Disclaimer: "GI Joe: A real American hero" and its characters belong to Sunbow Productions, Marvel Comics, Hasbro & Devil's Due. The characters and situations are used without permission. No money is being made, so no infringement of the copyright law is intended.

A VILLAINESS AND A JOE
CHAPTER 1: SISTER

SUMMARY: ZARANA FACES BAD NEWS, COLD-HEARTED PEOPLE, AND A SUDDEN MISSION.

The rhythm of her favorite punk song 'Anarchy in the U.K.' (Sex Pistols' music brings her amusing memories of her adolescence in London) and the repair of her Harley can barely diminish her anxiety and inexplicable sadness. That's how she occupies her free time (or boredom?) while she waits for her brothers. These activities are a sort of 'therapy' when all men are away. Sometimes she needs her own space to think about nothing and to take a rest from them. Just a few hours alone are enough. She cannot bear long periods of solitude.

However, she was not calm at all. A bad feeling was bothering her since the morning and she tried to find out the cause. It was odd since she has an innate rage and feels angry most of the time. Perhaps it is because she has to deal with tough men all the time. The elder of her two brothers gives her too much work and she always tries to do it perfect. In addition, she has to deal with incompetent partners. The Dreadnoks make her life miserable and vice versa. Without their irritating presence, she realizes that there is no reason to be angry, anxious, or worried. That is why she decided to pay no attention to her intuition for the moment.

Not so long after this thought, her usual bad temper awakened when she distinguished a pair of blue figures reflected in the shiny, chrome-plated parts of the motorcycle.

"Damn! Why I can't have a moment of peace?" she thought to herself.

"Excuse me," she heard a timid voice behind her.

She purposely ignored them and kept her concentration on the repair. The Vipers unmasked and looked exasperated at each other. The other Viper repeated the phrase in a louder tone of voice: "Excuse me!"

Her patience is limited, so she drew a deep breath to keep it for the rest of the day and grumbled: "I heard ya! I'm not deaf!" The unfriendly woman stopped her work, stood up, and turned off the music.

"Don't ya see I'm busy?" They faced her frequent sneer for the first time. Her rough manners were a little intimidating, but the curious, audacious Vipers gained their confidence again when they saw that she wasn't so ugly as they expected.

"The Baroness wants to talk to you. She said it's important," one of them insisted.

"What the hell does she want now?" She inquired, sick of the Baroness' demands.

They shrugged and looked at each other. It was obvious none of them knew the answer. "She didn't tell us."

"Men!" she sighed exasperated and took the towel that was on the seat of her powerful two- wheeled vehicle and next to her leather gloves (she didn't want to spoiled them with motor oil or grease) to dry some sweat from her forehead. Then she used it to wipe the grease that covered her hands.

"Oh no! My nails are ruined!" she muttered. Feminine vanity made her forget about the soldiers. Immediately, she soaks and carefully rubs her hands in soapy water.

Meanwhile, the Vipers are still there like statues, waiting and watching every move she makes. The female Dreadnok is rarely seen at the Terrordrome and little is known about her. Besides, she is always accompanied by one of her overprotective brothers, so it is almost impossible for any man to give her the eye. For that reason, there are many gossips regarding Zartan's sister. Now they are confirming why this young woman is so unconsciously notorious and unpopular. The first impression is a proof of her reputation as a rude, unpleasant, and temperamental woman. Furthermore, everybody talks about her rather extreme look that certainly makes a statement. The intense red crop with a chunk of blonde highlights on top, which that day she styled into funky spikes, the shocking and unflattering clothes, even the way she walks; so confident and self-important, say that she is bold and fearless. No one likes her persona or particular style...and she doesn't care.

Despite her stern and arrogant air, the Cobra Vipers found her physically attractive after a quick scan of her strong, shapely figure. Her short haircut suits her chiseled features and its color brightens up the subtle, intriguing gleam of her green eyes. No makeup covers her fair, clear complexion or the rosy cheeks produced by the hard work and the summer's heat. A few sparkling drops of sweat shined on the exposed neck and gently flowed down to her firm bosom, soaking the cropped, one-shoulder pink top. They also admired what her ultra low-rise, torn blue jeans revealed: the flat abdomen, tiny waist, and the beginning of the wide, curvy hips. This woman's curves pleased their eyes so much that they daringly stared at her butt ... until she noticed the lustful look in their eyes. Men's attention is that last thing she wants.

