Part 2 of Destro-and Baroness-Declassified(You dont need to read Part 1 to understand this part if you like this Iron Grenadier section here better) I posted Part 1 of this story over at Joe Reloaded in the Off Topic section and it is based after Marvel Issue 21! I Love this story and have got lots of good comments about this from others and I hope you like it too! Iron Grenadiers forever!

Many years later at Castle Destro in Scotland, General Voltar had called all of the troops to attention at the field space within the castle, all standing beautifully in formation. Sergeant Major McCall stood to his right side and Darklon-Destro's cousin-stood on Voltar's left side.
General Voltar stood at the podium, smiling proudly at the troops he had led all these years for Destro. However, he knew he could not have done it without the help of his officers...especially Sergeant Major, who trained the troops very well.
Over the years, the three had trained the Iron Grenadiers Army in many skills. This had caused other divisions to be created from the Iron Grenadiers:TARGATs, Annihilators, Undertow divers and numerous pilots and drivers.
TARGATs-which stood for "Trans-Atmospheric Rapid Global Assault Trooper-were the jet pack troopers of the Iron Grenadiers but could also be utilized in space. In fact, they had been utilized in space already a few times to fix M.A.R.S. sattelites and such.
The Annihilators were Mini-helicopter trained Iron Grenadiers. They were very effective with marksmanship and just being daring like the TARGATs. They were also trained helicopter pilots and drove helicopters like Destro's Dominators.
The Undertow were Iron Grenadier frogmen and sea vehicle sailors. They usually stayed in-and around the waters around Castle Destro though, protecting the drawbridge and moat from attacks. However, they also went on missions in rivers and oceans. One even had a pet barracuda that he had named(See P.E.T.s story in Special Missions TPB)
As for the drivers and pilots, Destro had hired the very best of the best.
The Nuffifiers were one of the toughest Iron Grenadier troops in Destro's army. They had to be tough to withstand the stresses of flying the A.G.P(Anti-Gravity Pod)-and other aircraft Destro had designed-but they were also tough because they were surgically enhanced.
Because of their physical toughness, large size and undying devotion to Destro's cause, they were also utilized often as personal bodyguards for General Voltar, Sergeant Major and Darklon. However, they all looked forward to being the personal bodyguards for Laird Destro as he had been in Cobra a very long time. Maybe someday soon he would return.
The Wild Boars were the drivers that drove the land vehicles like the DEMONs and the Razorbacks, but mostly the Razorbacks.
The Iron Grenadiers remained a division of their own. They were skilled in many skills and were much like the Special Forces in that they had many talents.
The Iron Grenadiers that served now had served Destro for many years. Some even served Destro's father and had went on a few missions with James before he word the silver mask like his father before him.
It was also possible that the Iron Grenadier army had served other ancestors of Destro-aside from James and his father- throughout the centuries as well, though it was not clear whether they wore the black suits with gold trim-at that time-or the Scottish attire and kilts some wore today.
The Iron Grenadiers that wore kilts today were also in formation, except those in Destro's personal bagpipe band and the other non-fighting branches-such as cooks-within the Iron Grenadiers.
The words "Iron Grenadier" also indicated that the IG army was also effective in firing grenades, mortars and even artillery missiles. While the Iron Grenadiers were a part of Destro's army, the whole army was actually called the Iron Grenadiers.
The Iron Grenadier branch was also great undercover agents. Many times, they had gone into a country and sold weapons to that country and then went to the opposing country and did the same. They were paid by commission so they tried to find as many countries as they could find, sometimes even crating wars where there were none to get their weapons and such sold. Peace meant no commissions and they all had bills to pay at their homes in Scotland and areas round about.
In fact, General Voltar had even sent some Iron Grenadiers on undercover missions to get a war going. For example, they had recently acted as Englishmen and attacked a few countries holding the despicable English flag, causing those countries to retaliate against England.
Of course, the English did not know why their country was attacked by these countries and had quickly called M.A.R.S. to sell them some weapons and such, not knowing the Iron Grenadiers and M.A.R.S were owned by the same man:James McCullen Destro from Callander, Scotland.
It was true that Destro-and his ancestors-never liked England and neither did the Iron Grenadier army. However, the Iron Grenadiers had no problem acting as Englishmen they hated in order to brind the world's wrath upon England and her Queen.
In the process, they had sold much to England. Planes, tanks and jeeps and weapons...lots of them. Yes, it was true that they disliked the English but their Love for money was more than their hate for the English. Money was money, no matter where-or who-it came from.Speaking of undercover agents, Sergeant Major had recently sent one t Cobra. His name was Metal-head and his mission was to report their activities and such. It was also in case Cobra Commander wanted to attack Destro, as he had tried to assasinate Destro a few times even when he was an officer in Cobra.
However, it was no secret that Cobra Commander was not pleased to find out-before him and Destro had been trapped together under the Pit-that Destro had a secret army of his own in Scotland nad that Destro always had plans to lead that secret army against him and Cobra. Of Course, he had not said anything to Destro but had hired Scrap Iron to report to him about Destro's activities.
There were rumors that Cobra Commander had been killed and replaced by a mystery man and Metal-Head had reported those rumors to Sergeant Major.
Metal Head was a very effective Missile Specialist, much like Scrap Iron who had worked many years at M.A.R.S for many years under Destro. However, Scrap Iron's loyalties were mainly to Cobra while Metal Head's only loyalty was to the Iron Grenadiers and Destro. Metal Head was very serious and dedicated but pretended to be foolish to the Cobra agents.
Scrap Iron was working for Cobra but he still gave information to Destro when it did not seem to contradict with Cobr'as goals. In fact, it was Scrap Iron that had convinced Cobra Commander to hire Destro as the new Weapon Supplier when Derek Sutherland-the old Weapons Supplier- and been killed in mysterious circumstances.
However, Destro and the Iron Grenadiers knew that Scrap Iron was mainly loyal to Cobra Commander and would choose him over Destro if he had to make a choice. Just like Dr Knox, who also worked for Destro a few times over the years. Howvere, she did find Destro more sexier than Cobra Commander and had flirted with Destro many times while she thought Baroness was dead.
Destro seemed to have "too much honor" for Scrap Iron to be completely loyal to him. Cobra Commander was more evil and ruthless and "Scrappy" liked that Cobra Commander had no honor. This was a few of the things Scrap Iron liked about Cobra Commander but it was not the only things.
Scrap Iron felt the world-and everyone in it-was imperfect and needed to be destroyed. Cobra Commander had agreed and promised Scrap Iron to help him kill the "imperfect" someday.
General Voltar looked out at all of the hundreds-if not more-of the troops and was indeed proud of their progress over the years while Destro was working for Cobra. They had started out with Iron Grenadiers in black but now there were many divisions of the Iron Grenadiers.
Destro working for Cobra had been very profitable in that he was able to sell many planes, tanks and other vehicles and weapons to Cobra, making lots of money for Destro indeed from his commission sales. However, Destro owned everything and had set a good example for the Iron Grenadiers by putting himself in danger over the years to sell weapons and such to Cobra Commander.
General Voltar started his speech, trying to hide his excitement and joy about the news he was going to soon tell everyone from this very podum.
"Over the years, we have incited wars and riots in order to sell our weapons and such and have become very rich in doing so, more than we ever imagined."General Voltar said, smiling proudly.
Some of the troops in kilts in the Bagpipe Band laughed in the parapet about General Voltar's pinkish looking uniform that did not match his gold helmet, finding it rather silly.
However, they were not the only ones that wanted to laugh at Voltar's fashion statement but the troops in formation did not laugh. knowing there was strict consequences for laughing in formation...perhaps a trip to the dungeon.
If General Voltar found out they were laughing at his pink uniform, he would probaly shoot them in the head immediately for disrespecting their superior officer. Yes, Voltar knew that some of the men did not like his uniform but he liked pink and always felt "real men wear pink" Some questioned his sexuality.
General Voltar continued his speech.
"I feel personally that we have become richer through Cobra's continued business over the years. However, we will become even more richer now that an honored guest will join us." General Voltar said, excitedly. "This honored guest will make us the most wealthy and powerful army and organization that the world has ever seen."
"Honored guest???" Many of the troops had wondered. Was Rowdy Roddy Piper the wrestler joining the iron Grenadiers or something? "Is this a new officer?"
"I must admit that he is not just an honored guest, my Iron Grenadier troops." General Voltar said, honestly and smiling slyly.
There were many kinds of troops in the Iron Grenadier army but everyone took it as a compliment that they were all called the Iron Grenadiers. Afterall, they were all Iron Grenadiers before they became TARGATs and such and was proud to be called Iron Grenadiers and feeling so unified with each other.
Yes, there were a few Undertow troops that had defected over to Cobra a few years ago because of the dangerous creatures in the Moat but overall, the Iron Grenadiers were a loyal bunch.
"He is President of the M.A.R.S Corporation and Head over all of us Iron Grenadiers." General Voltar said, humbly, not too proud to even call himself-a decorated general-and Iron Grenadier. His vulture sat on General Voltar's shoulder, dirtying his rank but Voltar did not care, feeling a closeness to his vulture he wanted to someday name. "Allow me to introduce him to you that have not had the honor of meeting him and let me present him again to those that know of his greatness. It is not great pleasure to present Laird Destro, Laird of Castle Destro and (twenty fourth?) Laird of the Destro Clan."
With this, the troops went wild, clapping and cheering and just glad that Destro had finally returned from Cobra and was now present to lead the Iron Greanadiers into victory. Destro was always their Commander but now, he was there for them.
However, most of the troops noticed that he did not look the same. The last time many of them saw him was when there was a Destro impersonator in Castle Destro and they hoped this man was not another Destro impersonator that Serpentor had sent. Was this the real Destro? The real Destro had a silver mask... a silver mask that had been in the Destro family for centuries. Even Major Bludd knew this, using one of Destro's many silver masks that Destro had made in the forges down below the underground passages of Castle Destro.
