"You summoned me, Cobra Commander?" Dr. Mindbender approached Cobra Commander's throne, walking slowly while maintaining a half bow, one arm in front of him and another in back. Like many Cobra throne rooms, the one in this particular base was lined with red tinted steel and had various blinking equipment and view monitors. The hot colors of the room only increased the apprehension of the underlings who approached the Cobra leader. The fact that Destro, Baroness, Zartan, and Storm Shadow were present only made Dr. Mindbender feel more ill at ease.

"Is Operation Constrictor ready?" Cobra Commander barked as his throne rotated to bring Dr. Mindbender into his view.

Destro kept a straight face but did rather like the way things were proceeding. If there was one good thing about Cobra Commander, it was that he didn't rest on his laurels, ever. The leader of Cobra never took a vacation. It had to be explained to him that most people worked better with some rest and relaxation before he started allowing such things of his men. (That last part of which had certainly helped recruitment.) No, Cobra Commander was intent on taking over the world and approached the task with great zeal. A classic case of Type A personality gone overboard, Cobra Commander was always working.

Just a few days prior, the commander had been throwing a tantrum over the failure of Destro's ultra-sonic weapon and G.I. Joe's successful defense of Sheik Ali's oil field. He had apparently quickly gotten over it and moved directly to the next order of business. It wasn't really a failure of the weapon anyway, Destro thought to himself, but one of Cobra Commander's intelligence in using it. Cobra Commander was more hyperactive than shrewd. Still, he was a boss that his people feared as much as respected. Destro was pretty sure some of the departments in Cobra accomplished as much as they could, keeping the details out of Cobra Commander's sight (and thus away from his micromanaging,) in order to keep the stress levels down.

Destro shifted his attention to Dr. Mindbender. The mustachioed "scientist," had caught Cobra Commander's attention with the development of his brainwave scanner. Mindbender had been just another drone in Cobra's labs, experimenting on prisoners with a focus on information extraction, but now he looked poised to enter Cobra's inner circle. Destro was skeptical of any research and development outside his own company. He already despised Zartan's work. He didn't expect much from Dr. Mindbender, the man did lab work without a shirt. However, one never knew where Cobra Commander's whims might lead.

"Y-Yes, Cobra Commander," Dr. Mindbender began.

"Excellent!" Cobra Commander interrupted, most likely unaware that he was doing so. All too often he seemed to only hear what he wanted to hear. "We should commence this operation at once!"

"I-I wouldn't advise that, Cobra Commander!" Dr. Mindbender shouted, attempting to prevent Cobra Commander from speaking any further in that direction. "Timing is essential to this operation, in every stage."

"Well then what do you suggest we do?" Cobra Commander spat out his words. He was ever quick to anger. "If we wait around for your perfect time to come along, we might as well just – "

"N-No..." again Dr. Mindbender did not allow Cobra Commander to become too set in his current train of thought. Destro had to be impressed, despite having little faith in most Cobra employees. Mindbender seemed to understand how Cobra Commander worked. "We can make the perfect time. We just need a distraction. A large one."

"Oh?" mocked Cobra Commander. "Are you suggesting I just waste our valuable resources so you can have everything all dainty and perfect?"

Destro rolled his eyes. Logic seemed to escape the commander when he got into one of these moods. It would be obvious to even the most ignorant of buffoons that if one is to invest in an operation, they should invest into seeing that it is played out most successfully. The poor 'doctor' had not yet requested anything grossly expensive... or really anything at all.

Dr. Mindbender was silenced for a moment, obviously tensed over Cobra Commanders reaction. However, he eased as inspiration hit him. With newfound confidence he spoke. "We need not waste anything at all, Cobra Commander."

"Oh?" this time, Cobra Commander's tone was not mocking. The Cobra leader liked being told such things.

"No Commander. I propose that we use this distraction to allow some new blood a chance to show what they've got," Dr. Mindbender spoke rapidly, trying to prevent Cobra Commander from interrupting him. "It would be a great way to expand Cobra's brain trust. We normally don't have time to devote to such endeavors. We can give a number of underlings enough resources to mount decent campaigns. Who knows if we've been missing a valuable up-and-comer? Maybe they'll have a plan that will lead to strong Cobra gains... and if not, we'll still have Operation Constrictor being set up in the background."

