From panic, pride, and terror,

Revenge that knows no rein,

Light haste and lawless error,

Protect us yet again.

Cloak Thou our undeserving,

Make firm the shuddering breath,

In silence and unswerving

To taste Thy lesser death!

Ah, Mary pierced with sorrow,

Remember, reach and save

The soul that comes to-morrow

Before the God that gave!

Since each was born of woman,

For each at utter need -

True comrade and true foeman -

Madonna, intercede!

E'en now their vanguard gathers,

E'en now we face the fray -

As Thou didst help our fathers,

Help Thou our host to-day!

Fulfilled of signs and wonders,

In life, in death made clear -

Jehovah of the Thunders,

Lord God of Battles, hear!

Kipling

The banquet hall was alit of colors. The soft music played by the live band filtered about and intertwined with the gossip and the clanging of crystal glasses of those gathered there. Men in uniforms mixed with women in brightly colored gowns as people mingled about and watched those brave enough to take the dance floor. Sarah smiled politely as she mingled about the crowed and attempted to spot her employer returning. Her dark green gown seemed contrast to the bright near neon colors that the other women seemed to favor as did the dark brown color of her hair since most seemed to favor dying there hair to brighter more vibrant colors as if to offset the depressing shadows that seemed to cling to everything.

As if any of them actually take notice of anything aside from what time the next party is. She thought to herself as she watched those on the dance floor twirl about. Most of them don't even care.

In truth she hated attending these functions. She found them daunting and hated those who flaunted that they had the power and money to support such a gathering while so many others outside the small group of higher-ups starved or froze in the dark city. But as the Baronesses head assistant she was required to attend, and it was a good way to gather information, she had discovered long ago that the gossip among the well-to-do was more true than not. She turned from the couples upon the dance floor and caught sight of her employer returning from wherever it was Destro's guards had summoned her to and quickly made her way through the crowd to the woman's side grabbing a crystal glass as she passed one of the servants bearing a tray.

The Baroness smiled and nodded a greeting to one of the many generals that bowed to her as she moved through the crowd. She caught Sarah's eye and motioned to one of the secluded corners of the room. "Destro knows more than we thought." She said once she and Sarah were alone and she took a sip of the campaign Sarah offered. "He's managed to get to some of the teams."

"What?" Sarah looked startled for a moment before composing her expression back into the pleasant smile more appropriate for the scene. "Do ya know which teams? My family…"

The Baroness shook her head. "No, it wasn't them. Destro would do more than gloat if he managed to get to one of the remaining Joe's." She fell silent and smiled pleasantly at some passing guests. "He does however have Mark."

"Oh no…Galvin? Clair?"

"Clair's on the move. Galvin's dead."

Sarah closed her eyes for a moment, saying a silent prayer. "How many did he hit?"

"I know of four teams. Mark was the only one taken alive." She glanced over and saw Destro enter the room. "He survived the session tonight, but he won't live much longer." She watched as the masked man began to move through the crowd towards them.

Sarah nodded. "I know what to do."

"Ladies," Destro bowed in greeting to them as he intruded upon there privacy. "One would wonder why two lovely ladies such as you are hiding in a corner during a wonderful party." His tone was full of suspicion. "Perhaps discussing affairs of state?"

The Baroness smiled sweetly. "I was actually giving Sarah finial instructions on my needs for the meeting with Cobra Commander tomorrow."

"Is that so?" His eyes locked on Sarah's face. She nodded and lowered her eyes as she was expected to do. "I am sure your assistant," he seemed to slander the word. "Can manage the remaining preparations alone."

"Of course." Sarah answered, again as she was expected to do in his presence. "I can see to it."

"Excellent," He gripped the Baroness's elbow and began leading her away. "I believe they are playing a Waltz my dear."

"I would be honored Destro," She managed to catch Sarah's eyes and gave a bare nod before Destro dragged her into the crowed and she vanished from sight.