Was this an impersonator? They remembered that Destro was not happy that an impersonator had infiltrated his castle without anyone noticing and they did not want to make the real Destro even more angrier if this was an impersonator.
This Destro also flew a vehicle, which was something like Serpentor's Air Chariot but it was armed wih missiles and was black and gold.
Major Bludd had been thrown into the keep-not dungeon, as Destro loved to point out- and had escaped. Was this Major Bludd again trying to trick them?
Major Bludd had always been known for escaping prisons and had even escaped a Federal Prison a few times because of his cunning. Was this Major Bludd trying to use some of that cunning again?
Destro was angry that the Iron Grenadiers had believed the impersonator and when he heard-from Sergeant Major-that they had let Major Bludd escape.
However, Destro was now proud of them. He always did like ceremonies when his troops stood in formation so unified...he got this from his father. He could sense that some of the troops were concerned about his drastic change of appearance and he could not blame them. He also now flew a vehicle named the Despoiler and this was definitely something new to them.
His gold mask reflected the gold sunlight that matched his mask. He wore a blood red cape and a gold mysterious ornament that kept his cape attached to the right side of his uniform. He had a shoulder pad on his left shoulder that had gold spikes rising from the black surface of the pad, making him look even more intimidating and evil than ever. He had thick chaps that protected his legs and a fancy sword that was made of gold that was in a gold sheath.
He had once wore a dark grey or blue uniform. However, he now wore a dark black uniform that was dark as the night and represented mystery. He always had a black uniform but had not worn it much over the years. He did remember wearing a balck uniform when he met Scarlett and the Baroness for the first time.
Scarlett had went on a mission for the Joes and had the unfortunate event of meeting Destro, who killed some of her friends.(See Scarlett Declassified)
Yes, he had left Castle Destro recently in a blue uniform with the red puffy collar but now, he was now truly "back in black"...a black uniform,red cape and last-but not least-a gold mask.
His father had loved gold and even had some on the uniforms of the Iron Grenadiers before James became the next Destro. Even James's father wore some gold and had given Destro a gold amulet that Destro wore on his uniform while he was in Cobra to honor his father's memory. Now, he wore a new amulet on the blood red cape that was also given to him by his father, who had been killed in mysterious circumstances.
"Greetings, my loyal soldiers, friends and brothers." Destro said full of sincerity. "It is with great joy that I have returned to you to bring M.A.R.S.-and the Iron Grenadiers-into the twenty first century. I know some of you have some questions and are wondering about my new appearance but I assure you-with all that I am-that I am the real James McCullen Destro, not an impersonator like Major Bludd."
The troops were satisfied that this was indeed the real Destro and this made them even happier.
"I have been gone for a while..." Destro said, honetly, continuing his speech he had not wrote or memorized. This was words from his heart. "...but I am back and more determined than ever to bring us victory. I have every intention of devoting all of my time, energy and resources to make us a more formidbale force than we have become, and that is a compliment looking out at all of you while flying my Despoiler. You all have done excellently without me but I hope to make us even more excellent than we are. I want us to be perfect, a unified force that no man-or group-will ever underestimate again. What do you say, my brothers and friends?"
With this, the crowds even went wilder than the first time, excited that Laird Destro had finally returned from that sorry Cobra organization to lead them into victory.
"I am sure many of you are wondering why I am no longer wearing the silver mask that has been in the Destro family for countless years. However, I will say that it is still in my posseeion and is very protected, as are the other masks I have created over the years. But the mask my father gave me-the same mask my grandfather gave my father-is even more protected. However, I have felt inspired to wear the gold mask to represent my new beginning...our new beginning. Just like dross goes into the fire and comes out as pure gold, so we have been plunged into the fire and come out as pure molten gold. My father loved gold and so did I and I wear this gold mask in his honor. Shall we go forth as the new-and improved-Iron Grenadiers?"
Destro thought about the conversation him and Zartan had recently about the time when Zartan had made a beautiful sword with Professor Onihashi and this was the inspiration for his analogy about the gold and the fire.
'Yes, Laird Destro!!!!!" The Iron Grenadiers and troops and officers yelled in unison, impressing Destro greatly. He had never seen an army that was sooo "one in unity" and doubted he ever would again.
"Excellent." Destro said, still smiling proudly at the army that had assembled before him and was now so for him him. He could not take the credit as his officers had done most of the work over the years while he was gone. His officers had done very well and made them a truly unified force indeed that was not to be reckoned with. However, Destro took a certain amount of pride that his troops were not a backstabbing lot like the Cobra officers and troops and hoped he was part of that reason that his troops were different. He was nothing like Cobra Commander and he knew his troops benefited from this fact."You already have been issued your new uniforms and helmets with more gold than ever but now, I want to give you all raises that will be on your next check. This year, the Iron Grenadiers have been very effective and I want to pass on all of the riches to you. I was not here so my salary will remain the same but the money we made this year will be spread evenly among you all. You all wear gold like me, showing we are all one, never to be divided again."
With this, the crowds cheered again, Destro not knowing if they were more happy about the "bonus" or his speech. Perhaps a bit of both. However, he could sense his troops were sincerely happy that he had returned to them here in Scotland...the land of bag pipes, broads and lots of beer.
A few minutes later, Destro finished his sermon after thanking all of his officers publicly for their hard work and dedication. He dismissed everyone and looked forward to going to his private room for some privacy indeed.
"Laird Destro, your speech was awesome." General Voltar said, sincerely. "Are you sure we can afford to give all of our profits to the troops and officers like myself?"
"Yes." Destro said, smiling under his gold mask. "You all deserve it."
"Thank you, Destro." Sergeant Major McCall said, full of happiness that he was getting such a huge bonus. "Your speech was very inspiring and was worth all of the bonus we all will be receiving.We have all missed you so much."
General Voltar tried to hide his disgust at Sergeant Major "kissing up" to Destro, not knowing that the Sergeant Major's words were totally sincere. He was loyal to Destro's father and would always be loyal to Destro now.
"Yes, cousin of mine." Darklon said, his helmet looking like a household appliance or vacuum cleaner. "It is truly an honor to have the same blood as you running through my veins."
"Thank you so much, General Voltar, Sergeant Major McCall and Captain Darklon." Destro said, genuinely, liking to use their names to make them feel appreciated. They were not just nameless troops and officers that served him, they were his friends and teammates and he Loved to serve them as much-if not morseo-as they Loved to serve him."I really do appreciate all of your comments, gentlemen. Truly, I meant all of my words in my speeh from the bottom of my heart and I want to thank you all again for being such great leaders and officers while I have been gone. Certainly, you three will be rewarded handsomely for your loyalty, hard work and devotion to the Iron Grenadier cause."
"Thank you, Laird Destro." The three said, simultaneously.
"No, thank YOU." Destro said, emphatically. "Without you three, I am not sure that the Iron Grenadiers would have grown to such epic proportions over the years. However, it is not just the quantity of the soldiers but also the quality that I see in those soldiers and my officers like you three."
"We have tried." Sergenat Major McCall said, modestly. "However, we could not get the Iron Grenadiers to truly respect, Love and be loyal to Laird Destro if we-as the Head officers-did not chesrish you so deeply, feeling the same."
"Here, here." General Voltar and Darklon said, raising their wine glasses in respect to Destro, agreeing with Sergeant Major totally.
"Thank you so much." Destro said, happily, glad and honored that he had such loyal officers and troops in his command. "Now, if you will all excuse me, I need to get to my suite and take care of umm...some business. Make sure I am not interrupted unless it is an emergencey. Understand?"
"Yessir!" The Three shouted.
With this, Destro walked away from them and headed upstairs, the three knowing what "business" Destro needed to take care of indeed. "Business" was his code word and they all knew what it meant to James McCullen Destro.
Upstairs in Castle Destro a few minutes later, Destro opened the door of his luxurious suite and walked inside, glad that the Baroness was waiting for him in her tight, black uniform that complimented her full body.
he had also wore blue in the past but now, she wore her pure black uniform...just like Destro. She had this black uniform for years but thought it was appropriate today to wear it for Destro. This particular one had a picture of the gold Iron Grenadier symbol rather than the red Cobra symbol that was on most of her uniforms.
"Hello, my Queen and Wife." Destro said, happy that he had found out that the Baroness had not died years ago. He was also happy that she had agreed to be his wife a few weeks ago. He knew he would never "take her for granted" because she could again be taken from him. "How are you doing, My Love and my beautiful dove?"
"Superb..."Baroness said, sincerely, also glad that the two were recently married. It had been a small ceremony with only a few of their closest friends and family members of theirs in attendance at the Silent Castle. They had then done a honeymoon in the Silent Castle and even went on a cruise for a few weeks to places of Baroness' choice. "Now that you are here with me, my handsome husband. Your speech to your army was beautiful, lovely and inspiring."
"Not as much as you." Destro said, romantically.
"Oh, Destro, you are so romantic." Baroness said, happily, knowing she had found a good man as a husband."Heck, I wanted to be an Iron Grenadier after that speech and thus, I put on this new uniform for you."
"It is truly beautiful and makes me want to quote Love poetry to you." Destro said, smiling, watching the Baroness walk toward him "She walks in beauty like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies."
"Very beautiful." Baroness said, sincerely. "Shakepeare, right?"
"Indeed." Destro said, his voice so deep. "I am sure Shakespeare and I would be good friends. I would Love to have a Scottish beer with the man."
Baroness smiled, glad that Destro had a sense of humor. It was dry-like a martini- sometimes but he did indeed have a good sense of humor and laugh at himself. They also could laugh at each other without feeling insulted.
