The Big Reveal

Log Title: The Big Reveal

Characters: Bloody Bones, Major Sebastian Bludd, Cobra Commander, Alexander Destro, Iron Grenadiers, Mindbender, Over Kill, Ratcatcher, Storm Shadow, Strato-Viper 2100, Vipers

Location: Great Hall - Silent Castle

Date: October 18, 2021

TP: MASS Device TP

Summary: Cobra Commander convenes a meeting in the Silent Castle in Transcarpathia.

Great Hall - Donjon - Silent Castle

A wonder of medieval Transcarpathia, the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for Baron Georg von Stromberg. Its wooden roof is one of the most superb in Ukraine. Giant beams rest on stones carved with heads and symbols such as the lion of the Pfalz - a traditional badge of the von Stromberg Barony.

Grand banquets and state events took place in the Great Hall. The fortification, augmented in the 16th and 17th centuries, was modernised in the 18th century it under the supervision of Lemaire, a military engineer from France.

Restored to its medieval splendour, the Great Hall today displays weapons and armour that hint at its military past. Among the swords and shields are rogatina, the deadly Slavic hunting spears.

The Great Hall is in the very heart of the Castle in Crown Square.

Cobra Commander

For this meeting, a large table has been placed in the Great Hall of the Baroness's Silent Castle. At the head of the table is a large chair with a Cobra-shaped back, manned by Cobra Commander himself, leaning back with a relaxed body language and casually holding his pistol in his lap. To his right hand, a place has been set aside for the host, Baroness, although she has not yet made her presence known.

Cobra Commander

Cobra Commander is an imposing figure, his face hidden behind a silver mirrored mask. Through the visor his voice sounds somewhat digitized and hissing, as if slightly modified to further conceal his identity. The rest of the Commander's helmet and paramilitary uniform is a crisp, deep blue, with a variety of weaponry held tightly against his body with black leather belts and straps. The commander's hands and feet are also covered in black leather, in the form of supple gloves and steel-toed Army boots. A large red Cobra sigil dominates the center of his chest; a smaller one forms the buckle of his military web belt.

To Cobra Commander's left sits Alexander Destro, looking much less at ease. With the coaching of the Baroness, he has refined his manners far more than when he first took over the mantle of Destro from his father. But this is still all relatively new to him. Leading Iron Grenadiers to crush uprisings for money has come naturally to him... High-level meeting with other Command officers, not so much.

Seated on the left side of the table is a man who at first glance one might take as a wayward blueshirt trooper, though he lacks the balaclava over his face and is sporting a beret instead of a helmet. His black hair is tied back in a ponytail, and his face is clean-shaven. It might take anyone familiar with him a moment to realise this is Major Sebastian Bludd. He sits at the Commander's left beside Destro.

Standing at the far end of the room, about as far as one can get away from the 'action' is the hooded, lanky form of Ratcatcher. Still wearing his gas mask like always, he stands motionless, his spear collapsed and on his back. Covered in his chemical prevention gear, he has a lax stance to himself, and could very well be asleep if one didn't know better.

Further down the table is Doctor Mindbender, wearing a deep purple coat over his bare chest in the drafty Great Hall. He gazes around table, squinting slightly through his monocle, almost visibly resisting the urge to twirl his mustache villainously. He picks up a Cobra-branded tablet in front of him, glancing at his notes briefly before dropping it carelessly back on the table. His interests seem far more drawn to his fellow Cobra leaders. He gives Bludd a penetrating smile. "Major," he says gayly. "How good to see you again. I must say - I like the new look."

Bloody Bones situates himself back among the shadows, much as is usual for the captain. He looks around at everyone and everything, expecting the worst even in the middle of the Silent Castle itself but then he didn't get to be a successful Pirate but underestimating people and situations.

Strato-Viper 2100 stands at the doorway in a guarding posture in standard uniform, watching the door intently.

Storm Shadow finds himself A: in a meeting and B: in a /Command Meeting/. Punctuality is key. So is being present. So there he finds himself sitting at the table, hands folded in front of him, quietly observing those gathered.

Various sub-commanders and general officers wait in the wings, available to be called upon but otherwise generally trying not to be noticed if possible. More visible are the faceless legions of Vipers, squads of which are assembled around the hall at attention as a visible show of Cobra's force. Cobra Imperial Guard stand near the entrances and exits, although none stray too close to the command table and Cobra Commander himself.

