Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own any of the characters from GI Joe, or
Battle Action Force. I'm just borrowing them to find a way to incorporate
the old Battle AF continuity in with the current one. Please excuse any
mistakes, and tell me what they are. I wish I knew more about the Battle AF
stories than I do.
Pt 8: Red Shadows
Sitting in shadows, Destro waited in Castle Destro. He knew it would only be a matter of time before he would have a visitor, but he did not think it would take this long. Every day for the past few weeks he had spent sitting in this chair waiting, and all he had to show for it was that he had finally managed to catch up on some reading and paperwork. Still he had it easy compared to the Baroness, patience had never been among her virtues.
Finally, one of his hidden Nullifier guards sounded a subtle chime that his guest had arrived. The guards would allow the guest to enter the palace as if he owned it, but filled the hallways as soon as he was out of sight. The guest would not be allowed to leave easily.
The door to the study opened, and Jackal entered just as he did before the war between Cobra and the Red Shadows began. Just as before Jackal looked exactly like Destro, down to his silver facemask, this time Jackal was carrying a bag.
"Again, the likeness is stunning," Destro said, while sitting forward allowing the light to shine on his own face. "But I have taken to wearing my old gold one around the house, just to tell us apart."
The door behind Jackal opened, as two Nullifiers entered and stood guard on either side of it. Others were visible lining the hallway.
"I didn't come for a fight, or to stage a cue, Destro," Jackal said. "I just wanted to ask you a question."
"Oh, no. There wont be a fight that is what the guards are for. Ask your question."
"Why did you not heed my warning not to get involved?"
Destro smiled. "Do you really take me for a buffoon? As soon as Cobra Commander saw you among the opposition, he would, and nearly did, assume it was me. I would then be your scapegoat, fighting for my life. The Commander does not appreciate treason, which brings me to my question. Why are you so set on revenge against the Commander?"
"What have you learned about me so far, Destro?"
Destro tossed a file onto the reading table. "After much expense, I have learned quite a bit about you, Red Jackal. You were recruited into action force as a hot headed kid who wanted to do nothing more than drive fast and fancy vehicles. You were believed to have been killed in action by the Red Shadows, but they recovered your battered body, and used advanced cybernetics to bring you back to health. Either through brainwashing, or because they offered you a better deal, you began working for the Red Shadows, in charge of their Hiss Tank Division. Of course then they were called Hyena tanks. After article 909 was passed and the Red Shadows were hunted down, you were one of the few who escaped. Everything else you told me, on your last visit."
"Ha. Very thorough. The answer to your question is a simple one. Our leader, the Baron Ironblood, betrayed the Red Shadows! That is why your Cobra Commander must die. He destroyed my life time and again. for NOTHING!"
'YOUR RIDDLES MEAN NOTHING!" shouted the Baroness, as she flung open the secret door she had been waiting behind. She could not stand the waiting any more, forget waiting for the cue word that Destro was suppose to say when it was time for her to make her appearance. "Your betrayal of Cobra means Death!"
Destro grabbed the Baroness's gun away before she had a chance to use it. "Not yet, my Dear, its not proper to kill our guests."
"I was hoping to meet you, Baroness. I wanted to give you your fathers head as a gift, but when I researched it, I discovered that he had already passed away. No doubt from the shame of what you had become. But then I decided that it didn't matter what killed him, his head would still get the point across." Jackal tossed the bag he was holding over towards the Baroness.
Destro looked in the bag first, "I can only tolerate so much arrogance from my Guests, Jackal."
The Baroness lost all color when she looked into the bag, and grabbed the pistol back, pointing it at Jackal's head.
"BARRONESS!" Destro shouted with such an air of command in his voice that she stopped instantly, and took a deep breath after silently counting to ten.
"Now, Jackal," the Baroness said, "kindly answer my question."
Jackal gave the Baroness an exaggerated bow, "Of course, Baroness."
"Where is Cobra Commander's son, Billy?"
"You have no idea how misplaced your loyalty is, do you, Baroness? But, very well, I shall answer you out of pity. He is alive and well, if in a state of shock. The Baron has taken a personal interest in him, and keeps him with him at all times."
"Thank you," the Baroness said with a smile, then she pulled the trigger. And just to be sure, fired again.
Destro squatted down to examine the wounds, and the blood dripping from the holes in Jackal's mask. If he thought that there was not enough blood coming from the wounds he gave no indication. "Take the body away."
The two Nullifiers standing at the door came over. One grabbed Jackals feet, and the other his arms, as they carried the body away.
****
Hours later, Jackal came to, and found himself on the trash heap behind the castle. Once more he was grateful that few really understood the nature of his cybernetics. His faceplate was not just a mask, like Destro's was. If it had been then he would surely be dead. But the layers of armor that were his head, gave him a much greater endurance when it came to head wounds.