Truly, they had a beautiful Love for each other, despite the world feeling they were heartless terrorists that had no Love in their hearts. However, their Love was simply for each other, no one else.

Watch out for the next part of "Back in Black." Hope you liked this first part! More coming soon!

Well, here is the final part of "Back in Black" Hope you like it!


At Castle Destro, Baroness and Destro talked, both wearing their uniforms still, Destro looking at her with his gold mask on his head.
Baroness was beautiful indeed and had become even more beautiful after all of the surgeries she had when the HISS Tank had exploded and burned her badly all over her body.
"You are truly more beautiful than ever, if such is possible." Destro said, sincerely, still amazed after all these years about the fine job Dr Hundtkinder had done on her body-and face-so long ago.
"You always were a romantic, James." Baroness said, smiling seductively, taking Destro into her arms.
Destro took off the gold mask and put it on the table next to the Chess set that he had transferred from the Silent Castle. It still had the Baroness-in her black uniform-as a Queen to Destro's King.
Though Baroness had never wore the black uniform in Cobra, she had wore it for Destro a few times. He had liked it more than the blue uniform she usually wore so he had requested for the sculptor in Brooklyn to make Baroness have the black uniform with a red Cobra symbol on her chest. Destro always liked her in black and she looked so beautiful in her black uniform that had the gold Iron Grenadier symbol on it now. They now both wore black uniforms so they were truly both "back in black." Destro thought about the American song "Back in Black" and found it was indeed appropriate.
On the Chess table, the chess pieces of Baroness and Destro only remained, the rest laying down beside the chess board. It was a reminder-to Destro-that him and the Baroness would one day be victorious against GI Joe and Cobra and any other group that tried to stand in their way. The chess pieces of the Baroness and Destro faced each other on the Chess board, just like James was facing the Baroness right behind the Chess table.
"I am so glad you are back in my life and that you are my wife." Destro said, sincerely, noticing that he accidentally had rhymed. "It just was not the same without you when i thought you were dead."
"It was not the same when I thought you had been killed either when you and Cobra Commander were both buried under the Pit." Baroness said, sadly and emotionally. "I remember flying a Rattler over the Pit and dropping a wreath on the remains of the Pit in your honor and saw Snake Eyes and Scarlett mourning your death. It appears they resect you just as much as you respected them over the years. Anyway, I wanted you to 'Rest In Peace' because you had been through so much war."
"That is very sweet of you to give me a wreath then." Destro said, touched by this sentiment. "I wish I could find it." "Very sweet indeed, Anastasia."
"Destro, there is something I need to tell you." Baroness said, honestly, hoping Destro would not be too angry or furious. "I hope it will not anger you too bad but I must be honest with you about it."
"Nothing could stop me from Loving you." Destro said, firmly. "No matter what it is, Ana. My Love for you is truly unconditional indeed."
"We will see." Baroness said, smiling, only to add with a guilty conscience. "While thought you were dead, I became romantically involved with that Crimson Guard impersonator that was impersonating Cobra Commander."
"And?"
"That's it." Baroness said, still feeling guilty yet surprised that Destro was so calm. "You're not angry with me?"
"No, Baroness." Desto said, honestly. "To be honest with you, I thought about moving on with Dr Knox when I thought you were dead but I did not. However, to even think of it was betrayal of our Love. We are both gulty, neither more or less guilty. Besides, even if that was not true about Dr Knox, I would Love you anyway because my Love is not dependent on factors."
"Your Love is truly unconditional." Baroness said, smiling. "However, I promise not to take advantage of that unconditional Love, James my Love."
"Thank you."Destro said, smiling a sly grin. "I know you don't want to break my heart...this heart that Loves only you."
With this, the two kissed passinately, feeling so much Love for each other.
"Yes..."Destro thought to himself, wanting to smile while he kissed the Baroness gently on her sweet, red lips. "I am indeed taking care of business tonight, business meaning my Love Baroness. Then again, it is more pleasure than business."
In the Operations Room of Castle Destro, Sergeant Major McCall looked at the computer console, making sure the area within and outside Castle Destro was secure. Now that Destro had returned, he did not want anyone to hurt or kill Destro or take him away.
"Find anything suspicious?" Gregor-Baroness's main bodyguard-asked, curiously, more concerned for the Baroness instead of Destro.
"Nothing yet." Sergeant Major said, seriously. "It is indeed up to us to make sure that there is no danger to Destro or the Baroness."
"You take care of Destro" Gregor said with a smile. "I will take care of the Baroness."
"Agreed." Sergeant Major said, smiling in return.
Though Gregor was an Englishman, Sergeant Major McCall and the other members of the Iron Grenadiers-including Destro-liked Gregor.
Protecting Baroness made Destro happy and when Destro was happy, the Iron Grenadiers were happy. Usually, the Iron Grenadiers did not like the English but Gregor was definitely the "exception to the rule."
Back in the upstairs suite, Destro and the Baroness sat at the table, talking and sipping on red wine from the wineglasses. They were glad they were able to have this romantic time together, looking at the lit candles and the full moon outside the window, feeling so relaxed.
The wine they sipped was from the McCullen private vineyard(Referred to in Dreadnoks Declassified) and it was the best wine they had ever tasted.
"Baroness, there is something i need to tell you too. "Destro said, honetly. "Before I met you, I had many women in my bed over the years. I travelled all over the world and met many women but none could compare to you when I met you."
"Dont feel bad, Destro." Baroness said, honestly. "I have had a past with lots of men too. I will even admit that I had some experiences after you and I met while I was in Cobra."
"I understand." Destro said, truthfully. "I had a few women after I met you too but there is something else...something worse."
"What is it?" Baroness asked, curiously, wondering what could be worse than knowing Destro had been with other women. However, she could not judge him because she had been bad over the years too.
"Before I met you, I got a woman pregaant accidentally." Destro said, honestly. "I married her out of obligation and really tried to be a good husband and father. Howver, when I met you, I left her and my son Alexander. I knew you were my soulmate and I had to have you someday as my wife so I divorced her. The truth was that i never Loved her and only married her because of my son. I have been providing for my son financially over the years and feel he is disappointed that I left his mother for you. I tried to explain it to him but he does not understand."
"Where was this woman when you too met?"
"One of the Caribbean Islands, Anastasia." Destro said, honestly. "I dont remember which one, truthfully. I have never seen her since our divorce and I don't ever care to see her again. There are others too. I went to a wrestling match to see Rowdy Roddy Piper and she had a daughter and named her 'Jamie' after my name James. There is also a weird son in South Carolina named Nathan.(My name is Nathan and I am from SC, hmmmm...haha) He is a bit strange, if you ask me. He is obsessed with the Destro history and wants to be the next Destro. Too bad our son or daughter is going to be the next Destro indeed. I hope you are not too angry with me."
"This does make things interesting." Baroness said, seriously. "However, I am not angry with you, Destro. Certainly, I have done things in my life that I regret so I cannnot judge you but you are right, that Nathan does seem strange. Has any of them spent time with you?"
"My son Alexander visited me once and we had a good time together but he wanted me and his mother to get back together." Destro said, honestly. "To be honest, I thought about it just to please my son but then Scrap Iron told me you had joined Cobra and became second-in-charge and I couldnt do it. I Loved you and it would not been fair to the woman, Alexander or you. There is no one-and I mean no one-that I Love more than you. Not myself, not my son and not even my father."
"James, you are the only one I know that can tell me about the mother of your illegitimate child and end up making me Love you even more than I already do." Baroness said, smilling kiddingly. "You are good...very good."
""You have not seen anything yet." Destro said, jokingly.
With this, he grabbed Baroness and put her down on the bed, holding her wrists gently in his hands and kissing her all over the face.
However, Baroness had not resisted, Loving the Love that Destro showed her and just simply Loving Destro. She was a trained fighter and could have thrown him through the window but she liked this attention-and Love-he was showing her.
This was why Destro loved her so much. While the other women in the world-including Alexander's mother- had loved him for his money and power, he knew Baroness Loved him unconditionally just like he Loved Baroness with that same kind of Love.
Baroness was his soulmate and he did not regret any decision he had made to be with her, though he knew it must have hurt his son Alexander most of all. However, so much had bonded Destro and the Baroness together over the years and he knew that they were destined to be together, be it in life or death.
In the Operations Room again of Castle Destro, Gregor sipped on the wine Sergeant Major had given him a few minutes ago.
"It is very good, McCall." Gregor said, smiling, only to add with a sly grin. "However, it cannot compare to the Cisarovna wine at the Cisarovna Manor."
"I have not tasted the Cisarovna wine..."Sergeant Major said, honestly, only to add with a smile "...but I beg to differ. There is no way that the Cisarovna wine-or any other wine in the world-could be better than the McCullen wine from the McCullen vineyards!"
Sergeant Major McCall was once the butler for Destro's father and had also been a wine taster, knowing wines very well.
"Don't make me shoot you for disagreeing with me, McCall!" Gregor said, jokingly, pulling out his unloaded pistol.
"You would probaly miss!" Sergeant Major said, also jokingly. "The English can't shoot. Besides, you would probaly wear read-like your ancestors-and make yourself a target for me and anyone else that wants to shoot you!"
With this, the two started laughing heartily. They had become close because their missions had been the same:Protect their leaders. even if it meant to die to save their lives.
Suddenly, the alarm started to sound, both looking at the computer console now with a worried look on their face. It was an "intruder alert" but it could be more than one intruders, wondering how the intruder or intruders had gotten past security so effectively.
Destro would not be pleased, both knowing that Destro did not want his time with the Baroness interrupted. He had said this to Sergeant Major and the other two officers that was not here. They had went to Darklon's Castle and so, Sergeant Major knew he had to handle the situation alone.
"Shall we inform the Baroness and Destro?" Gregor asked.
