Nigeria, present day.
Under the gray sky, full of storm clouds from tropical rainfall, the mountains, covered with thick vegetation, watch the tall grass savannah and sparse trees. A few kilometers away, the Nigerian rainforest begins to form, with its dense vegetation and humid climate.
Surrounded by the greenery of the forest, a river of calm, shallow waters and a handful of palm trees here and there, there's a military camp. On its border, guard towers made of wood. Up in the towers, soldiers wearing military clothes, but freely without being uniform, watching the surroundings, in front of mounted heavy machine guns of .50 caliber.
In the middle of the camp several wooden houses serving to house troops, weapons depot and provision. Around the camp, pickup trucks with heavy machine guns mounted in the back and jeeps. Troops move from one side to the other in disorganized bands denoting a military training less rigorous. Beside a set of tents, a pair of tanks are stationed, awaiting action. In the middle of the camp, a flag is hoisted: It has green and white vertical stripes interspersed as the flag of Nigeria. In the center, in the white stripe, a growing star and moon, the Muslim symbol, in red.
Ripper, one of Dreadnoks who kidnapped the Secretary of State George Strawhacker, is in the camp, training the Nigerian militia. With his beard and hair in the Mohawk style, he wears denim pants, a woodland pattern camo vest over his shirtless torso and sunglasses from Ray-Ban brand.
- See, your weaklings, how to slice a government army soldier! - Order the Dreadnok with his Australian accent.
He picks up his Beretta ARX 160 assault rifle equipped with a large bayonet under the barrel. The sharp weapon is higher than normal and looks more like a sword blade. He attacks, with the bayonet, a rag doll, which simulates a soldier. Ripper gives several blows, expressing pleasure at every thrust. The doll is in pieces. He turns to the African soldiers being trained, and with an expression of satisfaction commands:
- Now it's your turn! Attack!
Soldiers prepare to get their AK-47 assault rifles with bayonets and attack other rag dolls. Then Buzzer appears wielding a HK MG4 light machine gun of German manufacture. Below the machine gun barrel is a kind of attached weapon, like a grenade launcher, but it happens to be a chainsaw.
- You call that shred, mate? Look how you really destroy your enemy.
Buzzer pull the trigger on the LMG under barrel attached weapon and the chainsaw starts running emitting its distinctive buzz. The blond-haired Dreadnok opens a macabre smile and, with all the excitement of the world, mangles the rag doll, cutting its limbs and decapitating it.
Ripper shows a dislike of expression while Buzzer has fun with his speech. The African soldiers are stupefied, not knowing what to do.
- Why shred the enemy if you can roast them as in a barbecue? - Questions Torch coming close behind.
He points his flamethrower and pulls the trigger on the weapon. The fuel pressure indicator goes to the maximum and the flames come out of the muzzle incinerating the torn cloth doll. The two other Dreadnoks leave from the side of the doll, feeling the heat of the flames. The African soldiers do the same. Torch leaves out, laughing, full of himself, as the fake government soldier vanishes into ashes.
Watching from afar to this bizarre dispute over how to confront the enemy, are two African men. One is big and strong. He has a mustache and a big beard on his face. He wears baggy clothes in Muslim classic style and also a Taqiyah, a traditional Muslim hat. Strapped to his body there is a Russian-made light machine gun PKP Pecheneg.
The other is a little smaller but still strong and healthy. He wears light green standard military fatigues. He has a cloth in his head, similar to the ones used by the Saudis, with a checkered patterned. His face appears to be a younger man than the other, without a mustache and beard. He uses prescription glasses of thin metal rim.
- See brother, is this kind of training we want to give to our soldiers? - Question the African with the Saudi head cloth, with a strong Nigerian accent, pointing to the Dreadnoks.
- Always idealist, no, Namir? - Jokes the African with the Taqiyah, also sporting a strong Nigerian accent. - I admit that the methods of our instructors are somewhat aggressive, but we have to fight fire with fire. Soldiers of the President Ngungo show no mercy. We also can not have it.
- We can not lose our differences in relation to them, Iman - retorts Namir - It worries me these people we are doing business with and getting weapons. They seem to be terrorists…
- Terrorists are the President and the US for supporting his dictatorial regime! The Americans only fight for democracy when it is their best interest. Washington prefers to suck our oil by Ngungo dictatorship because it is easier for them. - Chafes Iman. - I know your group further south is more moderate. But moderation will not lead us anywhere. We have to get rid of Ngungo any way we can.
From behind one of the green mountains in the background, rises up a transport and assault helicopter. It has a similar design to the Russian-made Kamov Ka-29. In place of the coaxial rotors, the two intermeshing rotors dance with perfect synchronization, two set of blades crossing the plane of each other, providing support and reverse torque, which ensures that the aircraft does not whirl.
In the cabin, two riders dressed all in black sit side by side. Below the cabin,under the nose, two twin gatling machine guns of high caliber, one pointing to north-northeast and the other to north-northwest of the aircraft.
On the sides, four bulges, two on each side, in each of them, a .50 caliber machine gun. Between the bulges, a door to the fairing of the helicopter. The helicopter has a considerable size and appears to carry at least two squads.
Its tail is short and in the end of it, a small rear wing, with a pair of rudders at each wingtip.
Covering the fuselage of the aircraft, a camouflage in two shades of green, of similar hues, characteristic of Nigerian jungle.
The two rebel leaders and brothers interrupt their discussion to observe the arrival of the helicopter.
- Speaking of them, our suppliers have just arrived. - Iman ends the conversation.
The helicopter gets near the ground. The wind caused by its rotors shakes the palm trees around and raises dust mixed with grass of the clearing created in the jungle for the rebel camp.
Before the helicopter fully touch the ground, the side door opens, and from it jumps the Baroness. With her long black hair tied in a ponytail and using her horned rim glasses, she wears dark green military fatigues and combat boots to the ankle. In her waist, a leather belt fallen into diagonal direction, and leaning against one of her well shapely hips, a holster for an automatic gun. The wind of helicopter rotors make the ponytail of her hair to move without stopping. She walks upright and proud, not lowering as normal people do when unboarding from helicopters.
Just behind her, Tommy Arashikage lands from the helicopter. He follows Baroness closely fulfilling his bodyguard function. He walks upright and proud as his mistress. Wearing jacket, button-down shirt, pants and boots, all white as is his style.
Then disembark a group of soldiers, strong and tall. They are all wearing the same clothes, a uniform. Black helmets with a similar format to that of Nazi soldiers of World War II, but more rounded. They use a dark visor capping their eyes, and a balaclava fabric covering their nose and mouth. The Baroness soldiers wear a vest and webgear over their torso, full of pockets and hanging grenades. They carry, hanging strapped around their necks, assault rifles with similar design to the QBZ-95, with bullpup layout and curve shaped mags. Their clothes are standard military fatigues with camo in various shades of green with a pattern of small pieces of color.
Finally two other soldiers land, each carrying a large wooden box on their shoulders, holding it by a handle in side of the box. The Baroness and his soldiers follow towards the rebel leaders.
Iman, the leader of the Nigerian rebels welcomes his supplier of armaments:
- Good afternoon, Baroness. We were just talking about you now.
The international terrorist draws a smile returning his greeting, with his English with an accent of Eastern Europe:
- Good afternoon, Zamundi. I hope things are good. I brought the items you ordered.
The two soldiers who were carrying the boxes put them at a table next to the Baroness. She takes off the lid and fetches an assault rifle similar to what her soldiers are using. The rifle has a shiny black color, denoting be brand new. It has a telescopic sight, and paraphernalia under the firing barrel. Baroness wields the gun, points up and with the other hand unlock the safety device.
- M.A.R.S. MX-1 Assault Rifles. Bullpup design, 950 shots per second. Cartridge with 40 bullets of depleted uranium, telescopic sight with thermal vision and laser sight. They are prototypes of M.A.R.S. that are not on the market yet.
Anastasia DeCobray pass the rifle for Iman Zamundi to feel his new acquisitions.
- I brought 100 of these toys for you, Iman. In the next shipment will come another batch.
The older Zamundi is holding the rifle with a satisfied smile in his mouth. He aims the gun at a nearby board target in a shooting range and fire some shots. The cartridges fly from the ejector compartment of the rifle and the muzzle flash illuminates the face of the rebel. All shots hit squarely, destroying the target, breaking it in two.
- Excellent! Very accurate, Baroness. See, brother. With these weapons we will be at advantage against the troops of our "beloved" president.
Baroness turns to Namir and passes it another rifle. He holds it but without the same enthusiasm of his elder brother.
Anastasia turns to Iman and continues her presentation:
- We have other merchandise to offer.
She turns to the two squads of masked elite soldiers behind her.
- These are the Grenadiers. The Elite troop from Destro, my employer. We want to offer their services.
The Grenadiers are profiled in two rows of eight soldiers, brandishing their rifles at chest height pointing upwards diagonally. Baroness walks by them and continues her explanation:
- These are the best soldiers in the world. We hire the best mercenaries and train them in a program we call Mindbender. Including physical and psychological training to develop the perfect soldier: Leal, obedient, but at the same time agile, strong, intelligent and ruthless.
Baroness makes a sign with his hand. Tommy Arashikage takes a knife from his leather belt and tears the arm of one of the soldiers. He doesn't even blink, staying perfectly still.
- Look. They feel no pain, no fear.
- This is brainwashing, it is not? - Stops Namir, annoyed.
Tommy makes a move intending to confront Namir Zamundi for his impetuous comment, but the Baroness makes a sign for him to stay where he is. She replies coldly:
- It is a psychological improvement military program, Mr. Zamundi. You can call it as you want. - Responds the Baroness. - We want to offer you a demonstration of the Grenadiers in action. When you see with your own eyes their efficiency, I'm sure we will do business. We can even transfer this technology to you. Imagine, the Nigeria Liberation Front with an elite troops like this. The troops of President Ngungo would not stand a chance. All this for a price of course...
Iman Zamundi grins with the possibility. Namir turns to his brother and complains:
- Iman, you can't be taking this seriously. That's brainwashing. Do you want to submit our men to that?
- Look, Namir, that would make us win the war. Finally rid our people of Ngungo. There are many of us who would be willing to make that sacrifice for the cause. - Responds Iman looking into the eyes of his brother.
Namir looks back at his brother with an expression of anger and disappointment. He then returns the assault rifle M.A.R.S. he was holding and leave the business meeting.
- Forgive my brother, Baroness. Sometimes he's a bit of an idealist.
- We have to have our ideals, and do everything to achieve them. - Responds the Baroness.
- Exactly! - Exclaims Iman Zamundi.
- Perfect, then I see we have an agreement. I already have in mind a perfect opportunity to demonstrate, for you, the efficiency of the Grenadiers. But we have something else to offer. - Continues the Baroness, taking Zamundi by the arm and leading him towards the helicopter she arrived. The two begin to walk. Tommy Arashikage stays where he is, next to the other Grenadiers.
- One more?
- Yes - confirms the Baroness - We need more uranium, Zamundi. Destro is producing ammunition on a large scale and is lacking in raw materials.
- But we're already giving all uranium that can pass through the border of Niger - explains the rebel leader.
- But after you see what we are offering, you will find a way to increase production.
With a smile, Anastasia DeCobray boards inside the helicopter. Zamundi boards as well. In a cargo compartment of the corner there is a large item covered by a cloth. Baroness pulls the cloth and reveals the nuclear bomb lost by the Americans in Afghanistan. She stands in front of the console and enter a sequence of numbers. The weapon panel lights "Nuclear Weapon Activated" Anastasia turns to the Nigerian rebel.
- This is a nuclear weapon - Confirms with surprise, Iman Zamundi.
- Of course, my dear. The most valuable item in Destro's portfolio. And it's all yours, if we manage to double your supply of uranium.
Zamundi comes close to the weapon and stays analyzing it without speaking.
- Think of the possibilities - continues the Baroness - With this weapon, the Nigeria Liberation Front would be a nuclear power. More powerful than most countries of the world. More powerful than the government of that dictator helped by the US, Ngungo.
Anastasia approaches Iman and continues her speech with a condescending tone and full of ulterior motives.
- Of course you would not use it for real. After all you would not want to explode an atomic bomb on your own country. But just by having it and showing Ngungo that, you would intimidate him to the point of resign and then seize power.
Zamundi looks away from the weapon and back to the beautiful face of the Baroness.
- Tell Destro he will have his uranium.
Anastasia DeCobray opens a big smile of satisfaction.
Pentagon, Washington DC. USA.
The former Colonel and now General Malthus, wearing a formal uniform jacket and tie, with all his medals walk into a busy corridor of the Headquarters of the Department of Defense of the USA. He opens a door and enters. Inside there is a room that is a bit dark. In the center, a spot of light illuminating the middle of the room. At the extremities of the room a curved wood table, where are seated several high-ranking military. They wear officer uniforms, also jacket and tie, with his medals on his chest and shoulder insignia. The officers are from various branches of the military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. It is a conference room. Officials are faded in the dimmed light and is very difficult to distinguish their faces in the dark.
