Recoiled
Part 5
Final Victory
By Nick Maro
The red semi-truck pulled through the gates of the Starlight Mansion. It drove around the circular driveway and parked with its trailer facing the main doors. A yellow Volkswagen Beetle parked next to the cab of the semi. Each vehicle had the same red face symbol on it. The two men who had driven the vehicles walked up to the waiting women on the front door step. The older man of the two addressed Jerrica.
"Ms. Benton, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Irving Witwicky. Everyone calls me Sparkplug. It's my old mechanic's nickname." He gestured to the younger man behind him. "This is my son Spike. We were asked to pick up our…mutual friend."
Spike smiled and stepped up next to his father. "I just wanted to tell you what an honor it is to meet you. I'm a big fan of Jem and The Holograms. I don't want any autographs just meeting you is enough." Sparkplug cleared his throat and Spike quickly changed the subject. "Now with that out of the way, we can load up the equipment right away if you want."
Jerrica held back her yawn. "It's great to finally meet the both of you. I didn't think you'd come with everything that's happening in the country. But once Oregon sided with Cobra we were told that you would come today. I'm glad that you could make it. If you'll both please come inside I'll introduce you to our mutual friend. Also, would you like something to drink?" She stepped aside from the door a bit.
"That would be great, Ms. Benton. We've been traveling practically non-stop since we left." Sparkplug walked inside the mansion. "You have a lovely home here. I understand that this is also a foster home. I must say those are some lucky kids." He followed Jerrica into the living room and took a seat when she offered it while Spike sat next to his father.
"Thank you, Sparkplug. Please call me Jerrica. I'll be right back with some coffee." Jerrica dismissed herself and went into the kitchen. Aja had prepared a tray of coffee for them earlier. Jerrica entered the room again and set the tray on the table. "Hope you don't mind to helping yourself."
Sparkplug and Spike waved their hands saying they didn't mind. For about fifteen minutes they talked about current events and their mutual friends. Once finished, each one put their cups on the tray. Jerrica led the two men to the room that held Cerebrix's components. Spike whistled low. "I was expecting something bigger. Dad, I'll go open the trailer." Spike ran out of the mansion and opened the doors to the semi's trailer.
"My boyfriend Rio and I broke Cerebrix down last night for you to make it easier on you both. If you don't mind, I can help you load the trailer. I really don't mind helping." Jerrica offered with a friendly smile.
"That's okay, Jerrica. Spike and I can handle this." Sparkplug pushed a piece out the door and down a ramp Spike had placed on the mansion stairs. He pushed it up into the trailer and headed back inside the house.
The father and son loaded and secured Cerebrix quickly and shut the trailer door. They each said their farewells to Jerrica. Sparkplug got into the red semi and Spike climbed back into the yellow VW. The semi started up and Sparkplug smiled to himself. "Well, Prime, now we head back to the Ark?"
An electronic voice came out of the speakers in the cab of the truck. "That's right, Sparkplug. Let's roll out!" Sparkplug and Spike drove back to Oregon peacefully as the country continued to plunge into chaos.
"…Seven…Six…Five…" The Viper's voice got louder the lower he counted.
Roxy looked from the Viper to Pizzazz to the gas pedal. She stepped on the accelerator and smashed Pizzazz's foot in the process. The wheels kicked up gravel that peppered the Vipers, blinding them for a moment. Roxy then threw the Jeep into drive sending the vehicle rocketing towards the gate. "Brace yourselves!" she yelled to her friends. The Jeep smashed through the gate. The Vipers were now shooting blindly. A lucky stray shot shattered the back window. Stormer and Jetta instinctively ducked as the screamed in terror.
Pizzazz finally took control of the Jeep and looked at Roxy. "Part of me wants to yell at you, another wants to smack the ever living shit out of you for blowing our cover. But I'm just going to thank you. That was some quick thinking back there."
"Thanks. Besides our cover was blown as it was. I figured what the hell we're dead one way or another. This way we at least have a chance to get away." She looked out at the dark landscape. "So are we back in the United States now?"
"We are. Cobra hasn't taken over Kentucky yet."
"How do you know that, Phyllis?"
"Because Sheila we passed a Welcome to Kentucky sign back there. It was untouched. When we entered Tennessee, the sign had a Cobra insignia branded on it and painted red. What I'm curious about is why there's no Army guard on this side. But first thing we need to do is ditch this Jeep and get new clothes. Right now we look like America's most hated." Pizzazz continued driving.
Stormer slumped in her seat and sighed. "How are we gonna do that? We don't have any money!" Her voice squeaked with concern.
Pizzazz slowed the Jeep down and pulled to the side of the road. "I'm so stupid! Of course we have money! There's money and a change of clothes in the back. There should be a duffel bag under Roxy's seat. Sheila, do you see it?" Jetta nodded that she did. "Great. Pull it out. There should be four sets of clothing in there, one for each of us. In each pocket of the pants, there should be a wallet with a fake ID and some cash. I can see lights from a near by town. Where there are lights, there are people. Where there are people, there's a place to rest, hopefully."
The Misfits got out of the vehicle and each quickly changed out of the Cobra uniforms and into the new clothes. They changed outside on the passenger side of the car. Thankfully no other cars drove past. Once changed, Pizzazz and Roxy pushed the Jeep off the road so it was hidden in the dense treeline of the forest. They began walking towards the town. "Just how did you know about that bag and the clothes, Phyllis?"
"I honestly don't know, Roxy. I've just been remembering things since we escaped from Cobra Island. I didn't know the duffel bag was there until Mary mentioned money. To be honest, I think it just reflects our already strange life." Pizzazz told her friends. She kicked a rock forward then kicked it again as she walked.
The four women walked in silence the rest of the way. They reached the town limits two hours later. Pizzazz spotted a motel sign on the right side of the road. They reached the motel fifteen minutes later. Wearily, Pizzazz entered the office where a woman in her mid-sixties looked up from her newspaper. "Well howdy, young lady. What can I do for you?" She put on a wide kind grin.
Pizzazz smiled the best should could. "Hi. I'd like a double room for the night. My friends and I have been hiking cross country staying ahead of the Cobra take over. We lost our bags fleeing from Tennessee this morning. So when we get up, I'd like to know of any stores around here where we can get supplies. Also, is there some place where we can rent a car? It's important that we reach New York City as soon as possible."
"Your room is room one-twelve. As for your questions, there's a Wal-Mart in town and an Enterprise car rental a few blocks from here. I'm glad to see you young ladies are alright. It's terrible with what's happening here. My Herb and I just don't know what we'll do if Kentucky goes next. Oh, here I am going on, while you youngsters are dead tired. Did you have any other questions?" The woman handed Pizzazz the key and took her money.
