Frontline News.
Slightly a.u.
As the rest of Col. Brekhov's men showed up to bring him, Daina, and Horrorshow back home empty handed, Col. Sharp and some other Joes arrived, Lukrov and the surviving villagers greeted them. "Welcome, Colonel Sharp, to Romanov village. Your men are great help in rebuilding efforts." He says, as they watch Duke's, and Brekhov's people working alongside the locals.
"You're welcome, Capt., it's the least we could do after all your people have been through; weathering a Cobra raid must be nothing compared to learning that your homeland is gone." Col. Sharp says to him before offering a hand.
"Yes, was most distressing to hear of empire's collapse; but if what you're subordinate says is true, perhaps Tsardom will be reinstated?" Lukrov replied as the two shake hands.
"While not everyone on either side will prefer it; Washington's analysts so far predict that could happen within the next five years." Col. Sharp added.
"While most of us will not be there to see it...when we get news of this, we will have second celebration; but for now, let us begin first one, agreed?"
"Agre...Most of you?" Col. Sharp asks him after glancing to Duke, who shrugs.
"I don't know either, sir." He says. "Have your people changed their minds about leaving?"
"No, will still keep to ourselves; but can send one of us to learn of changes firsthand...Anatoly!" Lukrov says over his shoulder.
The two watch as one of the local soldiers stepped forward. "Am Anatoly Fyodorovich Krimov; have volunteered to be scouting on behalf of village." The man says.
"Ok, and just so you know, we'll try to take it slowly." Duke tells him.
After they shake on it, the villagers begin a celebration. Roadblock is jotting down some of the local's old recipes as well as the "new" ones they invented in their isolation.
Tollbooth is teaching the villagers foreign construction techniques.
Airtight is "teaching" some kids some "lessons" until he is interrupted by Duke.
Shipwreck is introducing himself to certain locals until he is interrupted by Cover-Girl.
She, Cross-Country, Footloose, Dusty, Wild Bill, Crankcase, Heavy Metal, and Gung-Ho all dance with them, though not all succeed.
Flint is grumbling about how surly and bull-headed "that Stormavik guy" was, both groups having met on the way.
Lady-Jaye laughs at him. When he asks why, she rolls her eyes before offering to dance with him.
Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, Snow-Job, Mutt, and Quick-Kick show the locals new fighting skills.
Before the Joes return to H.Q., they gather in the village square. Lukrov, three commanders and Green-shirt Nash are facing the crowd.
Col. Sharp faces Nash. "Sgt. Nash, after being informed of your actions in the battle earlier, it is my privilege to give you a promotion; welcome to the Joe team." He says before the crowd starts cheering.
"You have our gratitude forever."/"Let us cheer American sergeant!"
"Way to go, Clifton!"/"Yo Joe!"/"Woo-hoo!"
"Thank you, Col; everyone...just doing my job." Nash tells him.
"And for saving my life, Sgt. Nash; is my honor to award you Order of Saint Stanislaus." Lukrov says, and places the medal around his neck as the crowd cheers again.
"Have you already considered a codename, or will you leave it to us?" Col. Sharp asks him.
"I'll pick my own; thanks though, sir." Nash says, and puts a hand to his chin. "Lets see, Winter...too dull; Chill...nah; Ice-Man...Also too...How about Iceberg; that sound good, sirs?" He asks.
After the three turn for a second, they nod. "We can accept; but the final say is your's, Sgt." Col. Sharp answered.
"Haha...Iceberg it is then." He replies, and with a few salutes, the crowd cheers for the third time.
"Three cheers for Iceberg, American hero!" The locals shout.
"Yo Joe, Yo Joe, Yo Joe!" The Joes shout, with the locals joining midway.
Chapter twenty. Read and review.
