The Professional -[sblock]Your release, as far as you know, was fairly straight-forward. Your sentence was commuted with a combination of state and federal cooperation. This was with the proviso that you join an organization with the purpose of using your unusual 'talents' in the public interest. During this, your attorney was contacted by one Heinrich Clark - and the fit seemed perfect. A post-human group modelled after the Ultimates. What could be better? Of course, in retrospect - you can see Zemo's hands over all of it.[/sblock]
Gideon said:
"How we gonna win this race again? They already got a jump on us." Deckard leaned on the table watching both Anthony and the Baron.
Right, so they planted a mole. Can't be sure this Professional isn't working up right now. These others too. Getting sloppy Deck. Callisto would have had you for dinner by now. Go for the stir the nest up approach. Wait and see who wins then take them out?
Deckard gave himself the mental nod. Push a little, maybe they'd play their hand.
"So how do we know you aren't a sleeper agent for SHIELD or any other orginization. The rest of these guys too. Even me."
"Because I have spent quite some time insuring that you are not! Bank records, IRS records, O.N.E. records. Fingerprint analysis, covert observation, subtle interviews with your 'friends'." Zemo chuckles for a moment.
"Ja, I even 'interviewed' Callisto last week, asking her questions of you. Of course, she assumed I was a mutant named Wretch, at the time." Zemo looks over at The Professional.
"Your release I was somewhat more involved in, utilizing a variety of contacts. In the end, I thought it was simple. Now we know why."
Zemo leans over his console once more.
"Do you have the trace yet, Fixer?"
"Oh yes," The modified voice sounds smug, oddly enough.
"It's on a frequency that pings back to a transmitter 20.8 miles to the north-east. Obviously, the Triskelion."
The laugh that comes from behind Zemo's mask is amused but short.
"Hah! As I thought. Your release was, at least in part, agreed to in secrecy by S.H.I.E.L.D. They cannot know anything as of yet, of course. I think they were just... curious. I fear your parole officer is nothing more than an agent." Zemo walks over to a large cabinet, and removes the tarp. He opens it up and begins removing some clothing. He continues speaking, even as he changes his uniform. For a brief moment, you catch another glimpse of his ruined face before he dons another mask.
"This means nothing. Let them know where we are. Soon, the whole world will! They will know where we lair, they will know our 'new names'. This, I have planned for. It is... necessary." Within moments, Zemo steps from behind the cabinet. He has changed into an unusual costume. It is predominately red, white and blue. Very unusual considering his past. A sabre of some kind is at his side.
"No longer am I 'Baron Zemo' - heir to an unfortunate legacy. I have taken the mantle of Citizen V - and of course, the V stands for victory." He pauses for a moment, and adjusts his new mask.
"There is a history to this guise. An unfortunate one. The original Citizen V was a hero of sorts during the second World War. He was slain in an encounter with my father. It is my intent to continue in his name."
Zemo points over at the cabinet.
"Over there are some costume designs that I have created for each of you. Or rather, that my erstwhile companion Fixer has created. They should be sufficient, if you wish to change them later, you may. You will notice a symbol of sorts on each. Here." He points to his own, where you see a stylized red and yellow lightning bolt.
"This, is now who we are. No longer will we be villains. Self-styled masters of evil." He turns his back to you, watching the monitors as they once more spring to life at a silent command.
"As a poet named Thomas Randolph wrote long ago, 'Justice, like lightning should ever appear to some men hope; And to other men fear.' We shall be that justice, gentleman. We shall be... the Thunderbolts."
ooc: The costumes Zemo, err Citizen V has created for you are what you yourself have imagined. Please describe them - how they cover your features, etc.