****
Destro was grateful that the Baroness had already gone to bed before the news came. He was not sure how she would take the news when the Televiper came in to tell him that the homing signal was moving. The Baroness had been so happy to have killed the man, he didn't want to spoil it with news that he was still alive, and leading them right to the enemy's base.
****
The Black Major waited impatiently in the back of his command truck, which he had painted to resemble an ARB Co Movers truck. It was a touch of irony that he secretly enjoyed. He was feeling that old restlessness again. He needed to have action soon or he felt he would go mad. But he had to remind himself that action was just around the corner. Total revenge, and all the action he could handle in just a few short days, they just needed to properly prepare for the final event, and that was why he was here waiting.
He had given two of his Shadows the photograph of a former Red Shadow who had been "rehabilitated" after the Red Shadows had been all but wiped out. He had gotten a nice government job now, he would never be trusted with anything sensitive, but he should still have picked up the information he needed to know about the G I Joe team's plans.
The doors to the truck opened, and the two plain clothes Red Shadows tossed in the still struggling man. At the site of the Black Major's leveled pistol, the man became very still. The truck doors closed behind him.
"BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD!" The Black Major shouted.
The man screamed, clutching his head, before standing to attention. "Blood for the Baron!"
The old Baron's brainwashing techniques were effective. "Now, tell me what you know of GI Joe's plans."
****
Red Laser was worried about the Baron Ironblood. He was beginning to act too unpredictably. For example, why was he keeping Billy alive? It was almost as if it liked the thought that he had a son. As if the boy could actually have been his, it should have been laughable, if it wasn't so worrying. The last thing he needed was for the Baron to have a breakdown during the final battle with the dreaded Cobra forces.
At least the Baron was taking the precaution of keeping Billy securely chained at all times, with a round the clock guard. He hoped the Baron didn't plan to try brainwashing Billy into being another General.
He really could not afford to worry about such things now, however. He needed to make sure the Skeletrons, and Krakens would be ready for the expected battle. Unfortunately the Mutons were too much of an untested factor to use this soon. They would have to sit the big battle out. But one thing he knew for sure, by the end of it, either Cobra or the Red Shadows would be no more.
****
Hot death rained down on the GI Joe's armored column, as Red Wolf guided his squadron of Roboskulls in another strafing run. He had managed to take out another tank completely and crippled two others. It was fun, but it was taking too long. He called for paratroopers.
One of the Roboskulls exploded as a result of a lucky shot from a tank.
Wait a moment, Red Wolf thought as he had to evade a shot. The tanks were taking evasive action to avoid his attacks, but it wasn't as random as he had originally thought. They were positioning themselves to be able to throw up an effective flack curtain. He had never heard of tanks being used in such a fashion, but he had to admit its effectiveness as machine gun fire echoed against his Roboskull's hull.
Finally high altitude planes arrived and started dropping Red Shadow paratroopers wearing vests made from high explosives.
He had to move away from the tanks in order to deal with Sky Strikers and other planes that had arrived to provide air support for the Joe team.
The Joes seemed prepared for their suicidal paratroopers. As soon as the Joes saw them they let loose with their machine guns, not letting up until their bullets detonated the falling explosives.
A few paratroopers managed to land safely in the wooded area beside the tank column, and one or two paratroopers found their targets, taking out a tank with a splut and a bang.
Other Joes regretted allowing any of the Paratroopers to land safely, as troopers on foot charged from the side. The suicide charge took out another tank before anyone managed to bring their guns around to the new threat.
Red Wolf shot down another fighter, and noted with pride the number of destroyed tanks. The mission was a success. "All Roboskulls, return to base."
****
"All over the map, the Red Shadows have been making blitz attacks against us. We have let them think that they have dealt us significant losses," Duke announced to his officers.
"I have news for you, Duke," Flint said, "They have."
"All they have taken out, Flint, has been old surplus tanks and equipment. Our main inventory has hardly been touched. But the bottom line is that whatever they have planed is going to happen soon. We need to make sure we are there to contain it, and take out whoever wins. Wile Kamakura and Jinx will use the confusion to try and recover Billy."
****
Cobra Commander ordered his ARB Co command truck to halt in the middle of nowhere.
Crimson Guardsmen disembarked from it, and other trucks in the convoy and fanned out to secure the area. Any civilians they managed to find in the immediate area of one mile were very unfortunate, but at least their deaths were quick. Once that task was complete, Tomax and Xamot informed Cobra Commander, who was waiting with a shovel.
They followed him as he made his way on foot into the woods, guiding himself by landmarks he alone knew. Finally he came to the spot he was looking for, and began digging.
"May I ask, Cobra Commander," Tomax began.
"Exactly what are you digging for?" Xamot finished.