Pizzazz smiled weakly showing how tired she actually was. "Yeah, what town are we in? And why wasn't there an Army guardpost at the border?"
The woman laughed lightly. "You're in Mount Pisgah. As for the lack of a guard post, this is a not very well traveled road. No real need to set one up. Anything else?" Pizzazz shook her head no and the four women thanked the motel owner.
Roxy opened the door to their room. She immediately went to the closest bed and collapsed on it. Jetta flopped down next to her best friend. Stormer shut and locked the door, then lay on the bed next to Pizzazz. All four of The Misfits fell asleep right away.
Cobra Commander led David and Yukio into the command room of the Terrordrome. A monitor had an image of the United States on it. The states Cobra controlled were in red with the Cobra symbol. The states still controlled by the United States were in blue. The entire western half past the Mississippi River was now red. The states south of what was once the Mason-Dixon Line was red as well.
The Commander gestured grandly at the monitor. "David, I'm giving each of my top allies and Generals a state to govern. Which state would you like to control?"
"California. I may be loyal to Cobra but I still have family there. I wish to see them unharmed and treated fairly." David marveled at what Cobra had accomplished with the near complete takeover of the United States. "Commander, when do you expect the President to hand over the rest of the United States to Cobra?"
"Soon, very soon." Cobra Commander turned when the doors opened and Zartan entered the room. "Now if you'll excuse me, David. I have a meeting to attend. I'll see to it that California is yours to control. I know you'll make me proud." Cobra Commander climbed a flight of stairs to a meeting room that over looked the command room.
David turned and looked at Yukio. "[Follow me. I wish to hear why you threw the duel.]" Yukio nodded and followed him without question. He led her down a few twisting corridors to the virtual reality room The Misfits were once kept in. "[This room is unmonitored. You may speak freely, Yukio.]"
Yukio sat on the foot of one of the VR chairs. "[I share loyalties to Cobra only through its ties to my clan. When you and the Arashikage Clan swept through my stronghold, you killed the teachers and most of the top students. Most of them shared Cobra's ideals and supported them loyally. When it came time to choose the new leader and representative of the clan, I was chosen because I was the oldest and the most skilled. I do not believe in what Cobra says or does. My loyalties are to the Matsuura Clan only. I choose for my clan to be a part of Cobra out of fear of dishonor and what they would do to my clan brothers and sisters.]
"[I threw the fight so I could die an honorable death and so that a new leader could be named, one that could stand up to Cobra. But now I am a slave to you, Ikari-san. Although I am still a slave to Cobra at least you have honor. Now that you have heard my intentions and where my loyalties stand you are free to do what you wish.]" Yukio lowered her head and exposed her neck to David.
"[I wish for you to become my personal bodyguard. You don't have to be loyal to Cobra anymore just to me. I'm also aware of the Matsuura Clan being a training camp for Cobra ninjas. The Matsuura Clan is now too small to be any worth to Cobra. I'll make sure that Cobra Commander doesn't use your clan anymore. I'll train the Cobra troops myself to fight like ninjas from within.]" David lifted her head by hooking a finger under her chin. He looked in her eyes. "[You have my word of honor.]"
Tears formed in Yukio's eyes as his words hit home for her. "[Thank you Ikari-Sensei, you may be the only honorable member of Cobra. And I'll gladly serve as your bodyguard. I'll follow you into the depths of Hell itself if need be.]"
David gave a humorless chuckled. "[I just hope it won't come to that. But come let's go talk to the Commander. I'm sure he'll see to my wishes.]" David and Yukio walked out of the VR room together. Yukio held her head high proud to serve a man of honor.
The rental car sped down the Pennsylvania interstate. The Misfits had been driving for almost twelve hours. They were nearly to New York when Roxy cracked the window despite the cold weather outside. It was her shift to drive. Pizzazz and Jetta were asleep in the back seat of the sedan. Roxy watched her friends in the back and turned the radio down. "I've been meaning to ask about your headaches, Mary. Are you still getting them or what?"
Stormer let a small grin come to her lips. "Actually not as much, one of the G.I. Joe soldiers helped me out. With some calming breaths I can reduce the pain a little. He told me I'm somewhat psychic, that I can sense when danger is going to happen to us. Not what the danger is specifically, just that something bad is going to happen. With everything that's been happening, I've been having constant headaches. But I've been practicing the techniques that Airborne showed me."
"Figures you'd be the one with the psychic abilities. I've always saw you as the motherly figure in the group. I know we rode your ass for being what we saw as weakness, but you were really the best one out of us rotten apples. I feel like that I can tell you anything." Roxy looked in the rearview mirror again at Jetta.
"What's on your mind, Rox? I can tell you want to tell me something. I'm psychic remember?" Stormer wiggled her fingers at Roxy and started giggling.
Roxy pushed Stormer's fingers out of her face. "Cut it out, will ya? I'm trying to be serious here." She glanced in the rearview mirror and looked at Jetta and Pizzazz again to make sure they were both asleep. Roxy lowered her voice a little. "Back in Japan, just before we left for our attack on the Matsuura Clan stronghold, Jetta told me something in the dojo. I'm still not sure if I reacted to it correctly. She told me that she's in love with me and then kissed me. It wasn't a peck on the cheek kind of kiss. Tongue was involved here." Roxy sighed softly as she drove. "To be honest I enjoyed it and I don't know how to react to it. I'm not a lesbian or bisexual mind you. I don't think I am. What are your thoughts on this, Mary?"
Stormer was quiet for a few minutes. "Do you love her?"
"Of course I do, what kind of silly question is that. I love her just as I love the rest of you."
"That isn't what I meant. Do you love her like she loves you?"
Driving in silence, Roxy collected her thoughts before she spoke again. "I'm not sure. It's something deeper than what I feel for you or Phyllis. But I don't know if it's true love. I just know it's something else."
Stormer smiled at her friend. "You're just confused about nothing, Roxy. You just feel Sheila is your best friend. But since she bonded with you, you've become something of soulmates. It's natural. Kimber and I are like that. I think it's wonderful that you've found your equal."
"Soulmate, huh? I guess I can live with that. Thanks, Mary. I'll buy you a beer when we get back to L.A. How's that sound?"
"No problem, Rox."
The two friends drove for another hour listening to music and making small talk. Roxy spotted the Welcome to New York sign. "Mary, wake up Phyllis. She wanted to know when we arrived in New York. We're almost to the G.I. Joe headquarters. Just how the fuck do we get into these situations?" Stormer laughed at Roxy's question while she woke her half sister from her deep sleep.
