Fangs in the Dark Part 1

Rescue Joes

As Cobra advances their projects, G.I. Joe prepare to finally launch Operation: Fire Age.

## Plot

### Operation: Hellbend

On August 31, 2010, Flint joins Sgt. Duke, Doc, Grand Slam, and Lt. Falcon on a mission to the Forest of Cuba. In Mission Control, General Flagg tells Sgt. Duke to bring Beatriz Navarro back to The Pit for questioning. Sgt. Duke mentions that he will, before he is nearly shot by Beatriz. Lt. Falcon asks where Barrel Roll is, and Flint mentions that she should've been with them since they arrived. Beatriz aims for Sgt. Duke, who takes some cover behind a tree. She remains patient as she sees Grand Slam advancing near her. She shoots and misses him, before reloading. She then looks for Grand Slam, but finds him missing. She then looks around, and sees as Barrel Roll is aiming for her. Beatriz gets up and attempts to flee, only to be sniped and injured by Barrel Roll.

Sgt. Duke thanks Barrel Roll, before they all converge on Beatriz and Sgt. Duke has her arrested. Doc then begins to patch her up, before Sgt. Duke contacts General Flagg and asks for pick up. General Flagg grants it, before congratulating the Joes. A Day Later on September 1, Flint interrogates Beatriz and demands to know why she went rogue. Beatriz mentions that the U.S. is failing all ethnicities except for his. Flint tells Beatriz that she murdered an American Politician and fled. Beatriz then remains silent, before asked why she did it. Beatriz mentions that she was hired by someone who promised to bring true equality for the U.S., but has no idea who her employer was. Flint tells Beatriz that she's going away for a long time, before leaving the room.

### The Shadow Climbs

On July 21, 2023, Mistress Armada returns to the Colorado Supermax and releases Black Out. Black Out asks what took so long, and Mistress Armada mentions that she wasn't given word of her existence till her name was brought up by Destro. Black Out asks who Destro is, and Mistress Armada mentions that he's her employer. Black Out asks what her mission is, and Mistress Armada tells her that she's simply being escorted to Washington, D.C. to receive them from Serpentor. Black Out thinks, before asking Mistress Armada to lead the way. In Sudbury, Canada, Sgt. Slaughter, G.I. Steve, and Col. Savage continue to train G.I. Joe and the Canadian soldiers. Sgt. Slaughter asks Col. Savage if he's ever dealt with Cobra before.

Col. Savage mentions that he did meet The Baroness while on a mission to Burgenstein, Neu Germania back in 2021. Sgt. Slaughter asks what he was doing in Neu Germania, and Col. Savage mentions that he was sent their to protect Treasurer Daniel Hansish, but failed after The Baroness got to him. Sgt. Slaughter mentions that the assassination is probably the only good thing The Baroness has ever done. Col. Savage mentions that Hansish was a bit of a prick, but orders are orders. Sgt. Slaughter mention that good soldiers follow them, but good men do what's right. Sgt. Slaughter then orders all of the Canadian Soldiers to start running laps around the base. G.I. Steve then tells the men that he's going to see how Sgt. Jackhammer is leading The Rawhydes.

Sgt. Jackhammer watches as Beach Head trains his fellow Rawhydes. Steve tells Jackhammer that drill training is his job, and Jackhammer mentions that Beach Head could make a great field commander, and Steve mentions that he'll take it up with General Hawk once they liberate the U.S. Beach Head watches as Grunt struggles to complete the obstacle course. Grunt mentions that he hasn't seen action since he retired 3 years ago. Big Ben attempts to help Grunt up, only for Beach Head to demand that Grunt try and get up the wall on his own. Big Ben mentions that Grunt is about to fall, and Beach Head dismisses it. Grunt then falls into the mud, and Big Ben apologizes, before continuing on with the course. Big Ben swings around a mud puddle, and is passed by Big Lob.

