This story is written mostly in the Sunbow universe, though I have borrowed a few choice pieces from Marvel comics. It starts early on, at the time of new Joe recruits before the Revenge of Cobra miniseries and moves forward from there. I usually write shorter fics, preferring to complete them before publishing. I have however, been inspired by many other writers, to try a longer story. Here it goes. I don't know how it will end...an act of faith on my part. Please read and review. I appreciate any constructive comments. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own GI Joe, Marvel, Sunbow or Hasbro.

Allison Hart-Burnett stood alone, arms wrapped tightly around herself as she watched the smooth casket being lowered into the earth. A strong wind picked up, blowing fiercely. Her short brown hair was whipped in all directions. Leaves, ripped violently from their branches, were sent spinning downward on their dry stems. Staring straight ahead, Allison absently brushed them away as they slapped her cold, pale cheeks.

She didn't hear the minister as he spoke.

She didn't notice when the service had ended.

She didn't cry.

An arm wrapped around her and began to pull her back toward the house, away from the last connection to who she was. She vaguely heard her grandmother's friends as they followed behind, talking in whispers to one another.

"What do you think about the granddaughter?"

"I heard she took the girl in when there was no one else."

"Yes, and raised her herself, she did."

"She seems a bit cool if you ask me."

"She didn't even cry."

"Well, she gets it all now."

"Yes, the whole Hart inheritance."

She didn't speak. She couldn't speak. Her eyes glistened with tears that refused to fall. More arms took over and gently led her to her room. She was undressed and put to bed. Closing her eyes, she retreated completely into herself, giving in at last to the peace of darkness and forgetfulness.

(Reporting to the Pit)

"Ripcord, Lady Jaye, let me officially welcome you to GI Joe." Duke, the blue eyed, blond haired second in command with poster boy looks came forward to shake their hands. "Ripcord, huh." He smiled gamely, "Let me guess, paratrooper?"

"Yep." Ripcord grinned, taking his hand.

"And Lady Jaye…Intelligence?"

"Actually, Intel and Covert Ops." she corrected, noticing Scarlett's blue eyes darken as she spoke. "Nice to meet you," she shook his hand.

Several members of the team had assembled to greet them. "This is Snake Eyes, Stalker and Gung Ho," Duke introduced matter of factly. "You will have a chance to get to know them as well as meet with the other team members later."

"Gung Ho will show you where you will be bunking," Duke added to Ripcord.

He then turned to Lady Jaye. "There are only two other women with the Joes. This is Cover Girl and I believe… you have already met Scarlett."

Jaye narrowed her brown eyes as she turned to the redhead.

Jaye's initial meeting with Scarlett had not gone well. She and Ripcord had arrived at the Pit earlier in the day and she had not felt justified in presenting her ID to the demanding Intelligence officer. As Scarlett had become more and more insistent, Lady Jaye had become more and more belligerent. The argument escalated as Jaye had stood her ground, calling the redhead "tawdry" and egging her on as being her "replacement." In fact, they would have come to blows if it had not been for Ripcord who stepped in and defused the situation by presenting their assignment papers.

Scarlett, still harbouring anger and resentment toward the new female Joe, returned Jaye's glare coldly.

"Uh..hmm," Duke cleared his throat nervously. "Scarlett and Cover Girl will show you to your quarters. Feel free to ask them any questions," he informed her. He exited quickly, exhaling in relief as he left the new Joe in the hands of the women. He was not sure what had set them off but Scarlett and Lady Jaye had definitely rubbed each other the wrong way. "Women," he shrugged.

"Nice to meet you," Cover Girl stepped up to Lady Jaye, flashing a beautiful smile. She nodded toward the stubborn redhead and frowned. "Don't mind Scarlett, she can be quite temperamental. I should know," she laughed suddenly. "Come on, let me show you where you'll be sleeping." She motioned for Jaye to follow her as she began chattering about various Joes on the team and the history of the Pit. Lady Jaye listened sullenly, not feeling much like talking. Scarlett followed the two at a distance, muttering various threats under her breath. Cover Girl wisely chose to disregard them both. Putting on a bright smile, she continued her impromptu tour of the base.

"Welcome to the girls' quarters, Lady Jaye," Cover girl grinned as they arrived, flinging the door open with a flourish. "Up till now, it's only been the two of us. It's nice to have another female." Scarlett rolled her eyes and scowled.

"It's not much, but we call it home." she smiled, ignoring her. "That will be your room." she pointed to the middle door. "Mine's to the right and that…," they both winced as Scarlett slammed the door to her room, "…is Scarlett's." her voice dropped off.

Jaye mumbled her thanks and entered her room, shutting the door firmly behind her.

Cover Girl stood in the small living room staring at the two closed doors. "Well," she muttered, "all I can say is that things had better be making a change for the better." With that, she flopped on the couch and turned on the TV, loud. Some days it just wasn't worth being a female Joe.