Re: The Sleep Into Oblivion
…………complete………………..approximately 20 ………………oe facil………..crackle,crackle………….fligh………….. on the way…………static………….static…………
should be app…………………click.
The Joe PC specialist wrenched his neck. The two listened to the radio’s garbled words. Hawk returned the gaze.
“Well?” the general questioned.
A few taps on the keyboard drowned out the answer. “Right now were too far to pick up anything. I think I can patchwork it. Guessing Cobra still uses the same outlet frequency.”
Hawk didn’t seem impressed. “I don’t need any guesses, soldier.”
Mainframe slid a square object towards him. A myriad of wires strung from one end. “I think I can reroute it and spare our boys some time to finish the Landmarks. Four hours tops.”
“That’s not a lot of time, Mainframe,” Hawk informed. “If we don’t knock some time off Cobra’s base attacks, we’re not going to be able to complete this mission before they find out what’s really taken place. When Cobra realizes the switch, they’ll be hot on our trail. Then the real locations could be found out before we clear out or training bases.”
Hawk saw the specialist’s mind working. “Distance is the problem,” Mainframe spoke as he swiveled in his chair. “In order to get the ‘message’ out, someone’s got to patch it in manually.”
Hawk waited. “We’re talking about yards from the nearest Cobra base,” Mainframe gestured by placing his two index fingers about 12in. apart. “Get caught, and it’s pay the piper.”
The general frowned. “Pay the piper it is then.”
Radio tower building – enemy compound-03: 23 hrs.
Three silhouette figures loomed in between four large cargo crates. They sat in silence as the sentry made their 360.
“ ‘Ow come we got to walk a beat tonight instead of ‘dem Cobra slacks?” Monkeywrench whined.
Zarana, on his left side, grumbled. “Clam up ‘fore I give ‘ya somethin’ to whine about.”
He wasn’t listening. “If you ask me, we should stick to blowin’ up real Joes and not no Tinkertoy wannabees.”
Zarana shifted her gun and looked around near the Joes hideout. “Who’s askin’ ya?”
The lead Joe cupped his hand over the illuminated watch dial on his wrist. “Eleven minutes.”
The Joe computer whiz went straight to work. He had all kinds of apparatus connected to a radio communications mini-server. The kneeling Joe medic watched with interest but showed signs of nervousness. It was obvious to the others that the rescue trooper wasn’t sure of his role in this mission.
Mainframe, with his knack for verbal play by play, typed and connected cords while in motion.
“I take this adapter and hook it up to this thing-a-ma-giggy and viola - instant entry to Cobra employ codes! Your code tonight, is Motor Viper 35GJ7- ext.14788". He turned his head toward the ranger and medic.
Would you like that super-sized?”
“Nine minutes, forty-fives seconds,” Beach Head said, obviously not impressed with the humor.
Lifeline moved his head about furtively. “And why couldn’t we have done this away from a Cobra base?
Mainframe warmed up to this. “You see, Cobra has this new squeezer, uh, that’s what we techies call it, and….”
Beach Head interrupted for clarification. “For those of us who don’t sleep with a Webster’s, the lowdown’s this. We got a Landmark to set up. We need a diversion, one that Cobra Commander with sink his dirty teeth in.”
Lifeline asked, “Private Hillerton, right?”
“Yeah, the kid,” Beach Head said as Lifeline sighed.
Mainframe butted in. “Cobra wants that high powered disc he got from Powers. It’s so high tech it can virus its way into our data bank and eventually pull out all our base information. The only thing I could do is block it temporarily. Cobra can track its movement.”
“Which is where your boy comes in,” the ranger said. “We’re going to make Cobra think we got the kid in hiding somewhere. While they’re goose chasing we can set up the final Landmarks. Cobra attacks the training bases and that gives us time to clear out the real ones and change the terminal codes.”
Lifeline was glad to know that Hillerton wasn’t really being used as Cobra bait. “So how will Cobra know where the Private would be safehoused?”
