Just as Kentaro and Ken were finishing up Ken's communicator chimed.
"Ken here, Hakase."
"Meet in my office at 1500 Gatchaman and bring Red Impulse with you."
The team and Red Impulse sat in Nambu's office.
They were studying the photos and maps Hakase had displayed on the wall. He flipped through the location and base layout.
"Hakase, we'll get in the base alright." Ken stated. 'I'm worried about getting past security to get into the lower levels. How do we get past the DNA scanners. If the entrance is only keyed to a few people's specific sequences, how do we get past it."
Jinpei, Jun and Nambu had been working on it. What they proposed should work in theory. It had worked on the mockups.
Nambu explained , "The way we believe the sequencer program works is when it gets an incorrect sequence it raises an alarm. The captured Galactor routines raise the alarm call to a separate program.. We aren't trying to stop the program from raising an alarm. We just trap the call to the external program .
We feed it data extremely rapidly until we get the correct hit. The sequence program has a partial matching algorithm, so once a partial sequence is correct it will only have to crack the unmatched portion. It should allow you to work rapidly."
"Hakase, how do we take the place down? If they have what Red Impulse suspects, we'll lay waste to 100 miles around the base at least and probably even more. We'll contaminate the whole area."
Nambu sighed.
"The first priority will be to destroy the base and the arsenal at all costs. Otherwise the damage could be far greater.."
The team gasped. It was unusual for Hakase gave such a sweeping order without considering the implications to the towns and people around the area.
"If you can neutralize the warheads do it otherwise destroy the place. We'll go in immediately after and treat for any contamination. The priority is to destroy it before they get a chance to use it. If they get to unleash it, we won't be able to stop them the damage will be too widespread."
They all understood. It was ugly but necessary. They would
lay waste to Huntworl if it would spare the rest of the world.
Nambu continued.
"Red Impulse take point with Joe and Ken. Jun and Jinpei will work on gaining access to the secure levels once the area has been secured. Then once inside the lower levels Jun, Joe and Jinpei will plant the explosives. They will be on a fail safe 20-30 minute timer. Once the sequence is started that's it. "
They all nodded. Nambu meant to see this base leveled. He wanted to be sure no threat ever got big enough again to cause the type of misery so many people had suffered in the previous wars.
That night Ken went to the Snack J with the others. Kentaro was having dinner with Nambu privately.
They sat down over dinner and wine. Both men had several glasses of wine and were allowing themselves to forget about duty for one evening.
Nambu had been pressing Kentaro for details on his operation in Huntworl. He was surprised to learn the extent of the operation. Kentaro would not give Nambu full details. Nambu was not surprised.
"I took over Rafael's resources. Once I realized what was happening I put someone in place to watch the team and you. I was worried your identities had been revealed. My agent verified you were all safe."
Nambu almost choked when Kentaro informed him he had been spying on them.
"How did you find us? Never mind maybe I don't want to know."
Kentaro always worked on a need to know basis. Nambu sometimes wondered what he didn't know. What he did know was scary enough.. Nambu had learned long ago not to question or ask about his methods.
"I wouldn't tell you even if I could. "Kentaro scolded.
"I know--I know-- then you'd have to kill me." Nambu intoned dramatically.
Kentaro laughed softly.
Still he had not been able to determine who the mole was. He would not reveal his agent's name until this was over. Nambu reluctantly agreed and changed the topic to more general conversation.
Nambu poured them both cordials as they sat in large chairs before a burning fire.
Kentaro was lost in thought.
After over twenty years in exile and hiding, he wanted the routine things in life. For so many years he had thrived on the thrill and excitement. He had made his choices and done his duty. He had done what was needed. The price had been high though.
Sometimes it seemed too high. He wondered now had it been worth it?
He shook himself from his reverie. Introspection was never one of his habits. In his line of work, thinking or feeling too much could be deadly. It was essentially a useless exercise. He couldn't change anything anyway.
He sighed "It must be the liquor." he thought.
"What will you do next my friend? You know you have a place here." Nambu asked handing Kentaro a drink.
"Maybe that son of mine will finally give me some grandchildren to bounce on my knee." Kentaro said wistfully.
Nambu laughed as he caught Kentaro's tone. "You, acting as the happy doting grandfather?" He ribbed Kentaro.
"I'm tired Kozi. It's time for this old spy to come in from the cold." Kentaro sighed.
"I just want to walk down the street without looking over my shoulder all the time."
Kentaro leaned back in the chair closing his eyes as the liquor mellowed him. He allowed himself this one indulgence knowing at least tonight he was safe.
Nambu studied his old friend as he fell into a light doze. He was startled how tired and worn he looked. He realized suddenly that the decision they made all those years ago had come at a horrible price.
Kentaro dozed in his chair, while Nambu watched. Who would have ever imagined it would turned out as it did, certainly not them in their youth. He smiled remembering all the times they had carried each other home from one dive or another. All the grand plans they had for each other. Now his friend simply wanted his life back, and maybe a few grandchildren to enjoy.
"Come on old man." Nambu stated shaking Kentaro. "You're too big..."
Nambu was shaken as Kentaro came flying out of his chair his hands on Nambu's throat before he was even fully awake. He released Nambu, apologizing as he realized where he was.
"Sorry, Kozi. It's not a good idea to startle..." Kentaro started to apologize.
Nambu waved the apology away stopping him.
Silently Nambu vowed his friend would have his life back as he
placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know better old friend. I just forgot. " He said smiling. "You always were disagreeable waking up anyway."
"You're one to talk." Kentaro replied laughing. "I think I'm done for the night."
Nambu agreed and led them to their rooms for the night.