If the Shoe Fits…Part 5
Jun packed a few belongings, ready to leave her civilian life behind. She quickly scribbled a note on a piece of paper and placed it on her bed, along with another object of great importance to her.
Walking out into the bar area, she hesitated a moment to say goodbye to Ken and Jinpei.
She tried not to get emotional, but it was hard for her to fight back the tears.
Jun hugged Jinpei, and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "You be good for everyone, ok? Listen to your Aniki, and don't cause trouble. I love you, Jinpei. Remember that, no matter what happens…"
Jinpei's eyes widened in shock. Why was she acting like she'd never see him again? "Okay, sis, whatever you say. I'll see you soon, you know…why are you getting so overemotional? Geez!" He wiped the kiss off of his forehead in mock disgust.
She then walked over to Ken and hugged him. "I just want to say thanks… for everything. Take care of Jinpei for me while I'm gone, will you?" Ken patted her on the back as she embraced him. He looked over at Jinpei with a questioning look. Has Jun gone insane? "It'll be ok, Jun. Don't worry; we'll get this whole thing straightened out."
Jun smiled warmly at both of them as she left. Without looking back, she rushed over to her motorcycle and sped away.
Jinpei stared at Ken. "What's with her?"
"I don't know, just upset about this whole mess, I guess. I'm going to call the team together to talk to Dr. Nambu. We need a plan." Ken started toward the door.
Leaping over the bar to join him, Jinpei yelled, "Hey! Wait! I'm coming, too!"
Meanwhile Jun raced down the road on her bike. Riding had always relaxed her. Perhaps it was the ever present roar of the engine and vibrations lulling her into deep meditation. Sometimes, she'd just take a ride into the countryside just to take her mind off things. Thoughts of her teammates drifted through her mind. I can't endanger them any longer. I know they'll understand. I had to do it...me being on the team was going to give away their identities as well, if it hasn't already. I'm going to miss them…
Tears rolled sideways down her cheeks as the wind caught them and blew them back behind her. Her long, dark curls flickered behind her like ebony flames as she drove into the mountains.
Dr. Nambu had been alerted of the urgent situation and was waiting for the team's arrival. He had a copy of the news report and was playing and replaying it, trying to figure out exactly who was responsible for impersonating Jun.
He had his back to the door, but began to address the team the instant they entered the room. "Impressive disguise. Katse, no doubt. I'm assuming this is why you've come."
"Yes, Hakase… I've sent Jun to stay at the base… for her protection." Ken added.
"What are we going to do?" Jinpei asked impatiently.
"We need to convince Katse that Jun is not a part of the Science Ninja Team. But first, we need to catch that imposter, so we can clear Jun's name."
"What are we gonna do? Go undercover?" Tiny shrugged his shoulders.
"No. That's not gonna work. If this is really Katse we're talking about, they're not going to send out the imposter again, the goal of the robberies was to flush Jun out….and the damage has already been done. Now the police and all of Utoland will be looking for her." Joe got up from the couch and paced over to the door.
Ken balled up a fist and punched his other hand. "How much you wanna bet that the officers who are waiting to arrest her belong to Katse?"
"Hey…I got it!" Jinpei snapped his fingers in jubilation. "What if we go into the police station and tell them we've found Jun? Then the officers that go with us to arrest her will probably be from Galactor!"
"Exactly what I was thinking, Jinpei…and you're just the guy for the job!" Ken smiled at the courageous Swallow. "You're going to bring them straight to us…so we can do some …interrogating…"
"Hopefully, they can help us catch that fake Jun!" Ryu added.
Nambu spoke up. "Go Science Ninja Team, and catch that imposter! I pray for your success."