The two Joes shot a quick glance at each other. Mainframe began to unravel some cord. “The code I just got will let us tap straight into Cobra’s frequency. In other words, we pretend to Motor Viper 35GJ7, since I cut his link off, and tell Cobra Commander personally that we found the Private’s whereabouts.”
Lifeline asked, “Isn’t that a little risky? Won’t he know it’s not his man but someone else?”
“Taken care of,” Mainframe said. “We just find someone in this wavelength – or same voice pitch.” He tapped a small box that looked more like a T.V. found in the back of an SUV for children. Light green wavelength bars fluctuated up in down on graphs.
The Joe ranger reached for a rectangular object about 10 in. high. Numbers 0 through 9 were labeled on black buttons. A phone with cord was linked to the right of a com-link box.
A sign of revelation formed on the rescue trooper face. “So, what am I doing here?”
Beach Head grinned under his ski mask. In his large southern accent he explained. “You get to make the call.”
Re: The Sleep Into Oblivion
The two Joes paused as Beach Head held up a finger for caution. “Let’s go!” The trio skitted across the dark path only to halt a second time. The thump thump of helicopters sounded above. They lit up the night sky like a poor man’s July 4th. Beach Head trained his eye skyward. They had come this close.
“Look!” the masked ranger pointed. “They’re moving out. South.” The wrinkles beside his eyes showed a sign of accomplishment as he focused on the ailing medic. “Looks like you make a good con man.”
Lifeline, bruised but still hanging in there, replied negatively, “That’s, uh, good to know.” The group disappeared as stealthly as they came.
Moments earlier
The man’s cape waved as he paced back and forth. “Commander, this is not the time to chart a new course. We can still annihilate a third of the Joe recruit facilities but not if we detour………..”
He was cut off. “I’m aware of the options, Mindbender.” The hooded leader turned to face him. “I also know Cobra must retain that disc.”
The bald man questioned his leader. “It’s good for nothing now, Commander. Even if we retrieved it, the Joes would have reprocessed every internal code. We must continue forward or the disc will have proven a failure.”
“You have failed. Not the disc,” Cobra Commander growled. “The disc can be used again under different circumstances.”
Dr. Mindbender defended himself. “My sleep formula was perfect! I got the Cobra agents in and utilized their ‘deaths’ to extract vital information that you are now throwing away to retrieve a disc! You pushed for the extra agents to use the formula which made the Joes alert to us.”
The Commander was eerily silent. “I suggest we attack the remaining training bases while we are ahead. We haven’t even been able to reestablish contact with the officer who gave you the soldier’s location.” Dr. Mindbender urged.
“Shut up, Mindbender, I’m trying to think!” Cobra Commander yelled.
He turned to leave the room. “I have that well taken care of. Prepare the Vipers to the location described.”
The doctor seethed with anger as the Cobra leader, once again, overruled him.
Hidden bunker 04:12 hrs.
A scatter of secret activity was in formation. Two men covered each side. Several lay in wait just yards away from the building where the private was to be.
WHACK!
The door was thrust open. Cobras were in their attack stance. The lead Cobra directed his men.
Their surroundings were suspiciously empty.
A rancid smell of a set up was felt among the guards. One Cobra trooper approached a white paper stuck intentionally between the split log where an axe was placed. “What’s this?” He reached out, unfolded the paper and read it while other troopers gathered around. ‘Roses are red, violets are blue.
You just got suckered. I’d feel stupid too!’
As if the note was predestined, the stumbling look came across the Cobra’s face. “Huh?”
YO JOE!!!
From all corners of the building rang the Joe battle cry and shots by the Joe team. The enemy was trapped between the crossfire. A dozen greenshirts led by Leatherneck and Low-Light made the snakes backpedal to retreat.
RAT-TAT! KA-POW!
