G.I. JOE
Season Three - Episode 1
"A New Darkness"
The battle had not been going well for Cobra. Joe Conquests made strafing runs on the Cobra H.I.S.S. tanks and Stuns as they retreated for cover in the nearby jungle. Joe A.P.C.s hit the beach of Cobra island unloading dozens of Joe regulars who stormed the area. On board the U.S.S. Flagg General Hawk was taking into observation the battle on a video screen in the command tower. The footage was coming via Lift-Ticket's own Tomahawk who was circling the battle zone.
"Has there been a great deal of resistance from opposing forces Duke", General Hawk said turning to the First Officer.
"Like intel said General, Cobra never saw us coming. With no one to dictate total control over them since the destruction of Cobra-La and Serpentor's disappearance Cobra barely has the muscle left to put up any real resistance."
"Still I'd rather waited until we could be sure this invasion would work. Cobra may be bleeding but that doesn't mean they're dead just yet."
-----
Joe H.A.V.O.C.s and Persuaders were already beginning to be deployed on the beach as the Joe's tightened control of the area.
"Get the rest of those Recon Sleds up and running we got to keeping pushing until we've wiped out those snakes", Beach Head said yelling to the grunts who were assembling the new equipment.
In the nearby jungle the movement of machinery could be heard. Gears turned and shells locked as some unknown object silently lifted itself into the air. Suddenly a large 'boom' rang out and before the Joes knew what hit them a H.A.V.O.C. exploded into a ball of fire. The Joe troops looked around taken completely off guard by the blast as more explosions rang out slamming into the Joes spread out position.
"Hit the deck! It's an artillery barrage", Beach Head yelled to the surrounding Joes as they all went scrambling for cover. Cross Country in his own H.A.V.O.C. tried maneuvering it to safety when he heard a familiar whizzing sound. He jumped down from the driver seat and crouched down on the beach sand just in time to avoid being obliterated with his H.A.V.O.C.
Falcon and Jinx dove for cover as a shell hit exploded right behind them. Falcon looked to Jinx. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine, but if this keeps up I'm going to need a hearing aid."
"Falcon, Jinx, over here." The two looked up and saw Beach Head waving to them from over a sand dune. Falcon helped Jinx up and they made it to the dune and dove for cover behind it as another explosion sent sand flying everywhere.
Beach Head, Tunnel Rat, Chuckles, Sci-Fi, Leatherneck, and Roadblock had all taken cover behind the same dune, with the rest of the Joes scattered elsewhere. Even though the Joes seemed to have retreated back to the beach far enough to avoid the range of whatever was firing at them, but the barrage just continued.
"Whoever's firing those shots has got one happy trigger finger."
"You said it Roadblock", Falcon commented, "I thought Cobra didn't have an artillery on this side of the island Beach Head?"
"They don't. They're A.S.P. emplacements are guarding their air field."
"Then what the hell is turning this beach into Swiss cheese?", Tunnel Rat yelled over the noise of explosions.
-----
Back in the jungle, the Cobra trainer Big Boa was standing next to one of a group of seven Maggots, as it fired long range ammo at the beach where the Joes landed. He was watching the Maggots progress thanks to Cobra's own eyes in the sky, namely a group of Tele-Vipers shooting snap shots from their Trouble Bubbles. As he watched the live footage he was approached by two more of Cobra's ranking officers.
"Why don't you give it a rest Big Boa -"
"And let the Night Raven squadrons-"
"Take it from here", Tomax and Xamot said in unison.
"Orders. Besides, those Night Raven pilots would just get they're buts blown off by those Joe Conquests."
"That wasn't part of the plan Big Boa, you're just wasting ammunition", Tomax said.
"Order those W.O.R.M.S. to stop firing or we will", Xamot retorted backing up his brother as usual.
Big Boa simply turned to the Crimson Guard commanders and said, "Just try it."
Xamot and Tomax exchanged glances and summersaulted in the air in unison each preparing to execute a mid-air kick. But before they're feet could become planted in they're opponent's head, Big Boa caught both the Crimson Commanders feet and holding them in his hands lifted the twins into the air and slammed them into the ground. He then picked up Tomax and slammed his head against the side of the Maggot. The feel of the pain being felt by both brothers, Big Boa proceeded to continue to slam Tomax's head against the hard metal, each impact accompanied by a word or two.
"I"-SLAM-"don't"-SLAM-"anwser"-SLAM-"to you"-SLAM. With that last pounding Tomax dropped to the ground as both brothers lay unconscious on the muddy jungle floor.
-----
The command center of the Flagg was in a panic as battle commanders and communications operators shouted instructions over the airwaves to the Joes being assaulted on Cobra island.
"Dial-Tone have you been able to pinpoint where that artillery attack is coming from?"
"I've pinpointed their location General Hawk. The snakes are only 20 or so clicks from our forces position. I'm radioing Slip-Stream and the Conquest squadrons the coordinates now."
-----
Over the skies of Cobra island G.I. Joe Conquest jet fighters raced towards the Maggot emplacement.
"This is Slip-Stream, calling General Hawk, we found them and from what I can see Cobra has really come up with one hell of a piece of armor", he said as the Conquest zoomed over the Maggot's position.
As the Conquest jets passed over head, Big Boa picked up the radio attached to his belt and held it to his faceplate. "Big Boa calling Raptor, it's your turn."
-----
"Take out those things Slip-Stream whatever they are otherwise this whole operation will go up in smoke."
"Will do General Hawk." As Slipstream and the other Conquests began their attack on the Maggots one of the Conquests exploded as it was shot out of the sky. "Holy . . .", Slip-Stream started but was unable to finish as he swerved his jet away. "What in blue blazes!"