"What are ya lookin' at?" Their examination annoyed her. "Are ya goin' to stand there like two idiots? Get out of my sight!"

"We..." they can hardly react, thinking of a way to soothe her upcoming fury.

"Uh...we will escort you," they finally responded courteously.

"Oh!" She exclaimed somewhat perplexed at this 'special treatment' (or maybe a poor attempt to impress her). Good manners are not common when men interact with her. When men behave like real gentlemen, she can't help to feel a bit of admiration (or maybe a lot of motivation to offend males).

"Well, I'll be nice to you, chaps," unexpectedly, her voice sounds more agreeable while she soaks her hands again.

The amazed soldiers exchanged thrilling looks and broad grins of satisfaction at this apparent victory over this female who always plays hard to get. Their expectations increased as she approached them with an angel smile on her pretty face.

"Ya wanna know somethin'?" she playfully started to sprinkle water from her wet hands.

"What??" They closed their eyes to avoid the cold drops and giggled.

"OWW! ARRGG!" Faster than their reflexes, both men received a quick kick between their legs.

Zarana crossed her arms and warned them, "I don't like when insignificant males like ya stare at me! You got that?"

It was a miserable scene. Both men were lying on the floor groaning and twisting their bodies because of the pain.

"I can't hear ya!" One of the defenseless victims suffered additional pain when she crushed his face with her black leather boot as a reminder for a rapid response. Neither patience nor mercy is in her short repertoire of virtues.

"Y...e...a...h..." they uttered. They tried, in vain, to get up.

"Hey! Let me help ya," she grabbed one of the Vipers by his uniform and lifted him up like a rag doll. The other Viper, avoiding the abuse, rushed to get up by himself.

"You better show some respect or ya'll know the worst part of me!" Both nodded at that simple instruction.

"Now..." she released the ill-treated soldier and gave them both more orders with her usual bossy attitude, "Take me to where that hateful witch is."

They obeyed like good boys.

One of the Vipers leaded her way while the other walked by her side. Both soldiers kept themselves at a safe distance. She walked silently all the way. At the same time, she was shaping and smoothing with light strokes her delicate fingernails using a nail file (she always carries one along with a knife and a gun).

Once they got to the briefing room, the young men opened and held the door for the lady.

"Thank you, gentlemen." She mimicked royal gestures and commented, "Ya made me feel like a queen."

"B*TCH!" One of the humiliated Vipers murmured as soon as the doors closed.

"Now I understand why everybody calls her 'Zatan's sister'," added his partner.

Surely, this will be another juicy gossip among bored soldiers.

____________________________________________________________________________ ____

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" the striking, gorgeous Baroness asked like a mother when her son comes home late.

Zarana didn't like the tone of authority in that question and immediately started to yelled rudely, "Who the hell do ya think ..."

"Shut up! Come over here. You should see this!!!" the Baroness scolded the youngest member of the Cobra elite.

There was a big screen showing a newsbreak and some members of the Cobra staff were watching it from their seats. Cobra Commander, Destro, Tomax and Xamot had their eyes fixed on the images. The President of the United States was holding a press conference to inform the successful arrest of the dangerous group of mercenaries that works for Cobra.

"Mercenaries, Cobra." Those words were enough to have an idea of who they are.

"WHAT?!" Zarana exclaimed, hoping to be guessing wrong as she joined the group of villains. "What happened?"

"Shusshhhhh! Silence!" Cobra Commander hushed the worried sister.

Then General Hawk and Duke took over the press conference and began to explain the most important details of the incident.

"Last week our nation suffered a great loss. Five Marines died in a crash during a field test of one of the new aircrafts for the Special Operations Command. The Department of Defense had thought it was an accident, but we have enough evidence to affirm that Cobra was behind this. Today, and thanks to one of our most valuable Joes, the future of the US military aviation is safe again. We have stopped the total destruction of a small fleet of the remaining new aircrafts and saved the life of another honorable soldier, Pablo Sánchez, computer specialist responsible for the last software functions and details of the choppers."

The journalists asked many questions, but the Joe leaders just answered a few of them.

"Can you tell us their names?"

"This group is known as 'The Dreadnoks'."

"Blimey! It's impossible!" Zarana shook her head with skepticism.

"Did you capture all the members of this group?"

"Let's just say that we arrested most of the members of this gang, but there's one left. Actually, their leader is now behind bars."

Zarana kept her mouth shut and listened. The news of the capture knocked her cold.

"Is it true that one of them is seriously injured?"

"Yes, but he's receiving good medical treatment and ..."

