they're willing to extend their trust, that she'll live up to their expectations?

Anthony_Hartman puts his folder back down. "Well. I guess that could've been worse."

Ai_Yamashiro drops the folder, then looks at her guides placing her hands in her hips, "Well?"

Jane_Shepard actually believes it's just so they have something else to punish her with.

James_Arroyo smiles a little at that reaction. "Alright." He leads them to processing. <James_Arroyo> "Basically NERV IDs are do-everything Identifications."

At least processing isn't busy. More questionable antics abound. A pretty, if aging woman is asleep at the processing counter.

<James_Arroyo> "You use them when you take public transportation, you use them on NERV networked computers to access your personal files, and hey, they're pretty useful in the civilian world sometimes." <James_Arroyo> "Just don't go overboard with flashing them outside, its a NERV town, so there's a lot of personnel out there, and they kind of frown upon pilots throwing their weight around"

Jane_Shepard walks up to the counter. "Wake up."

Ai_Yamashiro raises an eyebrow at this questionable display, but listens intently otherwise. "Useful you say, how so?"

"W-what!? Oh!", the woman awakes, startled, looking like she's seen her worst nightmare. Jane has a reputation, you know. "Ahem..are you here for something....oh, did you make friends? Are they here to get guest passes?", how the HELL did that girl get friends?

<James_Arroyo> "Well, they're linked to your stipend, so they're like a debit card..." James_Arroyo is visibly a little uncomfortable when getting into this territory.

Jane_Shepard says "We were sent to get new IDs."

<James_Arroyo> "Its also a get out of jail free card."

Ai_Yamashiro rolls her eyes at the mention of friends, but she'll converse with James "I see... what is our salary?"

<James_Arroyo> "I mean, for emergencies. In theory, you can commandeer any vehicle in the city with the authority of NERV in the event of a NERV related emergency." James_Arroyo realizes that Jane is being... less than diplomatic.

<Jane_Shepard> *narrows her eyes at the woman*

The woman notices the little Asian girl mention salary. Oh, man...she's ALSO forgotten the important events of today! "Hold on! I need to take your pictures!", she'll hoist up a small, blocky camera with a weird lens. She takes a huge number of pictures with a nasty flash really quick. "I already have the information here."

Anthony_Hartman seems surprised that Nerv would give that much authority to...that.

<James_Arroyo> "Sorry, about that," He turns to woman, "Jane and I are here for an ID renewal, and Ms. Yamashiro and Mr. Hartman need to be processed for IDs."

James is greeted with automatic flash fire.

Ai_Yamashiro gives her cutest face for the pictures, trying hard not to blink at the god damn nasty flash

Anthony_Hartman winces from the flash and his lingering headache.

"Okay...just let the computer do its work....", and then.....after a while, cards get crapped through a slot in the counter. The poorly calibrated thing shoots them further than the receiving tray. INDIGO CHILD 01: ARROYO, JAMES. INDIGO CHILD 03: SHEPARD, JANE. INDIGO CHILD 04: AI, YAMASHIRO. INDIGO CHILD 05: HARTMAN, ANTHONY.

Ai_Yamashiro folds her arms, waiting, upon receiving the card she'll look at it and make a disappointed face... this is terrible. Ai_Yamashiro shakes her head and sighs, America sucks

Anthony_Hartman takes his. "Not my worst picture."

Jane_Shepard takes her card.

<James_Arroyo> "Miss, we were also told about a room key?"

<Ai_Yamashiro> "<This is... unsuitable> So how much are we getting paid?" she'll ask James again

"Oh, right. You get keys, too. They work in conjunction with the cards.", for extra security, presumably. Keys are put forward. "No, I don't know which ones are meant for whom."

<Anthony_Hartman> "Is money all you care about? Have a little sense of adventure."

<James_Arroyo> "Ah well, we only get a stipend. The majority of our salary goes into future investments. College fund, 401 K, that sort of thing." <James_Arroyo> "Can I see your ID?" <James_Arroyo> "We also get housing, clothing stipend, food stipend and all sorts of living expenses also paid out of our full salary. So what we have left over is really discretionary." <James_Arroyo> "When NERV itself is on red alert, our accounts become unrestricted for the duration of the emergency."