General Malthus goes to the illuminated central point:
- Good morning, gentlemen. I have news. We received intelligence information that it is possible that the nuclear device that we have lost in Afghanistan is in the hands of Nigerian rebels. Rebels fighting against the regime of President Ngungo, our ally.
- How precise is this information, General? - Question one of the officers sit at the table, probably another General.
- Very precise, sir. This is a unique chance to retrieve the weapon and recover ourselves from the episode in the refugee camp.
- Episode caused by you, Malthus - complements the mysterious General in the dark.
- Yes, sir ... - recognizes Malthus, lowering his head slightly.
- We have to work around this situation very carefully. Let's start a standard military exercise in the Gulf of Guinea. - The General in the dim light that seems to be their leader turns to another dressed in a white uniform - Admiral, prepare the fleet of the Atlantic for this.
The admiral nods.
- We will use this exercise as a distraction. Malthus, recruit some men of the special force Delta for a covert operation. Let's go to Nigeria to recover our artifact.
- And President Ngungo? - Questions Malthus.
- Give him what he wants. Let's make him help us. After all, in this case we have enemies in common. Let's rescue our artifact and any problem happens, we put the blame on him. The international community already considers him a despot. Some deaths more or less will not make a difference.
- Yes, sir - responds Malthus. He turns and leaves the meeting room.
Abuja, Nigeria
Framing a beautiful green meadow with few trees is Aso Rock Mountain with its double humps, like a mother elephant protecting one of his sons. In front of the rocky mountain is the Nigerian presidential palace.
The General Malthus, wearing a camouflaged combat uniform, enters the luxurious facilities of the palace. He is escorted by a couple of soldiers with ceremonial attire, each carrying an M4 assault rifle of American manufacturing. They go through several huge and luxurious hardwood doors with gold adornments. Each door has a guard soldier. When the last door opens, they come to a hall of yellow tones, almost golden.
The lounge is extremely luxurious. The floor is carpeted and there are pure silk curtains. Sitting on a huge sofa also golden yellow, matching the room, is a black man, strong, tall, with a dark green military uniform, full of medals on his chest and insignia on the shoulders. He wears mirrored ray-ban sunglasses. He gets up and, smiling, addresses the American General.
- Welcome General Malthus. To what do I owe this honor? - Questions the President with a strong Nigerian accent.
- It should be me to thank you for the hospitality, President Ngungo. - Greets back the General.
- Have you travelled well? What do you think of my country? We had many improvements, right?
- Certainly, Mr. President.
- The help from you has been paramount. The rebels still bother us, but it's all a matter of time. To what do I owe this honor? Our usual meeting would only be in a few weeks, not?
- Yes, Mr. President, but we have an emergency. - Responds Malthus. - We need to retrieve an important item for the US and this item is in Nigeria. We want your safe conduct and help in this case.
- And I know which item is that? - Ngungo questions, interested in the issue.
- I'm afraid it's highly classified, Mr. President.
- So you want to enter my country with troops, have my help, and will not say to me what this is all about? This is very rude, General. Your group has been more than helpful to me, but a little respect is not important? - provokes the President, approaching the General, who remains impassive.
- You will be well rewarded, Mr. President.
- Yes, but what you have to interest me?
- I've got, on the plane that brought me, a set of Predators to offer. Drones fully automatic, with heavy weapons. These will give you all the firepower to wipe out the rebels once and for all. All we want is a safe passage to find our item.
President Ngungo, look at Malthus and gives him a smile:
- What item?
Somewhere off the coast of Belgium. Exact location: Classified.
On a dark and cold night of the European winter, the sea is rough, waves rise with the freezing wind coming from the North Pole.
Colonel Clayton "Hawk" Abernathy walk in the tight corridors and full of pipes and conduits of what looks like a submarine. The commander of the G.I. Joe is wearing a black leather jacket with a T-shirt also black underneath. His pants is of camouflaged dark blue and gray, US Navy pattern. He straightens his black beret before entering the next compartment.
In a small room filled with electronic displays and panels, there is a large console. Sitting on the chair in front with a headset with microphone linked, it is a sailor with short red hair. He wears a tight dark blue rib-knit fabric sweater and the same camo pants that Hawk is using. Hawk stands facing him and salutes, the Navy military man returns.
- Carry on, sailor. - Greets the Colonel
- Aye-Aye, Sir - answers the G.I. Joe with red hair.
Hawk continues his way by another tight corridor of the submarine to get to a meeting room. In the small briefing area, they are sitting in the front row, Duke and Scarlett. Both wearing navy standard fatigues, camouflaged in blue and gray tint. Right behind them is Flint, with his sand-colored beret, a black tight T-shirt and also the same camo pants. In the same row, Roadblock with a sleeveless camo T-Shirt. A Kufi, a type of Taqiyah from West Africa, a round piece of embroidery cotton cloth, typical of Islamic countries, adorns his head. Spirit beside him, with camouflaged military fatigues with the sleeves rolled up. Around his forehead, a red bandana, characteristic of its indigenous origins. His hair is long and tied with two braids, one at each side of his hair. In the back, sitting on a counter, cross-legged in a meditation position, wearing an outfit all dark, black and gray, with his balaclava mask and glass visor, is Snake-Eyes.
- Good evening, Joes. - Greets the Colonel.
- Good evening, sir - all respond, except for Snake-Eyes, of course.
Before the Colonel starts to speak, the wall behind him light up, showing itself as a large LED screen.
- This is the first mission of you as this new version of G.I. Joe. We have much to explain. Starting with this base of operations of ours. Scarlett?
The former Military Intelligence agent with short red hair stands up and takes the place of Colonel in front of the monitor. Hawk sits on one of the chairs. On the wall formed by LEDs, an image of a 3D blueprint submarine where the Joes are, is displayed.
- Gentlemen, this is Whaleshark, our mobile ops base. Nuclear submarine with supersonic traveling capability.
Deep in the ocean, very close to the submerged land, the Joes submarine moves at high speed. The mountains and the rocks of the sea floor are left behind very rapidly by the Whaleshark. It has a similar format of most submarines, except that its nose is somewhat pointy, looking like a bullet, a projectile. The underwater ship has a dark blue color as all submarines. On the top frontal part of the fairing, there is a square budge denoting a cargo compartment. On the back of the fuselage, a characteristic tower of this type of vessel. In its rear rockets boost the warship to an extreme speed. Around the submarine, a bubble of vapor water insulates it from the contact with the ocean.
- Supersonic? So that's what caused the acceleration just now? We are moving in the Mach 1 underwater?
- Yes, Lieutenant Faireborn.
- Flint, please dear - answers the Australian commando, with a charming smile.
- Scarlett for you, Flint. - the former Military Intelligence agent answers firmly.
Duke turns back and Snake Eyes leans forward to face Flint and discourage him from his disrespectful attitude. The Australian shrugs and keeps smiling. Scarlett pretend that nothing happened and continues:
- It is pretty much all automatic and can be driven by only one crew member.
The display shows a fact sheet with a picture of the red haired sailor, the pilot of the submarine.
- This is the Whaleshark pilot: Chief Petty Officer Malcolm R. Willoughby. Code Name: Deep Six. Navy SEAL, SDV team. Primary Specialty: Submarine Pilot. Secondary Specialty: Diver.
A new schematic map of the submarine appears on the monitor. Scarlett continues her explanation.
- This submarine was modified from a top secret prototype of the US government. It is equipped with a stealth technology to leave us invisible underwater for enemy fleets. It's a small size vessel, enough to carry an attack helicopter and a small group of commandos.
Namely, us. - Complete Flint, looking at Spirit who was at his side and giving a wry smile.
Scarlett sits. Hawk gets up, takes the front of the monitor and continues to explain the mission.
- We have intel that the nuclear weapon lost by the US in Afghanistan is in Nigeria. It can be in the hands of the Nigeria Liberation Front rebels.
The display shows a picture of Iman Zamundi, wearing a camouflage military uniform and a Muslim turban.
- This is Iman Zamundi, leader of the radical Islamic movement that preaches a revolution to seize power in Nigeria. He is from the most radical wing of the movement and has his troops controlling the far north.
At this point appears a picture of Namir Zamundi, also with a military uniform and using his eyeglasses.
- This is Namir Zamundi, Iman's brother. More moderate, he commands troops of movement down south.
The screen now shows photos of Nigerian Islamist soldiers wielding guns and masks.
- The Zamundi's movement preaches the removal of President Ngungo from power.
A photo of the president of Nigeria appears on the screen.
- The president is a dictator of the worst kind, and to make matters worse he has been helped by the United States in clandestine operations led by a group of unscrupulous generals called Jugglers. These generals and admirals command the DoD in the shadows conniving and manipulating events to their advantage. It was they who lost the nuclear device in Afghanistan and will do anything to get it back. A leak to the press can be catastrophic to their shady schemes.
Then appears on the screen a video of several ships and and an aircraft carrier moving at the sea.
- The Jugglers already ordered a combat exercise in the Gulf of Guinea to cover up a possible clandestine action to rescue the nuclear device. It is likely that a team of Delta forces or Rangers is in Nigerian territory now.
- We are already well familiar with this routine... - interrupts Flint.
Duke then take the floor:
- But this time is different. These soldiers are just following orders. They don't know why they are fighting for. We do. That's why I took this job.
- Me too - Confirms Roadblock.
- So do I - Agrees Spirit.
Snake-Eyes raises his hand in the back.
- Could not have said better, Duke. - Praises Hawk who does not mind the interruption and continues - But the Jugglers don't know what we know. We currently have one covert op in the Nigerian jungle collecting intel for us.
The display shows a picture of a soldier of dark brown hair, mustache and wearing a safari hat with folded brim.
- Sergeant Daniel M. LeClarie. Code Name: Recondo. Operative of the French Foreign Legion. Primary specialty: Jungle Recon. Secondary specialty: Intelligence. You will find him in the rainforest north of Nigeria. He will confirm that the nuclear weapon is really there and will lead you to the camp of the rebels led by Zamundi.
The screen shows a map of Nigeria with a point in the north marked in red.
- Flint and Scarlett will will drop you at this LZ tomorrow 06:00. You will walk through the jungle all day and night and make an attack the next day early in the morning. Flint and Scarlett will provide air support for the assault you'll make on the ground.
An image of the lost nuclear weapon appears on the monitor.
- However, recover the lost nuclear device is our priority. We will only make the assault after we rescued the artifact. Snake-Eyes, this is your top priority in the mission.
Hawk is on the front of the display and continues.
- In the rescue ops of the Secretary of State George Strawhacker, Duke got an HD containing valuable intelligence about who we will face in this mission.
The screen shows a picture of the Dreadnok who goes by the nickname Buzzer.
- This you know already: Richard Blinken-Smythe. AKA Buzzer. A sociologist of Cambridge, England which went to Australia to study motorcycle gangs. Little is known about him until he appeared in the kidnapping of the Secretary Strawhacker. With the intel we got we know he is part of a group of mercenaries called Dreadnoks.
The monitor displays a video of Buzzer cutting the fairing of a jeep with a chainsaw.
- His specialty is the use of a chainsaw bayonet in his machine gun.
The display shows a picture of another Dreadnok, Ripper.
- This is Henry Nod. AKA Ripper. He was born in Cape Grim in Tasmania Island, Australia. He was in the special Australian forces until he was dishonorably discharged. After that there were records here and there in mercenary activities. He is also part of Dreadnoks now.
In a video feed Ripper is using a large blade also as an assault rifle bayonet destroying a training doll.
- His specialty is the use of sharp cutting weapons, blades and bayonets. - Continues Hawk.
The display shows another Dreadnok, Torch.
- Tom Winken. AKA Torch. Born in Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Also of special Australian forces. Navy. Also dishonorably discharged and worked as a mercenary. Now forms the triplet of the most important operatives of the biker gang.
Torch activates his flamethrower on a bunker, covering it with fire and flames in a video shown on the monitor.
- His specialty is the flamethrower.
Scarlett looks at Snake-Eyes, with a mixed expression of grief and anger. Snake-Eyes turns slightly his face and meets the gaze of his G.I. Joe friend.
In the screen appears a sketch of a face with features similar to the villain that was disguised as George Strawhacker in the Everglades operation.
- In the intel we found, there's a mention of their leader. They call him "Zartan". He is the master of disguise that passed as our Secretary of State for almost an year. This is a composite sketch of his face that was remembered by Snake-Eyes, the only one of us who saw his real face.
Hawk is about to change images on the monitor.
- We have evidence that the Dreadnoks are closely involved with these terrorists:
A photo of Baroness appears on the screen.
- Anastasia DeCobray. DoD code name: Baroness. His brother was killed in the failed ops to recover the nuclear device we seek. After that she dilapidated the family fortune and joined in radical leftist and anti-American movements.