"General, I hate to bother you, but I have a group of women here claiming that you would want to see them right away. I told them that you were in important meetings and couldn't possibly be bothered. But the one with the white hair kind of threatened to remove my manhood from my body. Sir, she scares me. You-you didn't see the lo-look in her eye." The young soldier listened closer to the voice on the other end. He straightened his body to stand at attention. "Yes, sir. Right away, sir. I understand completely, sir. Thank you, General."
The other soldier looked at him curiously. "Well Wedge, what did he say?"
Private Wedge looked at his watch partner. "General Abernathy says that it's the utmost urgency that those four are brought to him right away. He said they're vital to what's going on." He looked out the window at the four women then back to his friend. "Well Biggs, let's go escort them to the General's office." The two privates walked out of the guardhouse and approached the four women. "Ladies, I apologize for the wait and misunderstanding. General Abernathy will see you in his office immediately. Private Biggs here will park your vehicle for you. Follow me please."
Pizzazz shrugged and gave the car keys to the waiting private. She then followed Private Wedge through the freshly fallen snow to the General's building. The other Misfits followed next to her. Private Wedge opened the door and told them to wait inside and that the General would be there shortly. Pizzazz sat in the chair in front of the desk. "Roxy, did you have to threaten to rip that soldier's testicles off with your teeth?"
"Sorry Phyllis, chalk it up to being tired and way too stressed out, but you gotta admit it was funny. I thought he was going to go through the door the hard way before he could open it." Roxy laughed under her breath and sat next to Jetta.
"One of those you had to be there things, Ms. Pelligrini?" General Hawk asked standing in the rear entrance. "I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you're okay. Now, tell me how the devil you escaped from Cobra Island."
The Misfits took turns telling their story of what happened between when they were captured in Wyoming to arriving on the base. Pizzazz accepted a mug of coffee from one of the privates. "Anyway, General, we do have information about Cobra's take over. Information that is vital. So if we could move someplace more private." Pizzazz let the sentence drop off.
"Yes I see what you mean, Phyllis." General Hawk stood and led The Misfits to the rear door. "Wedge, Biggs, you men go back to your posts. I'll take care of these young ladies now." The two soldiers saluted and quickly left the office. "Ladies, the elevator is this way." Hawk and The Misfits exited the room to the elevator that led down into the Pit, the unofficial name for G.I. Joe headquarters. The doors opened and they took a brief trip down the elevator. When the doors opened Hawk led The Misfits to a debriefing room.
"Please, have a seat. This is the main administrative arm of G.I. Joe. It was at one point the main base of operations, but the Joe team grew too big to accommodate them all. So a new headquarters was built in Utah. That's the one you were at before being captured by Cobra. So just how did you know to come here and that I would be here?" Hawk asked sitting at the head of the table.
"That's easy, Hawk. I…uh…what I mean is that you tol…" Pizzazz shook her head. "I'm not sure, General Hawk. Just that I knew as soon I got out of the VR simulator that we needed to get off the Island and to come here. I can't explain it. But what I came to tell you is about Cobra's plan. What they're doing is more than what it looks like. Cobra is actually, uh, actually, um…dammit. I know it, but I can't remember. What the hell is wrong with me?"
Stormer put her arm around her half sister's shoulders. "It's okay Phyllis, just relax and I'm sure it'll come to you."
Hawk stood up and gestured to the door. "Ladies, in the meantime I want you to come with me to the main headquarters, which is coincidentally known as the Pit as well. You'll be safer there and much more comfortable. I'll have one of the soldiers bring your rental car back to the nearest rental agency. Do you have any bags?"
"We're wearing all that we have. There might be some fast food bags in the car, other than that nothing."
"Thank you, Roxy. Now, we'll leave immediately to Joe base." Hawk and The Misfits left the debriefing room. They lifted off from the Pit fifteen minutes later to the main headquarters.
Destro entered the debriefing room and sat next to the Baroness. He looked across the table at Zartan and Major Bludd. Cobra Commander stood at the head of the table where his excitement was evident. "Commander, can we please get this meeting started? I'm expecting a new shipment of HISS tanks today and I do not want to miss the delivery."
Cobra Commander turned his silver mask to face Destro. "I'm waiting for David and his bodyguard. They're a part of what is to come. Besides, this meeting won't take long. You'll be back in the armory in no time."
"Why must we wait for David? He's still new to Cobra. We should just begin without him. His fault for being late," the Baroness said growing impatient while looking over a few intelligence reports.
"Patience is a virtue that would suit you well, Baroness," David said entering the room. Yukio was close by his side, her hand resting on her katana hilt. "I apologize for our tardiness. I was showing my class a new technique and we lost track of time." David and Yukio took a seat opposite of Destro and the Baroness.
"Being prompt when your Commander calls is good loyalty," the Baroness shot back looking over the top of her glasses and smirked.
Yukio sprang to her feet and started to draw her sword. "You dare question Ikari-Sensei's honor, woman? By all rights I should spill your blood for such an implied dishonor."
"[Yukio! Sit down and remain silent. Otherwise it shall be your blood spilled this day!]" David yelled pushing her back into the seat.
"[But…]"
"[I said remain silent. I can handle my own affairs. You have to just see that I stay out of danger. Implications of disloyalty I am more than ready to handle. Do you understand?]" David now stood over her. The rest of the room watched David yell at his loyal servant.
Yukio finally nodded her understanding. "H-hai," she said nervously. She had never seen David act this angry.
"David, Yukio, if you're done with your little lover's quarrel we can begin." The two ninjas quickly apologized and sat back down. Cobra Commander looked at Destro and the Baroness. "That goes for the two of you as well. Now I just received word from the President of the United States. He's willing to surrender the rest of the country to me personally. Just think we conquered a nation without firing a single shot! He's surrendering the country in one week in Washington DC. But here's the plan, Major Bludd will be in charge of the Cobra forces we bring into Washington, while Zartan and his Dreadnoks will secure the area. Baroness will be in charge of the Tele-Vipers and intelligence. I want constant surveillance on both G.I. Joe bases. Baroness will stand with both Destro and I to accept the President's surrender."
Cobra Commander stood behind David and Yukio. "As for the two of you, I want you both to be my personal bodyguards. Also the team of soldiers you've been training I want hidden in case of any kind of betrayal or attack. I want no mistakes from any of you. This is a proud day in Cobra history. We're about to become more than just mortal men and women, we're going to become legends."
Pizzazz sat in the recreation room of the G.I. Joe base. She watched her friends mingle with the G.I. Joe soldiers. Stormer had challenged Slipstream to a video game competition. Jetta was playing a few games of pool with whoever challenged her. Roxy was in an intense poker game with four other Joes. She watched all three of her friends enjoying themselves. "Why the hell can't I remember this stupid plan?"
"Frogs in winter," Lady Jaye said walking past Pizzazz.
