Author's Note: The Hydra agents appearing in this chapter will appear as they did in the comics as opposed to the uniforms they wore in "Captain America: The First Avenger.
XXXXXX
(A man in a blue uniform with black boots and matching gloves points an assault rifle at the screen. A blue helmet with a black balaclava obscures his face and a bright red cobra head is emblazoned across his chest.)
Cobra: The fanatical organization hell bent upon world domination...
(A Cobra trooper guns down a G.I. JOE greenshirt with a blast from his assault rifle.)
vs.
(A man in a green jumpsuit accentuated with yellow lines, a green helmet and goggles with red lenses raises both fists and shouts at the camera.)
Hydra: The vile terrorist organization who will stop at nothing to reshape the world in their image.
(A group of Hydra troopers open fire upon a SHIELD fire team, cutting through all of them.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?!
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21st century science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go toe to toe.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is...THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, medical scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between two warriors who never met in a face to face duel:
Cobra
Appearing From: G.I. JOE expanded universe
Founded: Unknown
Base of Operations: Cobra Island
Current Leader: Cobra Commander
Armor: Combat Helmet, Kevlar Vest
Hydra
Appearing From: Marvel Universe
Founded: World War II
Base of Operations: Hydra Island
Current Leader: Madame Hydra a.k.a. Viper
Armor: Combat Helmet, Shielded Goggles
"Today we have what should shape up to be another very interesting match up. It is a battle of the bad guys between two terrorist organizations bent on world domination. In one corner you have Cobra and in the other you have Hydra," biomedical scientist Bradley Foster started.
"When you think of these guys, 'fanaticism' is the first word that comes to mind. These organizations have members numbering in the thousands on both sides. They are fiercely devoted to their leaders and their goal of world domination. These men are willing to die for their cause and that alone makes them deadly," trauma doctor Joseph Kaiser added.
"As you've stated, both these organizations have numbers in the thousands and access to all sorts of advanced weapons and combat vehicles, but this is going to be a simple 5-on-5 infantry match up. All I can say is the worse man wins at the end of the day," computer expert Eddie Cortez concluded.
The camera cuts to a Caucasian man with brown hair and matching eyes. He is wearing a black beret, black shirt, green pants, black boots, and fingerless gloves. He is in the process of checking over an assault rifle to make sure it is fully functional.
On hand to represent the Cobra organization is Dashiell R. Faireborn, code named Flint.
A warrant officer serving in the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity (G.I.J.O.E.), Flint has fought agents of Cobra for years and brings first-hand knowledge of their weapons and tactics.
"Cobra does not mess around. These Hydra guys are a bunch of wannabes with no idea of what they're getting themselves into," Flint explained.
Nearby was a woman with shoulder-length brunette hair and wearing a green military uniform. She is shown checking the sights over on a SIG Sauer handgun.
Also representing Cobra is Alison R. Hart-Burnett, code named Lady Jaye.
A covert operations specialist with G.I.J.O.E., Lady Jaye has performed several successful infiltration missions against Cobra in years past, enabling her to learn the in's and out's of the fanatical organization.
"No matter how many times we've beaten Cobra, they keep coming back for more. That is just how fanatically dedicated they are to their vision of world domination. It won't stop until we've taken out the last man," Lady Jaye spoke.
The organization that would become known to the world as Cobra had its beginnings when a financially ruined man settled in a small town known as Springfield. After gaining influence among the disillusioned populace, he formed a small business that would grow as it attracted like-minded individuals from across the country. Eventually, would soon become its own paramilitary movement and the unknown man would adopt the mantle of the Cobra Commander.
"It wasn't long before Cobra expanded all over the country, drawing in rebels and renegades who were motivated by greed and power. By the time the U.S. government recognized them as a threat, they had already gained a foothold as a private army and terrorist organization that had expanded beyond our borders," Flint explained.
Amassing large amounts of money and manpower, Cobra would embark upon an ambitious quest for world domination, engaging in terroristic acts all around the world. Through their efforts they would achieve temporary legitimacy when the artificially created Cobra Island was recognized as an independent nation by the international community.
"These men live up to their namesake in every sense of the word. They are snakes who can strike you without warning at anytime, anywhere. Hydra would be wise to crawl back beneath the rock they slithered out from under," Lady Jaye concluded.
Thanks to their operatives roaming cities worldwide and having secret agents embedded in governmental facilities, Cobra comes into battle with an arsenal deadly enough to hold off all threats:
Short Range: SIG Sauer P226
Mid-Range: PP-2000
Long Range: IWI Tavor TAR-21
Special Weapon: RPG-29 Vampir
However, Cobra must first overcome a new adversary harboring the same ambition for taking over the world, the brutal terrorist organization known as Hydra.
The camera cuts to a muscular masked man in a red, white and blue costume patterned after the American flag. He is shown putting together a rocket launcher before aiming it at the camera.