In the screen appear several newspapers clippings and TV news videos of Baroness DeCobray protesting and clashing with riot police.
- She probably used the money from her inheritance to finance her entry into the world of terrorism. We know of her participation in at least 5 known terrorist groups, training around the world.
Hawk is more serious and stresses more his following comment:
- She is personally related with the nuclear device that we will rescue. We have to take this into consideration.
A photo of a person with blurred face in an arms transaction between Muslims in Afghanistan appears on the monitor.
- There is evidence that she works for a weapons smuggler known as Destro. We have no picture of him. Destro is responsible for more than half of the illegal weapons market in the world. He is a war criminal wanted in several countries. This mission can be a chance to catch him.
Hawk continues:
- Remember, the President Ngungo is a despot but it is not our mission face him. The rebels may have their reasons, but are involved with international terrorists. We have to rescue the nuclear device, and stop these criminals before it's too late.
Scarlett gets up and distributes for each one of the Joes, thin transparent tablets, with their screen filled with images about the mission. Hawk continues his explanation:
- In these files you will have more details about our mission. Any questions can be directed to me or agent Scarlett. Dismissed.
On the monitor a picture of Baroness persists while the Hawk finishes his briefing and the Joes leave the meeting.
Nigeria Liberation Front Camp, Nigeria
Anastasia DeCobray, better known as the international terrorist Baroness is preparing for a mission. It's night in the jungle of the African country. Baroness is in her quarters in one of the prefabricated houses of the base of the rebels led by the Zamundi brothers. With one hand, she wears the other with a leather glove. Then she does the same with the other hand. She fasten her black leather belt full of bullets, grenades and pockets hanging around her hip. She is wearing a tight to the body, black, tactical sneaking suit. It appears to be made by some resistant material like Kevlar or something similar. She puts, in the holster from his belt, an automatic pistol with a suppressor. She wields, pointing up, a Rocky Mountain Arms Patriot assault rifle with one hand. With the other he puts a double drum magazine with 100 shots. Finally, she wears on his face her horned rim glasses, her trademark. She goes out of her chambers and heads for the airfield of the camp.
Waiting outside is the squad of Grenadiers, fully equipped, with their camouflaged fatigues, webgear, M.A.R.S. MX-1 assault rifles and night-vision goggles, much more compact than those used by today's military forces.
Along with the Grenadiers are also the Dreadnoks Buzzer, Ripper and Torch. All wear camouflage pants and vests with webgear over their shirtless torsos. Buzzer is with his SAW machine gun with a chainsaw attached under the firearm's barrel. Ripper with his rifle with bayonet-shaped blade and Torch carries a M.A.R.S. assault rifle and his flamethrower on his back.
In the middle of Camp airstrip, two helicopters, equal to the one that brought Baroness to the camp, with intermeshing rotors at full throttle, wait for the troops of the mission to board.
Baroness leads the group of Grenadiers and the Dreadnoks to the cabin door of each of the helicopters. Waiting for them are the two Zamundi brother: Iman and Namir. A group of Grenadiers enter in one of the helicopters. The Baroness, Ripper, Buzzer and Torch enter the other one with the rest of Destro elite troops.
Baroness stands at the door and reaches for Iman Zamundi so he could board with them. Namir seems to want to enter too. The Eastern Europe terrorist casts a reaffirmation look to Iman. He captures the message from the arms supplier and talks to his brother:
- Namir, I need you to stay here at camp taking care of everything while I'm gone. I'll watch this demo and then I'll tell you what I found.
- But Iman ... - contests the younger brother of Zamundi.
- I need you here, little brother - confirms Iman, with the helicopter already taking off.
Namir puts his hand on his head as the helicopter, where his brother is, takes off spreading dust and old leaves around the rebel camp. The other helicopter goes up in the sky and follows the Baroness' aircraft.
The helos approach a crusted village in the middle of the African tropical jungle. With the rotors in silent mode, and all the lights off, they take advantage of moonless night to approach unnoticed.
Inside of one of the helicopters, Baroness explains the mission pointing on a map that is projected on a screen inside the aircraft:
- Our helicopter will drop us at one of the extremities of the village while the other moves to the other side. We will scan the town to get to this building in the center where the American Delta Force squad are. Me and the Dreadnoks shall lead this team of Grenadiers. The troops on the other helicopter will be led by a man who is already in the area. He did a scout mission and mapped all the enemy positions.
- He will lead the other group? Why not us? - Complains Torch.
Anastasia DeCobray takes a look of disappointment and disapproval for the Dreadnok, who cringes in his corner and stops complaining. Baroness continues:
- Zamundi, observe the action in this monitor. The Grenadiers have cameras attached on their shoulders. You will be able to see their combat effectiveness.
The computer screen is divided into four different images. Each shows the view of the four different Grenadiers. In two of these images appear Baroness, Zamundi and the Dreadnoks at two different angles. In the two remaining images, only Grenadiers inside a helicopter can be seen.
- You will see two Grenadiers from our group and two more from the other one. Enjoy the program. - Complements the Baroness, grinning a little.
The choppers arrive at their positions. The Baroness aircraft hangs over a small shack on the outskirts of the town. The pilot activates the Thermal vision. All terrain gain shades of blue, as he searches for yellow shapes that emit heat, locating enemy positions. There are no guards around. The side doors open, and a Grenadier points out a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the helicopter door, covering the exit of the Destro soldiers. Across the city, so does the other Grenadier's helicopter.
In the first helicopter, some Grenadiers get down by rappelling ropes. The Baroness and the Dreadnoks follow them. When everyone is on the ground, the Baroness platoon and the other on the other side of the city, the helicopters take flight and head to a safer position. On the monitor, Zamundi watches everything in the cameras installed on the Grenadiers.
The squad that came down across the city, gets close to a building. Stealthily, steps out from behind a dense bush jungle, a man, all in white, wearing a sleeveless vest and a glove with bandanas to the forearm. On his right shoulder is a red tattoo looking like small bricks arranged as a wall. The same symbol the Ranger with blond hair dreamed when he was delirious after the incident in Afghanistan.
He wields two swords, one in each hand. The stealthy agent wears a white hood. Beneath him, only his eyes are on display because of its white ninja mask. The eyes of Tomito "Tommy" Arashikage. In an English with a slight Japanese accent, he talks with Baroness in a earpiece point.
- Baroness, enemy positions are marked on the mission map. Shall we proceed?
- Perfect, Stormshadow. You already know what to do.
Stealthily, the group formed by the Baroness, Dreadnoks and Grenadiers goes sneaking around the shanty town. In the other side, Stormshadow and his platoon do the same. Ripper draws a large knife and mentions that would kill from behind an American soldier who is standing guard. Baroness raises his hand and prevents him from continuing. She makes a motion with his head pointing to the Grenadier that was coming after them. The Destro elite trooper grabs the neck of the Green Beret and kills him with a knife in the back.
So does the group led by Stormshadow. The Ninja stands behind the scenes while the Grenadiers will kill one by one of the Delta Force guards who protected the village. As they move through the town, both squads undergo civilians sleeping in their homes, totally unaware of the Destro soldiers infiltration.
The two groups come close to the town church. It's serving as a shelter for the American Special Forces squad. Each Grenadiers group is at one of entrances of the church. The Baroness group is next to the main door and the Stormshadow group is waiting near the side entrance.
- Stormshadow. We will attack with everything now - Confirms Baroness.
Oh, Yeah - exclaims Buzzer, preparing his machine gun with the underbarrel chainsaw.
Stormshadow picks up a metal grappling hook. He stands back and throws it up aiming at the church tower. The rope attached at the lower end of the hook goes along with it as if it was a snake winding through the air. The hook gets attached on a ledge on the wall of the church. Stormshadow, pull the cable to see if it is firm and then begins to climb.
Baroness places a plastic explosive in the church's big door. She clears away from the entrance. All Grenadiers and Dreadnoks get ready for the breach. Baroness presses a button on the detonator and the large wooden double door explodes inwards, each door flying on the soldiers who were camped inside the church.
One of the wooden doors hit a group of soldiers. Others are hit by the explosion. The Baroness, with an expression of anger and a mixed look of hatred and satisfaction, comes firing his double drum Patriot. The muzzle flash illuminates her face, capsules fly as the bullets from the submachine gun travel towards the American soldiers. The Grenadiers invade behind her, firing their assault rifles. Several Americans got hit by the shots of Destro's troops and are decimated.
On the side door, the Grenadiers breach in with a kick. The door lock is broken and the door slams with full force inwards. One of the Grenadiers throw a flashbang grenade. A glare and a deafening sound fill a room just after the entrance. Some Green Berets are stunned with the invasion. The Grenadiers come right after, shooting and killing the American special forces soldiers.
In the tower, Storm Shadow, attached to the ceiling by claws on his hands and feet, jumps on a group of Airborne soldiers that was heading to the ground in order to defend their comrades. He falls to the ground, strikes a sharp blow of sword and kills two soldiers. He turns his body and back tucks his katana in another soldier piercing the American's body.
In the helicopter, Zamundi observes all attacks through the monitors. On his face a look of satisfaction.
Buzzer enters the church and gets cover next some Grenadiers exchanging fire with a group of Green Berets, holed up in a small room near the altar. The Dreadnok places a C4 in one of the walls of the room. He presses the detonator and the ordnance explodes, opening a new door in the wall leaving the Americans exposed. He enters the room with his chainsaw. The light near the altar projects on the wall a shadow of the English mercenary and his lumberjack weapon. The distance makes his shadow become enormous. He raises his chainsaw and the buzz of his weapon fill the room. Amid cries of pain and horror, a blood gushing jet paints the wall where the shadow of a chainsaw goes up and down.
Downstairs, besides the soldiers there's also a few civilians, who were helping the Rangers. Without differentiating civilians from soldiers, Ripper fires his assault rifle with a large bayonet and kills all indiscriminately. Before the Dreadnok with black hair could continue, Storm Shadow jumps from the church's mezzanine, hits a kick to the Ripper's weapon and prevents him from killing more innocent.
- They are civilians. We are warriors, we have to fight our equals. - Orders the Japanese Ninja.
- Ha! I am not a warrior, mate! I'm a Dreadnok - responds angry Ripper, standing against the Ninja.
Baroness intervenes, pointing the barrel of his submachine between them.
- Stop both of you! We have work to do.
Then she aims for the rest of the civilians who were paralyzed with horror of the situation, and fires her gun, killing them instantly. Anastasia DeCobray continued walking as if nothing had happened. Storm Shadow stands still, full of anger, but contained. Ripper look at him, and outlines a wry and mocking smile. Then he follows the Baroness for another attack.
Soon after, the fighting ceases. Baroness, the Dreadnoks, Storm Shadow and the Grenadiers gather in front of the church, walking among the bodies of US Green Berets lying on the ground. In the houses near the church in the village, several civilians leave their homes fearing Destro's soldiers. Baroness turns to Torch and orders:
- Torch, you know what to do.
Storm Shadow tries to sketch a protest. Baroness raises his hand up with the palm open. The white Ninja obeys and stays silent.
Torch aims his flamethrower at some two-story houses in the village and shoots a jet of fire. The flames lights up the night while burning of the houses. Torch moves his gun to one side and the other, pouring fire on several houses. The flames spread and they burn the whole village. He turns around and fires also at the church. Within moments the whole place is on fire.
The two Destro's helicopters land on the small town square. Around them a hell takes over the Nigerian village. The Grenadiers enter the helicopters. Baroness goes back to the helicopter where Zamundi was following all the events of the evening by the screens.
- Baroness, this village was filled with civilians. Nigerians, my people. You burned their homes...
- Zamundi, these Nigerians are not your people. They are Ngungo government collaborators. Traitors. They deserved it. The movement has to show everyone what happens to those who collaborates with bloodthirsty dictators. - Respond the terrorist enthusiastically.
The helicopters take flight, leaving behind a trail of flames, death and destruction.
Somewhere along the Atlantic Ocean. Exact location: Classified
The submarine Whaleshark of G.I. Joe, wrapped in a large air bubble, sails along the seabed under the influence of supercavitation, at supersonic speed.
The submarine kitchen is a very small room, with a tall, narrow counter permeating the wall. Skirting the counter, stools. Sitting on them are Spirit, Duke and Flint. Standing up, Roadblock, wearing a chef's hat, serves food to them. Flint eat the first spoonful of the stew that was served, with his mouth still full, he asks:
- You really made this food with the military rations we have?
- Yes
- It's wonderful.
The other two Joes are eating too, and still chewing, nod their heads in agreement.
- When I lived in Nigeria, I was always a good cook. My dream was to be a chef. When I went to Europe, I tried this career, but to no avail. I just had to join the army and have reconciled both.
- Let me tell you something - Continued Flint - If you are as good with heavy weapons as you are in the kitchen, our enemies are lost.