"Huh?" Pizzazz looked up at Lady Jaye in confusion.
Lady Jaye looked at her and laughed. "Guess that didn't work, huh?"
Pizzazz was about to answer when Shipwreck dropped his pool cue and started chanting as if he was in a trance. "Dioxynitrotriphosphate, amoniahyrochoridefulmonate, potassiumtrigliceride and tholium isotope three eighty-five. Dioxynitrotriphosphate, amoniahyrochoridefulmonate, potassiumtrigliceride and tholium isotope three eighty-five."
"Oh shut up, Shipwreck! I can't believe the Operation Hot Water formula is still triggered by that code phrase." Lady Jaye sat next to Pizzazz. "Sorry, I thought maybe your memory would trigger by a random code word. Obviously it still triggers Shipwreck's." Shipwreck continued to chant in a monotone. Lady Jaye picked up a piece of crumpled paper and threw it at him. "Cut it out!"
The paper ball bounced off of Shipwreck's head and he stopped chanting. He then shook his head, looked around and picked up his pool cue. Pizzazz put her head on the table and started laughing. "I don't want to know what that was about, but thanks for trying. It did help a little. I now have a new idea. Maybe something will help me remember. I just need to find the trigger. The question is now is it a visual or verbal trigger?"
"A-ten-hut! General in the room." Beach Head's voice bellowed from the doorway. All of the Joes stopped what they were doing and stood at attention. Each of The Misfits exchanged a look and stood as well for General Hawk.
"At ease all. I come bearing bad news, the day we've dreaded has come. The President of the United States of America is surrendering to Cobra in one week. The surrender will take place in Washington DC. We have been ordered not to interfere." Hawk ran his hand through his hair. "G.I. Joe has been disbanded. Everyone has one week exactly to move out. That is all."
A stunned silence hung in the air. Pizzazz sighed and looked up at the ceiling. Everything felt so hopeless. She thought about what Hawk had just said. "Ceiling needs to b—." She cut her sentence off. "Oh my God! That's ingenious!" She looked around to see all eyes on her. "General Hawk, I must talk to you in private now. All is not lost. I know what Cobra is doing. I mean, I remember what the plan is and I know how to stop Cobra!" She looked at him with excitement dancing in her eyes. "And now I know!"
"I'm not finishing that," Lady Jaye said after a moment.
Pizzazz stood before the command staff of G.I. Joe. Nervously she wiped the sweat from her palms on her pants and flashed a quick, nervous smile. "Sorry if I sound a bit shaky, I'm nervous as hell here." She cleared her throat. "Cobra's plan was very simple. Find a way to make each state swear it's allegiance to Cobra. How Cobra did this was so very easy. They kidnapped the Governors of each state and replaced them with a synthoid of that Governor. That was the machine that Cobra took in Los Angeles. The synthoid Governor only had to announce the seceding from the United States. That synthoid was then destroyed so another could be made. Cobra then put their own agent in office after the state was made a part of Cobra. In short, those states are still part of the United States.
"Now the Governors who have been captured are on Cobra Island. If I could have an interior blueprint of the Terrordrome brought up, I can show you exactly where." On the wall behind her, a stolen blueprint came up. Pizzazz signaled for a different slide. She shook her head and signaled again. "This is it. Thanks." She used a laser pointer to highlight an area in the upper left area. "They're being held here. It's a high security area, but I think that should be obvious. The power conduit here," Pizzazz pointed a bit lower on the blueprint, "disables the security cameras and doors. That's all I know about Cobra Island. I know I'm forgetting to mention something." She began to walk away then snapped her fingers at what she'd forgotten. "Oh, for the synthoid Governors, Cobra may make replicas of all the Governors who have been captured. The frequency to make them melt is twenty-six megahertz. That is all I know. I hope I was some kind of help." Pizzazz sat down next to Lady Jaye and gave her a nervous grin.
Hawk stood in front of the blueprint. "Okay kill blueprint, Mainframe. First off I want to thank Ms. Gabor for the information she brought us. I'm respecting her wishes of not asking how she learned this." He put his hands on the table, palms down and leaned forward. "Gentlemen, we have the means to beat Cobra." Hawk turned back to Pizzazz. "Lady Jaye, if you could please escort Ms. Gabor back to the barracks. This is now a top secret planning session."
General Flagg held up his hand to wave in Pizzazz's direction. "General Hawk, I believe the young lady has earned the trust of the United States Armed Forces this day. If she wishes to stay, she can. Ms. Gabor, would you like to stay?" Pizzazz nervously nodded yes. "You may stay as long as you don't tell a soul what goes on here, your being at this meeting goes against all military law."
"Thank you, General Flagg. I just have one small request. Don't harm my brother David. I know he's been brainwashed by Cobra and I intend on breaking him out of it. It's strictly a family matter between him and me." Pizzazz went back to nervously picking her fingernails.
Hawk smiled at Pizzazz. "I'll make sure of it personally, Ms. Gabor." He went back to looking serious. "Now ladies and gentlemen, I have a plan. Joe forces will split into two teams…" General Hawk explained his plan in detail well into the night.
Techrat and Clash walked into the electronics lab of the G.I. Joe headquarters. Pizzazz called them the day after the meeting. She was vague in giving any information. They were told to meet her in New York City. Kimber insisted that she came along. From there Pizzazz drove them to G.I. Joe headquarters. On the way she told Techrat that General Hawk needed him to create a cloaking device but on a larger scale. Clash, Techrat and Kimber all had used a personal cloaking device to slip past the Cobra boarder patrol.
Techrat put his cloaking device on the table before Mainframe and Dial-Tone. "This is the prototype I've been using. Clash and Kimber both have one as well. The design and mechanics are very simple. It's just a matter of bending light waves. You can still be tracked by heat and sound. That is a very important fact to remember."
Mainframe opened the device and let out an impressed whistle. "Wow. This is amazing. And you say you just created it because you were inspired by the Predator films? Amazing."
"I've never seen circuitry or technology like this, Techrat. You are sticking around to help us, aren't you?" Dial-Tone asked and looked up from the circuit boards.
"Pizzazz asked me to help you build several larger versions and some smaller ones. She didn't say why, just that it was very important. General Hawk said something about these needing to fit on a whale?" Techrat gave both men a confused look.
"Oh, the WHALE, those are our hovercrafts but let's get working on this. We have less than a week to finish these." Dial-Tone began searching through bins for the right circuit boards.
Clash tapped Techrat on the shoulder. "I'm going to let you mad scientists work in peace. I want to catch up with The Misfits." Techrat nodded and Clash smiled to herself. He was in his own little world now and nothing could bring him out of it. She left the room and went back to The Misfits quarters.
