"I hope I don't regret this, Lonzo," said Snake-Eyes as he trailed his longtime friend and fellow Vietnam War veteran, Sergeant Lonzo Roger Wilkinson past the
long, silent corridors of the underground command center's third level. "How I let you talk me into going back into the service, let alone signing in
for this G.I. Joe Program, I'll never know..."
Lonzo Wilkinson-Stalker- grinned at his pal. "Don't worry, Snake-Eyes. Believe me, you made the right decision. Hey, I believe in this new GI Joe Team
concept General Flagg & Hawk dreamed up. But for this to work, the initial cadre has simply got to be the best in Uncle Sam's Army. And
you, my friend, are
definitely one of the best in his line of work. Trust me, man. You'll love this outfit."
Snake-Eyes ventured a very rare smile. So little amused him these days. "The last time you said I was going to 'enjoy' something, we wound up in the Hue
Valley taking fire from a reinforced company of VC regulars. We we're lucky Col. Hannibal Smith's A-Team showed up to yank us out of the fire."
"Ha! Yeah, pal, I remember that one. that was a hairy recon mission, all right. Good thing Hannibal was as
unpredictable as his nickname. The gooks never caught on till it was way too late that they were flanked." He chuckled. "I always wondered how the Colonel got
Baracus to man the extraction chopper's mini-gun for that one!" The two men smiled knowingly at the unmentioned inside joke.
Snake-Eyes decided to return to the matter at hand. " I hope you know what you're doing, Stalker-" he decided to use Lonzo's new codename- "It's been
awhile since I was in uniform. I might just be rusty..."
"Well, that's what this hand-to- hand combat refresher course is for. The other GI Joe candidates are all waiting for us in the training center. " The
handsome black US Army Ranger smirked. "And I think you'll all get along just fine. And wait'll you see & meet your instructress..."
Snake-Eyes chose not to reply. It had so long since he had a meaningful relationship with anyone he felt close to...and while he appreciated his longtime friend's efforts to lighten him up, he seriously
doubted he could ever fall for any woman again, not after the way his life's been going...
Stalker noted his friend's silence. 'Damn! I gotta learn to watch my mouth!' He could guess what was passing through Snake-Eyes' mind once he mentioned
the word 'instructress'...he played his hand too soon.
After everything Snake-Eyes had gone through, he knew he was really lucky to have convinced him to return
to US Army service. Still, he also knew how awful a life his pal had lived since returning from
Vietnam six years ago. And he couldn't help but feel that he
needed someone in his life to help him carry on. Maybe, he mused, Scarlett would just be that someone. Still, he knew that all he could do for was to hope for the best...
They soon heard voices coming from an open room at the center of the corridor. Stalker smiled. "C'mon, Snakes. Time to meet the other GI Joe candidates."
Snake-Eyes noted the pride in Stalker's voice, and the subtle spring in his step when he mentioned G.I. Joe. Whatever this new Special Missions program was, he
had to admit that Stalker-looking debonair in his US Army jungle warfare camouflage uniform, complete with
green beret- really believed in it, and , he had to admit, the concept of the unit interested him-an elite
anti-terrorist strike force that drew its personnel from all the branches of the US armed services. As
the U.S. Army was the lead agency in conceiving, and creating the unit, all the initial team members
would be hand picked from that service. He shrugged his shoulders. He had seen his share of Special Ops
during his 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He'll see what this was all about. He wouldn't readily admit it to
Stalker, but from what he's seen so far he was already impressed, all the more so since the command HQ for
the GI Joe Team was located 200 meters underground-beneath the Fort Wadsworth Motor Pool. This unit must be really special to warrant such secure facilities.
Who knows? He might even find his place in this new outfit.
He followed Stalker inside. The room was a obviously the Training Center of the
subterranean facility- a large high-ceilinged area
that was equipped with all forms of training devices ranging from individual marksmanship booths where one could hone his (or
her sharp shooting skills; a
separate martial arts area with cushioned mats; a gym area complete with vaulting horses, a balance beam, rings, parallel bars, and a heavy
punching bag was adjacent this. And a closed door was marked Swimming
Area. He & Stalker strode over to the gym area where five other young men were obviously awaiting them.
"Hey, Stalker! Where've you been? We were beginning to think you forgot all about us!" greeting a tall, lanky young man in standard US Army fatigues with a
shoulder holster holding an M-1911A1 auto pistol. He had a full head of black hair with full beard and carried
himself casually, completely at ease. Even so, Snake Eyes could sense he could also be utterly professional if he had to.
