All of the equipment had been hauled in and set up by the time Dr. Mindbender arrived at Professor Plum's base of operations. Conveniently, Plum had asked Mindbender not to interfere with his work. Mindbender wasn't sure if this was because Plum wanted to keep his research secret, because he had something to prove or because of some other issue. He really didn't care either. Mindbender had kept himself busy in his lab, partially assuring himself that his plans for the Joes would go well and partially working on his newer projects. Even if Operation Constrictor went as planned, Cobra would find a way to make use of his work and thus his work would continue to be funded. It was nice having as much lab space and budget as needed. Still, Mindbender knew Cobra Commander would not be pleased to find out he wasn't even there for Plum when his own mini-operation took off and so there he was.

Plum had been good about getting all of his plans together on his own. Mindbender would give him that. The building he had found seemed suitable enough. It was a local radio station, recently gone under and looking for a new owner. It had plenty enough rooms to keep everything organized as well as its own parking garage for troop deployment. It was close to the National Helium Reserve, where Plum planned to steal as much helium as possible. The target wasn't really that important, it was more about the method, which Plum had been tight-lipped about ever since his proposal was selected. Mindbender noted on his way in that almost all of the serious equipment was with Plum, not including of course the Stingers and other vehicles or artillery. Plum didn't appear to be having the Cobra troops help with anything.

It was standard fare for Cobra to lease a building with fake people and their fake credit scores. Mostly Cobra was able to find places where the owner was so eager to rent, they wouldn't bother looking too closely, but even if they did, Cobra was well prepared. One might say that people were naturally trusting, but Mindbender didn't buy it. He believed that people were naturally lazy and would tell themselves that nothing bad would likely happen to them just so they wouldn't have to deal with the mess of pushing the issue. They might feel sorry for themselves after the fact when left with a real mess. Cobra tried to leave things clean with no authorities coming by after the fact but it sadly wasn't always the case.

Mindbender briefly went over what little he knew about Professor Plum in his head as he approached Plum's command center. Plum had been a Cobra agent for years. He had joined up after facing rejection in academia and legitimate industry. Reports painted the picture of a man who couldn't let things go and would work an idea well past dry. Some suggested he believed himself to be always right. Others suggested he was just lacking in the creativity to find another path. Cobra had enticed him into a research assistant position by explaining to him that he would be able to do his research in his spare time. Apparently that's what he had been doing.

"Things seem to be running smoothly," Dr. Mindbender said as he entered Professor Plum's command center. It was more of a lab really. Mindbender wasn't sure how to act in the situation. Whenever he was in a position of power over other Cobra agents, he usually just treated them like the underlings they were. In this situation he was supposed to be a mentor and thus he decided to start off on a chummy foot. Mindbender understood he was a little too new to the Cobra inner circle to be yelling at just anybody... yet.

"Doctor Mindbender," Professor Plum quickly shut his notebook and forced a smile. He was not very good at hiding his annoyance. "I thought I told you not to bother with me. I'm sure you have more important things to do."

"I do hate to interrupt your work. I know we geniuses have our own way of doing things," Mindbender managed to reply. All he needed was this one mission to cement his position within Cobra. He wasn't going to have some nobody plucked from deep within the Cobra research center ruin it for him. "Sadly though, someone has to review your work. We gave you a nice chunk of resources for this mission. Isn't it time you showed me what you've been doing? Your proposal made it sound like you would have an army of clones and yet you've requisitioned more troops than any of your fellow agents."

It was a bit of a jab. Mindbender knew it was unlikely that Plum had actually succeeded to clone anything, especially a fully grown human. Far more brilliant people had tried. He continued to look Plum over while waiting for a response. The man looked like he hadn't been sleeping much. At least his uniform, the standard Cobra blues with a purple Cobra insignia instead of a red one, looked clean and fresh. Plum seemed to keep a tight lab, he wouldn't dare come into it dirty.

"Oh? I didn't realize it came off that way," Plum replied, feigning surprise. The man was not a good actor. "After all, haven't you already spoken out against that idea? I believe your argument was something like 'Clone soldiers take up as much space and care as real ones, mechanical soldiers are so much more convenient, we can just pack them in a closet, never worry about them and take them out when we want to use them.'"

