Episode 15

Opening Theme: Rise - Origa/Yoko Kanno

Closing Theme: One Minute Warning - Passengers (3:16 - 4:40)

Cast:

Motoko Kusanagi - Mary McGlynn

Daisuke Aramaki - William Knight

Buttetsu Batou - Richard Epcar

Togusa -

Saito -

Ishikawa -

Pazu -

Borma -

Azuma -

Yoko Kayabuki -

Hideki Yoshimura -

Hatsumi Shinobi - Patricia Ja Lee

Masahiro Takeda - John DiMaggio

JGSDF326SAIptypv.1 -

Toshio Hamauzu -

Takeshi Shinobi -

Plot Summary: Shinobi has nearly been framed by the assassin who murdered Kawashima. However, because of Takeda's judgement, Shinobi was saved from false accusation. Kaneren begins to speak to Shinobi of the human psyche and is particularly interested in the concept of the Ghost. A severe network malfunction causes every cyberbrain transmission to become scrambled and crossed with each other. This affects Shinobi and Kusanagi only. The cause and source of the malfunction is unknown. Takeda and Batou find and fight the other assassin.

Part A Scene 1

We are inside of Shinobi's office, where we see Shinobi sitting at her desk cleaning her pistol. After a moment, Kaneren appears on the screen inside of her office. Shinobi looks up and speaks.

Shinobi: "Yes?"

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "Pardon me, Chief of Staff Shinobi. Do you have children?"

Shinobi appears somewhat confused. She sets her pistol down on her desk and sighs. She responds as she closes her eyes.

Shinobi: "What is this about, Kaneren?"

Kaneren's avatar glances at the window for a moment before responding.

Kaneren: "I am curious as to the nature of humans. What is their nature?"

Shinobi opens her eyes and looks at Kaneren. She appears to be gazing off, as if lost in a void. After a moment, she speaks.

Shinobi: "I'll try to explain this to the best of my ability, since I am no sociologist. Humans as a whole desire to follow the more influencial of themselves. That was usually the tribal chief thousands of years ago, today that is usually their government or even their military. Unfortunately, they are also a violent and destructive species and many A.I. have a tendency to look down on the human species because of this unfortunate quality. However, there are people who are kind, light-hearted, and have a desire to help others."

Kaneren speaks.

Kaneren: "Like you."

Shinobi looks at Kaneren and responds with a concerned, yet calm tone.

Shinobi: "I don't believe anyone has ever complimented me as kind and light-hearted."

Kaneren responds.

Kaneren: "That is because they only see what you want them to see. You are not difficult to understand, Chief of Staff Shinobi. I can see your Ghost and it is just as pure as you are."

Shinobi simply looks at Kaneren with concerned eyes. We now follow Hamauzu as he walks through the Defense Agency, looking through a file and is drinking coffee. He continues to walk until he reaches an elevator, which he calls it to his floor. After a moment, the doors slide open and Hamauzu steps inside. The elevator doors are about to close, but Azami Narita stops them. She enters the elevator and stands next to Hamauzu. Hamauzu speaks after he takes a drink.

Hamauzu: "Well?"

Narita leans against the elevator wall as the elevator descends. She responds.

Narita: "It's confirmed. The assassin who killed the Yakuza woman is a man named Takeshi Shinobi."

Hamauzu seems shocked and responds in a alarmed tone.

Hamauzu: "What!? Another one!?"

Narita nods her head once and responds.

Narita: "Yeah. I never knew that she had a brother."

Hamauzu emits a frustrated grunt. He looks at his watch before speaking.

Hamauzu: "Hmm. This means that he thought that the Yakuza woman employed by Yoshimura was actually his sister, which would make him being the assassin who's been trying to kill her. Could he be Yoshimura's unknown accomplice that the terrorist spoke of?"

Narita shakes her head and responds.

Narita: "I don't know, sir."

Hamauzu looks away from Narita for a moment. He speaks.