Representing the deadly secret organization is Captain America.
Originally a government-sponsored super soldier who fought on behalf of the Allies, Captain America first clashed with the secret society and its megalomaniacal then leader the Red Skull as they attempted to turn the tide in favor of the Nazis at the height of World War II. Revived following decades in suspended animation, he again clashes with them today as a member of the Avengers.
"Hydra is not an enemy to be taken lightly. They are deadly and they are determined. It takes someone of a high caliber to take them on and I doubt Cobra stands a chance," Cap spoke.
He is joined by an attractive redheaded woman in a black form-fitting bodysuit. She has two handguns out and is firing them simultaneously at some targets before her guns click empty and she ejects her clips.
Also representing Hydra will be Natalia Romanova, code named Black Widow.
A former Russian spy who later went to work for SHIELD, Black Widow has tangled with Hydra operatives on numerous occasions, giving her valuable insight into their weapons, tactics and organization.
"Hydra is one of the most secretive and determined groups SHIELD and the Avengers have ever faced and even after all these decades they still remain. I don't think Cobra knows what they are getting themselves into," she explained.
Rising out of the fall of the Axis Powers in World War II, Hydra was created as a secret organization by the Nazi spymaster Baron Wolfgang von Strucker and the grandmaster of the subversive Hand, Shoji Soma. Recruiting from the remnants of the Nazi's military forces and acquiring alien technologies, Hydra was quick to establish its power base and Strucker installed himself as its supreme commander, soon ending its alliance with the Hand and embarking upon a quest for world domination after the end of World War II.
"They were prepared to do so through any means necessary, whether it was through attempting to overthrow world governments or destabilize currency markets. We thought SHIELD had destroyed them, but they would soon reform and step up their efforts," Black Widow spoke.
The vile organization lived on in secret with a number of criminal syndicates beginning as branches, such as THEM, A.I.M., and the Secret Empire. Having spent decades at war with SHIELD, the Avengers, and a slew of other superheroes, Hydra would finally succeed in taking over the United States under the direction of a mind-altered Captain America from an alternate reality.
"Their oath states that if one head is cut off, two more shall take its place. It's their way of proclaiming their resilience and growing strength in the face of resistance. You never know where they are and who they could already be controlling. That's the extent of their reach," Captain American concluded.
Given their vast reach, the would-be conquerors fight back with their own arsenal of deadly modern weaponry:
Short Range: FN Five-seveN
Mid-Range: Steyr TMP
Long Range: FN F2000
Special Weapon: Carl Gustaf M4
We start the battle off with both warriors drawing their pistols for close range combat. Cobra will first open fire with a sidearm trusted by law enforcement agencies and military forces worldwide, the SIG Sauer P226.
(A Cobra commando ambushes a G.I. JOE operative, gunning him down with 3 shots from his P226.)
SIG Sauer P226
Semi-Automatic
Weight: 34 oz.
Length: 7.7 in.
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum
Clip Size: 15 Rounds
"This German-made pistol was adopted by the Navy SEALs and has seen combat in nearly every major conflict since it was first developed," Lady Jaye explained.
"Okay Lady Jaye, here's the test," Bradley said motioning to the course set up behind them, "Behind this door, we have 5 enemies, 3 static and 2 pop up targets. On my count, you'll break this door down and take down all your enemies."
"Understood," Lady Jaye said getting into position.
"Alright Jaye, on 3...2...1, boot the door!" Bradley shouted.
Lady Jaye kicked the door open and took aim on the first static target, firing three rounds into its chest. She set her sights on the second target and fired three rounds into its chest before unleashing three more on the last static target. As soon as the first pop-up target appeared she quickly fired three rounds into its face before the second pop-up appeared and she fired three into its chest. Her gun clicked empty and she called out "Done!"
"Very nice showing," Eddie commented.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to all targets, "I'm seeing a very tight grouping with all 3 shots in your first target. This guy would be dead within a minute. I'm seeing similar results on your other 2 static targets. As for your pop-up targets, your first guy is taking 3 shots to the face for instant lights out, same for your other guy."
"That was some very accurate shooting we saw there. That grouping was just phenomenal," Bradley commented.
"You have to remember that Cobra commandos are trained military men who pose a legitimate threat to international security. They're not just a couple of street thugs who found a few guns and got lucky," Lady Jaye replied.
"Some threat they'll prove to be when Hydra comes packing some armor piercing rounds," Black Widow interjected.
Hydra fires back with an armor-piercing killer all their own, the FN Five-seveN.
(A Hydra agent sneaks up on a SHIELD agent and fires a round from his FN, point blank into the man's face.)
FN Five-seveN
Semi-Automatic
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Length: 8.2 in.
