Chapter 16
Many months had passed since the terrorist organization had relinquished control over the Marine outpost in the African country of Kenya. The recent endeavor had been little more than a training exercise for the previously covert Cobra organization; a ploy to make the rest of the world aware of their existence, and to expose the fact that the United States military had gotten soft.
The supreme Cobra Commander’s abandonment of the mission made it appear as if they had been defeated and forced to retreat into the shadows, but in reality, the whole operation was aimed at allowing the head snake to infiltrate the top-secret military unit. The organization’s resident hypnotist, an eccentric knockoff of Vincent Price known only as Crystal Ball, had succeeded in providing the commander with top-secret military intel he desired.
After contemplating the best use of this information, the Cobra Commander had decided to recall his best field operatives to the compound for an important face to face meeting. For many of them, this would be the first time they were all together in the same room. Some of those in attendance had not been in contact since their retreat into Somalia from Kenya. The commander had successfully reassigned that group of unique specialists, but now with the recent uprisings in Egypt, Syria, Turkey and North Korea, he felt it was high time to get a handle on some of his assets, and to once again embarrass the United States military in the process.
“Greetingssss essteemed Cobra loyalistsss. It is ssso good to see all of you again.”
The room erupted in loud applause as all those in attendance cheered the appearance and words of the head snake.
“It has been quite some time since we have all been together under the same roof, and although I have remained in clossse communication with many of you over thisss time, I felt the need to arrange this pressstigious homecoming.”
The room once again erupted in cheers. Cobra Commander took a step back from the podium in order to revel in the admiration and respect of his compatriots. In his mind, their applause and loyalty were well placed. After many seconds, he stepped back towards the dais and raised his hand to silence the crowd. The members of the room promptly complied.
“It has recently been brought to my attention that many of the world’s leadersss have been overstepping their boundaries and neglecting their obligationsss to the Cobra nation. Thisss… cannot! and will not be tolerated! I have requested this audience with all of you, my pressstigious field commanders and generals in order to make some important changes. Consider these to be promotions within the hierarchy that is Cobra.”
The room once more responded with applause. The large ballroom in front of the commander’s balcony was filled with Cobra’s most cunning and ruthless agents. Individuals recalled from six continents and over twenty countries had happily returned to heed the call of their supreme leader. Although the Cobra nation was still in its infancy, the promises of world domination, free healthcare, and equalized power had gone far in creating a wide array of supporters. The commander made sure that each of them was well compensated and provided with all the necessary supplies each required in order to assure his ultimate ascension to worldwide power.
Many of those in attendance had never met one another before, but each of them shared in the vision of their leader. Thus, uniting each of them with a common cause.
As he scanned the room, his eyes fell upon Laird Destro, or James McCullen, the president and CEO of MARS Industries and the commander’s chief supplier of weapons and armaments. The man stood nearly six foot four inches tall and had a physique reveling that of a professional wrestler in his prime. His most notable characteristic took the form of an opulent silver, reflective, full face mask that entirely enclosed his head. Originally designed to shame his family for making a profit by dealing arms to both sides of a great past war, Destro had turned his family’s curse into a badge of honor and a beacon of power. Few would dare to challenge the power of Castle Destro and his Iron Grenadiers or survive militarily without dealing directly with MARS industries.
Some other noteworthy attendees were the co-CEOs of Extensive Enterprises, the Corsican twins known as Tomax and Xamot. Their international law offices are located on the six main continents and they have represented hundreds of thousands of corrupt corporations worldwide. In their spare time, the two men were responsible for training and outfitting an elite group of Cobra operatives known as the Crimson Guard. These specialist soldiers were all prestigious lawyers and served as private bodyguards to the supreme Cobra leader. Each guardsman answered to the name Fred and was allowed to live amongst the general population, holding jobs, raising families and in the process secretly extending the reach of Cobra.
To the far left, the commander took note of several of his most gifted and trusted doctors. Dr. Mindbender, Dr. Venom, and Scalpel had served his organization well by not only providing medical care for the troops, but also by conducting valuable research in the fields of genetics, neuroscience, robotics, and surgery. Each man possessed the intelligence quota of a genius and in their own right were capable of Nobel Prize recognition if only their dark hearts would allow them to devote their lives to the preservation of mankind.