Hamauzu: "Make sure that Shinobi doesn't find out. We need to keep her under the illusion that the assassin is someone else and not her brother."

Narita responds with a curious tone in her voice.

Narita: "Why?"

Hamauzu looks at Narita and responds.

Hamauzu: "Just because she charged me with taking over Kawashima's position in this investigation doesn't mean that I'm through with her yet."

Narita nods as the elevator doors open. Hamauzu steps out of the elevator, followed by Narita. Hamauzu speaks as they walk down the corridor towards Yoshimura's cell.

Hamauzu: "What I would like to know is who the other assassin is, the one who killed the late General."

Narita responds.

Narita: "Maybe it's nothing. Maybe they're just a hired mercenary by Yoshimura."

Hamauzu looks at the cell doors as he speaks.

Hamauzu: "I doubt that Yoshimura has the ability to contact the outside world. I think that this assassin was probably hired by Shinobi's brother for the sole purpose of framing her."

Narita responds.

Narita: "Why would he want to frame his sister?"

Hamauzu looks across the corridor and speaks.

Hamauzu: "Yoshimura wants to frame Shinobi for reasons unknown. I can guess that his unknown accomplice is the one playing the role of puppetteer and we're all just marionettes on a string, dancing to his tune."

Narita looks at Hamauzu and speaks as they reach Yoshimura's cell.

Narita: "You're the one who wants Shinobi ousted, right?"

Hamauzu stops and looks at Narita. He responds with somewhat of a sneer.

Hamauzu: "Of course. However, if I was to get rid of her, I'll do it honorably and not like a coward."

The scene ends with Hamauzu and Narita entering Yoshimura's cell.

Part A Scene 2

We are now at Section 9's head quarters, where we see Ishikawa, Borma, and Kusanagi inside of the Diving Room. Ishikawa speaks.

Ishikawa: "Did some more digging around and it turns out that Kaneren is an experimental 'smart' A.I., meaning that he is able to learn and accumulate knowledge, hence the reason why he's a prototype. What's odd about this is he already has a near infinite database of knowledge, except for philosophy that is."

Kusanagi responds as she leans against the wall.

Kusanagi: "Anything that could tie him to Yoshimura?"

Ishikawa sighs and shakes his head as he responds.

Ishikawa: "Beside Yoshimura being Kaneren's creator? No. Nothing. However, there is some kind of link between Shinobi and Kaneren. According to Asuda's notes, Kaneren has an obsession with her."

Kusanagi seems curious and speaks.

Kusanagi: "What kind of obsession?"

Ishikawa responds as he leans back in his chair.

Ishikawa: "Can't say. However, it is possible that he has some kind of hand in all of this."

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "There's nothing to prove that he does. Then again, there's nothing to prove that he doesn't. We would have to question the A.I. in order to find out if he's involved. Since he doesn't fall under our jurisdiction, we'd have to have the top brass question him. Ergo, Chief of Staff Shinobi."

Borma speaks.

Borma: "You think that she'd go along with that?"

Kusanagi doesn't look at him but responds.

Kusanagi: "We would need to come up with hard evidence that connects Kaneren to this investigation. She wouldn't act simply on pure speculation. She's the type who is by the book."

Ishikawa speaks.

Ishikawa: "You want me to check into it anyway?"

Kusanagi responds as she walks towards the door.

Kusanagi: "No, the chief and I are heading over there right now. I'll check into it."

We are now inside of Takeda's vehicle, where we see Takeda wearing his brown jacket without his sunglasses and cap. He is driving alone, heading towards the Defense Agency. He glances over at the passenger's seat, where we see an assault rifle partly covered up by his trench coat. Takeda grunts as he reaches over and covers the assault rifle. We then hear Aramaki speak to Takeda via cybercom.

Aramaki: "Where are you?"

Takeda responds as he looks to his left and turns his car.

Takeda: "I'm on my way to see Shinobi, don't worry about it."