Cartridge: FN 5.7×28mm
Clip Size: 20 Rounds
"This gun fires armor piercing rounds, in addition to having a large magazine capacity, ambidextrous controls, and low recoil," Black Widow explained.
"Well it's the same test for you as we had for Lady Jaye. Think you're up for the challenge?" Bradley asked.
"Always," Black Widow answered cocking her gun.
"Alright Natalia, then on 3...2...1, boot the door!" Bradley shouted.
Black Widow kicked the door open and pumped 4 rounds into the first target before switching her sights over to the second static target and firing three rounds into its chest. She then rolled to the side and fired three more shots into the third static target before the loud spring of the first pop-up target sounded, yet she fired four rounds into its face and neck before the last target popped up and she fired three rounds into its chest before calling out "Done!"
"Impressive shooting," Eddie commented.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done, "Once again I'm seeing tight groupings, and in vital center mass areas."
"Hydra troopers are all about precision. They shoot where they know they are going to get that vial kill shot. Even if the opponent is armored, they know to carry armor-piercing rounds," Black Widow nodded.
Both guns proved their lethality, but where do our panelists stand?
"I'm all for the Five-seveN due to its higher clip capacity and armor-piercing rounds," Bradley started.
"The P226 has the better stopping power of the two, yet the extra bullets and the ability to punch through armor supersedes that in this case. Edge Five-seveN," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"Then it's settled, edge Five-seveN," Eddie concluded.
In short range weapons, Hydra takes the edge with the FN Five-seveN.
Coming up, the battle goes to mid-range as two rapid fire killers are put to the test when two terrorist organizations go head to head to prove who is 'The Deadliest Warrior.'
XXXXXX
The time has now come for both terrorists to unleash their mid-ranged arsenals. Up first, Hydra will be unleashing their fury with a trusted special purpose pistol that can cut down an enemy in seconds, the Steyr TMP.
(A Hydra operative is shown pinning a SHIELD agent against the wall and shoving the barrel of his TMP beneath the man's chin before pulling the trigger and obliterating his jaw.)
Steyr TMP
Semi-Automatic, 3 Round Burst, or Fully Automatic
Length: 11 in.
Weight: 2.9 lbs.
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum
Clip Size: 30 Rounds
"This gun is popular with police and special forces units. It can also be fitted with a suppressor, a popular choice given the secretive nature of Hydra's work," Black Widow explained.
"We've set up a shooting range with moving targets and have given you two clips to show off the accuracy and killing potential of the TMP. Beware, there will be civilian targets that will count against you if they are hit," Bradley explained.
"You got it," Black Widow nodded before making her way in front of a large shooting range.
"Alright Natalia, on 3...2...1, open fire!"
Black Widow stood with the TMP at the ready as first wooden target came towards her on the track, emblazoned with the visage of a Cobra commando pointing an assault rifle at her. She wasted no time pumping a three shot burst into the target's chest before it was lowered.
The spring of a second target popping up had the agent raising her gun, yet she halted when it was that of a frightened woman, followed by an unarmed man and then another hostile target popping up and moving between the two innocents. She held fire and waited for the hostile target to pass through the narrow opening before filling its chest with a flurry of lead.
Two more hostile targets popped up and were met with a hail of gunfire before being knocked back down. Another civilian target popped up, but was quickly followed by a hostile that Natalia would zero in on and plug with a flurry of searing metal before her clip emptied and she was forced to reload.
Ejecting the spent clip and loading a fresh one with practiced efficiency, Natalia watched as three hostile targets sprung up simultaneously and were edging towards her, yet she remained composed and fired controlled bursts into all hostiles, the loud metallic plinking ringing out as they dropped one by one before a civilian target popped up and she was brought to a halt. Finally, there was another civilian target that popped up just as the last one went down, this one immediately followed by a hostile target positioned to simulate a hostage scenario.
"Oh man, that's gonna be a tricky damn shot," Eddie commented.
"Trust me, you don't know what she's capable of," Captain America chuckled next to him.
Natalia took a deep breath and exhaled, firing a burst that went high and managed to completely avoid the civilian target, firing a burst that would have tore an actual Cobra Commando's head to shreds. Her second clip then clicked empty.
"I'm out!" she called back.
"30 seconds," Bradley reported.
"You managed to avoid hitting all civilian targets and eliminated all the hostiles. It was especially impressive with the accuracy you showed at the end when you managed to save that innocent bystander in the simulated hostage scenario," Dr. Kaiser commented.
"Can't say that would have been the case with an actual Hydra agent. They are willing to go through anybody to get what they want," Black Widow commented.
"Lady Jaye, you think you'll be able to match up to that?" Eddie asked the covert operative.
"Damn right, and one that will be able to cut down more of your Hydra buddies in one sitting," Lady Jaye answered.
To answer Hydra's challenge, Cobra returns fire with a state of the art Russian submachine gun, the PP-2000.