It was a sunny February day in Washington DC. The snow was piled thick and white on the ground. A ceremonial stage stood before the Reflecting Pool with Cobra troops gathered around the stage dressed in their ceremonial dress uniforms. Cobra Commander stood at the top of the stage looking at the scene laid out before him. He smiled behind his silver mask. At last, this was all his to command.
The Baroness tapped the Commander on the shoulder. "The area is secured, Commander. We can begin anytime you're ready." She stepped back and stood next to Destro.
"Excellent. Let the ceremony begin!" Cobra Commander signaled for the band to start. The band began playing the Cobra March anthem. Once it was over, the Commander approached the podium. "Today is a proud moment in Cobra history. Today we achieve our first step to global domination. Today we will take over the most powerful nation on Earth. Let me correct myself, we are being given the most powerful nation on Earth. Now Mr. President, please come forward and hand over your nation. Let all of America see the transition of power." Tele-Vipers holding video cameras aimed them towards the other end of the Reflecting Pool. The pool had been drained of all water for the winter.
The door to a black limo at the opposite end of the pool opened up. A man dressed in all black, wearing dark sunglasses got out. He was followed by a man with graying hair who carried a black briefcase. Another man in all black got out after the second man. The two men in black walked on each side of the man with the briefcase down the center of the Reflecting Pool. The man with the briefcase slipped on a patch of ice. The men in black caught the other man before he hit the ground. The Cobra troops let out a low laugh. The group on the stage let a slight chuckle escape. "Watch your step there, Mr. President. We didn't get a chance to put salt down." Cobra Commander warned the President.
The Cobra forces surrounding the pool started laughing harder. The President and his Secret Service men glared at them and began walking towards the stage again. They reached the stage five minutes later without any further problems. The Secret Service men stood off to the back and to the side of the President. The President stood two steps below from Cobra Commander. "It is with a heavy heart that I do this, Cobra Commander, but I do it for the safety of the nation. May God forgive me for what I'm about to do." He flipped the briefcase so it lay flat and handed it to Cobra Commander.
"At last! Victory! Now Mr. President, kneel before the new ruler of the free world!" The Commander laughed in triumph.
Cutter brought his WHALE hovercraft on the shore of the Cobra Island beach. The cloaking device was working perfectly. "Shipwreck status report," he said quietly into the radio.
"Right beside you Cutter, those locator chips that kid Techrat whipped up work like a charm. I can't see you visually or pick you up on radar, but those chips tell me you're ten feet away. Tell Duke that Beta Team will meet him by the ventilation duct like we planned. Shipwreck out." He watched the radar for any Cobra activity and hoped they would remain undetected until the mission was over.
Duke overheard Shipwreck on the radio. "Okay men, I don't need to tell you that this must go without any flaws. This is strictly a rescue mission, which means we get in and get out with as little attention as possible. I got word that the Crimson Twins are guarding Cobra Island while Cobra Commander is in Washington. Now let's go meet Beach Head by the ventilation duct as planned. Let's move men! Yo Joe!" The front ramp silently lowered into the beach. Duke led Leatherneck and Torpedo off of the landing ramp. Cutter stayed behind with the WHALE.
The three men activated their cloaking devices as they ran along the perimeter of the Terrordrome. They arrived at the ladder that went up the side of the building within minutes. Duke turned his cloaking device down enough that just a ghostly image appeared. Beach Head's ghostly image came into view seconds later. "Okay Duke, this is the way in according to the blueprints. Wet Suit, Slaughter and I will go first, two minutes later you're to follow. Our main objective is the power conduit that will open the doors for the Governors. It will also disable alarms and cameras, so we have to be fast getting out of there. Let's do it." Beach Head went to full invisibility again and climbed the ladder. Sgt. Slaughter and Wet Suit followed him seconds later.
Duke waited two minutes then signaled his men to begin climbing. They climbed the ladder to the opened vent and crawled in. Each man followed a path they had memorized to the power conduit. It took longer than expected to reach the room while crawling. Duke tried to shake his sense of dread as he dropped to the ground silently. Leatherneck and Torpedo dropped just as quietly. Duke studied the wall where the conduit was mounted. "Okay Torpedo, give us five minutes to take care of the guards and then kill the power," he whispered.
"You got it, Duke."
"Let's go men." Duke quietly ran towards the detention center where the Governors were being held with the four other Joes following close behind him. On their way, Duke and Beach Head each knocked out passing soldiers. They took their fallen weapons to make up for their lack of weaponry. Within minutes they reached the detention center to find four Crimson Guards standing watch. Without needing the order, the Joes knocked out the guards easily.
Five minutes later exactly since they had left, the door to the detention opened slowly. The five soldiers ran inside before it was fully opened. Duke turned off his cloaking device while the four other G.I. Joe soldiers followed his lead. Duke smiled at the thirtysome Governors. "Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Duke. We're from G.I. Joe and we're here to rescue you."
The color from each Governor began to fade to a dull purplish gray and then melted into a giant puddle. The purple-gray puddle grabbed each Joes by their feet and ankles. Tomax and Xamot stood in the doorway. Tomax smiled and spoke first. "Congratulations, G.I. Joes. You've fallen—."
"—into our trap," Xamot finished for his brother. "You must remember our Crimson Guardsmen are everywhere. Even in your—"
"—military!" both men said at the same time and began laughing loudly. Duke looked around at the other Joes, his sense of dread was right again.
Cobra Commander stood over the President of the United States. "Now Mr. President, kneel before Cobra!" The President slowly knelt down before the silver masked man. He started to smirk and slowly, quietly laughed. "What's so blasted funny?" the Commander demanded.
The President looked up at Cobra Commander. "Look in the briefcase, Commander."
The Commander opened the briefcase slowly. Inside was a note that read: You've been had. Cobra Commander shut the briefcase in anger and looked down at the President. "What does that mean?" he shouted.
"It means, Commander, you've been tricked!" The President ripped off the mask to reveal his face. Flint now stood before Cobra Commander and his top officials. He pulled a small gun from inside his jacket. The Secret Service men that were with the President ripped off their own masks to reveal Stalker and Dusty.
Cobra Commander began laughing without any humor. "Tricked? Hardly. David, Yukio take care of this G.I. Joe scum." He stood over Flint, Stalker and Dusty while arrogantly placing his hands on his hips.
David and Yukio both pulled their katanas. "Actually Commander," David said slowly, "I think the man is correct. You have been tricked." He pointed his katana at the Commander. Yukio pointed hers at Destro. "I am not loyal to Cobra. I am the one who freed my sister and my friends. I am the one who gave my sister all of the details to your plan. Now you will surrender, Commander, or I'll kill you where you stand."