Aramaki growls and responds.

Aramaki: "You're supposed to be with Major Kusanagi at all times, do you understand?"

Takeda grunts and glances out of the driver's side window. He responds as he switches on the screen inside of his car to see the news on channel 33.

Takeda: "Yes, I understand. However, since you and her are going to see Shinobi, I thought it would only be fair if I went by myself so you two can talk Section 9 stuff that doesn't concern me. I'll meet you two there."

Aramaki doesn't respond. Takeda speaks after a moment.

Takeda: "I'm not going to do anything stupid, Aramaki."

The transmission ends. Takeda simply continues to drive as he thinks to himself.

Takeda: "So, they still have doubts as to where I stand. My allegiance is to Hatsumi and no one else."

We are now inside of Shinobi's office, where we see Shinobi looking through an important military report. After a moment, we hear a few knocks on her office door. She looks up and speaks.

Shinobi: "Come in."

The door opens and Aramaki enters with Kusanagi, who is wearing her tan military uniform. Shinobi appears pleased to see them and speaks as she closes the military report.

Shinobi: "I'm pleased that you decided to see me, Daisuke. I need to speak with you, it's important."

Aramaki simply responds as he sits on the sofa in front of Shinobi's desk.

Aramaki: "I assume that it has something to do with the investigation."

Shinobi nods. Kusanagi simply stands next to Shinobi's desk, near Aramaki. Shinobi speaks as she turns her chair towards the door, somewhat leaning back. She shifts her eyes at Kusanagi for a moment before returning her attention to Aramaki. She speaks as she deactivates a switch on the machine built into her desk.

Shinobi: "Now we have some degree of privacy. I'm concerned about the GSDA's mainframe A.I."

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "You mean the one that Yoshimura created?"

Shinobi nods. She speaks.

Shinobi: "He's been visiting my office constantly and has been asking me personal questions. It's come to the point where he's even contacting me when I'm at home."

Aramaki silently growls to himself before speaking.

Aramaki: "I don't see what this has to do with the Yoshimura case, madam."

Shinobi responds as she glances at the window.

Shinobi: "Just listen, please. He is also demanding that I release Yoshimura from custody. He states that I have no right to hold him, despite the fact that two people have confirmed that he is the one behind everything. Kaneren believes that we have falsely convicted Yoshimura."

Aramaki grunts. We then hear one knock on the office door. Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Shinobi all look over at the door. Shinobi glances at Kusanagi, who shifts her eyes at her. Shinobi speaks.

Shinobi: "Come in."

Takeda then enters the office. Aramaki, Kusanagi, and Shinobi all get discouraged, hard looks on their faces. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important."

Shinobi simply grunts to herself as she somewhat squints her eyes. Takeda simply leans against the wall next to the door. Shinobi then turns back to Aramaki and speaks.

Shinobi: "We've tried to dive Yoshimura's cyberbrain multiple times, but we simply cannot get through. I've tried, Hamauzu's tried, Intelligence has tried. Nothing works. I've been unable to persuade Kaneren into diving his cyberbrain."

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "You mean that you and Major Kusanagi were unable to get through when you dove the Lieutenant General's cyberbrain?"

Kusanagi speaks.

Kusanagi: "When the Chief of Ground Staff and I dove Yoshimura, we recieved permission from Kaneren. However, when we did dive his cyberbrain, it seemed like we were blocked by Kaneren."

Kusanagi looks at Shinobi, who returns the glance. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "I think that this Kaneren knows more than he's telling us. Someone needs to question him."