"No." Sergeant Major said, matter-of-factly. "This is no emergency. We will handle this intruder-or set of intruders-ourselves. Destro and his wife do not need to be interrupted for such a small thing as an intruder alert without us knowing the details. This intruder will be stopped before he or she hurts Destro or I will give my life for him today."
"I feel the same way about the Baroness." Gregor said, full of dedication, remembering when Baroness was a young little nerdy girl with bifocals.
"Then, let's stop this intruder or intruders." Sergeant major said, angrilly. "Or both die trying to save Baroness and Destro!"
"Agreed." Gregor said, angrilly as well. "Let's go!"
With this, the two loaded their weapons and left the Operations Room, both looking forward to stopping this person that could hurt or kill Destro and the Baroness.
In Destro's suite, Baroness and Destro continued to talk, unaware that the 'intruder alert" had sounded.
"Destro, can i ask you a question?" Baroness asked, softly.
"You already are."Destro said, using his dry sense of humor again. "Seriously, what is it, my Love?"
"Why do you have that evil looking mask?" Baroness asked, curiously. "And why that stuid name 'Destro'? I never have liked it!"
Baroness knew about the tradition of the Destro mask but she didn't know why it looked so mean and why the name "Destro" sounded so stupid.
"First of all, my Love Anastasia, that is two questions." Destro said, smiling slyly. "However, I will be glad to answer both of them, to the best of my knowledge. You must remember that my father talked to me about many of these things but I must admit I didnt listen to him as much as I should have."
"Why not?"
"Because didnt know that I would-one day-be the next Destro in a very long lined of Destros." Destro said, honestly. "I ddnt want the mask and I didnt want the life associated with that mask. I wanted peace but fate had other plans and made me a man of war. In my mind before that happened, I wanted to stop the continuation of the Destro legacy but it was bigger-and stronger-than me. Now, to get back to your other questions. Why does my mask look so evil? I think the men that originally made it for my ancestor made it that way because they truly felt my ancestor was evil to sell weapons to two opposing armies. They wanted to mark him as an 'evil' man because they believed he was evil indeed. However, they did not count on the Destros to start interpreting the mask as a blessing rather than a curse. When the first Destro died, the mask was cut off of him with respect and reverence and then passed on as a mask of pride that would be passed down to many generations until it finally reached me. One day, I will pass it onto our future son or daughter."
Baroness noticed that Destro has said "our" son or daughter, rather than Alexander, the illegitimate child he had with the dark-skinned Carribean woman.
Some even thought that Alexander's mother was African-American but Alex's mother corrected them, telling them she was a Carribean woman, nothing more and nothing less. Yes, it was true that some of her ancestors had been African but she did not consider herself such.
She always wondered why the American-born African Americans called themselves such. Certanly, there were not many people that called themselved "Scottish Americans" even though they had some Scottish in their lineage. She-and James-always hated the name "Caucasian" too as neither had never heard of a place called "Caucasia."
"So, how do you like wearing the evil looking mask?" Baroness asked, glad she did not have a stuffy mask to wear.
"I must admit that I did not like it at first when I first started to wear it and when I was just James" Destro said, honestly. "However, I now Love it. It makes me look intimidating and keeps my identity secret. It also makes people wonder if I am disfigured under the mask but you know that I am not. It also makes me feel tough and powerful and I am sure it is because it has been worn by so many powerful men."
"But you are a good man deep down." Baroness said, smiling. "You always were and always will be. However, I like the small twist of evil in you. It makes you exciting and less boring."
"We are both good people with small twists of evil within us." Destro said, philosophically. "You are right, though, that I am not a totally evil man. I consider myself misunderstood rather than bad or evil. I am a business man and that is all. Under the gold-or silver-mask I wear, there is a man that just wants to give the woman he loves the world and carry his legacy on by a child or two."
"You-like Zartan-have more than one identity but you are both and more." Baroness said, thinking deeply. "You are silver masked Destro, gold masked Destro, James and so much more. But all of them are you and you are all of them."
"What's in a name?" Destro asked, quoting Shakespeare. "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Destro Loved the works of Shakespeare. ..especially the sonnets. Baroness was right. He was a romantic at heart and even this was a side of him that few people knew-or cared=about. However, he knew the best romantic writers were those that had inspiration and Baroness was his inspiration.
There was nights when he wrote poems for hours, thinking of the Baroness.
He was not a poet like Major Bludd. In fact, Major Bludd-he was told-was not a very good poet. Yes, his poems rhymed but Destro knew they had no "heart" Sometimes, he wondered if that was because Major Bludd had no heart. He had left Baroness to die in the tank and killed General Flagg, a man that Destro had come to grudgingly respect despite that he was once the leader over the GI Joe team.
Destro could respect his enemies' strengths. For example, he had known Kwinn for many years, the two working on a few missions together. Kwinn had worked for Cobra a few times but ended up being on the good side but this did not change Destro's perspective of him.
When Destro was impatient in the arctic with his own personal sled dogs, Kwinn had told him "A man who whips a dog will pull his own sled some day" This was not just a lessaon about the cruelty of animals but Destro had also applied it to his troops. He would rather build them up than tear them down. This had helped Destro become the good leader he was indeed.
Now, Kwinn was dead. He had become close friends with Snake Eyes but had been killed by the dishonorable Dr Venom. Destro knew he would miss his and Snake Eyes's mutual friend and the strengths Kwinn had within.
"What about that hideous name 'Destro' that is more hideous than the mask itself?"
"The word 'destra' means "right", as in the right side or left." Destro said, matter-of-factly. "Perhaps it was to signify that the 'right side' was always the honored side. It is indeed I was Cobra Commander's 'right hand man' but we both know that time is finished." Destro said, gladly. "Certainly, the 'right side' was the honored side in Christianity as Jesus Christ was seen on the 'right sideb of God by Stephen. I am not saying I am perfect like Jesus but I am saying that the right said was the honored and preferred side in Christian tradition other times as well."
"Yes, I forgot all of that." Baroness said. "I also forgot about 'destra' meaning the 'right side'. i studied Italian once and even have some Italian in my blood.But why change the name to 'Destro'?"
"Perhaps because it sounded more masculine?" Destro suggested.
"My first ancestor that wore the mask was married to an Italian woman and so she probaly suggested the name to him. Maybe he knew that Destro was going to one day be an honored name and would be only one part of his relatives' identities."
"Deep thoughts." Baroness said, jokingly. 'Certanly, you have given this much thought, Destro."
"Indeed, I have." Destro said, seriously. "However, I could be wrong about it all. I have come to learn that truth can sometimes be subjective and that one truth can have many interpretations."
"I agree totally." Baroness said, impressed by Destro's knowledge. She hoped that he would be able to pass that to their child or children. If the child was a boy, she-and Destro-had decided they would name him "Eugen" in honor of her brother. If the child was a girl, she would name her "Gina", also in honor of her brother, feeling so close to her brother...even in death. "I like the deep way you think, Destro."
"That's what I like about you too, Anastasia." Destro said, truthfully, getting down on both of his knees. "You are not like some women that is more focused on their outer beauty rather than their inner beauty. Baroness, I have seen beautiful woman physically that had no personalities that turned ugly in my eyes immediately. I have see ugly women physically with great personalities that turned beautiful in my eyes immeddiately. However, you are a woman with great inner and outer beauty and that makes you like a goddess to me. I would gladly bow at your feet and kiss them, if you just said the word."
"That will not be necessary."Baroness said, sincerely.
"When I thought you were dead, I swore that I would be your loyal servant-instead of a king-if I ever saw your face again, no matter if that face was damaged or not, my Queen."Destro said, holding her hand and kissing her gently on her soft hand with red fingernails. "Allow me to fulfill that vow and be your loyal servant now."
"No."Baroness said, matter-of-factly. "You are my King and I am your Queen. We are equals in every way."
"But the Queen-in Chess-has more power than the King?"
"Yes, but the Queen's job is to protect the King, even if she is sacrificed for him or any other piece. The King-in this way-is equally powerful to the Queen." Baroness said, smiling slyly. She knew the game of Chess and had even beat Destro a few times, both being pretty evenly matched. "Don't ever forget that, Destro my King."
"I wont, my Queen." Destro said, impressed by Baroness' intelligence, wit and her sexy body. Yes, her glasses made her look intelligent but the fact was that she was indeed intelligent and he found this one of the most sexiest things about her. Even moreso than the tight,black uniform she now wore that seemed painted on her body."I will indeed remember that but your protection is my priority, not my own. Without you, I know I am nothing."
With this, Zartan appeared out of nowhere, grabbing the Baroness and putting a pistol to her head. He then pointed his other pistol at Destro's chest.
Suddenly, Sergeant major McCall and Gregor busted down Destro's door, guns drawn and aimed at Zartan.
'Put her down, Zartan, or I will kill you even if it means you kill me in the process." Gregor said, angrilly growling. He could be like a beast when he was mad.
"Yes, you will not leave here alive if you hurt Laird Destro!" Sergeant Major yelled, furiously.
All of a sudden, Zartan started laughing hard, his laughter echoing down the stairs that Gregor and McCall had just climbed a few seconds ago.
"What's so funny, Chameleon man?" Gregor asked, angrilly. "Or should I say K-K-Kharma Chameleon?"
"Yeah..."Sergeant Major said, aiming his pistol even better at Zartan's head. "What's so funny, lad? Don't make me kill you, Lizard Man!"
With this, Destro and the Baroness started laughing heartily too, confusing Gregor and the Sergeant Major.
"What's going on?" The two bodyguards asked, more confused than ever.
"Put your guns away, men." Destro said, giving them a direct order. Sergeant Major obeyed but Gregor did not, knowing he only took orders from the Baroness.
'Do what Destro said, Gregor." Baroness ordered, firmly.
