Empire State Building
New York City

Although the observation deck of the Empire State Building was closed, that provided no problems for a man like Helmet Zemo. A man who, with the aid of two moonstones, could traverse dimensions as easily as most people walk through doors. Easier in fact.

The thirteenth Zemo to adopt the title of Baron looked out over the city of New York. Even at this time of night, it was lit up brightly. He spotted movement from the corner of his eye and spun, his hand drawing the broadsword he kept sheathed by his side.

“A bit jumpy, Baron?”

The man who emerged from the shadows wore a trench coat and a wide-brimmed fedora. The hat concealed his face in shadow, save for his glowing red eyes. He seemed not the slightest bit worried at the presence of the blade.

“I’ve had a bit too many surprises as of late, my friend,” said Baron Zemo as he sheathed the blade.

The mysterious Mister E walked up to the guard rail and looked over the city. “You’re doing well. With Strucker’s death, you’ve removed a powerful weapon from Control’s arsenal. But now isn’t the time to slow down.”

“We have a problem. We don’t know if Hydra is completely under our control. Andreas has proven to be quite manipulative himself. And quite opportunistic. I’m not certain we can trust him.”

“Then for now, we just have to hope that he will remain opposed to Control. A completely independent Hydra is not good, but it’s far better than a Hydra working for Control.”

“What if there was no Hydra?” asked Baron Zemo.

“An interesting prospect, but I think we have other concerns at the moment. If you want to truly subvert Control, you’ll need to remove and supplant one of their inner circle.”

“You’ve yet to provide me with any information in that regard,” said Zemo. “What exactly are you keeping from me?”

“I’m telling you what you need to know, Baron, that’s all. My knowledge isn’t limitless.”

“Who is it?”

“If Strucker could be seen as the embodiment of Hydra, then there is a man who can be seen as the embodiment of Control—at least for your purposes,” said Mister E. “That man is none other than Justin Hammer.”

“Hammer?” asked Zemo. “Of course. A man of his means, it only makes sense that he would be involved with Control at a high level.”

“If you remove Hammer from the board, you will have cut off one of Control’s heads. And unlike Hydra, those aren’t so easy to replace.”

“I will look into this,” said Zemo. “Thank you for the information, my friend. But if you’ll excuse me, I have another meeting to attend.”

Golden energy swirled around Zemo as his moonstones transported him away from the Empire State Building. Mister E didn’t even acknowledge the departure, just continued to maintain his watch over the City That Never Sleeps.

“Don’t fail me, Baron. A lot is riding on you.”

THE ROMULUS GAMBIT

Part I

By Steve Seinberg and Dino Pollard

The stretch limousine pulled to the side of the road. The chauffeur emerged, his eyes carrying a vacant expression, as he opened the back door. A bald man in a tuxedo with a goatee emerged from the limousine and handed the chauffeur an empty martini glass. The chauffeur simply stood there as the bald man walked away. A few moments later, the chauffeur blinked and tried to figure out just where he was.

The bald man entered the alley and walked until he reached a dead end. He heard the click and whir of machinery and when he turned, find himself face-to-face with a floating metal orb which had a circular red light that flashed in his face.

“Don’t move, Mentallo. We want to confirm it’s really you, first.” The voice was transmitted through the orb but Marvin Flumm recognized it instantly as that of P. Norbert Ebersol, also known as the Fixer.

The red light flashed green momentarily and then space seemed to distort in front of Mentallo until the form of the Fixer flickered into view.

“Cloaking device,” said Mentallo. “How come I couldn’t sense you?”

The orb flew towards the Fixer, installing itself inside his Tech-Pack. Ebersol offered a sly grin in response. “Marv, old buddy, do you really think I’m stupid enough to agree to a meeting with a psychic without taking the necessary precautions?”

“I came to speak to Zemo, not his lackey.”

The Fixer’s grin faded. “You should watch your mouth, Flumm. That kind of talk can get you into a lot of trouble. But since I’m such a generous guy, if it’s Zemo you want—”

A bright light came from behind Mentallo but when he turned, he saw the tip of Zemo’s sword poised to strike at his throat.

