Second Sphere

Attack

"If we have to do something about this why am I the only one who looks like a pimp." Sam asks, clearly not happy about the bright purple suit.

"Only an American would assume a fashion forward black man looks like a pimp." Zemo says. "You look exactly like the man you're supposed to be playing. The sophisticated, charming African rake named Conrad Mack, aka the smiling tiger."

"He even has a bad nickname." Sam says looking at the picture Zemo handed him. "Hell, he does look like me, though."

"You smell this?" Zemo asks.

"Yeah, what is that? Acid?" Sam asks back.

"Madripoor." Zemo answers, "No matter what happens we have to stay in character. Our lives depend on it. There's no margin for error. High Towns that way. Not a bad place if you wanna visit, but Low Towns the other way."

Zemo gets in the front as the rest of us squeeze in the backseat.

"Let me guess, we don't have any friends in high town." Sam says.

The black car takes us the rest of the way as a motorcycle escort takes us into the heart of low town before disappearing.

Madripoor is the same as the last time I visited. Stinking, bustling, and filthy. Bright neon lights shine from every corner. I walk directly behind Zemo my wings extended and partially covering his sides, playing my part as his personal body guard. I'm careful not to let my hatred of this seep through onto my face and remain expressionless.

People stare at us as we walk through the streets and enter Selby's bar.

"Here we are." Zemo says quietly to us.

"Ready to comply winter soldier?" Zemo asks in Russian, making it clear who we have in tow.

Bucky doesn't answer, he just glares. As the whispers start.

The bartender looks us over, "Hello, gentlemen and lady. Wasn't expecting you, smiling tiger."

"His plans changed. We have business to do with Selby." Zemo explains.

"The usual?" The bartender asks Sam who nods.

Bucky and I both keep watch over the crowd, playing our part as bodyguards while the bartender cuts open a snake to make the drinks.

"Smiling tiger, your favorite." Zemo says.

"I love these." Sam says grimly.

"Cheers, Conrad." Zemo says.

Sam struggles at first but manages to get the drink down. Whether or not the bartender noticed, let alone cared is a different story.

A man walks up behind Zemo and I stop him with a hand.

"Let him speak." Zemo orders and I let the man through.

"I got word from on high. You ain't welcome here." He tells Zemo.

"Hmm. I have no business with the Power Broker. But if he insists, he can either come and talk to me or." Zemo gestures to Bucky and then myself.

"New haircut?" The guy asks Bucky, who doesn't respond.

"Or bring Selby for a chat." Zemo tells the man and he walks away.

"A power broker? Really?" Bucky asks.

"Every kingdom needs its king. Let's just pray we stay under his radar." Zemo says.

"Do you know him?" Sam asks.

"Only by reputation." Zemo replies. "In Madripoor he is judge, jury, and executioner."

A man approaches us. Putting his hand on Zemo.

"Winter soldier. Attack." Zemo commands in Russian.