Gregor then obeyed, putting his pistol away.
"What is going on?" Sergeant Major asked, curiously
"Did Cobra Commander hire you to kill Destro and Baroness, Zartan?" Gregor asked, angrilly, wondering now if Cobra Commander was still alive afterall.
"No." The Baroness and Destro said unified. Baroness finished. "Destro and I did."
"What????" and "Huh"?' The two asked, now even more confused.
"We hired Zartan to test the security of Castle Destro." Destro said, honestly. "That is why no troops were harmed anywhere. I did give Zartan the permission to use a modified version of the Arashikage Death Touch if he encontered resistance"
"But it was not necessary." Zartan said, laughing loudly. "No one saw me...including these two bodyguards that couldnt guard a body if it was their own"
"Yeah, but we smelled you." Gregor said, angrilly.
"Our intruder alert did too." Sergeant Major said, angry that Zartan had insulted both of them.
"Anyway, I had Zartan test security as him and I were friends in the past."Destro said, truthfully.
"You know this creep as a friend?" Sergeant Major asked, surprised. "Your father always said to watch the company you keep."
"Like he has the right to judge me..."Destro said, humorously. "He died because of the company he kept."
"And you may too." Sergeant Major said, worried that Destro had come to like too many friends in Cobra. "If you dont watch your back."
"Anyway, Zartan is a dear friend so you two can leave." Destro said, dismissing the two. Gregor looked at Baroness and she nodded her head in agreement and the two left the room together. "So, are you still going by the name Zartan? Or the name you used when I first met you?"
"Amaury Sanderson?" Zartan asked, smiling. "He is dead but Zartan has taken his place. Going by Destro now or James?"
"Both." Destro said, honestly. "They are both me."
When Destro had first met Amaury Sanderson and the original Zartan, he did not know that Amaury would one day take over Zartan's identity. He assumed Zartan or some of the Dreadnoks
had killed the original Zartan.
James had not received the honor of wearing his father's helmet when he met Amaury. However, Destro had finally been able to wear the silver mask. It was indeed ironic that he now wore the gold mask. Zartan had known him before he wore the masks of Destro and now still was his friend.
"I like the gold mask, Destrio." Zartan said, sincerely. "Very Sophisticated and regal."
"Thank you for the compliment, my friend...Zartan" Destro said, sincerely, almost calling him "Amaury" even though he had not called Zartan that in years.
A few minutes later, Zartan left and Sergeant Major and Gregor was called back into the suite.
"I did not want to correct you both with Zartan present" Destro said, honorably. "But you should have let Baroness and I know there was an 'intruder alert'"
"I was assuming that it was no emergency and did not want to disturn you and Baroness, per your request." Sergeant Major said, honestly. "However, I was wrong and take full blame for this mistake, Laird Destro."
"Good." Destro said, smiling proudly. "A good leader learns from his mistakes and the mistakes of others. You may both be excused."
"Yes, you too, Gregor." Baroness said, as if reading his mind.
"Let's go, Gregor." Sergeant Major said, happilly, knowing how to take correction and the blame when it was his blame indeed. "Maybe taste test some of that Cisarovna wine you made. What do you think?"
"I think you will be converted to Cisarovna wine." Gregor said, smiling.
"No way!" Sergeant Major said, smiling. "It probaly tastes like radiator fluid!"
With this, both started laughing, both walking down the stairs while their voices echoed up the stairs.
"An English man and a Scottish man being friends?" Destro asked, smiling a sly grin. "I never thought I would see the day, Baroness."
"Remember, I have English in my blood." Baroness said, seriously. "If us two can fall in Love, it should be no surprise that those two could be friends."
"I seriously doubt you have English blood in you." Destro said, kiddingly. "You are too intelligent to have English blood in your veins."
"I thought the same thing about the Scottish." Baroness said, kiddingly as well. "Perhaps we are both wrong in our misconceptions."
With this, Destro took off his mask and kissed the Baroness.
However, there was one thing he always wanted to know.
"Now, Baroness, I want to ask you a very important question." Destro said, smiling. "Fair is fair, right?"
"Right." Baroness said, sexily. "What do you want to know?"
"My father was not happy when I told him that I was involved with you because of you being a terrorist." Destro said, honestly. "However, he changed his mind all of a sudden. Did you have anything to do with that?"
"Umm..."Baroness said, pointing out the window at the sunset like Destro had done years earlier, changing the subject. "Look at that beautiful sunset, James."
"Ahhh, I see you have learned the same distractinary technique I used on you years ago when we first met when you asked me what I sold with my father." Destro said, smiling at the irony. "Very good. You learn well, Anastasia."
"Fair is fair, right?"
"Right." Destro said, smiling still, impressed by Baroness' good memory skills about that time when she was so innocent like himself. "Now, are you going to tell me what happened or not?"
"I suppose." Baroness said, teasingly. Destro hated when she tortured him that way half the time and Loved it the other half.
"Please..."Destro said, pleadingly.
"Alright." Baroness said, smiling a sexy smile and adjusting her glasses. "He didn't like me. Like you said, he thought I was a terrorist...a terrorist that was after your money and power. At the time, I did not know about your Carribean Queen but I am guessing it was a maistake he did not want you to repeat with me. I talked to him for hours about how much I Loved you...but it was in vain, he still would not believe me!"
"So, what did you do?"
"I had to show him, of course." Baroness said, smiling a crooked grin.
"But how?"
"Remember those weapons and explosives you gave me for free?" Baroness asked, smiling smlyly. "Well, I had used some of them but i had enough left to give your old man a good scare. I put all of the explosives all through the hotel where you and him were staying in Egypt.(See Dreadnoks Declassified) I wore a mask so he would not recognize me and confronted him, telling him I wanted all of his millions in his bank account transferred to my Swiss bank account or him-and you-and his Iron Grenadiers would die a terrible death!"
"What happened?"
"He agreed and even made me promise I would not kill you if he did the bank transfer of funds." Baroness said, honestly. "Even if I decided to kill him after the transfer. He did not know it was me and that I could never hurt you. He was about to do the transfer but I stopped him and took off my mask. He recognized me immediately."
"What then?" Destro asked, curiously.
"I told him I wanted the millions in my bank account or your Love. He said he could not decide your feelings for you but agreed to not stand in our way. I was just so impressed by the Love he felt for you even if it meant him dying for you. He just couldn't deal with losing his chosen son and right hand man."
"Thank you for telling me that story." Destro said, sincerely, wiping a tear from his eye. 'I think I have got some dust in my eye. I will need to get Sergeant Major to have the maids clean this room."
"Right."Baroness said, smiling, knowing that there was no dust in his eye. It was tears.
He remembered when his father had talked to him and told him about Cobra Commander, referring to him as "The Cobra". His father had said "And when you do meet him...I believe it will be time to truly represent the Family Legacy, James. Time for you to don the mask of Destro."(Found in Dreadnoks Declassified)
He had eventually been able to wear the silver mask that he had seen on that crimson pillow that day at a price. He started wearing it the day he met Cobra Commander some time later. It was the same day his father had been killed.
"Your father was surprised that a woman had done all of the explosives alone.' Baroness said, smiling. "I told him I was not just 'any woman'. Your father was a good man and he Loved you dearly. I know it hurt you when he died."
Baroness had her suspicions who had killed Destro's father but had no evidence.
With this, Destro started to cry hard, putting his face into his hands shamefully.
"It is okay for an adult-or man-to cry, James." Baroness said, wishing she could comfort him in her arms. "If I recall, you saw me crying that day when my brother Eugen died."
"Yes, it tore my heart out to see you cry that day."Destro said, honestly, his sinuses daining. He blew his nose a few times to get them back in control."I hate to see you cry because it hurts me physically, mentally and so many other ways."
"It hurts to see you cry too." Baroness said, sincerely. "But these are good tears you are crying, remembering your father..."
"...and you choosing my Love over millions of dollars." Destro said, emotionally. "I did some research on your family-the Cisarovnas-and found out they had lost all of their money about that time. You could have helped them with the money from my father."
"But I would rather have you." Baroness said, totally and fully sincerely. "Besides, they ended up being rich again and I won your Love so it was a win-win situation."
"I Love you soooo much." Destro said, passionately.
"I Love you too." Baroness said, equally passionately.
"Baroness, I know I have quoted you Shakespeare but I want to quote you one of my poems I wrote to you one night." Destro said, smiling."Okay?"
"No." Baroness said, firmly, surprising Destro who was not expecting a negative answer.
"Excuse me?"
"I said No." Baroness said, smiling teasingly. "Or maybe later. Right now, I want you to shut up and let's go to bed."
"Yes, mam, my Queen." Destro said, obediently. "Your wish is my command."
With this, the two kissed passionately and climbed in the bed, the two knowing it would be a long, long night indeed tonight.
















Well, here is the final part of "Back in Black" Hope you like it!


At Castle Destro, Baroness and Destro talked, both wearing their uniforms still, Destro looking at her with his gold mask on his head.
Baroness was beautiful indeed and had become even more beautiful after all of the surgeries she had when the HISS Tank had exploded and burned her badly all over her body.
"You are truly more beautiful than ever, if such is possible." Destro said, sincerely, still amazed after all these years about the fine job Dr Hundtkinder had done on her body-and face-so long ago.
"You always were a romantic, James." Baroness said, smiling seductively, taking Destro into her arms.
Destro took off the gold mask and put it on the table next to the Chess set that he had transferred from the Silent Castle. It still had the Baroness-in her black uniform-as a Queen to Destro's King.