"Sir over there." As Slip-Stream looked as cued from his wing mate he saw a swarm of purple colored helicopters come right at him and the rest of the squadron. "What are those things Slip-Stream", the other pilot said panicked.
"I don't know but I doubt they're friendly." The Cobra Mambas opened fire with their 9MM machine guns shredding another Conquest. As pilots from both sides maneuvered in the fight the opposing sides started flying every which way exchanging fire. The Mambas being the latest and most sophisticated Cobra aerial weapons were able to hold their own against the Joe fighters. Another Joe fighter was downed when one of the Mambas launched a volley of "Diablo" supersonic missiles turning the Conquest to scrap. One Joe pilot thought he got the jump on one of the Mambas by maneuvering behind it. The Mamba launched it's detachable attack pods which turned around and fired on the Conquest setting it a blaze just before it exploded.
Most of the Joe jets had either been downed or were in retreat, but Slip- Stream was able to destroy two Mambas and was already gearing up for another when suddenly his windscreen was surrounded by falcons. Slip-Stream struggled to shake the birds that flew violently around the cockpit glass. Much to Slip-Stream's relief the falcons instantly departed, but his joy soon turned to fright as he noticed that he was about to collide with a sea- shore cliff. He pulled the eject lever just before the Conquest collided with the solid rock smashing it like a soda can.
-----
"General Hawk, most of Slip-Stream's squadron was just wiped out by some new Cobra attack chopper. Slip-Stream and the surviving pilots are requesting immediate evac."
"Radio Lift-Ticket, Mainframe to get them out of there fast. Duke?"
"Yes, sir!"
"We're pulling out our people now. Get a squad of SHARCs to cover the withdrawal of our troops at once."
-----
Deep-Six, Wet-Suit and Shipwreck scrambled past the Flagg's flight deck towards a group of SHARCs that had been prepped for take off.
"Come on let's get the lead out guys, we've got to get our boys out of there before Cobra improves their aim any more", Shipwreck said as he got into his SHARC.
"BWAK! So much for a day at the beach. BWAK!"
"Oh shut-up bird brain", Shipwreck spoke trying to get his pet parrot Polly to remain quiet. The SHARCs were about to launch from the Flagg when something shot out of the water in front of the carrier. Grey air craft zoomed through the sky heading straight up into the air and then diving back down again towards the Flagg in an attack pattern.
"What the . . .", Shipwreck started. He got out of the SHARC just in time to see the jets diving at his position. "Everyone out of the SHARCs now."
The Cobra Sea Rays opened fire on the SHARCs destroying each one row after row, allowing the pilots only a fraction of a second to get out of their ships. The three Sea Rays after destroying the parked SHARCs with their lasers zoomed away from the Flagg and then turned around for another assault. General Hawk and the others in the command tower observed the spectacle mouths gapping at the sight.
"Get the Dragonflys into the air and shoot those things down", Duke shouted to the air warden.
The Sea Rays however allowed little time for the Joes to man a counter attack as they attacked again launching their "Snake Attack" missiles at the Flagg's runways, elevator platforms, and every parked piece of air power still on the flight deck. After reducing the deck to gravel the Sea Rays dove back into the waters and disappeared from sight.
General Hawk looked to Dial Tone. "What about the amphibious transports and Whales where any of them hit?"
"No not a one General Hawk."
"Then tell them to pull our people out pronto."
-----
"New orders people. We're getting the hell out of here. I've just spoken to Hawk and it seems Cobra's not as under guarded as we thought."
"Oh really, I thought the shells flying over our heads were just their way of saying hello", Tunnel Rat retorted, prompting a scowl from Beach Head.
"Look there's the transport boats." As Sci-Fi correctly pointed out the Joes transportation has arrived and even with the Maggots continuing their barrage the Joe troops made a run for it. Falcon was running towards the one of the boats with the others when he saw Back-Stop still in his Persuader struggling to get it moving. The Persuader had hit a sand hole and had become stuck. Falcon rushed up to the Joe and jumped on the tank.
"Come on Back-Stop forget the damn tank, if we don't get going we'll miss our ride."
"I'm not leaving my wheels here Falcon, forget it."
All of a sudden without any warning what so ever the Maggot barrage stopped. The stop of the noise stunned the whole Joe army forcing them to look around to see what was going on. Falcon looked around more nervous then before, scenes from late night horror movies he'd seen as a kid flashing through his mind dredge up from the eerie and foreboding silence. Then out of nowhere a shrieking buzz sound screamed through the place so ear piercing that many of the Joes had to cover their ears upon hearing the noise. As Falcon looked around to pinpoint the source of the buzzing he saw something moving below the surface of the ground in a straight line, kicking up sand, and moving extremely fast.
"Blast it Back-Stop we've got to get out of here now." Back-Stop finally relented and got out of his seat. The two Joes jumped down off the Persuader as what was approaching them from under the sand rose and knocked into the Persuader. Falcon and Back-Stop looked back and saw a circular cutting machine rip right into the Persuader cutting it in half. Falcon and Back-Stop ran like crazy towards the last landing craft to depart and got in just as a Buzz Boar's missile impacted behind them on the beach. The craft pulled off the beach and started toward the Flagg as the Cobra Buzz Boars burrowed back underneath the protection of the sand.
-----
Inside the newly reconstructed Terror Drome on Cobra Island, the Joes systematic defeat on the land, the sea, and in the air was being monitored by a shadowy figure. Sitting alone in one of the Drome's war rooms and surrounded by live feed monitors that relayed the battle in perfect form he eyed the performance of the new Cobra vehicles and weapons with intense scrutiny. The solitude of the mysterious Cobra general was suddenly broken as the entrance door swished open and Destro, the Baroness, and Dr. Mindbender burst into the room. The three of them did not seem to be in good moods.
