Here's a new story. It takes place after the movie (but not the type of movie you guys remember), and before Kris' set of stories. Hope you all enjoy it! Disclaimer: Not only are virtually none of the characters in this story mine to use, I've ripped off an idea from Zartan's Domain without permission (that idea being an alternate plot to G.I. Joe: The Movie).Trust me when I say I claim no ownership to any of the things which I don't own Aftermath Briefing Room-G.I. Joe Headquarters "This is not good gentlemen," replied a very worried General Hawk. "Despite effectively saving the entire world, we have not even begun to account for the members of Cobra. There is an extremely strong possibility that their organization may rise once again." "But how can you say that?" asked Scarlett, who was filling in for Duke, still recovering from the wound caused by Serpentor's snake. "Dr. Mindebender, most of the Dreadnoks, Scrap Iron, and Copperhead are dead. Cobra Commander is as good as dead, thanks to those damned spores. And let's not forget that Serpentor's Air Chariot was found smashed-" "With no one anywhere near it. Just a couple of fried snakes. With That lunatic around, there's no telling what could happen." Flint's tone was that of someone who had seen things no man should ever be allowed to see. "Just because Dr. Mindbender was killed when the B.E.T. went critical, it doesn't mean that Serpentor can't rebuild an army. We still haven't been able to prove Cobra's ties with Extensive Enterprises. Tomax and Xomat alone are capable of building an army that could wipe us out if we don't watch out." "Flint's right. Some of the things in that place, I've never seen anything like it. If Serpentor's still alive, you can be sure he's getting ready to take us out." Sgt. Slaughter knew about the power of Serpentor better than any of the other Joes. The fact that Dr. Mindbender had sampled his DNA to create the so- called "Cobra Emporer" was still a point of extreme anger for him. The thought of Serpentor still being alive (despite the best efforts of both him and Duke's half-brother, Lt. Falcon) worried him greatly. "And it is because of this that I have decided to bring some more new recruits. If we can give them and the Rawhides a proper training, it's quite possible that we will be stronger than ever." "But Hawk, you can't be serious-" "Scarlett, we've known each other for quite some time. I can assure you that I wouldn't be going against your advice. Now that is all." "But-" "Just because I've assigned you to keep Duke updated while he recuperates, it doesn't mean that you can suddenly countermand my orders. Dismissed." "Yes, sir." Scarlett sighed as she slowly went for the door. While she proceeded to the infirmary, Scarlett went over the meeting in her mind. How could they all believe that Cobra would emerge from what just happened? Cobra, in an audacious step, had formally deposed Cobra Commander after he abandoned Serpentor during their initial attempt to capture the Broadcast Energy Transmitter (B.E.T.), a device that could instantly power up any electrical device in the world. In addition, Dr. Mindbender had transformed Cobra's Himalayan HQ into an organic chamber of horrors, capturing the Joe squadron that was chasing the retreating Cobra forces in the process. Cobra Commander was then placed on trial for a "blatant disregard of proper procedure, and for repeatedly sabotaging Cobra's chances for world domination". They of course found the founder of their cause guilty, and sentenced him to the most despicable of fates: subjectation to the spores, a substance that would be able to turn a human being into a mere snake in just hours. The captured Joes, seizing the oppurtunity to escape, rushed their guards, and tried to escape. All except Roadblock were entwined in huge vine-like plants. Despite getting assistance from a visibly deformed Cobra Commander, Roadblock was blinded by the Nemesis Enforcer, a creature that Dr. Mindbender deemed "the ultimate biological weapon". Luckily, Roadblock and Cobra Commander were able to escape and warn the Joes of Cobra's plans. Cobra's new weapons, meanwhile, were starting to tear apart a weakened Joe squad. Thanks to Falcon's lack of discipline, Zarana had allowed for the Nemesis Enforcer to eliminate the forces defending Serpentor. Thanks to Duke's influence, a court martial only resulted in Falcon being sent to Sgt. Slaughter's infamous Slaughterhouse, home of the toughest trainers in the world. Slaughter, Falcon, and the group known as the Renegades infiltrated and destroyed the Terror Drome on Cobra Island in an attempt to find out what Cobra was planning. Unfortunately, Sgt. Slaughter was unable to defeat the Nemesis Enforcer and recapture Serpentor. He was able to help stave off the biomechanical Cobra forces that were running amuk at Joe Headquarters, but not in time to stop the capture of the B.E.T. or the injury of Duke. When the Joes arrived at Cobra's new Supreme Headquarters, it looked as if they would fail for the final time. But in a stroke of blind luck, Falcon and his fellow Rawhides disobeyed orders, resulting in the freeing of all the other Joes and the destruction of the Cobra HQ. Almost ramming straight into the receptionist's desk, Scarlett jumped right back into the present. Asking the nurse where Doc was, she was directed to Duke's room. The scene she arrived at was most unpleasant. "How did you like the flowers, Duke? It was my idea." As Scarlett neared Duke's room, she realized it could only be one person: Cover Girl. Scarlett was beginning to become extremely jealous of her, because she knew that the former model was out to get her man. Scarlett considered that last thought for a moment. Could it be that she was starting to have some serious