Hey thanks for stopping by to read. i dont own gijoe or cobra or...the other group mentioned at the end, no spoilers. im a big fan of beachhead, wet suit, and leatherneck. all the joes have their quirks but these always stuck with me. i hope you enjoy. this is heavy influenced by the original Marvel run, with some cartoon and devilsdue flavor thrown in (just a little). enjoy.
It was early in the morning, around four am. The fog was thick and still making love to the ground. A single body was running around the track at the PIT. He was finishing his ninth mile that morning, one foot after another in his run. A steady run with nothing to prove. Around five am he hit his obstacle course. He ran it a few times before jogging back in. He knew if he could get in more trouble if they caught him. But damn it, he might be on an ordered "vacation" but didn't mean he couldn't train. He was of course Beach Head after all. As he jogged in he looked over and saw Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow meditating. He trusted Snake Eyes but not Storm Shadow. He had no doubt of Storm Shadow's skill. In fact he actually asked for the ninja on a few missions, the White Power Ranger could out fight and out last most Joe's. Only one condition was that Snake Eyes be there.
He knew they wouldn't rat him out, he made it back to the barracks and slipped in quietly. It was going smooth till a door opened and he saw Jaye sneaking out of Flint's room. He stood there in shock. Before he could yell Jaye shook her finger at him. If Flint went down, Beach Head would to. He already had Hawk mad at him; he walked passed shaking his head. Jaye smiled and faked going into hug him to mess with him. Beach Head about blew his baklava off with the steam from his ears on how pissed he was. Jaye hurried out back to the women's barracks, he swore he'd make some new hellish obstacle on the course for them. He made it to his room and slipped in. He shared a room with three others. Low Light had the bunk above his. The other bunk set belonged to Sci-fi and Mainframe. Sci-fi fell asleep playing a game on his computer again. His laptop was asleep on top of the sleeping Joe. Low Light was out on watch and Mainframe was out cold. Beach Head grabbed a shower quick; afterward he found a box in the bathroom with his name on it. He opened it, a brand new deodorant stick. He threw it in the trash, fools haven't learned yet that the deodorant isn't found in nature and could give you away to the enemy.
Later that morning Hawk's voice came over the loud speaker calling all them team leaders to the ready room. Beach Head headed over. On his way he passed the rec room and could hear Wet Suit and Leatherneck at it again.
"Move over Gi-rine, you're contaminated my breathing space." Wetsuit started.
"Not my fault you're unsat at the rifle range. That Oktober Guard girl spanked yer squid hide." Leatherneck shot back.
"At least I got my score honest Mr. Butt shark, I'm surprised there was enough left of Flint for Jaye." Wet Suit fired back.
"Shots fired, shots fired." Polly squawked as he flew bye.
"Hey will ya two shaddup, I'm trying to get some sleep before the let Ole' high and mighty Beach Head back on active duty, it's been like a dream since Hawk temporarily relieved him of duty." Shipwreck mumbled. This caused Wetsuit and Leatherneck to aim their anger at him. Beach Head couldn't resist, "LOOK ALIVE MAGGOTS GENERAL ON DECK!" Wetsuit and Leatherneck both saluted, while Shipwreck fell off of the couch. Then staggered to salute in time to see Beach Head walking off down the hall. The Seal and Marine began to laugh at Shipwreck as he cursed and stomped.
He was the last one there. Duke was going over a map on the table with Flint. He kept sneezing; a few times he had to stop to blow his nose. He saw Flint look up and then back down. He turned and saw LT Falcon in the corner sulking. He nodded to Beach Head. Beach Head nodded back and focused at the rest of the room. He saw Lady Jaye, Scarlett and Stalker. Jaye smirked as she whispered to Scarlett and Stalker. Stalker face palmed and Beach Head could only guess why. Hawk was on the phone at first, when he noticed Beach Head he motioned them all to sit as he finished. Beach Head sat next to Scarlett and leaned over in a whisper, "What's got Falcon's green tighties in a bunch?"
"It seems that he was out with Cross Country, Dusty, Quick Kick and Main Frame on a mission. Seems one of them convinced him Duke gave him the code name as a play to Blue Falcon." She whispered back.
"He didn't?" Beach questioned honestly as Scarlett punched him. Hawk finished his call and stepped over to the table.
"Alright Joe's we got a priority mission in Eastern Europe. We have been asked in helping move some experimental weaponry. It seems the UN has found an old Nazi weapon bunker with some state of the art tech. They need it moved to secure facility to decipher, they think it's one of Destro's safe houses. Flint you got lead, your team is up to you. Dress for cold." Hawk laid out the details.