"What is the meaning of this", Destro demanded. "Why haven't you pressed the attack and crushed the Joes here and now."
"You're wasting a perfect opportunity to one up the Joes and make up for our losses at Cobra-La. We demand an explanation Blight", Mindbender chipped in.
"Enough the lot of you." The man got up from his metallic command chair and stood facing the Cobra command members as intensely as he analyzed the battlefield. He was dressed in a black military uniform with a large red Cobra symbol embroidered on the vest.
"Might I remind you that the this was only supposed to be a test of the new weapons I have supplied Cobra. Our goal was to defend Cobra island and we have done that, I see no benefit in pressing our luck and risk our forces if the Joes plan to retaliate."
Blight turned his attention back to the monitors. "This way we've been able to test the potency of our new weapons and have showed G.I. Joe that Cobra isn't quiet dead yet."
"Humph! Just because your weapons have helped score Cobra one small victory does not mean that you can go around dictating orders without our approval. You are not our leader."
Blight looked at Destro and responded promptly. "Leader? If I recall your organization hasn't had a capable leader since its founding. Cobra Commander has been turned into a snake and the last you saw of Serpentor he was flying out of Golobulus's fortress, his cape stuck in the exhaust fan of his air chariot." Blight's voice rose little by little, intent on driving his point home. "If I had not 'helped' you just now, odds are this new Terror Drome we're standing in would be so much scrap and the three of you would be on your way to some Joe prison. So, since I am responsible for delivering this organization from the brink of destruction you'll pardon me if I ask you gentlemen to go jump off a cliff."
Destro and Mindbender were now seconds away from bringing their weapons to bear on the mercenary. "Why you . . . ", Destro exclaimed
Destro started to advance toward Blight menacingly when the Baroness stopped him as she came in between the two of them. "Destro he is right. If it were not for Blight we may have all been captured by the Joes and his technology has breathed new life into our forces."
"Baroness what are you-", Destro stunned for words and still searing mad was only able to get a few words of response to his beloved's actions.
"Surely you are not taking this upstart's side in this matter?"
"No Dr. Mindbender. Even though I am relieved we have survived the Joe's invasion", the Baroness turned around and faced Blight eye to eye, "I too am unsettled by our friend's actions and the fact that he gave no thought to inform us of his plans in the first place."
"The reason, dear Baroness, I did not tell you of my plans was because I expected that I would meet resistance at the idea that I would not be pressing the counter assault against the Joes when they arrived."
"And that's another thing. How exactly did you know the Joes would be launching this attack?"
"I have my sources Dr. Mindbender, that's all you need to know. Now if you'll excuse me gentlemen, Baroness, I must attend a debriefing with my field commanders." Blight walked past them still showing little or no expression. After he had left the room Mindbender turned to Destro.
"Even if his exemplary military experience seems to hold true and his weapons technology is something to behold, I trust him less then Cobra Commander."
Mindbender nodded in agreement. "I have a feeling our new compatriot may be hiding a thing or two. If only there was some way we could decipher his true intentions."
"Perhaps I could lend a hand in keeping on eye on the young commander", the Baroness spoke up saying with a sly smile on her face.
"Absolutely not, I will not allow it."
"Come now Destro. If we're ever going to find out what that upstart's doing we'll need someone to get close to him."
The Baroness stepped up to Destro, pushing her body and up against his own and laid her hands on his chest. She spoke with a sultry voice and said, "Don't worry love, before you know it I will be back in your arms with all the information we need to wrap Blight and his cohorts around our fingers."
-----
In another part of the Terror Drome, Blight stood facing his own subordinates who had led his troops against the Joes a short time ago. Raptor, Big Boa, and Croc Master stood before their leader standing upright hands at their sides at attention. Blight was looking over battle information on a computer panel on the wall of the tactical command room.
"Excellent", he said to himself in low voice. "My new toys worked better then I had hoped and against the Joes petty weapons they were unstoppable." Blight turned from the computer screen and faced his generals. "You performed above and beyond your duties gentlemen, you are to be commended. Keep this up and soon we'll be drinking a victory toast to G.I. Joe's final defeat. And using the Joes head commanders skulls as the cups."
Even though the three were pleased with themselves, Big Boa was prompted to speak up about an entirely different matter. "But what about Cobra's old hierarchy, Blight? Those twin twerps nearly threw my whole attack plan off. We should be more concerned about the enemies we have here."
"I agree! Cobra's higher officials aren't giving us so much as an inch to operate well enough to perform our tasks", Raptor said supporting Boa.
Blight took what they had to say into account and the grin he was wearing only a moment ago now turned back into the emotionless and serious expression he almost always wore. "You're both right. Cobra's head officials are beginning to get on my nerves as well. Mindbender and Destro chewed my head off about acting on my own accord without their supervision. If it wasn't for Cobra's global terrorist connections and it's resources I would never allied myself with these paranoid sadists."
"Humph", Croc Master grunted as he folded his arms across his chest. "Then what are we going to do about it. If they're already butting into our business we'll never finish what we started here."
"Don't worry Croc. I'll think of something." Blight turned around to look back at the view screens behind him. One of them displayed the Baroness strolling ideally down one of the Terror Drome's many corridors. "I always do."
-----
Back at G.I. Joe headquarters, General Hawk was assessing the damage his forces had taken when the Joes tried invading Cobra island. Sitting behind his desk in his office, with Duke, Flint and Beachhead standing before him Hawk got up the courage to ask how bad it was.
"Alright tell me. How many did we lose?"
Beach Head spoke up first reporting the details of the Joes defeat. "80% of our vehicles destroyed or inoperable, 30% of our troops wounded . . . and 20% fatal." With those last words, the command staff of the Joe team grew very silent.