Cobra troops laid down a suppressing fire as they moved toward the exit. Taken by surprise, the Joes were able to round most of the Cobra troops. As a few Motor-Vipers fled to an awaiting stun, Leatherneck aimed his weapon for the huge trees above the vehicles. The green shirts followed, leaving the Vipers caught underneath a load of heavy branches. Hawk paused by the door entrance, his pistol in hand. He watched his team lead away the captive Cobras. “I hope this gives us the extra time we need,” Hawk tried to reassure himself.
Incognito Combat lodge: half mile from
Fort Winningham
An ace of spades landed on the wooden table, followed by the 6 of diamonds. His short-lived military experience thus far was painfully like the game of solitude he was playing. Locked and guarded for safe keeping until further notice. He anxiously glanced at the door while he rocked on the dilipadated rusty chair. Lifeline insisted for the extra precaution for him. Now he just wished for the over-abusive boot camp led by the arrogant ranger.
He stopped in mid shuffle as a knock sounded at the door. The redundant tap awoke him from his thoughts. Who could this be? No one supposed to know he was here.
He cautiously turned the handle wondering why the guard wasn’t.
A razzled looking Radley shoved his way in rather clumsily. “What are you doing here? No ones……”
The skinny private blurted out “I wasn’t me, man!”
Hillerton followed Radley’s gaze outside the door. A Crimson Guard appeared, looking down at the slumped guard. The guard shoved Radley in the back and quickly closed the door and braced it with an electronic device. He pulled out a gun.
“He’s right, kid.” The Cobra guard smiled. “I just used him as bait to get in.” He motioned the two towards chairs around the small table where the private’s cards were. He bound Radley to a chair, then Hillerton.to another.
“Cobra Commander said there’d might be some switcheroo. Sent some of us to keep an eye out and look what I found.”
The Crimson Guard grinned. He grabbed two lit lanterns hanging from the wall and placed one on the table in the dimly lit room. Radley noticed the numbers 21958 thinly engraved on the neckline of the red helmet left on the table. “Now it’s time for interrogation, Crimson Guard style.” The light from the lantern he was holding gave his face an ominous look.
“First, Smalling mistake, then Powers. You boys should think about helping Cobra. We could use the help,” the guard snickered. “Nah, you’d just have to clean up after everyone. Now. The disc. Do I have to…."
UUGGHH!
Radley shoved with all his weight, knocking himself into the Cobra. Losing his balance, the Cobra yelled out, “You idiot!”
Hillerton was bug-eyed as he watched the Crimson guard crash into a wicker shelf, rendering himself unconscious. The sudden heroic move of his fellow soldier turned to chaos when smoke began to pour our. The side of the wall lit up with flames. Radley lay sideways coughing. Within minutes the small combat lodge would be engulfed with fire – and the two soldiers knowing they lay bound and hopeless.
Re: The Sleep Into Oblivion09:42hrs. -Top secret location
The general held on to his helmet as he made his way to the uniformed man. The entourage that was in play made the fifty-something figure seem out of place. The two met as the helicopter kept up its whirling.
“Major general,” Hawk smiled as he shook an old friend's hand. “Still looking well, I see.”
The man with the salt and pepper beard, grinned. “As do you, Hawk.” His demeanor changed. “But that’s not why you’re here – to talk about my good looks.”
“Where do your units stand?” Hawk asked.
“90% withdrawn,” the major general answered. “Will have the entire trainees pulled out and reinstated by morning”.
Hawk looked around the facility with a sense of awe. “You’ve done a good job with your surroundings.”
The top Joe watched as new MP’s moved like clockwork. “Your trainees are some of the best we have.”
The major general aligned himself next to Hawk, admiring the soldiers. “Not without your blessings, Hawk. If you hadn’t acted on your suspicions that Cobra might infiltrate access to our training facilities, we may have lost our future. These young men have great potential.”
Hawk placed an arm around the man as he turned back to leave. “Another one slipped in,” Hawk spoke of the incident between the Crimson Guard and the two privates. “Keep everyone alert. Until all the bases are emptied, we can’t let one Cobra get through the cracks.”
“You people keep performing like that and all the armed forces will laugh in your face!”