(A Cobra operative is shown gunning down two G.I. JOE agents in a flurry of lead with his PP-2000.)
PP-2000
Semi-Automatic, 3 Round Burst, or Fully Automatic
Length: 13 in.
Weight: 3 lbs.
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum
Clip Size: 44 Rounds
"This is a conventional blowback-operated weapon that is most commonly used by the Russian Army and its police forces. It has the same type of round as the TMP, but 14 more bullets," Lady Jaye explained.
"It's going to be the same test for you, Lady Jaye. You have 2 clips to make your point," Bradley spoke.
"Time to see how it's done," Lady Jaye smirked to Natalia before making her way over to the shooting range and getting into position.
"Alright Lady Jaye, on 3...2...1, take 'em down!"
Lady Jaye stood ready to fire as the first target sprung into view, but quickly held back when she saw it was a civilian. Just a second later another target popped up, this one of a man in a green and gold Hydra uniform pointing an assault rifle at her. She quickly tore through its chest with 5 rounds before another hostile target popped up and would also be cut down.
Another hostile target popped up, followed by an unarmed man and then another hostile target, forcing Jaye to slow her fire as she focused on the first target and then finished off the second before her first clip ran empty and she ejected it.
Three hostile targets popped up at once and Lady Jaye focused on cutting them down in succession. Her barrage was halted as a civilian target sprung into view, followed by two hostiles moving back and forth in front of it and again forcing her to slow down.
"They're moving pretty fast. She's gonna have to slow it down," Eddie commented.
"She'd be dead in an actual fight right now," Black Widow added.
Lady Jaye took her time and fired into the first target before unloading her remaining bullets on the second before the PP-2000 clicked empty.
"Done!" she called out.
"36 seconds!" Bradley called back.
"Another very impressive showing. All your hostile targets were eliminated and none of your innocent bystanders were struck. In spite of two fast moving targets, you managed to avoid hitting the last civilian, even if it took you a bit longer to pull off," Dr. Kaiser commented.
"It's what happens when you have more bullets," Lady Jaye smirked to Black Widow, who was left unimpressed.
Both sub machine guns tore through their hostile targets, but where do our panelists stand?
"This would be a tough one as both guns fire the same type of ammo and have roughly the same effective range, yet I feel compelled to give it to the PP-2000 due to its higher magazine capacity," Bradley started.
"I agree. Clip size proves to be crucial in the heat of a battle. You get caught with your pants down, you're screwed. Edge PP-2000," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm in agreement. Edge Cobra," Eddie concluded.
In mid-ranged weapons, Cobra takes the edge with the PP-2000.
Coming up, two trusted assault rifles are put to the test and then later, things take an explosive turn when two launchers blow a hole through the competition.
XXXXXX
The time has now come for both sides to break out their long range weapons. Up first will be Cobra with a rifle designed for usage by the Israeli Defense Forces, the IWI Tavor TAR-21.
(Cobra operatives are shown cutting their way through G.I. JOE greenshirts in an urban Middle Eastern war zone with their TAR-21 rifles.)
IWI Tavor TAR-21
Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic
Length: 28.3 in.
Weight: 7.2 lbs.
Cartridge: 5.56×45mm NATO
Clip Size: 30 Rounds
"This gun is made from a bullpup make and was designed to maximize reliability, durability, simplicity of design, and be easy to maintain under adverse and battlefield conditions," Flint explained showing the rifle off.
"That's quite an impressive looking design he's got there. What's your take on that, Cap?" Eddie asked looking over to Captain America.
"When an enemy like Cobra thinks they are one step ahead, Hydra would creep up and take them by surprise, such is the case with a long range weapon," Cap explained before showing off his rifle.
Hydra returns fire with a trusted killer of their own, the FN F2000.
(Hydra agents return fire upon SHIELD agents who think they had them cornered, only for them to fall compliments of the Hydra's FN F2000.)
FN F2000
Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 7.9 lbs.
Cartridge: 5.56×45mm NATO
Clip Size: 30 Rounds
"This too is of a bullpup design, ideal for urban combat and the confined spaces that would come with the territory. It might be slightly heavier, but it still gets the job done," Cap spoke.
"I'm seeing a lot of similarities with these assault rifles, but now we will see how different they are when pitted to the test," Bradley spoke as he motioned to the shooting ranges set up behind him.
"We have an oncoming enemy force with 3 static and 3 moving targets on both sides. Cap, Flint, you both have 2 clips to make your case," he concluded.
Both men nodded in acknowledgment before looking to each other and then making their way over to the respective starting points.
"Alright gentlemen, on 3...2...1, take 'em down!"
Both men took aim and opened fire, striking their first targets with ease, while Flint attempted to strike at the roving targets in the back and Cap remained focus on the static targets in the front.
