I'm sure you are all wondering what's going on in Cobra as all of this is happening? Well…

Chaos in Cobra

From their New York headquarters the Crimson Guard Commanders, Xamot and Tomax ran their corporation of Extensive Enterprises. From here they worked on several different projects from buying and selling companies to maintaining funds as well as legal advice for Cobra. They also had the task of making sure the Cobra checkbooks were balanced. This was something they personally worked on.

"This is impossible!" Xamot said.

"I agree!" Tomax nodded. "This checkbook actually balances!"

"Besides that," His twin groaned. "Although that is an oddity in itself. Take a look at all these margins. These are all the profits from selling those weapons to certain branches of the FOH. And here are all the totaled damages from our troops that have been secretly attacking the same FOH outposts. What is Cobra Commander doing selling them weapons and stealing them back?"

"This is Cobra Commander we are talking about," Tomax told him. "When has he ever been rational?"

"But all of these statements don't make sense!" Xamot said. "He's transferred an enormous sum into several bank accounts. Most of them the Dreadnoks. And one I have never seen before."

A beeping noise sounded on their desks. "Enter," Both twins said at the same time. In came two men in red uniforms from a secret door behind a bookcase.

"Crimson Guards 12 and 13?" Xamot blinked.

"What are you doing here?" Tomax said.

"Aren't you supposed to be guarding Cobra Commander?" They both said sternly.

"It's not our fault sirs," Crimson Guard 13 said. "Cobra Commander took us off detail permanently. It was his orders."

"You were taken off detail?" Xamot asked. "Why?"

"Cobra Commander replaced us," Crimson Guard 13 shrugged. "Maybe he figured out we were spying for you."

"That's impossible," Crimson Guard 12 said. "We haven't needed to send a report in for weeks. No one has noticed anything about us. Besides there's been nothing out of the ordinary going on. Unless you count him spending more and more time with Zartan."

"Zartan?" Xamot asked.

"Do tell," Tomax said.

"They've become real buddies lately," Crimson Guard 12 said. "You know how Cobra Commander always spends hours alone planning in his throne room? Not anymore."

"Yeah that Dreadnok is with him nearly 24-7," Crimson Guard 13 said. "I don't get it."

"Neither do we," Both Xamot and Tomax said at the same time.

"What is…" Tomax said.

"He doing?" Xamot finished.

"Hmmm," Both of them looked at each other. Both were trying to make sense of it all.

"Something just isn't…" Xamot started to say.

"Adding up," Tomax finished. "I agree. What is Cobra Commander doing?"

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"Commander I don't understand this," Destro said to the monitor as he looked at the data before him. "These specifications are completely different than what the Pulsar Cannon was designed to do."

"I have decided to take the project in an entirely new direction," Cobra Commander told him. "I am sending an associate to assist you with the new modifications."

"I have no need of an assistant," Destro huffed. "I am quite capable of…"

"Spare me your male posturing," Cobra Commander waved. "I am simply sending someone to fill in the details of your mission. Actually she isn't really an assistant. More like a business partner."

"Business partner?" Destro raised an eyebrow under his mask. "Why wasn't I informed of this sooner?"

"Since when do I tell you of my decisions?" Cobra Commander asked.

"Since I was made second in command!" Destro snapped. "I've been stuck here in these mountains for over a month and…"

"Stop your whining Destro!" Cobra Commander hissed. "Your patience will be rewarded. Please look after your guest well. I think you will find her an interesting woman. You are to remain there until the project is completed. That is my order. Cobra Commander out!" The monitor shut off.

"Pompous Twit!" Destro snarled.

"Lord Destro!" One of his guards saluted as he entered the room. "A chopper has landed with Alpha Clearance!"

"That must be our guest," Destro said. "Well let's go meet her." They went to the landing field where he saw a stunning woman with pale skin and blonde hair wearing white.

