Yay! We've official seen/met Snake Eyes! He is hands down the most awesome character ever, it's a shame I don't own him and the entire G. I Joe franchise...
(That was a disclaimer by the way)
See y'all around!
I'm pretty sure I must have slept for days but as it turns out, we were still on our way back to America to meet with the President. There was only one place I wanted to be, however. When we landed for fuel, I got off the plane then began to walk.
"Robyn! Where are you going?" Block called to me.
"I'm going to see Poppy dance." I answered. "That's the only place I want to be right now. You're welcome to tag along." With that, I continued walking. I had changed out of my suit so now I wore simple army appropriate clothes, tank top and blue camouflage bottoms. Block, persuaded by the thought of seeing his little girl dance, dragged Duke along.
We got into a cab, promised not to shoot him then let him drive us all the way to the event, which was being held at a theatre. We charged it to the "company" then ran inside. I pushed past the body guard, racing in whilst praying we weren't too late. Thank the lord we weren't, they were just coming on.
When Poppy saw us, her face lit up. I know it was against regulation to abandon the team on a route call from the President but hey, I'll file it under post traumatic distress order. The team began to dance. They were amazing, all moving with the beat and putting everything they had into it. They spun and twirled and flipped until the crowds were on their feet. I looked to Block.
"Are you crying?" I asked him. He adjusted his cap.
"No." He replied then continued to watch. Millie had certainly done a good job with finishing the routine, none of the moves looked different so the dance didn't appear cut up, as it were. I was so proud of them, even though I'd only taught them for one lesson.
When the dance finished, everyone was cheering, lifting the roof from the walls. Duke was definitely crying. With a gentle push Roadblock walked towards the stage, descending the stairs as Poppy pulled away from her troupe and called out. Instantly everyone was cheering since, you know, everyone loved an army family reunion. Poppy leaped off the stage into her daddy's arms, crying and hugging him as Daisy left her seat to embrace him also, Millie close behind.
"You know, moment's like these make everything all worth it." I looked to Duke who had whispered to me. "Remind you what it is you're fighting for."
"I guess." I nodded my head. I sensed Duke shift uncomfortably and a wave of nerves rolled from his scent.
"Listen…I'm sorry we didn't believe you. We know better than that now." I looked at him with a blank face then turned, walking away. "It would have been the same for any one of us. You have to know that, Robyn. Come on, please don't act like that."
"Who says I'm acting?" I shot back, pushing my way out of the theatre then headed for the exit.
"You're going to miss the results!" Duke called after me.
"I'll be back. Just leave me alone!" I snapped, storming outside. The fresh air hit me and did me a lot of good. It was too stuffy in there, too many people. My entire body shook but I couldn't explain why, I felt disconnected again, but not from my body. From my heart. Sabrina's death had really torn it open. Now I didn't know who to trust.
"Only yourself. You know how it goes, Robyn. You can't trust anyone." I muttered to myself. "They just think you're a freak." Somehow they sounded like Commander's words and not my own. I snuck backstage for the results, everyone waiting in anticipation.
"And the winner is…" Please say Dazzlers. Please say Dazzlers. Please say Dazzlers. "The Merry Men!" What? But my troupe deserved to win! They displayed the best talent by far! I was about to shout out and argue when my team ran on. Huh? The Merry Men? They'd renamed themselves?
"Thank you so much! However, we owe it all to one person." The sort of lead boy, Alex, turned and pointed to me. Instantly the younger ones were running forwards, grabbing my arms then dragged me onto stage. "Robyn Grayson! Or as we call her, Robyn Hood!" They'd renamed themselves as a tribute to me? Now I was blushing. Everyone cheered so to hide my face, I picked up Poppy and hugged her, pulling everyone around me.
"You guys were great." I smiled to them all. "You'll be dancing in the stars soon enough." They all bubbled like bottles of champagne around me. I knew my time was running out so I waited for them to collect the prize, let their photos be taken then walked off stage with them. "I can't stay, I have to go." I informed them softly. "But I'll try and visit your troupe every time I get the chance."
"Why? Where are you going?"
"I've been called back to my unit." I told the younger ones and they gasped.
"You're in the army?" I nodded my head. "Will you think of us when you're out there?" I nodded my head again.
"Always. You guys are such bright little stars. I'll always think of you and wish you all the luck in the world." I turned to Samantha. "Just make sure you point your toes." She giggled then hugged me tightly. We had a group hug, a few tears were shed then I reluctantly left them with their well-deserved prize money.
