|
Community Links |
Social Groups |
Pictures & Albums |
Members List |
Search Forums |
Advanced Search |
Go to Page... |
|
Thread Tools |
12-16-2012, 01:14 PM | #1 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,018
|
Mindbender descended the stone stairs into the dank underground command suite. He never understood the Commander’s obsession with the abandoned sewer systems under the city. He passed a guard who opened a door for him. Cold air hit him like a hammer and sucked the air from his lungs. He pulled his cape tighter around himself and saw his breath condense as he exhaled.
He descended the last few steps, and clapped his hands over his ears as the hammering sound of the Commander’s pistol rang out. His cape fell away from his body and he felt the gooseflesh rise. He watched the Commander empty one, two, then three magazines in quick succession, shredding targets that snapped around to be exposed for mere seconds. At last the Commander finished, and began disassembling the pistol, laying the parts out on a table. An old Browning .30 machine gun sat on a tripod by the table. To the side, a Crimson Guard sat at a small desk with neatly laid out papers and an adding machine. The Commander turned to him. “I’ve been reviewing your Serpentor project. I have concerns.” “ Commander?” The Commander picked up a file and flipped through it. “You intend to find the burial sites of historical figures, disinter them, and extract their DNA.” “That’s roughly correct Commander. Yes.” The Commander flipped through the pages. “Alexander, Genghis Khan, Caesar, Napoleon, Hannibal, Attila . . . Do you have any idea where these men are buried?” “We’re working on that, Commander.” “Genghis Khan, for example, was buried in an unmarked grave over which horses were stampeded to obliterate all trace. And archaeologists have been trying to find Alexander for centuries. Are you telling me that in addition to orthodontics, robotics, botany and genetics you are also a student of archaeology?” “No Commander. The researchers at the Springfield Museum of Antiquities have been doing the bulk of the spadework to date.” “I see.” The Commander laid down one file and the Crimson Guard handed him another. “And the cost?” “Well the Museum has received a State grant, but I never said it would be cheap, Commander.” “No. You didn’t. But you failed to provide a cost-benefit analysis. What do we gain from the expense? What are the opportunity costs? How many soldiers could we recruit for that price? How many Rattlers or HISS tanks could we build? How many politicians and bureaucrats could we buy?” “Mmm, well, that’s not really my –“ “Stop!” The Commander held up a hand. “From this point on this is a one-way conversation. You have presented a ridiculous project with no realistic financing. Further, you are deviating from my direction. I approved a proposal in concept to create a super soldier. You are trying to create a super general. We don’t need any more generals. We need reliable soldiers. “ He paced for a few moments, then pulled another pistol from a holster and checked that it was loaded. He laid it on the table. “Your budget is cut by three quarters. You are denied approval to chase the ghosts of antiquity. But you WILL develop a super soldier. Here is a list of bodies to seek.” The Crimson Guardsman handed Mindbender a folder. He opened it, trying to hold the papers steady as he shivered, and started reading the names. Alvin York, Simo Hayha, Michael Wittmann, Kurt Knispel, Tommy Prince, Rex Clark . . . He flipped the page and saw more names, along with biographical details and lists of awards such as Medal of Honor, Victoria Cross and Iron Cross. “Perhaps the Museum can do an exhibition comparing gallantry in antiquity with gallantry in this century’s wars,” said the Commander. “And I don’t want one soldier. I want a battalion. Firefly, Scrap Iron and Bludd can put together a pedagogical program so we can test theories of nature versus nurture.” Mindbender opened his mouth, but the Commander held up his hand to silence him. He opened one last folder, and hit a button activating the pulley for the pistol targets. One of the targets advanced towards the Commander, who pulled out a sheaf of papers from the last file. “I don’t know where you got delusions of fashion design, but these cape and helmet designs are atrocious. You'd think we were trying to take over The Castro.” He tore away the paper target and attached a picture of a green cape, a gold snake helmet, and tall boots. He hit the button again and the target ran back down the range. “You have overreached, Mindbender. See that it doesn’t happen again.” He raised his pistol and fired five quick rounds, punching holes through the drawings of a proposed Serpentor costume. He rolled his shoulders, and while still looking down range he waved a hand. “Dismissed. And find yourself a shirt.” ______________ LT Note - I often wondered how Cobra in the Marvel series would have run without Serpentor. No civil war, better organizational focus . . . And all for a lack of attention to detail on Cobra Commander’s part. What ‘What Ifs’ do you have? |
12-16-2012, 02:17 PM | #2 |
W.O.R.M.S. Commander
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Back in the US of A! (NoVA)
Posts: 10,649
|
What if I had talent I would write a matching story. But alas I do not but am thoroughly enjoying yours.
__________________
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. |
12-19-2012, 02:08 PM | #3 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,018
|
Major Bludd raised his hand.