"I find that if I am to fully bury the past, I must first dig part of it up. Or rather, you must." The Commander answered, while handing the shovel to Tomax to finish digging.
To be concluded.
Pt 8: Red Shadows
Sitting in shadows, Destro waited in Castle Destro. He knew it would only be a matter of time before he would have a visitor, but he did not think it would take this long. Every day for the past few weeks he had spent sitting in this chair waiting, and all he had to show for it was that he had finally managed to catch up on some reading and paperwork. Still he had it easy compared to the Baroness, patience had never been among her virtues.
Finally, one of his hidden Nullifier guards sounded a subtle chime that his guest had arrived. The guards would allow the guest to enter the palace as if he owned it, but filled the hallways as soon as he was out of sight. The guest would not be allowed to leave easily.
The door to the study opened, and Jackal entered just as he did before the war between Cobra and the Red Shadows began. Just as before Jackal looked exactly like Destro, down to his silver facemask, this time Jackal was carrying a bag.
"Again, the likeness is stunning," Destro said, while sitting forward allowing the light to shine on his own face. "But I have taken to wearing my old gold one around the house, just to tell us apart."
The door behind Jackal opened, as two Nullifiers entered and stood guard on either side of it. Others were visible lining the hallway.
"I didn't come for a fight, or to stage a cue, Destro," Jackal said. "I just wanted to ask you a question."
"Oh, no. There wont be a fight that is what the guards are for. Ask your question."
"Why did you not heed my warning not to get involved?"
Destro smiled. "Do you really take me for a buffoon? As soon as Cobra Commander saw you among the opposition, he would, and nearly did, assume it was me. I would then be your scapegoat, fighting for my life. The Commander does not appreciate treason, which brings me to my question. Why are you so set on revenge against the Commander?"
"What have you learned about me so far, Destro?"
Destro tossed a file onto the reading table. "After much expense, I have learned quite a bit about you, Red Jackal. You were recruited into action force as a hot headed kid who wanted to do nothing more than drive fast and fancy vehicles. You were believed to have been killed in action by the Red Shadows, but they recovered your battered body, and used advanced cybernetics to bring you back to health. Either through brainwashing, or because they offered you a better deal, you began working for the Red Shadows, in charge of their Hiss Tank Division. Of course then they were called Hyena tanks. After article 909 was passed and the Red Shadows were hunted down, you were one of the few who escaped. Everything else you told me, on your last visit."
"Ha. Very thorough. The answer to your question is a simple one. Our leader, the Baron Ironblood, betrayed the Red Shadows! That is why your Cobra Commander must die. He destroyed my life time and again. for NOTHING!"
'YOUR RIDDLES MEAN NOTHING!" shouted the Baroness, as she flung open the secret door she had been waiting behind. She could not stand the waiting any more, forget waiting for the cue word that Destro was suppose to say when it was time for her to make her appearance. "Your betrayal of Cobra means Death!"
Destro grabbed the Baroness's gun away before she had a chance to use it. "Not yet, my Dear, its not proper to kill our guests."
"I was hoping to meet you, Baroness. I wanted to give you your fathers head as a gift, but when I researched it, I discovered that he had already passed away. No doubt from the shame of what you had become. But then I decided that it didn't matter what killed him, his head would still get the point across." Jackal tossed the bag he was holding over towards the Baroness.
Destro looked in the bag first, "I can only tolerate so much arrogance from my Guests, Jackal."
The Baroness lost all color when she looked into the bag, and grabbed the pistol back, pointing it at Jackal's head.
"BARRONESS!" Destro shouted with such an air of command in his voice that she stopped instantly, and took a deep breath after silently counting to ten.
"Now, Jackal," the Baroness said, "kindly answer my question."
Jackal gave the Baroness an exaggerated bow, "Of course, Baroness."
"Where is Cobra Commander's son, Billy?"
"You have no idea how misplaced your loyalty is, do you, Baroness? But, very well, I shall answer you out of pity. He is alive and well, if in a state of shock. The Baron has taken a personal interest in him, and keeps him with him at all times."
"Thank you," the Baroness said with a smile, then she pulled the trigger. And just to be sure, fired again.
Destro squatted down to examine the wounds, and the blood dripping from the holes in Jackal's mask. If he thought that there was not enough blood coming from the wounds he gave no indication. "Take the body away."
The two Nullifiers standing at the door came over. One grabbed Jackals feet, and the other his arms, as they carried the body away.
****
Hours later, Jackal came to, and found himself on the trash heap behind the castle. Once more he was grateful that few really understood the nature of his cybernetics. His faceplate was not just a mask, like Destro's was. If it had been then he would surely be dead. But the layers of armor that were his head, gave him a much greater endurance when it came to head wounds.