Flint was the first to break the moment of morn stating the obvious question. "How could we have been defeated so badly? Earlier recon reports never said anything about the weapons Cobra used against?"
"They must have some new mercenary recruit who we haven't heard of", Duke responded.
"Correction Duke, we do know who it was that masterminded Cobra's retaliation." Hawk stood up and picked a manila folder up off his desk and threw it to Duke. "Here's Cobra's newest golden boy and from the looks of his file they really picked themselves a winner."
Duke opened the folder and saw a picture of Blight, dressed in a black business suit and tie. "Code name Blight, real name . . . unknown?"
Flint and Beach Head got a look at Blight's picture as well.
"Who is this clown general? This guy looks like he's only 23!", Beach Head said unimpressed by the appearance of the man in the picture.
"25 actually according to this, but even that's just a guess. There's no known birth records found anywhere in US records or any foreign archives. Says here he used to mainly work as an arms dealer and then later started making his own weapons. Then he got into full time mercenary work and terrorism for hire."
Flint picked up where Duke left off. "Wanted for terrorism, illegal arms dealing, smuggling, murder, kidnapping and corporate sabotage. All of which haven been committed here in the US and abroad."
"He's made enemies on both sides of the law Flint. Blight's even made a few enemies in organized crime and some other rival terrorist groups. Another nasty rumor I've heard is that S.H.I.E.L.D. is after him as well for experimenting in some new genetics' technology. A psyche profile that was done on him when he was incarcerated for a time here in the states is in there as well. Says he's extremely methodical and single minded."
"But General why would a professional loner like this guy join up with Cobra?"
"I don't know Flint. Our intelligence is hinting at the idea that Blight's trying to takeover Cobra to better expand his own operations."
"So what's the plan?", Duke said closing the folder and dropping it on the desk.
"The plan Duke is to find out as much as we can about this maniac and then hit back. Cobra hasn't had this determined a mind on it's team since Serpentor disappeared and even though he hasn't been made their new leader I don't want Blight taking up the role. Beach Head, you'll assemble a team and check out a lead we've been able to get on what Blight's next move will be. We recently got a report from Interpol that some of those new Cobra choppers we faced back on Cobra island have been spotted around the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Intelligence suggests that whatever's going on there has to do with our new friend."
"I'm on it General."
"Duke you're also going out in the field again on a mission to our Antarctic base in Alaska, it was just hit by a squad made up of some new Cobra cold assault weapon. Flint, you'll stay here and help with rebuilding our forces and in case we get wind our any new signs of new Cobra activity. Dismissed."
-----
Back on Cobra island, Techno-Vipers were loading a Cobra transport jet with cargo and equipment in one of the Drome's aero decks. The Baroness walked into the enormous hanger and surveyed the area looking for her prey. A Techno-Viper passed carrying boxes loaded with who knows what.
"You! Where is Blight, I must speak with him."
The Techno-Viper looked at the Baroness through the two slits in his helmet at her and simply replied, "I don't know." The purple uniformed Viper then proceeded on with his duty paying little or no respect to the Baroness's rank.
"How dare you, stand at attention when I'm speaking to you -"
"Baroness!"
The Baroness startled spun around quickly and saw Blight standing in front of her with that same serious faced expression. "There you are. Listen Blight just because you founded the Techno-Viper corps doesn't mean they can only pay proper military respect to you alone."
"I'm sorry Baroness I didn't mean to offend in the least bit. In fact I'm rather glad I could catch you before I left. There's something I wish to discuss with you." Blight's serious expression faded as the thin line that was his mouth curved into a smile.
The Baroness was taken off guard by the mercenary's unexpected attitude and seized the moment. "Well since you asked so nicely, why not", she said smiling slyly herself.
-----
The Baroness took Blight back to her quarters located in the officer's floor of the Terror Drome. Blight stepped into the room and surveyed the furnishings. The room was very large with a number of serpent shaped pieces of furniture. The floor was indented in the middle with three rows of short steps leading down to the center area with a red couch and a clear glass table. Blight walked towards the large couch and sat down crossing his right leg, resting it on his left. The Baroness sat down next to him with a two glasses of red wine and offered one to blight who humbly accepted it.
"I have to say Baroness this is somewhat unusual. If Destro knew I were here I'm sure he'd be quiet upset."
"Don't worry about him. After all, this little discussion is between you and I, is it not?"
"Of course Baroness."
The two of them clinked their glasses and took a sip of their wine. Blight then immediately set his down on the glass table and turned to the Baroness. "But I doubt this is a simple social call. So what is it you wish to discuss?"
The Baroness was caught a little off guard by Blight's down to business attitude, since her charms had not dulled his severe strictness. "Actually I wanted to discuss your future my young Blight?"
"My future? And what of it?"
"Why you're future with us. With Cobra! You have a great opportunity to become one of Cobra's greatest leaders and I simply wished to express what I and many others believe to be true."
Blight simply looked at the Baroness looking unimpressed at the prospect of secret support within Cobra. "What exactly do you - and these others - believe I should do to secure my leadership? Perhaps kill some of Cobra's higher ranking leaders like Destro and Mindbender and take command?"
"Nothing so dramatic. Besides such actions may turn those like the Crimson Guard Commanders and Zartan against you. I thought of something more simplistic", she said with a smile.
"Oh?"
"I can help you curtail the others suspicions and their constant interfering in your plans."
"You wish to join my little conclave of commanders and troops who are loyal to me and me alone is that it?"
"Well not so much as join as help in the command of those who are so loyal to you." The Baroness had scooted closer to Blight on the couch as the conversation went on until she was practically on top of him. "With your weapons technology and intelligence skills we could secure control of Cobra, you and I."
The Baroness' face was inches from Blight's when he gave her his reply. "A tantilizing offer but one I'm afraid I must decline my dear Baroness . . . I should I call you Chameleon."