“How about diamond-tipped bullets?” Cobra Commander stared at him. “What is this? Grade school? Put your hand down. And why would we make diamond-tipped bullets?” “They’d be armour piercing.” Destro put his head in his hands. “You don’t understand a thing about ballistics, do you Bludd? First, diamond would shatter on impact. Second, bullets yaw, so might not even strike true with the diamond tip, in which case it would shear off. Let’s stick with steel-rod penetrators.” “We could sell them to the rap crowd as bling ammo,” said Bludd defensively. Cobra Commander smacked the table. “Next.” “I have actually been researching a laser rifle,” said Destro. “Is it effective?” Destro rubbed his mask. “It needs work. So far it’s the size of a truck and can only warm an egg, but I’m sure that with some venture capital I can have something more portable . . .” “No. Anyone else?” “We have an idea for covert movement around countries,” said Tomax. “The circus!” said Xamot. “You want to hide our forces and equipment in a group of clowns?” “It’s an ideal means of moving large amounts of equipment,” said Tomax. Cobra Commander shook his head. “I will not be silent partner to a troop of mimes.” Tomax sat back in his chair. “Ah. Well, we could achieve the same effect with a touring rock band, and . . .” “No. You two are thinking like idiots. Stick with convenience stores, warehouses and trucking companies.” “But . . ..” started Xamot. “Stop. I’m responsible for the salaries of my soldiers, feeding, clothing and equipping them, purchasing and maintaining equipment, and more. You are currently managing my assets so that we can continue to fund this movement. If you bring me one more stupid suggestion I’ll replace your services. Permanently.” Tomax and Xamot nodded in unison. “Yes Commander.” “What about breaking open psychiatric wards to free the patients?” suggested the Baroness. The Commander turned to her. “It has merit,” he said. “It would burden the local officials, giving us opportunity for bank robberies or sabotage.” “Oh,” said the Baroness. “I was thinking about recruiting the inmates.” There was a long silence. The Commander surveyed the room, taking in the monocle-d and bare-chested Mindbender, Destro in his steel mask, Bludd with a mechanical arm, the twins with their bright sashes, and the Baroness in a cat suit. “I think we may have enough escaped lunatics already.” He checked his watch. “I’m going to the range. We’ll reconvene tomorrow. Perhaps you’ll have some ideas about space shuttles or reincarnating the dead or teleportation by then.” He walked out shaking his head and muttering to himself. |
12-19-2012, 02:24 PM | #4 |
Crimson Horse Cmdr
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,036
|
I love it! keep it going
|
12-19-2012, 02:35 PM | #5 |
Python Patrol
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: J-ville, FL
Posts: 2,118
|
awesome!!
|
12-19-2012, 03:25 PM | #6 |
Social Distancing Expert
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: In my basement changing O-Rings
Posts: 5,721
|
Man you got skills, Hell of a story!
__________________
https://instagram.com/gijoe.junkie?i...Q5ZDc2ODk2ZA== |
12-22-2012, 07:27 PM | #7 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,018
|
“As the Baroness recently briefed that the world’s population was becoming increasingly urbanized and located near water, we’ve developed proposals for taking over these regions in the coming years. We’ll lay the groundwork by taking over the criminal world through the Dreadnoks, while the Crimson Guard will take over local banking, legal and governing institutions.”
Cobra Commander nodded enthusiastically. “Then, when the time is ripe, we’ll physically occupy the regions with a new group of Vipers. We present – the Alley Viper.” Images of the Alley Viper flashed up on the screen. Cobra Commander froze, and the room went silent. “That’s . . . That’s not quite what I had in mind.” Xamot looked puzzled. “Why not?” Cobra Commander blinked. “I’m not sure where to begin.” He picked up a pen and put it back down. “Well, it’s not very subtle, is it?” “What do you mean? It did very well in the focus groups. I mean, look, he’s got a shield – based on analysis of SWAT teams, but made lighter so it can be used as a weapon as well as a defensive object.” “Right – the shield. That’s quite noticeable and is going to attract a lot of attention.” Tomax frowned. “Depends on time of day.” “What?!” “Well,” said Xamot, “in the morning, commuters are too tired or hung over from the night before to notice such things. In the day, the soccer moms are taking kids to places, and it will look like a costume party. And at night, well, it could well be part of a costume party.” Cobra Commander shook his head. “Did your analysis of SWAT teams show a need for a weaponised shield?” “No, but we like to anticipate things.” “Ok. We’ll put that aside for a moment. What were you thinking when you came up with the colours?” “Ah – glad you asked,” said Tomax. “It’s about the anticipated effects of pollution. It causes a patina on the buildings. They’ll blend right in.” “In orange and purple?” “Oh yes,” said Xamot. “Steel is very popular in construction. And it rusts. So orange is perfect camouflage.” Cobra Commander shuffled some papers. “And the purple?” “Acid rain,” said the twins in unison. “I see.” The Commander pulled