A Wiggly Thanksgiving With G.I. Joe
A.N. I originally planned to try and release this earlier in the month, like maybe around Veteran's Day, since that was around the time that I published "A Real American Wiggle", my first Wiggles/G.I. Joe crossover (and my first G.I. Joe story period), but then my fellow author BigMoose01 suggested I hold it off until around Thanksgiving, which I ended up deciding was a good idea. Two days of writing later, and here we are, so please enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving.
It was the day before Thanksgiving at Wiggle House. Anthony had just come into the kitchen.
"Alright, time to see how the bird's doing." he said.
The Blue Wiggle then opened the refrigerator, out of which he took a turkey. After putting on a pair of vinyl disposable gloves, Anthony proceeded to press down on the turkey's breast, which felt soft. Next, he picked the turkey up and shook it, and in doing so found the wings and legs moved around freely. Finally, he reached inside the turkey's cavity and felt around the breast bone, which he found to not be frozen. The results of these three tests pleased him.
"Perfect." said Anthony with a satisfied smile.
After putting the turkey back in the fridge, disposing of his gloves, and washing his hands, Anthony went into the living room, where the other Wiggles were hanging around. Jimmy Wiggle, a cup of coffee in his hand, was looking at a framed photo on the wall while Greg and Murray played Go Fish and Jeff slept in his Alarm Clock Chair.
"Good news on the turkey, guys." said Anthony. "She's all thawed up and ready for the feast."
"Sounds great, Anthony." said Jimmy.
At that moment, Jimmy Wiggle's wife, Princess Grace, came into the room.
"Dad says the fishing lodge is at our disposal." she said.
"Even better." said her husband.
Jimmy then looked back at the photo, which was of him and the rest of the Wiggly Household, along with General Hawk, Duke, Flint, Beach Head, and Sgt. Slaughter of the G.I. Joe team from when the Wiggles stayed at G.I. Joe Headquarters. Seeing the photo had given him an idea.
"Say, fellas, I happen to know of something that could make this year's Thanksgiving even more special." said Jimmy. "What do you guys say to inviting some of our friends at G.I. Joe to come to the feast?"
The others thought this was a great idea.
"Sure, why not?" agreed Greg.
"Yeah, it would be nice to see Duke, Flint, Scarlett, Lady Jaye, and all those guys again." said Murray. "Especially since it's been a whole year now since they let us stay with them because of those wasps taking over our home."
"Already?" asked Anthony. "Gee, where did the time go?"
"I know, right?" laughed Greg.
Greg then noticed that Jeff was still asleep, which the Yellow Wiggle remedied by ringing the alarm bells on the latter's chair.
"What happened?!" Jeff gasped as he jumped up from his chair.
Greg explained to Jeff about Jimmy's idea of inviting G.I. Joe to their Thanksgiving feast.
"Ooh, that sounds nice." said Jeff. "Yeah, let's do that."
"Then it's decided." nodded Jimmy. "I'll head on over to Joe Headquarters and give them the invite personally."
"Okay, Jim." said Greg.
With that, after giving Grace a quick kiss on the cheek, Jimmy grabbed the keys to the Cadillac Escalade version of the Big Red Car and went outside. Just as he climbed into the driver's seat, something struck him that hadn't before.
"I better call Duke and tell him I'm coming." the Green Wiggle thought out loud. "It would be rude to just drop in uninvited, even if me and the other guys are considered friends."
Meanwhile, at G.I. Joe Headquarters, Duke was getting ready to have a one-on-one ping-pong match against Scarlett in the rec room. Duke's younger half-brother, First Lieutenant Vincent Falcone, code-named "Lt. Falcon", a Green Beret with the G.I. Joe team, was serving as scorekeeper.
"I've been waiting weeks for this rematch, Scarlett." said Duke. "Loser buys lunch like last time?"
"Loser buys lunch." agreed Scarlett with a grin. "You can pick the place this time, though."
"Fine by me." nodded Duke as he got ready to serve.
Just as Duke was about to serve, his cell phone began to ring.
"Who could that be?" Duke wondered as he set down his ping-pong paddle.