****
Destro was grateful that the Baroness had already gone to bed before the news came. He was not sure how she would take the news when the Televiper came in to tell him that the homing signal was moving. The Baroness had been so happy to have killed the man, he didn't want to spoil it with news that he was still alive, and leading them right to the enemy's base.
****
The Black Major waited impatiently in the back of his command truck, which he had painted to resemble an ARB Co Movers truck. It was a touch of irony that he secretly enjoyed. He was feeling that old restlessness again. He needed to have action soon or he felt he would go mad. But he had to remind himself that action was just around the corner. Total revenge, and all the action he could handle in just a few short days, they just needed to properly prepare for the final event, and that was why he was here waiting.
He had given two of his Shadows the photograph of a former Red Shadow who had been "rehabilitated" after the Red Shadows had been all but wiped out. He had gotten a nice government job now, he would never be trusted with anything sensitive, but he should still have picked up the information he needed to know about the G I Joe team's plans.
The doors to the truck opened, and the two plain clothes Red Shadows tossed in the still struggling man. At the site of the Black Major's leveled pistol, the man became very still. The truck doors closed behind him.
"BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD!" The Black Major shouted.
The man screamed, clutching his head, before standing to attention. "Blood for the Baron!"
The old Baron's brainwashing techniques were effective. "Now, tell me what you know of GI Joe's plans."
****
Red Laser was worried about the Baron Ironblood. He was beginning to act too unpredictably. For example, why was he keeping Billy alive? It was almost as if it liked the thought that he had a son. As if the boy could actually have been his, it should have been laughable, if it wasn't so worrying. The last thing he needed was for the Baron to have a breakdown during the final battle with the dreaded Cobra forces.
At least the Baron was taking the precaution of keeping Billy securely chained at all times, with a round the clock guard. He hoped the Baron didn't plan to try brainwashing Billy into being another General.
He really could not afford to worry about such things now, however. He needed to make sure the Skeletrons, and Krakens would be ready for the expected battle. Unfortunately the Mutons were too much of an untested factor to use this soon. They would have to sit the big battle out. But one thing he knew for sure, by the end of it, either Cobra or the Red Shadows would be no more.
****
Hot death rained down on the GI Joe's armored column, as Red Wolf guided his squadron of Roboskulls in another strafing run. He had managed to take out another tank completely and crippled two others. It was fun, but it was taking too long. He called for paratroopers.
One of the Roboskulls exploded as a result of a lucky shot from a tank.
Wait a moment, Red Wolf thought as he had to evade a shot. The tanks were taking evasive action to avoid his attacks, but it wasn't as random as he had originally thought. They were positioning themselves to be able to throw up an effective flack curtain. He had never heard of tanks being used in such a fashion, but he had to admit its effectiveness as machine gun fire echoed against his Roboskull's hull.
Finally high altitude planes arrived and started dropping Red Shadow paratroopers wearing vests made from high explosives.
He had to move away from the tanks in order to deal with Sky Strikers and other planes that had arrived to provide air support for the Joe team.
The Joes seemed prepared for their suicidal paratroopers. As soon as the Joes saw them they let loose with their machine guns, not letting up until their bullets detonated the falling explosives.
A few paratroopers managed to land safely in the wooded area beside the tank column, and one or two paratroopers found their targets, taking out a tank with a splut and a bang.
Other Joes regretted allowing any of the Paratroopers to land safely, as troopers on foot charged from the side. The suicide charge took out another tank before anyone managed to bring their guns around to the new threat.
Red Wolf shot down another fighter, and noted with pride the number of destroyed tanks. The mission was a success. "All Roboskulls, return to base."
****
"All over the map, the Red Shadows have been making blitz attacks against us. We have let them think that they have dealt us significant losses," Duke announced to his officers.
"I have news for you, Duke," Flint said, "They have."
"All they have taken out, Flint, has been old surplus tanks and equipment. Our main inventory has hardly been touched. But the bottom line is that whatever they have planed is going to happen soon. We need to make sure we are there to contain it, and take out whoever wins. Wile Kamakura and Jinx will use the confusion to try and recover Billy."
****
Cobra Commander ordered his ARB Co command truck to halt in the middle of nowhere.
Crimson Guardsmen disembarked from it, and other trucks in the convoy and fanned out to secure the area. Any civilians they managed to find in the immediate area of one mile were very unfortunate, but at least their deaths were quick. Once that task was complete, Tomax and Xamot informed Cobra Commander, who was waiting with a shovel.
They followed him as he made his way on foot into the woods, guiding himself by landmarks he alone knew. Finally he came to the spot he was looking for, and began digging.
"May I ask, Cobra Commander," Tomax began.
"Exactly what are you digging for?" Xamot finished.
"I find that if I am to fully bury the past, I must first dig part of it up. Or rather, you must." The Commander answered, while handing the shovel to Tomax to finish digging.
To be concluded.