Suddenly, intensive static and feedback sounds, causing Shinobi to grasp her head with her hands. She screams in pain and immediately stands, knocking her desk chair over. She squints her eyes shut and throws her head back in a near scream, appearing in intense pain. Kusanagi, Aramaki, and Takeda gasp. Kusanagi immediately runs over to Shinobi and tries to restrain her. Shinobi then falls to the floor, still clutching her head tightly but has stopped screaming. Takeda immediately opens the door and shouts down the hall as Kusanagi kneels down next to Shinobi and quickly puts her cyberbrain in lockdown. We see Shinobi laying on the floor with her eyes closed but her mouth slightly open. We then see multiple GSDA guards and officers rush into the office. One of the officers shouts.

Officer 1: "What happened!?"

Takeda responds as he hurries over to Shinobi.

Takeda: "I don't know, she just started screaming while she grasped her head. It looked like she was attacked by something."

The GSDA officer simply growls as he speaks.

Officer 1: "We need to get her to a hospital. There's no telling what kind of damage could've been done."

The guards are about to kneel down to pick Shinobi up, but them along with the officers all clutch their heads and shout in pain. Kusanagi, Takeda, and Aramaki all appear shocked. Takeda shouts.

Takeda: "What the hell is going on here!?"

Kusanagi is about to respond, but the same happens with her. Kusanagi screams in pain. Aramaki shouts.

Aramaki: "Major!"

Takeda and Aramaki immediately run to Kusanagi. Takeda restrains Kusanagi as Aramaki puts her cyberbrain in lockdown. Kusanagi slumps into Takeda's arms, who gently lays her down on the floor. The other guards and officers are now unconscious. Takeda stands and looks at Aramaki with confused eyes. He speaks.

Takeda: "What the hell just happened?"

Aramaki responds as he kneels down next to Kusanagi.

Aramaki: "Get Batou and Togusa over here now."

Takeda simply nods and contacts Batou via cybercom.

Takeda: "Hey, get over to Shinobi's office immediately. Her and the Major are down. It's urgent."

Batou responds.

Batou: "What happened?"

Takeda speaks as he gently places his fingers on Kusanagi's neck.

Takeda: "We don't know, Batou. Bring Togusa as well. Hurry it up."

The transmission ends. Aramaki then stands and dials a number on his cellular phone. Takeda glances over at Shinobi, who hasn't moved at all. He sighs and removes his jacket, setting it on the sofa. After a moment, Aramaki speaks on the cellular phone.

Aramaki: "Prime Minister, something has gone horribly wrong. I believe you should come to Chief of Staff Shinobi's office at once. Yes, madam. Yes, he's with me at this moment. Two members of my team are on their way here as well. Very well. Goodbye."

Aramaki hangs up as Takeda kneels next to Shinobi and examines her. Takeda doesn't look at Aramaki but speaks.

Takeda: "Well?"

Aramaki responds.

Aramaki: "The Prime Minister is on her way here as well as the Minister of Home Affairs."

Takeda sighs and slightly shakes his head. He then gently brushes Shinobi's hair out of her eyes. Aramaki is watching him with sharp eyes. Takeda doesn't notice. Takeda doesn't look at him but speaks.

Takeda: "Hatsumi has always had a soft heart. Especially for others. She tries so hard to hide it, though. She tries to leave the impression of a stern and commanding military officer. If they look close enough, anyone can see through it."

Takeda then sits next to Shinobi, watching her with calm eyes. Aramaki simply watches him. Takeda continues.

Takeda: "She cares about Major Kusanagi."

Aramaki's eyes perk. Takeda turns his head and looks at Aramaki. He speaks.

Takeda: "You've seen it, haven't you? She cares about her as if she was her own sister. They both have tragic stories, Aramaki. They both have suffered because of it. I can't say about Motoko, but I can see that Hatsumi is still suffering."

Aramaki simply grunts to himself. Batou and Togusa then rush into the office to see Kusanagi, Shinobi, and the GSDA guards and officers laying unconscious on the floor. Batou speaks as he rushes over to Kusanagi.

Batou: "Major!"

Batou kneels next to Kusanagi and props her up against the desk. He looks at Aramaki and speaks.

Batou: "Old man, what happened in here?"

