Chapter Two

Ripcord walked back into the jungle; in all his rage to get at Fastdraw he'd left his gear sitting at the base of the tree. As he unloaded his equipment his actions were in calm, controlled movements. His emotions weren't. Fastdraw didn't know how close he'd come to death. Covergirl, Heavy Metal, and Fastdraw wouldn't have had a chance to survive a drop through the jungle canopy. Ripcord had barely pulled it off himself and that was only the product of knowing what to do after eight years of parachuting. Trying to cool off he held on to that thought, keeping his mind off of Fastdraw's stupidity. Eight years total jumping, two years were civilian, the remaining six years were military with four of those years as HALO. He'd seen guys before who had landed in trees and didn't know what to do. The impact would catch 'em off guard, the massive shock from the sudden stop breaking their necks. Ripcord glanced up at his empty harness, still suspended from branches almost a hundred feet high. The image came to mind of Covergirl hanging up there, her head flopped down at an awkward angle. Ripcord shuttered at the thought and shook his head to clear his thoughts. He decided to dwell on his equipment rather than his past in order to calm himself down, focusing in on every fine detail of his gear. His weapon was the most important thing. He inspected the M-16A2, everything checking out fine before he removed the hundred-mile-an-hour tape that was holding the magazine into rifle. After that he charged the weapon then set it aside. He pulled his ballistic vest out of the bag and immediately put it on. They were in a combat zone. He'd calmed down enough to realize that now. Then after a quick inspection of it's contents he put on his ALICE gear next. He then withdrew the M-1911 out of it's position on his hip holster, loaded the weapon and charging it, but keeping the safety on. Next he withdrew the knife that hung upside down from the left strap of his combat suspenders, he visually inspected the edge then placed it back it's scabbard. Next he pulled his LC-2 out of the bag, then folded up the bag and put it in the LC-2. He pulled the LC-2 onto his back and picked up his M-16. The whole process had taken less than two minutes, during which he'd calmed down at some point. Good. He needed to worry about the mission right now, not Fastdraw. But once they where out of this, he was personally going to deal with the bastard, Hotseat or anyone else be damned. He let out a heavy exhale. "Game time." he said to himself just above a whisper. With that said his face went into its cold 'combat counterpart' as he jogged back towards where the clearing and the VAMPs were. As he came into the clearing he saw that the others had loaded up the VAMPs and driven them off of their drop platforms, lining the vehicles up in the column formation that they'd be traveling in. The drivers had started to inspect the vehicles for damage. Fastdraw was loading and charging the twin machine guns on the last VAMP and blew a kiss at Ripcord before breaking out into a fit of laughter. Ripcord ignored it. He'd get what was coming to him. Towards another edge of the clearing he saw Repeater and Zap dragging the wooden drop platforms and everyone's parachutes into the jungle. He slung his M-16 and headed in their direction.
"Don't that let jackass get to you hombre." Zap said to Ripcord as the three carried the jump equipment into the jungle.
"Motherfucker acts like he wants to get fragged." Ripcord retorted.
"Can you at least hold it together for the rest of the mission?" Zap asked. Ripcord didn't respond. Once the three had dragged the equipment deep enough into the jungle they spread a camouflage net over it that was brought specifically for that task. As they headed back towards the waiting VAMPs a deep rolling clap of thunder was heard which was followed within seconds by a heavy down pour of rain that seemed to come from nowhere.
"Welcome home." Repeater said, his voice barely above a whisper. Ripcord shot a look at Repeater but he acted like he hadn't said anything or that Ripcord wasn't even looking at him. Shaking off the thought of Repeater's cryptic comment Ripcord continued to run towards the clearing. As he and Repeater jogged past the rear VAMP, Zap jumped into its passenger side.
