East of GI Joe headquarters, the roar of jet engines filled the empty streets of a deserted city as a Modified RGM-79C GM hardsuit flew through.
Ensign Kou Uraki in his HS-06F-2 Zaku II lied in wait in a bomb crater with his 12 mm Zaku machine gun ready, his target was the modified GM piloted by Raven of the Helldivers. His CO.
Closing in on Uraki, Raven quickly fired her M-4 carbine. Her shots spattered red paint over his shoulder shield as firing the Zaku's thrusters as quick as he could, unlike the HS-09 Dom, the Zaku was not meant for speed. "Damn it! This Zaku moves like a piece of shit!" He grumbled as he jumped out of the bomb crater joining up with two other Zaku IIs. "There's no way this heap of junk can compared to that high powered GM."
"Uraki! Keith! We're goin' her all at once!" Ordered Sgt. Mackenzie
"Roger!" Keith and Uraki replied.
"All right!" Kou exclaimed as the three Zakus fired their flight packs in pursuit of the GM.
Fuwa turned her GM around and took off for the city, knowing those Zakus would follow her. Ensign Chuck Keith flew after Raven in his Zaku as he came around a skyscraper, Raven unloaded several more shots from her M-4 striking his Zaku. The two touching down, Raven quickly fired before Keith could even return fire. For Raven this was not a fair challenge to her, both Uraki and Keith were both former Navy fighter pilots and she was an urban warfare specialist trained by the British SAS. "So Ensign Keith have you been studying your piloting like you should?"
Taking advantage of Raven's distraction with Keith, Uraki leaped from a four-story building firing his machine gun.
Raven only sidestepped Uraki's salvos and fired the GM's thrust pack with Uraki once again in pursuit. But due to the considerable thrust out put from the modified GM's flight pack, it could go longer distances in one jump, but in spite of the limitations of the Zaku, Uraki was not going to give up. "Shit! The thrust on that thing is incredible!" Uraki noted as the two flew up along side a skyscraper. Nearly reaching the top, Raven performed a swan dive headfirst heading for Uraki, firing the thrust pack leaving the startled ensign barely seconds to dodge.
Getting himself into position, Keith fired his Zaku machine gun, as the GM swooped past him, unable to land a hit. "That backpack's too heavy for a GM." Keith quipped as he pursued Raven, "Besides it would look better on a Zaku."
"Keith! Stay on the GM's tail, drive it toward the ruins ahead! I'll head her off there!" Mackenzie ordered over his headset.
"Huh? Like I can actually keep up with Raven?" Keith shot back as he chased her towards an abandoned shopping mall and parking structure where Sgt Christina Mackenzie readied her machine gun on the second level of the parking structure, but the GM was too quick even for the sharpshooter. "Shit!"
Keith leaped past Mackenzie landing on the roof the shopping mall, scanning the immediate area there was no sign of the GM and he would have to traverse the roof carefully. The roof showed signs of severe stress. Leaping across the roof, he did know how unstable the roof was; he crashed through the roof when he made his leap. Hitting solid ground and covered up to his waist in he debris, Keith was unable to move.
On a computer monitor in an observation vehicle, a diagram of Keith's Zaku confirmed his situation. "Lt. Burning, Keith's unit is trapped in the rubble and can't move. He's going to need a pickup." Cypher reported. She was assigned to monitor the status Mackenzie, Keith and Uraki's Zakus
"Mm." Grunted Burning in response as he positioned his headset's mike over his mouth. "Keith, just sit tight. We'll send someone in to get you out later."
"Roger…" Keith grumbled
"Lt. Burning, we don't have all the data on the GM's jet pack yet," Another tech reported as he monitored Raven in the modified GM. "They still haven't pushed it to it's maximum thrust rating."
"Raven, this is Burning; listen up. Continue maneuvers with the jet pack at full thrust."
"Roger!"