He was freezing. He barely remembered the last few hours, aside from the pain that had racked his body as Destro had tortured him and then tossed him blooded and bruised back into the dark damp cell. He couldn't even remember if he had given any information during the torture, the drugs they had given him fogged his mind too much.

Well big brother, he thought through the drug-induced fog. Looks like I'm not going to be the hero you were. He startled when he swore he heard someone answer.

*I wasn't a hero. I just did my job.*

Must be the drugs… Mark told himself as he curled up tighter under the thin blanket they had tossed to him. Either that or I'm cracking up.

*Just stay strong little brother. *

"Yeah," He mumbled, "I'm cracking up." His world went dark.

Sarah moved quickly through the darkening streets. She had discarded her finery in favor of pants and shirt once she had left the banquet hall. She needed to get to the safe house and see if any of the teams had managed to gather there, and if so, filter them out of the city before Cobra managed to strike again. She silently cursed the fates that had found there way into Cobra Commander's hands and allowed him to become the tyrant that now ruled the world in an iron fist.

We saw it coming and didn't do a thing to stop it either. She chastised herself silently. And now were paying a higher price than any of us ever thought possible. She caught the glances others throw at her as she moved down the darkening streets. And if you don't stop acting like your in a hurry girl, your gonna draw to much attention to yourself. She forced her feet to slow to the more lagging pace of those around her, and fought the urge to glare at the passing troopers that seemed to mass on the street. The looks they caste her made her feel dirty and she knew that if they had a mind to not even the fact that she was the Baroness's assistant would stop them. She ducked into an alley way as a large group of troopers emerged from a bar down the street and waited as they stumbled past and off down the street, shoving others moving along out of the way. She took another moment to make certain no one was following her and that no other troopers were coming and again began moving down the streets.

The safe house was a battered shell of a building. Its windows broke and walls barley standing, it was one of the last places a person would choose to call shelter, but those who most often made use of it, had little choice. Sarah quickly moved through the door securing it behind her as she moved into the dark bowls of the rooms and down the rickety stairs into the basement. It only took a single glance to determine that no one was using the shelter, and that only meant that either the survivors had considered it unsafe to come here, or there was no one left to hide. She took a moment to check the message canister and supplies that were kept stocked there. She was about to leave when the creaking of the wooden floorboards over head caught her attention. With quick reflexes she throw herself into the shadows and waited.

She stifled a sneeze as a cloud of dust rained down on her from above and heard the creaking of the stairs as the intruder stumbled down them. Whoever it was moved like they're either hurt or exhausted, Sarah thought to herself as she waited. She watched as the shadow moved into view and stumbled against the wall as if supporting themselves to keep from falling. It was in that moment Sarah caught sight of the shadows face, and quickly jumped forward catching the girl as she weakly slumped to the ground.

"Help…" The girl whispered weakly. "Please."

Sarah held the exhausted girl to her and brushed her soaked blond hair from her face. "It's alright. Your safe now Clair."

The feather light touch of a hand on his shoulder roused Low-Light from his dreamless sleep. He opened his blue eyes to find Snake-Eyes signing that someone was coming towards there camp.

"How many?" He asked the silent man as he threw back his blanket and grabbed his rifle, nodding at Shane as he did the same.

Four, Snake-Eyes signed. On horse back.

Low-Light nodded and quickly moved into a better position behind a rock pile, but giving him a clear shot at the path coming to the camp.

"Oh good company." Michael sneered as Shane forced him to his feet and moved him behind another pile of rocks.

"Shut-up." The boy ordered and jammed his rifle into the Cobra's face just for safe measure. "Don't think I wont do it either."

Snake-Eyes motioned for silence as the sound of hoofs upon the gravel covered path became louder only to suddenly stop. The three Joe's tensed…waiting as the silence hug heavy in the air.

"Frogs." A familiar voice called out from the shadows.

Low-Light relaxed his guard slightly before he also called out. "In winter." He watched from his position as Recondo and three others, each leading another horse laden with supplies, entered the clearing. "Your early." He slung his rifle over his shoulder and moved from his hiding spot.

