The Next Morning
The new sun was still not out when Alma took the children to the exploration caravan. It was a impressive sight: the five gigantic EVAs - protected from view with covers with their respective numbers on them - were laying down on their transports, massive wheeled structures that supported their feet, arms, torso and heads independently, but moved together as if they were just parts of one vehicle.
The transports where lined in a square formation with EVA 02 in the center, still being repaired. The group was taken there, meeting Dr. Hashimoto and Satomi on the way.
Upon arriving to the head transport for EVA 02, they realized that the thing also housed living quarters within it and were taken to their dorm - a spartan looking metal box with bunk beds and lockers for six, quite a change from Alma's cosy apartment in the Arch.
"Everyone, I'm sorry we don't have much confort to offer in the transports, but if you look at it like a camping trip it's not that bad, right?"
Alma said with a chuckle.
"It's a campaign vehicle, Neummann. There are way more pressing matters then comfort at play here. Besides the beds and space are up to standards, so it's definitely comfortable enough."
Dr. Hashimoto answered in serious tone.
"Jeez Daisuke, I was just joking. You need to relax a bit from time, you know?" the lady defended herself, frustration apparent in her voice. Then she turned to the kids. "Listen everyone, this room is for all of you - Satomi and Ahmed included. I'll be on the next one to the right, and Daisuke san will be on the top floor next to the control room and the Admiral's quarters. This transport is the main center of operations, and will be our house for as long as we need to gather fuel for the ship, so keep it tidy ok? There's showers and toilets in the end of the corridor, and meals are in the communitary messroom we passed by in the previous floor."
Satomi's father didn't seem too happy with letting go of his daughter, but still didn't say anything regarding that.
"There's set times for the meals, so don't wake up too late or get distracted with unimportant things. We need you all in top shape at all times in case of an attack, as unlikely as it is with all the detection and camouflage systems we have. Asuka will be in charge of your physical training and weapon handling in the training room we have here, and simulator drills will be at the Command's discretion at any time in order to keep you sharp. Other than that you just need to stay in stand-by."
The adults soon were gone to take care of their respective jobs, and the children felt the transports start moving.
Asuka threw her bag in one of the bunks and started unpacking - clothes, a pair of books and an old music player could be seen.
"So..." she started speaking hesitantly. "What did you all do with your time off yesterday? Are you all feeling well today?"