A/N: The usual disclaimers apply. Finally complete! After 32 chapters, though, the story will have to continue in a companion piece/sequel. Enjoy!

"How the hell you managed to pull Vegas…." Ace shook his head. "And why I'm not invited along…"

"Can it, Brad!" Scarlett interrupted, laughing. "We don't need an undercover gambler!"

The talking died down as Hawk raised his hand. "Just to recap," he reminded the assembled group. "I'm sending a small team to Vegas because several Cobra officials were observed there, and we need to find out what they're up to," he said, using the remote in his hand to flash a security camera picture on the screen. He flashed through several more, before continuing. "Scarlett, Flint, Gung Ho, and Roadblock…..I'll need to see you after the meeting to discuss the assignment. The rest of us will be on backup, in case it's needed. That'll be all."

After the others had left, Hawk shut the door and turned to the group.

"Our new covert agent, Lady Jaye, will be meeting you out there. I sent here after Scarlett first brought this situation to my attention. She's laying out some intell work. Know that she is in, um, disguise, and will contact you."

Flint frowned. "How will we be able to communicate with her, to let her know we're there? I'm afraid I don't quite understand…"

Hawk looked uncomfortable. "She'll find you, trust me. She also has a comm. linked to the Joe frequency, but she's under cover. I'd rather her find you, under the circumstances."

He gave them a few more objectives before dismissing them to pack. He hurried out of the room.

The group looked at one another, confused.

"What the heck was that all about?" asked Gung Ho. "I don't think I've ever seen him leave a room that quick!"

Scarlett shrugged. She didn't know any more than the guys. She wondered if Hawk's discomfort had to do with Lady Jaye's cover, but she didn't want to mention that aloud. She figured Flint would have the hardest time with this mission. He was a straight-forward kind of guy, and that spilled over into his military career. He didn't go for the cloak and dagger that Lady Jaye had brought to the team. Oh sure, he saw its necessities, he had confided to her one day not long after Lady Jaye had joined GI Joe, but why not just a frontal attack?

Scarlett filled the team in on more details as they flew to their destination.

"We suspect that Cobra is trying to drum up financial support in Vegas, having visited several high level mob bosses." She passed grainy pictures around the group. "This is thanks to the CIA who passed these on to us once they knew they were dealing with Cobra. Their job is to watch the bosses, not our snaky friends. I think they were more than happy to pass it off," she commented wryly, remembering her conversation with one of the agents.

"So we have no idea where Lady Jaye is or when she'll contact us, or even if she knows we're coming," Flint sighed, not liking all the loose ends to this mission. "Hawk seems confident she'll find us, but I'm not so sure. Vegas is a big place."

"Well," commented Roadblock, speaking up for the first time, "we've seen before how she works, so I figure if Hawk has confidence in her, then we should, too."

They dwelled on that for a moment, each thinking about their CO's unusual lack of details.

Gung Ho shrugged. "I'm sure Hawk's already let her know we're on our way." He chuckled. "Maybe she's a showgirl at the place we're heading."

"Maybe she's a stripper." Scarlett grinned evilly when the others looked at her in shock. "What? It would explain his attitude! Then again, knowing what showgirls wear, or rather, don't anymore…could be either one!" she shrugged.