Dr. Mindbender had indeed made that argument. He had assumed that Cobra Commander read it too. It wouldn't surprise him though if the Commander's memory was short when it came to grandiose ideas like these. He wasn't going to get into a discussion about it with Professor Plum though. Instead, he spoke deliberately. "So what is it that you have been working on, Professor Plum?"

"Cloning," Plum smiled obnoxiously. He paused. "But as more than just mere cannon fodder. I've been cloning someone to shake up the American forces and lead our troops to victory."

Mindbender was unable to hide all of his shock. Had this nobody really succeeded where so many others had failed? He recomposed himself. "Well, are you going to show me?"

"I guess I have no choice. I might as well give you the nickel tour. I was planning to clone another anyway."

Another? thought Dr. Mindbender. Professor Plum had already been successful? This wasn't just some pipe dream of his?

"I tried growing an entire human body, but that just couldn't be done in the mere couple of weeks I was allotted," Professor Plum continued in an annoyed and condescending tone. "I ran into too many snags. It's very complicated. However, I feel I have gotten the heart of the issue by being able to clone the mind – and not just the genetic materials. With this machine in the corner, I can add what memories and understanding I've been able to reconstruct from the historical data. Selectively, of course... and with a few additions."

Dr. Mindbender had only more questions. Professor Plum was keeping him in the dark, guarding his upper hand in the situation. "So what of the body then?"

"I had to make due with this," Plum pointed to large glass tube next to the previous machine. Mindbender hadn't noticed it at first, but upon inspection recognized it as one of Zartan's synthoid creating devices. Mindbender did not have first hand experience with the machine, but knew it well enough. It was amazing that something of its sophistication had come from Zartan. The mercenary didn't seem like the inventor type. Mindbender was a bit annoyed, the big 'clone' revelation turned out to be just a synthoid.

"That's not cloning. That's creating a synthoid."

"Wrong. I used the synthoid technology for the base of the body, but that's it. I've taken the synthoid creator and changed it for the better. Unlike synthoids, my clones use the genetic material of the original. Unlike synthoids, my clones have the personality of the original instead of trying to fake it. True, my clones may not have bones and internal organs, but they are much closer to a real person than a mere synthoids."

"Very well then, let's see," Mindbender bit his tongue. As much as his first impulse was to argue until he won over this matter, there were more important things to attend to. It was best to let Plum's mission run it's course to failure so that Mindbender could get back to his original operation. It wouldn't be long now.

Plum began working with the machine. His body language clearly said 'back off.' He obviously didn't want Dr. Mindbender to see exactly what he was doing. Mindbender idly observed the rest of the room while Plum worked. There were still quite a few other machines. Some were communication devices and computers for maintaining contact with the rest of the Cobra network. The rest, Mindbender wasn't so sure of. Before he could further examine them, Plum interrupted.

"Now watch."

The synthoid chamber filled with smoke. The smoke seemed to be a slightly different set of colors than the ones Mindbender remembered from his own inquiry into the machine. Apparently Plum had succeeded in changing one thing. Soon a figure appeared, already clad in a uniform similar to Professor Plum's.

When the smoke dissipated, the glass retracted. The clone stepped out and spoke. "I want to go where the guns are."

#-#-#-#-#

Lady Jaye searched the transport for her fellow Joes. As they approached their destination, Stalker called for a team meeting to go over the new intelligence they had received regarding Cobra's recent interest in the National Helium Reserve. It was technically Flint's mission but he had opted to lead the SkyStrikers while Stalker would be taking care of things on land. The rest of the Joes would be with Stalker, ready to handle any civilian issues that might crop up on the ground. The plan was mostly laid out already, but adjustments were to be made based on the new intel.

The transport was well packed but not overly so. It wasn't the only one. Both held greenshirts and VAMPs, but this one also held the bulk of the Joes sent on the mission. Lady Jaye tried not to worry too much about Flint. Some of the greenshirts he had piloting the other SkyStrikers were better than some of the Joes she had seen take the controls on occasion. Still, she rather she was piloting one too.

Ironically, the easiest Joe to find was Snake Eyes. He had recently received a portable cassette player as a gift and was making good use of it. There was something funny about watching a mute man dance to unheard music. Lady Jaye was almost embarrassed for Snake Eyes. The man had grace and balance, but something about the way he danced just looked incredibly dorky. Shipwreck had once said that Snake Eyes saved them from some Cobra goons with stellar breakdancing moves. Of course, Shipwreck said a lot of things. Timber was not far away, curled up sleeping. Lady Jaye wondered if the odd nap was a cry of "please don't let me be seen with him right now."