Cap cut down his targets systematically with tightly grouped clusters to the chest, whereas Flint managed to take down the roving targets with careful head shots, yet taking his time and conserving ammo. It wasn't long before both of their clips were emptied and they went to load fresh magazines.
With both men readying to fire, the panelists threw a loop at them by detonating explosives that kicked clouds of dirt and smoke into the air, making it more difficult for both men to see as the roving targets continued moving back and forth.
Flint began to focus on the closer static targets, whereas Cap shifted his sights to the farther away roving targets, managing to score the similar tight knit volleys to his targets' chests, where Flint would score shots that tore into the target's foam craniums before he clicked empty. It was just seconds later Cap followed suit.
"Great shooting guys," Dr. Kaiser commented before going over to examine all of the targets, "I'm seeing kill shots on all of these guys. Cap, I'm really impressed by the F2000's close groupings you came up with," he commented.
"Then again, he wasn't going up against a fellow super soldier," Eddie whispered to Bradley.
Dr. Kaiser then examined Flint's targets, "I'm seeing though that your bullets were a bit more accurate from farther away. Well done."
Both assault rifles showed off their deadly similarities, but where do our panelists stand?
"There's a lot of similarities between these two guns. Both fire the same round and have the same mag capacity. It's too close. I'm calling this one even," Bradley started.
"I disagree. You have to take into consideration the man firing the weapon and in this battle, Cobra will not be going up against an augmented super soldier like Captain America. When you look at just the guns themselves, it appears the TAR-21 has the better effective range. I'm giving a slight edge to Cobra," Dr. Kaiser rebutted.
"I'm with Doc on this one. The TAR-21 had the better effective range with 550 meters, roughly over 1,800 feet, compared to the F2000's 500 meters, 1,600 feet. I'm giving a slight edge to Cobra on this one," Eddie concluded.
In long range weapons, Cobra takes the edge with the IWI Tovar TAR-21.
Coming up, things get explosive when two deadly launchers are put to the test.
And later, Cobra versus Hydra. It's a battle between two deadly terrorist organizations bent on world domination. Who will stand and who will fall?
XXXXXX
The time has now come for both terrorists to show off their deadly explosive weapons. Up first will be Hydra with a trusted, deadly anti-tank killer of the Cold War era, the Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle.
(A Hydra operative aims a Carl Gustaf M4 at a SHIELD aircraft and drops it in a single blast.)
Carl Gustaf M4
Single shot, reloadable
Length: 37 in.
Weight: 15 lbs.
Cartridge: 84×246mm R
Clip Size: 1 Round
"This fellow right here uses a recoilless firing system that allows it to use ammo that has more propellant, firing it at 290 milliseconds to give it superior accuracy at longer ranges, faster than a Panzerschreck or Bazooka. Cobra would never see this coming," Captain America explained while showing off the launcher, "It's lightweight and uses a wide range of ammunition. Makes me wish we had this back when I was fighting the Nazis."
"Well, then it's time to put your claim to the test," Bradley said motioning to the range behind them, where a rectangular concrete structure stood.
"We have set up a concrete pillbox fortification where 3 Cobra agents have taken refuge. Each one of them has been equipped with shock patches. If 38 Gs are tripped, he's disoriented. If it trips 100 Gs, he's dead. You have one shot to make your point," Bradley explained.
Cap looked over to Black Widow and nodded, "Let's do this."
They made their way over to the range with Black Widow helping him load the warhead before standing at a safe distance as his spotter. When she gave the all clear, Cap squeezed the trigger, a significant back blast following as the launcher roared with life, soaring down the range and striking the pillbox head on with an impact strong enough to blow a hole through its concrete exterior.
When the fire team gave the all clear Dr. Kaiser made his way over to inspect the damage, starting with the dummies that remained closest to the loop, forced to bend down and pick up severed pieces.
"These guys are both in pieces. There's no need at all for me to check the shock patches on these," he said, despite eventually finding the torsos of both dummies, where the 100 G shock patch was tripped.
"This guy however is another story," he said turning around to inspect the last dummy, which remained intact. "I see that his 38 G patch is tripped, but not the 100. This guy has to be the luckiest son of a bitch alive to survive that, but he's not completely out of the woods yet. Chances are, he has been flung about and could have broken bones. His ear drums are no doubt shot beyond repair and he's probably dealing with vertigo."
"That wouldn't be the case with Cobra's launcher. Nobody would be walking away once they encountered the Vampir," Flint piped in.
"Let's see you try," Black Widow sarcastically quipped.
Cobra answers the challenge with a deadly launcher developed towards the tail end of the Soviet Union, the RPG-29 "Vampir."
(A Cobra commando fires a round from the RPG-29 at an oncoming G.I. JOE Stryker APC.)
RPG-29 "Vampir"
Single shot, reloadable
Length: 6 ft.
Weight: 41 lbs.