Along the long stretch of road leading to the base, a blue Dodge Stratus approached the guardhouse of the main gate. "Excuse me, ID and orders please," PFC Izumi requested as the car approached the guardhouse and the occupant rolled down her.
"I'm Dr. Nina Purpleton with DARPA. I have a briefing and some business here," Nina answered showing her ID to Izumi.
Running the routine security check, Izumi confirmed Dr. Purpleton's ID, Izumi allowed her on the base. Driving across the grounds, she passed a modified flatbed carrying 3 HS-06F2 Zakus, and the modified RGM-79C GM. Reaching the admin building, Nina pulled into a parking space.
"Don't worry Kou, you did pretty well. At least you didn't get trapped in rubble."
"I know Keith." Kou replied. The two stopped in their tracks as they watched a lovely blond in a powder blue suit grabbing her briefcase from the car. "Hello," Nina said warmly.
"Uraki, Keith!" Another voice sounded off. It was Major Stingray standing at the entry to the admin building.
"Major!" The two jumped
"Don't you two have other things to attend to?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Keith hastily responded and saluting, pulling Uraki along.
"Those two trouble?"
"No, they had a debriefing to go to."
"Ah! Well I have to thank you for getting me out of the Pentagon. Have you ever been cooped up in an air conditioned office for the past six months?"
"Never had the pleasure."
"I was nearly driven mad. On top of the YHS and RX projects, thankfully your brother called me out here to helping him perfect the beam rifles. As well as collecting the combat data on the capabilities of the HS-06S Zaku." Nina concluded as Sylia showed her to General Hawk's office.
"Dr. Purpleton," nodded the GI Joe commander. Taking a seat Nina place her briefcase on her lap, while Sylia sat on the couch off to the side of Hawk's desk.
"General, I was sent by DARPA and Anaheim Electronics for the GI Joe team to provide security and assistance for the BET which will be arriving by Medea transport tomorrow morning."
"The Broadcast Energy Transmitter?" Sylia questioned, she heard the name before.
"How did you know about the BET? Only a few people know of its existence!"
"Dr. Purpleton," Sylia started off. "A week ago, I ordered an intell team to gather information about an alliance of Cobra, Hydra and AIM. They've heard the BET being mentioned. I'm led to the conclusion that there might be a lapse in security or a mole."
Nina frowned at the conclusion Major Stingray laid out, she trusted the people she work with and all of them possessed very high security clearances, along with their backgrounds gone through with a fine-tooth comb. "Is there any proof?"
"Without a conducting a full investigation? No." Sylia replied. "All we have to go on right now is conjecture and supposition."
Hawk called a senior staff meeting for Nina to brief them on the BET. Along with Hawk and Grey Fox, Duke, CIA Liaison Nagumo, Flint and Beachhead arrived. Once assembled, Nina started her briefing. "This briefing is classified, but there will be a list made of specific personnel who can have access to the information I'm about to give to you." Turning on her computer and projector, it displayed a tracked vehicle with a large solar panel and a smaller transmitter dish. "This is the Broadcast Energy Transmitter. The concept was derived from the Mega Particle Cannon and utilizing Minovsky Particles as a means of providing a nearly infinite energy source. The BET would be used mainly in disaster areas or to provide a back-up in case a large power grid goes off line."
"Where do you want to test the BET?" Hawk asked
"Preferably a place free of any electro-magnetic interference."
"Very well. We'll handle all the final details once the BET has arrived. Major Stingray, please escort Dr. Purpleton to the VIP quarters. Dismissed."
While escorted to the VIP quarters, Nina asked about the results of the testing of the new thrust pack of the modified RGM-79C GM.
Sylia informed her that she has not seen the test data yet. "I'm to assume that we might see a Gundam Mark II?"
"Can't confirm or deny." Nina smiled. "Once the BET has arrived in the morning we'll begin testing as soon as possible."
"I have a security detail for the BET ready for you in the morning. Good night Dr."