The ranger was back in form, yelling, spitting, and demeaning his troops. “Pathetic. Yeah, that’s right.”
He walked along the front line of soldiers in attention. “You see what we let happened? An enemy waltzed right in here, almost killed two of your fellow soldiers and managed to burn down a building.”
He moved into breathing room of the aforementioned troops.
“You respond like they did, nearly getting themselves killed, and possibly others, and Cobra will stomp your pretty faces all over the ground. Not to mention reckless behavior that destroyed vital information.”
Beach Head turned to look at Privates' Radley and Hillerton, obviously referring to the Cobra disc.
The ranger turned to face LifeLine and Lift-Ticket who were approaching. He took the paperwork from the Tomahawk pilot and continued. “And furthermore, there’s not a single one of you that’s gonna’ be relaxing because you’ve been moved.”
The report had Beach Head and his watch moving out within three hours. The Fort Winningham trainees had been re-stationed to a new location. Them, along with hundreds of other recruits were awaiting the final word to the safety removal of their fellow trainees across the south.
Radley and Hillerton eyed Lifeline. “Betcha’ Lifeline wouldn’t agree.” Radley’s husky friend watched nervously as the redhead spoke in attention.”
Instead of reprimanding the youth, Beach Head glared at Lifeline, who looked extremely uncomfortable at the newly placed attention on him.
“You got somethin’ to say, Lifeline?” Beach Head dared him to answer. Lift-Ticket watched as the medic stumbled over words. “I didn’t think so,” the ranger evil-eyed the rescue trooper. The ranger looked over the report and began to readdress his troops.
“Yes. Yes, actually I do have something to say,” Lifeline came to. All eyes focused on him. Ignoring the furious green masked Joe, he retorted, “I think what these young men did was very brave.” He nodded with his head without motioning towards the two. “You don’t have to come out with guns blazing to be a hero. A lot of history’s heroes are known for their simplistic approach to fighting for what’s right. A data disc might have been lost but a life was saved and that’s the reason they’re here to begin with. Fighting to preserve life.”
The soldiers seemed to be awaiting more from the Joe medic.
“Umm, that’s all,” Lifeline awkwardly ended his speech.
Beach Head just stared at the medic as Lift-Ticket put his hand on the Joe’s shoulder leading him away. As the two moved a distance from the seething instructor, Lift-Ticket let out, “Whew, hope you don’t meet up with him in a dark Tomahawk cockpit.”
Lifeline lifted his glassed. “It’s not funny, Lift-Ticket. Those young men should be praised, not scorned.”
“I know, I know,” the pilot said laughing, trying not to downplay the medic’s shining moment. “I’m glad you did it. About time Beach Head got doused with his own cold water.”
SHRIEK! SHRIEK! Attn. All personnel, to their battle stations. Prepare for lift off. Engage in standard formation. I repeat….
The scientist tried to play catch up with his leader.
“Commander, I don’t think this is the time to exploit our defenses. You need to dispense them in an erratic format. The Joes have the firepower to cover all their targets. Please, Commander, listen to reason….”
“I listened enough to you!” Cobra Commander stopped and pointed a crooked finger at the bald man, trying to speak over the alarm.
“First you said, 'don’t overuse the sleep formula', then you said, 'attack the bases at once'.” The silver platted mask, flanked by blue, tilted a little at the doctor. “And now, what is it Mindbender, don’t eradicate the Joe training facilties all at once but take them by surprise? You couldn’t make a true leadership decision if your head was screwed on right!”
Destro and two Crimson guards met them at the hallway turn. “Destro,” the Commander ordered. “Take the second unit and follow my lead until I say otherwise.”
“Commander, what of the Crimson guard who was captured? What if the Joes get information out of him?” Dr. Mindbender questioned.
The cobra leader spoke, “You can stay behind and worry about what might happen or you can lead the third unit.”
He relented. “Yes, Commander.” As he turned to leave, Cobra air troops were scurrying about.
“Rather hard on the good doctor?” The huge man joked.
