WILLE, Flagship AAA Wunder, High-Level Briefing Room.
The atmosphere was so heavy it felt as though one could wring water from the air. Seated around the oval conference table was WILLE's current leadership: Commander Misato Katsuragi, Technical Director Ritsuko Akagi, Security Chief Ryoji Kaji, and several key department officers and senior technical staff.
In the center of the room, a holographic projection displayed the cooperation framework, technical parameter summaries, and the enticing resource exchange list sent by Osiris.
"To summarize, the other party requires us to provide ten EVA biological skeletons in a 'blank' state. In exchange, we will receive continuous technical support, desperately needed energy, materials, and medical equipment." Misato briefly restated the situation, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "This is the deadline they have given us for consideration. We need to make a decision."
A moment of silence followed. Struggle and calculation were written on every face.
"I object!" An official formerly belonging to the Japanese government, responsible for logistics, was the first to speak. His face was flushed. "EVA biotechnology is our final hope for opposing the Angels and protecting humanity! Handing such core technology to an interdimensional entity of unknown origin and intent is... it's a betrayal! Who can guarantee he won't use these organisms to create even more terrifying monsters—or even turn them against our world?"
His viewpoint represented the fears of many; the unknown always breeds terror.
"But look at the list they've provided!" another officer in charge of energy management pointed at the projected data, his voice agitated. "High-density energy units! Enough to run the Wunder at full power for three months without searching for geothermal replenishment! And these alloy materials—if they could be used to repair Unit-03 or build new defensive fortifications... Are you all not clear on our current situation? SEELE lurks in the shadows like ghosts, the Angels could reappear at any moment, and our stockpiles are nearly empty!"
The pressure of reality was undeniable. Survival is the first necessity of civilization.
Ritsuko Akagi pushed up her glasses, analyzing from a technical perspective. "Technologically speaking, the theory the other party proposed—stripping soul imprints to create 'blank bodies'—sounds incredible, but it isn't entirely without precedent. Gendo Ikari's 'mass production' of Rei Ayanami already touched upon this field. If we can master this method, perhaps... perhaps it could solve some of our own problems, such as the pilot synchronization issues with Unit-00."
Her gaze drifted momentarily toward Misato. Misato knew what Ritsuko was implying: cloning Rei Ayanami or creating new compatible subjects. This touched upon deep ethical taboos.
Ryoji Kaji leaned back in his chair, fingers interlaced on the table, his tone steady. "The risks are real. Handing over EVA biological cores means surrendering a portion of our strategic initiative. However, the opportunity is equally massive. The technical prowess shown by the other party—especially the completed 'EVA Titan'—possesses combat power far exceeding our existing EVAs. Establishing stable cooperation with such a power not only solves our immediate survival crisis but could provide a new breakthrough in our struggle against SEELE. The key lies in whether we can maintain some initiative in the partnership and establish effective oversight and checks."
He paused, looking at Misato. "And don't forget—Shinji, Asuka, and Rei are still over there."
This sentence made Misato's heart clinch. Those three children were a primary reason for the initial decision to cooperate. Now, they seemed to have found some kind of... value in that new world. If they refused this cooperation, would it affect them? Although Osiris behaved rationally, no one could guarantee what he might do if his interests were compromised.
The meeting fell into a heated argument. Opponents emphasized the security of core technology and unknown risks; supporters focused on survival supplies and potential technical upgrades; centrists worried about ethical issues and future uncontrollability.
Misato listened silently, without interrupting. As commander, she had to synthesize all factors to make the decision most conducive to WILLE's survival and growth.
The debate lasted for several hours. Finally, once all viewpoints had been fully expressed, every eye in the room fixed on Misato.
Misato took a deep breath and stood up. Her eyes regained their habitual decisiveness.
"Everyone, I understand your concerns. The risks are real," her voice was clear and firm. "However, WILLE's current state does not allow us to reject a chance to change our fate out of fear. To sit and wait for death... the final result of that may be worse than taking a risk."
She pointed to the resource list. "These supplies will allow us to live, to have the strength to continue fighting. The other party's technical support might help us patch our own weaknesses. As for EVA biotechnology—" she paused. "It is indeed our most important asset. But an asset is meaningless if it cannot be converted into the power for survival and development. We can attempt to set boundaries in the cooperation. For instance, providing only basic biological skeletons without involving highest-tier secrets like the $S^2$ engine, and requiring a commitment that the technology will not be used against our world."
She looked around at the assembly. "This is a gamble. But I believe that for WILLE's future, and to continue protecting this broken world, this risk is worth taking."
She looked at Ritsuko. "Ritsuko, you will take charge. Organize a technical team to immediately evaluate the feasibility of manufacturing 'blank bodies' based on the parameters provided, and attempt preliminary experiments. We need to produce a sample as soon as possible to prove our capability and sincerity."
She then turned to Kaji. "Kaji, you will be responsible for drafting a detailed cooperation and non-disclosure agreement, clarifying the rights, obligations, and technical boundaries of both parties. We must secure as much protection for WILLE as possible."
Finally, she announced the decision. "I will reply to Dr. Osiris. I agree to the cooperation in principle. However, specific details will be finalized only after sample verification and agreement negotiations are complete."
It was a decision in Misato's classic style—seizing a sliver of life amidst massive risk and doing everything possible to control the situation.
As the meeting adjourned, everyone left with complex emotions to begin their tasks. Misato stood alone by the window, gazing out at the broken, crimson-stained earth. She knew this decision might lead WILLE toward a completely unknown future. But as she said, they had no better choice.
At the final moment of the deadline, the encrypted communication from WILLE reconnected to the Nexum.