Though Baroness had never wore the black uniform in Cobra, she had wore it for Destro a few times. He had liked it more than the blue uniform she usually wore so he had requested for the sculptor in Brooklyn to make Baroness have the black uniform with a red Cobra symbol on her chest. Destro always liked her in black and she looked so beautiful in her black uniform that had the gold Iron Grenadier symbol on it now. They now both wore black uniforms so they were truly both "back in black." Destro thought about the American song "Back in Black" and found it was indeed appropriate.
On the Chess table, the chess pieces of Baroness and Destro only remained, the rest laying down beside the chess board. It was a reminder-to Destro-that him and the Baroness would one day be victorious against GI Joe and Cobra and any other group that tried to stand in their way. The chess pieces of the Baroness and Destro faced each other on the Chess board, just like James was facing the Baroness right behind the Chess table.
"I am so glad you are back in my life and that you are my wife." Destro said, sincerely, noticing that he accidentally had rhymed. "It just was not the same without you when i thought you were dead."
"It was not the same when I thought you had been killed either when you and Cobra Commander were both buried under the Pit." Baroness said, sadly and emotionally. "I remember flying a Rattler over the Pit and dropping a wreath on the remains of the Pit in your honor and saw Snake Eyes and Scarlett mourning your death. It appears they resect you just as much as you respected them over the years. Anyway, I wanted you to 'Rest In Peace' because you had been through so much war."
"That is very sweet of you to give me a wreath then." Destro said, touched by this sentiment. "I wish I could find it." "Very sweet indeed, Anastasia."
"Destro, there is something I need to tell you." Baroness said, honestly, hoping Destro would not be too angry or furious. "I hope it will not anger you too bad but I must be honest with you about it."
"Nothing could stop me from Loving you." Destro said, firmly. "No matter what it is, Ana. My Love for you is truly unconditional indeed."
"We will see." Baroness said, smiling, only to add with a guilty conscience. "While thought you were dead, I became romantically involved with that Crimson Guard impersonator that was impersonating Cobra Commander."
"And?"
"That's it." Baroness said, still feeling guilty yet surprised that Destro was so calm. "You're not angry with me?"
"No, Baroness." Desto said, honestly. "To be honest with you, I thought about moving on with Dr Knox when I thought you were dead but I did not. However, to even think of it was betrayal of our Love. We are both gulty, neither more or less guilty. Besides, even if that was not true about Dr Knox, I would Love you anyway because my Love is not dependent on factors."
"Your Love is truly unconditional." Baroness said, smiling. "However, I promise not to take advantage of that unconditional Love, James my Love."
"Thank you."Destro said, smiling a sly grin. "I know you don't want to break my heart...this heart that Loves only you."
With this, the two kissed passinately, feeling so much Love for each other.
"Yes..."Destro thought to himself, wanting to smile while he kissed the Baroness gently on her sweet, red lips. "I am indeed taking care of business tonight, business meaning my Love Baroness. Then again, it is more pleasure than business."
In the Operations Room of Castle Destro, Sergeant Major McCall looked at the computer console, making sure the area within and outside Castle Destro was secure. Now that Destro had returned, he did not want anyone to hurt or kill Destro or take him away.
"Find anything suspicious?" Gregor-Baroness's main bodyguard-asked, curiously, more concerned for the Baroness instead of Destro.
"Nothing yet." Sergeant Major said, seriously. "It is indeed up to us to make sure that there is no danger to Destro or the Baroness."
"You take care of Destro" Gregor said with a smile. "I will take care of the Baroness."
"Agreed." Sergeant Major said, smiling in return.
Though Gregor was an Englishman, Sergeant Major McCall and the other members of the Iron Grenadiers-including Destro-liked Gregor.
Protecting Baroness made Destro happy and when Destro was happy, the Iron Grenadiers were happy. Usually, the Iron Grenadiers did not like the English but Gregor was definitely the "exception to the rule."
Back in the upstairs suite, Destro and the Baroness sat at the table, talking and sipping on red wine from the wineglasses. They were glad they were able to have this romantic time together, looking at the lit candles and the full moon outside the window, feeling so relaxed.
The wine they sipped was from the McCullen private vineyard(Referred to in Dreadnoks Declassified) and it was the best wine they had ever tasted.
"Baroness, there is something i need to tell you too. "Destro said, honetly. "Before I met you, I had many women in my bed over the years. I travelled all over the world and met many women but none could compare to you when I met you."
"Dont feel bad, Destro." Baroness said, honestly. "I have had a past with lots of men too. I will even admit that I had some experiences after you and I met while I was in Cobra."
"I understand." Destro said, truthfully. "I had a few women after I met you too but there is something else...something worse."
"What is it?" Baroness asked, curiously, wondering what could be worse than knowing Destro had been with other women. However, she could not judge him because she had been bad over the years too.
"Before I met you, I got a woman pregaant accidentally." Destro said, honestly. "I married her out of obligation and really tried to be a good husband and father. Howver, when I met you, I left her and my son Alexander. I knew you were my soulmate and I had to have you someday as my wife so I divorced her. The truth was that i never Loved her and only married her because of my son. I have been providing for my son financially over the years and feel he is disappointed that I left his mother for you. I tried to explain it to him but he does not understand."
"Where was this woman when you too met?"
"One of the Caribbean Islands, Anastasia." Destro said, honestly. "I dont remember which one, truthfully. I have never seen her since our divorce and I don't ever care to see her again. There are others too. I went to a wrestling match to see Rowdy Roddy Piper and she had a daughter and named her 'Jamie' after my name James. There is also a weird son in South Carolina named Nathan.(My name is Nathan and I am from SC, hmmmm...haha) He is a bit strange, if you ask me. He is obsessed with the Destro history and wants to be the next Destro. Too bad our son or daughter is going to be the next Destro indeed. I hope you are not too angry with me."
"This does make things interesting." Baroness said, seriously. "However, I am not angry with you, Destro. Certainly, I have done things in my life that I regret so I cannnot judge you but you are right, that Nathan does seem strange. Has any of them spent time with you?"
"My son Alexander visited me once and we had a good time together but he wanted me and his mother to get back together." Destro said, honestly. "To be honest, I thought about it just to please my son but then Scrap Iron told me you had joined Cobra and became second-in-charge and I couldnt do it. I Loved you and it would not been fair to the woman, Alexander or you. There is no one-and I mean no one-that I Love more than you. Not myself, not my son and not even my father."
"James, you are the only one I know that can tell me about the mother of your illegitimate child and end up making me Love you even more than I already do." Baroness said, smilling kiddingly. "You are good...very good."
""You have not seen anything yet." Destro said, jokingly.
With this, he grabbed Baroness and put her down on the bed, holding her wrists gently in his hands and kissing her all over the face.
However, Baroness had not resisted, Loving the Love that Destro showed her and just simply Loving Destro. She was a trained fighter and could have thrown him through the window but she liked this attention-and Love-he was showing her.
This was why Destro loved her so much. While the other women in the world-including Alexander's mother- had loved him for his money and power, he knew Baroness Loved him unconditionally just like he Loved Baroness with that same kind of Love.
Baroness was his soulmate and he did not regret any decision he had made to be with her, though he knew it must have hurt his son Alexander most of all. However, so much had bonded Destro and the Baroness together over the years and he knew that they were destined to be together, be it in life or death.
In the Operations Room again of Castle Destro, Gregor sipped on the wine Sergeant Major had given him a few minutes ago.
"It is very good, McCall." Gregor said, smiling, only to add with a sly grin. "However, it cannot compare to the Cisarovna wine at the Cisarovna Manor."
"I have not tasted the Cisarovna wine..."Sergeant Major said, honestly, only to add with a smile "...but I beg to differ. There is no way that the Cisarovna wine-or any other wine in the world-could be better than the McCullen wine from the McCullen vineyards!"
Sergeant Major McCall was once the butler for Destro's father and had also been a wine taster, knowing wines very well.
"Don't make me shoot you for disagreeing with me, McCall!" Gregor said, jokingly, pulling out his unloaded pistol.
"You would probaly miss!" Sergeant Major said, also jokingly. "The English can't shoot. Besides, you would probaly wear read-like your ancestors-and make yourself a target for me and anyone else that wants to shoot you!"
With this, the two started laughing heartily. They had become close because their missions had been the same:Protect their leaders. even if it meant to die to save their lives.
Suddenly, the alarm started to sound, both looking at the computer console now with a worried look on their face. It was an "intruder alert" but it could be more than one intruders, wondering how the intruder or intruders had gotten past security so effectively.
Destro would not be pleased, both knowing that Destro did not want his time with the Baroness interrupted. He had said this to Sergeant Major and the other two officers that was not here. They had went to Darklon's Castle and so, Sergeant Major knew he had to handle the situation alone.
"Shall we inform the Baroness and Destro?" Gregor asked.
"No." Sergeant Major said, matter-of-factly. "This is no emergency. We will handle this intruder-or set of intruders-ourselves. Destro and his wife do not need to be interrupted for such a small thing as an intruder alert without us knowing the details. This intruder will be stopped before he or she hurts Destro or I will give my life for him today."
"I feel the same way about the Baroness." Gregor said, full of dedication, remembering when Baroness was a young little nerdy girl with bifocals.
"Then, let's stop this intruder or intruders." Sergeant major said, angrilly. "Or both die trying to save Baroness and Destro!"
"Agreed." Gregor said, angrilly as well. "Let's go!"
With this, the two loaded their weapons and left the Operations Room, both looking forward to stopping this person that could hurt or kill Destro and the Baroness.
In Destro's suite, Baroness and Destro continued to talk, unaware that the 'intruder alert" had sounded.
"Destro, can i ask you a question?" Baroness asked, softly.
"You already are."Destro said, using his dry sense of humor again. "Seriously, what is it, my Love?"
"Why do you have that evil looking mask?" Baroness asked, curiously. "And why that stuid name 'Destro'? I never have liked it!"