The other two Joes, with their mouth still full, shake their heads in agreement. Roadblock manages a smile. Her serves himself some of the food he prepared, and sits next to colleagues to eat. Duke leaves the food aside for a moment and asks:
- So you know the Zamundi?
- It's a strange coincidence, isn't it? We were best friends when we were teenagers in London. Our dream was to join the army together. But they decided to go to enlist in Nigeria, our birth country. Soon after they joined the Nigerian Army, President Ngungo took power. They deserted and joined the guerrilla movement. Actually this mission is happening because I know them.
- What do you mean?
- A few days ago I received a letter from Nadir Zamundi's mother. She stayed in London while their son returned to Nigeria. She wrote me that her son corresponded with her and said he was concerned about what is happening on the movement, with the actions of his brother, Iman. He told her that his brother is involved with terrorists in suspicious attitudes. He described how they were and so we found it was Baroness and her henchmen.
- So Nadir is really a moderate.
- Yes, sure. Since when were younger, Iman was more aggressive and radical. Nadir was more calm and diplomatic. They represent very different wings from Nigeria Liberation Front.
- We must use this to our advantage - Duke concludes.
- I was hoping you'd say that.
- Let's finish our dinner and get some sleep. A few hours from now we have a mission to accomplish - ends Duke.
Gulf of Guinea.
The submarine of G.I. Joe, Whaleshark, underwater in a very slow moving, begins to drop bubbles and head to the surface. The night still falls over the ocean that bathes the west side of the African continent. The full moon creates a silver path on the water surface. Waves begin to form at sea and the boat comes for the water surface like a whale that is inspiration for part of its name. Water runs on its fuselage. On the front, a floodgate begins to open to the side, while a structure is lifted out. What stands out first is a pair twin rotors of a helicopter, one in front and one behind, in the rest position where all blades are aligned in parallel pointing inside the aircraft. The front rotor blades pointing to the rear and the rear rotor to the front of the air vehicle.
Going through one of the narrow doors of G.I. Joe's submarine, Scarlett, wearing her blue pattern camo navy fatigues, enters a large compartment. Flint, with his tight black shirt, camouflage pants and his unfailing sand-colored beret is close behind. Scarlett turns on the light of the compartment, illuminating a helicopter that is stationed there.
- This is the Tomahawk. Our assault / transport helicopter.
Being lifted by the floodgate and being at a higher level than the fuselage of Whaleshark, the Tomahawk helicopter starts to get into takeoff position. It has a dark green color camouflage pattern and has a rounded design with many curves. It has the Tandem Rotors design with a rotor in front and another behind on a slightly higher level. The drawing is similar to a Chinook or Sea Knight, but much smaller. The thrust turbines are below the front rotor. Flint is in the right chair of the helicopter's cockpit, with his sand-colored beret, and a headset with microphone. He wears some sort of tight sneaking tactical suit, with some plates on chest and shoulders. His suit has pixelated woodland pattern green and brown camo with a webgear on. Scarlett is in the chair beside him, wearing a similar tactical suit, only more lean, without the armor plating. She has a webgear on and is sporting a standard US Army helicopter pilot helmet.
Scarlett continues her explanation inside the compartment where the Tomahawk is stationed inside the submarine:
- Double cockpit for pilot and navigator. Weapons can be controlled by both crewmen.
Emerging more from the submarine fuselage, the Tomahawk shows its nose. Just below the cockpit, a turret in spherical shape with two barrels side by side. The longer one is a set of multiple narrower barrels, like a rotary machine gun. The shorter is a thicker standard barrel, similar to a cannon muzzle. The two point forward of the aircraft.
- Twin turret with Vulcan gatling gun with depleted uranium ammunition. 5000 rounds per minute and 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The helicopter of the G.I. Joe is already almost in takeoff position on the submarine. Just behind the cabin, on the right, a small wing springs from the fuselage of the Tomahawk. Below it, a support carrying four reddish missiles.
- Capacity of four Hellfire missiles on a wing and two air-to-air AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles on the other.
Just behind the wing with weapons, a group of small windows set the dimensions for the cargo area of the rotary wing aircraft. At the rear of the helicopter a ramp that serves as the internal compartment door begins to close.
- Rear compartment cabin for transportation of a small group of special ops. This chopper was upgraded from a canceled US Army prototype. In the early 80s, there was a design for a helicopter to stand against the Soviet Mil-Mi 24 Hind. It was based on the Sea Knight and Chinook, but much smaller. We took the prototype, improved some things like Stealth technology, supersonic and modern weaponry
Through the dim light that is coming from the choppers interior, one can see that Roadblock is placed behind a mounted gatling mini-gun next to the rear door. He is wearing the same tactical suit that Flint and Scarlett are wearing: a tight on the body, rubber like armor, covering his legs, torso and arms. On the chest, abdomen, shoulders, arms and legs are reinforced plates for protection. His armor is painted in a pixelated, green and brown, woodland like pattern camouflage. He has heavy combat boots and carry a lot of military equipment on a webgear on his chest and other pockets strapped on his arms and legs. As the helicopter crew prepares to take off, the rear door closes completely.
Scarlett opens a horizontal draw inside the cargo compartment of the Tomahawk chopper. Inside the draw is a torso part of a body armor similar to the one that Roadblock was wearing.
- This is our standard tactical suit. It is based on an advanced infantry armor prototype constructed from a Nomex and Kevlar mixed fiber. It has an undersuit with built-in temperature regulators and armor plates over the chest, calves, thighs, arms made of kevlar bi-weave that can absorb substantial damage from slashing weapons and bullets other than a point blank shot.
The Tomahawk is now in full position to take off, stationed above the Whaleshark fuselage with its front landing gear wheel under the nose and the two rear wheels coming out from two lumps at the end of the aircraft's belly. The full moon in the Gulf of Guinea night illuminates the fuselage of the helicopter. The turbines below the front rotor begin to light up and throw hot air. The rotors, that were in dismounted position, start turning to the flight position, with its three blades coming out of the parallel position they were to form two three-pointed stars above the aircraft.
Flint turns to Scarlett in the room where the helicopter is stationed:
- Double Cockpit, huh? I think I'll fly the aircraft, because of my specialty and such... but who will be my navigator? - Asks with a smirk on his face.
I will accompany you, Flint. - Scarlett replied dryly.
- Oh, so you mean I'll have the pleasure to take you for a ride? - The soldier from special Australian forces continues playing and flirting.
- I practically built this helicopter, soldier. If someone is going to take someone to a ride, I think I would take you and not vice versa. - Shana O'Hara answers seriously, leaving Flint behind.
- I would like if you take me for a ride... - continues Flint, jokingly.
On the heliport above the submarine fuselage, Flint speaks on the radio.
- Crew, prepare for takeoff.
- The rotors of the helicopter are already at full speed, the support wheels tires begin to cease to touch the ground. Flint continues with a smile:
- Get ready, because Scarlett is taking me for a ride...
The Tomahawk stands still, hovering a few meters above the submarine. It leans forward slightly and begins to pick up speed. The aircraft of G.I. Joe heads to mainland under a full moon in the African night.
The African night begins to make room for the day, as the G.I. Joe rotary wing aircraft penetrates deeper into the Nigerian jungle.
Within the transport compartment of Joe's chopper, Duke is sitting on one of the side seats. He is wearing the G.I. Joe standard hi-tech suit, with a webgear with pockets, grenades and other paraphernalia. He carries his SIG SG 553 assault rifle with suppressor, under barrel grenade launcher, red dot sights and extra magazine tied to the magazine inserted into the rifle. His face is covered in ink patterned in bands of light and dark green colors.
Spirit is sitting right next to Lieutenant Hauser. The soldier from Canadian special forces, is wearing a more streamlined version of the same camouflaged tactical suit that Duke is wearing. It has the same kevlar like material, but without the armor plating. He has his black hair with a red band over his forehead and has two long braids on the side. On his face, a black war paint crosses, starting at a cheek to the other, through the nose. Painted on the arms of the armor the soldier of indigenous origins is wearing, red tattoo-like painted patterns, characteristic of his tribe. He also wearing a Native American style breechcloth, a piece of cloth hanging from his belt, covering the front part of his legs. He inserts pieces of a gun inside a suitcase. It's a .50 caliber sniper rifle, M107, standard for American Army, painted in camouflaged colors for tropical jungle . Spirit still carries a hi-tech modern bow pinned to his chest, with the bowstring passing on his back and limbs passing in front of his torso. Spirit also has a quiver with multiple arrows, each with a different head.
Sitting in front of two other Joes, Snake-Eyes, with his black balaclava and glass display, wears the same light armor that Spirit is wearing. He uses two black gloves and has a webgear vest also fully equipped with grenades, knives and an automatic pistol. He carries an MP7 submachine gun of German manufacture, with front grip unfolded, unfolded buttstock, suppressor and red dot sighting.
Mounted on the door, Roadblock, also wearing the standard G.I. Joe tactical suit, with webgear with lots of pockets and military ordnance, sits in front of his gatling minigun.
The Tomahawk comes at a point in the forest, near a stream where there is a small clearing. He stops over the clearing causing the water of the the creek to move in small waves. The aircraft's back door starts to open.
- We arrived at the LZ, folks. Checking perimeter. - Says Flint.
A blue view of the terrain appears on the helicopter inner glass right in front of the Australian pilot. Roadblock puts on a thermal vision goggles and makes the same searching for possible enemies and ambush.
- Nothing on sensors - Informs Flint. - The meeting with Recondo is a few klicks north.
- Let's go down, guys. Go! Go! - orders Duke.
A rope is thrown by the helicopter door. Roadblock is attentive and continues scanning the area with his rotating machine gun. Duke is the first to unboard. He makes a rappel to the ground which is a few meters down from the helicopter. Once there, Duke gets in alert position, pointing his assault rifle guarding the point of arrival.
Spirit descends then, also rappelling, followed closely by Snake-Eyes, which is positioned on alert, pointing his submachine gun.
Roadblock then dismounts his helicopter door mini gun. Puts in on his back. He picks up an HK G36 heavy assault rifle with double drum magazine, telescopic sight and integrated suppressor, and gets down by rappelling.
Once everyone is on the ground, Flint speaks on communicator:
- Good luck, comrades. In 24 hours we meet in the rebel camp at the raid.
The helicopter takes off leaving a small team of Joes marching to find their expert in jungle combat and mission contact.
A large knife cuts a plant making room in the thick Nigerian jungle. Spirit goes leading the team toward the meeting point with Recondo. The other Joes follow behind in the alert position. The day is now dawning on the African continent and the sun gets through the dense vegetation.
The G.I. Joe come to a small swampy lake, full of dark water, sludge and slime, within the dense vegetation. A few rays of light illuminate the place. Spirit, holding a suppressed handgun, raises his hands with open palm and the Joes stop their march. He keeps the hand signals and with the index finger pointing up, rotate it in a sign for the team to spread. The Joes follow the tip of the Canadian tracker and round the pond, inspecting the place.
- There is no one here - Duke reasons.
- This is the meeting point with Recondo, right? - Questions Roadblock.
- Yes, but he's not here. - Confirms Duke.
Spirit moves his eyes without moving his head too much. He has an apprehensive expression.
- I have a bad feeling...
Suddenly a soldier comes out of the water very quickly and points his rifle to Spirit. But before he could say anything, as quickly, Snake-Eyes turns and points his submachine gun to the head of the soldier who attacked the group.
The clothing of the intruder is all wet. He wears a safari hat, with one of part of the brim folded, glued on the crown. His clothing is a standard camouflage uniform for tropical jungles, with the sleeves rolled up. He carries an FN SCAR assault rifle with camouflaged paint in shades of green and an also camouflaged cloth involving the front grip under the barrel. His thick mustache drips some drops from the dirty lake where he was plunged.
- Eh, I tried to catch you by surprise guys, but you're fast - says the soldier with safari hat and mustache, with an English with a slight French accent, looking at Snake-Eyes.
- Drop your weapon now and identify yourself - Orders Duke, pointing his assault rifle. All other Joes do the same.
- Recondo, right? Who else did you expect? The password is: Now you know…
- And knowing is half the battle - Duke responds, raising his rifle.
You shouldn't have done that ,you know? - Rebuke Roadblock - You could have died.
- I had to test you, of course. I wouldn't shove myself in the jungle with a bunch of rookies, no offense.
- None taken - responds Duke.
- But you are good ... especially the masked one there. What's his story?
- You don't wanna know... - Duke answers by pulling Recondo out of the lake.
The Joes begin to prepare to march to the camp of Nigerian rebels. Roadblock approaches Duke, holds his arm and pushes him for a private chat:
- Duke, I would ask permission advance in double time. If I'm quick I can get in the the middle of the night before you and convince Namir Zamundi to switch sides.