"Do you honestly think I didn't know of your deceptions, David?" Cobra Commander snapped his fingers. "Yukio, show David who you're really loyal to."
Yukio pulled her sword away from Destro and put it at David's neck. "[I'm sorry, Ikari-Sensei. He threatened my clan. He threatens to slaughter them all if I didn't help him. Please, don't make me kill you.]" David looked in her eyes and saw the sadness behind them. He lowered his sword from Cobra Commander's chest. Yukio smiled and let a single tear fall. "[Thank you, Ikari-Sensei, now drop your blade.]" David let the sword fall from his hand.
"[Yukio, don't let him trick you. I swore that no harm would come to your clan. I'll keep that promise to you. You're a good bodyguard Yukio Matsuura now show me what kind of friend you can be.]" David turned and let the point of her blade poke the front of his throat. A drop of blood ran down his neck.
"Just kill him already, Yukio! He threatened your leader's life! Slay him where he stands you stupid woman!" Cobra Commander yelled fearing his perfect plan was beginning to crumble around him.
Yukio's arm began to slowly shake as her eyes flicked back and forth rapidly. Finally her eyes locked with David's. "No! I won't be anyone's pawn anymore!" She swung her katana up at Cobra Commander cutting the front of his uniform as he backed away. "I'm not loyal to Cobra, nor have I ever been. I'm loyal to my friends and Ikari-Sensei is one of them. Threaten my clan all you want but you will never gain my loyalty that way."
Cobra Commander started backing further away while David picked up his katana and pointed it at Destro. David glanced over his shoulder to the three Joes. "Flint send the signal to destroy the synthoid Governors."
Flint pressed a button on a small transmitter as he looked to where the Governors stood. Nothing happened. He pressed the button over and over when Destro began laughing in deep voice. "Fools! You simpleminded fools! Those are the real Governors. They're under our control!" He laughed harder when he saw Flint's look of surprise.
Before Flint could react to the news an explosion rang out near the stage. General Hawk was beginning the attack on Cobra. It was too soon. He looked around as Cobra forces were scrambling to fight off the Joes. "Dusty, Stalker, come with me. We have to see to the Governors. Make sure they remain safe." He looked up at David to find that the two ninjas had vanished, so had Destro, Baroness and Cobra Commander.
"…General Hawk! Flint to General Hawk! Do you copy?" Hawk's radio squawked.
"Hawk here, go on, Flint. What's the going on?"
"The Governors here in DC are the real deal, General. They're under some kind of mind control. Stalker, Dusty and I are going to try to break them out of it. Also Cobra Commander and his top snakes have slithered off. Tell Ms. Gabor that her broth—!" Flint's message was cut short.
"Flint! Flint! Dammit. Okay Joes, Flint says the Governors gathered here are the real Governors. They're under a form of mind control. Flint and his men are going to try and break them free. Lady Jaye, this sounds a bit like the time Cobra kidnapped and used mind control on the loved ones of various Joes. I want you, Footloose, Spirit and Tripwire to locate and destroy the transmitter." Hawk turned to The Misfits after Lady Jaye and her team left. "Ladies, I know you volunteered for this part but I want you to be extremely careful and follow the plan to the letter. Understood?" Each Misfit nodded in turn. "Good luck then." The Misfits saluted quickly, got on the four motorcycles and took off. Hawk turned back to the gathering G.I. Joe force. "We'll wait for The Misfits signal then attack. Yo Joe!"
The group of men and women echoed General Hawk's battle cry. "Yo Joe!"
Tomax and Xamot walked into the detention cell with the Joe invaders. "Tell me, Duke-," Xamot started.
"—how does it feel to be tricked?" Tomax finished for his twin.
Duke smiled at the twin brothers. "Oh, I don't know. Why don't you tell me?" The five G.I. Joe soldiers that stood before the twin Cobra brothers vanished. A finger tapped Xamot on the shoulder. He turned around come face to face with the real Duke. "Surprise!" Duke punched the scarred man in the face. The twins both went flying into the synthoid goo behind them. Duke and Beach Head began closing the door when Duke looked at them again. "That was a new feature on the cloaking devices that's called the mirror image." The door slammed closed cutting off the Crimson Twins cries to be let free.
Beach Head picked up his radio and pressed the transmitter. "Torpedo cage these snakes." A second later the locks on the door activated. "Phase one complete, Duke. On to phase two?"
"Beach Head, I want you, Slaughter and Torpedo to head back to the WHALEs. Wet Suit, Leatherneck and I will take care of phase two." Duke checked the weapon he took from the Cobra soldiers.
"Duke, I thought I was going along on phase two."
"Slaughter, I need you on the beach to defend the WHALEs. The Flagg is about to do something that will get the attention of the rest of the Cobra forces. So we need you on the beach."
Sgt. Slaughter stood there for a moment and then grinned. "When you put it that way, Duke, how can I refuse an order like that?" He turned to Beach Head. "Let's go, Beach Head. We've got snaketail to kick out there." The two men ran off down the corridor while turning their cloaking devices on.
Duke turned his device on. "Let's move out, men." Duke, Wet Suit and Leatherneck ran down a different passageway towards their goal.
"Get ready, Shipwreck. I just got the signal from Beach Head. The Admiral is going to start phase two any second," Cutter said into the radio.
"I hear ya, Cutter. Here come our boys now." Shipwreck lowered the ramp for WHALE and waited for the next phase to begin. Shipwreck kept an eye on the locator radar for the Joes and glanced at the horizon. Two aircraft carriers shimmered into view. Shipwreck and Cutter both waited. Alarms from the Cobra base split the calm. Cobra forces of every kind spilled from the island and raced towards the twin carriers.
The sound of an explosion echoed from inside the circular base. Sgt. Slaughter and Beach Head took their positions in the gunning stations on the WHALE. Torpedo took his position in the gunning station on Cutter's WHALE. Duke, Leatherneck and Wet Suit came running out the door near the WHALEs. Cobra Vipers, troops and Crimson Guardsmen followed close behind them. Leatherneck looked around. "I don't see them, Duke. My locator radar was damaged."
"Mine too, Duke."
"Relax, Wet Suit. They're there." Duke spoke into his radio, "Okay, Cutter. Give 'em the surprise." Duke pointed out to Leatherneck and Wet Suit where the WHALEs were beached. They ran in the direction Duke had showed them as the two massive hovercrafts came fully into view. The three men smiled to themselves.
The WHALEs began firing at the Cobra troops providing cover fire for the three Joes. Cobra troops fell wounded and dying. The troops in the rear started to scatter when they saw what was happening. The three Joes ran into their respective hovercrafts.