Baroness knew about the tradition of the Destro mask but she didn't know why it looked so mean and why the name "Destro" sounded so stupid.
"First of all, my Love Anastasia, that is two questions." Destro said, smiling slyly. "However, I will be glad to answer both of them, to the best of my knowledge. You must remember that my father talked to me about many of these things but I must admit I didnt listen to him as much as I should have."
"Why not?"
"Because didnt know that I would-one day-be the next Destro in a very long lined of Destros." Destro said, honestly. "I ddnt want the mask and I didnt want the life associated with that mask. I wanted peace but fate had other plans and made me a man of war. In my mind before that happened, I wanted to stop the continuation of the Destro legacy but it was bigger-and stronger-than me. Now, to get back to your other questions. Why does my mask look so evil? I think the men that originally made it for my ancestor made it that way because they truly felt my ancestor was evil to sell weapons to two opposing armies. They wanted to mark him as an 'evil' man because they believed he was evil indeed. However, they did not count on the Destros to start interpreting the mask as a blessing rather than a curse. When the first Destro died, the mask was cut off of him with respect and reverence and then passed on as a mask of pride that would be passed down to many generations until it finally reached me. One day, I will pass it onto our future son or daughter."
Baroness noticed that Destro has said "our" son or daughter, rather than Alexander, the illegitimate child he had with the dark-skinned Carribean woman.
Some even thought that Alexander's mother was African-American but Alex's mother corrected them, telling them she was a Carribean woman, nothing more and nothing less. Yes, it was true that some of her ancestors had been African but she did not consider herself such.
She always wondered why the American-born African Americans called themselves such. Certanly, there were not many people that called themselved "Scottish Americans" even though they had some Scottish in their lineage. She-and James-always hated the name "Caucasian" too as neither had never heard of a place called "Caucasia."
"So, how do you like wearing the evil looking mask?" Baroness asked, glad she did not have a stuffy mask to wear.
"I must admit that I did not like it at first when I first started to wear it and when I was just James" Destro said, honestly. "However, I now Love it. It makes me look intimidating and keeps my identity secret. It also makes people wonder if I am disfigured under the mask but you know that I am not. It also makes me feel tough and powerful and I am sure it is because it has been worn by so many powerful men."
"But you are a good man deep down." Baroness said, smiling. "You always were and always will be. However, I like the small twist of evil in you. It makes you exciting and less boring."
"We are both good people with small twists of evil within us." Destro said, philosophically. "You are right, though, that I am not a totally evil man. I consider myself misunderstood rather than bad or evil. I am a business man and that is all. Under the gold-or silver-mask I wear, there is a man that just wants to give the woman he loves the world and carry his legacy on by a child or two."
"You-like Zartan-have more than one identity but you are both and more." Baroness said, thinking deeply. "You are silver masked Destro, gold masked Destro, James and so much more. But all of them are you and you are all of them."
"What's in a name?" Destro asked, quoting Shakespeare. "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Destro Loved the works of Shakespeare. ..especially the sonnets. Baroness was right. He was a romantic at heart and even this was a side of him that few people knew-or cared=about. However, he knew the best romantic writers were those that had inspiration and Baroness was his inspiration.
There was nights when he wrote poems for hours, thinking of the Baroness.
He was not a poet like Major Bludd. In fact, Major Bludd-he was told-was not a very good poet. Yes, his poems rhymed but Destro knew they had no "heart" Sometimes, he wondered if that was because Major Bludd had no heart. He had left Baroness to die in the tank and killed General Flagg, a man that Destro had come to grudgingly respect despite that he was once the leader over the GI Joe team.
Destro could respect his enemies' strengths. For example, he had known Kwinn for many years, the two working on a few missions together. Kwinn had worked for Cobra a few times but ended up being on the good side but this did not change Destro's perspective of him.
When Destro was impatient in the arctic with his own personal sled dogs, Kwinn had told him "A man who whips a dog will pull his own sled some day" This was not just a lessaon about the cruelty of animals but Destro had also applied it to his troops. He would rather build them up than tear them down. This had helped Destro become the good leader he was indeed.
Now, Kwinn was dead. He had become close friends with Snake Eyes but had been killed by the dishonorable Dr Venom. Destro knew he would miss his and Snake Eyes's mutual friend and the strengths Kwinn had within.
"What about that hideous name 'Destro' that is more hideous than the mask itself?"
"The word 'destra' means "right", as in the right side or left." Destro said, matter-of-factly. "Perhaps it was to signify that the 'right side' was always the honored side. It is indeed I was Cobra Commander's 'right hand man' but we both know that time is finished." Destro said, gladly. "Certainly, the 'right side' was the honored side in Christianity as Jesus Christ was seen on the 'right sideb of God by Stephen. I am not saying I am perfect like Jesus but I am saying that the right said was the honored and preferred side in Christian tradition other times as well."
"Yes, I forgot all of that." Baroness said. "I also forgot about 'destra' meaning the 'right side'. i studied Italian once and even have some Italian in my blood.But why change the name to 'Destro'?"
"Perhaps because it sounded more masculine?" Destro suggested.
"My first ancestor that wore the mask was married to an Italian woman and so she probaly suggested the name to him. Maybe he knew that Destro was going to one day be an honored name and would be only one part of his relatives' identities."
"Deep thoughts." Baroness said, jokingly. 'Certanly, you have given this much thought, Destro."
"Indeed, I have." Destro said, seriously. "However, I could be wrong about it all. I have come to learn that truth can sometimes be subjective and that one truth can have many interpretations."
"I agree totally." Baroness said, impressed by Destro's knowledge. She hoped that he would be able to pass that to their child or children. If the child was a boy, she-and Destro-had decided they would name him "Eugen" in honor of her brother. If the child was a girl, she would name her "Gina", also in honor of her brother, feeling so close to her brother...even in death. "I like the deep way you think, Destro."
"That's what I like about you too, Anastasia." Destro said, truthfully, getting down on both of his knees. "You are not like some women that is more focused on their outer beauty rather than their inner beauty. Baroness, I have seen beautiful woman physically that had no personalities that turned ugly in my eyes immediately. I have see ugly women physically with great personalities that turned beautiful in my eyes immeddiately. However, you are a woman with great inner and outer beauty and that makes you like a goddess to me. I would gladly bow at your feet and kiss them, if you just said the word."
"That will not be necessary."Baroness said, sincerely.
"When I thought you were dead, I swore that I would be your loyal servant-instead of a king-if I ever saw your face again, no matter if that face was damaged or not, my Queen."Destro said, holding her hand and kissing her gently on her soft hand with red fingernails. "Allow me to fulfill that vow and be your loyal servant now."
"No."Baroness said, matter-of-factly. "You are my King and I am your Queen. We are equals in every way."
"But the Queen-in Chess-has more power than the King?"
"Yes, but the Queen's job is to protect the King, even if she is sacrificed for him or any other piece. The King-in this way-is equally powerful to the Queen." Baroness said, smiling slyly. She knew the game of Chess and had even beat Destro a few times, both being pretty evenly matched. "Don't ever forget that, Destro my King."
"I wont, my Queen." Destro said, impressed by Baroness' intelligence, wit and her sexy body. Yes, her glasses made her look intelligent but the fact was that she was indeed intelligent and he found this one of the most sexiest things about her. Even moreso than the tight,black uniform she now wore that seemed painted on her body."I will indeed remember that but your protection is my priority, not my own. Without you, I know I am nothing."
With this, Zartan appeared out of nowhere, grabbing the Baroness and putting a pistol to her head. He then pointed his other pistol at Destro's chest.
Suddenly, Sergeant major McCall and Gregor busted down Destro's door, guns drawn and aimed at Zartan.
'Put her down, Zartan, or I will kill you even if it means you kill me in the process." Gregor said, angrilly growling. He could be like a beast when he was mad.
"Yes, you will not leave here alive if you hurt Laird Destro!" Sergeant Major yelled, furiously.
All of a sudden, Zartan started laughing hard, his laughter echoing down the stairs that Gregor and McCall had just climbed a few seconds ago.
"What's so funny, Chameleon man?" Gregor asked, angrilly. "Or should I say K-K-Kharma Chameleon?"
"Yeah..."Sergeant Major said, aiming his pistol even better at Zartan's head. "What's so funny, lad? Don't make me kill you, Lizard Man!"
With this, Destro and the Baroness started laughing heartily too, confusing Gregor and the Sergeant Major.
"What's going on?" The two bodyguards asked, more confused than ever.
"Put your guns away, men." Destro said, giving them a direct order. Sergeant Major obeyed but Gregor did not, knowing he only took orders from the Baroness.
'Do what Destro said, Gregor." Baroness ordered, firmly.
Gregor then obeyed, putting his pistol away.
"What is going on?" Sergeant Major asked, curiously
"Did Cobra Commander hire you to kill Destro and Baroness, Zartan?" Gregor asked, angrilly, wondering now if Cobra Commander was still alive afterall.
"No." The Baroness and Destro said unified. Baroness finished. "Destro and I did."
"What????" and "Huh"?' The two asked, now even more confused.
"We hired Zartan to test the security of Castle Destro." Destro said, honestly. "That is why no troops were harmed anywhere. I did give Zartan the permission to use a modified version of the Arashikage Death Touch if he encontered resistance"
"But it was not necessary." Zartan said, laughing loudly. "No one saw me...including these two bodyguards that couldnt guard a body if it was their own"
"Yeah, but we smelled you." Gregor said, angrilly.
"Our intruder alert did too." Sergeant Major said, angry that Zartan had insulted both of them.
"Anyway, I had Zartan test security as him and I were friends in the past."Destro said, truthfully.
"You know this creep as a friend?" Sergeant Major asked, surprised. "Your father always said to watch the company you keep."
"Like he has the right to judge me..."Destro said, humorously. "He died because of the company he kept."