"Thank you sir won't let you down." Flint said proudly. Hawk stood up, the rest of the table followed.
"Alright I'll leave you to it, Duke for heavens sake go see Doc or Lifeline. Beach Head on me." Hawk ordered. The table started talking as Beach Head got up quietly he began to follow Hawk till Duke cut him off.
"Relax, you'll be back to active duty soon enough. Hawk's just trying to make a point." Duke said in a whisper between sneezes.
"I hear ya, but I'm about this close to cabin fever here." Beach answered back. Duke motioned after Hawk and Beach Head continued. He found Hawk outside waiting. The older General cracked his neck and stretched, "So has any one caught you doing your morning PT?" Beach Head smirked, "The Power Rangers did."
"Well it's almost over; I really wish you would call a truce with Flint. Hell Beach Head I wish you'd call a truce with every Joe. I swear half the team can't get away from you fast enough and the other half tries to dodge you if they see you coming." Hawk said shaking his head.
"With all due respect general I'm not here for a popularity contest. I'm not here to be liked. They want somebody to like them, to hold there hand and kiss their booboos then call Psyche Out or Lifeline. I'm here to lead and make sure they are ready. Cause I'll be damned if I lose another Joe." Beach Head said hastily.
"Do I literally have to order you to back off Flint?" Hawk said sternly.
"Understood loud and clear general, the Warrant Officer is off limits." Beach Head answered.
"Dismissed" Hawk said disheartened, he knew Beach Head would follow orders but all it did was make that wedge between the two worse. After Beach Head left Duke came out, "So you let him back to active duty?"
"Not yet, he's a damn fine Joe. But why does he gun for Flint so hard. Snake Eyes is as open with Scarlett. But he doesn't go after Snake Eyes?" Hawk questioned.
"Snakes not in leadership like Flint. I'll keep on him about staying away from Flint. It's more with Flint's position; he thinks Flint should hide his relationship more. Beach Head also thinks the relationship will compromise him as a leader. Get people killed." Duke said then sneezed.
"Duke, go see Doc now. Then tell Beach Head he's back to active duty."
Later that night in the hanger, one of the cargo planes was being loading for Flint's mission. They were doing last minute checks on their gear when Beach Head came walking up. Flint saw him coming and sighed, bracing for the next argument. They could all see a little pep in Beach Heads step; you could tell Hawk lifted his ban. Flint began walking his way when Lady Jaye cut him off, "I got this." She headed off Beach Head, "What's the word Beach here to see us off?"
"Yeah darlin' that was the idea. Plus I got something for...Flint." Beach Head struggled not to insult him.
"Yeah, what is it?" Flint made his way over.
"There's a mercenary force that been operating in the area of your mission. There a bit of a ghost. Been doing some research to get Hawk to let me take a unit after em, never got a name. They really like staying in the shadows, and they aren't Cobra. In fact they hit Cobra as much as every one else. But I figured you could use a copy of my intel on em with yal going in that area. Like Hawk been saying, 'knowing is half the battle.'" Beach Head handed the disk over.
"Thanks Beach Head I'll look at on the way over. Yo Joe!" Flint said in disbelief. He exchanged shocked looks with Jaye. Cover Girl caught Beach Head walking out, "See even the big bad Ranger man can be civil."
"Careful Barbie, I got orders from Hawk to play nice with Flint. Not any one else. I'll see you at PT when you get back." He said walking away. Cover Girl cursed under her breath. Road Block laughed deep as he loaded the rest of the gear. "Don't you know Cover Girl; any mess with that bull gets to go for a whirl." Steeler and Grunt helped him while Dialtone double checked behind Flint. Stalker was walking in as Beach Head was leaving. They fist bumped and continued their ways. Soon after Flint's team took off for mission.
Beach Head walked the base quietly that night; he had a bad feeling about that mission. He wished he had paid more attention earlier. But it was out of his hands now. He headed off to bed. He woke up earlier found Main Frame still awake on a computer.
"Hey Main Frame, any chance you can hack and monitor Flint's mission. I got a bad feeling." Beach Head asked
"Is this like the time where Shipwreck got "promoted" by Cobra and we called Hawk behind his back" Main Frame questioned.
"No, this is like the time I ordered you to break protocol." Beach Head said more serious.