A carrier had been arranged to pick us up. Apparently Hawk wasn't happy about my little stunt but no one said anything as we were taken back to the President for our personal thanks. The others had changed into their military uniforms. Since I was never in the military, I kinda didn't have anything to wear. The President's assistant tried to persuade me to put on my suit but I just shot her a glare, making her back off with a gulp. I wasn't in the mood for reprimands, I knew I was in for an earful.
The moment I stepped into the President's office, Hawk turned his head towards me. An awkward moment of silence passed between us. "Ah, there you are. General Hawk, this is the lady I was telling you about."
"Yes I know. She's our newest member of the Alpha dogs." They both looked at me but I just stood there, not saying a word. The President glanced between us before frowning ever so slightly.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No sir. There was just a little misunderstanding between us before." Hawk replied simply. "You see, Hood here was labelled an informant by Cobra Commander, which is why I locked her up in a cell for security reasons. When she managed to escape, I reasoned it must be true." My eyes narrowed further.
"You sent four choppers after me to blow me out of the sky." I revealed then spat out the last word needed. "Sir."
"You looked guilty."
"I was escaping to prove I was innocent. Did pretty well, didn't I?" My sarcasm shot off the bar as it dripped from every word. I looked to the President and nodded. "I'm glad to see you're alright sir."
"Yes. Thanks to you." He stood. "General, I want all charges against this woman cleared. Her entire record, if you please." The President walked around to me, straightening his jacket before holding out his hand for me to shake. I did so carefully, knowing that my normal grip would crush his hand. "Welcome to the Joes, Agent Hood." Hood? What is this, my new code name? "Robyn Hood, quite clever, don't you think?" He smiled and I gave a weak laugh.
"I get that a lot."
"If there's anything I can do for you, just let me know." I paused, wondering if I could dare ask but decided against it. "Was there something?" I slowly looked up to meet his eyes.
"Sir, there's only two things I want in the entire world."
"Name them." I hesitated again, stumbling for words before taking a deep breath.
"First I'd like my father's ranch. I'd like it back. It was repossessed by the government fifteen years ago. I have no other home apart from headquarters and I'd like to have a piece of my parents back to keep their memory alive. I can make repayments through working with the Joes, I'd just like it to be secure."
"Alright. I shall see what I can do. Secondly?" Swallowing I let out a shaky breath.
"Sabrina's body. I'd like to bury her on the ranch." The President blinked then frowned.
"Sabrina? That nice cat lady I met on the helicopter? I didn't realise she had passed. I'm so sorry." He picked up my hands and patted them softly. "She was such a sweet thing. I was nervous of her at first but she had a lovely purr. How did she die?"
"She was brought over to Cobra Commander's location by General Joe with reinforcements after she had left you. Sabrina then caught my scent and followed. She…" I choked. "Commander shot her in the chest when he aimed to kill my teammate and I stood in the way." Swallowing I then looked down at my feet. "She was the closest thing I had to family. We grew close when we were on the streets together." A long silence passed as the President thought things over.
"You've had such a bad run of luck so far, after what Cobra Commander put you through, I believe you are entitled to a few compensations. I shall do my best for your wishes. I hardly think them unreasonable." The President looked to his assistant who took a step forwards. "Get the details of this young lady's ranch home and look at transportation of Miss Sabrina. See what can be done." He then looked back to me. "I thank you for saving my life and the lives of Washington. Without your brave efforts, we would all be lost." After shaking my hand once more, he let me go.
"Sir." I stepped back and saluted to both men before turning and leaving. After a few steps of exiting the room, I heard General Hawk following behind me.
"Agent Hood, hold there." I obeyed. Seems like it was the only thing I was doing these days. Obeying. "I want to apologise for not believing you but there are regulations to follow after such accusations arise." My face was void of all expression.
"Did you know three men had come down to kill me?" He paused before nodding his head.
"I was aware. They have been reprimanded and sent back to their respective heads of state."
"And the missiles shot at my ass was just another mistake?" I guessed, glaring at him. "Would have done that had I been human?"
"You are human."
"You don't think I am. Sir." Sighing deeply Hawk looked at me.
"I truly am sorry." With that he took a step back. "I'll understand if you want out." He was offering me a chance to leave? Ha! To go back to what?
"I'll think about it." I replied then nodded my head to him before leaving. The others all stood when I passed but I ignored them, throwing the door open and striding out of the Whitehouse.
"Hey! You can't just leave, there's a press conference in two minutes! You're needed!" I ignored the guards and followed the path down to the gate, ignoring everyone as they called out my name. With the look on my face, I guess they realised the guards shouldn't irritate me further. The gate was opened and I walked out into the open streets, letting the bustle and rush of familiar sounds engulf me.