Chapter Six

The trip through the alleyways felt like an eternity, but in reality only a few minutes had passed. Mainly because the group was so tense. Plus it was just too quiet. Not only from the lack of contact but also just the complex in general. With the exception of a few sounds of a firefight in the direction of Zulu, the helipad, and the woods; the place was deathly silent when compared to before. Only the sounds of the small convoy and the rumble of the Ghoststrikers and Skystrikers above broke the cycle. Every now and then Ripcord thought he heard more engines but couldn't be sure because the sounds cut on and off. Again the group came to another intersection of a wide main road, their third. Just like at the two before, the vehicles darted out, trying to get across the opening as fast as possible. Ripcord was starting to learn to hate being right. A group of enemy vehicles had been shadowing them.


"Contact!" Heavy Metal yelled out over the frequency. Off to the right there where three STUNs and two Stingers pulling onto the road themselves. The Cobra vehicles turned towards the three vehicle convoy. McMillian didn't dare let up to the accelerator as he aimed the tank towards the next alleyway. "Hang on Repeater!" Heavy Metal called out on the radio, with that he began to swing the turret in line with one of the Stingers, aiming carefully he pulled back the trigger. Thunderous boom was heard as the 105mm cannon fired, followed a fraction of a second later by the Stinger disappearing in a fireball. "Move it McMillian!" Heavy Metal screamed as he saw the flash the other Stinger firing a missile towards the Mauler. The missile began to track but slammed into a wall, creating a terrific explosion, as it attempted to follow the Mauler, which had now reached the relative safety of the alleyway.


Meanwhile Hotseat had drawn a bead on the lead STUN. The STUN was headed straight for them. It would be an easy shot. As he aimed he saw the flashes of the four 12.7mm machine guns on the front of the STUN. Hotseat could hear the a few of the rounds ping off the armor from the hastily fired bursts as Fastdraw dropped himself into the turret, pulling the hatch shut behind him. "I hope you don't really think those'll do anything." Hotseat grumbled at the Motor Vipers operating the STUN's weapons. He pulled the trigger. The 120mm HEAT round slammed into the oversized ATV with incredible force, turning the STUN into smoldering scrap. "Load!" Hotseat barked at Adams as the gunner-turned-loader swiftly removed the spent casing from the breach and slammed another HEAT round in. "Armor all the way." Hotseat grumbled as he fired a hasty shot at the second STUN. The round pulled left, hitting the concrete beside the vehicle. Despite not being a direct hit, the force of the explosion knocked the STUN on its side. The MOBAT then plowed through the burning rubble left by the Stinger's missile.


Covergirl immediately saw the danger to Ripcord and Zap in the form of the remaining STUN's four machine guns. She launched a missile at the on coming enemy ATV and watched in satisfaction as the missile slammed into the nose of the STUN, raising a fireball.
"Nice shot!" Ripcord said. She only nodded an acknowledgement, engulfed in tracking the remaining Stinger. The over turned STUN wasn't a threat right now so she ignored it. The Stinger fired a fraction of a second sooner than the Wolverine. It's missile fell short, and impacted the ground behind the Joe missile carrier. However the force of the blast's shockwave jerked the Wolverine forward, ruining Covergirl's aim as the missile streaked off into the distance. Covergirl cursed and easily drove the Wolverine over what little rubble was left after the MOBAT plowed through it. With a screaming of tires, the Stinger, wanting revenge for it's fallen teammates, turned and entered the alleyway, chasing after the Wolverine. "He's followin' us!" Ripcord called out to Covergirl. She smiled at the target display. The Stinger driver must have been trained with the AWE Striker hijacker from earlier. Just like before she rotated the turret 180 degrees and fired. The Stinger went up in a fireball, the wreckage also serving as a barricade for the moment. The small convoy continued down the alleyways until Ripcord radioed for McMillian to stop. The MOBAT and Wolverine followed suit as Hotseat came over the channel.
"What's going on?"
"I see some HiSSs near some buildings over there. I dunno what their up to but that's kinda outta the way considering how the Cobra forces are spread right now. Me and Zap are gonna go check it out. I want the rest of you to proceed on the original plan. We'll meet up with you at Zulu after we're finished." Ripcord transmitted. He and Zap started to dismount the Wolverine when he heard Covergirl start to say something. He turn and laid his hand on her upper arm as he spoke. "I'll see ya soon....I promise." Without waiting for a response he and Zap ran off the direction of the group of HiSSs.


