Originally Dread was terrified of nearly everything. When the Fast Blast Viper program was started an old friend of his who had joined Cobra thought that it would be perfect for Dread and contacted him. Although he didn't really believe in Cobras ideals or goals he joined without hesitation in order to finally eliminate his fears. After having the chip implanted in his head he excelled in his training. During one of Cobra's public executions used to instill fear in potential traitors, his friend was executed for speaking out against Cobra Commanders leadership qualities. One of the flaws in the Fast Blast Viper program is that they can not be intimidated. Dread decides that the best way to hurt Cobra is by working for G.I. Joe. When he left Cobra, he decided to take a few things with him, since he was pretty sure that he wouldn't be receiving a final pay check. He stole a Heat-Viper helmet, since he had always wanted one, a nice leather jacket from one of the Dreadnoks (which was probably stolen anyway), a couple of weapons from the armory, and Sgt. Hacker, who had been taken prisoner after a pitiful attempt to infiltrate the base disguised as Firefly. The Joes were wary to accept him at first, but he proved his loyalty and is a valuable asset with the inside knowledge of Cobras inner workings that he brought with him. Dread flat out refused the Joes offer to remove the chip from his head.