Duke then took out his phone, and smiled when he saw Jimmy's name on the screen before swiping the green button.
"Hey, Jim, what's up?" Duke greeted his caller.
"Hey, Duke." replied Jimmy. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm on my way to Joe Headquarters, because I have something I want to tell you and the other Joes."
"You picked the right time to do so." said Duke. "Things are pretty quiet here, since a lot of Joes have already gone home on leave to spend Thanksgiving with their families."
"Huh." said Jimmy. "What are the odds of that?"
"So, when can we expect to see you?" asked Duke.
"Actually, I'm still in the driveway." said Jimmy. "I just thought I'd call you first to let you know I was coming before I left Wiggle House."
"Smart thinking." said Duke. "Well, see you soon."
"You too." replied Jimmy.
And with that, Jimmy ended his call to Duke, then buckled up and pulled out of the driveway of Wiggle House. He soon arrived at the gate of G.I. Joe Headquarters, where Corporal E-4 Wallace A. Weems, code-named "Rip Cord", a HALO jumper with the G.I. Joe team, was stationed on guard duty.
"Hey, Jimmy." Rip Cord greeted.
"Hey, Rip Cord." replied Jimmy.
"Duke told me you were coming." said Rip Cord. "And he said to tell you that you can just park your car in the motor pool."
"Okay." nodded Jimmy. "Thanks."
With that, Rip Cord opened the gate and Jimmy drove into the motor pool, where Duke was waiting for him.
"Good to see you, Duke." said Jimmy as he and Duke shook hands.
"You too." agreed Duke. "We'll talk inside, okay?"
Jimmy nodded in agreement, and so, Duke led him inside Joe Headquarters and to his office, snagging some cans of soda from the mess hall on the way.
"So, my friend, what can I do for you?" Duke asked as he and his visitor sat down.
"Well, you see, Duke, the guys and I are having our annual Wiggly Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow, and we thought you and some of the other Joes might like to come." Jimmy explained.
"Hey, that's not a bad idea." said Duke. "I mean, Roadblock is one of those who already went home on leave. Plus, Cobra hasn't been very active lately."
"Maybe Ol' Chrome Dome's seen the light at last." grinned Jimmy.
The two laughed at this.
"But yeah, I bet the other Joes would love to go." said Duke. "In fact, I'll assemble them right now."
Duke then pressed a button on his desk that connected him to the PA system of Joe Headquarters.
"Joes, this is Duke speaking." said Duke. "I want all Joes to report to the auditorium for a special announcement."
It wasn't long before all Joes who were at the base at that time were assembled in the auditorium. Duke and Jimmy were at the podium.
"What's up, Duke?" asked Flint.
"Yeah, what's this "special announcement" you mentioned?" added Scarlett.
"Our good friend Jimmy Wiggle has invited us to a Thanksgiving dinner he and his fellow Wiggles will be having tomorrow." said Duke.
All the Joes chattered in excitement at this until Duke quieted them down.
"Of course, it's obvious that we can't all go to the feast." said Duke. "Because that would leave Joe Headquarters unguarded. So, this is how we're going to decide who goes and who stays. All Joes who do want to go to the feast, please raise your hands."
Among those who did decide to go to the feast by raising their hands were Flint, Scarlett, Lady Jaye, Falcon, Leatherneck, Wet-Suit, Wild Bill, Rip Cord, Dial Tone, Mainframe, and the rest of Falcon's team, the Rawhides, which consisted of his fellow Joes Jinx, Big Lob, Tunnel Rat, Chuckles, and Law, with Law's German Shepherd companion, Order, happily barking. Duke took note of all the Joes who raised their hands, then looked over at Jimmy.
"Anything you want to add?" he asked.
"Yes, actually." said Jimmy before looking at the other Joes. "You are all more than welcome to bring something for us to eat at the feast. It can either be a finger food, a drink, or a dessert, because we've already got all the main courses and side dishes handled."
"And since Roadblock is on leave, the kitchen is at the disposal of anyone who wants to make something to bring to the feast." said Duke. "And unless Jimmy has anything else he wants to add, I think that just about does it."