Cartridge: 2.6 – 4.1 in. warhead
Clip Size: 1 Round
"The RPG-29 was one of the last weapons to be developed by the Soviets before the fall of the Union. It's still used on the battlefield to this day by irregular forces and has gained a fearsome reputation among both Western and Eastern forces," Flint explained.
"It's going to be the same test for you, this time with 3 Hydra agents positioned ready to strike," Bradley spoke.
"Consider them accounted for," Flint said before getting into a firing position with Lady Jaye acting as his spotter. When she gave him the all clear, Flint pulled the trigger and the warhead zoomed out of the RPG, striking the pillbox in an even greater explosion.
The fire team would again move into position and when Dr. Kaiser was given the OK he made his way over to assess the aftermath.
"As it was with the last test, your guys closest to the impact point are just obliterated," he said picking up a severed arm before tossing it aside and then noticing the last target, "But I'm also seeing that your last target doesn't appear as badly damaged from the surface," he commented before kneeling down to see the 100 G patch had been tripped, "But he's still dead unlike the last time. No doubt killed by the concussive force itself. You are 3 for 3 on this one. Good job."
"I've gotta hand it to you, soldier, that was a good shot and all, but we have a greater variety of ammo. If we were able, we'd show you just how much of a bigger bang we can produce," Cap nodded.
"Good luck trying to get out of Dodge with a weapon that big and clunky. Our Gustaf model is smaller and more compact," Black Widow seconded.
Both deadly launchers left their enemy's defenses in ruins, but where do our panelists stand?
"I want to like the RPG-29 because of its bigger, more powerful warhead, yet the Carl Gustaf offers a greater variety of ammo types, so I'm giving the edge to Hydra on this one," Bradley started.
"You also have to take into consideration that the M4 is lighter than the RPG-29. Think of the fatigue a soldier could go through lugging around a heavier weapon. Edge Carl Gustaf," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"You both provide some very strong points, yet I'm just too drawn in by the sheer power of the RPG-29's warhead and I'm sticking with Cobra on this one," Eddie countered.
In special weapons, Hydra takes the edge with the Carl Gustaf M4.
As it is with all warriors, there is a critical X-factor that makes them who they are. For both of these warriors, it's their sheer resilience.
"Cobra has survived its own civil war, internal strife among its leadership, and losing countless members in their battles with G.I. JOE. In the process, they were able to gain a measure of legitimacy when Cobra Island became regarded as its own independent nation by the international community," Lady Jaye explained.
"Hydra's roots are actually believed to span an entire millennia and they have gone through various incarnations. We've managed to eliminate thousands of their numbers and have even managed to take out several of their higher ups, yet they always find a way to come back and have managed to have notable successes, the biggest being when their mind-altered Captain America from an alternate reality managed to enact the S.H.I.E.L.D Act, which enabled him to take control of the United States of America," Black Widow explained.
Coming up, it's a battle between two vile terrorist organizations to determine who will be 'Fictional Deadliest Warrior!'
XXXXX
With our testing completed and our X-factors evaluated, we are now one step closer to determining who is 'The Fictional Deadliest Warrior.'
Our team has tested 4 weapons wielded by Cobra: the SIG Sauer P226, PP-2000 sub machine gun, IWI Tavor TAR-21, and RPG-29 Vampir.
On the opposite 4 weapons used by Hydra were tested for battle: the FN Five-seveN, Steyr TMP sub machine gun, FN F2000 and Carl Gustaf M4.
In close range weapons, the FN Five-seveN's armor-piercing rounds tore through Cobra's defenses.
EDGE: Hydra
In mid-ranged weapons, the extra bullets of the PP-2000 gave them extra time to outgun Hydra.
EDGE: Cobra
In long range weapons, the TAR-21's greater effective range outshined the FN F2000.
EDGE: Cobra
And finally for special weapons, the Carl Gustaf's lighter weight and greater assortment of ammo allowed Hydra to come roaring back for one final hurrah.
EDGE: Hydra
Our scientists and weapons experts are done testing. The results are in and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. The battle will be fought in a 5-on-5 squad battle between 5 Cobra commandos and 5 Hydra agents. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will win in a battle between two organizations bent on world domination?
Terrorist
(Cobra forces tear through a Middle Eastern village in their HISS tanks, crushing anything that stands in their way.)
vs. Terrorist
(Hydra agents are shown taking civilians hostage in an Eastern European village while killing those who resist.)
A centuries old threat
(Hydra agents stand before Madame Hydra, raising both fists and shouting.)
vs. A menacing upstart
(Cobra commandos are shown saluting the Cobra Commander.)
"We've got all the boring stuff out of the way. Now it's time for the fun to begin!" Eddie chimed as he typed in a few commands and then pressed 'ENTER.'
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Somewhere in an unnamed South American jungle, a squad of 5 Cobra troopers makes their way along a narrow winding trail, having been forced to abandon their HISS tank due to the dense vegetation.
