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Only Connect A Neon Genesis Evangelion and Serial Experiments:Lain Fanfiction by Michael Huang “Shinji,” Ritsuko said as she and Misato carried the cardboard box through the doorway, “We have a little present for you.” “For me, Dr. Akagi?” Shinji laughed nervously. Presents, for him? “But—its not my birthday or anything or--” “Does there have to be an occasion, Shinji? Come on, relax. Its for you.” Misato then nodded in his direction. “Theres one more box outside the door, would you mind getting that for us?” “Ah, hai!” Shinjis conditioned reflexes snapped to attention, and he briskly walked down the hallway toward the entrance. The two women were having little trouble carrying both ends of the bulky box, but when Shinji tried to pick up the equally bulky package outside, his fourteen-year-old forearms strained at lifting it even a few inches. “Thats the system unit, Shinji,” Misato shouted. “Is it heavy?” “No—thats all right—Im coming, Misato--” He set it down once the box was inside the apartment. He gave the effort to carry it down the hallpushed the box down the corridor until he reached the kitchen. Once there, he finally got a good look at the boxs side. It read “TAICHIBANA LABORATORIES NAVI-MODEL 2015A.” Shinjis eyes widened. “A Navi for me?” He looked at Misato and Ritsuko, who were seated at the kitchen table and sipping cans of Yebisu beer. “But why?” “Well, Shinji,” Misato said, “if you must, think of it as a reward. For all your hard work at NERV--” “--and for agreeing to cook tonight instead of Misato,” Ritsuko said. “Hey! Theres nothing wrong with instant food,” Misato replied, sniffing. She turned to Shinji again and smiled. “This is the latest model, you know.” “What?” Shinji gasped at all this unfounded, unusual generosity “How much did it--” “Never mind about that, Shinji,” Ritsuko said. “We can afford a little extra for our pilots.” He then heard her mutter under her breath, “As long as the Committees not