- I don't know Roadblock... I agree with you that we have to bring Namir for our side, but we have our orders. We already traced our plan. Going ahead like that is very risky.
- But Duke, think well. Namir is a good person. I know him. I'm sure I can convince him to face his brother and the Destro soldiers. Without him on our side, we have a great chance to fail.
- But it's too risky. Besides you have your gatling gun to carry and you could not find the camp alone. We need Recondo as a guide to find the place.
The other Joes happen to listen the conversation. Spirit, rests his hand on the shoulder of the Nigerian origin Joe and says:
- I can carry your gun, Roadblock.
Snake-Eyes takes the Sniper rifle case from Spirit's back and lays it on his own back.
- But he still won't be able to find his way to camp - argues Recondo.
- You can go with him - retorts Spirit. You will leave marks in the jungle. I can follow them.
- Sure he can. He's the best tracker I've ever seen - continues Roadblock.
Duke has an expression that he's not sure.
- I read your file, Duke. I know why Hawk called you for the Joes. You put freedom and justice above patriotism and orders. The people of Nigeria need Namir. We have to bring him back to the right path. We need him to win this battle. Let me try.
Duke looks at his mates, thinks for a moment and replies:
- OK, Roadblock. Let's do as suggested: Recondo, escort him to the camp, double time. You have only hours to convince Namir to switch sides. If he refuses, you'll have to neutralize him, se he won't compromise the mission. And no need to stress this: don't get caught, right?
Duke look of the rest of the team and continues:
- The rest of us, Snake-Eyes, Spirit and I will follow you. We meet on time.
The sun, a giant orange ball sets in the African jungle, in northern Nigeria, serving as a show for a group of antelopes. Still In the jungle, Recondo cuts the thick vegetation of the forest. In a fast paced march, he and Roadblock walk towards the camp of Namir Zamundi.
In another point of Nigerian tropical jungle, the rest of the G.I. Joe marches slowly. Spirit, carrying Roadblock's gatling minigun on his back, checks a cut branch. He recognizes it as a track opened by Recondo and instructs his companions to continue. Close behind comes Duke followed by Snake-Eyes, carrying Spirit's sniper rifle case.
Nigeria Liberation Front Camp.
In the dark night hanging over the African continent, a rebel soldier, dressed in military clothes, but with a t-shirt of an American rock band is guarding a far area of the camp. He holds his AK-47 and illuminates the surroundings with a flashlight, looking for potential intruders. Roadblock springs from from behind the bushes surrounding the camp and fetches the lookout by his back. His huge arms embrace the neck of the rebel as if they were a grasp from a South American anaconda snake. The Nigerian guerrilla try to scream but he can't. He struggles for a moment, but is soon unconscious. The G.I. Joe holds and gently put him on the floor. Roadblock and Recondo sneak towards the huts in the center of the camp.
Nadir Zamundi is lying in his housing. The night does not relieve the intense heat of the African tropical weather and the ceiling fan running at a very slow speed also does not contribute to improve the situation. Sweat runs from the revolutionary's forehead as he looks at the ceiling thoughtfully, with an apprehensive expression.
In a move extremely quickly, a hand of an African and strong person grabs Zamundi's neck. Another hand covers his mouth preventing screaming. Topping the dim light coming from the ceiling fan lamp, Roadblock's face appears for the African guerrilla leader. The whites of her eyes stands out in relation to his black skin and little clarity from Zamundi's room:
- Take it easy, Nadir. It's me, Marvin. Marvin Hinton. Please don't scream.
Zamundi tries to say something but only a grunt comes out of his capped mouth.
- I'll release you now, OK? But you will not scream, right? If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it already, friend. We need to talk. For old times' sake, please let me talk. If after listening to me, you want to call your soldiers, I won't stop you. I can release you now? You will not call your soldiers? - Questions the Nigerian G.I. Joe.
Zamundi makes a positive nod. Roadblock loose him. Nadir jumps out of bed and defensively stands in a corner of the room, opposite to the Joe.
- What are you doing here, Marvin? Why did you attack me like this? - Questions Zamundi, nervous and apprehensive.
Roadblock stands in a calm and not aggressive position. He speaks quietly to try to cool the tension and nervousness of his interlocutor:
- You have to get out of here, Nadir. You have to leave your brother and reach for the group of soldiers loyal to you further South.
- What do you mean? You come here to ask me to leave my brother...
- Your brother is doing business with the wrong people. You've probably noticed. Who is providing weapons to him is an international terrorist wanted and highly dangerous. He's bringing dishonor to the Liberation Front.
- You did not answer me, Marvin, what are you doing here?
- I came to fight this terrorist, Nadir and stop your brother.
- What? And you expect me to help... - Nadir answers with indignation, appearing he would call the camp soldiers. Roadblock holds his arm and stops him.
- Pay attention, Nadir. Iman is negotiating a nuclear weapon with this terrorist.
- What? You're lying... - Nadir revolts, but with an expression of doubt.
- Think, Nadir. In these last days didn't you see anything odd? Iman having meetings with Baroness you could not participate? Things Iman has left you out?
- Iman has done so lately... and there is a hidden material on the deposits. Iman does not let anyone get near. Not even me. He says that is what will ensure our victory…
- That's it, Nadir! It's the nuclear bomb! Where is it?
- In one of the deposits in the southern area of the camp ... - replies Iman's brother, already thoughtful and without conviction.
- We will deactivate it, Nadir. My team and I. You have to leave now and meet your group further south. Bring them here to fight these terrorists. If your brother sees you taking a stand against it, he will come to his senses.
Nadir is thoughtful. Roadblock grabs some trekking gear and delivery for his Nigerian friend. Looking into his eyes, the Joe speaks in a forceful tone:
- Go, Nadir. Now.
Nadir Zamundi get his gear, weapons and supplies, and goes out of his housing door, leaving camp.
The day dawns in the Nigerian jungle. The sky begins to become clear, with a bluish color. The Nigeria Liberation Front's camp still has no movement except for a few guards in watchtowers and checking perimeter in the Iman Zamundi's headquarters.
Duke sneaks near a lot of boxes of supplies on the far area of the camp and takes an assault position.
Spirit crouches at a higher point in the jungle, which gives him a privileged view of the entire camp. He begins to mount his M107 sniper rifle, putting the gun barrel and the telescopic sight. He puts the bipod on the gun in a position to shoot.
Roadblock is positioned behind a parked vehicle and begins to mount his gatling machine gun. He picks up a large drum that was in his backpack, opens and checks the ammunition belt of 7.62 mm bullets which is contained within it. He fits the drum on the machine gun and crouching, stays in attack position.
The face of one of the Nigerian guards hits hard on the ground. His face shows that he is dead. A pair of boots approaches the body. The attacker crouches and takes a military knife from the dead rebel chest. Snake-Eyes takes his knife and continues to burrow by the rebel camp. The masked Joe enters a hut, and finds Recondo hidden behind some furniture.
- I found the weapon - whispers the Joe expert in jungle combat with his French accent. - It is within this tunnel.
Recondo points to a hole in the ground, made in the middle of one of the deposits made of wood from the region. In the middle, a pair of strings enter into the crater as if for hoisting equipment into it and vice versa. There is a guard close to the tunnel entrance.
Snake-Eyes throws something in a more remote area of the deposit and the guard turns to see what it is. He asks something in a Nigerian dialect of the region. As nobody answers, he turns to investigate. Recondo and Snake-Eyes seize the chance and go down by the cable. Inside the cave, in a poorly bright part they see Iman Zamundi sitting in front of the nuclear weapon stolen from the Americans. He admires the artifact. The illuminated panel of the atomic weapon fills his face with green tones. Around him a group of four Iron Grenadiers makes guard of the nuclear device.
Recondo speaks on his communicator:
- We found the package.
Flint, sitting in the pilot cabin of the Tomahawk helicopter, with his sand-colored beret, and a pair of headphones with attached microphone and a transparent visor over one of his eyes, replies:
- Understood. We are a few minutes from there. Make art, boys!.
The helicopter of G.I. Joe, the Tomahawk, flies at a very low altitude over the Nigerian forest. In the aircraft cabin, Scarlett, also with a headset, microphone and aiming visor observes the data panels.
Duke points his assault rifle, which has a small cylindrical device coupled to the gun barrel and looks through its scope. On the display, the crosshair is positioned in a group of tanks ahead. A red light intensifies in the the center point of the cross.
- Target 1 painted. - Affirms Duke.
Spirit looks at a target also with his sniper rifle. His weapon also has the same cylindrical device. Inside the telescopic vision, an ammunition depot is framed in the crosshair drawn in the lens. A red light also lights up in the middle of the cross, just upon the target.
- Target 2 painted - Informs Spirit.
Roadblock has his rotating machine gun lowered, attached to his body by a belt. He looks through an equipment formed by the same cylindrical device of Duke's and Spirit's firearms, but coupled with a telescope, like a type of binoculars. On the display, he frames a watchtower with a heavy machine gun with .50 ammunition and a rebel soldier doing the guard. The red light is also lit in the middle of the cross.
- Target 3 painted. We are ready - Tells Roadblock.
In front of the Tomahawk windscreen hovers a three-dimensional map, formed by small triangular plans, of the land of Nigeria region where the camp of the rebels is. A small 3D helicopter icon shows the current position of the Joes aircraft. Three red dots blink ahead. Red lines connect each flashing point to the small helicopter icon, which advances in the three-dimensional model of the battlefield.
On a camping hut of the Nigerian rebels, Tomito Arashikage, wearing the white pants of his ninja uniform and shirtless, is sitting in lotus position, eyes closed, meditating. On his left shoulder, a red tattoo with the Arashikage clan symbol. He opens his eyes suddenly, with a look of concern and surprise.
- Targets locked and loaded. - Confirms Flint with his Australian accent as he presses a button on top of the attack helicopter's control joystick.
On the left wing of the Tomahawk, of the group of four Hellfire air-to-ground missiles hanging, three light their rear rockets and fire at high speed.
The helicopter piloted by Flint and Scarlett gets behind as three Hellfires fly above the Nigerian jungle. Their smoke trails meander across the sky as if they were three water snakes swimming at high speed.
Duke, crouched in his attack position, looks up and sees a missile passing over him. One of the tanks ahead is reached by the Hellfire and explodes. A fireball crosses through the sky, declaring the attack of the G.I. Joe.
Almost immediately, another missile hits the ammunition depot painted by Spirit. It flies through the air on a even larger explosion.
Simultaneously, the third missile hits the top of the watchtower, where there was a machine gun nest, the painted target for Roadblock. The Hellfire shatters the head of the tower into a thousand pieces.
Duke rises from his lookout position, and starts the attack firing a shot from his grenade launcher attached to his assault rifle:
- Yo Joe!
The grenade shot hits the top of another tower surveillance and destroys another .50 mounted machine gun.
Stormshadow, in his hut, quickly leaves the meditation position, puts his white mask, grabs his weapons: a bow, a quiver with several arrows and his two katanas, and comes out to face the Joes.
While the attack alarm begins to sound in the rebel camp, Roadblock holds his gatling machine gun like a chainsaw, holding the body by a handle with his left arm and handling a joystick in the back of the machine gun with his right arm. From the body of the gun, a mini metal shield, springs out automatically. It has a reinforced glass small window to allow the heavy armor specialist to aim, while protecting his head from enemy fire. He points and makes several shots. The Gatling rotates at high speed, spitting muzzle flash and bullets in the same way as cartridges fly through the air.
The shots hit a squad of rebels who was leaving a soldiers barracks. Several got hit and most goes back inside.
Iman Zamundi listens to the beginning of the fight from the underground cavern where he watched the nuclear device. He picks up his M.A.R.S. assault rifle and orders:
Stay here and keep the nuclear device safe. Kill anyone who comes close!
Zamundi climbs the rope towards the surface.
Rebels in a pickup truck with a machine gun mounted on its cargo bed begins to move towards where Duke and Roadblock are. Spirit frames it into his telescopic scope. He fires 3 shots of his anti-materiel sniper rifle and hit all of them in the van hood. The engine explodes and the car hits a heap of barrels.
The helicopter of G.I. Joe, the Tomahawk, dawns on the camp of the rebels, with its two rotors spinning at full speed.
Flint targets a squad of Grenadiers moving towards the center of the battle. He presses a trigger on his joystick. The minigun in the nose begins to rotate at thousands of revolutions per minute spitting depleted uranium bullets. The projectiles hit the ground forming small atomic mushrooms. The Destro elite commands are shot and fall to the ground as if they were pins in a bowling alley.
- Scarlett, another group of tanks at 3 o'clock. - Informs Flint.
- Seen it. I'll take care of them - answers Scarlett.
Using the controls of the helicopter, and turning her face, Scarlett observes a couple of tanks preparing to fire their guns. She touches with her finger in the air and marks some red spots on the helicopter windshield interface in sensitive points of the tanks as caterpillars, side armor, guns that are on the top of the tower and the cannons. Scarlett pulls the trigger in a joystick. The twin turret automatically turns to the right and a small cannon fires a series of grenades automatically. Each grenade reaches the targets marked by redhead G.I. Joe and neutralizes both the rebels tanks.