Lady Jaye tapped Snake Eyes on the shoulder. "Stalker's calling a meeting."

Snake Eyes nodded and started making his way towards the front of the transport.

Roadblock was easy to find as well. It helped that he stood a good deal taller than most. He was surrounded by fellow greenshirts, apparently trying to demonstrate something to them. Roadblock had quite a following. He was easy to approach, jovial, and incredibly talented. It helped that almost everyone was forced to literally look up to him.

Not wanting to fight the crowd, Lady Jaye signaled over to Roadblock, mouthing the words "Stalker"and "meeting" while pointing up towards the front of the transport. It didn't take her long to catch Roadblock's eye. A true professional, he was always alert. He gave her the thumbs up and began to wrap things up with the greenshirts.

The next Joe that Lady Jaye found was Gung Ho. He had one of the crates open and was looking through all the guns. It was a bit of a ritual. Gung Ho was like a school child finding out what his mom packed for lunch. His mom in this case was usually Scarlett. She seemed to like putting together the mission equipment list. Lady Jaye mused that it was Scarlett's outlet for window shopping. Now that Scarlett was grounded to base, she was trying to fit in this duty for every mission she could, as if to live vicariously through the weapons she sent along.

"Anything catch your eye?" Lady Jaye said slyly as she peeked around Gung Ho to get a look at the crate.

"They're all tempting," Gung Ho grinned. "But Scarlett wouldn't forget to pack Baby, so I'm all set."

"In that case, better put everything back as you left it. Stalker's calling a briefing for us up front."

"Will do."

Doc was the hardest to find, despite the fact that he wore a bright yellow uniform with equally bright red crosses on white,. He was tucked away, sitting down in between some crates, likely trying to shield himself from some of the ambient noise. He was busy poring over what appeared to be medical journals.

Lady Jaye wasn't sure how much of what Stalker had to report would be of use to Doc. She marveled how he was somehow always able to set up shop close to the battle but mostly safe from it and how he organized a team of medics without much of the same teamwork that the rest of the Joes took to organize their missions. Of course, unless he absolutely needed to be working away from the battle, he often found his way into the thick of things with the combat medics. As quick as a MEDEVAC might be, it was always reassuring to have Doc along.

"Sorry to interrupt," Lady Jaye leaned against one of the nearby crates, as if she were leaning on the doorway into Doc's office. "But Stalker is going to give a briefing on the latest from our scouts."

"No problem at all," Doc smiled and began getting up. "Lead the way."

Lady Jaye and Doc made their way to the front of the transport where Stalker, Roadblock, Snake Eyes and Gung Ho were already waiting. Navigating the greenshirts wasn't very hard. While most of the flight was down time for them, they kept fairly orderly. They were good men and could bring themselves in formation at attention at a moment's notice.

"Now that we're all around," said Roadblock as Lady Jaye and Doc arrived. "What's the situation on the ground?"

"Not what we were expecting," Stalker frowned. "One of Flint's scouts reported that Cobra is running ahead of schedule. Looks like we'll be landing directly into a battle situation."

"Nothing we haven't done before," said Gung Ho. "Some of these greenies only get called in once the fire fight's begun."

"True, but still not ideal," said Stalker.

"It's odd for Cobra to be so on the ball," Lady Jaye held her chin in her hand and thought out loud. "Usually they're not so well managed."

"We might have misjudged them initially," said Stalker. He laid out some simple maps of the area, mostly blocking out the buildings in the area. "Whatever the reason, we have to deal with this situation now. Roadblock and Gung Ho's groups will try to flank Cobra on either side. I'll becoming down the center. Lady Jaye's group will remain in the rear, keeping closer guard on the Reserve. Snake Eyes, you're with her."

"How's Cobra's air support look?" asked Roadblock. The heavy gunner tended to drop his usual rhymes when being serious.

"No sign of them yet," Stalker looked concerned. "They might be trying to avoid damaging the facility or Cobra may be reserving them for emergency."

"They can't really be thinking of getting a hold of the Reserve," said Gung Ho. "Especially with the number of troops they brought."

"Gung Ho is right, Cobra has discovered time and time again that capturing US territory is tough... holding it is impossible," added Doc.