They were led by a squad leader armed with a TAR-21 assault rifle, another underling carrying the same kind of weapon while 2 others carried PP-2000 sub machine guns and the last man carried an RPG-29. All of them carried SIG Sauer P226 handguns as sidearms.
Cobra: 5
There were rumors of another organization closing in on their turf and they were personally dispatched by the Cobra Commander himself to confirm the new threat and then eliminate if it were true.
They continued moving about until the leader raised a fist to halt them. He then pulled out a pair of military issued binoculars and climbed an incline overlooking an outpost and spied through to find 5 other men in green and yellow jumpsuits, all of them wearing matching helmets with red goggles attached and carrying a variety of their own assault weapons.
Hydra: 5
Meanwhile, the Hydra troopers readied crates filled with weapons and other equipment in preparation for their ancient organization to establish a foothold in the region.
The Hydra squad leader carried an FN F2000 assault rifle, an underling carrying the same weapon while 2 other troopers carried Steyr TMP submachine guns and another trooper fiddled away with a Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. All of them carried FN Five-seveN handguns as sidearms.
The Hydra squad leader was about to bark an order to his underlings when his attention was diverted to a sudden rustling in the nearby foliage and he ducked into a nearby shack and pulled out his own pair of binoculars, where he peered through and spotted the bright red head of a cobra ready to strike. Pulling out his radio, he barked a command to the trooper manning the Carl Gustaf.
The trooper took aim in the direction as specified and squeezed the trigger, sending a warhead flying into the nearby cluster of trees and incinerating a Cobra trooper.
Cobra: 4 – Hydra: 5
They had been made by the Hydra troopers and the Cobra squad leader ordered his men to open fire and the blue-clad troopers systematically made their way out of the brush firing upon the defending Hydra agents while the trooper armed with the launcher hung back.
One of the Hydra agents took cover behind a Humvee and fired upon the advancing Cobras with his TMP. The Cobra armed with the RPG-29 took notice of him and pulled the trigger, the launcher roaring with life and striking the Humvee head on in a fiery explosion that swallowed the Hydra trooper whole and knocked his colleagues from their feet.
Cobra: 4 – Hydra: 4
The overrun Hydra agents weren't down for long and the back and forth gunfight continued as the Cobra trooper discarded his launcher and joined his colleagues in the close quarters fighting, which saw the Hydra agents being pushed farther back and one of them falling after taking a barrage from a PP-2000.
Cobra: 4 – Hydra: 3
The Hydra cell leader ordered his men to fall back and they retreated towards the warehouse, the other rifle-toting agent stopping to fire a barrage at a nearby generator until it was catching fire, causing one of the Cobra troopers to run out into the open, where he was quickly cut down in a hail of gunfire.
Cobra: 3 – Hydra: 3
The remaining Hydra operatives retreated into a nearby building with the Cobra troopers in hot pursuit. The green-clad men take cover behind machinery and another exchange of gunfire occurs with plenty of bullets and sparks flying, yet no one falling.
The Hydra trooper who had been carrying the recoilless rifle now drew his Five-seveN sidearm and nodded to his colleagues as they remained in cover and he waited for the Cobras to fire off another barrage before he knelt down and crept along a shot up console and waited until he reached the end, where he saw an unaware Cobra letting off a barrage from his PP-2000. Waiting for the blue-clad man to halt his attack, he popped out and fired four shots into the man's chest, the Five-seveN's armor-piercing rounds tearing through the Cobra's kevlar vest.
Cobra: 2 – Hydra: 3
The Cobra troopers were now outnumbered, yet refusing to back down and the squad leader looked over to his remaining subordinate, motioning for them to split up and flank their enemies with him going left and the other trooper going right.
Both men fired upon their enemies from the catwalk, one of the Cobra's rifle rounds tearing through the thigh of a Hydra trooper. The man cried out in agony and slumped behind another piece of machinery, still desperately trying to hold on to his Steyr TMP. His nearest colleague saw his predicament and ran over to help him back to his feet, both men ducking to dodge the bullets raining down upon them and they rejoined with their leader to make their way into a narrow corridor that led into an office area with the Cobras again in hot pursuit.
The remaining Cobra troopers noticed the trail of blood and slowed their pace, aware they could be led into an ambush. They made their way into the office area, a large room where rows of cubicles obscured their view and they crouch walked along while listening for any threats. With another quiet nod, they again split up.
Armed with a PP-2000 and his sidearm, the Cobra underling crept along when he noticed another trail of blood and followed it until he saw a pair of boots sticking out from behind one of the walls. With his gun ready he stepped in front ready to fill the hapless Hydra full of lead – only to find an abandoned pair of boots!
It was an ambush and he whirled around just in time to intercept the wounded Hydra with his TMP raised and fired a barrage of 9mm rounds into the man's chest, but another Hydra was nearby and cut him down with a torrent from his FN F2000.