Baroness lying on her bed, dressed in standard military uniform wakes up with the attack from the US elite troops. She puts on her horn-rimmed glasses and also picks up their weapons and go out to fight.
In a machine gun nest behind some sandbags, a rebel fires a series of caliber .50 shots against Duke and Roadblock, whom get protected behind one of the tanks neutralized by Scarlett. Spirit aims with his high range telescopic scope at the rebel machine gun and fires an also .50 caliber shot from his sniper rifle. The bullet runs through the rebel camp and 18 kilojoules of energy split the rebel machine gun in half, knocking out the soldier who operated it.
In the midst of combat, with gunfire and explosions going on everywhere, Baroness, now wearing his black combat tactical suit picks up a military radio and orders:
- Camp Bravo, we need air support. Now!
Spirit frames Baroness in his telescopic scope and is ready for a headshot.
- Baroness in sight. Can I neutralize her?
- Affirmative! - Answers Duke.
Stormshadow senses that the Baroness is in danger and looks to a higher area away from the camp. He sees the reflection from the telescopic lens of the Sniper Joe rifle. Spirit pulls the trigger and at the same split second, Stormshadow makes a move with both arms and throws in the air eight shurikens. The japanese metal stars cut through the air and one of them hit the .50 bullet from the M107 rifle, saving the life of the Baroness.
The white mask ninja with the same agility and speed picks up his bow, places an arrow on the strings and aims to where he had seen the reflection from Spirit's weapon. He shoots the arrow. It flies in an extreme speed, striking the sights of the M107 rifle. The impact makes Spirit falls back. Stormshadow then leaves the battlefield behind him and goes against the impact point of his arrow.
Baroness realizes she was almost killed and Stormshadow saved her. She looks at Ripper, one of Dreadnoks:
- What are you waiting, asshole? Go after Stormshadow!
Ripper takes his machine gun with the huge bayonet attached below the barrel and tries to follow the Ninja of white mask.
In the underground area where the stolen nuclear weapon from US military is, Snake-Eyes removes the pin of a cylindrical shape grenade and toss it where the Grenadiers are mounting guard. The ordnance explodes making a big flash and a strong and bass noise. Recondo and the masked soldier point their guns, a FN Scar rifle and a MP7 submachine gun respectively and assault the Grenadiers group standing guard. The suppressors from the weapons emit weak and muffled sounds while the projectiles hit in full the Destro elite soldiers, eliminating them.
Snake-Eyes approaches the nuclear weapon console. The green phosphor panel illuminates his black mask. Recondo arrives soon after. On the dashboard, a status message: Nuclear Weapon Activated.
- The gun is already activated! We arrived too late! They got the code some way - Recondo exclaims with his English with a French accent. - You have to enter the code again, Snake-Eyes, to disable the weapon. So we can capture it and take it back safely.
Snake-Eyes position himself near the console and enters the secret string of 16 digits that made him a ghost, changing his name to the status "Classified" forever. When he finishes entering the code, he presses the "Enter" key. Then, a red light turns on in the console and a message appears: Activation code captured.
Recondo is further back than Snake-Eyes. He points his rifle to his mate's back and with a smile on the corner of his mouth says, with a totally different voice and intonation:
- Thanks for the code, Snake-Eyes.
Recondo shoots his rifle. Snake-Eyes uses his keen instinct to try to dodge the shots, but ends up taking some on his arm. The masked Joe falls to the ground. Recondo approaches Snake-Eyes to finish him once and for all but right now, one of the Grenadiers rises and strafe Recondo with his assault rifle. The Grenadier takes off his balaclava and reveals himself as Recondo. He closes fast to Snake-Eyes and helps him up. When both look back, the enemy who passed himself off as Recondo is gone.
While Snake-Eyes examines his arm to see if the shot had perforated his tactical suit kevlar armor, Recondo use his communication earpiece to talk to the rest of the team:
- Here is Recondo. The nuclear device was a decoy. It was an hollow console to deceive us to enter the real code. Apparently it worked. I was discovered making recon of this place. They drugged and tortured me but I could fake my death. Before they dismissed my body I could escape and change places with a Grenadier who was buried in my place. I took his place and found that someone had taken my place.
- Zartan! - Answers Duke, crouched next to a piece of wall, protecting himself from a hail of bullets from Nigerian rebels. He continues - We have to go on and capture the Baroness. So we may have some bargaining chips to prevent the firing of the nuclear weapon.
At this time a flash involves Duke whom is surrounded by flames. Torch fires again a jet of his flamethrower, further worsening the situation.
At the Tomahawk cockpit while the fighting takes place in full swing below, Scarlett sees her mate surrounded, but does not have a good aim of Torch because of the flames.
- Torch cornered Duke. Leave him to me. Flint, hover for a moment on that truck.
Flint does a maneuver while Scarlett, taking of her helmet, runs to the back door of the Joes chopper. The Tomahawk hovers over a truck riddled with bullets. The nose mounted gatling machine gun scans, firing shots in all directions giving cover to Agent O'Hara. She jumps through the back door, falls on a truck hood, gives a somersault and hit a shot in a rebel with her MP9 submachine gun with red dot sight and laser aim. Scarlett runs towards Duke and Torch. The Dreadnok with the flamethrower sees the enemy coming and change his target and tries to burn the G.I. Joe with red hair. She dodges rolling to her side, avoids the flames and falls in prone position, firing her submachine gun at the Torch fuel tank. Some bullets pierce the compartment and the liquid flows through the back of the Dreadnok. The fire of the flamethrower becomes uncontrollable and engulf the body of the Australian biker. He screams out in pain and right after, explodes in a big ball of light and fire. The heat is intense and Scarlett covers her face to protect herself from the explosion that killed the Dreadnok that burned Snake-Eyes's face.
M.A.R.S. nuclear facilities. Exact location: Unknown
A huge metal tube lying parallel to the floor remains stationary within an even larger chamber. The tube is supported by two brackets that hold each of its ends. The chamber is cold, completely covered with metal plates and with strong lighting. At one end of the large tube, which actually has its section in the hexagonal format, a large electronic device, from where large and heavy electrical cables, connect to one of the walls of the chamber. At the other end of the tube, another device, following the same direction of the tube itself, like a muzzle of a laser cannon of a science fiction movie, connects to the other wall of the large chamber.
Controlling this technology installation, through a large heavy and reinforced glass window in front of a large touchscreen console screens, buttons, sliders and knobs are two operators, with scientist coats. One of them is a woman with blond and short hair. The other is a great man, of stocky body with red hair and beard . The man is wearing a Kilt, a Scottish plaid skirt beneath the coat. Behind them, standing, wearing an impeccable dark blue suit, James McCullen XXIV, observes his invention.
In a part of the console, a red flashing warning states: Nuclear Weapon Code Received. Just below a large green button: Start Enrichment Process.
- The code has been successfully received, M'Laird. - Informs the short-haired woman with an English with a strong Scottish accent. - The nuclear warhead is active.
- The procedure is ready to start - Completes the red-bearded man, also with a well loaded Scottish accent. - M'Laird can have the honors.
Destro draws a big smile and talks to his tech assistants:
- The G.I. Joe took the bait. When they rescued the US Secretary of State, they brought with them the last person they should have brought. It was easy for us to know the masked soldier was the one who knew the code. We just released a lot of intel suggesting that Baroness would be negotiating the nuclear device with the Zamundi in several channels, hoping some of it would reach G.I. Joe's command. We knew that the masked soldier would be on their team.
- It worked like a charm. - agrees the short-haired woman.
- Yes, it did - completes McCullen.
Destro approaches the touchscreen console and pushes the big green button. At this time several charts and indicators change on the console screen indicating the start of a technological process. A huge noise starts in the control room and the chamber. In the middle of the screen, a counter starts. The kilt wearing scientist follows the countdown:
- 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ignition!
In the console there's a graphical representation of the great chamber devices in front of the glass window, on the left side where is drawn the large tube of hexagonal section, is the "laser gun" and above it an icon of a nuclear weapon. At this time, the icon of the nuclear device explodes. And an orange color bar begins to fill the tube graphic representation from the left to the right at high speed.
In the chamber, the actual tube, begins to spin into a ludicrous speed. The noise becomes even more deafening.
- It's working! - Shouts the short-haired woman - Your design works, M'Laird!
On the screen, a percentage indicator begins to grow, 10%, 20%, 30%. Below a text: Uranium Enrichment.
- The energy of the nuclear bomb explosion is enriching the uranium almost instantly - continues the scientist still enthusiastic.
The percentage indicator continues to grow: 70%, 80%, 90%.
With a smile and an expression of extreme satisfaction and pride, Destro greets his assistants:
- Isn't ironic, my companions? The Yankees and the UN try to contain nuclear breakthrough by controlling the uranium enrichment technology. They never imagined that I would design something like that and the only thing I would need was a massive source of instant energy. A nuclear weapon itself.
With the indicator of 90% enriched uranium emanating from the touchscreen display reflected on his face, McCullen continues, with an almost devilish grin:
- Finally I realized the great dream of my father. M.A.R.S. is now a nuclear power. And ready to sell our new nuclear products. To the highest bidder!
Rebel camp. Northern Nigeria.
Elsewhere in the field, Roadblock fires his gatling machine gun suppressing a group of rebels trapped inside one of the camp houses. Buzzer comes from behind with his chainsaw attached under the barrel of a machine gun. He raises the arms, gives a battle cry and cuts Roadblock's machine gun in the middle. The firearm, still in heavy rotation, explodes and the Nigerian Joe is thrown to the ground. His webgear begins to catch fire. Roadblock strips it quickly and already getting up, get rid of the burning equipment.
- Let's see how you handle yourself without your big gun - teases Buzzer with an accent that is a mix of British with Australian.
Buzzer raises his chainsaw again and attacks Roadblock. Marvin Hinton holds the arms of the Dreadnok to prevent the enemy blow. The two make a duel of brute force, their muscles tense and their teeth clenched. Roadblock is much stronger and starts to win the duel. Buzzer allows the Nigerian to enjoy his temporary advantage and kick the enemy in the belly that falls to the ground. Buzzer raises the chainsaw again, gets ready for another attack. Roadblock rolls to the side and throws upon the Dreadnok a sandbag. The chainsaw rips the bag in half, pouring sand everywhere and temporarily blinding Buzzer. Roadblock takes the opportunity and toss himself, like a battering ram, using his shoulders, on the Dreadnok, which falls to the ground. Buzzer gets up and starts spinning his chain saw with speed and force to one side to the other trying to hit in vain the body of the Nigerian Joe who dodges with speed despite his large size. Flint talks in his radio:
- Roadblock, get the hell outta here and I'll give you a hand.
Roadblock does not think twice and jumps to the side. Flint presses a trigger on his joystick and the rotating machine gun of the Tomahawk spits a hail of bullets between Roadblock and Buzzer. The Dreadnok manages to roll for the side and avoid the shots.
An alert appears on the Tomahawk glass interface. Two red dots showing up north. Two airplanes in attack formation approach at full speed to the rebel camp. The aircrafts have a dark green color with a bluish hue. They have a similar design to the A-10 Warthog, but with 3 large turbines, two of them on the wing and one between the rear end wings. Below the nose, a large fixed gatling machine gun in each of the planes. And each of the aircrafts' wings has a pair of air-to-air missile, and a pair of smart bombs. In the cockpit of one aircraft, a pilot with a great black helmet with dark glass visor orders his wingman:
- Air to Air missiles. Engage!
The pilot of the enemy plane raises a small plastic cover on top of his control stick and a red button appears. He pushes it and the back of one of the air-to-air missiles glows in an orange color and the rocket flies towards its target. In the other plane happens the same, and two air-to-air missiles run at full speed against the Tomahawk.
In the Joe's Helicopter interface, a warning lights and blinks while an alarm sound floods the cabin: Target locked, Incoming missiles.
- Damn! Air to air missiles are coming on us! - Complains Flint.
He makes a move to the right with his control stick and the helicopter responds, even with all the inertia of its tons. The aircraft leans to the right and begins to make an open curve. Flint presses a button in the cockpit console and a shower of yellow bright spots get out of Tomahawk's back as if they were a spectacle of fireworks. The missiles coming at full speed and miss the target but pass through the bright spots without exploding. The missiles continue their trajectory, but passing a few meters begin to make an open and slowly turn returning to put themselves towards the Tomahawk.
- I can't believe it! These missiles have counter-countermeasures! These guys are good! - Exclaims Flint, now with a small smile on his face, indicating that he is enjoying the challenge.