"Actually, there is one more thing." said Jimmy. "For those who may be wondering about the venue for the feast, my father-in-law, King John XXIII of the Taliton Kingdom, has agreed to let us use his fishing lodge for the feast."
Duke and the rest of the Joes all voiced their understanding of where the venue for the fest would be.
"And that just about wraps it up." said Jimmy. "So, I'll be taking off now. See you around, Joes!"
All the Joes waved good-bye to Jimmy as he left the auditorium. He soon made it back to the motor pool, and as he drove off back to Wiggle House in the Escalade, a big smile appeared on his face.
"Boy, this is going to be a Thanksgiving dinner to end all Thanksgiving dinners." he said to himself. "I just know it is."
The next day, Thanksgiving Day, two APCs were rolling down the road to the Taliton Kingdom. One of the APCs was being driven by Duke with Flint riding shotgun, with Falcon and the other Rawhides, plus Law, riding in the back. I'm sure you can guess who was in the other one.
"I'm telling you, Flint." said Duke. "It sure was nice of Jimmy and his buddies to invite us to their feast."
"You said it." agreed Flint. "I just hope Leatherneck and Wet-Suit don't try to start anything."
"Same." said Duke. "I don't think that will be likely, though, because I bet they'll be having too much of a good time to want to start something."
"True." chuckled Flint.
"Plus, we've got Mom's special Gooey Butter Cake with us." Falcon interjected from the back. "It never fails to bring a smile to anyone's face."
"Indeed not, Falcon." Duke grinned. "And I don't see that changing anytime soon."
Meanwhile, at King John's fishing loge, the Wiggles, along with their friends Dorothy The Dinosaur, Wags The Dog, Henry The Octopus, and Captain Feathersword The Friendly Pirate, were getting things ready. The Wiggles' friends Sam, Emma, Lachy, and Simon had also shown up. They had already gotten the tables they were going to be eating at set up and were now arranging the tables that would be holding the food, along with the paper plates and plastic utensils they would be using to eat with. They had different tables designated for the different food items; One table for the turkey, ham, and side dishes, one for the finger foods, one for the desserts, and one for the drinks.
"It sure was nice of your dad to let us use his fishing lodge to host the feast, Grace." said Dorothy as she placed a pumpkin pie garnished with rose petals on the desserts table.
"He even said we can help ourselves to the firewood shed out back." Grace replied.
"That's good." said Murray as he lit a fire in the lodge's fireplace. "Because it's gonna be a cold one tonight, and we're gonna need all the wood we can get to keep everybody nice and cozy."
"You said it, Murray." agreed Jimmy as he placed some bottles of red and white sparkling grape juice in a bucket of ice on the table. "Especially if you consider how we're getting closer to winter, what with the dropping temperatures and all."
As Jimmy was saying that, Captain Feathersword, Wags, Henry, and Simon came in with armfuls of firewood.
"You think this'll be enough firewood, Jimmy?" asked Captain Feathersword.
"Oh, yeah." Jimmy nodded. "That'll be plenty."
"That's good, because trying to carry these logs from the firewood shed outside wasn't easy." said Henry. "Even with me using all eight of my arms."
Outside, the two APCs pulled up outside the lodge.
"Well, here we are, Joes." said Duke. "The Wiggles' Thanksgiving feast."
"Let's not keep Jimmy and his friends waiting any longer than they already have." said Flint as he, Duke, and the Rawhides got out of the APC they were in.
Inside, the Wiggles had just finished putting things in order.
"There." said Jimmy. "That's everything."
"And just in time, too." added Greg. "Look who's here!"
He was referring to the Joes, who were just coming into the lodge at that time. The Wiggles enthusiastically greeted the newcomers to the feast, and quickly introduced them to their other friends. Once everyone was acquainted, Falcon showed Jimmy the Gooey Butter Cake he and Duke brought, which was wrapped up in foil.
"Where can I put this, Jimmy?" asked Falcon.
"You can just put it on the dessert table, Falcon." said Jimmy.