Cobra Commander held his chin in one hand and nodded, thinking the idea through. Looks like Dr. Mindbender understands the art of distraction, Destro thought to himself, watching the gears in Cobra Commander's head spin as the leader's focus, and thus the immediacy, left Operation Constrictor and moved to Dr. Mindbender's latest proposal. Dr. Mindbender was still visibly nervous but Destro was certain the sniveling man had nothing to fear now. He had managed to pass the buck to some wet-behind-the-ears agents while biding his own time. Cobra Commander would not be able to say no to an idea that involved so many attempts at once. It would give him the illusion that a lot was being done.

"Yes, yes, I see," as Cobra Commander's excitement grew, he drew out the 'ess' sounds in all of his words. "Baroness! Make it known to our troops that we are soliciting new projects."

"Yes Cobra Commander," the Baroness bowed.

"I will read all of them personally and pick the best ones. We will have to set up some sort of contest for all of this too," Cobra Commander continued, his mind swimming in fantasy of where this venture could lead. "We will meet again in 48 hours."

#-#-#-#-#

Duke sighed as he stepped out of Flint's office, closing the door behind him. After reading the individual reports from Flint's latest mission, in which the Joe team defended Sheik Ali's oil fields, he had spoken with Flint directly to confirm some of the details. He was going to have to discipline Scarlett and get it through her head that this was serious. He didn't relish the idea. Giving light punishments for Shipwreck's antics was one thing, but being strict with one of his most trusted teammates was another, especially her. After Scarlett, he would have to deal with Wild Bill as well. Duke didn't tell Flint what he was planning, knowing that the cocky third-in-command of the Joes would claim it wasn't a big deal, he could handle it. Duke also knew that it wasn't so easy for Flint at the time as it was for him in hindsight. An interview with Airborne had confirmed it.

"Something bothering you Duke?" Dusty happened to be passing by.

"Oil fields mission," Duke stated gruffly.

"Oh I read through those reports too," said Dusty. Though being a specialist in desert warfare, he was unavailable for the particular mission, but had clearly kept himself informed of the operations. "I don't think we did too badly. All in all it was a win for our side. It's always frustrating not to get our hands on Cobra Commander and Destro. There wasn't much that could be done to lessen the collateral damage either."

"Maybe," started Duke. "Maybe not. Who knows how things would have gone had Scarlett and Wild Bill been at the field when the fighting began?"

Dusty saw where Duke was going. "Oh, that."

"I just can't overlook that kind of failure to follow orders," said Duke. "It could have cost Flint and Airborne their lives, not to mention the oil field."

"Yeah, I guess Scarlett can do some pretty stupid things when her friends are in trouble. She would have run into a cloud of toxic gas to get to Ace out had Snake-Eyes not stopped her back when we fought that crazy gigantic germ. Guess she got spooked when Ace, Roadblock and Gung-Ho sent out that mayday."

"Ace again, huh? Is there something I should know about going on there?"

"Uh, not that I know of," the question took Dusty by surprise. "She's just close with that entire group."

Duke noted Dusty's expression and backed off a little. "Anyway, if you're headed in her direction, can you tell her to see me in my office at fourteen hundred?"

"Okay Duke... she's not gonna be – ?"

"Just let her know I'm not happy."

#-#-#-#-#

Lady Jaye went over her inventory a third time. She was scheduled to leave for her next mission late that night and wanted everything in order well in advance. Not only would that set her mind at ease but it would afford her some private time with Flint. Her boyfriend had only returned to base a couple days ago. She was fortunate that they often worked together on missions, but once they got out of phase like this, it became like a long distance relationship – frequent as possible visits between the pair being far apart.

The team had gained word of a new Cobra installation in south eastern Australia. Lady Jaye was doubtful as it was odd for Cobra to build in the more densely populated areas of a country. Because Extensive Enterprises did have a building in Melbourne, she and a small team were heading over to try to find some concrete information. The twins were supposedly already in the area. If nothing came of it, it wouldn't be a complete loss as the Crimson Guard Commanders' branch office was overdue for some in-house G.I. Joe surveillance.

"I'd ask if you needed any help," Alpine walked in. "But it looks like you're all done."

"I'll take you up on that when it's time to load the Tomahawks," Lady Jaye replied.

"Tomahawks? We're taking two?"

"Yeah, we're going to masquerade as a normal military transport. Well, it's really only part ruse. I'll be piloting the lead one, carrying some non-Joes. We probably won't attract much if any attention when we arrive that way. You guys just need to lay low for the first hour or so after landing."

Alpine made a face. "I don't know about you, but after a flight that long, I can't wait to get outside. I was raised on fresh mountain air."

"No one said being a Joe was easy," Lady Jaye winked. "But I'll admit it's a lot easier when you're at the controls."

"How is a lady like you, who professes to be afraid of heights, such an accomplished pilot?"