Once on board the ramps went up while the WHALEs backed out. They sped away to where the two aircraft carriers were on the horizon. Duke smiled with pride and spoke into the radio on the WHALE. "Great work back there. The synthoid machine is destroyed for once and for all, but we don't know where the Governors are located. Let's all get back to the Flagg and see how they're doing in DC. Duke out." He joined Cutter in the control section. The giant form of the USS Flagg came into view. He let out a breath of relief.
Roxy pulled the binoculars away from her eyes. "I see three of Zartan's Dreadnoks down there, Pizzazz. It's your call."
"We follow plan A. The Joes are waiting on us. Be careful down there and play it safe." Pizzazz started her motorcycle and headed toward where the three men were resting. The other Misfits followed her. Pizzazz pulled up to the closest Dreadnok. She smiled seductively at him. "Hi, my girlfriends and I were passing by and we thought you looked familiar. Are you by any chance the band Cold Slither?"
"Yeah, we love Cold Slither! They're the coolest!" Stormer said in her best valley girl voice.
Ripper looked at Buzzer and Torch. "Cor, look at this. We's famous and known. And to think it was all a tri—"
Torch backhanded Ripper and lowered his voice. "Shut up, you idiot. These frails obviously want to party with us." Torch turned to The Misfits. "Now ladies, why don't you follow us? We'll show you a party that you'll never forget."
"Yeah, yeah, we're havin' grape soda and chocolate donuts!" Buzzer exclaimed excitedly.
"Actually, we know of a better place to party, but you have to catch us to find out where." Jetta revved her motorcycle engine and smiled at the three men. "So are you in, luvs?"
The three Dreadnoks looked at each other and agreed quickly. Before they could say anything, The Misfits took off. The Dreadnoks quickly ran to their motorcycles and chased after the Misfits. Zartan ran out of the command tent when he heard the motorcycles start up. "Get back here you fools. It's a trick! Idiots!" He went back inside the tent. "Zarana, Zandar, those idiot Dreadnoks just took off after four women. Tell Thrasher and Monkeywrench to keep an eye out for them. I'm going to try and stop them."
Zartan ran to his motorcycle and climbed on. He started the motorcycle and headed in the direction the Dreadnoks were last seen. Within minutes he spotted their taillights. Zartan revved the engine and caught up to them. Since when did they wear helmets? He wondered to himself. The Dreadnoks accelerated leaving Zartan behind. Cursing under his breath, Zartan accelerated again and caught up with the Dreadnoks at the end of the street. He pulled up next to Torch. "You idiot! There's G.I. Joes all over the place."
Torch pulled off his helmet, revealing the G.I. Joe member Rip Cord, who pulled a pistol on him. "Yeah, I know. You're caught, Zartan. Thanks to The Misfits, they led your idiots right into a trap. Now let's go have a reunion." Rip Cord got off his motorcycle and handcuffed Zartan then radioed for back up. Zartan cursed under his breath again.
David and Yukio chased after Cobra Commander, Destro and the Baroness. The three Cobras ran toward a group of Cobra soldiers. Cobra Commander screamed at the troops. "Don't just stand there! Get them you fools, get them!"
The Cobra troopers pointed their guns at David and Yukio. The two ninjas stopped in their tracks while raising their blades. "Give it up, Commander. You're surrounded."
Cobra Commander and Destro each now had their own weapons pointed at David and Yukio. The Commander laughed at David's warning. "You delusional dolt, you're the one who is surrounded by Cobra! Now drop your weapons. You're prisoners of Cobra and our bargaining chip out of this mess."
"No, Commander, I'm not the one surrounded." David nodded to the lead Cobra soldier. He dropped his rifle and threw his helmet down. After pulling his face mask down, he drew his katana and took a defensive stance. All of the Cobra troops followed his lead. "Commander, meet the Matsuura Clan ninjas. I was never training your troops to be ninjas. I was training the Matsuura Clan all this time and they're no longer aligned with Cobra. Surprise again."
Cobra Commander looked around him in disbelief. "No! No!" he screamed and pointed his gun at David and fired. Yukio leaped in front of David, she let out a cry of pain and fell to the ground. David ran toward the Commander but Destro blocked his way. Destro threw a small disc down sending out blinding light that illuminated the field they were in. David and the ninjas instinctively covered their eyes.
When the light faded, David found that Cobra Commander, Destro and the Baroness had vanished. He turned to where Yukio was laying. She slowly began standing back up. A red stain was spreading at her left shoulder. David ran and caught her before she lost her strength. "[Yukio, are you alright?]"
"[I-I will be. Help me stand. Don't let me look weak in front of my clan.]" Yukio smiled with pride at David. "[I protected you like a good bodyguard, did I not?]"
David laughed as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "[Yes, but a bodyguard is there to get the one they're sworn to protect out of danger, not sacrifice herself. What good is a dead bodyguard anyway?]" Yukio laughed at his advice and walked with him.
"[What about Cobra Commander? Shouldn't we go after him?]" She asked feeling her strength return very slowly.
"[No, let the Joes get him, that's their job. I'm getting you to a doctor. We've saved the world enough today.]" David helped Yukio to a nearby medical tent. The Matsuura Clan followed closely behind their wounded leader. Today was the day of freedom for the Matsuura Clan.
"Just get in the bloody plane, Commander! We've lost! It's better to retreat now so we can plan for another day!" Baroness yelled at Cobra Commander.
Destro started up the Raven stealth plane while Cobra Commander took one last look at the scene before him. G.I. Joe troops were attacking his Cobra troops from every direction. All was lost and he knew it. Cobra Commander grabbed a passing Tele-Viper. "Send the signal to retreat and regroup on Cobra Island. We have been denied victory again." Cobra Commander boarded the plane and they took off moments later.
Once in the air, Destro spoke into the onboard intercom. "We shall have our vengeance on that ninja won't we, Commander?"
"Just shut up, Destro. Just shut up and get back to Cobra Island," the Commander said quietly as he thought about his revenge.
General Hawk found Flint, Dusty and Stalker with the Governors. The Governors were confused and wondering how they had arrived in Washington. "Flint, what happened here?" Hawk noticed that Flint had a bruise on his face and a smashed walkie-talkie lay nearby.
"I'm not sure, General. One minute they're under the control of Cobra, the next they're acting confused about where they're at. But the one thing I can tell you is that we won." Flint started helping the Governors out of the cold and into warm tents with hot meals.
"…awk. Calling General Hawk, this is Lady Jaye. The Cobra antenna has been destroyed. I repeat the Cobra mind control antenna has been destroyed. Are the Governors alright?" Lady Jaye reported through Hawk's radio.