"Chill Sarge, I was going to do it. Plus I'll keep it quiet." Main Frame typed away as Beach Head tapped his shoulder and walked away. On the obstacle course later Leatherneck was yelling at the Joe's running it. He had taking over during Beach Head's punishment. Beach Head came walking up. He tapped Leatherneck's shoulder and he stepped aside for Beach Head. A chill went through the Joe's in the course when Beach Head started yelling. It seemed that their new Russian recruit was ahead of the pack. She had Tunnel Rat and Low Light by a minute in a half. As the course finished the new girl had finished and was waiting as Tunnel Rat and Low Light crossed.
"Damn slow for Joes! I get put on reserve for two weeks and you get slow! Tunnel rat, get your six to the start of that course and show me what kind of Ranger you are! Low Light I know that had to have to been taught how to run in Sniper School! You've been running my course how long?" Beach Head was ramping up.
"She beat you're time ask Leatherneck." Low Light got out between breathes, Tunnel Rat was half back to the front when he heard the others gasp at Low Light. Beach Head turned, "What did you say cup cake? Leatherneck what's the word on this?"
"Well Sarge she beat your time by two seconds." Leatherneck answered. Before Beach Head could respond she opened up.
"We could run it just us, if it makes you feel better Sergeant? But I must say your course is beautiful. I haven't had a challenge push me like that in a long time. The General was right, you know your trade. My apologies, LT. Dania, former Oktober Guard now GI Joe." Dana said respectively.
"Beach Head, and if I'm going race you for the record I want you fresh and rested." He replied with a salute. She saluted back, "Sounds solid, let me know when. I look forward to it." And then walked away. Most of the Joes where in shock at the calm Beach Head. Then he turned, "Listen maggots just because I turned my head, doesn't mean we stop. Keep in that hustle. Move that six Tunnel Rat. Shipwreck come here, I thought of something new for you..."
After a few days Beach Head was in the mess with Leather Neck and Wet Suit. He could hear Shipwreck complaining to Hawk and Duke.
"General one day back he's outa control. He tied an anchor to me and had me run. He's crossed the line."
"Squawk out of control squawk." Polly repeated.
Every time Shipwreck squealed in anger Beach Head laughed. Duke just shook his head trying not to laugh himself, it throw him into a coughing fit. Main Frame came running in to Beach Heads table, "It's bad, you need to come with me. Flint's team went down." Just as Main Frame finished, Breaker came running in, "General Hawk you gotta come ASAP." Beach Head saw that and hauled out behind Main Frame with Leatherneck and Wet Suit in tow. They reached the comm. center, immediately playing Flint's team last communication. Dial tone had made the transmit ion. They had been ambushed, by forces unknown in red uniforms. They were injured bad, and three Joe's were captured. The three Joe's with Beach Head couldn't believe the report. Beach Head breathed relief, "Dial tone didn't say any where dead so that's the only good news. I'm going to talk to Hawk, Wet Suit and Leatherneck once I get the green we are gone." Beach Head said as he started to move.
"You're not leaving me behind. I'm in this too." Main Frame stood his ground.
"Yo Joe!" Beach Head answered. He rushed down the hall to find Hawk, Duke and Breaker going over the same report. Duke was coughing badly; his cold had turned full flu. Hawk turned to Beach Head, "Breaker mentioned some one at based had hacked the transmission, it was a dead give away when I saw Main Frame with you. I ordered you to leave Flint alone."
"General, I had a bad feeling. I reported to you about that merc force that's been clipping Cobra in that area. I gave Flint my data on them before he left. I may be a SOB but I follow orders." Beach Head defended himself.
"Alright I'm letting it slide this time. I wish I could send Duke and you but Duke can't get medically cleared by Doc. Beach Head bring home our Joe's. Pick your team, and hit the super sonic transports. You got heavy demolitions on this mission."
"Yo Joe!" Beach Head answered he ran out and found a Wet Suit, Leatherneck and Main Frame waiting at the door.
"Get your gear maggots we are going to cold weather." Beach Head ordered
"Yo Joe!" The three answered. Beach Head went back and grabbed the radio, "Trip Wire, Tunnel Rat, Life Line, and Dania report with gear to hanger eight ASAP we leave now."
