Once inside the jet, Allie went through takeoff procedures while the guys sized one another up. Gator finally held his hand out to the other two, and each one in turn shook it.
"That was quite a bit of bluffing you did back there," Gung Ho told him gratefully. "We appreciate it."
"We've got company!" Allie yelled back from the cockpit, and the three moved forward to see.
"They're blocking the hangar. I can't get out," she said, her brow furrowed as she flipped a few switches. "Not unless we want to get major damage as we play demolition derby!" she said, pointing where cars and jeeps had started pouring onto the runway, heading in their direction and blocking their path.
She glanced over at Gung Ho. "I hope Fordon's not the only one with reinforcements," she said, biting her lip in frustration. They were so close….
Gator placed his hand on her shoulder and leaned down to her. "In the end, you know what we have back there isn't worth our lives. Allie, he's not worth fighting for. Your safety, however, is," he said, straightening up.
Gung Ho watched the procession and glanced at Snake Eyes, who signed something to his teammate.
"How bulletproof is this jet? Any tricks it can perform?"
Allie's eyes lit up. "Why didn't I think of that!"
She grabbed the cell out of her bag and dialed Crank's number. Please pick up, she pleaded silently, hoping they hadn't discovered him as one of the moles.
"Yes?"
It was Courtney's voice, she was almost sure of it! "Where's Crank?"
"That little piece of shit? The one who betrayed you? I've got that little double-crosser locked up in a closet right now! I'm glad you called – I couldn't find your number on this thing! Listen, he called Fordon right after you…"
"Court, listen to me," Allie interrupted. Her heart had fallen when she had heard Crank was most likely a double agent who had played her. He had been so nice. "We're in a bind. I was told to park in a hangar, and we're trapped. Any way you can help us out here?"
"Wait, Gung Ho and Snake Eyes were…"
Gung Ho took the phone from Allie. "Cover Girl! Do you know if they were sending reinforcements out to the airstrip after you caught your guy?"
There was a pause, then, "I don't know. I'll find out. Call me back in five minutes."
"We may not have five minutes," Gung Ho told her. "Do what you can. Out."
He handed the phone back to Allie. "I'd say fire on them," he began, nodding out the window, "but I'm not sure who they are just yet. I'd hate to get in a fight if they're with us."
Gator pointed. "Someone's getting out. Maybe we'll have our answer."
They all groaned when they saw the silver plated mask of Destro, who gestured, obviously ordering his men to surround the jet. He approached, glancing at the unconscious form of Fordon at the base of the jet.
Two men stepped from the ranks and dragged the man back to one of the cars. All the rest of the weapons pointed towards the jet's door.
"He must have called in a lot of favors," murmured Gator. "That's a lot of guys!"
"Probably all work for Cobra," sneered Gung Ho. "He doesn't mind coming out in the open since he thinks GI Joe is extinct."
Allie looked at him. "Is it?"
Gung Ho shook his head. "No, just something we put out there so Destro would show his hand."
"Nice job," Gator commented sarcastically. "Any other bright ideas?"
The cell phone rang, diverting their attention. "Yes?" Allie asked breathlessly, not sure what to expect.
"They're on their way," Courtney said. "We've got a team here that's locked down the training facility. Another one is at the headquarters. No one can find Destro though."
"He's here," Allie replied flatly. "ETA?"
"Not sure. Just….hang on, okay? I gave them your number so they'll have it to talk to you. You're barricaded inside the jet?"
"Until they find a way to get in, yes," she replied. "You might want to ask them to hurry it along."
"Will do!"
In the confines of the small space, they had all heard the conversation, so she was grateful she didn't have to repeat it.
Gator's phone beeped, and he read the message aloud. "You are all to come out, unarmed, unless you want to be blown to bits." He looked at the rest of the group. "Friendly, aren't they?"
"We could always put the Commander in front of us as a shield, in case they decide to start shooting as soon as we open the door," suggested Gung Ho.
Allie flinched. It was better than one of them getting hit, but she didn't like the idea of anyone becoming a human shield.
Gator texted back, "We'll be out, and we'll bring the package with us. Any other requests?"
They could see Destro's fist clench as he read the message. He barked an order they couldn't hear and the weapons lowered, but were still at the ready.
Allie slapped her head. "Why didn't I think of that?" She turned to the others. "There are three Kevlar vests in the back. That should offer some protection."
"Unless they shoot us in the head," muttered Gator. He left and returned with the three, handing them out.
"What about you?" Allie asked, concerned.
"We'll see what's better….the Commander or Kevlar," he grinned cockily.
"At least it might buy us some time," Allie said. "The worst that could happen is that they order us to take them off."
"Or shoot us in the head," Gung Ho pointed out, repeating Gator's words.
Allie sighed, rolling her eyes. "Let's go. He's getting impatient."
Gator scooped up the Commander and carried him like a rag doll in front of him. Allie opened the doors, and the group descended the few stairs to where Destro was waiting.
The guns remained lowered, but at the ready. Two men came forward and took the Commander from Gator, bringing him over to Destro.
Destro lifted his chin and used his other hand to pry open an eyelid. He looked at the small group in front of him. "What did you do to him?"
"It's a sedative," Allie explained. "It should be wearing off soon."
"The purpose?"
"To get him out of Greece undetected."
He looked over the Commander and nodded. "You always did good work. It's a shame you'll have to be eliminated."