Big Lob continues to run through the course, passing Barbeque, Shipwreck, and Cross Country. Big Lob makes it to the end of the course, surprising Beach Head. Back in Washington, D.C., Black Out approaches Serpentor and asks what her mission is. Serpentor tells her that she wants her to find the Joes who evaded Zartan's capture in Canada and kill them. Black Out mentions that she will not fail him. Black Out then leaves the Capitol with a squadron of Cobra B.A.T.s. In Detroit, Michigan, Snake Eyes, Jinx, and Nari arrive, and Snake Eyes tells Jinx that Storm Shadow is gonna die trying to fight Zartan. Jinx asks Snake Eyes what he plans on doing, and Snake Eyes mentions that he's going to find Storm Shadow in Washington. He then asks Jinx to take her to Linda Warren in New York.

Jinx asks who Linda is, and Snake Eyes mentions that she is the main babysitter of the G.I. Joe Agents' children. Snake Eyes then says goodbye to Nari, before hugging her and leaving. Back in Sudbury, G.I. Steve is given a file by Breaker and thanks him, before reading into it. He then begins to think, and is left shocked. He then calls for Big Ben, Cross Country, Roadblock, and Clutch. The Four Joes arrive at Steve's quarters, and Big Ben asks what he wants. Steve tells Big Ben that the Joes in Washington are sentenced to execution tomorrow, and need them to save them. Big Ben mentions that it's going into the Heart of the Storm, and Steve mentions that it's an attack that Cobra won't see coming. Big Ben asks where they begin, and Steve mentions immediately.

### Operation: Mercy Part 1

Big Ben orders the Joes to head out. Big Ben and his team approach a Whisper Helicopter as Flint finishes fueling it. Flint tells Big Ben that he overheard Steve's orders, and mentions that he's going with them. Big Ben tells Flint that he's too injured to fight, and Flint mentions that he'll die before he sees his family harmed. Big Ben hesitates, but allows for Flint to join them. Flint rips off his cast and flexes his arm. Flint then begins to load a gun as the Whisper Helicopter flies away from Sudbury. Upon the flight, Roadblock asks Big Ben how they're going to get all captured Joes out of Washington, and Big Ben mentions that each of them will try to steal Cobra Airships used to transport Cobra B.A.T.s, head to Niagara Falls, and then disappear.

Big Ben then asks Clutch to break into the Government Mainframe and find out where the Joes are being held. Roadblock mentions that he spoke to Star Bird and mentioned that the Joes were being held in the Washington Prison Complex, which is based near Mt. Vernon. Big Ben mentions that the Cobra Airships are closer to Arlington, which is 17 Miles away from the Complex. Big Ben begins to stress, before telling for Cross Country and Clutch that they're going to be dropped off at the Prison and liberate the Prisoners, as he and Roadblock secure at least a couple of airships and head back to Mt. Vernon to pick up the Joes and return to Sudbury. Big Ben tells them that they can't afford to attract all of Cobra to them, so move quicker than humanly possible. Roadblock yells out "Yo Joe".

### Operation: Mercy Part 2

In Washington, D.C., Storm Shadow is approached by Destro and is informed that the Dreadnoks are returning from California, and tells him that Serpentor expects them to all join in to execute all of the captured Joes tomorrow. Storm Shadow mentions that he will see to it that the executions are planned out, before leaving Destro alone. Destro stares at Storm Shadow, before leaving. At Midnight on July 22, Cross Country drops off Big Ben and Roadblock at Arlington, before heading off to Mt. Vernon. Big Ben tells Roadblock to move quickly, as he has no doubt that Cobra will kill them on-site. Roadblock cocks his gun, before Big Ben leads him into the Base. Big Ben and Roadblock begin firing upon Cobra Strykers, and Roadblock warns Big Ben of a grenade. Big Ben takes cover, before the grenade detonates.

Big Ben thanks Roadblock, before both advance deeper into the facility. Big Ben finds a stryker preparing to contact the Capitol, and shoots him. He then enters a hangar with Roadblock and finds several airships. Big Ben tells Roadblock that they should get out with the airships immediately. The Gates to the facility open, and both Big Ben and Roadblock flee. Destro is informed that the hangar in Arlington had been attacked, and Destro orders for a squad of B.A.T.s to head to Arlington to find the Joes. At Mt. Vernon, Cross Country and Clutch arrive. Clutch tells Cross Country to hide the copter, and Cross Country mentions that it will be fine. Both Joes then head towards the prison.