“Do you know what all we have lost?” Cobra Commander fumed. “We lost a prototype disc. I lost good men. We may have squandered an historic opportunity to crush G.I.Joe before it can train a new breed of future good will-ers.” The Cobra leader paused. “ Well, maybe they weren’t good men.”
The two approached the readied aircraft.
“No more mistakes, Destro,” Cobra Commander’s voice hardened. “Over the next 24 hours we annihilate as many of the next generation of G.I.Joe soldiers as possible!”
Re: The Sleep Into OblivionFive miles due east of the Florida Everglades
The transport kicked up dust on the dirt trail. Three vehicles burrowed through the dense environment as inconspicuously as needed. The troops inside were jostled every which way.
“Cobra 3 to leader one. I got the head transport insight. Do I proceed to follow or change course?”
The raspy voice filtered back. “Keep them in sight and don’t fire until notified. All other teams are engaging in battle tactics at each Joe training facility.”
“Copy that, sir.”
“Do not attempt to contact me again over this channel!” Cobra Commander ordered. “You have your orders from your company leader.”
The Firebat pilot grumbled to himself, not liking what his superior had commanded. He reluctantly radioed in to his squadron leader.
“Cobra 3 to leader 4, come in,” the A.V.A.C. spoke. A disturbing sound sang out over his headphones.
“One banana, two banana, three banana four………..”
“Shut-up, Monkeywrech!” Zarana reprimanded the singing Dreadnok as she took over the communicator. “What ‘ave you got, Cobra 3?”
“Got the transports on monitor,” the pilot reported.
Zarana smiled. “Good. Will take ‘em out!”
The Firebat pilot moaned. “The commander said to wait until the training base attacks commence.”
“He ain’t ‘ere, is he?” Zarana cackled over the radio. “Go get ‘em boys!”
Swampfires burst out of the scenery to surround the transports from the air. “Cobra!”
Enemy vehicles flanked each transport. Zarana closed in near the rear truck. She let a burst from the 25mm.sinker cannon
RIP!!!
The transport’s rear-end flotation tires shredded upon impact. “Ha, ha!” the female Dreadnok pumped her fist. “Rookies! Too easy.”
The helpless transport returned a minimal amount of fire. The other Swampfires were engaged in battle with the cornered personnel carries. Zarana now had Monkeywrench within landing distance to the motionless transport.
BLAM!
The aircraft blasted the turret hatch right off. The bearded Dreadnok, with hand grenade in mouth, rested on the telescoping bumper. With his left hand he began to force the back door open, ready to place his grenade among the trainees inside. “London Bridge is falling down, falling down!” Monkeywrench shouted a not so joyful noise.
“Whoa!” The Dreadnoks words were cut off as one side of the door kicked open.
YO! JOE!
“Wha….” Leatherneck’s hand cuffed the Cobra across his face and thrust him off the vehicle. In a moments time the back end opened to reveal a dozen Joes - armed and ready.
Joes and greenshirts began to take up positions around the transports. The two other APC’s followed suit, with more Joes emerging from their hiding places.
“It’s the bloody Joes!” Zarana screamed. The Swampfires and Joes exchanged fire. The last transport opened up to reveal two BSM* scrambler missiles.
BAM! BAM!
Both shots brought the nearest Cobra helicopter swirling to the ground.
The A.V.A.C. was watching from above. Joes were scurrying about with the advantage of surprise. Smoke plumed upward as he endured his comrades falling into retreat. “We got duped! Cobra 3 to leaders, Joes planted a trap. I repeat. It was a set-up.”
Joes and Cobra traded shots and punches. Leatherneck grabbed Monkeywrench off the ground by his collar. The marine was about to land a fist when Zarana’s Swampfire kicked up dust around the two men. The Joe veteran covered his eyes as the Dreadnok took advantage of the diversion. Hopping aboard before his combatant recovered, the helicopter retreated with both Cobras.
Mainframe and his group of greenshirts exchanged rounds behind the second APC.