"Hey that corncob fall outta your ass yet, Skyboy?" Fastdraw called out from his position on the back of the rear VAMP. Once again Ripcord ignored the comment. If he worried more about Fastdraw than the real threat he'd end up getting himself killed. As he and Repeater ran past the Mk.II Ripcord let his 'combat face' drop just long enough to shoot Covergirl a smile and a thumbs up. As they finally reached the lead VAMP Ripcord climbed into the passenger seat while Repeater jumped on to the back of the vehicle. As soon as Ripcord climbed in, Hotseat handed him a pair of binoculars.
"Okay kid here's the deal. Since I gotta make sure that this thing doesn't wrap around a tree you're gonna be the eyes of this little weekend excursion. Keep your eyes on the horizon, if you see something call it out. Think you can handle that kid?" Hotseat said while keeping his eyes focused on the jungle ahead of the VAMP.
"Roger that." Ripcord said with a nod. Hotseat then lead the VAMP column off into the jungle.

Between the patter of the rain against the roof of the VAMP and the rumble of the big engine Ripcord found it hard to focus on the horizon. All the jumping around of the vehicle didn't help either. Plus without any plexiglass on the window frames of the vehicle no water was kept out either. It had been quiet. But then again they were only just 120 miles out, it'd be a bad sign if they hit patrols or resistance this far out. One of these days he would learn to stop thinking about bad things. "Got two STUNs coming our way." Ripcord said as he put down the binoculars and flipped the selector switch on his M-16 from safe to 3-round-burst.
"Shit." Hotseat hissed as he jerked the wheel to the left and keyed his radio, "Everybody stop and disembark. Cover the VAMPs in the nets and get away from them. The column rolled to a stop and everyone piled out. Ripcord's adrenaline was peaking as he and Repeater pulled the camouflage netting over the VAMP. The squad then followed Hotseat as he ran and dove behind a fallen log, pointing his M-16 towards the approaching STUNs. The STUNs seemed to take forever. "Remember people," Hotseat said just loud enough for everyone to hear, "this is a covert op if they don't stop, we don't shoot." The STUNs seemed to be heading right for the group. Heavy Metal was getting more visibly shaky as the STUNs came nearer and nearer. In contrast Repeater looked as calm as if he was sitting in the mess hall, but he did keep his M-60 trained on the enemy vehicles. Fastdraw was sighting up on the Motorvipers, mimicking pulling the trigger and making barely audible gunshot noises. Zap crossed himself and said a quick prayer in Spanish. Ripcord shot a quick glance at Covergirl then returned his gaze to STUNs. The lead STUN came so close that the floor of the jungle shook under the huge wheels of the oversized ATV. The lead STUN passed right by without a second glance. There was a collective sigh of relief until the trailing STUN pulled to stop. It just sat there for a second. Everyone tensed up. "Not until I say people. Not until I say." Hotseat repeated just above his breath. The four Motorvipers hopped down from the STUN and began walking towards where the group was hidden. They each had a G-41 in their hands. The Motorvipers seemed to be talking about something on their helmet communicators. They then began to fan out and move forward. "Fuck, they're gonna find us if we stay." Hotseat said as he slid down behind the log. "Alright people, fall back as they advance. Ripcord, Repeater, Fastdraw, Covergirl, pick one and shadow him. As soon as they lose visual on each other take 'em down swift and silent. Zap, Heavy Metal, you're with me, we're gonna spread wide then double back here to cut them off from the STUN. Move out." With that said the team slipped away into the jungle.

