"Ahh…"Bantegron finally ready all fully operational." Count Egobossler didn't hold back his glee and slapped Matt whole heartedly on the back as they both looked upon the huge beast. "You have no idea how happy I am to see your work of engineering go up against the Science Ninja Team. It has a bittersweet flavour to it don't you think?"
Bittersweet… Matt thought why would it be bittersweet for him? Thinking a little more on it he supposed on close personal level it was since they had once saved his family from a doomed bridge being destroyed by Galactor and he had created a magnificent iron beast. Something he should be proud of it, but to look at it only welled up deep dread inside of him. And now Egobossler wants him onboard it to top it all off.
"I'll have you issued a proper uniform of course, no sense sending you along with the men in plain clothes is there. It's much better to feel part of the team." Count Egobossler's broad grin returned to his icy blue features. "This will be a victory for all of us Matt Butler, in more ways than you can imagine…"
"I can imagine it will be a joyful reunion with my wife once you have your victory." Matt hinted. Matt smiled enough to hide his true feelings- he longed to know if his family were safe.
"You'll see them soon enough my friend, then you'll all be together in a way that no one can every tear you apart. Won't that be wonderful." Egobossler smirked. Matt felt a cold shiver run down his spine at his words.
"Does this mean I'll be able to see my wife and son tomorrow?" He asked hoping to be out of the base as soon as he could get leave from Count Egobossler to visit them sooner rather than later.
"Not yet…"Count Egobossler's smile ran from his face momentarily." I need you onboard Bantegron to ensure first hand that everything goes according to plan before we launch it in a few days." Egobossler's face hardened and his voice lowered into a hateful whisper. "I want to destroy Gatchaman in every way possible, I want him to know what I do to those who get in the way of my ambitions. We'll shatter him in such a way he'll die knowing he caused the death of those he tried to protect… you'll see, our victory will be complete. "
Matt tried to hide his terror in that suggestion and the tone of voice Egobossler had just taken on. No way did he want to on board Bantegron when it came up against Gatchaman. Especially if he was protecting someone close to him.
"Is that necessary? I won't be needed here until the mission is ready to go-"He tried to say, Egobossler cut him by holding up a gloved hand.
"Of course you're needed on Bantegron over the next few days. I feel the reason the others failed was because my engineers didn't play enough of an active part in the missions." His smile returned broader than ever. Matt could see the man was enjoying some kind of private joke with himself.
Damn please with yourself over something aren't you Matt thought trying not to look at him He gazed up at the monster before him.
"You made a promise Count Egobossler." Matt said looking at the feared yet respected leader of Galactor.
"I'm a man of my word Matt…we have a deal and I'll keep my end of the bargain as long as you keep yours." Egobossler said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Matt didn't need to say any more, it looked like his fate had just been dealt out to him whether he liked it or not.
* * * *
The call to battle once more jolted Jun out of her deep slumber. Rubbing her eyes she'd be grateful for the exhaustion that forced her into a dreamless sleep after what felt like hours of tossing and turning from worrying about Ken's illness and the lack of solutions the medical team had been coming up with to reverse the effects of the hypershoot.
"Jun." Ken's weak voice came through her communicator.
"Ken, what's wrong?" She asked frowning at her wrist.
"Just needed to hear your voice that's all." He said hoarsely.
"You need to rest Ken, doctors orders-"Jun heard him cough.
"Leave the lectures to me, it's my speciality, ask Joe he'll tell you." She could see him trying to smile through the communicator. Making her smile back.
"That's true Ken…I'll leave them to you. Good night." Silence fell for a second before he responded.
"Come down here…please…I hate medical wards…I…" Ken's voice held an undertone of something else- Desperation hung at the edges.
"I'll be there soon Ken- do they have a comfy chair?" She queried.
"Yeah…think so, if not I can move over. See ya soon." He joked.
"You bet." She said pulling back her warm bed sheets she picked up her pillow and headed down to the medical bay. Ken would be having more tests run on him the morning this time by Dr. Nambu and another specialist. He needed his rest and if her company help him to that then she was more than happy to sacrifice some of hers.