Up front and center stood some of his more eccentric egomaniacs. Big Boa and Croc Master, two hulking mounds of testosterone were pivotal in training all the grunts and ensuring the security of the Cobra Island. Few dared to stare too long at either in fear of physical confrontation.
The bird-like man known as Raptor had been pivotal in laundering money through a worldwide network of trust funds and offshore accounts. The gifted accountant made Bernie Madoff look like an inexperienced rookie. As strange as he appeared dressed in the feathers of a hundred red-tailed hawks, few would dare question his keen financial prowess.
One of his greatest assets and key reasons for this assembly took the form of the fur-collared, red-eyed Gypsy hypnotist known only as Crystal Ball. With a Ph.D. in psychiatry and hypnosis, this man was currently manipulating the mind of the G.I.Joe operative known as, Pathfinder. Their mission in Kenya had succeeded in providing the Cobra leader with an insider on the G.I.Joe payroll who didn’t even know he was a Cobra informant. The good doctor could probe the man’s mind while he slept and continue to extract valuable intel about the current plans and assignments of the Joe team.
The commander had done well in surrounding himself with competent and physical generals capable of accomplishing his worldwide mission while he pulled the strings safely behind the scenes, amassing a huge wealth. Many influential leaders who previously rebuked his offers for protection, now stood in allegiance before him. Leaders like the Black Major, who headed the European Red Shadow organization, Zartan and the Dreadnoks with their international biker gang, Mortal, de’Aco and Invasor from the South American Cobra chapters now all heeded the words of the charismatic commander. Those who opposed assimilation had been swiftly disposed of and never seen again. The terrorist group was an expert at making people disappear.
“Dear friendsss. It has been brought to my attention that some of the independently operating terrorist cells in the middle east near Trucial Abysmia, have been interfering with some of my trade routessss. Connectionssss that are imperative to the success of Cobra. I will need several of you to form a task force that will first infiltrate and evaluate this threat. After careful scrutiny, we will need to decide upon whether to eliminate or incorporate the dissidents.”
There was some grumbling that went out across the floor. The steely gaze of the commander’s reflective face mask gave little indication of his emotion, but his unyielding stance quickly silenced the hall. Satisfied with the respect shown, the commander spoke again.
“I will entertain any thoughts or suggestions now in a public forum. Who would like to speak?”
The chrome-headed leader of the Iron Grenadiers, Laird Destro, was the first to speak out.
“My dear Cobra Commander, MARS industries cannot afford to jeopardize trade relations with the leaders of the Middle East at this juncture, so I must graciously and regretfully decline.” The commander held up his hand and acknowledged that he understood the situation.
“Surely there are otherssss in this room willing to take up the challenge and the opportunity for the advancement of Cobra.” His reflective faceplate once again scanned the room, but many of his operatives were secretive individuals who would not want others in the organization to know about their current exploits or ambitions.
“Fair enough. No need to answer me now. I will expect to meet with some of you of your own fruition. If not, I will simply choose my representatives. However, I prefer like-minded, willing volunteers over assigning operatives.”
The room once again erupted in cheers. One of the commander’s characteristics that had attracted many in the room, was his willingness to share his leadership with them. Unlike other tyrants, who merely hired muscle and made demands, Cobra Commander shared his visions and allowed his operatives to choose missions that they were the most passionate about.
The commander had ascended to his powerful position simply by his choice of powerful words and propaganda. He made his constituents feel as if matters were in their hands when in reality, he was controlling it all. This form of subtle manipulation had worked well for him thus far. Some outsiders would consider him an absolute genius.
The officers of his upper command were content and loyal. This attribute attracted many prospective new members. These new recruits started off as a grunt, the lowest entry level position, and were introduced to a rigorous, structured life that involved scheduled paid work, mandatory patrols, and various aspects of military training. In addition, attendance at nightly simulcasts given by the commander himself was required. These broadcasts contained Cobra propaganda as well as subliminal messages strategically inserted by the famed Doctor Venom, to instill absolute loyalty to the cause. Afterward, soldiers would leave these seminars feeling empowered and confident about their decision to join the Cobra nation. The enigmatic Cobra Commander was a true military mastermind.
“I will be back in my private chambers should anyone require an audience. I look forward to your continued enthusiasm.” The room cheered once more as the commander disappeared through a red velvet curtain which concealed his egress from the balcony.