In the Prison, Lady Jaye tosses a ball into the air as Dusty plays the harmonica and Lifeline apologizes to everyone for weaseling out. Sgt. Duke tells Lifeline that he did what he could do. Lifeline mentions that he ruined G.I. Joes' last possible chance to defeat Cobra, and Dusty mentions that many Joes from Calgary aren't with them, so their hope is on them. Lady Jaye mentions that they're going to be executed tomorrow, so they won't live to see it. Duke tells Jaye that they'll be given a miracle. Flint approaches them and mentions that the miracle has arrived. Lady Jaye is surprised to see Flint, and Flint mentions that he and 4 other Joes were sent to free them. Duke asks why, and Flint mentions that they're going to launch Operation: Fire Age tomorrow.

### Operation: Mercy Part 3

Flint tells them to stand back, as he begins blasting the locks to the cells. The blast alerts several B.A.T.s and Cobra Strykers. Flint tells the Joes to start running, as Cross Country and Clutch arrive and begin blasting Strykers. A B.A.T. locks down the prison and sounds the alarm. Lady Jaye mentions they're trapped, and Datatrax mentions that he'll try to hack into the system. Datatrax begins to hotwire the detention block security wall, as Lady Jaye and G.I. Willy give them cover. Zartan is informed by Destro that the Prison Complex is being attacked and orders him to lead the Dreadnoks into stopping them. Zartan mentions that he'll kill every Joe who stands in their way. Zartan orders Zandar and Zanzibar to follow him.

In the Prison, Datatrax opens the door and all Joes begin to flee. Flint and Lady Jaye shoot and destroy multiple B.A.T.s, before stopping and Flint asks where their daughter is. Lady Jaye mentions that she was taken to a different Detention Block, and Flint mentions that he's not leaving till their daughter is safe. Flint then runs back into the facility, and Lady Jaye chases after him. As several Joes flee the base, Big Ben and Roadblock arrive with the airships, and Big Ben orders everyone to get on. Cross Country runs back to the Whisper Copter with Dusty, Steeler, Lifeline, and Bree. Snake Eyes arrives, and so do the Dreadnoks. Zartan orders for the Joes to be terminated, and both Zandar and Zanzibar begin to chase after the Joes. Snake Eyes runs into Lady Jaye and Flint, and both ask for his help in finding Lady Kaye.

Snake Eyes tells both that he's willing to help. In a cell, Lady Kaye continues to shiver as she vomits. Agent Carter tells her that he'll watch as she dies slowly from her wounds and sickness. Lady Kaye tells Carter that he'll pay for what he's done. Carter tells Lady Kaye that he'll never pay for anything he did right. Carter grows impatient and prepares to stab Lady Kaye in the back, only to be shot and killed by Flint, who tells him that no one touches his daughter. Lady Kaye vomits, as both of her parents pick her up. Flint mentions that he'll give them cover, as they try to find a way out. Lady Jaye and Flint then help Lady Kaye walk out of the cell and begin to run down the hall. Lady Kaye fumbles, and her parents help her back up and continue running down the hall.

Flint and his family reunites with Snake Eyes, and Lady Jaye mentions that they have to get out, before they're found and killed by Cobra. Lady Kaye mentions that there is a small Airship in a hangar on the end of the Complex, and Flint mentions that it's their last shot at escaping. A B.A.T. orders for the doors to be open, as the Joes enter the hangar. The climb aboard an Airship, before Lady Jaye and Flint begin to activate it. Kaye mentions that the doors are closed, and Flint mentions that they'll fix it, before he launches a small rocket, blowing up the hangar doors. Flint and Lady Jaye then begin to fly out of the Prison Complex and begin to fly towards Canada.