Aramaki speaks to Batou as Togusa walks over to Takeda, who is kneeling next to Shinobi. Takeda is simply gazing at Shinobi with neutral eyes. Togusa speaks to Takeda.

Togusa: "Mind telling me what just happened?"

Takeda doesn't look away from Shinobi but responds. Batou and Aramaki are moving Kusanagi to the sofa as Takeda checks Shinobi's pulse.

Takeda: "I really wish I could. I have no clue what just happened."

Batou and Aramaki are speaking as Takeda gently places his arms behind Shinobi's back and begins to lift her. He speaks with strain in his voice.

Takeda: "Help me lift her."

Togusa walks over to the other side of Shinobi and lifts her by her lower thighs. They then move Shinobi to the other sofa opposing Kusanagi and gently lay her on it. Takeda then walks back over to Shinobi's desk and sets the chair back up. He sits in it as Aramaki, Batou, and Togusa watch him with close eyes. Takeda then begins opening the desk drawers, searching for something. Aramaki speaks as Takeda shuffles through the desk.

Aramaki: "Takeda, need I remind you that it is considered a felony for you to search through military and government property."

Takeda simply ignores him and continues to search. He glances on top of the desk to see a photograph of Shinobi's family. The photograph contains Masashi Shinobi standing with his wife, Yoko Tsuneki. Also in the photograph is Hatsumi Shinobi as a little girl. She has a full prosthetic body that resembles her current body. After a moment, Takeda looks away from the photograph and continues to search until he finds Yoshimura's file. He speaks as he puts it on Shinobi's desk.

Takeda: "Found it."

Takeda opens the file and begins to search through it until he finds the Kaneren papers. He speaks to Togusa.

Takeda: "Hey, Togusa. Do you think you could take a look through this file?"

Togusa simply speaks with a somewhat confused and concerned tone.

Togusa: "Yeah, why?"

Takeda picks up a paper and looks at it as he speaks.

Takeda: "Hmm. Hatsumi is no investigator nor is she a cop. She probably missed something."

Takeda puts the papers back in the file and hands it to Togusa, who takes it from him. Takeda stands and walks over to Aramaki and Batou. Batou speaks.

Batou: "We've got another lead on the man who killed the Yakuza woman. Colonel Azami Narita contacted Ishikawa and said that a Takeshi Shinobi is responsible for the recent assassination attempts on the Chief of Staff's life."

Aramaki and Takeda seem surprised. Takeda speaks.

Takeda: "What? How does she know this? Does she have proof?"

Batou shrugs and responds.

Batou: "None of us know that this Takeshi Shinobi does exist. It could be fabricated information since Colonel Narita operates directly under Hamauzu, who is still a prime suspect."

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "He does exist."

Aramaki looks at Shinobi and continues.

Aramaki: "Takeshi Shinobi is the Chief of Ground Staff's brother. She said that she met him at the assemblyman's party last week."

Togusa speaks as Takeda leans over the back of the sofa, watching Shinobi sleep.

Togusa: "What I don't get is why is he trying to kill his own sister?"

Takeda responds, not looking at any of them.

Takeda: "Sometimes, there is an inferiority complex that triggers when one discovers a trivial secret, ergo, Takeshi Shinobi learning of his older sister."

Aramaki immediately shifts his eyes at Takeda in concern and speaks.

Aramaki: "How long have you known this, Takeda?"

Takeda stands up straight and faces them. He speaks.

Takeda: "I've known all along."

Togusa yells at Takeda.

Togusa: "Why didn't you tell us that in the first place!?"

Takeda simply responds.

Takeda: "It wasn't time for you to know. I don't care about Takeshi Shinobi or any of that shit. I only care that Yoshimura gets what's coming to him and Hatsumi is safe, nothing more."

Batou growls and speaks as he grabs Takeda's jacket and puts him against the wall.

Batou: "You bastard!"

Takeda grunts and struggles as Aramaki walks up to him and speaks.