Falcon nodded as he went over to the desserts table. Some of the other Joes had brought things to the feast as well, and were directed to the right tables to place their things. The last Joe to go through this process was Rip Cord, who had brought three large bowls each filled with a different snack food; one filled with popcorn, one filled with jelly beans, and one filled with pretzels. Once that process was completed, everyone sat down at the dining table. Everyone, that is, except Jimmy, who remained standing to address the others.
"Thank you all for coming to our annual Wiggly Thanksgiving Day Feast, everyone." the Green Wiggle began. "This year, we are very fortunate to have with us some very special guests; G.I. Joe!"
"We're happy to be here, Jimmy." said Duke.
"I hope you all brought your appetites." Jimmy went on. "Because we've got plenty of food here to satisfy your taste buds. But, first things first."
Jimmy then looked at Duke.
"Duke, would you do the honors of saying grace before we dig in?" Jimmy asked.
"With pleasure, Jimmy." agreed Duke as Jimmy sat down.
With that, everyone joined hands as they bowed their heads and closed their eyes.
"Thank You, Lord God, for this food we are about to eat." Duke began. "Thank You for the hands that have prepared it, for those sitting around the table who are here to share it, and for the ability to be here together under one roof, and enjoy these blessings at Your hand. We realize that everything we have comes from You and for that we are eternally grateful. We also thank You for what we don't have this year, for we trust that You have withheld in Your goodness and out of Your protection for us. Thank You that Scripture says You are a Good Father who loves to give gifts to Your children. We sit here as evidence of Your goodness. Thank You for the gift of today and all who are here to share it with us. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen."
"Amen." everyone else said.
Once Duke was done praying, Jimmy stood back up.
"Now that that's out of the way, allow me to explain what we've got going on here." said Jimmy. "We've got tables set up for the main courses and side dishes, including but not limited to ham, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, rolls, and, of course, the crowning glory of any Thanksgiving dinner, the turkey. We also have tables for finger foods and drinks. Speaking of, I see somebody decided to take a page out of Charlie Brown's book and brought popcorn, jelly beans, and pretzels. Whoever that was, just let me say that was very clever."
"Thanks, Jimmy." grinned Rip Cord as he raised his hand. "That was me."
"And another thing, you are all free to go to and from the food tables as you please." said Jimmy. "In fact, don't be afraid to take as much stuff with you as you want when you all go home. That way, we'll have less to clean up."
Everyone laughed heartily.
"Well, I think that's all I have to say, so what are we waiting for?" Jimmy went on. "Let's eat!"
With that, everyone began filling their plates with whatever they wanted before sitting back down at the table to eat.
"Boy, this turkey is something else." said Duke as he ate his helping of the turkey.
"I'll say." said Flint.
"Yeah, if I'm being honest, this is probably the best turkey I've ever had." added Scarlett.
"You said it, Scarlett." agreed Lady Jaye. "And this stuffing's pretty tasty, too."
"You can thank Anthony for making the turkey taste good." said Greg.
"Well, he sure did a heck of a job with it." said Falcon.
"Thanks, Falcon." said Anthony. "Of course, we all played a part in putting this feast together."
"Is that so?" asked Flint.
"Yep." said Anthony. "As you might have guessed by now, I did the turkey."
"Well, yeah." chuckled Duke. "What about the other guys?"
"I made the stuffing, Murray cooked the ham, Jeff cooked the corn, and Jimmy made the potatoes." said Greg.
"What about you, Grace?" asked Scarlett. "What did you make?"
"I made the green bean casserole." said Grace. "I used a recipe Chef Stefano, the Royal Chef back in my homeland, shared with me."
"Well, it came out great." said Dial Tone.
"Yeah, this is absolutely superb." agreed Mainframe.
Grace smiled at this.
"Thanks, guys." she said.
Just then, Jimmy remembered something, set down his fork, and stood back up after swallowing his bite.
"I just realized I forgot to mention that we have some activites for when we're done eating." said Jimmy. "The lodge does have a rec room for playing pool, ping-pong, foosball, air hockey, and tabletop shuffleboard. Or, if you prefer to just take it easy, you can just sit by the fire and chat. There's also a games table over there in the living room area."