"Not that Cobra ever learns," said Roadblock.

"I was just getting to that," Stalker continued. "Looks like they don't intend to hold the place, just steal as much helium as they can. There have been some tanker sightings. There are probably more covered or camouflaged. If we can find them, we can end this real quick. Hopefully Flint's group will be successful in that department, but keep your eyes peeled."

"Not like they can sneak a tanker past us," said Gung Ho.

"They're probably going to try to wear us down before they bring those out," said Roadblock.

"Sorry to interrupt," the transport pilot called from the cockpit. "But we're getting ready to touch down."

"Alright, thanks," Stalker replied. He turned to the the Joes. "You heard the man. If there aren't any questions, let's get ready. Yo Joe."

The rest replied in unison. "Yo Joe!"

Time seemed to move very swiftly. Lady Jaye lamented that despite everything going very smoothly and the greenshirts being very calm and experienced, it still felt more like an excited swarm of bees bouncing around the transport rather than some sort of well-oiled machine. It was probably just the effect of the close quarters.

It wasn't until they had fully touched down that Lady Jaye realized that Timber had been barking in the background. It was odd for him to be perturbed by the scrambling or the landing. He was normally very quiet. Once the hatches opened, the wolf bounded outdoors and away from the battlefield. Lady Jaye turned to Snake Eyes and gave him a questioning look.

Snake Eyes shrugged in response. He was just as confused as Lady Jaye. He half wanted to go after Timber, trusting in the wolf's instincts, but there was a battle to be fought. Timber would be okay on his own.

#-#-#-#-#

"It didn't take the Joes long to find us," Dr. Mindbender broke the silence. He wished he could have brought his real work with him. It was exceedingly boring waiting with Professor Plum, especially considering how secretive the man was. Of course, Mindbender wouldn't think of going outside into the battle itself, so waiting with Plum was really the only option.

"But that was to be expected, wasn't it Dr. Mindbender?" Plum's tone grated on Dr. Minbender. It was as if the man thought he deserved an award for figuring that one out. It was true that secrecy hadn't been an especially high priority for the mission, but at the same time there wasn't a deliberate leak. That would have tipped the Joes off immediately. Instead, as with any large scale Cobra mission, things had a way of getting out. Cobra's smaller and more surgical attempts tended to go unnoticed longer. Though, there were other proposals from the set of four Operation Constrictor distractions that the Joes were still trying to refine their intel on. Professor Plum continued. "It doesn't matter. My clones are efficient men. They're ready for them and they've readied the troops for them."

"I would very much like to believe that," Mindbender replied. "However, I don't see any Rattlers and I see quite a few SkyStrikers." Dr. Mindbender pointed towards the top of the Plum's large viewing monitor. They GI Joe jets were likely waiting until the Cobra troops had advanced further from the radio station to open fire. GI Joe wouldn't use any heavy ordinance or destroy existing structures within the United States unless absolutely necessary.

"Rattlers are expensive and air battles are messy. I have something better," Plum stated. He tilted his head down towards a microphone and pressed the nearby button. "Ready the ultrasonic weapon."

With a few more button clicks, one of the side monitors switched to a view of a tented area close to the radio station proper. Cobra troops were removing a tarp from a large weapon. Dr. Mindbender recognized it immediately. It hadn't been very long since Destro had sold Cobra Commander on it. Unfortunately, the Joes had found their way around it. It was yet another piece of technology that Plum had lifted from the Cobra graveyard. First the synthoid creator and now the ultrasonic device. He appeared to be making a habit of it. "That old thing?"

"I've made some modifications," Plum said smugly. "It now has a wider range. It wasn't too hard really. Plus, do you really think G I Joe expects or is ready to see this thing again?"

Dr. Mindbender had actually been thinking the same thing. Cobra rarely reused super weapons like these. It was poor business on Destro's part as once they failed, Cobra Commander would never consider the idea again. He gave up too easily. The Cobra leader wasn't so stupid that he couldn't tell the same idea beneath different marketing either. Plum must have known that a couple rungs down the ladder from Cobra Commander, he would be able to reuse and improve upon technology where the inner circle of Cobra couldn't. Plum's salvaging made up for the genius he lacked. Dr. Mindbender managed a terse reply. "We shall see."

