"EVA-01 ejection launch port open!!" the Cmd Ofc 1 reports from station.

"No. 5 Gate Stand by!" the 1st Gnd Ofc barks out.

The small launch pad upon which EVA stands is moved up an inclined ramp to the real wall of the larger chamber. The wall is lined with sled like runners, electromechanical hoists devices. Though NERV has only three EVA units at present there appear to be a forward design plan for NERV to be a functional hive of hundreds of EVA units. However, the planning of NERV and the Human Gnome experiments predate the Second Coming.

"Tunnel Coarse clear!" informs the 2nd Gnd Ofc.

"All Systems Green!" says the 3rd Gnd Ofc.

"Acknowledged!!" says Misato.

Katsuragi turns to address Ikari Gendo who is watching the proceedings from the rear observation deck.

"Commander Ikari! Your Orders!" says Misato: she knows the answer but regs. requires one to follow decorum.

"Needless to say that the days to come are in the hands of this Disciple." says Ikari Gendo.

Misato turns back to face the wall control monitors and officer crew of the command consoles.

"LAUNCH!!" commands Misato.

Beneath the pad, solid hy - Ox thrusters ignite to boost Shinji and EVA-01 out of the chamber and into the tube leading to the street level of New Tokyo 3. When in the tube, electromagnetic rails complete the lifting process. Inside the Plug Shinji feels the 1G acceleration as EVA-01 feels it. Approaching the street level, lights in the tube give a star-light like glow to the otherwise dark interior.

10s of meters from the street level the electromagnetic field reverses and acts as a brake to decelerate the pad. On the street, the scene is deserted. None the less warning lights come to life and sirens sound in the night. Doors hidden in the street open and slide to either side. Flood lights in the tube turn on. Mechanical brakes finish the deceleration and EVA-01 emerges on the surface. During the journey to the street electromagnets in the floor of the pad held EVA-01 from sliding by vibration during transport.

In the tube Shinji (EVA) kept his eyes shut. Now Shinji (EVA) opens his eyes. Meters in front of EVA down the street is the Angel. Standing still, the Angel seems to the accessing its objective; thinking, perhaps looking for a weakness. The strange audio hologram changes frequency, and discontinues. Does the Angel recognize EVA?

"Listen up Shinji!!" says Misato in command voice.

"Ah ... Yes Sir!" says Shinji.

Misato turns to the 1st Cnd Ofc.

"Remove the last safety magnets!!" says Misato.

"EVANGELION UNIT 1, LIFT OFF!!" instructs Misato in a command tone of voice.

EVA takes its first step off the pad. The shoulder fin restraints release. Shinji is terrified by the sensation of walking.

"Do your best, Shinji ... " Misato says trying to conceal her misgivings about the operation.

For what seems an eternity, the two metacreatures face of in silence.

"I hope the underground monitors record how Shinji's movement sense functions." Misato says to herself.