It was a large group. Six each. Ripcord and Zap crept up to where one HiSS was parked next to a small building. He motioned for Zap to go around the Building while he went up a ladder bolted to the side of the building. Once on the roof Ripcord low crawled to the ledge and looked over. There was a custom uniformed soldier in the turret barking out orders over a radio. Ripcord had seen the picture of the man in the briefing on Cobra operatives. Scrap Iron. He also noticed that the weapons on this HiSS were custom jobs. All the more reason to knock it out. Ripcord knew he would only get one shot at this. He pulled a grenade free of his ALICE gear, pulled the pin and let the spoon fly. After he waited for the briefest moment he stood and threw the grenade down at the canopy of the HiSS. The grenade went off just before it hit the canopy. It was spider-webbed but wasn't destroyed. Ripcord counted on as much, that's why he had another grenade with an already burning fuse in his hand. He threw it downwards again. It exploded. Just because something was impact resistant, didn't mean it was infallible. The second explosion was too much for the plexiglass to take. The shrapnel and broken bits of plexiglass rained inside the cockpit, mangling both it and the driver into unrecognizable husks. At some point, Scrap Iron had disappeared from the turret, but Ripcord was on a clock, this was a guerilla action, he didn't have time to hunt the Cobra operative down. However he did have time to toss a third grenade through the turret, into the troop compartment of the HiSS. Ripcord heard the muffled boom from inside the HiSS as he ran back towards the ladder.

As soon as Zap heard the first explosion from Ripcord's grenades he fired the LAW. Once again Zap was smart enough to not aim for the armor. He aimed at the canopy. The missile streaked out of its tube and slammed through the plexiglass just before exploding. Zap didn't take the time to admire the burning HiSS as he discarded the now useless launch tube and sprinted into another building. He heard rounds hitting the concrete outside as he ran into a side office. He pulled the HK-69 off his shoulder and poked the barrel through a shattered window. Despite the difficulty of the shot, for Zap against the stationary HiSS it was easy. He angled the weapon up and fired. The grenade flew in a high arc before slamming down on the roof of a nearby HiSS, directly next to the turret operator who just disappeared. Zap started running again as he heard the gunfire switch from impacting outside, to impacting the room he was just in. Reloading the launcher he entered another office and repeated the same thing, this time a group of Vipers exiting the ramp of a HiSS were the unfortunate ones. As Zap sprinted from the office he looked at his watch. Time was up. He ran outside and saw Ripcord running towards him. "Behind!" Zap yelled. Ripcord dropped and turned as the two brought up their M-16s and fired on a group of five Vipers that just rounded the corner. The Cobra troopers fell back in sprays of blood. The two Joes started to run again, this time towards the direction of Zulu. As they ran, a small quad ATV came out of an alleyway, heading for the location of HiSSs. The driver, a man in some sort of brown uniform with an eye patch, didn't seem to notice Zap and Ripcord. They both aimed and fired. They saw the Cobra operative lean forward. He might be hit. He might have been smart enough to lower himself to keep his target profile as small as possible. As the quad disappeared behind a building the two kept moving towards Zulu. They didn't have time to check on the condition of the Ferret driver, they had to move.

