Blast from the Past-7

Ken and Jun left Neil to get some rest and found Dr. Nambu talking to Joe in the hallway.

Joe glanced at the pair as he continued to speak. "I don't care if he's Jun's long lost friend. He worked for Gallactor…and I don't trust him!"

Jun sobbed openly as she snapped, "That man risked his own life, and the lives of his parents for us! How can you say that?"

Joe turned his back to Jun. It was always difficult for him to see her cry. He felt so many emotions: anger, fear, sorrow, and even compassion for a man who seemed to have been raised in a similar situation to his own. But how do we know this isn't a trick? Those Gallactor bastards are so brainwashed…they'd do anything to stop us.

"Joe, I need you to go to BC Island undercover. Find Neil's parents and bring them here. They'll be killed if we don't save them quickly." Ken's eyes bore a hole through Joe's back. Joe didn't answer; he just nodded slowly and stalked off.

"Ken?" Jun's pleading stare tugged at her Commander's heart. "What will happen to Neil?"

"After some more tests are completed, he will be free to go." Nambu interjected, "He has been resting comfortably for a few days now; and he is healing very well. His bandages can be removed tomorrow; although he'll still have to take it easy for a few days."

"He can stay with me. I'll take care of him!" Jun was eager to catch up on old times with her friend.

Nambu shook his head. "I'm afraid not, this time, Jun. I know he's your friend, but he has been through too much Gallactor brainwashing. I believe it will be safer for him to stay with Ken."

"What?" Ken and Jun simultaneously questioned the Doctor, both faces bearing a stunned appearance.

"But, Dr. Nambu, where am I going to put him?" Ken asked, scratching his head.

"You have a couch, don't you? Put it to good use." Nambu grinned and walked away from the pair. He could hear Ken mumbling curses at him under his breath.

Joe drove down the highway, reflecting on Neil's story. It certainly seemed real enough…I remember the Seaside bakery. We used to steal donuts from the cases as kids. Boy, those were good.

I can't believe I'm going back to the island. So many ghosts there…

Joe pulled out a case full of weapons and put on his disguise. Then, he drove onto the ferry, got out of the car, and stood on the deck. The sun was setting, forming bands of misty color on the horizon. The wind felt good blowing through his wavy, brown hair. He could smell the salty ocean air…it brought back memories of a vacation spent on a beach many years ago.