a flash of light hits the center of Tokyo-3, then releases devastating infrared and visible laser beams

Misato: What was that!?

Hyuga: We don’t know, but it seems to be emitting a bunch of gamma radiation and plasma.

Misato: This might be a threat! Asuka, Shinji, Kaworu, and Rei, get in your units right this instant!

Asuka, Shinji, Kaworu, and Rei: Yes ma’am!

they all get in their units