Chapter 31
Joe and Jun retraced their steps from their last visit to the base. After going through the secret panel, they went down the stairs and continued through the hall until finally arriving at the door of the room where Ken, Ryu, and Jinpei had been held.
"Where is everyone?" Jun asked, "We haven't seen a single goon!"
"They've let their guard down. They didn't think we'd be back this fast," Joe replied, a tinge of suspicion in his voice.
"I'm not too sure about this." Jun continued uneasily, "It's almost too easy. I don't like it and I don't like being back here."
"Do you remember the promise I made to you when we were here earlier? I promised you that I wouldn't let anything hurt us."
Jun smiled shyly. Just the sound of Joe's voice at that moment made her feel safe.
"Yes, I remember," she answered softly. "And I trust you..." she trailed off as she lifted her eyes to meet Joe's. Joe gently took her hand in his.
"That's a promise I intend to keep." he whispered.
Joe and Jun stood there for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. Then, coming back to the reality around him, Joe broke their tie.
"We need to find that microchip." he said.
"Right..." Jun replied and removed her hand from his.
The Condor and the Swan listened for any sounds beyond the closed door, but everything was silent. Carefully Joe opened the door and cautiously surveyed the room.
"It's clear." he announced after finding it empty. Jun came in behind him.
"Joe, I really don't like this. Something isn't right."
"I know. But we have to find the microchip and get it back to Hakase." Even as the words came out of his mouth, Joe knew this wasn't very reassuring, But he also knew that if he didn't concentrate on the task at hand, he would be just as on edge as Jun was.
The Condor and the Swan canvassed the perimeter of the room. After searching with no results, Jun turned her attention to the center of the room.
"Joe, look!" she called and pointed to the platform where the retractable dome sat.
As they made their way to the platform, a small glint caught Jun's eye.
"Joe! There it is! The microchip! It's on the platform! Ken, Ryu, and Jinpei must have taken it from that goon then dropped it when they were gassed."
As Jun ran to retrieve the microchip, Joe's bracelet started to beep.
"Joe, this is Nambu. I just received an urgent message from the medical wing. Ken has escaped..."
"Nani?!"
"I believe he's on his way to the base..."
Joe instantly looked up at the door.
"Too late..." he said quietly.
Ken was already at the door, in Birdstyle, the maniacal look again in his eye.