Ripcord and Zap stuck to the alleyways and buildings as the made their way towards Way Point Zulu. However they finally came to a point where they needed to cross one of the main roads. The two rushed from the building and into the street as fast they could and immediately heard the all too familiar sounds of heavy engines. Their heads snapped towards the sound, a HiSS and a Stinger were barreling towards them. Suddenly a deep boom sounded followed by the HiSS exploding in an impressive fireball. The sound of a missile launch came next, which ended with the explosion of the Stinger. Suddenly a MOBAT and a Wolverine with a Mauler bringing up the rear plunged through the smoke and came to a halt upon seeing a relieved Ripcord and Zap. Looking over the three Joe armored vehicles Ripcord smiled when he realized it was his hastily gathered command. A part of him was relieved that they had come back for him and Zap, while another part of him was angry that they didn't proceed to Zulu. "What happened to Zulu?" Ripcord asked as he and Zap approached the vehicles.
"We did head for Zulu," Fastdraw said looking down from his position at the MOBAT's machine gun. "But then we hear that the Cobras are pulling out. They're acting like they're being overrun. It's weird." Repeater grunted in agreement with Fastdraw. Suddenly the pieces started to fall together for Ripcord. A remotely located HiSS detachment. A Cobra explosives expert. An important part of the complex.
"The design mainframes!" Ripcord yelled as he turned in the direction of the 1C buildings. Ripcord immediately started barking orders "Head for the 1C buil-" Ripcord was cut off as a massive explosion ripped through the facility. The ground shook so hard areas of the pavement developed huge cracks. The sky towards the direction of the 1C the setting sun was hidden as a huge cloud of smoke and fire rose into the sky.
"Holy shit!" Somebody yelled over the open channels. "Half the fuckin' base just went up!"
"Oh Christ. All units, all units, this is Alpha Golf Actual, there's just been an explosion in the 1C area, it looked like we lost the entire design mainframe area. Out." A voice broadcasted. The design mainframe was where all the specification for the Joe's custom vehicles were stored. The data wasn't lost permanently but between the loss of it and the damage to the complex. It could be months before the government would be able to manufacture the Joe's vehicles. A few long moments passed before the radio channels were kicked alive again.
"All units, all units the enemy has withdrawn and is now out of the operational area. Stand down, I say again stand down." Steeler said on the open channel. He then started to rattle off specific orders for guard details. All other non-medical field soldiers were order to drive their vehicle to a staging area for transport out. All personnel not assigned to stay were ordered to report to the heliport and evac.