#-#-#-#-#

As Dr. Mindbender had predicted, the Joe SkyStrikers had held off until the land battle was just beginning to get underway. Flint was leading the team of greenshirt pilots both from a physical and a chain of command point of view. Surveying the field, Flint wondered just what Cobra was up to and what their gimmick might be this time. It was odd for them to stage such a noticeable operation when they didn't have to. Usually they would place a few people on the inside if they wanted to steal something. Only higher security targets, like the laser core that powered the weather dominator and the great seal of Alaska, required a well-timed coordinated assault. Still, if anything, Cobra Commander liked to show off his latest toy. Flint had no question that everyone on his team was remaining on alert, but Cobra always seemed to create new surprises.

This time, the new surprise was also an old one.

It was for only a moment that Flint wondered why his SkyStriker had become so shaky, but it seemed like too long a time wasted. He soon spotted Cobra's ultrasonic device, wheeled out from the radio station by a quintet of Cobra agents. Flint ordered the rest of his squadron to fall back but judging from the reports firing over the communications channel, everyone was in the same predicament. Did the ultrasonic weapon have such a range the last time Cobra used it? Flint didn't have time to further ponder the question. He was already parachuting down into the battle and Cobra most certainly wouldn't be waiting for him to land to open fire. Fortunately their aim was as bad as ever.

Flint internally cursed that there hadn't been time or budget to better shield the SkyStrikers from this sort of attack. He had just gone over progress on the Conquest order with Hawk in Washington. The new jets wouldn't have a problem. Upgrading the SkyStrikers had been put on the back burner. It was just so odd for Cobra to pull the same trick twice. Flint wondered if there were still more tricks up Cobra's sleeve for this battle.

Touching down, Flint quickly surveyed the area for the rest of his team. He didn't spot any fatalities yet which was a relief. He didn't have time for an exact headcount either though. At least, surrounded by Cobra, they were less likely to face laser fire. Cobras weren't stupid enough to fire into what was still mostly their own army.

Flint's group had all fallen into Cobra's lines, not too far apart but not close enough either to coordinate just yet. There were too many Cobras and they remained too far from the radio station to attempt to storm it. Flint made his priority getting the boys back to the safety of their own lines.

#-#-#-#-#

Lady Jaye watched the devastation done to the GI Joe SkyStrikers in a haze. She knew she was calling out orders, something about watching for falling parts, though most should fall on Cobra's side, but it felt like some weird dream that was going both in very fast and in slow motion at the same time. When it was clear where Flint and the others were going to touch down, she instinctively shifted her body forward, as if to rush to the scene. She might have actually started to run if not for the weight of a hand on her shoulder bringing her back to a sharper view of reality.

It was Snake Eyes. By the time Lady Jaye figured that out, the commando had already pushed off her shoulder, and was out in front of her running. The action was part reassuring and part a message: "Stay put. I'll go." It made sense. It wasn't like Snake Eyes could call out orders. He was probably better at this kind of thing too. He couldn't resist running off to save a comrade who had gotten in trouble before him, orders be damned. Lady Jaye knew the team was counting on her to be there doing her job and taking a more strategic approach to the entire battle.

Snakes Eyes caught up with Stalker's VAMP towards the front of the GI Joe battle line, jumping onto the side of the vehicle and holding onto the bars of the roll cage. Stalker turned and gave Snake Eyes an understanding nod before yelling something inaudible from Lady Jaye's position and then speeding off into the Cobra lines, Snake Eyes still hanging off the side of the VAMP.

The rest of Stalker's team seemed to be holding well. They were outnumbered but losing little ground. Lady Jaye turned her attentions to the respective flanks. Roadblock's group was holding their position firmly. It appeared that Gung Ho's group was getting hit the hardest. It wouldn't be long before the two sides would be clashing up close and personal. There was enough pressure on Stalker's group that they could offer little support. Lady Jaye swiftly decided just how much of her re-guard she was going to reposition in light of the situation and relayed her changes to the rest of her troops. All those idle chats about tactics with Flint seemed to be rubbing off.