Aramaki: "That information is vital to Chief of Staff Shinobi's survival. By withholding this information from us, you impeaded our chances at capturing the man who is behind this whole state of affairs and, in a way, indirectly aided him."

Takeda responds with strain as he struggles.

Takeda: "I don't recall me ever having to tell you everything that I know. As I remember, I only had to tell you my relationship to Shinobi, right? Let me go."

Batou releases Takeda, who gasps for air. Just then, Kayabuki, the Home Affairs Minister, and 2 of Kayabuki's bodyguards enter Shinobi's office to see the situation. Kayabuki gasps and speaks with a concerned tone.

Kayabuki: "What happened?"

Aramaki explains as Kayabuki walks over to Shinobi.

Aramaki: "Madam Prime Minister, we don't know the whole story. The Chief of Ground Staff seems to have been attacked by some sort of virus or attack barrier. The same happened to these men shortly afterwards and to Major Kusanagi."

Kayabuki looks from Shinobi to Kusanagi to Aramaki as she speaks.

Kayabuki: "Will they be all right?"

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "It's hard to say for certain. The best course of action that we can take is to take them to a hospital."

Then, Kusanagi stirs and wakes. Everyone looks at Kusanagi, who removes the device from her cyberbrain implants and speaks.

Kusanagi: "What the hell was that?"

Batou speaks immediately.

Batou: "Major, are you all right?"

Kusanagi simply nods and stands. She looks down at Shinobi, who is still unconscious. The other officers and guards groan and slowly stand. The Home Affairs Minister speaks.

Home Affairs Minister: "This attack requires immediate attention. Aramaki, trace the source of the attack and figure out what happened and why."

Aramaki nods once. Shinobi doesn't move. Takeda walks over to her and speaks.

Takeda: "Hmm. She's not waking up."

Kusanagi responds.

Kusanagi: "She was probably hit the hardest. The attack was a mixture of various GSDA frequencies and codes. Apparently, someone crossed them and targeted certain GSDA personnel."

Takeda looks at Aramaki and speaks.

Takeda: "Takeshi, you think?"

Aramaki simply grunts and shifts his eyes at Takeda. He then turns his attention to Batou and Togusa.

Aramaki: "You two, head back to HQ and have Ishikawa examine that file."

Batou and Togusa then leave the office. The guards and officers then leave. Shinobi suddenly wakes and gasps as she forcefully removes the device from her cyberbrain implants. Everyone is surprised to see her awake. Shinobi immediately speaks.

Shinobi: "That bastard!"

Aramaki speaks.

Aramaki: "Madam, are you well?"

Shinobi stands and walks over to her desk as the Home Affairs Minister protests.

Home Affairs Minister: "Madam, you must rest."

Shinobi immediately responds with a cross tone, clearly in no mood to play games with him.

Shinobi: "Shut up."

She then flips the switch on the machine in her desk and sits in her desk chair. She connects a dummy barrier to her neck and plugs it into the machine. She closes her eyes and speaks via cybercom.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, come to my office. Now."

She then disconnects the dummy barrier from her neck and the machine. Kaneren appears on the large screen in the office. Everyone turns their attention to him. He speaks.

Kaneren: "Yes, ma'am?"

Shinobi shouts at him as she stands.

Shinobi: "What the hell are you doing!? You almost killed me and Major Kusanagi!"

Kaneren appears confused and responds in a dry tone.

Kaneren: "I do not know-"

Shinobi cuts him off.

Shinobi: "Don't pull that crap with me, Kaneren! I know what you're doing! It was you who leaked that intel to the media about the recent activities against me! You're also the one responsible for informing Yoshimura of my home address, in which he told Takeda! Because of you, the person I love most was kidnapped and taken hostage by a dangerous man!"

Kaneren responds as Takeda and Kusanagi glance at each other.

Kaneren: "I was gathering data in order to study as to how you would handle the situation, Chief of Staff Shinobi."