Slinging her M-4 over her shoulder, Izumi made her rounds guarding the warehouse where the BET was being assembled. She was annoyed, several large crates were off loaded from a Medea into the warehouse, her MP detachment were under strict orders from Major Stingray to maintain the highest level of security possible. Izumi asked her what they were guarding, the Major quickly replied it was none of her concern and she had her orders.
"Hey Nene, you have an idea what's in that warehouse we're guarding?" Izumi asked, cracking open a can of Mountain Dew. "You're in there,"
"I'm sorry Noa, I'm under orders not discuss it." Nene replied as she opened a bag of Oreos. "Kind of reminds me of what my dad used to do running security for those black hole projects over at Northrop Grumman. Oreo?" She offered.
Taking an Oreo, Noa popped it into her mouth. "You know Nene, we're going need a glass of milk if we're going to have Oreos."
"Assembly of the BET is nearly complete. And…." Sylia briefed Hawk, but unable to suppress a yawn. "Excuse me. Ready to proceed with testing." Sylia was tried. She had been nearly working nonstop with handling security of the BET, and her normal duties on top of it.
"Good. I have a job for you Sylia."
"Yes, sir?" Reluctantly, she answered. How much more work can be piled on her?
"Get some sleep."
"Sir?"
"Duke can handle with overseeing the BET, and Priss can handle the Knight Sabers. But I don't want to see you at your desk or doing anything work related until you get between 8 to 16 hours of sleep. That's an order Major."
Sylia only smiled "Okay Clayton."
But Sylia headed back to her office. At her desk, she could barely keep her eyes open. She laid her arms folded on top of her desk and rested head on her arms.
Few minutes later, Hawk had a feeling his overworked subordinate would be in her office. He had to smile to see her fatigue winning out.
Dead to the world. He noted as he lifted Sylia out of her chair, carrying her back to his office. Once in his office, he carefully laid Sylia on the couch, took off her boots. Then he quickly left only to return with a blanket and a pillow. After placing the pillow under Sylia's head and covered her with the blanket, Hawk went back to work. As he worked, Hawk called for Duke.
"You wanted…." Duke started to ask only to be quieted by the General. Duke noticed Sylia sleeping.
"She's exhausted, Duke. Let's talk outside." He whispered. Outside his office, Hawk resumed in a normal voice. "Duke, I want you to oversee the testing of the BET."
"I thought Major Stingray was handling the BET?"
"I needed to remove her from active duty for her to get some sleep."
"Alright General."
"Work with Dr. Purpleton, assembled a unit, then move out when you're ready."
"Yes sir."
Dr. Purpleton met with Duke the next morning to discuss possible places to test the BET. The two agreed upon testing in Tibet since it would be free of any EM interference and prying eyes.
"You wanted to see me, Major?" Priss asked.
"Yes, I do. I'm putting the Knight Sabers under Duke's overall command, along with the Helldivers and the 08th Team."
"Why?"
"Duke is assembling a unit for protecting the BET, while it's being tested."
"Why…" Priss started off with an arched eyebrow.
"Why am I not in command of the Knight Sabers for this op? Hawk felt I was overworked and needed a few days off."
"You do look like shit, Boss." Priss grinned
"Thanks," Sylia shot back, "If I want your opinion I'll ask."
Assembling her staff, Dr. Purpleton told them the BET was ready for testing and thanked them for their hard work. Orville, a Tech from Anaheim Electronics asked where the testing was taking place.
With that knowledge, he requested to go into town. Hopping into a jeep, Orville headed for town. Pulling an earpiece from watch, he spoke into the watch. "Blau Engel to Walfisch. Blau Engel to Walfisch."
"This is Walfisch, go ahead."
"I have the location for the BET test site."
On Cobra Island, a Tele Viper entered Serpentor's throne room. "My lord we've received a transmission from Walfisch. The test site for the BET is in Tibet."
"Excellent. Inform Commander Gato, good work. Inform the command staff we're going to Solomon. First I want to speak to Nanai at once."
"Yes sir."