Beach Head was at the hanger packing his gear as Ace and Rip Cord did their finally preps on the two super sonic transports. Wet Suit was in a set of fatigues and cold weather gear instead his normal gear. He had his Scuba gear packed. He checked his MP5N before giving Beach Head a thumb up. Leather Neck was next to him putting back together his M16A3. He too wore the same camouflage style as Wet Suit. The two looked like twins, Danny Devito and Arnold schwarzenegger Main Frame joked, but the humor was lost on Beach Head. Main Frame was suited in cold weather gear as well. He checked the weather stripping on his gear then checked his M4. Tunnel rat snuck in next, his gear was packed. He had a M24 on his back and a MP9 with a sling over his shoulder. There was a crash near the hanger door. Beach Head didn't even need to look. He just shook his head as Trip Wire picked himself up and gave every one a thumb up. Wet Suit looked around, "Hey Sarge that's a lot of explosive experts."
"Yeah, you're a Seal, Rat is a Ranger, and Trip Wire. Well he's Trip Wire. We may need to secure weapons and ordinance. It's supposed to be Destro's cashe in an old Nazi bunker." Beach Head answered.
"Makes sense. Tell me we get to hit back at who ever hit our guys." Wet Suit replied.
"You bet your six we will. Once our guys are safe you, me, Leatherneck and rat are going to bring hell down." Beach Head said.
"I swear that's the most civil I've ever seen this group." Life Line joked coming in, "I'm afraid to asked Beach Head why you asked for me."
"Get your butt on the plane Life Line." Beach said stoically. Life Line leaned over to Wet Suit, "He called me by my name, is he sick?" Life Line questioned.
"We'll Doc was our first choice, but he was busy with Duke so us poor boys got you." The Seal replied.
"I can feel the love Wet Suit, you're as charming as ever." Life Line replied.
"Get yer panties out of a bunch Life Line and get on the plane. We'll explain in flight." Leatherneck Neck pushed the medical on the plane. Dania comes walking in carrying a case and her bag. Her fatigues near matched the others. She has a P90 on a sling and her trusted Dragonuv in the case. She approached Beach Head, "I appreciate the chance Sergeant, I've been based bound since Hawk cleared me."
"Well you shoot better then Wet Suit, and you beat my time LT. Plus with your experience if I need to split the team I can count on you to get the job down." He half answered. Her forward and honesty caught him off guard. He was use to the sass from Cover Girl or Jaye.
"Dania on mission is fine, Hawk made it clear this unit doesn't operate on normal military regulations." She said quieter between them.
"Ha, you're damn right about that. But we are the best there is. Let's get movin' we got a short window of time." Beach Head answered. They loaded up and the two jets took off.
During the flight Beach Head tried to set up a video conference between the two jets and ended up breaking the camera on his jet, Main Frame had to supplement with his laptop. Once the link was up Beach Head started.
"Alright yahoo's Flint's team was on a mission, things went bad. They got ambushed and are now injured and broken. At least three have captured. We are assuming the three MIA's are alive, this force that got them took out the convoy too. We know it ain't Cobra cause it took them out too. Now we are going after our guys, then boogeyman man hunting. No Joe's dying on our watch. I ain't got much Intel on em, except enough to prove they exist." Beach Head explained.
"We'll Sarge once we done with em, ain't going to be nothing left of em but fish food ain't that right Wet Suit?" Tunnel Rat mouthed off.
"Big badda boom!" Wetsuit smirked while winking at Dania. Leatherneck elbowed him and two began exchanging insults back and forth under their breath. Beach Head and the ones on his plane couldn't make out the comments. Just Life Line, "What the hell is wrong with you two. Beach Head next time find another medic; I'm not going out with you and what ever roughneck style unit you put together again unless it's a rescue mission. Swear jar you two." Beach Head just shrugged at him while he closed Main Frame's computer. "Damn yuppie." He said as sat down and leaned back. Main Frame laughed, "If Quick Kick finds out about this he'll never stop with the movie quotes." Beach Head would never let them know he smiled under his baklava. They weren't Rangers but there the best at what they do. Beach Head prepped his M4, he attached his grenade launcher underneath. Slide a knife in each boot. He pulled the knife from his vest, it was highly balanced and stronger then any knife he's ever hand. It threw like a dream. It was a gift from Snake Eyes when they compared knife collections few years back. Tripwire walked over and sat down, "How bad is it?"
"Bad, an unknown force has taken down the UN force and a team of Joe's. Once we get our guys, I'm personally going to see to it that unknown force knows the true definition of hell." Beach Head answered as he squeezed the handle on his knife. Dania leaned in, "I think I know this group we face. We have a right to fear them; they have killed my comrades in the past. From your description and the fact they took out both Joe and Cobra force plus the UN. They call themselves the Red Shadows.