Recondo smiled as he dismounted and tossed his reins to one of the other riders. "Yeah, got what we could and moved before Cobra started searching the city." He paused. "Did you hear about…"

"Yeah, " His eyes glanced at the other riders. "Mutt, long time no see."

Mutt nodded in greeting as he dismounted. "Good to be back. Six months is a long time to be in that damn city."

"Savannah," Recondo turned to the dark haired girl. "You and Ethan water the horses and check the packs."

"Right Dad." The girl said as she and her brother accepted the lead reins of the other pack horses and led them off into the shadows of the camp.

"What is this?" Michael sneered as Shane hauled him out and pushed him back down on the ground. "A kindergarten? No wonder we beat you…" He fell silent as Shane's rifle butt slammed into his side knocking the air from his lungs.

"And I told ya to shut-up didn't I." Shane growled threatening with his rifle again.

"Shane!" Low-light chastised. "One more hit and you'll be the one tied up. Got me?"

The boy's blue eyes narrowed. "Yeah, I got ya."

Low-Light nodded, deciding to leave it at that. "Go help with the horses."

"Yes Sir," Shane seemed to spit the words out as he jogged past his father and disappeared.

Mutt and Recondo exchanged quick glances as they watched the exchange between father and son, bothconfirming the others worry. The conflict between father and son was something that all the Joes knew about, but the extent the rift had grown was somewhat of a surprise.

Later. Recondo silently mouthed behind Low-Lights back. Mutt just nodded. "Duke wanted us in as soon as possible." Recondo continued out loud. "Ed needs the medical supplies yesterday."

Low-Light nodded in agreement. "Our tour is done anyway." He turned and glared at Michael. "Sides, need to haul this in for questioning."

We should wait until nightfall after the satellite passes us. Snake-Eyes signed

"Agreed." Recondo replied. "That'll give the horses time to rest too."

Mutt stood and dusted his hands off on his pants. "In the meantime I'm up for some chow. I'll go help the kids finish with the horses and grab some c-rations while I'm at it."

Recondo settled onto the log Mutt had vacated. "It's settled then. We move out tonight."

"Uplink in five minutes Duke." Mainframe said as Duke entered the area they used as a command center. It was a cluttered room, with wires strung everywhere and machines placed haphazardly giving the impression that it had been hastily tossed together, which in part was true, but to the Joe's it also meant it could be quickly torn apart and moved if needed.

Duke nodded as he watched Mainframe and his team fly about the room as they prepared to uplink with one of the Cobra satellites that they had managed to steal the access codes for, with the help of the Baroness. Duke hated taking the risk of tapping the satellite but there was no other way of communicating with the other teams scattered across the country, aside from sending a messenger and he hadn't the personal for that mission.

"Make double sure the link is secure Blaine. I don't want anyone tapping in." Duke ordered as he nodded in greeting to the others gathered there. He silently blessed Snake-Eye's for sending Timber and the disk ahead of him, while he was caught in the badlands with Mac's team.

"No problem Duke." Mainframe exchanged glances with his assistant and wife, Ann-Marie. "AM and I got it covered."

The woman snorted as her hands flew across her keyboard. "Only cause I plug the holes you leave Blaine."

"Oh very funny Ann."

"You love it and you know it hacker."

Duke smiled slightly at the good natured teasing that took place between the couple. It seemed out of place to him, and yet it was a relief to see that even among those here there was a sense of hope. His eyes wandered over the room and caught the tired faces of Dusty and his wife standing off in one of the far corners, he moved towards them with tired footsteps. "Dusty, Courtney" he greeted

"Duke," Dusty nodded a greeting in return. His face was pinched with grief and exhaustion. Courtney didn't even respond.

"I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Kim. If you need to take some time…"

"No." Courtney's voice was choked. "We know our duty, and to many others need us."

"The offer still stands whenever you need it."

"Twenty seconds Duke." Mainframe called out. "And let's hope they got good news out there."

The screen crackled and the speakers screeched as Blaine and Ann fought to establish a clear signal.