### Dogfight of Niagara Falls

Zartan informs Destro that the Joes had escaped the Prison. Destro demands for the Joes to be destroyed, and Zartan mentions that they should send the Vipers after them. Near the American-Canadian Border, Cross Country mentions that they're almost home-free, until he sees a missile pass by them. Red Raven orders the Vipers to shoot the airships down. Cross Country orders everyone to get to Canada, as they'll be protected by the Canadian Air Space. Clutch tells Cross Country that Cobra won't care, and that they won't stop till they've all crashed. Big Ben prepares to contact Sudbury and mentions that they need air support. Back in Sudbury, G.I. Steve tells them that they're getting some. Somewhere close to Niagara Falls, Wild Bill orders Ripcord to cover Big Ben's Team.

Red Raven detects 2 Joe Strikers incoming, and orders the Vipers to engage them. Wild Bill and Ripcord begin firing upon the Vipers, and Red Raven tells her Vipers to destroy all Joes. Big Ben tells Cross Country, Clutch, and Flint to get to Canada and land. Flint asks why, and Big Ben mentions that it will clear up the skies for Wild Bill and Ripcord to fight the vipers more safely. Flint mentions that they'll land now. Flint begins to have the Airship descend. As Big Ben lands, he is informed by Datatrax that he received a call from G.I. Steve and ordered to launch Operation: Fire Age. Big Ben mentions that they haven't even filled in the others on the attack. Datatrax mentions that the others are coming in with extra weapons.

Big Ben then asks Steeler to see if the Airship is loaded with weapons, and Steeler mentions that he's working on picking the lock. Red Raven gets a lock on Ripcord, only to be surprised after being shot at from the ground. Red Raven then orders for Star Viper to rain down on the Joes on the ground. Ripcord sees as Star Viper begins to descend, and begins firing upon him. Star Viper is then shot down, and ejects from his seat. He then parachutes to safety as his jet crashes into the Falls. As Star Viper lands, he is approached and arrested by Roadblock and G.I. Willy. Star Viper complies, and G.I. Willy places some handcuffs on Star Viper. Strato-Viper informs Red Raven that Star Viper has been neutralized.

Annoyed, Red Raven orders Strato-Viper to stay the course, until Strato-Viper is also shot down by a missile, launched by a Joe Wolverine, piloted by Col. Savage. Strato-Viper tries to eject himself from his seat, only to lose time and crash, which kills him. Red Raven then retreats back to Washington. G.I. Steve arrives, and is reunited with G.I. Willy and General Hawk. Willy hugs Steve and Willy tells Steve that he's proud to see him back in action. Steve thanks his father, before telling General Hawk that he was contacted by Star Bird, who managed to salvage Operation: Fire Age after the fiasco in Calgary. Hawk asks where Star Bird is, and Steve mentions that he's talking to Flint. Hawk sees as Star Bird talks to Flint, and walks towards them.

### The Launch

Hawk congratulates Star Bird for pulling G.I. Joe out of its Darkest Hour. Star Bird tells Hawk that the honor is his. As all Joes rally in Niagara Falls, Hawk climbs atop a Joe APC and calls the attention of all Joes. General Hawk tells all Joes that he is glad to see that Operation: Fire Age has commenced, and would like to welcome all Retired Joes back into action. General Hawk tells all Joes that once the sun rises, they shall rain down on Washington and liberate it from Cobra. All Joes begin to cheer in excitement. Lady Jaye notices as her daughter struggles to stand. Lady Jaye asks her what's wrong, and Lady Kaye tells her mother that she's fine, that it's just the pregnancy.

Lady Jaye sits down and hugs her daughter. She tells her that when the time comes, she'll help her all the way. Lady Kaye hugs her mom back and thanks her. In Washington, D.C., Red Raven returns and approaches Serpentor. She takes off her helmet and stares at Destro as she stops in front of Serpentor. Serpentor demands to know why she has returned, and Red Raven mentions that she was intercepted by G.I. Joe forces when she got close to Niagara Falls, and both Strato-Viper and Star Viper were neutralized. Serpentor dismisses Red Raven, and begins to think. Destro asks Serpentor what he plans on doing, and Serpentor orders Destro to call back all Cobra forces to Washington, D.C.

