On 02-Jun-99, David Johnston wrote:

Subject: 
           [FFML][gaint xover][revised] Seven Samurai of Anime:
           The Silent Invaders 
      Date: 
           Mon, 31 May 1999 10:49:59 +0500 
      From: 
           Steven Cornett <cornetts@gemair.com>

Description:  Bodysnatching aliens got up against Ataru
in this chapter.

Comments:  Now that I think about it, I can't think of
a reason why Mendo doesn't kill Kodachi while she's 
paralysed, unless of course the general has to deal with
Mendo's scruples.  

   She's one of the Seven Samurai, so she can't be killed
in the first story (the same rule that keeps Kenshin from 
being killed by Shieshio even after being blown up and even
perforated along with Yumi by the bandaged villian).
   We could also  invoke the rule of selective ruthlessness. ;-)
   Seriously, there are two reasons:
1). As you suspect, Keltra shares Mendou's body with the spoiled
brat, so he has to deal with some of Mendou's scruples.  Or lack
thereof, as applies to appropriating Lum.
2). No one will believe her story anyway, so there's no real way
she can threaten them.
  Yup it's overconfidence, but that happens.