Rekindle Network

_{[For those who are checking the network while the power seems to be in supply will be greeted by the slightly worried face of Shinji. Granted, he has every right to be worried. The power outages aren't exactly things to be happy about.]}

These power outages...they're really terrible things, aren't they? Unsettling too...I wonder if they're going to keep happening or just get worse? They don't really seem to be showing any signs of stopping...<sub>It reminds me a bit of what happened in Tokyo-3.

[He pauses, fidgeting slightly before speaking again.]</sub>

The batteries in the flashlight I bought didn't last very long the last power outage and I had bought candles just in case. I'm glad I did...It's kind of funny...I never really had to use candles before until then. They give off a warm glow though - it's really nothing like the artificial light from a light bulb.

There was one thought I had though...Humans are naturally afraid of the dark and we're awfully dependent on technology...so in a way, these outages have the potential to bring people together. That's what they want, don't they? For us to have as much contact with others as possible? I really hope there isn't an ulterior motive behind the power going out so much...it's uncomfortable to think that may be the case.

_{[There's another awkward, little pause.]}

I guess...I just wondered how others are dealing with it all. Do you think they're going to keep happening or continue for much longer? I hope they can fix the problem soon...

_{[When the feed comes on the network is graced with the image of a plain looking teenage boy. Hello Saeng Seong meet Shinji Ikari. He doesn't look like much and he seems rather timid. His voice too is soft when he speaks, with a hint of shyness coating each and every word.]}

Um...Hello. My name is Shinji Ikari. I was brought here like many others to this city and I have to admit it was pretty disorientating...

_{[He trails off a little, blue eyes looking off to the side for a moment before he finds his focus again.]}

Ah, but that's not what I wanted to ask about. I know now that many people here are from vastly different worlds and even people who you think you know may not really be who you think they are. I know there are a lot of people too who are really anxious to get home, and for good reasons but...is there anyone here who isn't keen on going home? I know I don't really want to go home...

_{[There's another small pause as a slight look of worry overcomes him. Clearly thinking of "home" isn't the most comforting thought to the boy. He snaps out of it quickly enough, however.]}

One last thing...there was a sale on kidney beans at the grocery store and Kaworu-kun bought far too many cans of them, so I was going to make chili with them all. There's going to be far too much for the two of us to eat by ourselves, so if any of the other pilots would like some, I'd be happy to share.

That's all, I think. Thank you for your time.

_{[And with that there's a small little bow before the feed ends.]}