After adding that late bit of information, Jimmy sat back down and resumed eating his food. Later, after everyone had eaten, the Wiggles, Duke, Scarlett, Flint, Lady Jaye, and Falcon sat by the fire while everyone else went to partake in the other activities Jimmy had mentioned.
"You know, I gotta admit, that has to be one of the best Thanksgiving dinners I've ever eaten." said Duke.
"Yeah, it's a shame Snakes couldn't make it." said Scarlett. "He, Beach Head, and the Sarge don't know what they're missing. Then again, you did say it wouldn't have been good if we all went to the feast."
"Plus, if it's any Joe who would be good at keeping Headquarters safe, it's Snake Eyes." added Flint.
"You're right there, Flint." said Lady Jaye as she rested her head on Flint's shoulder.
Flint was caught completely off guard at this.
"Um...Lady Jaye..." he began as his face turned red like Murray's shirt.
Duke, who had his arm around Scarlett, just smiled and laughed.
"Relax, Flint." he said. "We're off the clock."
"Yeah, Flint." agreed Jimmy. "Besides, it's a holiday. You guys deserve to have a break."
"Jimmy's right, you know." added Falcon. "I mean, good food, good times, good friends, what else do we need right now?"
"Good point." grinned Flint. "Plus, it is nice to not have to worry about what Cobra's cooking up for a change. Instead, we can focus on having a good time with our friends The Wiggles."
"That is so right." said Anthony.
"Well, I'm not sure about you guys, but I think I'm ready for dessert." Jimmy then said.
"Me too, actually." said Greg.
Murray, Jeff, Anthony, Duke, Flint, Scarlett, Lady Jaye, and Falcon also decided to have their dessert, and so, they went over to the dessert table. Leatherneck and Wet-Suit were already there, helping themselves to pieces of Duke and Falcon's Gooey Butter Cake.
"Hey, save some for me and Falcon, will you?" Duke said to the Marine/Navy SEAL duo in a teasing voice. "We were the ones who brought it, after all."
"Oh, but of course, Duke." Leatherneck grinned.
Leatherneck and Wet-Suit moved to allow their fellow Joes, along with the Wiggles, to get their own pieces of the cake. One by one, the rest of the Joes and the Wiggly Friends returned to the feast area to claim their desserts before sitting down at the table. As Leatherneck and Wet-Suit ate their pieces of the Gooey Butter Cake, nostalgiac moods fell upon them, and they looked at one another.
"My Mama used to make this for me all the time when I was a boy." said Leatherneck.
"Mine did too." sighed Wet-Suit.
"Gotta say, Duke, you and Falcon sure knocked it out of the park with this." said Jimmy.
"Yeah, it's scrumptious." agreed Greg.
"Glad you all like it." said Duke. "It's our mom's special recipe."
"Well, this is probably the best special recipe for Gooey Butter Cake I've ever tasted." said Murray.
"It sure is." agreed Jeff.
"Thanks, guys." said Falcon.
Simon, who was also having a slice, voiced his enjoyment of the delicacy as well.
"In fact, I think I might make this for my customers as a "Limited Time" item." he said. "If you don't mind, of course."
"Go ahead, Simon." said Duke. "I'm sure Mom won't mind."
"Yeah, it's not like this recipe is top secret or anything like that." quipped Falcon. "Which it totally isn't."
"Definitely not." laughed Duke.
"You know, Duke, me hearty, I gotta say, it sure has been nice to have you and your fellow Joes here at this feast." said Captain Feathersword.
"Happy to hear that, Captain." said Duke. "It's been great to be here with all of you."
"Yeah, that's what really makes Thanksgiving so special." added Jimmy. "Not just the delicious food, but being thankful to have such good friends to share it with."
"I couldn't have put that better myself." agreed Greg.
Indeed, no truer words had ever been spoken, and as the rest of the evening went on, the Wiggles and their friends continued to enjoy what turned out to be a truly fantastic Wiggly Thanksgiving dinner with G.I. Joe.
The End