“—it’s Zemo you get,” the Fixer finished.

“Why all the theatrics, Baron?” asked Mentallo. He found Zemo as well was invisible to his psychic abilities.

“Well we’re just a bit suspicious about why you would contact us, and on a Hydra frequency no less,” said the Fixer. “Few months back, there was a pretty big reality shift courtesy of the Red Skull. What do you remember from before that?”

“If you’re asking if I know you used me as one of your psychic fuel cells for your little world domination scheme, the answer is yes,” said Mentallo. “Beyond that, I can’t recall much else.”

“So what angle is it you’re playing, Flumm?” asked Zemo, his eyes narrowing.

“No angle at all, Baron. You did what you thought was necessary, I get that. I’d be a hypocrite to criticize you for using people against their will, wouldn’t I?” asked Mentallo. “Besides, I escaped unscathed and I’ve got more important things to worry about. I’m here to do business?”

“What kind of business?” asked Zemo.

“How about you lower the sword so we can all feel a bit more comfortable?”

Zemo hesitated at first but granted Mentallo’s request. He slid the blade back into the scabbard and crossed his arms. “Very well, Flumm. The floor is yours.”

“I have information you can use—valuable information. And you get to know what I know in exchange for money and protection.”

“Information about what? And who do you need protection against?” asked the Fixer.

“The answer to both is the same: Hydra.”

“The Swordsman is after you?” asked Zemo. “Why? What possible reason could Strucker have for wanting you dead?”

“Aside from, y’know, just being you,” offered the Fixer.

“Have either of you ever heard of a Hydra operative named Cassandra Romulus?”

“Rings a bell,” said the Fixer. “What about her?”

Mentallo smiled. “Oh, have I got a story for you…”

Three Nights Ago

“Prisoner #471.”

“Check.”

The guard with the clipboard made a mark in the appropriate box. She read the next one off the list. “Prisoner #472.”

“Check,” said her partner as the two of them strolled through the detention level of the Hydra facility. After they passed the cell he just checked, he looked at his partner. “You hear what the new boss is up to with these guys?”

“Nope,” said the woman. “Prisoner #473.”

“Check. Apparently, he’s targeting a bunch of them for termination. The Swordsman’s making his old man seem like a pussy cat in comparison. He’s also got that Wizard guy tricking the place out with all sort of security enhancements. Making it impenetrable to any sort of break-in, whether it’s technological or even magical.”

“That part’s not so bad at least. Maybe it’ll mean less of a need for creepy guys like that Mentallo guy who kept leering at us in the elevator the other day.”

“You mean leering at you,” he said.

She looked up at her partner. “No, I mean I don’t know who he was leering at, but it was definitely one of us.”

“Oh…” said the man, visibly uncomfortable at the thought. “Well…maybe this new tech will keep him out of our heads.”

“Your head, anyway. Seems like you’re the one he’s into.”

“Shut up.”

“Who’s scheduled for termination?”

The two guards turned to see one of the inmates wide awake and standing upright in her cell behind the energy screen. “And who are you?” asked the man.”

“Prisoner #474. Romulus, Cassandra,” said the woman.

Cassandra Romulus had green hair and as she spoke, the fangs in her mouth flashed. The guards also took note of the razor-sharp talons at the tips of her fingers. “Have you heard anything about me?”

“Don’t think so,” said the man. “Why would a guy like Strucker care about some were-bitch anyway?”

Cassandra smiled. “Because I’m more than just a pretty face with claws, soldier boy. I have centuries of military and tactical knowledge. I could either be an extreme asset to Andreas von Strucker…or an extreme threat. So which one is it?”

The woman stepped up to the cell, her eyes appearing glassy. “We should find out.” She reached out and began punching in a code on the keypad. Her partner pushed her hand away.

“What the hell are you doing?”