The white ninja, Storm Shadow, who was the personal bodyguard of the commander, stood guard on the other side of the curtain and accompanied the commander on his walk back to his personal quarters. The Arashikage leader was a newer recruit, but his loyalty was unquestionable. Cobra had offered him a place to secretly train his red ninjas and claimed to hold valuable information concerning the murder of his uncle and previous head of the Arashikage clan, the Hard Master. The commander had charmed the ninja with promises of revenge and in turn, the ninja had pledged to defend him to the death. As he approached the doors to his private chambers, he requested that the assassin enter first. The white ninja bowed respectfully and obliged. After securing the room, he bade the commander enter.
“Thank you good Storm Shadow. I bid you leave me for a moment while I tend to some persssonal matterssss.”
The ninja master once again bowed before exiting the room. As he departed, he was greeted by two armed Crimson Guards assumed their post outside the commander’s main door. Their presence would allow the ninja to see to other matters.
The commander logged onto his private server which took him onto the secrecy of the dark web, where he could retrieve his electronic messages. The inbox contained nothing out of the ordinary, just a few updates from two absentee operatives serving as the current heads of state in two foreign countries. These individuals offered their sincerest apologies for not being able to attend the meeting due to political obligations. After sending off an acknowledgment of their current situations, he clicked on his television and proceeded to watch the BBC world news as it sprawled across the seventy-two inch HD screen. The news agencies had done well in whitewashing many of the events transpiring around the globe. Some events, like the current coup in Algeria and the initial overtaking of the marine outpost in Kenya, never got reported to the public.
Big brother is always telling the world what they can and can’t be privy to. I intend to change all that.
The commander was pulled from his private thoughts as the door swung open and the mercenary known as Firefly stepped inside. He wore night camouflage military fatigues and a ski mask similar to the ninja. He was a dangerous and mysterious acquaintance, who had a proclivity for fire and explosives
“Greetings Cobra Commander. I am here to take care of the problems in the Middle East. It feels like this is a matter in need of my special touch.”
The head snake held up his hand.
“My dear Firefly, I really do so appreciate the offer and your enthusiasm, but I am in need of someone for this mission with a little more disssscretion. Please don’t be offended your work is second to no one, but I would like to seek some a more diplomatic sssolution before resorting to your particular line of tacticsss. I will definitely seek out your services should thissss mission go south in any way.”
The saboteur’s head nodded indicating that he understood the commander’s position at the moment. However, since he wore a ski mask to protect his identity, the commander found it difficult to fully gauge the arsonist’s level of disappointment.
“Well do keep me in mind should things change and you are in need of making some people or places go boom!”
“Oh I will dear Firefly, ressst assured that you will be the firssst person I call upon should that need arissse.”
The world-renown mercenary bowed and subsequently exited the commander’s private quarters.
At least fifteen minutes past between the saboteur’s exit and the next time the door opened. This time the commander was greeted by a familiar face. One he had come to know and trust over the past decade or so. This man, like so many of his other associates, was a well-known mercenary and had orchestrated some of the world’s most notable government and military coup d’etats. Capable of influencing military plans in plain sight, or from the safety of the shadows, Major Sebastian Bludd was probably the most qualified candidate for the mission in the Middle East.
“Sssebastian Bludd, so good to sssee you again. I take it your mission in Libya is complete?”
With the collapse of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya in 2011, the commander felt it necessary that the major vet a Cobra Sympathizer and install him as the country’s next head of state.
“Things have not been easy Cobra Commander, the country is still in extreme political disarray. I have positioned some promising prospects, but as of now, we will have to wait until some organized elections take place. Things like this take time. It could be a few years before Libya achieves both economic and political stability. But rest assured Cobra Commander, that when the dust finally settles, the candidate in power will be loyal to our cause and the people who vote him into power will be none the wiser.”
The major offered a salute in the form of a clenched fist held upright in front of his face. This elicited a similar gesture from the supreme Cobra leader.
“Pleassse Major Bludd, do have a seat. I trust you are here to dissscuss to prossspects of the Middle East.”
The major’s facial expression revealed little.
“Actually commander, I am here to recommend another for the mission, if I could be so bold.”
The commander’s posture changed a bit as he put a hand to his chin indicating a level of intrigue.
“I have had the privilege over the past two years of working with an individual Cobra sympathizer, who I feel would serve you well in the hostile environment of the Middle East. He is a uniquely talented individual who has experiences on the Russian tundra and other unforgiving regions.”