In the cold tundra of Tibet, the GI Joe team maintained somewhat of a loose security detail around the BET as Dial Tone, Mainframe and Cypher finished some final work on the BET. Duke sat at the controls running a final systems check.
"It's too fuckin' cold!" Wolf complained as she poured herself another cup of coffee.
"Relax Wolf, these RGM-79Ds are suppose to keep us warm." Dagger replied. The YHS series and the RX-78-2 Gundam and most of the hardsuits, with the exception of the RX-79g and the RGM-79D were incapable of operating in a cold weather environment even the beam rifles haven't been adapted to the cold.
"You're from Chicago Dagger, you're used to this. I'm from Southern California, I'd rather be at the beach!"
For the BET's testing several PAC/RATs were brought, completely drained of power. "Okay I think this thing is ready." Duke remarked, looking over the final systems check. "Cypher, head back to the support truck to pick up telemetry with Dr. Purpleton."
"Let's just hope we're not flushing tax payer money down the toilet." Quipped Scarlett.
"Gee, why so cynical?" Noa asked
"Kid, sometimes things may sound good in theory, but in practice it ain't such a hot idea."
"We'll find out in a minute." Duke activated the BET. A wave of energy came out the main emitter panel, washing over the entire test area. Suddenly, the PAC/RATs came to life with all systems at normal operating parameters. Most of the Joes couldn't believe their eyes.
In the support truck, Dr. Purpleton watched with pride at the data coming in.
While Cross Country leaned against his HAVOC, he was amazed at the BET performance even thought Dr. Purpleton's briefing went completely over his head. Falling on his butt, he thought he slipped, only to see his HAVOC driving itself.
"The BET has started Cross Country's HAVOC!" Dial Tone pointed out to Duke.
"I'm shutting it down." Duke deactivated the BET but the HAVOC still drove on with Cross Country right behind it. "Whoa, mule! Stop! Stop! STOP!"
Suddenly Cross Country ran up the slope. "Go, go, go! It's..."
"Co…" Xamot started
"…bra!" Tomax finished as they chased Cross Country Cross Country in their STUN.
Flying over the large force of Hardsuits and STUNs, Serpentor shouted orders from his air chariot. "Destroy everything except for the Broadcast Energy Transmitter!"
Cross-Country raced past exploding PAC/RATs, trying to keep on his feet from the explosions; while Shipwreck, Bazooka, Leatherneck, Snow Job, Recondo, and Gung-Ho race for cover with HAVOCs exploding around them. Quick Kick confronted the enemy with his M-4. The Helldivers, the Knight Sabers and the 08th Team quickly mobilized.
Dreadnoks leaped over the mounds of snow; Ripper, Torch, Buzzer, Zandar, and Zarana on their motorcycles, and Zartan rode a Ferret, closely followed by the Thunder Machine. Several HS-09 Doms and HS-06C Zaku IIs followed their advanced unleashing a fury of bazooka and machine gun fire. Snow Job took control of a HAVOC and turned it toward the attacking forces. Quick Kick only thoughts were to reach a HAVOC, the Joes defensive postures was being compromise and need to be reestablished, as a bazooka round screamed over his head, his only recourse was to hit the dirt as the projectile slammed into the HAVOC. Quick Kick grabbed another one, backing up his comrade by providing cover fire from a HS-05A Zaku I.
"Hey Snow Job need a lift?"
"Maybe walking better for my health!" Snow Job quipped as he held alongside Quick-Kicks HAVOC.
"Since when are you the nervous type? Yo Joe!"
Duke, Mainframe and Dial Tone continue firing as pressure from the Zakus forced them to fallback to a safer position. "They're after the BET. Regroup for counterattack!"
"Uraki! To your left!" Raven shouted
Snapping around, Ensign Kou Uraki unleashed several rounds from his M-4, before a Zaku I could do damage to his RGM-79D GM
"Press forward! I want the Broadcast Energy Transmitter at all cost!" Serpentor Ordered as he flew along side Cobra Commander in his HS-06S Zaku II with two HS-09 Doms as escorts.