Serpentor tells Destro that if they'll have to stand against G.I. Joe and maintain their rule over the United States. Destro mentions that he'll rally all Cobra forces to Washington, immediately. Serpentor tells Destro to also have Dr. Mindbender and The Baroness to move all equipment from Ethiopia back to Cobra Island. Destro salutes Serpentor, before walking away. Serpentor then looks out a window, and tells himself that he has no doubt that Cobra will lose control.

TO BE CONTINUED...

## Featured Characters

* G.I. Joe (2010)
	+ Dashiell Faireborn/ Flint
	+ Conrad Hauser/ Sgt. Duke
	+ Carl Greer/ Doc
	+ James Barney/ Grand Slam
	+ Vincent Hauser/ Lt. Falcon
	+ General Lawrence Flagg
	+ Ryan Knightfall/ Barrel Roll
* Beatriz Navarro/ Black Out
* Cobra
	+ Lilian Osborne/ Mistress Armada
	+ Serpentor
	+ Thomas Arishikage/ Storm Shadow
	+ James McCullen/ Destro
	+ Dreadnoks
		- Zartan Bentley-Xylander
		- Zandar Bentley-Xylander
		- Morgan Teach/ Zanzibar
	+ Agent Carter
	+ Vipers
		- Raven Lunawitz/ Red Raven
		- Alberto Serpientelobo/ Star Viper
		- Vlad Romanoff/ Strato-Viper
* G.I. Joe (2023)
	+ Robert Remus/ Sgt. Slaughter
	+ Steven Colton/ G.I. Steve
	+ Col. Jacques Savage
	+ Rodney Quill/ Sgt. Jackhammer
	+ Wayne Sneeden/ Beach Head
	+ Robert Graves/ Grunt
	+ David Bennet/ Big Ben
	+ Bradley Sanders/ Big Lob
	+ Gabriel Kelly/ Barbeque
	+ Hector Delgado/ Shipwreck
	+ Robert Blais III/ Cross Country
	+ James Hailmark/ Snake Eyes
		- Nari Hailmark
	+ Kim Arishikage/ Jinx
	+ Abel Kibbey/ Breaker
	+ Marvin Hinton/ Roadblock
	+ Lance Steinberg/ Clutch
	+ Dashiell Faireborn/ Flint
	+ Allison Faireborn/ Lady Jaye
	+ Ronald Tadur/ Dusty
	+ Edwin Steen/ Lifeline
	+ Conrad Hauser/ Sgt. Duke
	+ Barley Hedgwick/ Datatrax
	+ William Colton/ G.I. Willy
	+ Ralph Pulaski/ Steeler
	+ Bree van Mark
	+ Marissa Faireborn/ Lady Kaye
	+ William Hardy/ Wild Bill
	+ Wallace Weem/ Ripcord
	+ Clayton Abernathy/ General Hawk
	+ Jacob Hailmark/ Star Bird

## Episode Casualties

* Agent Carter
* Vlad Romanoff/ Strato-Viper

## Notes

* For Part 2 & 3:
	+ Linda Warren will appear in Part 2 or 3.
	+ Lady Kaye's water breaks, and mentions that she think she's going into labor. Lady Kaye begins to freak out, and Jaye tells her to remain calm. Jaye tells her daughter to try and hold in her children as they try to escape.
	+ Zartan spots Flint and attempts to shoot him, only to shoot a gas tank and cause the sprinklers to go off. as Zartan chases after the Joes, he is stopped by Storm Shadow. Zartan orders Storm Shadow to get out of the way, only for Storm Shadow to tell him that he'll pay for the death of The Hard Master. Zartan asks if he's really going through with it, and Storm Shadow tells him that it's for honor. Zartan pops his neck, before grabbing out a dagger and dueling with Storm Shadow. Storm Shadow continues to duel with Zartan, and is joined by Snake Eyes. Zartan steals one of Storm Shadow's katanas and continues to duel both ninjas. Zandar tries to join, but is told by Zartan to stay back. Storm Shadow then attempts to stab Zartan, only for Zartan to redirect the blade into Storm Shadow, mortally wounding him. Snake Eyes is left enraged and drives Zartan back. Zartan flees into another block, before Snake Eyes runs back to Storm Shadow. He picks up Storm Shadow and retreats with him.