Lady Jaye found herself pacing restlessly, back and forth in a rather small area. It was hard for her not to be doing anything physically while the battle took place, especially after what had happened to Flint's team. Things were going far from easily. She brought the pair of binoculars hanging around her neck up to her eyes and surveyed the field again. This time something strange caught her eye. One of the Cobra troops who appeared to be giving orders was wearing a purple Cobra insignia instead of the usual red one. Quickly, Lady Jaye's binocular-aided eyes darted around the field looking for more anomalies. She spied at least two other leader-types with the unusual uniforms. It was probably just a minor restructuring in the organization of the Cobra ground troops. Lady Jaye had to admit it was working well for them though. She put that thought to the side, for the debriefing back at headquarters after the battle.

#-#-#-#-#

Stalker deftly maneuvered the VAMP through the volley of laser fire coming from all sides. He had told the rest of his team just to carry on without regard to him, he had a feeling they were being careful of the jeep he was driving. Pridefully, he grinned to himself thinking that the greenshirts probably didn't need to do that much to maneuver around him. They had been trained well and he had faith in their marksmanship, even in this kind of battle.

Things got stickier once the VAMP reached the Cobra lines. Stalker certainly couldn't mow the troops down with his vehicle, especially not if he intended to get to Flint and the others. There was also a possibility of having a showdown with one or more Stingers. Fortunately, even being more organized and more enthusiastic than normal, the Cobra troops weren't willing to try to stand down Stalker's vehicle. It helped that Snake Eyes had slid his way from the side of the VAMP to man the rear-mounted guns. It was still a very bumpy ride.

By the time Stalker and Snake Eyes reached the SkyStriker team, Flint had managed to gather the pilots together. Flint and his team formed a circle facing outward, protecting their backs and enabling the ones who still had weapons to provide cover fire. The group was slowly trying to move in formation back to the the relative safety of GI Joe lines. They hadn't been making much progress and Flint knew it was only a matter of time before they would be whittled down by the greater number of Cobra troops, especially seeing that a Stinger was headed their direction.

"It's not exactly the calvary, but it's the best we can spare at the moment," Stalker called over sheepishly. Both he and Flint knew that the VAMP wasn't going to be enough for everyone. However, Stalker wouldn't risk the lives of his greenshirts pulling the stunt he did. "Let's pack everyone in the best we can. Think this thing will still move fast enough?"

"I hope so," said Flint.

Flint and Snake Eyes took up two laser rifles and provided cover fire as Stalker organized everyone into the VAMP. One of the greenshirts had taken the rear-mounted machine guns for additional support. Without Flint, Stalker and Snake Eyes on the VAMP, the vehicle already looked quite loaded with a couple people hanging off the sides, gripping onto the roll cage and a few in back. Flint and Stalker gave each other a knowing look.

"Godspeed you guys," Stalker said. He leaned over to the driver. "Drive like hell."

"What about you?" asked one of the greenshirts with a horrified expression.

"Don't worry about us," replied Stalker. "We don't have time for this, now go."

"But..."

Stalker was about to argue, but Snake Eyes tapped him on the shoulder, getting the greenshirt and Flint's attention as well. He pointed at the oncoming Stinger. Stalker swore he could see a sly glint in the man's visor.

"I think Snake Eyes just found our ride back," smiled Stalker. He slapped the driver on the back. "Now go, and don't forget that's an order. Yo Joe!"

"Yo Joe!" yelled the greenshirts, taking off with expressions of both worry and awe.

"You really think we can take that thing?" Stalker asked more seriously now that the greenshirts were on their way.

Snake Eyes shrugged.

"At the very least, we can keep it from following our VAMP," said Flint who was still providing cover fire to their small group.

Snake Eyes handed his laser rifle over to Stalker and prepared for the the oncoming Stinger. The Stinger would either ignore them or run over them, its true target was the VAMP. Still, it was already on a path right past (or through) them. Stingers were better armored than VAMPs, at least from a surface covering point of view. It had its advantages and disadvantages. It made it harder for anyone, friend or foe, to get into one at the same speed one could get into a VAMP, especially with the gull-wing doors. Even a HISS might be easier, especially in motion, once one could get on top. Snake Eyes would have to make his way through a window.

With a well-timed leap, Snake Eyes attached himself to whatever hand-holds he could find on the driver's side door of the Stinger. He did little to avoid the notable 'thud' of his weight against the vehicle. As he had hoped, the Stinger driver took action. Snake Eyes wasn't sure he could get into the Stinger in any reasonable amount of time, but if he distracted the driver, at least the men in the VAMP would have things a little easier.