Over Kill stands near the door, with two BATs, perhaps here to look intimidating. Why else would the BATlord be at this meeting. His BATs stand at attention, robotic faces impassive as they face the Imperial table.

Cobra Commander sits forward slightly, placing the kinetic pistol on the table in front of him. He looks from one present Cobra Command officer to the next, ignoring, for now, the conspicuous absence of Baroness, Tomax, Xamot, and Zartan. When he speaks, his voice hisses electronically from behind his mirrored mask. "Well, well, well," he says, tilting his head slightly. "Sso nice to have so many of us here together once more."

Bludd gazes along the table at the other members of High Command, acknowledging Mindbender with a curt nod and a faint smile, before turning back to the Commander. "It's certainly been a long time since we've had a gathering like this, Commander," he opines. "Per our last discussion, I've begun establishing bases in Europe and Africa. We've been continuing the idea of improving infrastructure and fostering good will toward Cobra that you started in the States and hit the ground running in both Cote d'Ivoire and Grenoble. My base in Cote d'Ivoire is staffed with loyal troops and civilian personnel and is running under my executive officer's command. The Grenoble site is shaping up nicely and should be independent within the next few months."

Cobra Commander looks around the table. "I trust you have all had the pleasure of visiting my new Solar Serpent?" he hisses pleasantly. "Normally I would bring you all there, but I have my reasons for meeting here this evening." He nods as Bludd is the first to report. "Very good, Major. The field decision of Captain Bloody Bones and Interrogator to help defend Japan from recent attacks has also disrupted negative media reports following -" he decides not to continue.

Instead, Cobra Commander says instead, "... has engendered strong, surprising goodwill as well. People remember the times Cobra has saved the world from both the Decepticons and the Quintessons. We will again remind the people of Earth that we are the ONLY ones who can keep them safe and drive back the evils of our greater enemies. Not the Autobots; certainly not G.I. Joe," he says, voice dripping with distain. "Only COBRAAA!"

The Faceless Legions take the opportunity to answer "Cobra!" in return. Never miss a chance to kiss up to the head snake!

"Speaking of Japan," Cobra Commander continues his earlier train of thought. "Mindbender - what has your lab determined based on the strange fuel Bones and Ratcatcher brought back from the attack on Tokyo Bay?"

Mindbender looks up with a start - his attention was obviously already starting to stray. "Oh! Um, yes!" He picks up his tablet and gazes at it through his monocle. "Labor-Nerds report it's some kind of energon, but it doesn't match the fuel used by Cybertronians OR Quintessons." He looks up at the Commander. "Frankly," he admits. "They're not sure what it is," He glances at Bludd. "But if you encounter these creatures again, please, bring me more of their blood. I'm VERY curious," he grins beneath his mustache.

Bloody Bones looks over at the Commander at the mention of his name. "It seemed like an opportune moment to remind people not to believe every bit of information that the Joes and the news show about us."

Bludd frowns at the mentions of Quintessons and Decepticons, then glances to Bones as the man chimes in. He nods, a cocky smirk forming on his lips. "Good to remind people of the power we wield as well, and how we've used it, as the Commander has said, to better this world. I worked very hard on the operation to take down the Decepticons' heating machines, and I know Cobra agents were pivotal in the defense against the Quintessons not long afterward." He doesn't comment on Mindbender's request for more monster robot blood.

Storm Shadow tilts his head, listening. There's a nod at the mention of Japan and he notes, "There was a martial arts tournament. I suspect that there was some interest in recuiting based on those I saw present there in Japan." A narrowing of eyes, "And to bring to the table, Firefly has earned a promotion for above and beyond, filling in as needed when our corps have been stretched thin covering.. things."

Bloody Bones looks between Bludd and the Commander before settling his gaze on the king snake. "I am also trying to locate a ship for our eventual... occupation... of space. So far I have not located anything that would be of use. Pity that ship above us was booby trapped as it was. I think it would have made a fine vessel."

Cobra Commander glances over as Captain Bones and Major Bludd speak, and nods to acknowledge both. Apparently, the Commander is in a good mood tonight - he hasn't even had to use his conspicuous gun yet. He turns to Storm Shadow next. "Yes," he says, considering. "The Baroness has indicated those same martial artists of interest may be involved with the defense of Tokyo as well. Mindbender," he says, turning to address the R&D head. "Send Interrogator to follow up with them. Few other than yourself would be as able to ascertain their true motives as quickly."

