Blast from the Past- 28

Jinpei and Neil wasted no time in getting to BC Island.

"There's the God Phoenix! It's hidden behind those trees!" Jinpei grinned as he pointed to the familiar red and blue aircraft on his scanner.

"Ryu! Come in, Ryu! Are you there?"

More static. "Damn!" Disgruntled, Jinpei shook his head. "They're still jamming the frequency."

Neil rubbed Jinpei's head playfully. "Well, we're right here, Jinpei, let's go down and see if anyone's there!"

Jinpei scowled. "I know! I know!" Neil was becoming as annoying as the rest of his family. Although, Jinpei had to admit that he enjoyed the attention.

"The entire government of BC Island is run by Berg Katse. It's hard to know who you can trust, and who is under Galactor control around here. Don't trust anyone. We must stay out of sight as much as possible." Neil warned as the buggy landed.

Two shadows appeared from the gaping mouth of Jinpei's G4. They slipped silently through the high grass, keeping an eye out for the enemy. The moon was setting in the west, and behind them, pale oranges and pinks announced the dawning of a new day.

They entered the God Phoenix only to find it depressingly empty.

Neil rubbed his chin as he thought about the information that was given to him on the long bus ride home. Little George kept talking about his friend Joe, and how they had found George's parents, and the rest of the prisoners in the mines. The mines lead down to the prison…

Jinpei plopped down at his station and scanned the area for any sign of the team. The only information he could get was that Jun's G3 and Joe's G2 were missing. So they must have split up for a search. The question was…where?

"They went out to search for us, but I don't know where they went. They could be anywhere, Aniki. Where do you think we should start?"

"I'll bet they headed straight to the center of Galactor control, City Hall." Neil stared intently at the view screen as if it would show him exactly where his sister and the others had gone.

Jinpei stood up. "So what are we waiting for, let's go to City Hall!"

"Whoa, Jinpei!" Neil held out his hand. "It's not that easy. City Hall is crawling with guards and security cameras. We'll have to sneak in the back way, through the mines."

Jinpei rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Then he looked up at the newest addition to his family. "You know, Aniki, you're an ok guy to have tag along on missions."

Neil chuckled. "Thanks, Jinpei, you're not so bad yourself."

The proud little Swallow blushed, and then puffed out his chest importantly. "Come on. It's time for us to go save the day!"

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"Hey, Jun, you look a little groggy, there. You sure you're ok?" Ryu leaned forward to check on Jun, who was still reeling from being drugged.

"The dart that took Jun out was intended for me. I think it's taking longer to get out of her system because she weighs less than the rest of us. Whatever they gave us packed one hell of a punch!" Ken remarked as he watched Jun struggle to keep her eyes open.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps coming down the stairs to the prison. Bright lights blinded them momentarily.

"Cameras? What's this, Katse? You're in the film business, now?" Joe sneered as his eyes adjusted to the brilliant white flash.

"Very funny, Condor, you can be my first star!" Katse cackled menacingly. "We are broadcasting live, all over the world, at this very moment. The world will learn very quickly that Galactor is in control now. The entire world will bow down to me!"

"I wouldn't count on it, Katse! You haven't captured all of the Science Ninja Team!" Ken growled.

Katse doubled over with laughter. "You fool! Do you expect me, the great Berg Katse, to be afraid of the little Swallow? He's just a boy!"

"Don't underestimate him, Katse. He may be small, but he's just as powerful as the rest of us!" Ken snapped.

Joe tugged against his chains. "Why don't you release me and fight like a man, you coward! No weapons…you and me!"

Katse walked over to the livid Condor and pushed a gloved index finger under his chin. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Sorry I can't accommodate your wishes, Condor, but I can make you beg for mercy for the whole world to see! Guard, my whip!"

A green suited goon came over immediately and placed a metal whip into Katse's outstretched hand.

Katse backed carefully away from the Condor and walked over to Jun. Her head still hung low, as she tried to shake off the drug's effects.

"Tsk, tsk." Katse's tongue clicked in mock dismay. "Your little Swan is having trouble waking up, isn't she?" Aqua eyes shifted over to view the horrified looks on her teammate's faces as they realized what he was about to do.

Ken's eyes grew wide as he attempted to speak. He wanted to stop Katse, but no words came out of his mouth. The reality that Katse was about to hurt his beloved Swan, while he stood by doing nothing, was too much for him to bear.

"It's me you want, Katse, not her!" Joe shouted, trying to disguise the fear in his voice.

"Oh, yes, this will do just fine. I think the girl will be the first star of the show." Shiny, pink lips curled as Katse backed away and lifted his whip.

Jun lifted her head and gritted her teeth in preparation for the first strike. She vowed silently not to let Katse break her.