“Well do get to the point already Major, or at least show this candidate in. Anyone that you would speak so highly of isss worthy of my attention for at least a few moments”
Major Bludd walked back to the door and escorted in a younger man who had a darker complexion similar to an Inuit or possibly a Middle Easterner. He possessed an average physique and height and wore a necklace of what appeared to be small animal skulls around his neck. His most distinguishing characteristic was his full head of bright orange colored hair.
“I present to you the man known only as Ghost Bear.”
The commander gave him a once over and signaled for the man to approach him.
“Kneel before me.”
The man immediately complied.
“Welcome Ghost Bear. Please tell me, what power do you serve?”
Making sure that he kept his eyes averted from the powerful man, Ghost Bear replied.
“I live to serve the power and glory of the Cobra World Order. My goals are your goals, oh supreme leader of snakes!”
“Exssssellent! Please stand up. You may gaze upon your leader.”
The man once again did as instructed.
“Major Bludd speaksss very highly of your skill set. What experiences have you had with the Middle East?”
The candidate rose and began speaking in an unfamiliar tongue. The commander could only make out one or two words, one of which was Allah. The man then switched mid-sentence back to English in order to complete the conversation.
“I speak Arabic, Pakistani, Urdu as well as Russian, Ukrainian, and Inuit. All fluently. I have served in the Spetsnaz, Russia’s version of special forces. I have also worked with the various freedom fighters in Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. My most recent infiltration was among the YPG, a Kurdish militia translated as the People’s Protection Units.”
“That is really quite impressive, but I feel you might have to do one thing for me first.” Ghost Bear gazed at his leader with deep admiration and anticipation
“Anything, supreme leader. Anything you ask.”
“You sssimply must lose that ridiculous hair color before you go.”
“Right away my liege. I will dye it much darker to appear more Middle Eastern. I will even grow a beard if the supreme leader so desires.”
The commander held up his hand, and the subservient man immediately stopped speaking.
“I will consult further with the good major and if he and I are in complete agreement, I will assemble a small team of loyalists to take you into the region. Once there, you will serve as my eyesss and ears and report back all the intel that you gather. If I deem it necessary, you will be my voice in the region as well. Now go. I will have sssomeone summon you once I have made my decision.”
Ghost Bear bowed low and expressed his gratitude before leaving the room. “Thank you most supreme Cobra leader. I live only to further the cause. I vow that if you allow me this responsibility I will serve you like no other.”
He bowed once more, then closed the door behind him on the way out.
“He is quite humble and a bit meek. Wouldn’t you agree, Major Bludd?” The major shook his head immediately.
“I can assure you, commander, he is anything but meek on the battlefield and loyal to a fault. He is merely showing you the deepest reverence. He was terrified to come to you on his own, but I see promise in the youngster, or I wouldn’t have brought him to you.”
The commander sat pensively for a few moments.
“Present me with his full dossier, and I will take it under consideration. However, I would honestly prefer your presence being in the area.”
“I could stay with him for a week to ensure that he is fully capable if necessary, but then I simply must return to my previous duties in Libya and Egypt. There is still much that requires my attention, and if I take on the Middle East, I fear I will be stretching myself a bit thin. I am only one man, and the boy is not only fluent in the languages of the area, but he is physically more suitable for the part than I.”
The commander released his chin from the grip of his hand and nodded in approval before signaling for the major to leave the room.
“Leave me now and return with the information I requested.”
“At once Cobra Commander.” The Major saluted his leader then turned to leave, but instead of exiting, he turned around to address the commander again.
“Might I share my latest prose with you, sir? It’s been quite some time since I’ve had your ear for these things.”
The commander reluctantly complied.
“Thank you, sir. I very much value your critique of my work.”
He retrieved a small notebook from his pants pocket then cleared his throat as he flipped through the pages. Satisfied with his selection, he began to read aloud.
“The pigs of war squeal with delight.
Content that today they are not a mere bite.
For tomorrow, they may be nothing more than bacon.
Or perhaps, I prefer a cheeseburger.”
“I must say my dear Major Bludd, your latest work has left me desiring a ham and cheese sandwich. Pleassse send for the chef on your way out.”
And with that, the major proudly placed his poetry pad back into his pants pocket, and contently exited the room.
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