"Damn things gonna fight the whole way." Ann cursed. "Blaine, give me another boost."

Mainframe nodded and his hands flew across his keyboard. "Best I can do Babe."

"It'll have to do then hacker." She concentrated on her screen and suddenly there was a loud blast of static and the main screen cleared. "Damn I'm good." She smiled over at her husband. "Time to start playing bounce the satellite" As one they turned to there keyboards.

"Com…Duk…hear me?" Dial tone's smiling face appeared on the main screen as the static and signal settled. "Hello from the West Coast."

"Jack, damn good to hear your voice." Duke smiled in greeting to the others gathered around the communication's officer. "And see your ugly face."

"Like you have room to talk." Jack teased back and smiled. "How things in your neck of the woods?"

Duke's smile faded. "Not good. We lost four teams yesterday."

"What?" The startled exclamation was echoed by the others gathered around Jack, who quickly silenced them with a hand motion. "Anyone out here that needs to be informed?"

Duke shook his head, "No, most of them were East coast or there was no one left to tell."

"Understood." The channel fell silent for a moment. "Dr. Kay says she's ready to report Duke." Jack turned and smiled at the petite dark haired woman standing behind him. She was one of the many civilians that had found sanctuary with the Joe's after Cobra's overthrow of the government. Duke had lost count of the number of non-combatants that had volunteered to help the Joes after the battle. Many of them wanted by Cobra for the skills they possessed. Dr. Kaylee Ashburn was one such case.

"Duke." Kay smiled in greeting her dark brown eyes sparkling with teasing. "Good to see you and know that you're still to stubborn to give into that bastard."

Duke chuckled. "Same to you Kay." He glanced sideways as Ed came forward.

"Eddy," Kay winked at the other doctor but her smile and teasing disappeared as she caught the tired look on his face. "Your looking frazzled."

Ed nodded. "It's getting worse Kay. "I've lost another six this week alone, the damn fever is eating us alive here."

The woman nodded. "In that case let me give you the good news." Her smile returned.

"We could use some." Ed said.

"We had a new addition to the camp two weeks ago. Naomi Ann Blais weighing in at 6 lb 5 oz. and 19 inches long, with a head full of red hair."

Ed smiled. "Give Cross-Country cigar for me. How's Mollie doing?"

"I will. Mollie's doing fine, but Poor Rob is nursing a bruised hand." She chuckled. "Poor guy was locked in Mollie's iron grip for 12 hours."

"Tell him to put an ice pack on it take two aspirin and call me in the morning." Ed winked.

"But that's not the news I wanted to tell you. Our little Naomi is showing absolutely no signs of the fever. In fact she is producing antibodies against it."

"What?" Ed's face betrayed his shock and mummers of the others floated up from behind. "That's not possible."

"Kay, are you saying what I think you are?" Duke asked, his face almost pleading.

The woman smiled and held up a small vile of liquid. "Gentleman and Ladies may I introduce the little magic potion I concocted while toiling over my witch's caldron one night."

"Kay…" Ed suddenly found himself wishing he could reach through the screen and grab the vile.

"Its still being tested Ed, but as I said Naomi is producing antibodies. I hope to be able to produce more using her blood as a map."

Ed nodded. "It's still more than I had 24 hours ago Kay. You keep brewing this stuff up." He smiled again. "And I'll get you a dozen caldrons."

"It's a deal Eddy." She turned slightly. "Ok, this witch is outta here, and Eddy."

"Yeah Witch?"

"Good luck." She smiled one last time before turning the screen over to Mercer.

"OK give me the low down Felix." Duke said as he retook his place.

The ex-Cobra smiled. "Consider the third battalion out of the picture Duke."

Cheers erupted behind Duke. "Any casualties?"

"Nothing major. Few gun shot wounds no fatalities."

Duke smiled. "Felix I owe you a steak if I can ever find one again."

"I'll hold you to that Duke."

"I bet you will. Give your team my congratulations on a mission well done and my thanks."