The woman lunged at her partner, knocking him to the ground. While they rolled around on the floor, the male guard failed to realize that he was too late in stopping his partner from opening the cell. Cassandra pulled the female guard off and raked her claws across the woman’s throat, then threw her into the now-open cell.

The guard on the ground reached for his gun but Cassandra kicked it to the side. She grabbed him by his green Hydra uniform and pulled him close, biting into his neck and tearing away a chunk of it.

She searched each of the bodies, taking whatever weapons or security keys she could find and then darted down the corridor.

“And how did you discover all this?” asked Zemo.

“Wittman’s systems aren’t completely online yet, so they haven’t ironed out all the kinks. Telepathic spying is difficult at Hydra, but not impossible,” said Mentallo. “I was able to pick up various bits of information from guards who were on the scene and also ones who reviewed the security footage. I found out that Romulus is indeed on Strucker’s death list. But I also found out I am, too.”

“Why not just go into hiding instead of taking the risk that we might kill you?” asked the Fixer.

“Strucker’s driven, a lot more than his father was. The man’s insane—if he wants me dead, he won’t stop until I’m dead,” said Mentallo. “I need the protection that being a Thunderbolt would provide.”

“Not to mention the paycheck,” said the Fixer.

Mentallo grinned. “Yes, there’s that aspect as well. But think of what I’m offering you in return. If Strucker wants Romulus dead, that means she’s got valuable information locked inside her head. So if you help me, I can extract that information from her. Think about it—years of knowledge of Hydra’s operations processed by one of the most advanced tactical minds the world has ever seen.”

“We could get other psychics, ones who are more trustworthy than you,” said Zemo. “You aren’t very unique, Mr. Flumm.”

“Actually I am, because I know where to find her,” said Mentallo. “And you don’t have time to waste.”

“Why?” asked Zemo.

“Because the Swordsman has already sent his people after her. And they’ve got a three-day head start.”

Three Nights Ago

The Swordsman stood with his arms folded over his chest, his eyes scanning Cassandra’s blood-washed cell from behind the emotionless mask. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hall and he knew he was now flanked by Donnie Gill in his new Beetle armor as well as the Wizard.

The Swordsman looked at a nearby Hydra guard. “Lock down the entire facility and run a full search. I want all personnel accounted for, regardless of if they’re dead or alive. If anyone turns up missing, I want them found.”

“Yes sir,” said the guard and he offered a salute. “Hail Hydra!”

“Stop wasting my time and do as your told,” said the Swordsman.

The guard was a bit taken aback but followed his orders and scurried away. The Wizard, hands clasped behind his back, watched this exchange and strode up to his employer. “You don’t really think Romulus is still on-site, do you?”

“Of course not,” said the Swordsman. “But all records show that one of these guards just opened the cell only to be killed. Someone other than Romulus benefits from her escape and determining who numbers among the missing is the first step in uncovering this traitor’s identity.”

“What about everyone else on the floor? Think we should question them?” asked the Beetle.

“No, security feeds indicate they were all asleep, they know nothing. Many of them are scheduled for termination but after what happened here…” The Swordsman took one glance around the area. “Kill them all.”

“Why all of them?” asked the Wizard.

“Romulus’ escape may have inspired imitators. I want all of them wiped out before any sort of infection spreads among them,” said the Swordsman. “Oh and Bentley, there is someone I want you to call in from the field. An assassin named Dakini. I have a job she’s been waiting years to complete.”

“You want me to do anything, boss?” asked the Beetle. “Maybe I should go after Cassandra?”

“The sentiment is appreciated, Donald, but you still need more practice with your new suit,” said the Swordsman. “For now, just have Speed Demon and the Eel meet me in the briefing room.”

“Sanders and Lavell? That’s our opposition?” asked the Fixer.

“Seems so,” said Mentallo. “The Swordsman has been doing some recruiting. Wittman’s designed an overpowered Beetle armor for Gill and the Blizzard suit has been given to someone new. He’s also got a new guy in the Crimson Dynamo armor and there’s been unconfirmed reports that he had the Wizard make some modifications to his father’s Satan Claw. But none of them are ready for field work.”