Flint does a risky maneuver and puts the Tomahawk in front of the missiles and hovering the helicopter briefly starts flying backwards. He presses a button on top of his joystick, and two air-to-air missiles leave their pylos on the right wing of the Tomahawk. In mid air, the Joe helicopter missiles meet the the missiles from the the aircrafts of Destro private army and there's a huge explosion in the sky.
- Yeah! I'm sure you didn't expect this! - Celebrates the Australian G.I. Joe pilot.
The enemy planes are already much closer. The black helmet pilot presses a trigger on his joystick and the gatling machine gun his plane's nose spins at full speed firing a volley of bright strokes, trails of 30 mm bullets. The Tomahawk turns from its backward flying, leans forward and begins a high-speed frontal flight while the golden traces from enemy bullets cut the air, passing very close to the rotor and the fuselage. The helicopter makes a zig zag and, rotating to the right and to the left, while it's being pursued by the machine guns of the enemy planes coming close behind
- Hey, guys! I'm like a fish in the barrel here! - Calls Flint - Very soon they will tear me to pieces!
Roadblock takes his G36 double drum assault rifle and runs toward a tank that is approaching in one of the flanks. In the midst of his run he goes firing at some rebel soldiers that are appearing so they won't prevent his advance. He keeps running and shooting without stopping, now towards the tank and hits a rebel who was on top of the tank turret, behind a Browning .50 caliber mounted machine gun. Using his sprint as a boost, he jumps into the fuselage tank, bypassing the cannon that was preparing to shoot him. He stands close to the tower, take a frag grenade that was attached to a strap in his leg, removes the pin and throws it inside the enemy armored vehicle. He crouches next to the tower tank, and protects himself from remnant blast that happened inside the enemy vehicle. Roadblock then climbs on top of the tower, crouches and grabs the .50 machine gun. He makes a tremendous force for unsticking it from the fuselage tank. A few moments pass. In the air, some 30 mm shots hit the fuselage of the Tomahawk piercing the rear cabin. Roadblock then manages remove the machine gun from the tank. He wraps a cloth in his hand and grabs the gun barrel while with the other he holds the trigger. He points the gun to one of the planes and shoot. The recoil is huge, but the Nigerian is stronger and as a tamer of bulls in a rodeo, he controls the beast tightly and can position its lead jet in the direction of one of the enemy planes, cutting off his wing right in the middle. The bluish green plane spins in the air, and falls more in the background behind a clump of trees, causing a large explosion.
- Thanks Roadblock! Now there's only one left!
The other plane continues its pursuit of the Tomahawk. Duke, realizes the difficult situation of his squadmate in the aircraft and talks on the radio:
- Shoot your Hellfire missile!
- What? But what it would do against a plane? - Questions Flint, moving the joystick from side to side, dodging enemy shots.
- Trust me - Ensures Duke.
Flint presses a button on top of his joystick and the last Hellfire is fired forward in a direction completely opposite to enemy aircraft. Duke takes his assault rifle, places the firearm stock on the shoulder and, looking up, puts his eye on the telescopic sight. In the Tomahawk windshield interface a red dot appears well behind the indicator of where the helicopter is. The Hellfire fins turn 90 degrees and the air-to-ground ordnance begins to make a wide arch, turning around the Joes helicopter to the right.
- Now I get it Duke! I just hope I can hold myself with this guy on my tail for too long! - Exclaims the sand-colored beret Australian.
- Duke has the enemy aircraft in his aim, and keeps it as he crosses the air chasing after his squadmate chopper. The missile continues its curve. And the shots are still crossing the air, hitting some on the fuselage of the Tomahawk!
- I'm almost being shot here, folks!
- Just a little... - whispers Duke.
The Hellfire missile completes its turn, goes around the Tomahawk and hits right the middle of the fuselage of the enemy plane, causing a huge explosion in the sky. Flint put his arm up and celebrate!
- Yeah! I guarantee the guys who designed this missile never thought we would use it that way!
At this time, the Baroness appears on the middle of the camp with an RPG launcher near where the Tomahawk is hovering and aim her heavy weapon.
- When you want a thing well done you have to do it yourself.
With her horn rimmed glasses leaning on the launcher scope she makes a shot. The rocket propelled grenade leaves the barrel of the launcher and flies on a smoky trajectory. The shot hits one of the blades of the rear rotor of the aircraft making it to pieces.
- I can't believe it! After all that, I'm shot down by an RPG! - Calls Flint.
The Tomahawk twists in the air, losing its life gradually. Flint tries to keep the aircraft in the air, but he can't. The chopper is losing altitude, spinning and finally falling to the ground, dragging itself in the dirt for a few meters in rebel camp terrain.
Flint is still sitting in his cockpit, and still stunned by the fall, takes off his headset. A chainsaw noise very close alert him. Buzzer is cutting the fuselage of the helicopter cockpit trying to get to the Australian G.I. Joe.
- It's tight in there my friend, Let's open a space for you - mocks the Dreadnok.
Flint grabs a Franchi SPAS shotgun with retracted metal butstoock that was under the seat and gets out from the door opposite of Buzzer. He gets around the aircraft and now the Joe and the Dreadnok are facing each other like a Western duel.
- Let's see if you can face me without this fancy Helicopter of yours - challenges Buzzer accelerating the rotation of his chainsaw.
Flint raises his shotgun into the air and loads the 12 gauge cartridge making a move with forestock back and forth. He points the Franchi SPAS and shoots against Buzzer. The Dreadnok gets shot in the chest and is thrown back releasing his chainsaw.
- You bring a bad name to us Australians, Punk! - Exclaims Flint by defeating the Dreadnok almost instantaneously.
Roadblock with his G36 gets by the side of the Australian G.I. Joe and with a smile, says:
- You know, Buzzer was actually English.
Oh, piss off! - responds Flint already preparing to continue the fight with the rebels.
Stormshadow burrows on a place of dense jungle, carrying his bow with the string tense pointing an arrow in search of the G.I. Joe Sniper. On top of a tree, all covered with leaves, Spirit, also wielding his hi-tech bow, shoots an arrow with a device at the arrowhead like a grenade. The arrow flies towards the enemy Ninja. Stormshadow hear the noise from the projectile fletching, rolls over to the side and dodges the explosion that happens behind him. He picks up two more arrows, stretches the string of his bow and shoot 3 arrows where Spirit was. The Native American G.I. Joe gets rid of leaves and jumps to another tree. The three arrows scrapes through almost hitting the Canadian and they stick in tree branches that were behind. Spirit makes a new attempt and shoots a second arrow. Stormshadow dodges. The arrow hits close and the grenade breaks spreading a wave of liquid nitrogen, freezing trees and plants of the Nigerian tropical jungle. Spirit is preparing to shoot another arrow. Stormshadow with more speed aims and shoots his arrow. It flies quickly and hit the stretched bowstring of Spirit. With the loss of string tension, the arrow from the Canadian G.I. Joe falls to the ground and explode. Spirit barely has time to rolls to the side and avoid damage of his own weapon.
Stormshadow and Spirit are already closer now. They are next to a stream. Behind a waterfall denotes a high cliff in the terrain near. The Japanese Ninja, throws aside his bow and unsheathe his two katanas and an extreme rapid movement and runs to attack the Joe. Spirit welds his two hatchets and prepares to attack as well. In a succession of blows Stormshadow alternates attacks with both his Katanas always defended by the small axes from Spirit. The fight is intense, but Stormshadow is faster and Spirit takes one or another blow. The tactical suit deflects some of the strikes, but they are many and some start ripping the fabric apart, drawing blood from his arms and shoulders. The G.I. Joe tries a risky move by slashing his hatchets in a large arc intending to hit the Ninja's legs. Stormshadow jumps at the exact moment, avoids the blow and simultaneously hits a kick to the head of Spirit, throwing him away. Stormshadow leaves the opponent to recover and is in alert position with his two swords crossed in front of his face:
- You must be Spirit. You are a worthy opponent. I see you respect the traditions of your people. I admire that a lot. Let's make a challenge, a fight to the death - declares Tomito Arashikage, with his English with Japanese accent.
- Yaahhh - Cries Stormshadow racing against Spirit
- Ooh Ooh Ooh - Cries also the Native American Joe as his Siouxsie ancestors did.
The blades of the two foes clash echoing a metallic noise by the Nigerian jungle. The two return to face, now on opposite sides of the battlefield. Stormshadow strikes again with his katanas and Spirit defends. At this time, Ripper passes through the dense tropical jungle foliage and reaches the clearing where the Ninja and Joe were dueling. He passes in front of the waterfall, comes towards Spirit's back and will hit him in the spine. Stormshadow shouts:
No! - The Ninja spins in a somersault, passes over the Joe enemy and hits a sword blow in the Machine gun underbarrel attached bayonet, disarming the Dreadnok.
Spirit seizes the moment and kicks Stormshadow throwing him towards the waterfall. Spirit approaches the edge of the waterfall and see Stormshadow holding himself on a stick. Below, many meters down, a group of stones stands out from the river bed, rough with waters that fall. The stick is weak and begins to sag with the Ninja weight. Ripper is still stunned by the blow and begins to rise.
- It was a stroke of luck, my friend - Starts talking Spirit. - You tried to save me and this opened an opportunity for me to win. To make up for situation I can pull you from there. It won't be no detriment to you. You saved me and I save you. - Spirit reaches out for Stormshadow and continues - But your ally interfered. It was he who caused this situation. It would not be dishonorable for me to have won with these circumstances. So to stay even, I will save you, but you must give up this battle and let me go help my friends.
Stormshadow eyes highlight under his white mask and overflow with hatred. The stick begins to sag more and more.
- OK, I agree - answers the Ninja, clutching the arm of the Native American Joe.
Spirit pulls Stormshadow from the waterfall cliff and brings him back to the clearing where the duel had happened. At this point Ripper is already recovered and tries to go against Spirit. Stormshadow makes a quick movement with his arm and prevents the Dreadnok attack.
- No. We will let him go.
Spirit takes his two hatchets, turns his back and starts running towards the camp. Ripper despairs:
- What is this, Jap fool? You let him go? He's our enem… - Stormshadow's katana pierces the Dreadnok body which falls slowly to the ground, lifeless.
The Ninja in white clothes rips a white cloth from the bands of his fist, cleans the sword, puts it back in its sheath and turns, entering the forest in the opposite direction to the Nigerian rebels' camp.
Iman Zamundi within a tank, presses a trigger on a joystick. The vehicle responds, and a cannon shot is fired, creating a flash in the muzzle of the tube as the projectile passes through. The shot hits full in a truck that served as cover for Duke, Roadblock and Flint. The vehicle explodes tossing away the Joes.
- Fire at will! - Exclaims Iman inside the tank.
Close behind two other tanks perform same shots against the Joes. The US elite soldiers try to dodge the heavy artillery running behind a rebel bunker. At this time, they meet with Scarlett and also Snake-Eyes and Recondo who are returning from the place where was the false nuclear device.
- We will not resist long against this heavy artillery - Notes Duke.
- Without air support and no heavy weapons, what can we do against these tanks? - Questions Flint.
- The tanks fire again and destroy part of the bunker that protects the Joes. the NATO elite soldiers duck trying to dodge the shot.
- We have to retre... - Duke was admitting defeat.
At this point, a trail of smoke crosses the camp and a projectile hit full in the the wheels of a rebel tank, disabling it. Two new projectiles hit the body and the tower of the armored vehicle, disabling it altogether.
The shots came from a grenade launchers mounted in a pickup truck. Driving the car is Nadir Zamundi. In the cargo bed, a squad of rebel soldiers from southern Nigeria. All armed with AK-47 rifles and other less sophisticated weapons, without standard military fatigues quite characteristic of a militia.
- Attack them! - Screams Nadir, from behind the wheel, with a smile.
The southern rebel leader vehicle is the first of a group of similar trucks and all of them shot against the northern rebels tanks, changing from one moment to the next, the tide of battle.
The Nadir's car stop near the Joes. The southern rebels jump of vehicles and form a line of defense. The northern rebels and some Grenadiers leave the tanks and begin to position themselves, protected by armored vehicles for a new onslaught.
- I knew you would not let us down - celebrates Roadblock, talking to his Nigerian rebel friend.
- I just hope it's worth of something - wonders Nadir.
Iman jumps out from his tank which is on fire and groups together with a couple of Grenadiers.
There is a huge firefight: North versus South rebels and the Joes. There's casualties on both sides. Iman and two Grenadiers follow to the bunker where the nuclear device is.
- Follow me, there is a secret underground escape route inside that building - orders Zamundi for the elite soldiers of Destro.
Nadir realize the escape of his brother, leader of the northern faction of the Nigerian rebellion and runs after to stop him once and for all.
- Go after him, Roadblock - orders Duke - We handle the situation here - barely finishing the sentence, Duke leaves his cover position, points his assault rifle and hit a shot in a rebel, eliminating him.
Roadblock takes his G36 double drum assault rifle and follows Nadir Zamundi, in the wake of his brother Iman.
