The Winter Soldier: Master of Madripoor

21

The gate slowly opened, allowing the car to enter and move slowly toward the imposing house painted a bright cream color, almost glowing in the early morning light. The house was relatively modern in design, with art deco characteristics, the driveway long, ending in a circle in front of the main doors. The driveway was lined with lush foliage, much of it flowering continuously, and as the car stopped in front of the main doors, a light breeze rustled the leaves. The gate closed silently once the car was parked, and except for the sounds of the traffic and crowds a few streets away, the entire property felt as if it was in a quiet rural setting rather than the heart of Delhi. A man got out of the back of the car when it was opened by the driver, dressed in an expensive suit, long hair tied neatly back as he waited for the doors to the house to open. The only odd thing was the black gloves covering his hands, incongruous in such a warm climate.

Servants ushered him quickly into the entrance, not making him wait, but leading him through the lavishly decorated foyer through the house and into a large seating area that led to a courtyard, where the garden was as lush and extravagant as what lined the driveway, with a full-sized stream flowing in a lazy series of bends and turns, ending by tumbling down a waterfall so that the entire atmosphere was one of peace and tranquility. The Winter Soldier took note only of the examples of wealth he could see, and otherwise ignored the surroundings. For the inhabitants of the house, the display was meant to be relaxing. For visitors it was set up to impress and intimidate. The Winter Soldier was neither impressed nor intimidated and was not expected to be. The house was owned by his organization, under a fictitious name, and currently in the hands of a young man who had a seat in Parliament, the upper house known as Rajya Sabha. He was the third to occupy the residence in the almost two decades the Winter Soldier's organization had owned it.

No one outside of the organization was aware that the young man who lived there did not own it. The house was seen as a status symbol, sold only to those who truly had enough money and power to do as they pleased, whether they were honest or corrupt. In actual fact, the house went to those who could be of the most use to the organization; only someone who had a high level of influence in politics in India and who could obtain the most information regarding the other elite in New Delhi. Others worked for the organization in India other roles, but there was always one who was in the thick of political machinations. It was an honor post, but also one that was extremely dangerous. Without the correct balancing act, the one in the position could be discredited, losing everything, and as with one of the past occupants of the house, even their life. They would be watched at all times, by their rivals, by their allies and of course by the Winter Soldier's people. Very few could be successful at it.

"Sir." The voice was smooth, deferential, and surprised. The Winter Soldier turned slightly to see the current occupant of the house, a man of medium height, slim build with a very handsome face. He was seen as one who could have been an actor if he hadn't been pushed into politics by his parents, but that was the official story. Unofficially he was one of the most ruthless people in Indian politics, while smart enough to avoid any attention to his misdeeds, maintaining his role as a rich playboy who had international aspirations for power.

"Ravi," the Winter Soldier replied in his inflectionless, soft voice in perfect Hindi. He did not use the surname, even in the house he was sure was secure, it paid to be cautious. "I hope you have time for a meeting with an old friend."

Ravi glanced at the servants standing nearby and nodded. "Of course! It's been too long. Please come with me to my office. It's a bit cooler there, with more privacy."
The Winter Soldier closed the door behind him once they were in Ravi's office. Ravi did not make any attempt to sit, but the Winter Soldier sat casually in one of the armchairs near the desk. Ravi looked uncomfortable, but he was obviously trying to be at ease as much as he could.