After Steeler's orders were given Ripcord, Covergirl, and the others reluctantly made their way towards the staging area. As they went, they saw medical, search & rescue, and clean-up teams all over the place. The ride to the staging area was relatively silent. The huge plume of black smoke where the 1C complex used to be kept anyone from really talking. About halfway to the staging area Fastdraw, who now sat outside, on top of MOBAT spoke up. "We got hit bad." He said in a defeated tone as his gaze followed the burned out husk of a Wolverine as the MOBOT passed its wreckage.
"Yeah but they got hit worse." Zap said as he motioned to the wreckage of Rattler that had hit the ground and skidded to a halt when it connected with a building.
"Just who the hell won?" Heavy Metal asked. He didn't get an answer. The small convoy rode in silence to staging area as night closed in. Finally after what felt like an eternity, riding through the virtual ghost town; They pulled up to the staging area and were directed to spots to park their vehicles. The group dismounted and were ushered to a waiting Bigfoot. As they walked through the rows of vehicles, they were surprised when they saw the few number of vehicles that were in operable shape. As Ripcord looked at some, he wondered how some of them had even managed to get back. He looked over and saw that Covergirl was trying to avoid looking at the blood stains that were seen on so many of the vehicles. He couldn't say he blamed her. As the seven Joes and three reservists reached the Bigfoot they all climbed slowly aboard the transport and it headed off in the direction of the helipad. Darkness had set in now. Usually the lights of the complex would still make it seem like an artificial day. Few of those brilliant floodlights were on. More disturbing was the flickering orange and yellow light of the many fires that burned throughout the complex. Ripcord heard the steady beat of rotors grow louder and louder as the transport truck finally rolled to a stop. Even before he got out he noticed that the area of the helipad was fully lit. As he stepped down and out of the back of the Bigfoot he saw why. Triage. There were wounded soldiers being carried back and forth on litters everywhere with medics running from one to another at a rapid pace. As Ripcord's eyes kept wandering he saw that there were far more medical Tomahawks and UH-60 on the tarmac that there standard counterparts. His eyes then fell on the most disturbing sight. The body bags. There were more of them than he could count. So many of them, that they formed a sea of darkness on the well lit tarmac. The blackness was only broken by a few men in BDUs with white scarves draped over their shoulders and reading from thick books. A final sermon to ears that couldn't hear. Ripcord swallowed hard.
"Madre del dio..." Zap said just above his breath as he crossed himself.
"Amen." Repeater said with a slow nod of his head. Ripcord looked over to Covergirl who had gone just a few shades whiter. Ripcord too, looked away from his fallen comrades and spotted a haphazard pile of bodies in various Cobra uniforms. He didn't care. He remembered his reaction when the first impact of him killing someone set in. That reaction wasn't present. He guessed his DIs had been right all along, the more people you killed, the easier it got. Ripcord shook his head clear as the sheer disturbance of that philosophy set in. While his eyes wandered more the group was ushered by a MP into a line of soldiers that stretched towards helicopters. The line moved forward at a slow pace. Almost as slow as a funeral march. Ripcord shook the thought out of his mind as best as he could. Eventually as they made their way towards the helicopters a medic approached him and Covergirl. The medic gave a quick examination to the two.
"I'm sorry soldiers, you'll have to get treated back at base, we've only got room for the serious and critical." The medic said before he continued down the line checking other soldiers. Finally the group reached a split and as a fresh Tomahawk sat down on the tarmac, the ten soldiers were directed to it. Jogging across the open space, the group reached the Tomahawk and piled into it. As Hotseat entered last an Army MP slid the cabin door shut behind him and immediately signaled the pilot to lift-off. As the Tomahawk rose off of the tarmac and sped off into the night, Ripcord was thankful for the darkness. He didn't want the full view of the damage. Slowly, as the soreness and fatigue in everyone's bodies settled in, they removed their gear down to their BDUs or jumpsuits; letting weapons and armor clatter unceremoniously to the deck of the helicopter. The group then rode in silence until after a few minutes had passed and the lights of the complex had disappeared over the horizon, Ripcord turned and looked at Covergirl. She looked down, initially unsure of how to react as Ripcord took hold of her hand, interlocking their fingers.
"Thanks Courtney." Ripcord said. Covergirl shot him a puzzled look before he continued. "For making it out in one piece."