"I am Emma Frost," She said haughtily. "You must be Destro. I assume Cobra Commander has told you of my arrival and the purpose of my visit?"

"I just spoke with him," Destro told her. "Are you a scientist?"

"No, I am a businesswoman with very interesting hobbies," She grinned.

Destro decided that it was best to play along for now. "I see," He grinned and bowed. "If you will permit me to escort you to someplace where you can freshen up. I will have more suitable arrangements made. If I had known you were coming sooner I would have prepared something to suit your tastes."

"Thank you," Emma raised an eyebrow. "I must admit that you are more receptive than I was expecting."

"I am nothing if not a gracious host," Destro snapped his fingers indicating his servants take her luggage. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm.

She seemed to debate for a second. "Very well," She took it. "I must admit however I hardly can expect much judging from the décor around here." She looked at the stone snakes and gargoyles adorning the castle distastefully.

"It is a trifle melodramatic isn't it?" Destro agreed. "Unfortunately Cobra Commander will insist on putting the Cobra logo on every thing he sees. I am not a man who belabors the obvious."

"Oh and what sort of man are you?" Emma asked.

"What sort of woman are you?" Destro asked.

"One that knows when to get down to business and when to enjoy herself," She grinned. "Tell me do they serve dinner in this godforsaken place or do you have to go out and kill your own food."

"I can have my personal chefs create whatever you wish," Destro said. "What would you prefer? Italian? Japanese? Traditional Scottish Fare?"

"Why don't you surprise me?" She told him. "You seem to be a man full of surprises."

"I'm not the only one," Destro said. "I take it you will tell me of our Dear Cobra Commander's latest scheme afterwards?"

"In time," She said. "Tell me something, you don't really like Cobra Commander do you?"

"What I think of him is immaterial," Destro told her. "Personal feelings have no place in business."

"Or world domination," Emma nodded. "However I think I am going to like working with you Destro. Yes you are a very interesting man indeed."

"Your room will be that way," Destro pointed down the hall. "If you need anything ring the bell and one of the maids will assist you."

"See you at dinner," Emma smiled and left.

Destro watched as the woman left. "What is on your mind Cobra Commander?" He muttered. "I think it's time I did a little background check on our Miss Frost."

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Copperhead shook his head in disgust as he watched Zanya and the Dreadnoks enjoy themselves in the officer's rec. room. Although his main function was to operate and maintain the equipment of all the swamp vehicles, he was also called in time and time again to become a temporary drill instructor for Cobra's new recruits. Whenever they managed to get any.

His sentiment was shared by Scrap Iron, the Anti-Armor specialist. "Lousy mercenary scum," He muttered as he watched the Dreadnoks hoot and holler at the television.

"Look who's talking," Copperhead pointed out. "You sell your skills to whoever pays you."

"Correction," Scrap Iron said. "I sell my skills to whomever in Cobra pays me and can advance my career. There is a difference."

"True," Copperhead nodded. "At least you don't betray the entire Cobra unit, just some of it's officers."

"Well we are enlisted men," Scrap Iron pointed out. "We're in Cobra for the long hall! Unlike others I could mention."

"Yeah. Time was a Dreadnok wouldn't dare waltz right into the main officer's areas," Copperhead grumbled. "Cobra's going to Hell in a handbasket. I'll tell you what!"

"I hear you bro," Scrap Iron sighed. "There was a time when being an officer in one of the most feared terrorist organizations on earth meant something."

"Well since I have nothing better to do I might as well join you bozos in your pity party," Firefly, Cobra's top saboteur walked in. He was covered from head to toe in a desert camouflage outfit.

"Firefly?" Copperhead blinked. "What are you doing here? I thought Cobra Commander had sent you on that mission in London."

"He called me back at the last second," Firefly said bitterly. "Said he had someone else to do the job cheaper."

"Cheaper?" Copperhead snapped. "You mean one of them muties!"

"Excuse me," Zanya had overheard that part of the conversation. "What did you just say?"