The Stinger driver swerved viciously, trying to shake Snakes Eyes off before he could get through the door. This caused the Cobra troops in the path of the jeep to scatter rather than fight and kept the Cobra soldiers hanging onto the back of the Stinger from being very effective with their laser pistols. The erratic driving offered the distraction Flint and Stalker need to drop their cover fire and jump onto the Cobra jeep. Slinging their laser rifles over their shoulders, Flint went for the passenger side door and Stalker went for the rear of the vehicle.

The Cobra agent in the passenger seat of the Stinger did not have a quick enough reaction time to avoid Flint's fist. Unfortunately, the awkward punch wasn't enough to put the Cobra down for the count. Soon, the agent and Flint were grappling through the window of the Stinger, Flint trying to subdue the soldier as he in turn tried to throw Flint from the vehicle.

Flint's fight only riled up the Stinger driver more, causing him to drive even more spastically. Snake Eyes, getting his bearings for the wild ride, tried to grab for the wheel but the driver managed to fend him off with a combination of elbows and swerves.

On the rear of the Stinger, Stalker and the two Cobra agents were both hanging on with one arm, wedging their feet on the platform, and using the other arm to fight. Stalker spent most of his time evading the soldier's attack, but occasionally landing a punch or swinging the butt of his laser rifle into the enemy. The close quarters didn't afford him much room to dodge but Stalker did his best to block with his free arm or rifle.

Just as Stalker felt he was beginning to make some progress, he felt something heavy slam into him. One of the agents had swung the rotating rocket launcher into him just as the Stinger made a mean swerve, unluckily for Stalker. He was thrown from the vehicle. He managed to diffuse some of the impact by rolling once he hit the ground, but he knew something was hurting fierce from when he got hit with the mounted rockets. Before Stalker was able to gain full control of his momentum, he was already being pounced upon by several nearby Cobra agents.

Flint cursed seeing Stalker being taken prisoner but didn't have much time to reflect on it as he was still locked in battle with the Cobra agent on the passengers side. Snake Eyes was also momentarily distracted but it worked out to his advantage as the driver was not expecting the brief respite in their fight. Snake Eyes was finally able to grab hold of the wheel. The driver still had a better grip though and maintained most of the control, though Snake Eyes was able to steady the driving somewhat.

The Stinger driver fought over the wheel with Snake Eyes as he navigated through the battlefield. By this point, most of the Cobra troops on foot knew to give him a wide berth. Inspiration hit him, without even giving his comrade riding shotgun a warning, he slammed onto the breaks. Flint and Snake Eyes could barely hold on. Before they could compensate for the vehicles sudden stop, they were being swarmed with Cobra soldiers. Knowing when they were beat, they put their arms in the air and were led back to Cobra's makeshift base.

#-#-#-#-#

Gung Ho only vaguely knew what his fellow Joes were up to in other parts of the battlefield. Things on his side were requiring his full concentration. His greenshirts and a large number of Cobra agents were butting up against each other. Most were taking cover behind turned over vehicles and terrain debris, shooting at each other with laser rifles and throwing grenades. In some areas, things had come to fisticuffs between Joe and Cobra. Gung Ho knew they were being pushed back, but was doing his best to halt the Cobra advance and change the tide.

Leading the Cobra troops on Gung Ho's side of the battlefield was a bull-chested man clad in the normal Cobra blues only with a purple Cobra logo instead of the usual red one. He hadn't been doing anything tricky but he appeared to be running a tight assault and having good rapport with the rest of the Cobra soldiers.

When Gung Ho saw the chance to take down the purple leader, he went for it. The Cobra field commander was holed up with a small group of Cobra agents behind a busted Stinger. Gung Ho picked four greenshirts to go after them. While the greenshirts kept their rifles out and ready, Gung Ho put away Baby, knowing he would need to be ready to use his fists as soon as they made their way around the Stinger.

The Joes managed to get the jump on the equal sized team of Cobra troops. Two of the Cobras went down easy. Gung Ho went after the purple leader while the greenshirts handled the two remaining soldiers and tried to block any reinforcements.

Gung Ho was only able to just begin grappling with the man when he was tackled from the side by three more Cobra agents. Instinctively reaching out to try to prevent his fall by clinging to anything he could, Gung Ho snatched the black face mask off of the purple leader. It easily gave way and Gung Ho went down under the weight of the Cobra pile. As he fell, he saw a face he recognized.