feelings for Duke, after all these years? Scarlett shook her head and ignored what she had considered, thinking that it was rediculous. There's no reason at all why Cover Girl shouldn't be allowed to take an interest in Duke, isn't there? "I apreciate it, Cover Girl. The roses are very- Hello, Scarlett. What's new?" Duke was most happy to see Scarlett. While Cover Girl was nice to have around at times, he got the feeling that she was trying to push herself on him. He didn't even know how right he was. "A bunch of things that nobody else in this room needs to hear," anounced Scarlett. "But that isn't important. How's the patient today, Doc?" "Oh, Duke's doing just fine. He's probably going to get out of here in a few days. It's safe to say that he'd like to be out and go full bore right now. But that seems to be the case with every CO I've treated." As always, Doc's analysis was right on the money. While not an original member of the team like Scarlett, Doc was still one of the most truted and well-liked members of the team. His medical expertise was what got Duke this far. "Don't listen to Doc. He just wants to keep me here longer so he can claim that I was hurt worse than I really was," Duke chimed in with one of his traditional sarcastic replies. "Sure, Duke. While I'm hanging in some huge vine freezing my butt off, you're here with a big hole in your chest. That definitely doesn't sound like its as serious as what I was doing, all right." Dusty had a way of lightening up the mood, that's for sure. The mere mention that his freezing up in some vine was life-threatening was enough to make Scarlett giggle uncontrollably. "That's enough. I've got to tell Duke what he missed out on today, or they'll make ME 1rst Sergeant." Everyone (except Cover Girl, who was standing in the backround with a distinct scowl on her face) began laughing. Duke laughed so hard it (literally) made him hurt. Seeing this, all but Scarlett decided it was high time to leave. "OK, so now that you've extended my stay by another year, what did the brain trust go over today?" Duke asked. "Hawk and the others think that it's highly possible that Cobra will return, and decided to get some more recruits, in addition to completing the training of the Rawhides." Scarlett's scowl as she said this was obvious. "You don't seem to enthused about that." "Why should I? Even with the losses of Grunt, Clutch, and Steeler, we're still the most heavily equipped fighting force in the world. And then they're probably doing more to stop Cobra than we'll ever do," referring to the three members of the team who had volunteered to stay in a parallel world devoid of G.I. Joe. "Don't talk like that. Those three exemplify why we must always stand watch. The Joes on that world got complacent, and we all hear what Flint and the others said about them." Duke's tone was getting dead serious. "If you're tired, Scarlett, why don't you take a break? You haven't been home since just after Cobra created that Pyramid of Darkness." "But what about you? Who'll keep you informed of what's going on?" "Dusty can do that. Or even Flint, for that matter. It was your idea that I have an assistant in the first place." "But, Duke-" "No, Scarlett. That's an order. Go home. I'll take care of Hawk. Just get some rest." Scarlett sighed, then accepted what Duke's command. It might actually be nice to go home, she thought. I probably do need the rest. Extensive Enterprises Building-Top Floor As Scarlett was getting ready to take a well-earned vacation, some very well- known adversaries to G.I. Joe were having a heated discussion. "You really should think about..." "coming in here with some normal clothes." As always, Xamot completed his brother's thought with exacting precision. "They're right, you know. If G.I. Joe learns that we're here, planning to infiltrate them,..." Destro left his sentence unfinished, further proving his point. "I will have none of this!" Serpentor's mental condition had been seriously deteriorating over the past two months. Some of Cobra's higher ranking members believed that the absense of both Dr. Mindbender and Cobra Commander was begining to take its toll. "We should have been able to free Zartan, Major Bludd, the Baroness, and those incompetent Dreadnoks weeks ago! I demand that we begin to re-form our army! This, I command!!!" All Serpentor did was make Tomax, Xamot, and Destro scowl. At least Cobra Commander was somewhat predictable in his actions. "Your highness, you do not understand. The loss of the Terror Drome has severely taxed Cobra's operations. M.A.R.S. cannot build the weaponry you need in time enough to launch an attack, much less take over the world." Destro's assertions were correct. While Cobra had the capital reserves and more than enough manpower (the destruction of the Terror Drome resulted in few deaths and the Crimson Guard was still well-manned) to restart their quest to rule the world, there was no way possible for Destro's defense contracting company to pump out weaponry any faster. "Perhaps you are right. If we could plant a spy in G.I. Joe's ranks..." "Who would we use?" interrupted Tomax. "Quite correct, brother. As you said, Zartan and the Baroness are incarcerated. They are our best spies." "Wrong, Crimson Guard Commanders. We have Storm Shadow and Zarana. They will do the job nicely." Serpentor's snug smile darkened the entire room. "How do you intend to go about this infiltration?" Tomax's question spoke for all present. "That is easy. While Zarana attempts to take the place of one of the female Joes, Storm Shadow shall free the others. It is to be done at once. This, I command!!!" As Serpentor said this, Tomax, Xamot, and Destro all looked at each other, knowing that Serpentor's plan was almost fail-safe. TO BE CONTINUED....