out a Colt .45 and checked that the magazine was full. He laid the pistol on the table. “I had been thinking more along the lines of black. Outfits that could be quickly put on or taken off in the middle of a crowd, so the wearers could anonymously vandalise buildings or attack security forces, then strip them off and walk away unnoticed in the crowd.” The twins frowned. “What’s the point of that? These Alley Vipers will be able to overwhelm any opposition with brute force. Look, we’re even giving them rocket-launched grappling hooks so they can scale buildings and shoot at people in the streets below.” The Commander nodded slowly. “I’m going to get a little practice in,” he said, pointing to the pistol. He picked up the briefing folder and pulled out the pictures of the proposed Alley Viper uniform. “Why don’t you come up with some other options for tomorrow?” The twins nodded and watched the Commander walk out of the room, shaking his head. They smiled. “Well brother, that went quite well.” “My thoughts exactly. I think he really likes the idea.” |
12-30-2012, 07:00 PM | #8 |
Cobra Viper
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Posts: 283
|
Awesome read
__________________
========================================== Feedback : http://www.hisstank.com/forum/buy-se...ml#post4470360 |
01-06-2013, 06:29 PM | #9 |
W.O.R.M.S. Commander
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Back in the US of A! (NoVA)
Posts: 10,649
|
freeing the lunatics was a great read. But you haven't touched the brainwave scanner.
__________________
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. Last edited by Loose Cannon; 01-06-2013 at 06:31 PM.. |
01-07-2013, 04:20 PM | #10 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,018
|
Cobra Commander inspected his perforated target, nodding in approval at the shot placement. The target was a page from a proposed operation order presented by one of his lesser commanders. The holes punched through sections the Commander did not approve of and which required major revision. It was so hard to find competent help. His mind wandered back to one of his first subordinates, Doctor Venom. He shook his head, recalling one of their first meetings.
. . . “Commander, this plan, which only requires a small amount of funding, will provide you with the ultimate interrogation and brainwashing device,” said the lean man in a lab coat. “One device does both?” “Oh yes. I call it the Brainwave Scanner. It builds a complete map of the subject’s thinking patterns through an enhanced application of electroencephalography along with a very robust variation of a Wada test.” “Is that so?” The Commander drummed his fingers on his thigh. “It’s cutting edge technology. I plan to connect the readout to a large monitor, and through the clever use of microchips and programming we will depict the subject’s mind as a maze. Then, with a simple joystick and one or two buttons the interrogator can force the subject to move through the maze.” Cobra Commander rubbed his head. “Is this running through the maze relevant to being interrogated?” “Yes, of course it is. And,” he said, arching an eyebrow, “it’s very painful.” “Painful.” Doctor Venom rubbed his hands and smirked. “Oh yes. It delivers massive electrical shocks. That’s all part of the brainwashing process. Think of it as a very compressed way of applying the lessons of the Milgram experiment and the Stanford prison experiment to induce metanoia, without the time or the costs of using physical methods to re-engineer someone’s norms.” Cobra Commander rubbed his eyes through his cowl. “Wasn’t all of this in a movie?” “Ah,” said Venom, holding pointing a finger to the ceiling. “You’re thinking of the Ludovico Technique. I suppose you could consider this a variation.” “But with less Beethoven.” “Yes! Ha ha! Very clever. Less Beethoven – and more pain!” Cobra Commander leafed through the written concept proposal, then looked up. “I hired you to develop biological weapons. How is that work progressing?” Venom waved a hand. “It’s coming along well. The plague toxin is nearly ready. It will be painful too. But this scanner, this should really be drawing your attention.” “And what support do you want?” “One and a half million dollars in financing for a ‘video game’ game front company I’ve set up with some Crimson Guard help in Sierra Gordo. It’s called Naja Hanna. I’ve taken the liberty of combining a lab developing the toxin with a lab working on the brainwave scanner. And a modified version in an armoured suit.” “A what?!” Cobra Commander’s head snapped up. “Yes – S.N.A.K.E. battle armour. I knew you’d approve based on the name. It’s all under the cover of producing arcade games. And we are. We’re exporting them to the arcade in Springfield as well as a number of other North American cities. It’s a very cost-effective way of doing business. Oh, and I want to ensure I have ready access to Cobra lawyers. Just in case.” . . . Cobra Commander shook his head at the memory, and flipped to the next report. He clipped it to the target rail and ran it twenty five metres down range, inserted a fresh magazine into his pistol and squinted, ready to edit another document. |
|
|
Recent Off Topic Threads |
Hisstank Late Night thread... |
Last Movie You Watched? |
Joy Toy's Dark Source Line |
What song are you listening to? |
JazWares 18th Halo |