"Heh. Not much looking down when you're at the controls."

"Well, I suspect that Quick Kick will be doing the bulk of the flying on our ship. I don't really have much experience with Tomahawks. I'm not even sure Rock n' Roll knows how to fly anything," Alpine quipped.

"Are Quick Kick and the others all set?"

"Mostly, but we don't really have as much to prepare as you do. Quick Kick was with Snake-Eyes doing demonstrations earlier this morning. Dusty's been running around doing administravia. Rock n' Roll was getting in his music fix," he paused. "Ripcord was packing though."

"It almost feels like we're taking too many for this operation."

"Better safe than sorry, especially when you're half way around the globe."

"Any word from Bazooka?" Lady Jaye remembered that while Alpine's often partner wasn't quite half way around the world, he was still a decent road trip away.

"He and Roadblock are having a ball testing out the new heavy weapons," Alpine said smiling. "They'll be so motivated to get some of those on base that they'll probably make a new record in report filing time. Anyway, it's getting to be about lunch time, coming?"

"Nah, meeting with Flint."

"Have fun then," Alpine smiled. "See you at 2200."

Finishing her third run through the inventory, Lady Jaye looked up at the wall clock and saw that it was indeed about time for lunch. She still had time though so she took a casual outdoor route to re-enter headquarters close to Flint's office. Normally the pair might find some place where they were less likely to be interrupted, but this day there wasn't enough time for that.

It was still a few minutes until their planned meeting time when Lady Jaye walked into Flint's office. She smiled to herself as she watched him organize various stacks of paper on his desk, obviously lost in work, perhaps trying to juggle too many trains of thoughts at once. He hadn't even heard her come in. He was probably still a bit spacey from the jet lag, though he'd never admit it. Not enough sun made it hard to get back on schedule.

Lady Jaye quietly tip-toed behind her beleaguered boyfriend. She flipped the flop of his beret. As he turned, finally noticing someone else was in the room, she leaned in, wrapping her arms over his shoulders and speaking softly in his ear. "Hope you're not working too hard."

"Gotta work hard to make time for a certain someone," Flint replied, his words turning to a murmur as his lips met hers. When she finally broke away, he spoke again. "I hope you locked that door."

"Of course, I wouldn't want anyone to be scarred for life should they walk in," she smiled.

"Well then," Flint took a small picnic basket out of his lower desk drawer. "Lunch, is then, on me."

Lady Jaye couldn't help adding. "Don't worry, your Tang and marshmallow sandwich secret is safe with me."

#-#-#-#-#

Scarlett paced herself on the way to Duke's office, determined to get there exactly on time, not 30 seconds too soon, not 30 seconds too late. She had skipped her post-lunch coffee in hopes of keeping herself nicely subdued. She had gone over in her mind what she might say in her defense but most of her scenario arguments were just excuses. She knew he was serious, serious enough to arrange a meeting and send a somewhat spooked Dusty to tell her – instead of just visiting her office for a chat. She figured he would channel his inner drill sergeant and if that was the case, she would channel her inner obedient cadet, wherever that girl had run off to. Hopefully, falling into these roles, their friendship wouldn't become awkward and she wouldn't get herself into hotter water than she was already.

There was no question that Scarlett was in the wrong with the way things went down. She had just expected them to turn out differently. She thought she would have enough time to rescue her friends and be back before any fighting began. Had she not and Cobra had remained quiet for several more hours, she would be feeling much worse right now, Scarlett told herself. She knew the risks when she snuck off to find Roadblock and the others, even if she never expected it would cause problems. She suspected that point right there was going to be coming up a lot in the next few minutes.

Scarlett knocked on the door to Duke's office. After a murmur of "come in," she slipped inside the room, closing the door behind her. "You asked to see me?" she considered appending a "sir" to the end but decided against it.

"I think we both know why you're here," Duke said, getting up from his chair and walking over to Scarlett, a short stack of papers in hand. As he rose, his face met hers. She was relieved he hadn't started in with the yelling yet but she hadn't been prepared for the coldness of his gaze either. She guessed there were other ways of being detached. Being business-like was one of them. She reminded herself not to take anything personally.

"Yes, yes we do," she said as evenly as she could when Duke stopped a few feet in front of her. "I deliberately disobeyed a direct order; I coerced Wild Bill to leave our post; and I endangered my teammates and the mission." Scarlett was careful with her choice of words. She didn't want to appear too eager to defend Bill for fear Duke would use it against her but she wanted to get across the idea that it was all her doing.