"Forget you guys? Now, why would I wanna do that?" Stalker shot back. "Of course if I could forget all about YOU, Clutch, that'll be a relief!"
"Ha! Good one!" Clutch laughed as did a few of the others. "So, who's your latest recruit?"
Stalker turned and motioned to Snake-Eyes "This is Snake-Eyes. He's also a GI Joe candidate, and he's gonna fill the Commando slot for this outfit." He grinned. "And if guys think you're good, you ain't
seen nothing yet!"
"Don't pay attention to him," Snake-Eyes said quietly. "Stalker likes to exaggerate."
"Maybe I do at that, pal. But in your case, I don't think I need to." The Ranger indicated to Clutch. "By the way, Snake-Eyes, meet Clutch. He's the team's Transport expert. Don't let that devil may care
attitude fool you. He can drive like nobody else's business."
"Pleased to meet you, Snake-Eyes." They shook hands, and Snake-Eyes found he liked him straight off. He
had a good feel for people, and he sensed Clutch would make a good member for the GI Joe Team.
"C'mon, I'll introduce you to the others," Clutch offered.
"You do that, Clutch," ordered Stalker. "Well, now that all the candidates are here, I think it's time you guys meet your hand to hand combat instructress.
She'll be along in a few minutes." He paused to smile. "And you guys better respect her, too. Or she's liable to put you yahoos in the infirmary
before the day's out. I kid thee not."
"A GIRL's gonna teach US how to fight?" scoffed one of the recruits, a tall, rugged guy with a storm of
wavy brown hair outfitted in fatigues and leather gloves. "You've gotta be jokin' Stalker!"
"Knock it off, Steeler!" barked Stalker, using his command voice that got everyone's
attention." This ain't Pittsburgh or your local boys' club. When your
instructress arrives, you will listen and learn, and accord her proper respect. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir!" Steeler replied crisply.
"Good. You know when to shut up." With that , the Ranger strode out.
"Ahh, Stalker, what a character." chuckled one of the other recruits, a young man with a raw Tennessee
slang who was likewise in fatigues, with a clean shaven handsome face with tawny brown hair. He went over to
Clutch.
"Yep. He sure is," agreed Clutch. "C'mon, Breaker. Meet Snake-Eyes. "
"Howdy," Breaker said easily. Like Clutch, he seemed surprisingly at ease, as if nothing fazed him. "I'm the Communications Officer for the GI Joe Team.
Stalker told us a bit about you, Snake-Eyes. Hope they're all true."
"Maybe." Snake-Eyes said enigmatically. "By the way, who was that guy Stalker chewed out? He doesn't seem to like the idea of a girl in this outfit."
"Oh, that's Steeler. He's our Armor specialist. He's always like that." Breaker chuckled. "He keeps
forgetting' it's the 1980s already. Me? I wouldn't
mind seeing a girl in this unit. Hope she's a pretty one, though."
"We'll see," Clutch said. He motioned to two other GI Joe candidates. "Hey, Rock 'N Roll! Flash! Get yourselves over here and say 'hi' to the new GI
Joe!"
"You always did have a way with words, Clutch!" remarked a tall, well built man with dark blond hair,
sharp blue eyes, and,-like Clutch-a full beard. He wore combat fatigues with a dark red collar and a
pair of ammo belts criss-crossed his chest. "Hi, Snake-Eyes. I'm Rock 'N Roll, the Machine Gunner for
the G.I. Joe Team." He motioned to the last candidate in the room, s youthful looking young man in full
fatigues with a padded dark red blast harness over his tunic. "And this is Flash."
"Pleased to meet you," greeted Flash. "I'm the Laser Rifle Trooper for the team." His dark brown hair matched his eyes, and lent him a boyishly youthful
look. He said lightly: "Well, now that we're all here, where's that instructress Stalker mentioned?"
"Good afternoon, gentlemen." announced a new, distinctly clear and sweet feminine voice just then. Everyone in the room turned.
Clutch stared. Absolutely stared when he saw who arrived. "Oh, my...Lynda Carter eat your heart out..." he whispered.
"You can say that again, pal," Rock 'N Roll muttered. "Farrah Fawcett can take a hike, too."
"So can Kate Jackson & Suzanne Somers," added Breaker.