The battle had not been going well for Cobra. Joe Conquests made strafing runs on the Cobra H.I.S.S. tanks and Stuns as they retreated for cover in the nearby jungle. Joe A.P.C.s hit the beach of Cobra island unloading dozens of Joe regulars who stormed the area. On board the U.S.S. Flagg General Hawk was taking into observation the battle on a video screen in the command tower. The footage was coming via Lift-Ticket's own Tomahawk who was circling the battle zone.
"Has there been a great deal of resistance from opposing forces Duke", General Hawk said turning to the First Officer.
"Like intel said General, Cobra never saw us coming. With no one to dictate total control over them since the destruction of Cobra-La and Serpentor's disappearance Cobra barely has the muscle left to put up any real resistance."
"Still I'd rather waited until we could be sure this invasion would work. Cobra may be bleeding but that doesn't mean they're dead just yet."
-----
Joe H.A.V.O.C.s and Persuaders were already beginning to be deployed on the beach as the Joe's tightened control of the area.
"Get the rest of those Recon Sleds up and running we got to keeping pushing until we've wiped out those snakes", Beach Head said yelling to the grunts who were assembling the new equipment.
In the nearby jungle the movement of machinery could be heard. Gears turned and shells locked as some unknown object silently lifted itself into the air. Suddenly a large 'boom' rang out and before the Joes knew what hit them a H.A.V.O.C. exploded into a ball of fire. The Joe troops looked around taken completely off guard by the blast as more explosions rang out slamming into the Joes spread out position.
"Hit the deck! It's an artillery barrage", Beach Head yelled to the surrounding Joes as they all went scrambling for cover. Cross Country in his own H.A.V.O.C. tried maneuvering it to safety when he heard a familiar whizzing sound. He jumped down from the driver seat and crouched down on the beach sand just in time to avoid being obliterated with his H.A.V.O.C.
Falcon and Jinx dove for cover as a shell hit exploded right behind them. Falcon looked to Jinx. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine, but if this keeps up I'm going to need a hearing aid."
"Falcon, Jinx, over here." The two looked up and saw Beach Head waving to them from over a sand dune. Falcon helped Jinx up and they made it to the dune and dove for cover behind it as another explosion sent sand flying everywhere.
Beach Head, Tunnel Rat, Chuckles, Sci-Fi, Leatherneck, and Roadblock had all taken cover behind the same dune, with the rest of the Joes scattered elsewhere. Even though the Joes seemed to have retreated back to the beach far enough to avoid the range of whatever was firing at them, but the barrage just continued.
"Whoever's firing those shots has got one happy trigger finger."
"You said it Roadblock", Falcon commented, "I thought Cobra didn't have an artillery on this side of the island Beach Head?"
"They don't. They're A.S.P. emplacements are guarding their air field."
"Then what the hell is turning this beach into Swiss cheese?", Tunnel Rat yelled over the noise of explosions.
-----
Back in the jungle, the Cobra trainer Big Boa was standing next to one of a group of seven Maggots, as it fired long range ammo at the beach where the Joes landed. He was watching the Maggots progress thanks to Cobra's own eyes in the sky, namely a group of Tele-Vipers shooting snap shots from their Trouble Bubbles. As he watched the live footage he was approached by two more of Cobra's ranking officers.
"Why don't you give it a rest Big Boa -"
"And let the Night Raven squadrons-"
"Take it from here", Tomax and Xamot said in unison.
"Orders. Besides, those Night Raven pilots would just get they're buts blown off by those Joe Conquests."
"That wasn't part of the plan Big Boa, you're just wasting ammunition", Tomax said.
"Order those W.O.R.M.S. to stop firing or we will", Xamot retorted backing up his brother as usual.
Big Boa simply turned to the Crimson Guard commanders and said, "Just try it."
Xamot and Tomax exchanged glances and summersaulted in the air in unison each preparing to execute a mid-air kick. But before they're feet could become planted in they're opponent's head, Big Boa caught both the Crimson Commanders feet and holding them in his hands lifted the twins into the air and slammed them into the ground. He then picked up Tomax and slammed his head against the side of the Maggot. The feel of the pain being felt by both brothers, Big Boa proceeded to continue to slam Tomax's head against the hard metal, each impact accompanied by a word or two.
"I"-SLAM-"don't"-SLAM-"anwser"-SLAM-"to you"-SLAM. With that last pounding Tomax dropped to the ground as both brothers lay unconscious on the muddy jungle floor.
-----
The command center of the Flagg was in a panic as battle commanders and communications operators shouted instructions over the airwaves to the Joes being assaulted on Cobra island.
"Dial-Tone have you been able to pinpoint where that artillery attack is coming from?"
"I've pinpointed their location General Hawk. The snakes are only 20 or so clicks from our forces position. I'm radioing Slip-Stream and the Conquest squadrons the coordinates now."
-----
Over the skies of Cobra island G.I. Joe Conquest jet fighters raced towards the Maggot emplacement.
"This is Slip-Stream, calling General Hawk, we found them and from what I can see Cobra has really come up with one hell of a piece of armor", he said as the Conquest zoomed over the Maggot's position.
As the Conquest jets passed over head, Big Boa picked up the radio attached to his belt and held it to his faceplate. "Big Boa calling Raptor, it's your turn."
-----
"Take out those things Slip-Stream whatever they are otherwise this whole operation will go up in smoke."
"Will do General Hawk." As Slipstream and the other Conquests began their attack on the Maggots one of the Conquests exploded as it was shot out of the sky. "Holy . . .", Slip-Stream started but was unable to finish as he swerved his jet away. "What in blue blazes!"