Ripcord had almost literately stayed a few steps ahead of 'his' Motorviper. This was getting maddening. Ripcord had waited and waited, watching the light blue uniforms of the Motorvipers off to the sides. Finally after what seemed like an eternity the Motorvipers lost visual contact with each other. It was time. Ripcord eased prone behind a small fallen log. He was sweating bullets waiting on the Motorviper, he would only get one chance and it had to be fast. Finally the boot of the Motorviper appeared on top of the log. When the Motorviper's other foot moved to step over the log Ripcord reached out and jerked back on the Motorviper's ankle. He heard muffled yelp as the Motorviper fell forward, losing the grip on his rifle. Ripcord reacted before the enemy had hit the ground. He shot forward and flipped the dazed Motorviper over. He quickly closed his left hand around the man's neck, squeezing and pushing his weight down on the man's throat while his right knee pinned the man to the ground. He couldn't be allowed to scream. If he did then the team was as good as dead. In a swift motion Ripcord withdrew his knife and slammed it down. The thin plexiglass was no match for the reinforced steel. The blade slammed through the Motorviper's reflective faceplate. After a half-twist Ripcord pulled the blade back out. The threat was down. It was then after Ripcord started to come down from the adrenaline rush that he noticed some things. The blood and gore dripping from the knife's blade. The dark stain on the crotch of the Cobra's pants. The fact that he didn't struggle but rather had shook like a leaf under Ripcord's grip. Everyone before now had tried to kill Ripcord first. This was different. This was almost like murder. Ripcord shook his head clear of the disturbing thoughts and keyed his radio "Mine's down, returning to the VAMPs." With that said Ripcord took a last hard look at the shattered reflective face plate then jogged off in the direction of the VAMPs.


She didn't have time to think, just drew a bead on the closest Viper she could. No weapons, Hotseat had said. Had to be a quick, silent kill. He hadn't looked that big from so far away, but as he drew closer... She shook her head to clear it of the negative thoughts, as she drew deeper into the jungle, further from the safety of the VAMPs. No weapons, no armor, but she did have a knife. “Us or them” she reminded herself. “Us or them.” She clutched the bloody Cobra insignia in her pocket as a reminder, then grabbed the survival knife from her belt, crouching low. 'Let him pass me.' She thought. 'Just let him pass, I'll get him from the back.' It seemed cowardly, but then again, who said there were any rules when it came to killing someone? She'd stayed far enough a head of him to not be seen, but to let herself be traced, it was hard not to be, every step you took sank deep into the marshy ground,.every branch, leaf, vine touched left a mark. At least the heavy rains were providing some sort of cover, silencing the sounds of her running. She stayed ahead a few yards, then doubled back, clutching the knife white knuckled while she waited. 'One shot, one shot, one shot…' echoed through her head. She had one shot to do this, even if it didn't mean a missile would be wasted. She held her breath as he took a step past, and reacted. The plan was to stab him hard in the kidney area, and take it from there, it wasn't much, but at least it was a plan. Unfortunately, no one told the Viper. He turned just before she stabbed, her knife sinking deep into his abdomen, then being drawn upwards. Her mind flashed suddenly to the small cereal boxes she'd eat as a kid, they kind of opened the same way. Funny what you think about to keep your mind off of what you're doing. He fell backwards to the soft ground, her still on top of him, holding fast to the knife. What started as a low whimper grew louder, as she pulled the knife upwards towards his chest. Still flat on top of him, she threw an elbow into his throat. After two tries, her other hand pulled the knife from his chest cavity, not realizing how deep it had plunged. Tracing a line underneath her elbow, she slit the trooper's throat, stopping the sounds all together. She held fast on top of him, elbow still to his chin, thrusting the knife back into his chest cavity, closer to his heart. It stopped midway, and she closed her eyes until the movement below her stopped. At least he was wearing a reflective face-plate. The only eyes she had seen were her own.
“Nice Kill!” A call came out, causing her to look up. There stood Fast Draw, barely a drop of blood on him. “Was just seeing if you needed some help from your white knight here, but looks like the little damsel did just fine. Personally, I think the Columbian Necktie was a bit over the top, but then again, that's me.” She shook her head in disgust as she used two hands to dislodge the knife. She cleaned the weapon on the Motorvipers wet clothes before standing up.
“You know what you're problem is?” She asked, putting away the knife and heading back towards the VAMPs.