Snake-Eyes was slightly amused at the way the three Joes reacted. As it was, his view was partially shielded
by Flash, who, he noted, was looking as if he just saw a vision, his jaw dropping in surprise. Then, the Laser
Rifleman realized how he was acting, controlled himself, then, stepped out of the way.
Snake-Eyes understood why the others reacted the way they did. Who could blame them? He certainly
couldn't.
The new arrival who now joined them at the Training Center was a superbly beautiful young woman in her
early 20s. She was tall-Snake-Eyes guessed she was 5" 10'- and athletic, graced with long silken red
hair that was tied back in a simple ponytail by a dark blue barrette. Her beauteous face was utterly flawless,
enhanced with intense blue eyes, a delicate nose and lips, and smooth & a creamy magnolia white,
flawless complexion. She was likewise graced with a svelte perfect figure, and made even more exceptionally
desirable in her current attire- a form fitting vinyl yellow-orange & violet leotard style jumpsuit that
seemed to fit the image of an Olympic-level gymnast or that of an aerobics instructress-instead of a
martial artist.
Snake-Eyes gazed at her appreciatively, admiring her beauty. He couldn't help it; despite the discipline
he attained from his time in Japan six years ago, he can't help but feel attracted to this young lady. He
was quite good at assessing people, and in this young woman, he sensed -if not actually felt- a
familiarity with her at first sight. Almost as if she reminded him of...
Clutch was the first to find his voice. "Anything we can do for you, Miss?" he asked, somewhat lamely.
'Man! She's gorgeous!' he can't help but think.
The young lady favored him with a smile that sent his heart going into overdrive. "Actually, I think
that's my line. I'm your hand to hand combat instructress."
"What?!" sputtered Steeler. The Armor specialist sounded shocked. "YOU'RE gonna train US how to
fight? Is this a joke?"
The young lady's eyes narrowed faintly at that. "I see you 've got a lot to learn, Mr. Know-it-all." She turned to the others. "By the way, you guys can
call me Scarlett. I'm the Counter Intelligence Specialist for the GI Joe Team." she gave a disarming smile. "And I've been asked to evaluate your unarmed combat
skills -to see if you guys can take care of yourselves without a weapon if necessary." She walked over to the front of the matted floor. "So, fellas, any
volunteers?"
"YOU can teach hand to hand combat? Hah!" sneered Steeler. "Right! I bet you can cook, too."
"Want to try your luck with me, Steeler?" There was no anger, no annoyance in Scarlett's voice. instead it was calm & confident. "You're welcome to try-and
here she grinned-"if you've got the guts to match that mouth of yours."
"Ha! good one, Scarlett!" crowed Clutch. Turning to Snake-Eyes, he added, "I like this gal! She's got spirit! And
man, she's beautiful!"
"She sure does," agreed Snake-Eyes. Strangely enough, he couldn't help but notice that his heart was racing. It had been years since he permitted himself to let
his guard down around a very beautiful young woman. He fought down the impulse. This
wasn't the time for it. Still, he couldn't help but gaze admiringly at
beauteous lady who now entered his life.
Steeler glowered at Clutch for that remark. "Laugh on, guys! Go ahead." He snickered to face Scarlett.
"I hope you're not too fragile, kid. After I get through with you, you're gonna be needing lots of heavy make-up for a week."
It was at that comment that Snake-Eyes noted that except for a touch of red lipstick, Scarlett wore no make up. Interesting. Scarlett didn't seem to take offense at the macho
posturing.
"You sound so sure of yourself, aren't you?" she asked sweetly." Well, let's see what you've got. " With that, she took up a defensive stance.
Steeler guffawed. "O.K., babe! Just remember-you asked for it!" He casually left the other Joes and
assessed the young lady. He shook his head disbelievingly. 'She's a martial-artist?! Nah! A Victoria's Secret girl, maybe... a Playboy model, definitely! But an
honest to goodness black belt? That'll be the day!' He dismissed further thoughts and circled Scarlett
casually, noting warily that she never missed a move he was making.
Then he sprang at her, rushing her full tilt. Scarlett calmly waited till Steeler couldn't
possibly check his speed to stop-then she deftly stepped aside and delivered a sudden snap kick to his side, just below his ribs. This was, after all, a refresher
course; she didn't wish to hurt him badly.
"Gahh!" Steeler yelped as he felt Scarlett's kick dig into him. He lost balance and stumbled to the floor with a crash.
"You're too eager to show off, Steeler." Scarlett said as she came up to him. "Still doubt my credentials?"