"Sir over there." As Slip-Stream looked as cued from his wing mate he saw a swarm of purple colored helicopters come right at him and the rest of the squadron. "What are those things Slip-Stream", the other pilot said panicked.
"I don't know but I doubt they're friendly." The Cobra Mambas opened fire with their 9MM machine guns shredding another Conquest. As pilots from both sides maneuvered in the fight the opposing sides started flying every which way exchanging fire. The Mambas being the latest and most sophisticated Cobra aerial weapons were able to hold their own against the Joe fighters. Another Joe fighter was downed when one of the Mambas launched a volley of "Diablo" supersonic missiles turning the Conquest to scrap. One Joe pilot thought he got the jump on one of the Mambas by maneuvering behind it. The Mamba launched it's detachable attack pods which turned around and fired on the Conquest setting it a blaze just before it exploded.
Most of the Joe jets had either been downed or were in retreat, but Slip- Stream was able to destroy two Mambas and was already gearing up for another when suddenly his windscreen was surrounded by falcons. Slip-Stream struggled to shake the birds that flew violently around the cockpit glass. Much to Slip-Stream's relief the falcons instantly departed, but his joy soon turned to fright as he noticed that he was about to collide with a sea- shore cliff. He pulled the eject lever just before the Conquest collided with the solid rock smashing it like a soda can.
-----
"General Hawk, most of Slip-Stream's squadron was just wiped out by some new Cobra attack chopper. Slip-Stream and the surviving pilots are requesting immediate evac."
"Radio Lift-Ticket, Mainframe to get them out of there fast. Duke?"
"Yes, sir!"
"We're pulling out our people now. Get a squad of SHARCs to cover the withdrawal of our troops at once."
-----
Deep-Six, Wet-Suit and Shipwreck scrambled past the Flagg's flight deck towards a group of SHARCs that had been prepped for take off.
"Come on let's get the lead out guys, we've got to get our boys out of there before Cobra improves their aim any more", Shipwreck said as he got into his SHARC.
"BWAK! So much for a day at the beach. BWAK!"
"Oh shut-up bird brain", Shipwreck spoke trying to get his pet parrot Polly to remain quiet. The SHARCs were about to launch from the Flagg when something shot out of the water in front of the carrier. Grey air craft zoomed through the sky heading straight up into the air and then diving back down again towards the Flagg in an attack pattern.
"What the . . .", Shipwreck started. He got out of the SHARC just in time to see the jets diving at his position. "Everyone out of the SHARCs now."
The Cobra Sea Rays opened fire on the SHARCs destroying each one row after row, allowing the pilots only a fraction of a second to get out of their ships. The three Sea Rays after destroying the parked SHARCs with their lasers zoomed away from the Flagg and then turned around for another assault. General Hawk and the others in the command tower observed the spectacle mouths gapping at the sight.
"Get the Dragonflys into the air and shoot those things down", Duke shouted to the air warden.
The Sea Rays however allowed little time for the Joes to man a counter attack as they attacked again launching their "Snake Attack" missiles at the Flagg's runways, elevator platforms, and every parked piece of air power still on the flight deck. After reducing the deck to gravel the Sea Rays dove back into the waters and disappeared from sight.
General Hawk looked to Dial Tone. "What about the amphibious transports and Whales where any of them hit?"
"No not a one General Hawk."
"Then tell them to pull our people out pronto."
-----
"New orders people. We're getting the hell out of here. I've just spoken to Hawk and it seems Cobra's not as under guarded as we thought."
"Oh really, I thought the shells flying over our heads were just their way of saying hello", Tunnel Rat retorted, prompting a scowl from Beach Head.
"Look there's the transport boats." As Sci-Fi correctly pointed out the Joes transportation has arrived and even with the Maggots continuing their barrage the Joe troops made a run for it. Falcon was running towards the one of the boats with the others when he saw Back-Stop still in his Persuader struggling to get it moving. The Persuader had hit a sand hole and had become stuck. Falcon rushed up to the Joe and jumped on the tank.
"Come on Back-Stop forget the damn tank, if we don't get going we'll miss our ride."
"I'm not leaving my wheels here Falcon, forget it."
All of a sudden without any warning what so ever the Maggot barrage stopped. The stop of the noise stunned the whole Joe army forcing them to look around to see what was going on. Falcon looked around more nervous then before, scenes from late night horror movies he'd seen as a kid flashing through his mind dredge up from the eerie and foreboding silence. Then out of nowhere a shrieking buzz sound screamed through the place so ear piercing that many of the Joes had to cover their ears upon hearing the noise. As Falcon looked around to pinpoint the source of the buzzing he saw something moving below the surface of the ground in a straight line, kicking up sand, and moving extremely fast.
"Blast it Back-Stop we've got to get out of here now." Back-Stop finally relented and got out of his seat. The two Joes jumped down off the Persuader as what was approaching them from under the sand rose and knocked into the Persuader. Falcon and Back-Stop looked back and saw a circular cutting machine rip right into the Persuader cutting it in half. Falcon and Back-Stop ran like crazy towards the last landing craft to depart and got in just as a Buzz Boar's missile impacted behind them on the beach. The craft pulled off the beach and started toward the Flagg as the Cobra Buzz Boars burrowed back underneath the protection of the sand.
-----
Inside the newly reconstructed Terror Drome on Cobra Island, the Joes systematic defeat on the land, the sea, and in the air was being monitored by a shadowy figure. Sitting alone in one of the Drome's war rooms and surrounded by live feed monitors that relayed the battle in perfect form he eyed the performance of the new Cobra vehicles and weapons with intense scrutiny. The solitude of the mysterious Cobra general was suddenly broken as the entrance door swished open and Destro, the Baroness, and Dr. Mindbender burst into the room. The three of them did not seem to be in good moods.
"What is the meaning of this", Destro demanded. "Why haven't you pressed the attack and crushed the Joes here and now."
