Free Godzilla Returns by Marc Cerasini

responsibility to our network and our viewers. INN needs a science correspondent on this story, so call Mr. Gordon, please."
    May did not argue further. She tossed her long auburn hair and headed for her desk. But when she left her boss's office, she closed the door behind her a little too hard. Endicott sighed again.
    "Excuse me for a moment," he said to Brian and Yoshi. Then he lifted the cover off of his laptop computer and began to type. Five silent and uncomfortable minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
    "Come in," Endicott said, closing his computer.
    "Hiya, chief," Nick said, stepping into the room wearing a cocky smile. "You called?"
    "Sit down. Gordon," Endicott said, pointing to an empty chair. Nick sat down, flashing a toothy grin at Brian and Yoshi. May stepped into the office and closed the door behind her. Endicott looked at the four of them, and then spoke.
    "The Pusan ferry sank this morning," he began. "Casualties were moderate, mostly because the captain got out an early distress call. But the real scoop here is that the ferry was attacked ."
    Endicott paused dramatically to gauge their surprised reactions. "The ferry was attacked by the prehistoric monster called Godzilla."
    Nick's grin disappeared. Brian looked at Yoshi, who paled visibly. May nodded, her face serious. Finally, Brian cleared his throat and spoke.
    "But Godzilla is supposed to be dead," he said.
    "Well, it seems reports of Godzilla's death have been greatly exaggerated," Endicott replied. At that moment, his telephone buzzed. Endicott lifted the receiver. "Yes!" he barked.
    Endicott listened for a moment then nodded. "Send them up," he said and hung up.
    "They're here, May," Endicott said to his assistant. May rose and left the room.
    "The Japanese government is about to announce Godzilla's return," Endicott continued. "The network brass has ordered me to assign a science correspondent and a cameraman to cover the activities of the two men you are about to meet."
    "Why?" Nick asked seriously. "Who are these guys?"
    "'These guys' are among the world's only experts on Godzilla - if there can be such a thing," Endicott replied. "These two men, and dozens of others, have worked together in total secrecy for over forty years, preparing for the possible return of the monster."
    "If their work was so secret," Brian interrupted, "how come we know about them?"
    "A fair question," Endicott said. "A few years ago, one of these men retired from his government's service. His name is Dr. Hiroshi Nobeyama -"
    "The molecular biologist who won the Nobel in 1997?" Nick interrupted.
    "The very same," Endicott nodded. "Dr. Nobeyama has been working as a scientific consultant for our parent company, International Science Systems. But this afternoon, when it was learned that Godzilla had returned, he was recalled to active duty to head a special defense task force established by the Japanese government during this crisis.
    "Dr. Nobeyama has, of course, agreed to help but requested that INN be given exclusive coverage of his group's activities. To everyone's amazement, the government has agreed to this."
    Endicott paused, scanning the three youthful faces before him. "It is a remarkable opportunity, gentlemen," he said. "You will be at the very center of the crisis, for as long as it lasts."
    "Why us? " Nick asked, clearly excited by the prospect. "Why not Max Hulse?"
    "Max Hulse stays in Tokyo. He is doing our on-camera work," Endicott replied. "And if it were up to me, you would not be here, Mr. Gordon. You are merely a replacement for Blackthorn Adams - and not a very good one, in my estimation."
    "Yeah, I like you, too," Nick shot back. Endicott ignored the insubordination.
    "Mr. Masahara is here because he is one of our best new field cameramen - and I can almost spare him."
    Endicott's eyes fell on Brian. "Mr. Shimura is a special case. He is here because his services were specifically requested."
    "The network wants me? " Brian asked.
    Just then,