We're more alike than you think

109. Work

We got inside to the base, and if you were being honest, you were fucking proud of what you and Ross had been able to make within the short time of amount you guys have had. When you weren't in meetings you had spent most of your time here, working and building stuff. If Tony could've seen you now, he would've almost been afraid you were coming for him even on the tech side. It was all in black, with red lines where it was needed. It was stylish, yet efficient for the kind of work you were going to do. It had several meeting rooms, a lab, and one main room. The main room had a big computer in the middle of the room. You had built it, using tech from the toolbox, so it was almost a stationary version of it. Everything in this building was high-tech, easily making this your second home. The only thing that wasn't done was making the bedrooms. Ross insisted that when newer members came it would be a smart backup to offer them a home here, as most criminals don't have the most money in the world. It was also so you were able to sleep here in case you had missions or were working late. All in all, you were very pleased with Ross and his financial support.

You walked into the main room leading the rest of the group. The room was already filled up with agents that were flying back and forth working. It wasn't exactly easy what you had thrown yourself out to. Yes, you had started a team, a team called 'the thunderbolts' which was all cool, but it had some challenges. You had no clue about who you truly wanted to have on the team. Of course, you had some ideas, but getting Ross to agree was another thing, not only him but Zemo as well. You had the final vote, but you knew it would be a bad tone if they didn't agree. Then after getting their permission, you would actually have to ask the people, and you weren't exactly sure everyone would say yes. Believe it or not, some of your old colleagues would rather rot in prison than work with you again. You walked to the middle of the room and clapped your hands loudly making everyone drop whatever they were working at and laid their attention to you again.

"Clear the room," you said easily with a strict tone.

And then you had the new actual hard job in front of you. You had to be a leader, not only for the team but for this whole base. You had never been responsible for anyone other than yourself and now you suddenly were responsible for over 50+ people. To say it was overwhelming was an understatement. You were afraid to fail. You had surrounded yourself around some amazing leaders throughout your life, and you didn't feel anywhere close to them, but guess that would come with time. The room was finally empty with only Ross, Murdock, and Zemo.

"Ross cares to bring Zemo up to speed?" You asked and gave him room. He gave you a little nod and stood beside you.

"Mr. Zemo as I'm sure you have already heard a great deal about the concept behind the team I wish to give you more information about the rules and terms you have to agree upon," Ross said. You looked over at Zemo with a slight smile on your lips and crossed your arms as you looked back at Ross.

"Miss. Lehnsherr is the leader of the team, but also of this base and all its people. She is the only one who will be reporting to me. We want the team to be 6-7 members, more important than the numbers are their... qualities. Y/n first job and yours will be to find potential candidates for this position." Ross continued as you nodded weakly to his messages.

"We offer sleeping spaces here for the ones who prefer to stay on the base... which I guess won't be the case for you and Miss. Lehnsherr. However, it's important to know that taking on this job you are a public person, this is no secret team. We want it to be that way to give the members a free opportunity to redeem themself for their past if they wish. Therefore, as long as you're on the team and follow orders, you will be more than good to do whatever you want to with your life within the law of course," Ross said with a smile. Hearing Ross talks about you and Zemo's private life made you slightly blush, but guess you deserved it. You were the one who forced your... boyfriend to join the team. Not that you really had to force him, more Ross than Zemo. Ross pointed over to Matt.

"The reason why you will see Mr. Murdock around quite often is that he will be following Miss. Lehnsherr through her whole upcoming trial and work as her personal manager and advocate. Lastly, one of the big reasons I want members with a past like the two of you is not necessarily because I believe it is a great service to give people a chance to fix their past mistakes. Criminals like you have a different mindset than... Superheros. You are more creative. I'm more than aware that you will be breaking the law from time to time, but I hope that it's done within reason. Everything is clear Baron?" Ross asked.

You had to be honest and admit that you were impressed by how much Ross remembered at the top of his head. He had it all prepared inside of his little head. You were more than aware that the work amount you had in front of you was massive, but anyhow it was better than these presskit days you were going through nowadays. You looked over at Zemo who smiled back at Ross.

"Of course," he said easily.

"Well guess me and Mr. Murdock should give the couple some long lost time for themself" Ross said with a little smile as they left the building.