"You're wasting a perfect opportunity to one up the Joes and make up for our losses at Cobra-La. We demand an explanation Blight", Mindbender chipped in.
"Enough the lot of you." The man got up from his metallic command chair and stood facing the Cobra command members as intensely as he analyzed the battlefield. He was dressed in a black military uniform with a large red Cobra symbol embroidered on the vest.
"Might I remind you that the this was only supposed to be a test of the new weapons I have supplied Cobra. Our goal was to defend Cobra island and we have done that, I see no benefit in pressing our luck and risk our forces if the Joes plan to retaliate."
Blight turned his attention back to the monitors. "This way we've been able to test the potency of our new weapons and have showed G.I. Joe that Cobra isn't quiet dead yet."
"Humph! Just because your weapons have helped score Cobra one small victory does not mean that you can go around dictating orders without our approval. You are not our leader."
Blight looked at Destro and responded promptly. "Leader? If I recall your organization hasn't had a capable leader since its founding. Cobra Commander has been turned into a snake and the last you saw of Serpentor he was flying out of Golobulus's fortress, his cape stuck in the exhaust fan of his air chariot." Blight's voice rose little by little, intent on driving his point home. "If I had not 'helped' you just now, odds are this new Terror Drome we're standing in would be so much scrap and the three of you would be on your way to some Joe prison. So, since I am responsible for delivering this organization from the brink of destruction you'll pardon me if I ask you gentlemen to go jump off a cliff."
Destro and Mindbender were now seconds away from bringing their weapons to bear on the mercenary. "Why you . . . ", Destro exclaimed
Destro started to advance toward Blight menacingly when the Baroness stopped him as she came in between the two of them. "Destro he is right. If it were not for Blight we may have all been captured by the Joes and his technology has breathed new life into our forces."
"Baroness what are you-", Destro stunned for words and still searing mad was only able to get a few words of response to his beloved's actions.
"Surely you are not taking this upstart's side in this matter?"
"No Dr. Mindbender. Even though I am relieved we have survived the Joe's invasion", the Baroness turned around and faced Blight eye to eye, "I too am unsettled by our friend's actions and the fact that he gave no thought to inform us of his plans in the first place."
"The reason, dear Baroness, I did not tell you of my plans was because I expected that I would meet resistance at the idea that I would not be pressing the counter assault against the Joes when they arrived."
"And that's another thing. How exactly did you know the Joes would be launching this attack?"
"I have my sources Dr. Mindbender, that's all you need to know. Now if you'll excuse me gentlemen, Baroness, I must attend a debriefing with my field commanders." Blight walked past them still showing little or no expression. After he had left the room Mindbender turned to Destro.
"Even if his exemplary military experience seems to hold true and his weapons technology is something to behold, I trust him less then Cobra Commander."
Mindbender nodded in agreement. "I have a feeling our new compatriot may be hiding a thing or two. If only there was some way we could decipher his true intentions."
"Perhaps I could lend a hand in keeping on eye on the young commander", the Baroness spoke up saying with a sly smile on her face.
"Absolutely not, I will not allow it."
"Come now Destro. If we're ever going to find out what that upstart's doing we'll need someone to get close to him."
The Baroness stepped up to Destro, pushing her body and up against his own and laid her hands on his chest. She spoke with a sultry voice and said, "Don't worry love, before you know it I will be back in your arms with all the information we need to wrap Blight and his cohorts around our fingers."
-----
In another part of the Terror Drome, Blight stood facing his own subordinates who had led his troops against the Joes a short time ago. Raptor, Big Boa, and Croc Master stood before their leader standing upright hands at their sides at attention. Blight was looking over battle information on a computer panel on the wall of the tactical command room.
"Excellent", he said to himself in low voice. "My new toys worked better then I had hoped and against the Joes petty weapons they were unstoppable." Blight turned from the computer screen and faced his generals. "You performed above and beyond your duties gentlemen, you are to be commended. Keep this up and soon we'll be drinking a victory toast to G.I. Joe's final defeat. And using the Joes head commanders skulls as the cups."
Even though the three were pleased with themselves, Big Boa was prompted to speak up about an entirely different matter. "But what about Cobra's old hierarchy, Blight? Those twin twerps nearly threw my whole attack plan off. We should be more concerned about the enemies we have here."
"I agree! Cobra's higher officials aren't giving us so much as an inch to operate well enough to perform our tasks", Raptor said supporting Boa.
Blight took what they had to say into account and the grin he was wearing only a moment ago now turned back into the emotionless and serious expression he almost always wore. "You're both right. Cobra's head officials are beginning to get on my nerves as well. Mindbender and Destro chewed my head off about acting on my own accord without their supervision. If it wasn't for Cobra's global terrorist connections and it's resources I would never allied myself with these paranoid sadists."
"Humph", Croc Master grunted as he folded his arms across his chest. "Then what are we going to do about it. If they're already butting into our business we'll never finish what we started here."
"Don't worry Croc. I'll think of something." Blight turned around to look back at the view screens behind him. One of them displayed the Baroness strolling ideally down one of the Terror Drome's many corridors. "I always do."
-----
Back at G.I. Joe headquarters, General Hawk was assessing the damage his forces had taken when the Joes tried invading Cobra island. Sitting behind his desk in his office, with Duke, Flint and Beachhead standing before him Hawk got up the courage to ask how bad it was.
"Alright tell me. How many did we lose?"
Beach Head spoke up first reporting the details of the Joes defeat. "80% of our vehicles destroyed or inoperable, 30% of our troops wounded . . . and 20% fatal." With those last words, the command staff of the Joe team grew very silent.
Flint was the first to break the moment of morn stating the obvious question. "How could we have been defeated so badly? Earlier recon reports never said anything about the weapons Cobra used against?"