Felix nodded. "You got it Duke, and good luck to you." He moved out of the screens range allowing Dial tone to retake his place.

"We're ready for file transfer when you are Blaine and lets hope these codes are good for a while."

Mainframe nodded as he glanced up at the main screen. "There are a few extra goodies for your people to chew on. She managed to get her hands on there encrypt codes."

"You're kidding?" Jack could almost feel his hands itching to hack into the info. "We can bring down their entire network with those."

"I know," Mainframe turned back to his screen. "Commencing transfers now."

"Uplink is good, file's being received."

"Shit!" Ann's voice cut through the room. "We gotta hound on our tales Hacker." Her hands flew franticly over her keyboard. "Thirty seconds and they'll trace us."

"Damn it!" Blaine quickly turned to his own screen. "Jack how long on your end?"

"Thirty five seconds for complete transfer."

Mainframe and Ann exchanged quick glances. "Ok Babe, time to see how good we really are."

"Cut it if you have to Blaine." Duke ordered as he watched the couple work franticly. "We can't afford to be traced."

"We might not get another chance at this Duke."

"I don't care there are to many lives here."

Blaine nodded. "Understood. Jack get ready to cut the link if we have to"

"Standing by." Jack replied. "And in case I miss the chance to say this, Stay alive out there hear me?"

"We hear you Jack." Duke answered.

"Fifteen seconds and they have us." Ann counted down. "I have an idea Hacker that may buy us another 7 or 8 seconds." She said as she flew across her keyboard. "Remember that old weather satellite?"

Blaine smiled. "AM I love you."

"I know."

"Your gonna ghost off of it aint ya." Jack said as he realized what she was doing. "Ann I'd kiss you if I was there."

"I'll remember that." She smiled. "Get ready to kill the uplink Jack."

"Standing by. Ten seconds."

"Five."

"Come on, come on." Blaine wished he could climb into his computer and somehow speed up the transfer. "They almost have us."

"Two. Yo Joe!"

"Kill it!" Blaine and Ann shouted at the same moment

The screen went dark.

"Well?" Cobra Commander demanded.

"I'm sorry sir, but we lost the signal at the last moment." The man swallowed. "We needed another three seconds to establish a trace."

The Commander's eyes narrowed. "You mean to tell me that a with all this equipment you couldn't complete a minor trace?"

The Viper took a step back. "It's not that simple Sir. They used our own satellites against us."

"Explain."

"The disk they stole contained access codes to our communication satellites Sir." The Viper explained. "They managed to piggyback a signal out and they ghosted off several other satellites to hide the signal once it was established. We managed to track them to an old weather satellite before the connection was lost."

The Commander drummed his fingers on his desk. "So what your saying is a bunch of Joes, who are supposed to be dead managed to tap into our satellites with second rate equipment, and then managed to avoid being traced?"

"Yes Sir."

The Commander stood and moved to the front of his desk standing over the TeleViper. "I find your answers unacceptable. But I am feeling generous today and will allow you to fight for your life."

"Sir, please." The man begged. "I have a family."

Cobra Commander smiled cruelly. "You do? Well then, I'll see to it hey join you in the arena." He turned to his personal guards. "Take this worthless trash away and then collect his entire family. Can't have more like him walking around can we."

As one the guards moved forward grabbing the stunned televiper by the arms and began dragging him from the room. "Sir I'm begging you." He managed to gasp out before they pulled him completely from the room. "Not my family."

The Commander regarded the viper with cold blue eyes. "Only the strong may live." He waved the guards on his insane laughter following the startled viper as he was dragged off.

"There's four guards at the gate." Cammy reported as she and Dustin slinked back into the small rundown shack the team was using as a hiding spot. "Two in each tower station. And roving patrols every five minutes."

"Dog patrols every 15 minutes. Security cameras covering most of the yard and perimeter out to the tree line." Dustin reported

Bill leaned back in the rickety chair he sat in and thought for a moment. "Can ya get a shot off?"