“And Wittman?” asked Zemo.

“Too important to Strucker’s operation to risk in the field right now,” said Mentallo. “Sanders and Lavell are the most well-tested and they’ve both got something Strucker’s other operatives don’t—speed. That’ll prove very useful against someone like Cassandra.”

“Just Speed Demon and the Eel, then. You’re positive there’s no one else? No one we’ve already heard about?” asked Zemo.

Mentallo recalled the conversation he spied on between the Swordsman and the Wizard, one part especially: “Oh and Bentley, there is someone I want you to call in from the field. An assassin named Dakini. I have a job she’s been waiting years to complete.”

“No one else, Baron,” said Mentallo. “I’m positive that it’s just Sanders and Lavell.”

“Very well.” Baron Zemo’s moonstones generated a portal but he held his hand up as a motion for Mentallo to stay put. “Meet us back here in four hours. If we are not here, we’ve chosen to pass on the venture. But if we are here, you must be ready to depart immediately.”

“Or in other words: don’t call us, we’ll call you,” said the Fixer.

“Four hours is perfect,” said Mentallo. I’ve been cooped up in a Hydra facility for months, so I could use some time to shop.”

Castle Zemo
Two Hours Later

The Fixer, the Abomination, Lady Mastermind, and Tiger Shark found themselves facing Baron Zemo in the war room as he briefed them on what he and the Fixer learned from Mentallo.

“Whether or not Flumm can be trusted remains to be seen. However, the benefits Cassandra’s knowledge can provide us are well worth the risk. So for now, we’ll aid Flumm,” said Zemo. He pointed to the Abomination. “Emil, I want you to lead this team.”

“Good,” said the Abomination. “I’m fascinated to discover just what sort of knowledge she has inside her head.”

“Remember, the mission is to locate Romulus,” said Zemo. “If you can capture her safely, then do it. But if there’s any risk that she can manipulate any of you, any risk that she may escape, or worst off that she may fall back into Hydra’s hands, she is to be killed without hesitation. Emil, I will leave this to your discretion.

“Arliss, you and the Fixer are to deal with Sanders and Lavell. Kill them if you must, but questioning them first may prove to be the smart move.”

Tiger Shark nodded in understanding and Zemo faced the final member of the team—Lady Mastermind. “Regan, you are to monitor Flumm’s psychic activity as best you can. The Fixer will also attempt to keep him under control with his Tech-Pack.”

“Sounds like fun,” said Lady Mastermind.

“You’re to assemble in the teleport bay in two hours,” said Zemo.

One Hour, Fifty Minutes Later

Mentallo returned to the spot where he had met Baron Zemo and the Fixer nearly four hours earlier. Except instead of the tuxedo he wore earlier, now he was clad in the modified red SHIELD bodysuit he wore in the field. He looked around and saw no indication that they were here and he expanded his powers, reaching out with them as he closed his eyes.

{Can you hear me?}

{Yes.}

{Your mind’s a bit…unusual to say the least. Difficult to get a solid read on you.}

{Don’t worry, Marvin. I’m here. And you’re doing well.}

{Thank you, and the same to you. But do you really think they’ll come? Zemo’s not exactly the trusting type, especially after the Swordsman’s latest move.}

{They’ll come. Zemo may not trust you, but he sees the value in a temporary alliance. You serve his purposes for the moment, so he’ll come.}

{My sentiments exactly. Much to the chagrin of that back-stabbing bastard I used to call a partner. The look on his face when Zemo didn’t cut me off at the knee was better than sex.}

{You’ll get what you want, Marvin. You’ll have your shot at revenge. We both will. It’s as if this has already happened, all we have to do is live through it.}

{Like following stage directions.}

{Exactly. One step at a time.}

{I know. I’m so looking forward to watching your plan unfold.}

{You and me both, my friend. Good luck to you in your task. Remember, once this is over, we converge in Paris. Farewell for now.}

{Ciao…Cassandra.}