<strong>Captain Solomon Mathias</strong>(http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Captain_Solomon_Matthias)<br/><hr/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"In my analysis, the conventional forces deployed against Gazardiel accomplished absolutely nothing, except risking their lives unneccisarily.  The MAGI have calculated that a simple observation squadron of VTOLs should be sufficient to guard Babylon, so I am recalling as many of our assets as possible into the central fortifications.  We will make this a true fortress city." </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Captain Mathias did an admirable job of keeping his face utterly devoid of emotion during the debriefing.  Only a truly keen set of eyes would have been able to notice the slight twitch of his left brow, or the almost imperceptible tightening of his jaw.  Just when it seemed that things had reached their boiling point, he spoke.<br/><br/><strong>"With all due respect, ma'am, I believe that your judgment concerning the value of our conventional forces is premature."</strong>It was with the utmost confidence that he defied her conclusion, even in spite of the power of the computer brains silently backing her every word.<strong>"While I cannot deny that mistakes were made today--mistakes that will be addressed <em>thoroughly</em>,"</strong>he added with a cold glance in Wedge's direction,<strong>"I also believe that our total effect upon the angel was not as negligible as you imply it to have been.  Our VTOL squadrons in particular performed admirably in the face of a superior foe, and it was their weapons that fully exposed the core to attack in the battle's final moments."</strong><br/><br/><strong>"I understand your concerns.  Gazardiel's assault proved that our weapons, our defenses, and even our tactics are not yet up to par with the capabilities of this alien threat.  But I object to the notion that our best solution is to hunker down and hide behind walls while these <em>Evangelions</em> perform all of the heavy lifting.  If we are to succeed in the long-term, we must bolster ourselves on every front.  It's not enough to have a superior offense or defense.  We simply cannot afford to be found wanting in any capacity.  That means making do with what we have available <em>now</em>, and seeking more effective measures in the future."</strong><br/><br/>Captain Mathias hesitated at Ragnall's request, seeming to weigh the benefits and costs of allowing the pilot to speak.  At last he nodded.<strong>"Permission granted."</strong>