Bonus for chapter 16: Peace Negotiations
Some fun with the Cobra Commander, Destro, Bludd and the Baroness. This would be what the Commander alludes to in Arashikage when he's talking to Zartan about buying back the peace with those three.
They erupted into the office without knocking, all three of them with guns in hands. The Commander looked up and leaned back in his chair casually.
"Ah. Destro, Baroness, and Major Bludd. I thought we might have this little discussion soon."
"Start talking, Commander," Destro said. "We are reasonable people; we'll give you one chance to convince us that we stand to benefit from your continued existence."
The Commander cackled.
"Why, it seems obvious to me. Tell me, Destro… how do you think Storm Shadow will react when he comes back if he finds me dead? What do you think he'll do when faced with the fact the last eight years were all for nothing and that he'll never find out who framed him or avenge his dear departed uncle? You do realize he'll blame all three of you, don't you?"
The Baroness laughed.
"Don't be ridiculous, Commander. The ninja's dead. The Major and I both saw Snake Eyes fighting him – it's quite obvious he can't have survived that fight."
"Ah… is that where this misunderstanding comes from?" the Commander said. "Hold on."
He picked up his new cell, called up the appropriate application and put the phone on his desk, facing his three would-be killers.
Destro's eyes widened. He didn't need to see the screen up close, he could make out what it was from here; the Commander was showing off readings from the microchip Mindbender had implanted in Storm Shadow's head.
"What is that supposed to be?" Bludd asked.
"It monitors brain activity," the Commander said. "Storm Shadow's, to be exact. As you can see, there's quite a bit more of it than you'd expect from a corpse."
"So your pet ninja is alive," Bludd said. "I'm guessing the thought of our having to deal with him will be small comfort from your grave, Commander."
"What you need to ask yourself is whether killing me is worth putting yourself in no small amount of danger; I think you need to weigh the pros and the cons. So then; what are the pros? Petty satisfaction, obviously, but other than that? Keep in mind that my 'pet ninja', as you so charmingly put it, Major, is one of the most dangerous men alive. I suggest you let Destro and the Baroness assess whether seeing me dead is worth the danger he'd represent to you."
Destro put his best effort into keeping a game face on. The Commander was quite right in assuming that knowing the ninja was alive changed everything. A quick glance at the Baroness revealed that she was thinking hard too. Bludd, for his part, looked mostly surprised that such a small thing could have such an effect but was keeping quiet, apparently following the Commander's advice on letting his partners assess the threat.
"I believe I will be reassured about your leadership qualities and your friendship if you agree to compensate us for the grief you have caused us," Destro said. "An apology is obviously in order."
"I'm guessing you have more than words in mind for that apology?"
"Ten millions each," Destro said.
"Hmm. Thirty millions for trying to take one life. Assuming saving one is worth at least half of that and that I just saved all three of yours, that would leave us with you three owing me 15 millions. I'm willing to negotiate."
"You agreed to two millions each for the Major and myself earlier," the Baroness remarked. "I felt at the time this would be sufficient to earn you my forgiveness. I still do. Of course, I would expect you to extend your offer to Destro as well. Bear in mind that these sums are merely the means for you to demonstrate your regrets over this whole business, and not a price tied to a particular life."
"Dear Baroness, you were always the smooth talker," the Commander cackled. "Very well, we have a deal."
Six millions was but small change, and this conversation had been entertaining enough to be worth it.