DING! ZIP! The Joes ducked and resurfaced, caught in the crossfire. BAM!BAM!
Shots from above caused the heroes to crouched. While down, Mainframe opened his PC kit. Waiting for the Swampfire to cross over, he slung a metallic object onto the Cobra vehicle. With remote in hand, he detonated the device.
KA-BLAM!
The swampfire went down as its Viper pilot, parachute and all, landed in a wetland tree.
All Joes watched as Cobra began its customary withdrawal when outgunned. The Joes had won this first part with its delay ploy. Now they wondered how the other squads would fair.
Re: The Sleep Into OblivionUnnamed training facility –Landmark 14
“One..two..three!”
On this mark, Cobra Vipers moved into the ominously silent Joe training base. At full attention, the Vipers spied all around the quarters. Nothing. The head Cobra gestured in sequence for his troops to pan out for a quick search.
“Guess the Joes cleared them out before we came,” the Viper nearest the leader questioned. Just as the head Viper flicked a switch near him, a voice over a sound system broke out. “And don’t forget our super deals of the week, starting with the two for one special….”
“What’s this?” the Viper grumbled over the recorded voice.
The other Cobra spoke to his leader as the other troops looked on in puzzlement. “I don’t think this is any Joe base.” Before he could continue, the head Viper tapped in on his com-link. “Patch me in to the Commander.”
Commencing Cobra attack - landmark 23
Destro’s unit consisted of Vipers, Crimson guardsmen and Tele-Vipers: all prepared to drop chute. The Cobra plane readied the parachuters for a surprise attack from above.
“Preparing for attack on the Joe training base,” Destro’s voice boomed over the radio. “Over and out.”
The Tele-Viper co-pilot examined the map. “Uh, this doesn’t look like the place.”
Destro watched in interest as the Cobra pointed towards the ground. “I think someone screwed up. I mean, this is an out of the way place but it doesn’t resemble our target.”
“Let me see that!” Destro jerked the map from the Tele-Viper, placing a few wrinkles in the paper. A couple of glances from the map to the vacant field below revealed a major discrepancy. Upon closer examination the area looked more like an abandon shopping center.
“Circle the area and hold back the assault team,” a suspicious and slightly enraged Destro ordered. He took to the airwaves. “I need to speak with Cobra Commander!”
Landmark 08 – engaging combat
Cobra!!!!
KABOOM! WHAM!
The spacious building’s ground was littered with twin missile pods from the foray of Night Ravens.
SWISH!
“Spare the rest of the compound until we complete our search,” the words were given at the Cobra science officer’s behest. “Strato-Viper one, rendezvous with me on ground.” He then directed the Low Radar Recon Jet to the surface.
Dr. Mindbender fanned away the brown smoke as he and his unit entered the complex. Vipers took the rear with weapons in hand as the doctor bypassed the security code entrance with a plastic ‘skeleton keycard’.
With arms akimbo, the bald Cobra looked around the inner sections of the building. It didn’t take long for him to realize this was far from a military institution. A Strato-Viper lifted up some printed materials on a dusty countertop.
“I think we better inform the Commander,” the Night Raven pilot said.
Dr. Mindbender stormed over to the Cobra pilot. With a swipe of his hands he angrily shoved the thin poster boards off the counter. The Strato-Viper watched as the poster boards that were covered with big, bright, yellow smiley faces fell to the ground. With a beaten look he spun on his heels, followed by his troops.
………. ………. ………. ………..
“What’s it looking like, men?”
The General stood behind the Joes overlooking the terminal. Mainframe’s hand danced around the keyboards as minute by minute data appeared.
The Joes were concealed in a large armored vehicle within a few miles of their destination, watching the turn of events. With all but a few evacuations left, it seemed as fate was on the Joes’ side. Cobra had slithered into the box with the bait. A report was coming in via satellite. Hawk looked over Sci-Fi’s shoulder as the Major General came through.
“All our troops are squared away in their new locations,” the wizened soldier spoke. “We may loose a few weapons and artillery for those bases that we couldn’t get fake facilities for, but we’re better than worse.”