She hoped he couldn't feel her hand shaking under his as she looked up to him, giving a soft "You too, Wally. You too." Not long after they arrived back at The Pit, they found themselves in the same auditorium-like room that they had been in for the briefing of the operation; waiting for a debriefing to begin. She wanted nothing more to go back to her room in the living quarters, shower, change, get rid of the cobra blood that stained more than her jumpsuit, but they had insisted on an immediate debriefing. She wouldn't let herself cry, not in uniform, and besides, she reminded herself, it wouldn't change anything. The compound would still be destroyed. Teammates would still be dead. She wanted to have Ripcord's kind of confidence, or at least, the kind she'd had just a few days before. He patted her hand as the door opened, a few more motley looking soldiers dragging themselves in. She knew they introduced themselves, but couldn't concentrate enough to remember what they said. Following them was a lieutenant, who called the room to order. A man wearing the silver eagles of colonel on his 'Class A' uniform took the front of the room, as exhausted soldiers did their best to snap to attention. Although not militarily correct, Covergirl couldn't help but let her eyes wander. The large room which was packed to capacity just the day before was now barely half full. Or was it half empty?
"I won't keep you long..." The colonel began, after giving the as you were command. "I know it was a tough battle, I know you all need rest, some of you, medical attention even." She looked over at Ripcord's arm, still thinking he should have went right to the infirmary. "I'm Colonel Courage, Chief Liaison to the Joint Chiefs of staff at the Pentagon. By now, you know the enemy you encountered by the name of their terrorist organization, Cobra. According to recently obtained files, this organization has been in existence for some time, though it seems that this has been their first major strike. Unfortunately, we have reason to believe it won't be their last. The reason you were called here in the first place was to form a special counter-terrorist unit, a covert unit, which we have code named GI Joe. Our sole mission will be defense against this new organization. To the nation and the rest of the world, this special counter-terrorist team does not exist. For your safety, and the safety of your families and loved ones, you have each been assigned your own code names, we strongly suggest you use them." The rapid-fire succession of information was being lost by half of the troops, and Covergirl found herself zoning in and out, until what he said next. Taking a deep breath in and pausing to look out over the troops, he made eye contact with no one as he continued. "The battle which you just took part in did not take place. Unfortunately, this means there will be no public ceremonies for the troops lost, nor public commendations for those who excelled. Referring to this incident in any way for the next twenty years will be construed as a direct violation of the UCMJ, and may also constitute an act of treason." The room immediately started buzzing. No public ceremonies for those lost? What did he mean the battles never took place? The colonel lost his patience, slamming his hand down on the podium. "Furthermore...." He continued sharply.... "All individuals here are to remain on base until individually debriefed and further notified. Those soldiers assigned quarters may return to them, those who have not can report to billeting for temporary housing. We are currently in a state of Threatcon Bravo, meaning any and all troops may be deployed at anytime. We strongly suggest you remain ready. Individual briefings will begin tomorrow morning at 07.... Make that 0900." He closed his eyes for a brief second, then opened them, scanning the motley looking crew before him. "Unofficially.... Good job people. Dismissed." 'That was... was it?' Covergirl thought, getting to her feet with the others. 'Good job people?' She didn't care about medals, but the troops lost were just... lost? No official ceremonies? They died, and it just didn't matter? She knew orders were orders, being assigned to a special team was an honor, but still... Good job people?

"You gotta get over, Krieger. Just get over." A voice in her head repeated. Once outside the large room, she focused her attention once more on Ripcord's wounded arm. It gave her something to think about other than what had just taken place. "You should get that stitched up." She told him, understanding why he didn't want to go to the infirmary. They had seen enough wounded for one day, for one lifetime. They had seen enough body bags.
"It can wait." He replied quietly and she nodded. They didn't ask each other any questions about the mission, about being okay, both knowing they wouldn't like the answers if they did. There was an awkward moment of silence in front of the dorm building she was assigned to. She knew if she hugged him she'd lose it, and was doing everything she could to prevent that from happening. He let her know what room was his, telling her to call if she wanted, if she needed anything. She started flashing him a sign, then smiled, catching herself.
"You too, Wally" She said before turning her back. Her hand rested on the entrance to the room, still shaking slightly, probably this time from the lack of sleep, she rationed. She drew a deep breath in closed her eyes, and turned back around. "I'm sorry about the roof... I didn't..." She started to say, still hating herself for leaving him behind. He grabbed her in a tight hug before she could finish, her hugging him back just as hard. She focused her mind on anything else she could, her first photo shoot, her most hated drill instructor, rebuilding a carburetor, detaching herself to hold it together. A single tear slid down her cheek, causing her to look down and release from the warmth of his arms, making her think once again about his wound. "Take care of that arm, Skyboy." She told him, not making eye contact, then turned and climbed the stairs to her room.


The next two days were spent with everyone on edge. Seasoned veterans getting antsy to get back out. Newbies recovering from the shock. Constant paging to debriefing sessions. Short tempers and arguments were rampant. The base never seemed so small before. Covergirl spent the majority of her time with Ripcord, listening to his stories about jumps he'd gone on, military and non. The rest of her time was taken up in the motor pool, working on various engines, helping repair whatever vehicles were salvageable, one of the lucky few to have busy work to keep her mind off everything. She kept the sign of the Cobra in her pocket, a bloody reminder of the battle that never took place.

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