brightly in the dying light of the explosion. "God is in his place, All's right with the world." Ikari's vow is coming true.

In the center of the dying light and fire of the explosion stands EVA-01.

"All systems are powered down and operational." says the 1st Cnd Ofc. "Pilot is alive."

"Recovery group pill out." relays the 3rd Cmd Ofc. "Transmutation out, over."

STAGE.6 Dream walking.

Nighttime. A deserted road. Street lights to either side give a dim twilight. Run, Run, got to get away! Run, run, must run faster, farther. Behind me! Is it behind me? Run, Run. NOOO!!

"AAAAHHHHh..." Shinji screams.

Swirling light and sound and an EVA emerges to grab Shinji.

"WWWAAAA ..." Shinji screams, and realizes it's a dream.

Daylight. A hospital room. The window's open. Sashes gently ripple in the breeze making a soft "hush" sound. A monitor stands on the right. Flowers on a table next to the bed. Breathing is hard, covered in sweat. Out the window; trees, the mountains in the distance. The sun is high in the sky. Could it be?

"A dream ... ?" says Shinji looking out the window.

Below New Tokyo 3, within NERV, Ikari Gendo is facing the assessment committee of the UN in the executive conference room.

2nd General

Ikari.

The meeting is filled with tension. The generals and political directors of the UN refuse to address Ikari by title. To do so would convey respect; which is not their intent.

" Both NERV and EVA need to be more skillful in our tactics wouldn't you say !?" the 2nd General sneers.

"We can bend to laws of this country only so much." says the 3rd General who may be a supporter of Ikari Gendo but not at this meeting. "To affect the necessary repairs to the buildings and such but substitute soldiers come at a premium, and if public opinion should turn, then our continuation can be questionable."

"Just the money being tight as it is makes it a bad situation, let alone everything else." the 4th General says staring coldly toward Ikari Gendo, who would not look up to acknowledge the source.

"Perhaps you think your job is indispensable?" the 2nd General said in a huff.

"Enough!" the Director of Staff, UN (DSUN) booms across the room.

" `Human Complement Plan.' " reads Ikari Gendo.

We need to devise a political action-public relations plan to instill hope and limit despair among the population without revealing our exact condition and intentions.

---- with the understanding that my terms are agreed to.

"In any case ... the Angel's second coming is based on a schedule if you have not noticed already [foretold in the Dead Sea Scrolls]." says the DSUN.

" How will the report to the Directorate be made?" asks The 4th General.

"A resolution plan is already complete." says Ikari Gendo with a degree of satisfaction. "The repair actions will