"I said muties you freak!" Copperhead snarled.

Immediately all the Dreadnoks ignored the TV and got up. They surrounded the three at the table. "Now this person didn't say what I think he just said now did he?" Ripper growled.

"I believe he did Ripper," Monkeywrench growled. "I believe he did. I think you owe the lass an apology."

"Not very tolerant is he?" Buzzer asked. "Listen here, this little 'freak' is our boss. And nobody insults the Boss when we're around! Got it?" He held his chainsaw close to Copperhead's face.

"Yeah," Torch sneered, drawing out his knife. "She's like our little princess and what she says goes! Now you know what we do to blokes who hurt our little princess's feelings, don't ya?"

Copperhead looked around. Already Scrap Iron and Firefly had backed away. Copperhead couldn't blame them. Nobody ever wanted to tangle with an upset Dreadnok. "N…no…sir, I…I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."

"As much as I'd love to see all of you tear each other to bits," An annoyed voice hovered by the doorway. "We're being summoned by Cobra Commander." They turned around and saw Dr. Mindbender with an annoyed look. "He wants us all in his throne room. For what I have no idea. I suggest you all go there post haste. You can finish playing later." He left the room.

"We'll finish this later," Zanya growled. "Come on boys." The Dreadnoks followed her out.

"Come on," Firefly said. "We'd better go too."

Copperhead grumbled. "Wonder what the Head Snake wants this time?"

"Who cares?" Scrap Iron said. "He saved your hide."

They entered the throne room. "Where is he?" Mindbender grumbled. "You'd think he'd show up to his own meeting!"

"I'm coming Mindbender," Cobra Commander walked out of his personal chamber. "Keep your cape on. I was delayed."

Zartan followed Cobra Commander out of his personal chamber. To everyone's horror his fly was opened. Zartan quickly noticed and zipped it up again.

"Uh did you just see what I did?" Copperhead whispered into Mindbender's ear.

"No!" Mindbender hissed. "And you didn't see it either! Shut up you fool!"

"I knew a Dreadnok would do anything to get paid," Firefly whispered to Scrap Iron. "But even that…"

"Okay it's official," Scrap Iron gulped. "I have just learned that I have some standards."

"Is there a reason for this meeting Commander?" Zanya asked in a bored voice. "I'm sure you are very busy. Wouldn't want to take up too much of your valuable time." At this the Dreadnoks chuckled.

"Yes I'd like you to meet my new bodyguard," Cobra Commander smiled as the door opened and a huge familiar figure stepped out. "Say hello to Sabertooth. I'm sure you'll all be very good friends."

"Sabertooth," Mindbender blinked. "Wasn't he with the Brotherhood and Magneto's gang?"

"Formerly of the Brotherhood," Cobra Commander told him. "He now works for me. As well as a few other associates from the Brotherhood."

Another figure stepped out from the shadows. "Hello mates," Pyro grinned. "Glad to join the team."

"Pyro here is a mutant with fire wielding capabilities," Cobra Commander explained. "And one of our first officer recruits."

"OFFICER?" Copperhead balked. "THAT KID?"

"Yes Copperhead," Cobra Commander sounded annoyed. "As part of our new policy to promote mutants within the ranks. We need new blood. The mutants will be it. As of now Cobra will now assist all mutants in claiming their place as the dominant species of the world. And Cobra will guide and rule them!"

The officers stood there in shock. "I have a bad feeling about this," Mindbender gulped.

"Yeah I wouldn't want to be you," Copperhead told him.

As Cobra Commander outlined the plan to recruit mutants, Sabertooth and Pyro moved to the back so they could speak. "Are we really going along with Mystique's plan?" Pyro whispered.

"Just until we find Magneto," Sabertooth grunted.

"You think she knows?" Pyro asked.

"If she doesn't she'll find out," Sabertooth narrowed his eyes. "She's like that. Just play along until we find out what happened."