Recon wasn't necessarily anyone's favorite type of assignment, but it was a necessary rotation that every qualified Joe had to endure if Cobra and any other domestic or even foreign threat was to be subdued.  Cobra was of course the main objective, but that didn't mean a surprise wouldn't make itself known.  After all, it wasn't unusual for several terrorist organizations to join in on the same cause.

Cobra had a lot of fingers dabbling into all illegal activities, which gave them more than enough connections around the world.

Their activity had slowed, but they were starting to produce bigger and more dangerous projects which would take time.

Satellite imagery had picked up on construction deep within the pine forests of the Rocky Mountains.  Because it was within the bounds of a National Park, it was federal jurisdiction.  However, one look at the scale of the illegal project and the symbols spotted upon the vehicles and uniform personnel, and the Federal government wanted nothing to do with it.  They were going to shove it off one the only unit they could dispatch with enough firepower and experience to even stand a chance against Cobra...

A small infiltration team had been sent in to gather intelligence on the matter and determine what to do.

There was only a select few members of G.I. Joe that could get close without detection and remain hidden for long periods of time... those with qualified Covert Ops training.

One of them, a highly respected instructor, had been chosen to lead the small squadron.  The remaining members of the team were well practiced and experienced as well.

Beachhead, Stalker, Snake-Eyes, Spirit,  and two recent recruits/former members of Cobra :Storm Shadow and Wade Collins.  Every single one had trained in the most efficient and most elite group of United States Military personnel... Army Rangers.  Two had also added on by becoming highly skilled Master class Ninja.

Tension was a little high because of reservations in dealing with former members of Cobra, especially two highly ranked officers, but the group had already begun to function well with one another.

The shared bond of Ranger Brothers ran deep in them all, making it hard not to give one another the benefit of the doubt.

All six lay side by side and shoulder to shoulder, observing the valley below and all activity happening at the construction sight.

"This one is starting to get bigger than the rest... A new Terror Drome perhaps?" Spirit quietly murmured from his position.

Former Crimson Guardsman Wade Collins nodded in affirmation.

"Not that big, but something similar.  The Twins mentioned something about a weapons cache and armored vehicle production facility."

"More along the lines of Regional Headquarters..." Storm Shadow added in a slight sigh.

Stalker glanced towards his long-time friend.

"Why the long face?"

The Arashikage heir released another slow sigh.

"I'm uncomfortable with how fast their expanding.  It was bad enough I worked for these lunatics… Now I'm beginning to see why all of you seemed so exhausted and spread so thin."

Beachhead slowly adjusted to roll back on his knees and sit up a little higher, giving his stomach a rest from laying on it for so long.

"We still give ya'll a good switchin'.  Havin' you two tag along 's gonna give us a higher advantage over 'em.  Better odds fer us far as I'm concerned."

Snake-Eyes softly placed a hand on his Sword Brother's shoulder and squeezed lightly.  It was a comforting gesture that only his childhood friend could appreciate far better than words.