Unexpectedly, Serpentor's image and his despotic speech interrupted the transmission. Everyone paid attention, but Zarana. The beating of her heart was almost deafening. Now she understands the cause of the bad feeling. Her 'sister intuition' never fails. No further details were necessary. No doubt, the injured Dreadnok is her brother Zandar.

The protective instinct of this inseparable family urged her to rescue her brothers immediately. Pessimistic thoughts appeared involuntarily inside her mind regarding Zandar's situation. The whole idea of losing her family at the same time was excessively devastating for her. Besides, the lack of information is making this matter hard to cope for this sister.

In order to draw the Baroness' attention, Zarana aggressively grabs the European lady by the arm. "What happened to Zandar? Where are my brothers?" Zartan's sister demanded with an expression of serious concern on her face.

"Get your damn hands off me!" The Baroness glared at the young mercenary.

"Answer me!" Zarana insisted.

Serpentor, as well as the rest of the Cobra leaders, looked impatiently at the artificial redhead.

"Silence!" Serpentor demanded. His strident voice almost shakes the walls. Noticing the emperor's angry look, she realized that her behavior could spoil his good opinion concerning her and, consequently, her opportunity to request the rescue of her brothers. Wisely done, she released the Baroness's arm and behaved with false reverence toward the maximum ruler of terror (she hates this part of the job). Zarana could be passionate and impulsive, but she is not stupid. Lies, as well as excellent acting comes naturally when her best interests are in jeopardy.

"I'm sorry, sir," She apologized. "I just heard the news about my brothers' arrest and I was wondering if you have considered a plan to set them free from the Joes." She acted showing a great respect and taking good care of her diction.

"Your brothers and the rest of your species had failed!" He exclaimed harshly, "I don't care if Zartan spends the rest of his days in jail and I'm not going to cry if your weird, mute younger brother dies! Family ties are not important to me! Those good for nothing Dreadnoks had caused a shameful exhibition of incompetence and now the whole world is making fun of us!"

Zarana's countenance changed when she heard those words. Her face went into a scowl and her skin began to turn red with rage. Certainly, she didn't expect that reaction from this evil creature. She wasn't lying now and the expression of anger on her face said it all. His nasty comments hurt profoundly her already fragile feelings. Those words were an unforgivable offense. A malicious wish to shoot at him came through her mind. It could be a deserving and justifiable reaction. Nevertheless, he's only a abominable image and the whole idea is a suicidal thought. She knows her limits and yet has to control her volatile temper.

She wanted to yell at the insensitive leader, but held her tongue. This matter can get worse if she sets free her little demons now. She had learned this from previous experiences. Facing the truth, she swallowed her pride and concluded that this is a fight she can't win by herself.

Zartan's sister looked desperately at her partners in crime to seek some support or advocacy for her cause as if saying, "C'mon guys! My brother has done a lot for this organization! We've got to help him out!" Unfortunately, she only found indifference. Destro gave her a dirty look and the Baroness showed a smirk of conceit on her face. The others seemed cautious to say something. A mixture of indignation, anger, and frustration overwhelmed her reason. She was just about to lose total control of her emotions again when someone spoke.

"I think," Cobra Commander's voice gave her a brief relief, "that we should rescue Zartan immediately. Then he'll take over the rescue of his friendsssss."

Nobody seemed convinced with this advice, excluding Zarana.

"Let him rotten in jail! We all know that Zartan, as well as his siblings..." Zarana gave Destro a deadly gaze, "is a mercenary who only thinks of his own benefit. They work for us just for the money, not for our cause. I'm almost sure that he or one of his Dreadnoks might inform the Joes about our plans," Destro makes clear that he had never esteemed the Dreadnok leader. "They are weak and treacherous when things turn against them."

"That's bullshit!" Zarana yelled offended. "We ain't traitors!"

"What about the Dreadnoks?" The Baroness asked.

"If they spit out they're history!" Zartan's sister affirmed, though it was a lie. She would do the same in this situation, but now it's time to defend their reputation. "Besides, they're loyal to my brother."

"Excuse us," the Twins began, "But we are wasting our time...and time is money," Xamot spoke to Zarana, "Don't became so... hysterical. Your brother and the rest of the Dreadnoks are valuable to this organization..." Tomax continues, "There'll be another opportunity to rescue your family, but you have to understand that there are other priorities right now. If you don't believe in our gratitude..." now they talk in unison, "check your bank account."