"You all get the pilot's quarters by the hangar now, by the way.", convenient. "I was told they moved your stuff already, you two.", how angry will Jane be that people were in her crap?

Jane_Shepard pauses. "Someone moved my things?"

<James_Arroyo> "But, afterwards any purchases over your normal stipend would get audited, and if they don't agree that a purchase was necessary for the emergency it just comes out of your long term salary and limits your stipend for a period."

Jane_Shepard says "Who. Touched. My. Things?"

Ai_Yamashiro will grab her forehead "...This is terrible. And why would you memorize all this bullshit? Can't you summarize for shit?.... We're all getting the same pay, aren't we?" she sounds really, really disappointed now. Though she half expected the favorites here to be getting paid more.

"...movers, I suppose. I'm sure they didn't break anything, miss Shepard."

<James_Arroyo> "Uh, depends on your clearance. Our clearance SHOULD be the same, but it might be different because Jane and I have been working for NERV longer. Its just how much of our stipend we can access, not how much total salary and benefits we get."

Jane_Shepard scowls at the woman.

<Anthony_Hartman> "I hope they didn't break anything. You know how hard it is to find actual vinyl records these days?"

James_Arroyo is nervously looking back and forth between Ai and Jane, trying to appease the former and avert any incident with the later.

Jane_Shepard says "Who gave these orders?"

...if you look at your cards, your clearance IS different. All of it is clearance 3E, but James's code is 3EM, and Jane's is 3EM+

Ai_Yamashiro shrugs "I get it, I get it. So where to now?" she folds her arms again <Ai_Yamashiro> "Be a proper guide, jeez" she scowls

Jane_Shepard says "WHO?!"

"I-I don't know...maybe you should ask the commander. He's the one that handles everything with you two...you know that."

<James_Arroyo> :<

Anthony_Hartman just waits for everything to quiet back down.

James_Arroyo gets behind Jane and puts his hands on her shoulders.

Jane_Shepard jerks away from James.

<James_Arroyo> "Please, we'll get it sorted out later." he pleads.

Ai_Yamashiro glances at the yelling girl, so she alternates between being quiet and angry, great. She raises an eyebrow at this exchange.

Anthony_Hartman thinks to himself. "Great. There's two of them."

Jane_Shepard clenches her fists, obviously an inch away from attacking the woman, then just turns and leaves the room without a word.

James_Arroyo lets out a held breath.

Ai_Yamashiro leans on the wall closer to Anthony, she'll lower her voice "Five bucks says they're lovers and also siblings of some sort."

<James_Arroyo> "Okay. To our new apartment?"

Anthony_Hartman chuckles a bit.

Ai_Yamashiro is downright offended now "Hello? Where are �we� supposed to go?"

You guys aren't exactly sure where the pilot's quarters are...but some searching will guide you there. You're greeted with a door with a big, new shiny NERV symbol, as well as a label saying Pilot's Quarters. It requires a keycard. No keyhole.

<Anthony_Hartman> "That sounds good. I could use a break after all that."

James_Arroyo Uses the new ID.

Ai_Yamashiro has another look at her card, she will get this redone, she swears. She'll follow their appointed 'guides'.

Door opens. Inside, you're greeted with what appears to be an exquisitely-furnished loft converted from what was undoubtedly unused industrial space. There's a lower and upper level. The lower level has some very nice-looking couches, a generous flat-screen television, a kitchen area, and everything else you might desire. The upper level looks like it has four rooms. Yes, there's a bathroom.

James_Arroyo smiles. "It IS an improvement!"

Two, even.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Have to say, I was just expecting cots."

Jane_Shepard just goes upstairs, and looks for her things.

James_Arroyo turns and shrugs. "So, this is new to me too, so... explore I guess? Then we should see if they've assigned us rooms or not."

Jane's things are in her room. In boxes. Ugly brown boxes. The doors upstairs unlock with keycard, then key.

Anthony_Hartman goes searching for his room, and thus his stuff.

Ai_Yamashiro waits by the doorside, they can't be serious about this, "That's what we get? A room for each one and we have to share the rest?" she'll throw up her arms in frustration "<Kami-Sama take me NOW!>"

You all even get some nice computer terminals in your rooms and stuff.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Hey, this is better than what I had back home."