"They must have some new mercenary recruit who we haven't heard of", Duke responded.
"Correction Duke, we do know who it was that masterminded Cobra's retaliation." Hawk stood up and picked a manila folder up off his desk and threw it to Duke. "Here's Cobra's newest golden boy and from the looks of his file they really picked themselves a winner."
Duke opened the folder and saw a picture of Blight, dressed in a black business suit and tie. "Code name Blight, real name . . . unknown?"
Flint and Beach Head got a look at Blight's picture as well.
"Who is this clown general? This guy looks like he's only 23!", Beach Head said unimpressed by the appearance of the man in the picture.
"25 actually according to this, but even that's just a guess. There's no known birth records found anywhere in US records or any foreign archives. Says here he used to mainly work as an arms dealer and then later started making his own weapons. Then he got into full time mercenary work and terrorism for hire."
Flint picked up where Duke left off. "Wanted for terrorism, illegal arms dealing, smuggling, murder, kidnapping and corporate sabotage. All of which haven been committed here in the US and abroad."
"He's made enemies on both sides of the law Flint. Blight's even made a few enemies in organized crime and some other rival terrorist groups. Another nasty rumor I've heard is that S.H.I.E.L.D. is after him as well for experimenting in some new genetics' technology. A psyche profile that was done on him when he was incarcerated for a time here in the states is in there as well. Says he's extremely methodical and single minded."
"But General why would a professional loner like this guy join up with Cobra?"
"I don't know Flint. Our intelligence is hinting at the idea that Blight's trying to takeover Cobra to better expand his own operations."
"So what's the plan?", Duke said closing the folder and dropping it on the desk.
"The plan Duke is to find out as much as we can about this maniac and then hit back. Cobra hasn't had this determined a mind on it's team since Serpentor disappeared and even though he hasn't been made their new leader I don't want Blight taking up the role. Beach Head, you'll assemble a team and check out a lead we've been able to get on what Blight's next move will be. We recently got a report from Interpol that some of those new Cobra choppers we faced back on Cobra island have been spotted around the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Intelligence suggests that whatever's going on there has to do with our new friend."
"I'm on it General."
"Duke you're also going out in the field again on a mission to our Antarctic base in Alaska, it was just hit by a squad made up of some new Cobra cold assault weapon. Flint, you'll stay here and help with rebuilding our forces and in case we get wind our any new signs of new Cobra activity. Dismissed."
-----
Back on Cobra island, Techno-Vipers were loading a Cobra transport jet with cargo and equipment in one of the Drome's aero decks. The Baroness walked into the enormous hanger and surveyed the area looking for her prey. A Techno-Viper passed carrying boxes loaded with who knows what.
"You! Where is Blight, I must speak with him."
The Techno-Viper looked at the Baroness through the two slits in his helmet at her and simply replied, "I don't know." The purple uniformed Viper then proceeded on with his duty paying little or no respect to the Baroness's rank.
"How dare you, stand at attention when I'm speaking to you -"
"Baroness!"
The Baroness startled spun around quickly and saw Blight standing in front of her with that same serious faced expression. "There you are. Listen Blight just because you founded the Techno-Viper corps doesn't mean they can only pay proper military respect to you alone."
"I'm sorry Baroness I didn't mean to offend in the least bit. In fact I'm rather glad I could catch you before I left. There's something I wish to discuss with you." Blight's serious expression faded as the thin line that was his mouth curved into a smile.
The Baroness was taken off guard by the mercenary's unexpected attitude and seized the moment. "Well since you asked so nicely, why not", she said smiling slyly herself.
-----
The Baroness took Blight back to her quarters located in the officer's floor of the Terror Drome. Blight stepped into the room and surveyed the furnishings. The room was very large with a number of serpent shaped pieces of furniture. The floor was indented in the middle with three rows of short steps leading down to the center area with a red couch and a clear glass table. Blight walked towards the large couch and sat down crossing his right leg, resting it on his left. The Baroness sat down next to him with a two glasses of red wine and offered one to blight who humbly accepted it.
"I have to say Baroness this is somewhat unusual. If Destro knew I were here I'm sure he'd be quiet upset."
"Don't worry about him. After all, this little discussion is between you and I, is it not?"
"Of course Baroness."
The two of them clinked their glasses and took a sip of their wine. Blight then immediately set his down on the glass table and turned to the Baroness. "But I doubt this is a simple social call. So what is it you wish to discuss?"
The Baroness was caught a little off guard by Blight's down to business attitude, since her charms had not dulled his severe strictness. "Actually I wanted to discuss your future my young Blight?"
"My future? And what of it?"
"Why you're future with us. With Cobra! You have a great opportunity to become one of Cobra's greatest leaders and I simply wished to express what I and many others believe to be true."
Blight simply looked at the Baroness looking unimpressed at the prospect of secret support within Cobra. "What exactly do you - and these others - believe I should do to secure my leadership? Perhaps kill some of Cobra's higher ranking leaders like Destro and Mindbender and take command?"
"Nothing so dramatic. Besides such actions may turn those like the Crimson Guard Commanders and Zartan against you. I thought of something more simplistic", she said with a smile.
"Oh?"
"I can help you curtail the others suspicions and their constant interfering in your plans."
"You wish to join my little conclave of commanders and troops who are loyal to me and me alone is that it?"
"Well not so much as join as help in the command of those who are so loyal to you." The Baroness had scooted closer to Blight on the couch as the conversation went on until she was practically on top of him. "With your weapons technology and intelligence skills we could secure control of Cobra, you and I."
The Baroness' face was inches from Blight's when he gave her his reply. "A tantilizing offer but one I'm afraid I must decline my dear Baroness . . . I should I call you Chameleon."