"I can't believe this! You've got to know how I feel! You're brothers!" Zarana is feeling how her blood is boiling. To hell with the money! She just wants her brothers back!

"Stop all that nonsense!" Serpentor's said impatiently. "Cobra Commander, you had better do something quick if you want to be still in charge of this operation," Then he looked at all his followers, "Get to work! Cobra's aviation will be the best!"

"You won't be disappointed," Tomax remarked. "This could be a huge business that will save you a lot of money and will increase your profit with billions of dollars." Xamot affirmed. "Can you image? We can produce and sell to our allies. But, we'll keep the best for our army."

"I know that already!" the wicked sovereign said and continued with his last demand, "Zarana! You will carry out the job that those fools, friends of yours were supposed to do. If you do that successfully, then I may consider your request. This I command!"

With that, Serpentor's image vanished but his voice echoed inside Zarana's head. She took that order as a sort of coercion.

Now that Serpentor was gone, her demons show up. She needs to vent the rage that consumes her.

"Damn!" Zarana shouted and kicked some chairs. "Bastard!" She clenched her fists and teeth in anger. All the witnesses of this outburst move aside. Then she looked furiously at Destro and his sexy goddess.

"I'm gonna kill you!" Zarana cried out with hate and shot her gun at the couple like a maniac.

"You swamp rat!" Destro yelled, covering his beloved girlfriend with his body, "You are insane!" They both moved out of the way and ducked their heads to avoid the shots.

"SSSStop it!" Cobra Commander ordered. Zartan's sister didn't mind. "That'ss enough!"

Tomax and Xamot, who where next to the angry shooter, held her down using their excellent martial art skills.

"Hold it! You're going to kill us all!" Tomax snatched her gun while Xamot did the same with her knife and the nail file. Both used all their force to restrain the enraged woman.

"Zarana, darling, calm down!" the Baroness advised, sharp tongued as she approached her rival. "You should control your temper! Behave like a human being, not like an animal!"

"F**k you!" She glared at the glamorous woman like a fierce animal, held in captivity, ready to attack.

"Damn girl!" Destro wanted to squeeze Zarana's neck, but the Baroness stopped his intentions gently, "My love, don't let your hands get dirty with this scum."

"Ladies, please," Cobra Commander practices his pathetic leadership, forcing a truce, "we don't have time for your rivalry." Then he addressed the punk head girl.

"Zarana, you ought to ssshow ssome submisssion for me and the rest of usss or I'll be obliged to lock you in a cell even against your brother's wishesss!" The second rate leader scolded seriously. "I mean it!"

"Then stop acting like a damn idiot and do something to rescue my family!" Zarana demanded disrespectfully.

"Watch your language!" Destro spat. "You heard the Commander. Remember that Zartan is not here. There will be no favoritism with you!"

Zarana didn't show any signs of calmness and continues the ultimate test of patience.

"Tomax, Xamot!" Cobra Commander couldn't stand the situation any longer, "lock her up!"

"What?! You can't do this to me!" Zarana struggles to be free from the strong arms that are restraining her. "Zartan'll get mad at ya when I tell him!"

"We'll ssse! Even Zartan showsss more decorum than you!" Cobra Commander replied and continued, looking around at the mess she has made, "And your brother will be mad at you when he knows how much you're going to pay for all these damagesss!"

Destro and the Baroness watched, very amused, how the Twins almost dragged Zarana to take her away.

"Well done, Commander," Destro praised his old leader. "That will teach that 'brat' a good lesson."

"Nepotism should be prohibited in our organization," the Baroness remarked, "or limited, at least."

"It'sss true that she'sss young... an unruly member," Cobra Commander said,

"but she possesses useful talentsss."

"You're right Cobra Commander, but I think she won't cooperate with us after this unpleasant incident," The Baroness was concerned about Zarana's loyalty; "What if she betray us? Zartan is the only one who can control or persuade her. Do you really think that she'll do the job?"

"Oh course! She will do it," Destro assured, "Without Zartan's influence, she'll comply with our commands. Besides..."

"My dear comradesss," Cobra Commander broke in their conversation, tired of the same topic "I know how much you detest Zartan, his siblings and the Dreadnoksss, but I won't tolerate another conversation about them." Then he proceeded to give his orders, "Baroness, you'll sssupervised Zarana. Tell her our new plan. And please, try to be kind while she doesss the job. We need her."

"Yes, Commander!" The Baroness accepted this order with great enthusiasm. Although she doesn't like Zarana, she takes advantage of these opportunities to harass the young criminal. She enjoys making things difficult for Zarana and her ascendant career.