Hawk picked up his radio and smiled when he replied. "Hawk here. The Governors are okay, just a bit confused. Cobra is running scared, get back here and help with clean up, Lady Jaye. You and your team did great work." Hawk scanned the horizon. He spotted a man helping a woman down a hill with a group of Cobra troops followed them. "Scarlett, you and Snake Eyes come with me. We might have trouble coming our way."
The three Joes walked at brisk pace towards David. The closer they got, the slower Scarlett and Snake Eyes walked. General Hawk walked up to David who smiled weakly at Hawk. "Cobra Commander and his command staff got away. This is Yukio Matsuura and she needs medical attention right away."
"David Gabor, you're under arrest for treason," Hawk said as he pulled out his sidearm and pointed it at David.
"No! Hawk, wait! David isn't a traitor!" Scarlett yelled running up to them. She took over helping Yukio. "Don't ask me how I know, Hawk. I just do. Look at his eyes."
Hawk stared at David for a long moment before he lowered his weapon. "You're the insider your sister mentioned. She doesn't know it was you does she?" David shook his head. Hawk smiled and clapped a hand on David's back. "Come on son, we'll get your friend stitched up. We'll also take these Cobras you captured."
"They're not Cobra soldiers, General. They're Matsuura Clan ninjas under the leadership of Yukio here. Matsuura Clan has disavowed all allegiance with Cobra. You might want to get them a change of clothes. If you don't mind I'm going with Yukio to keep her company." David went to the other side of Yukio. Scarlett and David helped the young woman into the medical tent.
It was a few hours after the defeat of Cobra. David sat beside Yukio's bed where they spoke in Japanese at her request. He felt a hand touch his shoulder. "So do I have competition here?" He looked up as Kimber stood over him with a relieved smile.
Slowly David stood up, facing her and pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm so glad you're all right." Kimber hugged him just as tight and started crying softly. David finally broke the embrace and kissed her deeply. He sat back down taking her with him. "Kimber Benton, I'd like you to meet Yukio Matsuura. She saved my life today. She's my bodyguard and a close friend."
Kimber smiled at the injured woman. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Yukio."
"You as well Kimber, Ikari-Sensei told me all about you. You're a lucky woman," Yukio said weakly as she bowed her head a little.
David kissed Kimber's cheek. "You two talk I'm going to find my sisters." Kimber nodded her okay and he left the tent. Snow was beginning to fall as David searched the Joe camp. He turned down a row of tents, walking towards him were his sisters and his friends. They all stopped in their tracks. David stopped as well and cracked a small smile. "Hi Phyllis, Roxy, Mary, Sheila, what a crazy day, huh?"
Pizzazz walked up to her twin, stared at him a long minute, then slapped him. "Don't you ever scare us like that again!" She then hugged him and began crying hard. The three other Misfits then joined in on the hug, each starting to cry as well.
The military prison bus left the G.I. Joe camp the next morning. Inside the Dreadnoks sat shackled to their seats. Buzzer looked around the vehicle. "I thought that Zartan was gonna be on here with us? Where is he, mates?"
"Cor you're right, Buzzer. Hey guard! Where's me mate, Zartan?" Ripper asked the guard closest to him.
The guard laughed. "Why he's driving the bus, moron!" The guard took off her disguise and Zarana sat beside them. The guard across the bus from the Dreadnoks took his disguise to reveal Zandar.
The bus driver pulled the bus over and took off his disguise, Zartan turned to face his Dreadnoks. "You idiots almost got me captured for real. Thankfully my brother and sister here were able to spring me. I'm only rescuing you because you're useful. Thrasher is waiting in Richmond for us. He has our getaway vehicle there. We're going back to the base in the Everglades." Zartan pulled back onto the highway and drove to freedom.
It was a week after the defeat of Cobra. The Misfits and their friends were the guests of G.I. Joe. They stayed at the base and were given temporary military status while there. Yukio and the Matsuura Clan left for Japan two days after the battle.
Yukio told David that she was going to honor her vow to him of being his bodyguard. She wanted to pass the title of leadership on to the most qualified clan brother or sister. She also wanted to talk to the Arashikage Clan leaders about a peace treaty between the two clans. Storm Shadow gave her his blessings. This time away would also let her arm heal up a little more. Thankfully the bullet she took for David missed all vital organs. David, Kimber and the rest of The Misfits wished her well.
The Misfits spent the week relaxing and practicing to continue the tour. Each night they gave mini concerts for the Joes in the local bar. The Misfits each looked forward to continuing their tour and it showed in each performance.
During the day, the Misfits spent some time to themselves. Stormer practiced with Airborne on focusing her senses. Her headaches were almost completely gone by the end of the week. Jetta and Roxy spent time challenging Joes to games of pool or poker. At the end of their stay none of the Joes wanted to play them out of the fear of going broke. Pizzazz found time to work on her painting. She was working on a new group painting to replace the one she had lost when the mansion was destroyed. Clash and Techrat traded ideas for new gadgets and gizmos with Dial-Tone and Mainframe. David and Kimber spent their time just being together. They watched television and talked with Joes. Storm Shadow and David put on a martial arts show with Snake Eyes and Quick Kick.
David and Kimber were in their room when Hawk entered. "Good. You're still here. I just wanted to tell you that the Governors thank you for helping out. Roxy had one request as a thank you. She asked if she could be paid the fifteen thousand dollars that Cobra had lied to her about. It appears Cobra has a few people working in the media as well.
"Anyway, I pulled a few strings and I couldn't do anything for her but the Joes took up a collection. They didn't give money since Sheila and Roxy took almost fifteen grand from them playing pool and poker. Instead they made a card that's signed by each member of G.I. Joe. It's a collection of gratitude." Hawk handed David four envelopes. "I can't award you a medal for what you did but I can thank you." He shook David's hand.
"General, it was my honor. I only did what I thought was right. I'm just glad it all worked out in the end. Thank you for putting up with us. But I'll tell you what, when we wrap up The Misfits tour, we'll come back here and give the Joes a proper private concert. What do you say about that?" David put the envelopes in his bag.
Hawk thought about it for a moment. "You got it, David. Now let's get you on the plane I know you must be anxious to get back home." Hawk took Kimber's bag for her and led the couple out the door to where their friends were waiting.
They left the main building as a group and walked to the small military plane. Their bags were loaded on board. The Misfits climbed the stairs and boarded the plane. David stopped at the top with Kimber and took in the scene before them. A handful of Joes were outside watching them leave. David and Kimber saluted to Hawk and entered the plane. They took their seats across from Pizzazz and Stormer.
Kimber kissed David deeply and rested her head on his chest. "I love you, David. I can't wait till we're home."
David ran his fingers through her hair. "I love you. It feels like I'm home already." David closed his eyes and drifted to sleep as the plane took off, flying into the mid-winter sky.
TO BE CONTINUED IN
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES PART 1