Mindbender nods and physically puffs up, as Cobra Commander's flattery hits home.

Cobra Commander turns to Captain Bones. "It's true - we need to expand our space fleet beyond the handful of Stellar Stilettos we have in service. Mindbender," he hisses, turning back to the mad dentist. "See what you can do to modify some of Over Kill's Vectors for space flight."

Cobra Commander cranes his neck to turn back to Bloody Bones. "Captain Bones -- Shawn Berger, Jr. is the latest billionaire to enter the rich man's space race," Cobra Commander sneers, obviously not including himself in that list. "I'm sure he may have several experimental vessels on hand that you may be able to... borrow," he chuckles hissingly.

Bloody Bones rubs that skull of his at the mention of experimental vessels. "Hm, I shall take a look into this Mr..... Berger and see what he has to offer." There's a chuckle from the dread pirate at this idea.

Over Kill nods "My vectors appreciate it. They would enjoy being ready for space flight." he says.

Cobra Commander nods to Bones and Over Kill, and then glances at Destro. "Very well. If no one else has anything pressing to report -- Destro? What do you have to show us this evening?" Cobra Commander hisses, obviously enjoying his role as MC of this little affair.

Destro rises, adjusting his large, red collar. "Commander," he acknowledges, and moves away from the table. He crosses the room to where a small contingent of Iron Grenadiers protect what looks to be an extremely large, covered platform.

Cobra Commander also stands and follows, holstering his pistol and moving to position himself directly in front of the stage. He faces the stage a long moment before turning around suddenly and thrusting both arms into the air. "BEHOLD!" he calls out loudly, voice amplified through his silver helmet."

Two Iron Grenadiers whip off a large cloth, revealing.... nothing. Just an empty stage.

After a brief pause, however, the entire platform sinks into the floor, disappearing into darkness. Rising in its place is what appears to be a *massive* cannon, with a huge crystal at the end of its 'barrel'. It's big enough for several people to stand at a control platform at its base, to which Destro moves as soon as the unusual device is fully revealed.

Bludd sits forward in his seat as the large machine is revealed, regarding it with interest. "Quite the sparkler it's got there," he comments quietly, watching as Destro approaches the control platform.

Bloody Bones watches the unveiling warily. He's not one to try and get on the wrong side of the Commander but even he knows nothing is ever truly set in stone.

Storm Shadow leans back slightly, brows raising up in some surprise. But no comment. Weapons of mass destruction are others' forte.

Cobra Commander claps his gloved hands like a small, excited child. "Destro!" he calls again. "Tell us what your engineers have created."

Destro gives Cobra Commander a look, but it's hard to read behind the silver mask of his clan. Turning back to those still at the command table, he clears his throat and announces, "Um, behold," with considerably less fanfare than the commander. "I present to you the Molecular Assembler, Scrambler, and Sender. With this, we will be able to dematerialize and recombin-"

"The world's largest experimental teleporter!" Cobra Commander interrupts him, completely stealing Destro's thunder. "With this, we can take anything, destroy anything, send troops anywhere across the WORLD! Soon, Earth will be OURS!" So much for that 'hearts and minds' strategy.

"The only limitation...," Destro starts to say.

"IS NOTHING!" Cobra Commander insists. "There will be no limitations on my victory! We can deliver food and medicine to the needy across the glove..." Hey! Hearts and minds! "...or transport our enemies directly into the DARK REACHES OF SPACE!" AH, there it is.

Destro opens his mouth to speak again.

"And NOTHING!" Cobra Comamnder interrupts before the weapons dealer can even get in another word. "WORLD DOMINATION IS AT HAND!" Cobra Commander screeches. "COBRA!... Dismissed." Before anyone can harsh his ambitions with actual questions, Cobra Commander ends the meeting, for now. He strides out dramatically, leaving the others to wonder among themselves at his certain glory.

Reluctantly, Destro and Mindbender follow.

A smirk crawls onto Bludd's face at the Commander's upstaging of Destro. He stands and comes to attention, saluting the Commander and his reluctant entourage as they leave, his expression neutral. When the three have gone, he drops the salute and relaxes into a parade rest stance, his gaze returning to the strange device.

Iron Grenadiers continue to guard the device, allowing only Cobra Command personnel to approach it.