Log Title: A Tad Different
Characters: Hannibal 2.0, Zandar
Location: Broca Beach, NJ
Date: July 26, 2021
Summary: Something has changed with Hannibal.
As logged by Hannibal 2.0 - Monday, July 26, 2021, 10:58 PM
Room 254[]
Hannibal
In the last month, a new routine has been set up. Since his regeneration, Hannibal started out as a little cold, as if he needed a chance to reconnect with Zandar after some time away. He's been distant, and more brutal, although as the weeks passed his attitude has slowly somewhat softened. He still seems a bit different since his rejuvenation, but it's nothing Zandar can't look past if he sets his heart to it.
Zandar has been a little unsettled, if he had to admit it to himself. Five years. Five years of removing the same man's boots, preparing him meals, performing missions, and sharing the same bed. Now, though, the distance is felt, the warmth hardened. His lover was still the same man...but intensified. "Lover," he called him as he slid one foot and then the other from his boots.
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "I can't speak Japanese, but I could get you a signals freighter on air travel out there."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "Simple job of rigging up an IFF scrambler with a contact chip instead of the wire for the foo radar missile. I could get a Nepalese Lotus zone-of-defense overflight blocker rigged up for you."
<<Cobra>> Strato-Viper 2100 says, "only minor repairs needed to craft. Unfortunately I am not a diplomat and do not speek Japanese, so I will head back for repairs."
<<Cobra>> Interrogator says, "Anything is good. We were caught by surprise once..."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "I'll get to the carrier and put the unit together for installation. Remember, you hit the weasel scrambler for air presence, but it'll be a radar contact for any friendly Tibetan criminal forces on the ground."
"Yes, Zandar? Report to me your activities of the day." While Zandar works off his boots, Hannibal goes through incoming reports. An attack on Tokyo. Unusual. He flips through images on his tablet, of a giant robot fighting sea monsters in Tokyo Bay. Ridiculous. He flips back a bit further. "I see your sister went into space. I want you to find out for me what she learned there. Not that I don't trust Interrogator's reports to be complete, but she might have a ... different perspective."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "They use circus types, criminal versions of Triad postal lieutenants."
<<Cobra>> Interrogator says, "Good, Minstrel, I'll leave it to you."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "Yessir."
<<Cobra>> Cypher says, "If needed, and someone forwards me Gun Camera Film, I can convert it to Holographic Transmissions, and slip it into any News or Government Database you might want it distributed to."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "We're dealing with DENPA here, it's a dangerous substance."
Zandar informs Hannibal of some fairly mundane activities for Cobra. He brightens at the mention of his twin and offers, "I'll make sure of it. She tells me almost everything." The Dreadnok pours Hannibal a glass of wine with a side of cubed cheese. He says nothing to Hannibal, used to their earlier closeness and the lack of need to speak.
<<Cobra>> Interrogator says, "We'll send it to you, Cypher. As for dangerous substances, we should stick to safe means of doing things. If this is another Quintesson invasion, I do not want to risk ruining any good will we may be able to generate from our actions here today."
Hannibal listens to Zandar's achievements, showing an acceptable level of support to make sure the Dreadnok knows Cobra appreciates his efforts. He smiles at Zandar's offer to contact his sister. "Excellent. She's an interesting woman, that Zarana. Wild, but intelligent. You both are." Hannibal grins wolfishly. "There are some changes coming to Cobra Command," Hannibal says cryptically, "but I will ensure you retain your place in the hierarchy."
<<Cobra>> Minstrel says, "It's a radioactive air traffic control scramble, we used to use them in the Vietnam War. Japanese anime fans think they're an actual magical ability, they've just been hypnotized and sold anime after witnessing an air traffic control scramble from a dead IFF panel on a jet that flew over the Llama's residence."
"By your side..." he says wistfully, part of him missing that familiar five years. Finally, he does give voice to his concern, "Since you were...returned to us. You and I, we call each other lover, but haven't," he speaks softly, "made love.." he continues, "You can, you know. I am yours..." Zandar busies himself with returning the wine bottle to its rack on the wall, "Not to be so forward..."
Hannibal chuckles and his wolfish grin widens. "I appreciate the offer and I assure you I'll be taking you up on it at my leisure." Once free of his boots, he wiggles his toes thoughtfully. "First, however, let us consider the future. What do you consider the role of the Dreadnoks going forward in the Cobra organization? Simple shock troops to sow chaos and destruction where needed? Sometimes I find it odd that those with the skills of your brother and you choose to ally yourselves with such a ... boisterous organization."
Strangely relieved, Zandar settles down onto the couch and sips his own glass of wine. He says thoughtfully, "Shock troops. Enforcers," he takes another sip and swallows, "But I always associated myself with the Dreadnoks not for my brother, but for my sister's sake."
Hannibal nods, leaning back to enjoy his own wine and smiling in response. "That I understand. She seems to understand them, and they follow her less from fear and more from a feeling of camaraderie. Zartan's daughter, Zanya, also appears to fit right in. For you, however, I see more. I feel the Dreadnoks hold you back. Not that you should leave them, of course, but your potential far eclipses theirs. Even your sister's."
"My sister?" Zandar asks, a look of total skepticism coming over him, "I may be her twin, but I'm nowhere near her caliber."
Hannibal throws back his head and laughs heartily, shaking out his long hair. "Your sister has potential and talent, but she is wild, unfocused. That serves her in many ways but holds her back in others. There are many in Cobra Command who don't wish to work with her, limiting her advancement potential." He sits up, returning his feet to the floor. "You, however, are disciplined. A listener. You know when to speak, and when to observe."
Zandar considers this, and a grin spreads slowly, widening, "This is true," he agrees, pleased his skills go recognized once more by this man. He drinks more of his wine, more, perhaps, than he ought and his face darkens with the drink.
Hannibal frowns. "Cobra Commander is working on something big. I'm not privy to all his plans, but we must be ready to move as soon as he reveals his intentions, to ensure we are seen is crucial to his success. Have you completed your space training?"
Zandar shakes his head, "Still ongoing," he places the empty wine goblet on the table in front of them. For a moment he observes this so-familliar stranger and asks quietly, "How much do you remember..?"
At the question, Hannibal quiets. Eyes dark, he turns away from his friend and lover, and for now, doesn't answer.