"And you may too." Sergeant Major said, worried that Destro had come to like too many friends in Cobra. "If you dont watch your back."
"Anyway, Zartan is a dear friend so you two can leave." Destro said, dismissing the two. Gregor looked at Baroness and she nodded her head in agreement and the two left the room together. "So, are you still going by the name Zartan? Or the name you used when I first met you?"
"Amaury Sanderson?" Zartan asked, smiling. "He is dead but Zartan has taken his place. Going by Destro now or James?"
"Both." Destro said, honestly. "They are both me."
When Destro had first met Amaury Sanderson and the original Zartan, he did not know that Amaury would one day take over Zartan's identity. He assumed Zartan or some of the Dreadnoks
had killed the original Zartan.
James had not received the honor of wearing his father's helmet when he met Amaury. However, Destro had finally been able to wear the silver mask. It was indeed ironic that he now wore the gold mask. Zartan had known him before he wore the masks of Destro and now still was his friend.
"I like the gold mask, Destrio." Zartan said, sincerely. "Very Sophisticated and regal."
"Thank you for the compliment, my friend...Zartan" Destro said, sincerely, almost calling him "Amaury" even though he had not called Zartan that in years.
A few minutes later, Zartan left and Sergeant Major and Gregor was called back into the suite.
"I did not want to correct you both with Zartan present" Destro said, honorably. "But you should have let Baroness and I know there was an 'intruder alert'"
"I was assuming that it was no emergency and did not want to disturn you and Baroness, per your request." Sergeant Major said, honestly. "However, I was wrong and take full blame for this mistake, Laird Destro."
"Good." Destro said, smiling proudly. "A good leader learns from his mistakes and the mistakes of others. You may both be excused."
"Yes, you too, Gregor." Baroness said, as if reading his mind.
"Let's go, Gregor." Sergeant Major said, happilly, knowing how to take correction and the blame when it was his blame indeed. "Maybe taste test some of that Cisarovna wine you made. What do you think?"
"I think you will be converted to Cisarovna wine." Gregor said, smiling.
"No way!" Sergeant Major said, smiling. "It probaly tastes like radiator fluid!"
With this, both started laughing, both walking down the stairs while their voices echoed up the stairs.
"An English man and a Scottish man being friends?" Destro asked, smiling a sly grin. "I never thought I would see the day, Baroness."
"Remember, I have English in my blood." Baroness said, seriously. "If us two can fall in Love, it should be no surprise that those two could be friends."
"I seriously doubt you have English blood in you." Destro said, kiddingly. "You are too intelligent to have English blood in your veins."
"I thought the same thing about the Scottish." Baroness said, kiddingly as well. "Perhaps we are both wrong in our misconceptions."
With this, Destro took off his mask and kissed the Baroness.
However, there was one thing he always wanted to know.
"Now, Baroness, I want to ask you a very important question." Destro said, smiling. "Fair is fair, right?"
"Right." Baroness said, sexily. "What do you want to know?"
"My father was not happy when I told him that I was involved with you because of you being a terrorist." Destro said, honestly. "However, he changed his mind all of a sudden. Did you have anything to do with that?"
"Umm..."Baroness said, pointing out the window at the sunset like Destro had done years earlier, changing the subject. "Look at that beautiful sunset, James."
"Ahhh, I see you have learned the same distractinary technique I used on you years ago when we first met when you asked me what I sold with my father." Destro said, smiling at the irony. "Very good. You learn well, Anastasia."
"Fair is fair, right?"
"Right." Destro said, smiling still, impressed by Baroness' good memory skills about that time when she was so innocent like himself. "Now, are you going to tell me what happened or not?"
"I suppose." Baroness said, teasingly. Destro hated when she tortured him that way half the time and Loved it the other half.
"Please..."Destro said, pleadingly.
"Alright." Baroness said, smiling a sexy smile and adjusting her glasses. "He didn't like me. Like you said, he thought I was a terrorist...a terrorist that was after your money and power. At the time, I did not know about your Carribean Queen but I am guessing it was a maistake he did not want you to repeat with me. I talked to him for hours about how much I Loved you...but it was in vain, he still would not believe me!"
"So, what did you do?"
"I had to show him, of course." Baroness said, smiling a crooked grin.
"But how?"
"Remember those weapons and explosives you gave me for free?" Baroness asked, smiling smlyly. "Well, I had used some of them but i had enough left to give your old man a good scare. I put all of the explosives all through the hotel where you and him were staying in Egypt.(See Dreadnoks Declassified) I wore a mask so he would not recognize me and confronted him, telling him I wanted all of his millions in his bank account transferred to my Swiss bank account or him-and you-and his Iron Grenadiers would die a terrible death!"
"What happened?"
"He agreed and even made me promise I would not kill you if he did the bank transfer of funds." Baroness said, honestly. "Even if I decided to kill him after the transfer. He did not know it was me and that I could never hurt you. He was about to do the transfer but I stopped him and took off my mask. He recognized me immediately."
"What then?" Destro asked, curiously.
"I told him I wanted the millions in my bank account or your Love. He said he could not decide your feelings for you but agreed to not stand in our way. I was just so impressed by the Love he felt for you even if it meant him dying for you. He just couldn't deal with losing his chosen son and right hand man."
"Thank you for telling me that story." Destro said, sincerely, wiping a tear from his eye. 'I think I have got some dust in my eye. I will need to get Sergeant Major to have the maids clean this room."
"Right."Baroness said, smiling, knowing that there was no dust in his eye. It was tears.
He remembered when his father had talked to him and told him about Cobra Commander, referring to him as "The Cobra". His father had said "And when you do meet him...I believe it will be time to truly represent the Family Legacy, James. Time for you to don the mask of Destro."(Found in Dreadnoks Declassified)
He had eventually been able to wear the silver mask that he had seen on that crimson pillow that day at a price. He started wearing it the day he met Cobra Commander some time later. It was the same day his father had been killed.
"Your father was surprised that a woman had done all of the explosives alone.' Baroness said, smiling. "I told him I was not just 'any woman'. Your father was a good man and he Loved you dearly. I know it hurt you when he died."
Baroness had her suspicions who had killed Destro's father but had no evidence.
With this, Destro started to cry hard, putting his face into his hands shamefully.
"It is okay for an adult-or man-to cry, James." Baroness said, wishing she could comfort him in her arms. "If I recall, you saw me crying that day when my brother Eugen died."
"Yes, it tore my heart out to see you cry that day."Destro said, honestly, his sinuses daining. He blew his nose a few times to get them back in control."I hate to see you cry because it hurts me physically, mentally and so many other ways."
"It hurts to see you cry too." Baroness said, sincerely. "But these are good tears you are crying, remembering your father..."
"...and you choosing my Love over millions of dollars." Destro said, emotionally. "I did some research on your family-the Cisarovnas-and found out they had lost all of their money about that time. You could have helped them with the money from my father."
"But I would rather have you." Baroness said, totally and fully sincerely. "Besides, they ended up being rich again and I won your Love so it was a win-win situation."
"I Love you soooo much." Destro said, passionately.
"I Love you too." Baroness said, equally passionately.
"Baroness, I know I have quoted you Shakespeare but I want to quote you one of my poems I wrote to you one night." Destro said, smiling."Okay?"
"No." Baroness said, firmly, surprising Destro who was not expecting a negative answer.
"Excuse me?"
"I said No." Baroness said, smiling teasingly. "Or maybe later. Right now, I want you to shut up and let's go to bed."
"Yes, mam, my Queen." Destro said, obediently. "Your wish is my command."
With this, the two kissed passionately and climbed in the bed, the two knowing it would be a long, long night indeed tonight.

I want to apologize for the grammar but i hope you all like the story overall! Let me know what you think! What parts do you think I missed? What parts did i do good?
I know there are some people here that likes the Iron Grenadiers so let's hear those comments, good or bad!
Just when you think you know all about the Iron Grenadiers, Father Love writes a fanfic and surprises you all! Let's hear some Love for gold masked Destro! I Love the 25th Anniversary Destro and I must say he was one of my inspirations for writing this fanfic!
In this story, I have a bunch of nods to DDP stuff and all kinds of things:
Alexander, Destro's son
Dreadnoks Declassified(Parts about Destro)
Marvel series(Baroness and Destro)
Kwinn and his baby "son"(and Dr Venom)
Pimp Daddy Destro
Friendship between Zartan and Destro
Much, much more



In case you are interested in seeing Part 1, here is the link:
http://www.joereloaded.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3310
That story is just called "Destro-and Baroness-Declassified" and is set right after Issue 21 of the Marvel series when Destro has his silver mask!
I hope you all appreciate all the hard work and research I have done on this story as my wife hates me tip-tapping on the computer every night! haha(I type really slow )
Anyway, I hope you will enjoy both stories!
I have one more idea but I am wondering if it is needed! It is set the next day when Destro and the Baroness wakes up late from their late night. The two talk more and we see some divisions happening in the Iron Grenadiers.
That story clears up some more contradictions that happened in the Marvel series, showing they were not contradictions at all!(Kinda like a really long No-Prize Letter, haha)
For example, I explain why it seemed Destro seemed to forgive CC for attenpting to kill him by hiring Major Bludd to kill Destro(thus resulting in Baroness almost dying in the HISS Tank) It was only-in my mind-to lull Cobra Commander into a false sense of security until it was time for Destro-and Firefly-to strike!(which would not be until many years later) Both ended up betraying him and causing him lots of grief!
The story also goes through various events in the Marvel series and we see Destro's and Baroness' "perspective" of those events, which may or may not be the same as the Joes's perspective!
Anyway, any feedback would be great! I am about to wrap this story up so let me know if there is anything you would personally like to see! Speak now, Minister Father Love says, or forever hold your peace! PM me or whatever!