"Are you nuts!" Clutch exclaimed. "With that amount of security you'd be lucky to…"

"Shut-up" Bill's brown eyes narrowed. "Camille?" he waited for his answer.

The girl stood silent for a time considering her chances mentally. "I can get one maybe two off before they would get a track on me."

Bill nodded. "Get into position and wait for them to transfer Mark out for another session."

The girl turned without another word and dug through her pack for a moment removing her precious night scope, which she then mounted on the rifle her younger brother handed her. "Thanks Jeb."

"You be careful Cammy." The boy hugged her.

"I will." She turned and looked at her father giving him a small smile. "See ya soon daddy." She disappeared into the night.

Clutch stood there in shock for a moment before his anger exploded. "Are you all nuts!"

Bill spun on the man. "I suggest you hold your tongue. You have NO idea what's goin on here."

"Lance…"Grunt grabbed the other mans shoulder.

"No idea?" He pushed Grunt's hand away. "No idea! You just sent your own kid off to kill someone like it's an every day thing! What kind of Father are you?" The fist slammed into his face before he even had a chance to duck it. He shook his head to clear his senses and looking up saw Bill standing over him pistol drawn.

"I would shut up," Bill growled out. "And keep your opinion to yourself."

"Fine," Clutch pulled himself back to his feet. "It's her blood on your hands if she gets killed out there."

Bill lowered his gun. "I know." He turned and retook his seat. Clutch silently cursed and with a swift movement grabbed a rifle and ran out into the night.

"Shit!" Dustin raised his own rifle to fire only to have his father's hand lower his sights. "Daddy?"

"Let him go." Bill's voice was filled with fatigue. "Just let him go."

"Are you sure about this?" Sarah asked her employer as they drove through the dark streets. "It could cause more suspicion towards you."

The Baroness nodded. "I know Sarah, but there's no other way to get Mark out of there short of in a body bag."

Sarah chewed her bottom lip and fell silent for a moment. "But to put yourself in a position like this with Destro. He already suspects something."

"I am aware of his interest in me, and take more caution than you know." She glanced at Sarah out of the corner of her eyes. "What if it was Camille or William in their Sarah?"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I would do my job." She answered simply.

"Even if it means sacrificing yourself or them?"

"Yes."

"Then how can I ask less of myself?"

Sarah nodded. "I understand. I don't like it, but I understand."

"Good" The Baroness turned down a dirt road and followed it until it dead-ended at a locked gate.

"Yes Baroness?" The guard saluted when he recognized the woman in the vehicle.

"I have come to see the prisoner." She chuckled silently to herself as her voice automatically fell into the aristocratic tones she often used with the troopers. "I have a few questions the Commander wishes to have answers too."

"Yes ma'am" The guard motioned for the gate to be opened and again saluted as Sarah drove the car through.

"I hope this works Alexia." Sarah whispered.

"So do I."

I have got to be out of my mind. Clutch mentally kicked himself. I'm wandering around in enemy territory, without a clue of where I am goin looking for a kid who's probably a better shot than I am. Yeah really smart their Lance. He stopped suddenly when the sound of an engine reached his ears. And quickly glanced about to find cover before he was spotted by whomever was driving up the small dirt road.

"Would ya get down!" An angry whisper that was quickly followed by an iron hand gripped his elbow and with a sharp jerk forced him down into a small drainage trench.

"Cammy?"

"Shut-Up" She ordered. Both laid silent as the car moved past them and continued down the dirt road. Cammy remained still for a few more moments after the engine sounds had faded and the sounds of the night returned. Only then did she move and crawl out of the trench to the tree line and once there she turned and glare at Clutch. "Are you insane?" She whispered.

"No more than the rest of you people." Clutch retorted.

Cammy snorted and reshouldered he rifle. "Go back. I don't need your help."

Clutch stood his ground. "Sorry kid. Can't do that."

"Fine," Cammy shrugged. "Just don't get in my way."