Steeler snarled as he got up. It didn't help matters that Clutch & Rock 'N Roll were laughing like hyenas-along with Snake-Eyes and the others.
"It ain't over yet, babe!" he promised as he next tried to tackle Scarlett to the floor. He didn't wish to hurt her,
but he wasn't about to be made a laughing stock either.
Again Scarlett calmly waited. This time however, she parried Steeler's left arm as he came in range, grabbed it at the forearm, then twisted her lithe
body around, then shifted her weight precisely to send Steeler flying over her shoulder in a text book judo throw.
Steeler gasped as he suddenly found himself sent back to the mat, this time with his left arm aching like blazes. He gave out a yelp.
"Don't worry, Steeler, you'll live," Scarlett said gently. "Oh, yeah...don't you ever call me 'babe'!"
She turned back to the other G.I. Joe candidates who were now silent. Clutch looked like he was in shock. She looked them over then she noted the tall, young man in casual Army fatigues, boots & a soft camo
jungle hat. "O.K., you're next," she said lightly.
"S-somebody answer that phone..." Steeler said woozily as he tried to get up.
Clutch snickered as he saw the look of surprise on Snake-Eyes' face. "Swat her one for Steeler, pal..." he whispered sotto voce.
Scarlett gazed appraisingly at her next 'volunteer'. "You're Snake-Eyes, right?" she asked to confirm his identity. "Throw a punch at me as hard as you can."
Snake-Eyes hesitated. "I-I couldn't do that..." he protested. 'How could anyone even think of hurting someone like her?' was his next thought. He racked hid
mind, wondering why he suddenly felt so protective of her...
Scarlett smiled. "Don't worry, Snake-Eyes. I won't take it personally. Promise."
"I-I bet you wouldn't!" groaned Steeler who was now being helped to his feet by Flash.
"Steeler, shut up," advised Rock 'N Roll.
"Yeah! Take it like a REAL man!" chimed in Breaker.
"C'mon, Snake-Eyes!" urged Scarlett. "Give me your best shot."
Snake-Eyes shrugged. "Well...if you insist." He then swung his left fist at her head.
Scarlett saw the blow coming. She turned and rolled with the incoming blow. Snake-Eyes' hand sailed past her and lightly grazed her cheek. As she avoided
the blow, Scarlett grabbed at his forearm, then altered her stance to throw Snake-Eyes over her shoulder.
As Snake-Eyes felt himself being carried over by his own momentum over Scarlett's shoulder, he smiled privately. "Good moves," he said softly so that only
Scarlett can hear his words.
Scarlett smiled faintly. "Glad you approve-" she was beginning to say, then she stopped herself short as she realized what was happening.
A fully qualified martial arts instructress, Scarlett learned the basics of Karate & Judo from her father.
And her dad had an uncanny knack for recognizing those individuals whose martial arts skills were exceptional-a talent he had passed to her youngest
child-and only daughter. Scarlett never forgot those lessons. And now, as she completed her throw, she was thinking, 'This guy's
good-no, he's an excellent martial artist! He doesn't need me for an instructress. Why is he holding back? Because I'm a girl?' No, she dismissed that thought. Unlike Steeler, Snake-Eyes didn't have any sense of
malice, nor did he voice any doubts about her skills. that can only mean...'He's letting me throw him! So I
won't end up getting embarrassed...' she realized.
She remembered where she was and focused her mind back to the task at hand. Even so, she controlled herself
so as to insure Snake-Eyes wouldn't land too hard on the practice mat.
Snake-Eyes slammed into the mats smoothly. He gave a faint chuckle then got to his feet, dusting himself off out of habit.
"Are you all right?" Scarlett asked next as she went over to him.
Snake-Eyes nodded.
Scarlett let out a sigh of relief. "O.K., Snakes. You're excused. Hey, thanks for being a good sport." She helped him up to his feet.
The Commando simply smiled at her in response.
* * * * * * * *
"So, Scarlett, how did the candidates do for today?" asked Col. Clayton
M. Abernathy. Hawk, the field commanding officer of the newly formed G.I. Joe Team,
looked natty in his US Army dress green A uniform as he met with Scarlett in his private office at the Pit's second level. Hawk looked the part of a career U.S. Army officer with dark blond hair cut in
regulation trim, well chiseled features that highlighted aquamarine blue eyes. Even as he sat at his large oak desk, he easily conveyed the
impression that was more a field soldier than a desk driver.