"This operation is costing us dearly! I hope your contraption is worth it." The Commander angrily shouted.
"That is not your concern. Do as you're told like an obedient lackey."
"Lackey? You dare call me a..." The Commander was about to retort until his sensor lit up like a Christmas tree. "OH SHIT! WOLF!" He swore, seeing Wolf on top of a HAVOC with a 25mm Vulcan gun she took off a Gouf B3. Covergirl and Firestorm in the driver's compartment. The Commander fired his boosters to evade the onslaught; his Dom escorts weren't as lucky.
"Cover me! The BET's our only shot!" Duke ordered.
"YO JOE!" Mainframe and Dial Tone said in unison.
From his air chariot, Serpentor could see Duke making a break for the BET. "Zakus cut him down!"
A force of Zaku I and IIs converged on Duke's position as he sprinted to the BET under a hail of machine gun fire. Slipping into the snow, a machine gun shot grazed his arm.
"Yo Wolf! It looks like Duke could use some help!" Covergirl stated
"Let's lock 'n' load!"
Covergirl opened fire with HAVOCs weapons while Wolf used the remaining ammo in her Vulcan gun buying Duke time to get to the BET.
Duke got to the BET's controls just as Serpentor swooped on him. Grabbing onto the underside of Serpentor's Air Chariot and Duke held on long enough to place a grenade in the vent of the chariot's left wing. With Serpentor dazed for the moment, Duke starts up the BET The PAC/RATs begin aiming their weapons.
"Tomax! The B.E.T. is activating the Joes' weapons!"
The PAC/RATs were now online launching missiles from Cobra's rear. "Treachery" Xamot started off
"We're being attacked…" Tomax continued
"from behind!" The two concluded in unison.
The attack began to crumble as Vipers and Motor-Vipers began to run for cover. The remaining hardsuits started to fallback. "Fallback and regroup!" The Commander ordered. "We must consolidate our forces for a counterattack!"
Serpentor climbed back onto the BET, grabbing Duke by the shoulder, Serpentor punched him, sending Duke to the ground below. Leaping off the BET, Serpentor shot a right hook to Duke's face.
From the distance, the Baroness watched the fight, "The emperor needs us, Commander."
"We have more important things to worry about Baroness. Like opening up an escape route back to Solomon." The Commander secretly hoping that Serpentor would be captured then he would be in command of Cobra again.
Duke and Serpentor continued trading punches. Serpentor managed to get two good punches at Duke, knocking him to ground. "Farewell Duke!" As Serpentor leaped towards Duke. The Joe field commander used his legs to send Serpentor flying into the BET's dish. Thousands volts ran through Serpentor's body as if he was strapped into the electric chair, rendering the Cobra Emperor unconscious.
"Serpentor is hurt! We must save him! Cobr...!" The Baroness ready to charge to Serpentor's aid, only to be stopped by the armored hand of the Commander's Zaku.
"We must retreat. Cobra, retreat!" The Commander ordered
"What coward called retreat?" Destro demanded
"Serpentor needs us! We can't..." Mindbender was about to add
"We can't risk our remaining forces for one man, even if it was Serpentor." The Commander fired the boosters of his Zaku. "Cobra retreat to Solomon!"
As Cobra retreated, Duke moved towards Serpentor, his M-9 drawn, with several Joes covering him, Wolf's HAVOC pulled up, "Well Cobra's on the run what next?" Wolf asked.
"I hate to say this Wolf, but we'll have to split the force," Duke told her before turning to Roadblock, "Roadblock, form a unit to run down Cobra. Rest of us including the Knight Sabers, the Helldivers and 08th Team will secure Serpentor and the BET."
"You heard the man, let's wreck us some reptiles!" Roadblock ordered. His unit mounted their HAVOCs, AWE Strikers, and Recon Sleds in pursuit of Cobra.