Mark stirred as voice penetrated his weary mind. He fought to open his eyes, as they were pasted shut with grind and grit. Damn, He thought to himself. It wasn't a nightmare. He could hear the guards outside his cell and the familiar clanging and creaking of the lock as the guard turned the key. Oh good visitors. Man you are loosing it Armbuster.

"I don't know how the Commander expects us to get information out of that."

Sarah? What the hell! Mark's mind suddenly grabbed onto the small piece of sanity that it seemed to have left as the woman's voice filtered through the drug haze.

"I know. It is a pity that Destro was so rough on him last time."

The Baroness? What is going on?

"Bring him into the yard. I think he would enjoy a trip to the stocks for a bit."

"Yes Baroness." The guards moved forward roughly grabbing Mark and dragging him to his feet and out into the shadow incased hallway.

Oh good. Mark thought to himself. Fresh air. Man Armbuster you're really loosing it.

The cold air of the night slammed into Mark like a fist in the gut. The thin coveralls he wore did little to protect him from the near freezing wind that now battered his tortured body. He remained limp in the grip of the guards as they dragged him across the courtyard and towards the cruel looking stocks. He knew that the Baroness and Sarah had followed he could hear there soft footsteps behind him, and he couldn't help but wonder why they were risking there lives for him. Then the reason hit.

Code Delta! His mind screamed as insane laughter trickled through it. Destro you bastard! You loose!

Cammy settled into the perch she chosen in the shadows of the tree line, but with a clear shot of the courtyard of the detention center. She quickly checked her rifle and scope before glancing down at Clutch in the bushes below. She couldn't understand why he head refused to return to the shack, this wasn't his fight. Why should he care what happens to a kid that he didn't even know? She mentally shrugged and resettled into position and watched as the door to the cell block opened and two guards dragged Mark out into the open. She quickly took aim and with two quick shots took out the guards sending Mark falling into the mud. She just as quickly adjusted her aim to the two following and froze.

Shit! Mom!

Mark felt the pressure of the guards hands fall from his arms at the same moment as the echo of the gunshot hit his mind. He weakly fell to the mud filled ground and waited for the bullet he knew would be coming. Which was why he was shocked when it never did. Ok Armbuster get your ass up and run! He forced his body to move and found his hand clutching one of the pistols that had belonged to the now dead guards. Without thinking he turned and fired a shot off at Sarah. Please let this work.

Sarah startled as both guards were struck dead by the sniper fire. Oh God! Duke what did you do? She pulled out her own sidearm and forced the Baroness down onto the ground so to better protect her from any stray fire. "Duke called a Delta." She whispered down to her employer. Even as she waited for the finial shot that she knew would come, more troopers ran out of the barracks. "Mark ain't gonna get out now unless…" She felt the bullet tear into her hip and fell back into the muddy ground from the impact. She vaguely remembered Mark grabbing the Baroness and using her a shield, and found herself wondering if she would ever see her children or husband again.

What the hell is he doing! Cammy felt herself scream inside as Mark raised his pistol and shot Sarah down then grabbed the Baroness and used her as a hostage. Whatever it is it might work Cammy so play along. She quickly laid down cover fire taking out troopers that dared to wander to close to Mark as he moved towards the gate. "I need help with cover fire!" She yelled down at Clutch. "Take out the tower guards if you can!"

Clutch took aim and even surprised himself as the guards fell to the barrage of gunfire that now rained down into the courtyard. He heard Cammy scrambling in the tree above him and then the thump of her feet hitting the ground behind him.

"We gotta move." She said even as she headed into the trees. "I don't know what the hell Mark's up." She could hear the crashing of the bushes as something or someone crashed through them. "But were about to find out."

Two bodies broke through the brush one supporting the other. "Camille?" The baroness's surprised look quickly changed to shock when she spotted who was behind the girl. "I see you found them."

Clutch smiled. "They found us actually. But we can talk later." He took Mark from the Baroness and handed her his rifle. "Let's get outta here."

Mark looked weakly up as Clutch dragged him through the shadows. "Hey Lance long time no see." He croaked. "Guess this means I'm dead."