“There's just not enough of me to go around? Don't worry, Fast Draw will always save a piece of himself for you, Babe. You can pick which piece you want.”
“Obnoxious fuck…”
“You know I love it when you talk dirty to me.” She shook her head in disgust, not even being able to answer as she pushed past him. “Oh come on, Court…. Just one kiss?” He mocked.
They were the last two to arrive back at the VAMPs, Covergirl was happy to see everyone else safe.
“Any problems?” Hotseat asked. She inadvertently shot a look in Fast Draw's direction, before catching herself.
“No. No problems.”
“No problem at all.” Fast Draw said, recanting how he killed the Snake he was tailing bare handed. “Two sounds. Me hitting him, him hitting the ground.” She flashed Ripcord a quick 'you okay?' look. He nodded, then flashed the same look back, to which she nodded. She noticed Hotseat shoot a quizzical look towards Ripcord, before giving the order to remount.
“Let's bring it together, people.” He told them. “Keep `em in 4WD, doesn't look like this rain is going to let up.” Covergirl's feet sank deeper in the mud, and she checked back to the MKII.
“Gimme two.” She asked the Sergeant, sight measuring the mud levels on the VAMPs compared to the MK II. Zap took a seat in the front, as she started letting half of the air out of the tires. “Better traction!” She called to him, seeing his puzzled look. “We got a ton more weight then them, due to the missiles! 4WD will do nothing if we sink!”
“I guess this is why they call it the rain forest, huh?” He shouted over the din. She was a little worried about the VAMP MkII, being as it was a little more sensitive, though she preferred the term temperamental, than the original, but even with a damp distributor, it turned over easily. She resisted the urge to talk to the 12 ponies under the hood, giving the dashboard a quick pat thanks before catching up with Hotseat, Repeater, and Ripcord. The trip through the jungle was long, long enough to make Covergirl's muscles ache from the strain of trying to keep the craft steady, maneuvering over the thick jungle floor.
What little sunlight had been streaking through quickly faded to dusk, as Hotseat finally gave the hold up order, meaning they were near the target locale. She grimaced as she climbed out, lactic acid now building up, making even the step out painful. Her feet still reverberated from the vibration of the gas, break and clutch pedals, and even after a few good stretches she felt stiff. Even though the rain had let up a few miles back, a thick cloud of moisture hung in the air as Hotseat checked his maps.
“Okay people..” he started, and Covergirl smiled. She wondered if he actually knew anyone's name. So far she's heard 'people' and 'kid' about a dozen times. “We're getting close. Get the VAMPs under cover, grab an MRE. then we're going to catch about 5 hours of sleep, watch rotations every hour, 2 people on. We'll break camp at 2300. Questions?” She noticed little cliques almost forming as they broke open the brown MRE packs. Her, Zap, Ripcord to one side. Fast Draw wisely choosing to eat with Hotseat and Heavy Metal, Repeater off to himself. He always seemed to be off by himself. 'Hotseat was right.' She thought to herself. This was just like high school. Barely able to keep her eyes open through 'dinner,' She was one of the first to sleep, with Heavy Metal and Repeater taking the watch.
“Plenty of room over here by me, Babe.” Fast Draw started commenting, patting the ground next to him, but Zap cut him off. “Unless of course, Skyboy was never taught to share.” She hated the fact that he'd picked that up, something she tried to keep private, just between her and Ripcord.
“Go easy, Compadre.” She heard Zap saying. “I'm not taking sides, but you have to admit, there's been enough trouble for one day?”
“Not my fault he goes and gets all uppity on me, have this talk with him, amigo.”
“I'm just saying is all. I was the one trying to hold him back, remember? You keep this up, I suggest you sleep with one eye open.” She barely heard him finish the sentence, falling asleep the minute her head hit the tarp. She thought she could feel Ripcord's strong hand brush away a lock of hair sticking to the thick, camo paint, but it might just have been a sweet dream.

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