"And you'd do it again in a heartbeat, wouldn't you?" Duke had been thrown off by her attempt to steal any thunder he might rain upon her, but he was quick to maneuver his way to what wasn't being said. He hated to pick a fight with her but he had to drive this point home.

Scarlett was taken aback though she continued to keep a straight face. How could she have not been ready for that? She couldn't lie to him, but she wasn't going to make it easy. "It would completely depend on the specifics of the situation."

"And given the same kind of specifics?"

"Without any knowledge of the immediacy of a Cobra attack, it's more prudent to rescue our men," Scarlett stated firmly. Trying to cut this short admitting her mistakes had failed, it was time to argue her points. "Their chances for survival in the desert dwindle as time passes and it's better to retrieve them and bolster our forces for when Cobra does show."

"So then despite that nice little speech you gave me a minute ago, you're saying you would do it again," Duke's annoyed authority-figure tone had come out. He wasn't quite to the level of interrogating an enemy captive but was heading in that direction.

"I wouldn't have done it the first time if I didn't think I had good reason. In hindsight, I can see that the decision was not the best," Scarlett was doing her best to rein herself in. Intellectually, she knew that she couldn't win over Duke and she would be facing something whether she argued or not. Emotionally, she felt she was right and didn't want to meekly accept something that she didn't believe was right.

"Despite the fact that your commanding officer specifically told you that you couldn't go after them at that juncture?"

"First of all he said that "we" couldn't go after them, he didn't specifically mention – "

"Let's not get into semantics soldier, you know what he meant."

Scarlett kicked herself for that one. She knew that was a childish argument the second it popped out of her mouth. Still, it had at least a shred of validity. "Flint had things to do. I didn't. I took the initiative. Isn't that part of what makes GI Joe different?" She knew better than to throw in a 'Don't we care about our teammates?' as well, though she thought it.

"It's true GI Joe is a bit more lax but I think this goes above and beyond that – and it's clear to me that you're just not getting it. You'll have a lot of time to think it over though," Duke waved the small stack of papers he had been holding on to. "In here you'll find plenty of PT, cleaning duty, paperwork and the like to keep you entertained during the two months you'll be grounded to base."

There it was, the drill sergeant's snarl, accenting the climax of his laundry list of disciplinary action. He shoved the papers into her hands. Scarlett looked at the stack and wondered just how much stuff was in there. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting. She knew it could have been worse. Other than being barred from field missions, which stung, it was really just a pile of minor punishments, a very large pile.

Duke knew Scarlett well enough to tell that last part had more of an effect on her than she was letting on, but it wasn't enough. "I've set very specific instructions for when and where I would like to see your reports on my desk. You'll find you also need to cover for your teammates that will be carrying the extra load you're leaving them," he saw her face visibly fall this time. Worry for her friends was at the crux of this and he was twisting that knife. Normally he would feel some urge to comfort her, knowing she was pretty upset to be showing it, but he was on a roll, in his role as a commanding officer. "Yeah, that's right, you didn't think of that did you? Because you can't be trusted to follow orders, your teammates are going to be exposed to even more danger than normal. How are you going to feel if something happens to them then?"

Scarlett fought to keep a straight face. She knew she was failing but she wasn't going to crumble like some sort of rookie or worse yet, some sort of female stereotype. In such a state, she knew it best not to respond. She just stared back at her commanding officer.

"Nothing left to say soldier?" Duke mocked her. "Well then, you have your orders. Get out of my office."

Scarlett spun on her heels and quickly made her way for the door. She was trying to appear as calm as possible but her speedy retreat would have given her away to even the most dull an observer. She slipped out of the office as soon as the door afforded her enough room, not really watching where she was going or paying attention to the environment around her. She had already turned the hallway corner when Duke's door had swung open enough to reveal Snake Eyes.

Seeing Scarlett briskly turn the corner, Snake Eyes turned his attention to Duke, who was watching the now vacant doorway and frowning. The ninja, leaning against the opposing hallway wall with his arms folded, tilted his head as if raising an eyebrow at the team's first shirt.

"What?" Duke said tersely. He was still worked up from the preceding argument. He looked Snake Eyes square in the eye, or at least the face. He let the 'conversation' go on from where he was standing in his office to the hallway wall across from his door where Snake Eyes was standing. "You know I had to. You know this was for her own good. And you know it could have been a lot worse." Duke didn't feel it was necessary to point out in many ways he was protecting Scarlett and her record from worse that might come from above him or Hawk. He certainly didn't feel it was necessary to yell that part out into the open hallway.

Snake Eyes expression was unchanged. After deciding that Duke wasn't going to say anything more, he unfolded his arms and silently walked off, hard to read as always.