<James_Arroyo> "Hey, sharing isn't that bad. And even sharing it with three other people, this is really nice. Like, almost as nice as the Commander's place."

Jane_Shepard growls, seeing the evidence that someone had, indeed, moved her things.

Ai_Yamashiro will stomp towards her supposed room and try to open it, after checking that her stuff is there, she'll look for a phone, she has questions to ask and someone has to answer them.

Anthony_Hartman starts setting up his record player.

Jane_Shepard storms downstairs and sits in the corner, not bothering to unpack anything.

Who's Ai dialing? Also, the first purely negative thing most everyone will agree on about this place makes itself apparent now. In a quiet moment, you hear GRINDING INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY resonate dully from the hangar which is very close by.

<Ai_Yamashiro> A storm of words that you don't recognize but sound like expletives comes from one of the rooms after that.

<James_Arroyo> "Oh."

<Anthony_Hartman> "Well, too good to be true, I suppose." Anthony_Hartman grabs a book and puts on some music.

Jane_Shepard mutters something unkind about the commander.

<James_Arroyo> :< James_Arroyo is left standing in the middle of the apartment, while the other pilots isolate themselves and/or curse.

Ai_Yamashiro has been talking on the phone for like ten minutes already

James_Arroyo goes to poke around in the kitchen, see if there's anything that doesn't require the cooking skill to be able to make competently.

Ai_Yamashiro does not sound angry, for some reason. Ai_Yamashiro angrily hangs up

There's Campbell's SOUP AT HAND EVERYWHERE Tomato soup. It resembles the LCL.

Ai_Yamashiro will change from her plug suit into clothes that don't make her feel like some sick guy's walking fetish and will then proceed to examine the rest of the place

Anthony_Hartman listens to some Rachmaninoff.

James_Arroyo poking his head into each room in turn. "Hey guys, we've got pretty lame stuff in the kitchen. I'm going to go out shopping. Want to come with?"

Do note, that you could always try and take the subway downstairs that the staff uses that was previously off-limits if you wished to get the hell out of this gorgeously furnished hole full of angry people.

<Ai_Yamashiro> "I'm going" she sounds like she is not asking, but demanding to go and for you to follow.

<Anthony_Hartman> "Yeah, why not."

Jane_Shepard is trying to decide if she should yell uselessly at the Commander now, or later.

Anthony_Hartman changes into some normal clothes. <Anthony_Hartman> "Wouldn't hurt to explore the town while I'm here."

<James_Arroyo> "Cool. Let me get changed. Jane! We're going grocery shopping, want to come?"

You might also want to check how much money you have. Your terminals are cardswipe-activated and can easily access all that data.

Jane_Shepard grunts.

James_Arroyo changes back into the clothes he was in earlier, a Black T-shirt, Blue Jeans, and White NERV Hoodie.

Ai_Yamashiro uses the time in which the men are changing to look at the fridge, she weeps in disgust

Jane_Shepard gets changed. She just grabs random clothing out of a box and leaves the plugsuit crumpled on the floor.

If you guys do check how much cash you have, you're filthy rich. Apparently, you got a raise and a bonus that brings your discretionary funds of 300 bucks a month to 450, along with a one-time bonus of a thousand dollars, with the small note "Congratulations" attached to the ledger entry. You also notice that there's a blinking notice on your schedules. It looks like starting in a week, you'll be going to a private, NERV-sponsored school in town. Which for the two NERV brats, is a change from being tutored in this building.

<James_Arroyo> "Hmm... So between the four of us, we have 4000 + 1600 + 200 dollars. Or 5800 dollars."

Ai_Yamashiro just hopes that the education here is better than Japan's, oh who is she kidding, she chuckles to herself "Don't even think I am sharing any of my part with you, manage it yourself."

<James_Arroyo> "I'm just trying to think of how to manage house funds." James offers, "We get everything we need already, so even this grocery trip is a luxury, but I think everybody agrees it beats eating soup and ez mac all the time." <James_Arroyo> "So it might make sense for everyone to put in some money into a house fund"

That's when a loud, blaring alarm goes off, and every goddamn phone in the apartment, as well as your cell phones start ringing.

End session.

Neon Genesis Anasazi. Next Episode: The Third Kachina: Nata'aska, the Indoctrinator