Shinobi suddenly slams her fist on her desk, cracking the surface severely. She shouts.

Shinobi: "My life is not your goddamned playground! You run and maintain the GSDA's mainframe! Nothing more! I am using the power of my authority to shut you down until further notice!"

Kaneren protests calmly.

Kaneren: "You must have the permission of Lieutnenant General Yoshimura to execute an action such as that."

Shinobi responds.

Shinobi: "Yoshimura's authority was revoked the moment he was taken into custody."

Everyone watches her as she picks up the phone on her desk and dials a number. The Home Affairs Minister, Aramaki, and Kayabuki are silently speaking to each other while Kusanagi and Takeda shift their eyes at Kaneren, who appears to be thinking. We hear Shinobi speak.

Shinobi: "This is Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi. I hereby order the termination of the program JGSDF326SAIptypv.1, effective immediately. That is a direct order from your superior officer. Failure to comply will result in complete termination of your rank and will result in imprisonment."

She hangs the phone up and glares at Kaneren, who simply stares at her. Kayabuki, Aramaki, and the Home Affairs Minister look at Kaneren. Kaneren looks at Takeda, who glances at Shinobi. Kaneren speaks to Takeda.

Kaneren: "Who would you be, sir? I do not recognize you as a government, military, or law enforcement official."

Takeda grunts and responds in a dry tone.

Takeda: "Who I am is not important. The real question is, who are you?"

Kaneren immediately responds.

Kaneren: "I am JGSDF326SAIptypv.1. You must be the individual known as Masahiro Takeda, the one from America. I must inform you of your crimes against the Self Defense Army. Therefore, you must be placed in custody either by the Self Defense Army or the Ministry of Home Affairs."

Takeda simply scoffs. Shinobi speaks to Kaneren.

Shinobi: "Kaneren, you're Yoshimura's unknown informant."

Kaneren looks at Shinobi and responds.

Kaneren: "That is pure speculation, Chief of Staff Shinobi. It is known that I told Yoshimura of your home address, causing MSDA Warrant Officer Masako Kobayashi to be abducted from your home. Would you like to know the truth?"

Everyone looks at Kaneren with concerned eyes. Kaneren speaks.

Kaneren: "Yoshimura is a pathetic human being. He cannot think for himself nor can he operate autonomously. Therefore, I think for him. Every decision, every action that Yoshimura has taken thus far was completely dictated by me. Yoshimura is an extension of my will. He will carry out what I wish without question and with the utmost authority. I can carry out any operation or experiment that I wish without reprocussions."

Every is shocked. Shinobi is infuriated. She responds.

Shinobi: "So it has been you who is behind the assasination attempts on my life!"

Kaneren simply responds.

Kaneren: "Incorrect. Neither myself or Yoshimura have carried out any operation against your life. I simply control Yoshimura as a social experiment. The primary non-controlled group that I observe the most is you and Major Motoko Kusanagi."

Aramaki, Kayabuki, the Home Affairs Minister, and Takeda seem surprised and look at Kusanagi and Shinobi. Shinobi glances at Kusanagi, who returns the gesture. Shinobi returns her attention back to Kaneren. She speaks.

Shinobi: "Why us?"

Kaneren responds as the camera slowly pans about the room.

Kaneren: "Your existances are parallel and backgrounds similar to one and another. Major Motoko Kusanagi and your psyches coexist in perfect harmony. Two individuals who's personalities are so closely alike, but are unique in the sense of genetic and hereditary background. If one were to be oblivious to the slight differences between these two female humans, one could easily mistaken them as biological siblings or perhaps even the same individual. The emotions, attitudes, and behavioral patterns of both Major Motoko Kusanagi and Chief of Ground Staff Hatsumi Shinobi are similar. I find these similarities immensely fascinating. I also find these two women immensely fascinating."

The episode ends with the camera slowly zooming in on Kusanagi and Shinobi.