"Good. Destro, keep me informed about all the Joe's movementsss. Pay attention to their plansss concerning Zartan. I want him back as soon as possible."

"But Commander, Serpentor said..." Destro, not contented with his task, began to protest, but his superior interrupted him again.

"Jussst do it!" Cobra Commander was completely fed up with all that display of insubordination from his inferiors.

____________________________________________________________________________ ____

When the Vipers opened the door of the small room, the Baroness found a calm and quiet Zarana. She was seated with her legs crossed on the round table, hands placed on the bare abdomen and her head leaning against the wall.

"You again!" Zarana commented with disgust and glared at her.

"Zarana, darling, you know I don't like you," the Baroness enters the room and stands beside her, "I know you don't like me either, but there's nothing you can do to avoid my presence. I'm your superior and you ought to accept that fact."

Zarana remained mute. She was physically and mentally exhausted of all that crap.

"Anyway, I came here because Cobra Commander asked me to do so. First, I have some news for you, Zarana. Zartan was sent to the GI Joe headquarters as we expected, but the Dreadnoks were sent to different locations. We don't know the places yet. Your precious brother Zandar was the only one who stayed in California. Poor baby! His condition must be critical."

"That's all you got for me?" Zarana had an expression of inconformity.

"Unfortunately, that's the only information we got. However, there is nothing to worry about, you know. The noble Joes won't kill your dear family." The Baroness responded sarcastically.

"Thanks for your kind words." Zarana said in the same tone. "What else do ya have to say?" She was sure that the Baroness came with another purpose.

"Take it," The Baroness handed her a folder, "What did you know about your brother's mission?"

"The Dreadnoks were supposed to kidnap that chap, you know, Pablo. Then Zartan would pose as him to bomb the whole place and destroy the new air fleet." Zarana replied as she took the folder. "I stayed here to receive the prisoner."

Zarana's knowledge impressed Cobra's intelligence agent. It is clear that Zartan always trusts his sister. On the other hand, one detail intrigued her, "Let me ask you something... If Zartan relies so much on you, then why you didn't go with him?"

Zarana looked puzzled and annoyed. What kind of question is that? She didn't even think about it. Zartan just told her to stay and she accepted without objection. "Why? Are you disappointed because the Joes didn't arrest me too?"

"Perhaps..." the Baroness smirked. "Just curiosity. Maybe your brother didn't want you to be there. He's so protective of you. Or maybe he just don't trust you anymore."

The intrinsic rage of the punky girl returned. "What do you mean?" Zarana hit the table with her fists and stood up.

The Baroness moved a few steps back to distance herself from the potential danger. The Vipers entered into the room and aimed their weapons at Zarana.

"Shall we continue with the discussion of your assignment?" the Baroness suggested.

A humiliated Zarana, going against her nature, just sat and held her tongue one more time. The Vipers didn't move a muscle.

"Good! What was the last thing I said?" The Baroness has forgotten the last point of their conversation.

Zarana scans the papers, "What's the plan now?"

"Pablo Sánchez was hit during the fight to capture your brothers and fell into a coma, so we can't begin with the mass production of the new chopper. Nevertheless, he has a sister..."

" Laura ..." Zarana reads her name and watches a photograph, "She works for the company that makes the aircraft."

"She is responsible for the design, development, and production of tactical aircraft. She knows how to make the new chopper work." The Baroness added.

"What about Cobra's pilots and experts?" Zarana asked, but then she retracted, "Oh, I know, they're a bunch of morons! So, what do I have to do?" Zarana likes things straight.

"You heard Serpentor. What did he say?" The Baroness prompted.

"Okay! I got it!" Zarana recalled. "As Laura I could get access to the base and destroy their air fleet... Hey! I can't do that! Not alone!"

"Who says you'll be alone?" The Baroness showed a wicked smile, "We'll work together!"

"No way! Why don't you do this work instead of me?" Zarana protested, but she changed her mind when the Baroness said these words: "Zandar is there, remember?"

This opportunity to rescue her brother is worth the risk... and the sacrifice to tolerate that woman. "All right! I'll do it," Zarana sighed.

"I think we finally understand each other," The Baroness placed a hand over Zarana's nude shoulder, showing the same wicked smile, "Please, come with me."

Finally, Zartan's sister obeyed and silently swore: "Everybody here is goin' to pay...sooner or later... And this is the last job I'm gonna do for Cobra!"