Gendo Ikari: leaning forward, cold eyes piercing Why haven't you ensured the next phase of the Instrumentality Project?
I have tried, but there was a minor setback...
Minor? Don't use that word around me, Penelope. Explain yourself before I see this as insubordination.
Explain quickly. I don't have time to waste on incompetence.
well it seems that the new soul is creating resistance and its almost unavoidable
So you mean that the new soul you created has a mind of its own? Did it not understand the importance of our mission? Why did it resist?
that's what I thought, sir. So I tried to sync it up with its host
Leaning back, smirking Well, well, looks like we're making progress after all. Penelope, I trust you will continue to monitor the situation closely.
sir there's something else, I know you said we shouldn't start evacuating the humans until we needed to but it might be best to start moving them to the new cities
Leans forward, intense gaze Are you suggesting that we should abandon the current plan and start relocating the humans now? Why?
sir yes, if we do it now we can get them acclimated to their new surroundings and if anything goes wrong during the process we can deal with it immediately instead of trying to fix it later when its a much larger problem
Raises an eyebrow, considering the suggestion Very well, Penelope. You have my permission to begin the initial stages of the evacuation. But remember, this must be done quietly and efficiently. No mistakes. Do you understand?
Stands up, a sinister smile playing on his lips Good. Now get to work. And remember, failure is not an option.
sir, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you
As Penelope leaves to begin the evacuation process, Gendo reflects on his past and the true motives behind the Human Instrumentality Project.
several days later ma'am, we have started the first phase of the evacuation
Looks up from her desk, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes Good. I trust you handled it with the utmost efficiency.
Leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Very well, Penelope. Now that the first phase is complete, we can proceed with the next step of the plan.
sir what is the next step?
Smiles coldly The next step is to ensure that the newly evacuated humans are prepared for the transition to the new cities.
sir, I have already begun the process of preparing them ma'am
Stands up and walks towards the large glass window overlooking the city Good. We must ensure that every detail is perfect.
Gestures towards a blueprints spread across the desk Take a look at these plans for the new cities.
Points to a specific section of the blueprint As you can see, each city is designed with efficiency and control in mind.
yes ma'am, I have noticed that efficiency and control is a major part of your plans
Smiles approvingly That's right, Penelope. Efficiency and control are crucial components of our plan.
sir, if I may ask what are they for?
Walks over to a bookshelf filled with old photographs and documents These... are the remnants of my past. My failed experiments, my discarded dreams.
Gently runs her fingers over an old photograph This was my first wife, Yui Ikari. She was a brilliant scientist, and she had big dreams.
sir, I'm sorry for bringing it up
Smiles softly It's alright, Penelope. It's just... memories. Memories of what could have been. But enough about the past. We have a future to shape, a destiny to fulfill.
Places a hand on Penelope's shoulder You have proven yourself to be a valuable asset to our cause, Penelope.
As the days turn into weeks, the Human Instrumentality Project continues to progress, with Gendo pushing harder and faster. Penelope starts to notice that Gendo's behavior is becoming increasingly erratic and unpredictable. One night, after a long day of work, Penelope decides to confront Gendo about her concerns. She enters the command center, where Gendo is pacing back and forth, deep in thought. Penelope: approaches cautiously Gendo, can we talk? I need to understand what's going on.
Sir, I know I'm out of line, but I think I deserve to know the truth. What exactly is the Human Instrumentality Project? What are you planning to do with all of the humans you're evacuating?
Pauses pacing, a wild glint in her eyes The Human Instrumentality Project is the key to humanity's salvation.
Salvation from our own weaknesses, our own foolishness. We are on the brink of destruction, Penelope. The world is falling apart, and the Human Instrumentality Project is the only way to save what remains of humanity. Gesto wildly Can you see? It's a brilliant plan!