Cobra: 1 – Hydra: 2
The Cobra squad leader heard the commotion and was about to check on his colleague when a filing cabinet was tipped over in front of him and he came face to face with a Hydra operative swinging his rifle at him. He leaned back in time to avoid having the F2000's stock driven into his face, but it had knocked his TAR-21 out of his hands and he was unable to reach for his sidearm as the Hydra agent swung at him again in the cramped quarters.
The Hydra agent attempted to kick him in the side, but the Cobra trooper brought his knee up to block the attack and then raised his arm to block a punch directed at his face and he grabbed the Hydra by the arm and slammed him hard into the nearest wall, stunning the man long enough for him to draw his SIG and fire a trio of shots into the rival agent's face.
Cobra: 1 – Hydra: 1
The Hydra squad leader heard the shots and fired upon the Cobra leader from across the room, sending the blue-clad man back to the floor and scrambling for his TAR-21. The Cobra still had a full clip left in reserve and he listened for his enemy, the man trying to be as stealthy as possible, yet he could hear the rustling of papers and the loud creaking as he brushed against a swivel chair. The man was getting closer and he popped up to return fire, managing to hit the man's F2000 and knock it from his hands, forcing the man to go for his sidearm.
The Hydra agent grimaced as the pain shot through his arms, yet the rage kept him driving forth as he sought to take down this latest threat and when all was said and done, he would personally deliver each of their severed heads to Madame Hydra himself.
He spotted the rival agent sneaking along a section enclosed by glass and fired through in an effort to take the man down, the glass shattering and raining down upon the Cobra agent. In the process one of his rounds grazed the man's arm and forced him to drop the TAR-21.
The Cobra grunted in pain as the bullet tore a chunk of his arm open and he collapsed behind a desk as more shots rang out. With the TAR-21 out of reach, he was now down to just his sidearm. All of his men were dead and he was dangerously low on ammo. He needed to think of something fast.
He peeked around the corner to see the lone Hydra operative scanning the room for him, but his sights were set on the fire extinguisher on the wall next to him and the Cobra agent took aim with his P226 as the man was looking away and fired a shot, a loud 'ping' followed by a 'whoosh' as a cloud of compressed gas sprayed the Hydra agent in the face, leaving him distracted.
The Cobra agent rose to his feet and fired what remained of his clip into the cloud until the gas cleared and he was greeted by the sight of the last Hydra lying dead, his chest riddled with bullets.
Cobra: 1 – Hydra: 0
With all his enemies dead, the Cobra leader raised his fists into the air and shouted "COBRA!"
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Winner: Cobra
Cobra:
SIG Sauer P226: 15
PP-2000: 101
IWI Tavor TAR-21: 303
RPG-29 Vampir: 100
Total: 519
Hydra:
FN Five-seveN: 32
Steyr TMP: 98
FN F2000: 289
Carl Gustaf M4: 62
Total: 481
"In what turned out to be another very close match up, Cobra would barely prevail thanks due in part to their weapons being slightly more accurate, having a launcher with a more powerful round, and being better protected compared to the Hydra operatives," Bradley explained.
"It appears we underestimated Cobra's strength. We will have to prepare ourselves for this new threat," Captain America grudgingly admitted.
"Cobra is dead set on world domination and they are willing to go through anybody who stands in their way. That is what makes them the deadliest warriors out there," Flint concluded.
(The final scene takes us to Hydra Island, where Cobra troopers have arrived and laying claim to everything in sight. From the main palace, Cobra Commander appears on the balcony and the victorious Cobra troops salute him as the Cobra banner unfurls behind him.)
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Next time on "Fictional Deadliest Warrior," it's a space age shoot out between warriors of the post-apocalyptic wastelands and a relentless rebel fighting force:
(A figure is shown clad in bulky gray power armor pointing a laser rifle at the screen. On the armor's breast plate is the insignia of a sword surrounded by wings and gears.)
Brotherhood of Steel: The neo-knightly warriors of the wastelands dedicated to the collection and preservation of pre-War knowledge and technology...
vs.
(A man in a tan colored long coat with green patches, matching pants, brown boots, and a boxy hat points a heavy blaster pistol at the screen.)
Rebel Alliance: The far-reaching alliance that fought to break the Galactic Empire's iron grip and make the galaxy a safer place to live.
Who will be...THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR?!
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Author's Note: Once again I apologize for the lengthy absence, but I've been working on other projects as well.
For the random legal jargon, Cobra is owned by Hasbro (although Marvel Comics is responsible for their comic appearances) and Hydra is owned by Marvel Comics.
With apologies to Marvel fans!
Until then, read and review as always! This is Metal Harbinger saying SPREAD THE SICKNESS, ONE MIND AT A TIME!