A relieved smile came over the Joe leader. Sci-Fi and Mainframe looked up at Hawk as the Major General was about to sign off. “If I was a betting man, Hawk,” the major general grinned,” I’d put what I had on you.”
After the sign off, Hawk addressed his fellow Joes.
“Well, we didn’t get much from our prisoner, but through him at least we can tap into Cobra Commander’s ship,” Hawk suggested. At the request, a few more Joes gathered around the audio and tracker. If the Crimson Guard’s information was true, the Cobra leader was fast approaching what was assumed to be the largest Joe training facility.
“Wish I could be there to see the look on Cobra Commander’s face when he gets the surprise”. Smiles and cackles went out among the Joes standing around the terminal.
“I want a update! Now!” The sovereign Cobra leader paced back and forth in the large transport plane. His men shrunk down with every new report that came in. Apparently, the masked leader’s plans were turning upside down.
“This can’t be!” There must be some mistake!” His fingers brushed his covered chin.
“Sir, maybe the……..”
“Quiet!” the Commander’s voice rose. “I don’t pay you to speculate!” The other officers at their stations all turned to look. He dared them to reply. Cobra Commander swung around the communication terminal. He motioned for the Viper at the controls to fix in on all frequencies. Small monitors began to display pictures of military bases. They could see the outer part of the building where his troops had just been deployed. Because of their transmission delay back to his ship, Cobra Commander had decided to stay put.
“Report! What is that I’m seeing?” Cobra Commander asked with urgency. A red signal flashed on the side panel.
“Commander, Unit 12 is reporting in,” a Cobra officer reported. The Commander put his man on hold, watching the image being displayed. His head furiously turned left to right catching all the data images on the screen at once.
“Sir, do you read?” the Cobra waiting from the red alert brought him back. “I think we’ve been had, sir.”
The Commander looked on in horror as the scenes from the building came into view.
“I don’t know if you know it or not, sir, but this is……..”
“Yes, I see it, you idiot”! Cobra Commander screamed.
His hand slapped at his helmet as he threw the headset across the plane’s interior. “AAARRRGGGHHH!!! We got duped by WAL-MARTS!!!!
“NO, NO, NO!!!” We’ve been attacking abandoned department stores!” Cobra Commander began to wreak havoc on board the ship.
“All the Joe bases – fake! How could they…..no……it can’t be! His sleep formula was a failure! They knew all along!” Cobra Commander flung the nearest Tele-Viper from his chair. “This is all Mindbender’s fault! That blubbering, idiotic excuse for a doctor! I won’t take the blame for this catastrophe!”
The thrust from the engines in retreat began to drown out the whimpering of the defeated Cobra leader.
Meanwhile…….
The Cobra soldier marched to the launch pad where Dr. Mindbender huddled near a Cobra jet. The doctor’s unit had just returned from the disastrous operation. Soon he would have to tell the Commander the news, unless……. The soldier handed the doctor a portable phone, receiver extended out. “It’s for you, Doctor.”
The bald man adjusted his monocle, winced, then stared uncomfortably back at the soldier.
A cap, sweater, a journal and picture lay in a satchel. He slipped on his hat and began to close the bag shut when a rap at the door turned him away. Lifeline peered in with his usual easy going smile.
“You about to leave?” the medic asked.
The private casually surveyed the room. “Just about.”
The Joe medic sauntered up to his newly acquainted friend.
“You’ll like Camp Frickton,” Lifeline exhorted. “A lot of real fine soldiers have come out of there.”
“Any medics?” Hillerton grinned.
Lifeline exchanged a hopeful parental smile. “You betcha’.”
The rescue trooper had been holding a book in his hand. “Here, I’d like for you to have this.”
The private looked over the hardback. It was a beginner's guide to medicine and its field. Hillerton knew that a doctor on the Joe team had given the medic a book similar to this. His expression must have shown through.
“Don’t worry, it’s gotten a lot of use,” Lifeline reassured. “It’s time for a change of hands.”