"Not yet you ain't."

"Just shut-up and move." Cammy ordered as she laid down cover fire as several troopers came into sight. "They ain't far behind us." She shoved the baroness ahead of her. "Daddy and the boys are waiting in a shack through those trees."

The quartet burst through and Cammy took a sigh of relief as her father and brothers pored out of the shack and helped lay down cover fire holding off the few troopers that remained following them. Almost home free. She told herself. She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and swerved just in time to see the trooper take aim and pull the trigger. The bullet ripped through her shoulder spinning her around with the impact and sending her crashing to the ground and her rifle flying out of her reach. She could hear the trooper's feet as he walked over to her and felt the cold steel of the gun against her temple. Sorry Daddy. She closed her eyes and tensed. She jumped at the sound of a rifle going off and was startled when the pressure on her temple fell away. She cracked open an eye to find Clutch, rifle in hand, kneeling in front of her.

"You ok?" He asked as he applied pressure to the bleeding wound.

"Camille!" Bill ran over and shoved Clutch away quickly taking in his daughter condition.

"It's ok." She winced at her Father's gentle exam. "Just get me outta here."

The Baroness came up behind Bill. "You know what you have to do."

Bill looked up and nodded. "Yeah I know." He turned to Clutch. "Thanks for this." He said as he helped Cammy to her feet.

"Maybe now you'll trust us." Clutch retorted.

"William, I trust them."

He turned to the woman. "Fine." He said simply and raised his pistol firing a single shot into the Baroness's arm.

"What the hell!" Clutch jumped forward and grabbed the woman. "You are insane!"

"No," Her voice was full of pain. "He had to, no other way to cover the escape." She shoved Clutch away. "Now go!"

Bill took Mark and handed his pack to Jeb. "Good luck." He watched as Clutched picked Cammy up in his arms and followed him into the shadows.

The room smelled of greenery and fresh water and the lazy sounds of a trickling waterfall echoed in the background as Lt. MacKay entered his employer's sanctuary. He was one of the few that even know of the room existence with in Lord Destro's very home. Not even Cobra Commander himself had been privileged enough to enter the room. He could hear the sounds of splashing and knew his Lord was enjoying his daily swim. He stopped at the edge of the pool and waited for his employer's recognition.

"Yes leutent?" Destro said after Lt. MacKay had stood for several minutes in the humid room.

"Forgive me for disturbing you Lord Destro," He bowed. "But there has been an escape."

Destro lazily floated in the water. "Really? How unfortunate. I trust no one was to badly injured?"

This was not the response MacKay had expected. "The Baroness and her assistant were both injured during the escape Sir. And several troopers were killed."

"And the prisoner?"

"Gone My Lord."

"Pity," He chuckled to himself. "The Baroness plays this game better than she thinks."

"Sir?"

"A simple game of chess Lutenet and it appears that it is now my move."

"How is she?" Clutch asked when Bill came out of the room they had placed Cammy in.

"She'll make it as long as the wound doesn't get infected. I wanted to thank ya again."

Clutch nodded. "No thanks needed, but how about a little trust now?"

Bill snorted, but reached a hand out which Clutch gripped. "Trust aint handed out 'round here…"

"Yeah I know. It's earned."

Mark felt as if he had been dragged through hell by a heard of wild horses. And I probably look it too. He winced as he stretched out sore muscles and tried to settle comfortably on the bed. They had arrived at one of the safe houses early that morning and were now taking the time to catch there breath and treat there injured. He personally didn't remember much about the escape aside from seeing the face of a dead man before him at one point and thinking that he himself had died. But he had awakened in this room, slightly cleaner and warmer than he had been when he passed out. He could hear voices outside his door and even recognized one or two of them. But it was the face that appeared in the doorway that caused his heart to leap.

"Clair?" he weakly reached out and felt her grip his hand in her own.

"Shhhh," She brushed a strand of hair from his face. "I'm here and you're safe now." She gently lay her head on his chest. "Just sleep."

He was only to willing to obey.

To Be Continued.