[ To tell him it's not an order is to return the reins attached to his leash back to his own hands. It would disempower her and her authority. To tell him he doesn't have to open his mind to another would be similarly disingenuous if she wants, still, to know him and be close to him. Then there are Kaji's warnings of instrumentality by any other name. Even so, even so. ]

Who are they? The ones in your brood?

[ Brood, brood. Say the word, Shinji. That's the only way to pull out its teeth and claws and turn it no more threatening than a house cat. ]

It shouldn't scare you to hear them share things like that, it's just something to get used to. It's like learning to be a good neighbor, right?