The rebel leader, ally of Baroness is in the underground bunker, right in the room where the false nuclear device is. Two Grenadiers are in guard stance, with their M.A.R.S. assault rifles in attack position, expecting an assault. Iman, also in the alert position goes forward, while the Grenadiers walk backwards covering the rear of Zamundi.
Automatic weapons firings occur and the Grenadiers are shot and fall to the ground. Iman turns quickly, but Nadir and Roadblock already have their guns pointed at the enemy rebel leader.
- Surrender, my brother! The game is over for you - orders Nadir.
Iman releases his machine gun on the ground and raises his arms
- Don't you see what you're doing brother! Betraying our movement, allying with these Yankee imperialists! - Screams Iman, quite angry.
- You were deceived by these terrorists, Iman - answers Roadblock - Look at this device!
The Nigerian G.I. Joe picks Iman's arm and forces him to look at the nuclear device panel. A red light message is flashing: Activation code captured.
- In your will to win this war against the dictator Ngungo at any price, you left your judgment to be clouded. Destro and the Baroness took advantage of it. You were a pawn, so they could activate this nuclear weapon. Allah knows what they will do with it!
- And you served us very well, Iman! - Baroness exclaimed, out of the shadows, pointing his Rocky Mountain Patriot Arms Pistol against the Nigerians and sweeping the small room with a hail of bullets. On the lens of the horn rimmed glasses, the light of the assault rifle's muzzle flash. In the eyes of the terrorist, hatred and the pleasure of killing.
Roadblock realizes the attack and throws herself upon Nadir, causing both to fall behind some provision boxes, protecting themselves against the shots of the Baroness. Iman does not have the same luck and is hit several times by Anastasia's assault rifle projectiles.
A landing gear sled from a black and small helicopter hovers over a bunker in the rebel camp. A shot is fired from the helicopter's belly, creating a flash and a projectile is hurled into the roof of the bunker, making into pieces, creating a large hole in the roof.
A harpoon pulling a steel cable crosses through the crater that connects the bunker floor with the underground chamber where the false nuclear device is and hit the floor near the Baroness, creating an explosion of dust. The terrorist from Eastern Europe, dodges a bit protecting herself from the impact, but quickly release the steel cable from the harpoon and fix it in her belt. Soon after she is quickly pulled up by the same hole where the harpoon passed.
Hanging in the air, piloting the helicopter, the same used by Dreadnoks in the Florida swamps, is Storm Shadow. While the Baroness is pulled near the aircraft, the Japanese ninja tilts the aerial vehicle forward and both flee at high speed.
Nadir holds in his lap his brother, soaked in blood. Roadblock help.
- Don't speak, brother, save your energies - commands Nadir, with tears in his eyes.
- Listen, little brother - responds Iman, almost with no strength to speak - You're a good soldier. A better leader than me. Lead our people, Nadir. Bring peace and justice to Nigeria. - Soon after, Iman Zamundi dies.
In the rebel camp, the Joes and the southern rebels are conducting the northern rebels who surrendered to a place where they will be imprisoned. Roadblock and Nadir approach. The rebel leader has his clothes all stained by his dead brother blood.
- Iman Zamundi is dead. Assassinated by his own allies. - Informs Nadir.
- We saw the helicopter with Baroness. It was her? - Duke questions.
- Yes - confirms the Nigerian leader.
A soldier from Nadir Zamundi's faction comes running and says to his leader:
- General! I just received a message from the troops at cities in the south! Ngungo is attacking us with all his forces. He's using unmanned flying drones with uranium ammunition. Our intelligence says they were provided by a group of American Generals.
- Jugglers! - Exclaims Duke - Hawk already told me about them. Damn corrupt!
- Americans, you were a great help in ridding our movement from the involvement of this terrorists, but it seems that your mission here is over. We have to get ready quickly to prevent Ngungo from destroying the whole country. - Nadir responds with concern and urgency in his voice. - May we meet again in a better occasion - says goodbye Zamundi, already leaving with his subordinates to prepare for a new battle.
Roadblock turns to Duke and asks:
- Request permission to stay here and fight, sir. This is my birth country and it needs me now.
- We have a mission, Roadblock. We can not deviate from it. In addition, it can't have any involvement of NATO in this rebellion.
- I understand sir. Permission to speak freely.
- Permission granted.
- There's been a great injustice here, Duke. The Ngungo dictator is slaughtering his own people and now with US help. Unofficial help, of course, but still... To fight injustice... this is not one of the major objectives of G.I. Joe? We are a military unit, but the fact that we are secret and respond directly to the Secretary of State is not exactly to be able to act more freely, without relying on bureaucrats and politicians in Washington?
Roadblock pauses and continues:
- I understand that you continue the mission to capture Destro and the stolen nuclear device. But I need to stay. And if necessary, I'll resign the G.I. Joe.
Recondo approaches and adds:
- I'll stay too, Duke. The jungles of Africa are my home also. I spent a long time in this country collecting intelligence for the Joes. I'm staying to help Roadblock.
Duke waits for a bit and examines the situation.
- OK, permission granted. I'll resolve this with Colonel Hawk later.
- He won't like it - notes Flint.
- I know. Don't you think I don't know? But with this involvement of the Baroness with local rebels, it became clear that there is a terrorist network in this area of Africa. From where came those planes that attacked our helicopter? Nadir can be in charge of the rebellion now, but who knows if a new Iman Zamundi will not form within this movement?
Duke turns to Roadblock and Recondo:
- You stay here and pick up as much intelligence on terrorist networks in Nigeria as you can. And always act in stealth manner. No one can know that there are Joes involved in this conflict.
Duke shakes Roadblock's hand and grins:
- And please, give a nice kick in Ngungo's ass for us.
- Of course - replies the Nigerian Joe smiling too.
Gulf of Guinea. Exact location: Confidential
Flint, with its sand-colored beret, a black tight T-shirt, green tones camouflaged pants, passes through a narrow corridor inside the Whaleshark submarine serving as mobile HQ for G.I. Joe. He comes to the marine vehicle control room and meet its pilot, former SEAL code-named Deep Six:
- Thanks for the ride, sailor. - The Australian Joe jokes with his English with the accent of his homeland - Waiting all that time on high seas in a small Zodiac was getting very boring.
- Would be better if you hadn't destroyed our helicopter - retorts Deep Six. - The Colonel Hawk requested the presence of Duke for debriefing.
- He is already there talking to the boss. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes now... - Flint responds in a joking manner.
M.A.R.S. nuclear facilities. Exact Location: Unknown
Destro is in a spacious and luxurious office. At the back, on a wall, a large screen, which is actually the size of the entire wall, shows a panoramic of some place in the middle of the ocean. The angle of the camera is right at sea level and in the background the sun is setting. In front of the sun, at a very long distance, a fleet of warships, destroyers, battleships and an aircraft carrier.
Ahead of Destro there is a control console, very similar to that of uranium enrichment laboratory, touchscreen, with various graphics, buttons and other user interface elements. Hovering in the air like holograms, more in front of the console, there is a group of screens. In each, there is a viewer. A Caucasian businesswoman wearing a lined suit; a man in a turban and beard, apparently a Muslim; A Latin American general wearing a dress uniform full of medals; A group of Asian executives; An Arab wearing a white Keffiyeh. And also the dictator of Nigeria, President Ngungo, and Anastasia DeCobray, the terrorist known as Baroness.
- Good morning, good afternoon or good evening, my friends. So many time zones, right? I hope this presentation would please you - opens the works, James McCullen.
Destro continues:
- The major powers, in their arrogance, decided that nuclear power would be theirs and theirs alone, and no one else could have it. They said it was dangerous for the world. But why this difference? Why this discrimination? Why they may have access to this technology and others not? They are best? More well-meaning?
During the speech, the President Ngungo, watches from his screen and instead of the figure of James McCullen, a dark silhouette figure is seen, and the arms dealer's voice appears to the African dictator with a distorted tone.
The Baroness, sitting in a comfortable chair of a private jet, wearing a civilian clothing, a shirt and suit pants, both black; accompanied by her bodyguard, Storm Shadow, using his civilian clothes, a white suit; and also by Zartan, wearing more casual clothing; see McCullen normally without digital interference for identity protection of the international terrorist.
- Very little democratic and capitalist on their part, don't you agree? What they are doing is monopoly. - Continues Destro. - But now we can finally put this hypocrisy to an end.
James McCullen raises his arm and in a grandiloquent tone:
- Nuclear Weapons for everyone. Free trade for those who want to buy them. Any country can have its nuclear arsenal to defend itself from its enemies and still be able to build its own arsenal. And why only countries? Why can not the private sector? A PMC has a right to have their own nuclear weapons, hasn't it? And NGOs? I'm sure an organization like Al-Qaeda or the Triad would be delighted to have this technology at their side.
Destro focuses on the control panel.
- But enough talk and let's do what you all came here to see. A demonstration of this amazing product. President Ngungo, unfortunately you will find our demonstration rather unpleasant.
James McCullen XXIV push a big red button: Launch.
The propellers of a huge missile light up, spouting fire and smoke in an underground launch silo. The rocket carrying the nuclear warheads of M.A.R.S. is out of the ground and, at full speed, it makes a parabolic trajectory towards the sky.
- In a few minutes, ladies and gentlemen, we'll see what our nuclear weapon is capable of. - Ends Destro.
In the Joes submarine, Deep Six is leaning on the control panel of the underwater vehicle. Suddenly a red dot appears on Whaleshark radar panel.
- Alert! Alert! Enemy missile incoming!
An alarm starts to ring inside the secret elite troops' warship. The Colonel Hawk and Duke get to the control room.
- What is going on? - Asks Hawk
- Our buoy-radar detected a missile, an ICBM probably coming towards the Gulf of Guinea. It is equipped with a series of counter measures to be detection invisible but our advanced technology could catch it - responds Deep Six.
- It's going straight to our fleet in maneuvers here - observes Duke.
- The one that the Jugglers brought here - complements Hawk - Send an anonymous sign on the help channel. No one can know we're here. And we submerge, as much as we can!
- Aye-Aye, sir! - Complies Deep Six, pushing down a series of sliders on the control panel.
From inside the submarine, it happens a quick tilt to 45 degrees. Snake-Eyes and Scarlett, in a compartiment, hold themselves on handles on the wall to not fall forward.
The submarine, already deepwater, leans forward and begins to descend to a position further in bottom of the ocean.
In the American aircraft carrier, a radio operator talks to his superior:
- I'm getting an anonymous transmission, saying that we are about to be attacked by a nuclear missile! But there is nothing in the radar.
The official approaches:
- You can confirm the origin of this communication?
- No, it's encrip… Look outside! - The operator points to the missile that crosses the sky in an almost perpendicular trajectory.
The missile dives into the water and when it is a few meters deep, explodes its atomic payload.
A tidal wave-shaped atomic mushroom rises from the Gulf of Guinea waters. The aircraft carrier and other ships in the US fleet tumble like dominoes.
The shockwave, even though much weaker than that on the surface, reaches the G.I. Joe submarine. Within it, the crew try to hold as they can. The lights flash. Various electrical consoles explode, shooting sparks everywhere.
Destro observes the result of his masterpiece through the large screen in your office. In the background, the atomic mushroom made of water, and American ships being wrecked. Soon after, a large wave, a tsunami is formed, and come towards the camera. In a few moments, the image becomes just a "out of the air" screen.
President Ngungo bursts of anger and talks with a lot of aggression:
- What did you do? You detonated a nuclear weapon against the Nigerian people?
- President Ngungo, please. It's almost comical to see you worrying about the people of your country. Why don't you calm down and give your best bid. I'm sure your colleagues will do the same. - James McCullen responds to his prospects.
He lifts a glass of champagne and makes a toast pointing at the screen. On the other side of the world in her private plane, Baroness answers the gesture, also making a toast with her glass.
In the G.I. Joe submarine, the infirmary, the crew members help each other, treating minor injuries, minor burns and abrasions, result of Destro's nuclear weapon shockwave.
Scarlett makes a bandage on Flint's arm.
-You know that a kiss could heal better, right? - The Australian Joe flirts.
Scarlett further tightens the bandages
- Hey, it hurts!
- I know. - Answers the redhead with a smile.
Snake-Eyes, tears the sleeve of his uniform in order to deal with a flesh wound in the arm. Who's attending is the team medic, Spirit. He picks up the bandage to apply on the the companion wound when he sees, in the Commando arm, a tattoo. A red symbol made up of squares and rectangles.
- My friend. This tattoo of yours is very familiar to me. In our fight in the jungles of Nigeria, I faced a very agile and powerful enemy. A Ninja. He wore an all white uniform, and had a tattoo just like yours.
Snake-Eyes turns quickly, in surprise and faces the Native Canadian mate. Spirit returns his gaze to his friend with an expression of surprise and compassion.