You'll Never Walk Alone

09

[The Power Broker]

The Avengers made their way to Berlin, Germany to talk to Zemo. They arrived at a prison and were led down a corridor by a guard.

"He's just through that corridor," the guard informed, looking back to the three.

"Give us a sec," Mattie replied as the guard walked away. "I'm gonna go in alone."

Bucky frowned. "Mattie-"

"I'll be careful. I promise."

"Why?" Sam asked, looking Mattie up and down as he pocketed his hands.

"Because you're and Bucky are Avengers. You know how he feels about that."

"It's not like you two were known for frolicking in the sun together," Sam said.

"He was obsessed with HYDRA. We have a history together. I got it. Bucky, stay with Sam, okay? I'll be back soon."

"Be careful," Bucky said. "I mean it, Mattie."

She nodded and walked away.

Mattie followed after the guard and as she continued down the corridor, it grew progressively darker. The guard spoke codes to the camera to get them further in and the door opened with a buzz. Mattie went into the room. The walls seemed to have barbs sticking out. There was a glass door and wall. A rectangular ray of light shined on the ground, which held Zemo's feet and hands.

As Mattie walked closer to the glass, Zemo began saying in Russian, "Longing. Rusted." He stood, revealing his face. "Seventeen."

Mattie answered in English, "Those days are over."

"I know. I just wanted to see how the new you reacts to the old words." He walked up to the glass and studied Mattie. "Something is still in there. But there is also a light there."

Mattie smiled as she thought of Bucky. "I suppose so."

"At least you were not conscious for most of your imprisonment."

"That time wasn't exactly a picnic."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. It was never personal. You and your wife were simply a means to a necessary end."

"Someone is recreating the Super Soldier serum. I need to find out who."

"You are assuming HYDRA has something to do with this, which is why you came to me, which means you are desperate. Luckily, I know where to begin."

"What's the book you're reading?"

"Machiavelli."

As she left, Mattie pulled a tiny scroll from her pocket. She tossed the scroll on a table and left.

She rejoined Sam and Bucky and told them about an addresss he'd gotten from Zemo about a possible lead. The three looked around the warehouse with flashlights.

Mattie glanced at Sam and Bucky before saying, "I want to break Zemo out of jail."

Sam shook his head. "What are you talking about? What do you mean you wanna break Zemo out outta jail? Have you lost your mind?"

"We have no leads, no moves, nothing." Bucky looked around with his flashlight while trying to find a light switch.

"What we have is one of the most dangerous men in the world behind bars," Mattie reminded him.

"And we also have eight Super Soldiers that are loose."

Sam frowned. "Zemo is gonna mess with our minds, especially yours, Mattie. No offense."