His impressive West point record, along with his
carefully crafted reputation as an excellent field commander, combined with his sharp mind and superb leadership skills made him the natural choice to head up the
new G.I. Joe Team Program. More importantly, Hawk was one of that rare type of commanders-the sort who would willingly lead up front in the field than stay
behind the lines. That was the crucial factor that convinced the President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff & the Secretary of Defense that he was the right man for
the job.
Scarlett smiled as she sat across the desk from her Commanding Officer, her long, slender legs crossed. "Honestly, Hawk? Overall, I'd say they've earned
their slot on the team. I've looked over their DD201s*. They're all qualified in their respective fields.
They each have impressive records, but I guess that's to be expected."
Hawk chuckled. "Not bad for a group of E-4s & NCOs, eh? Well, who ever said only officers can act like real soldiers? What did you think of them
individually? Any deficiencies?"
Scarlett shrugged. "Breaker's really green when it comes to hand to hand combat, I want to tutor him on that. He could use some seasoning. Steeler needs a
reality check; he has a habit of badly underestimating his opponents, and he likes to play macho and show off. that can cost him. As for the rest...they've
no real problems. Sure they'll need a bit more training, but not much more. Give me 2 weeks and I'll have 'em ready to hold their own in a tournament."
"Fair enough, Scarlett." Hawk indicated a dark green folder on his desktop. "I read your prelim report. Not bad." He motioned to the Ranger who was standing
with his back to the wall of the room. "And Stalker tells me you're curious about our resident Commando."
"Well, yes, sir, I guess I am at that," Scarlett admitted. After the refresher course, she had paid Stalker a visit in his quarters & asked about Snake-Eyes. "He's a real mystery,
Colonel. He didn't
go hang out with the other candidates after the refresher. Later at the cafeteria, I
noticed he sat by
himself. If I didn't know better, I'd say he's lonely."
"Yeah, he is, Scarlett," said Stalker. "Snake-Eyes has always been a loner. Even when we were LRRPs** over
in 'Nam, he wasn't the kind of guy you'd call a 'party animal'. He's a great team player, and you can trust him with your life , but he prefers to be alone most
of the time when he can."
"I see...", Scarlett said quietly. She hesitated briefly. "Stalker, has he anyone special in his life?"
Stalker shook his head." Not that I know of, Scarlett." An amused expression came to his face then. "I take
it you like him."
"Honestly? I'm not sure what I feel," Scarlett said softly. She had to admit that Snake-Eyes' behavior during the training session was certainly unusual,
and , yes, she was intrigued by him. After all, she was a martial arts expert... Yet she couldn't help but realize that her heart was
racing whenever she thought of him.
* * * * * * * * *
Snake-Eyes sauntered outside the main gate of Fort Wadsworth. He
was dressed in a simple orange polo shirt
and a pair of jeans. Clutch and the others had asked if he'd like to join them as they went sightseeing in New York. As this was the first time for some of
them in New York , Hawk had granted the G.I. Joe candidates to have a night's furlough to familiarize themselves
with the Big Apple. He only reminded them to be sure to be back by 2135 hours.
Snake-Eyes declined the invitation. He liked Clutch and the other Joes, but he wasn't in the mood for a night on the town-even if Stalker was picking up the
tab. He sighed. 'I don't belong here in the city.' Then again, he rarely felt he really belonged anywhere.
He wondered for the Nth time if he did the right thing going back into the
service.' A bit too late for second thoughts, Johnny,' he chastised himself. If he
really wanted no part of this, he should've told Hawk & Stalker so when they visited him a few days ago at the
High Sierras. Still, he can't help if anything good can come out of this. He didn't exactly live a charmed life...
"Snake-Eyes?"
Snake-Eyes turned at the voice. He certainly recognized it. "Hello, Scarlett. good evening." Despite himself, he found he was smiling, and a
curious sense of comfort came over him as he saw her.
He wondered why he felt so.
"Hi," Scarlett said softly as she joined him, glad that she managed to catch up to him. She was attired in a simple dark green & yellow dress that form
fitted her hourglass figure. A simple white sash-style belt encircled her waist, and the hem came to mid thigh,
revealing her long, shapely legs. A pair of simple sandals completed her look.
"Can I help you, Scarlett?" Snake-Eyes asked.
"Actually, I was wondering if I could join you," Scarlett said . "That
is, if you don't mind."
To his surprise, Snake-Eyes found he couldn't refuse her.