The young man was touched that the Joe medic would pass something down to him that meant something to the Joe at one time.
Lifeline grabbed a second bag and the two headed out front of the base.
Lifeline and Hillerton stopped outside the walkway to the base. Hawk, Beach Head and others Joes were milling about, conversing over the events of the last few days.
“Well there’s our little trouble maker,” Beach Head rattled off.
The private looked uncomfortable at all the attention.
“Ignore him,” Hawk smiled. “Beach Head might be a little slower catching Cobras without you around". The remark got a few hoots and hollers and even a slight grin from the private.
“Uh-huh.” The ranger annoyingly grumbled.
Hawk questioned, “I guess you’ll be looking forward to these two weeks leave before you’re reassigned?”
‘Yes, sir,” Hillerton spoke up. “I’ve met a lot of great friends and soldiers but, well, uh, ……well I could write a story about my first boot camp, that’s for sure.”
Beach Head began to reprimand the thought of a story leaking out when the Joe commander cut him off. “He’s no longer yours, Beach Head. You’ll need to start on another subject.”
The masked Joe pointed. “Like whose is that?
The Joes looked at the sports car that was still parked at the front entrance.
“That one I can finally answer,” Hawk said as he took a sip of coffee. That car belongs to Professor Maines".
“The old man at Dressler?” Beach Head stared in disbelief. The other Joes uttered their agreement.
Hawk was hiding something. “Looks can be deceiving.”
The Joes started to ramble on about the vehicle. Hawk put up his hands. “Hold on, now. Professor Maines has decided to give the car away.”
A murmur went up. Lifeline and Hillerton looked at each other. “The professor said he could get another one. He wanted to do his part for our help of ridding the corporation of Cobra. Years of planting Cobra agents went into this plan of Dr. Mindbender’s. Dressler wasn’t the only one who had agents in waiting. We did also.”
Hawk could sense the anxiety among the Joes. “Anyway, Maines said to give the car to the one who helped the most in the battle of Cobra.”
Mainframe began to move his gloves over the exterior. “Imagine what extras I could put on this baby.”
He walked around the car. “Rims, a new state of the art sound system, killer decals, and…..”
"Sorry, Mainframe,” Hawk interrupted the fantasy. “You did a fine job breaking into the codes but no kewpie doll.”
A round of chuckles from Low-Light, Sci-Fi, Lift-Ticket and Beach Head rang out.
Beach Head came up to the computer specialist and patted him on the back in defeat. “Learn a lesson. It takes leadership, bravery, and intelligence to be a winner. And being in charge of this mission……”
“No keys, Beach Head,” Hawk broke up the self-boasting.
The ranger was frustrated and fumed as a second round of laughter rose about.
Lifeline couldn’t help himself. “Should have a been a bit nicer to the Professor, Beach Head.”
The General broke the tension.
“A dose of courage, mixed with standing up for what you believe, and a little luck goes along way,” Hawk said as he placed the keys in the hand of Private Hillerton. The young man froze speechless. “I….I…..I didn’t do anything. Beach Head, Lifeline, the guys, they’re the real Joes……I’m just……..”
“On the way,” Lifeline smiled, putting an arm around the young soldier.
All the Joes…………almost all the Joes, had smiles on their faces.
“Well, I hate to break up the chatter but we're Joes – and we got work to do,” Hawk reminded.
“We may have broken up Cobra’s sleep toxin, but they’ll be other schemes,” Lifeline added. Hawk shook his head in agreement.
“I guess I need to be going too,” Hillerton said. After the Joes bid him a last farewell, Mainframe began walking past the sports car down the gravel road. The Joe team watched with interest as the specialist stopped and took another gander at the fancy car.
“And where are you going?” The Joe general questioned with a smile.
Mainframe said halfheartedly, “To the Dressler Corporation. I’m taking my resume. There must be something to this sleep business.”
Laughter erupted from the Joe team as they watched Mainframe walk off into the sunset.
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