Creator

Disclaimer: These characters are all Marvel's. I make no money from this and in fact give Marvel (willingly) lots of my money so they will continue creating movies I love.

Author's Note: Another serving of Zola with a side order of Red Skull for your enjoyment. Any non-movie facts and characters come from the Captain America MCU (semi-canon) comic books First Vengeance. Rated M for human experimentation, medical torture and the other lovely stuff that Zola seems to enjoy so much. Featuring Arnim Zola, Johann Schmidt, Sgt James Barnes, Steve Rogers and more.

Chapter 2

Hydra Factory and Prison Camp, Austria – October 1943

"So Doctor, how are things progressing? I believe we have some new additions to help speed up the work do we not?" Schmidt as ever was both to the point and well-informed, a combination that Zola had often admired over their 10 year association. Even when - as was the case now- his leader's priorities didn't quite mesh with his own.

They were stood in the observation deck above the factory floor surveying the activity taking place below. Schmidt had just returned from an inspection of Hydra's newly completed main base, and as has been the case ever since he'd viewed the ridiculous movie of the so-called 'Captain America', he had the progress of his super-weapon first and foremost on his mind.

Disappointingly for Zola this was the more mundane uber-bomber the captured troops below were being encouraged to assemble, and not the great transformative work the two of them had agreed to pursue. Johann had seemed to take the Americans using his 'counterpart' as a 'glorified showgirl' as a personal insult and seemed determined to retaliate with his Blue Fire at the first available opportunity.

"Yes indeed, our latest test of the Tesseract-enhanced weaponry was it seems a resounding success. The tank especially performed beyond expectations. Our battalion engaged with some German and US forces and I believe we took as many as 130 captives, though I have not yet received the final count." Zola tried to sound interested and focused on the details of the war and the production line but to him this was mostly a distraction. A necessary one yes, but one none-the-less.

"Yes I believe we have over 132 brave soldier of the 107th now enjoying our hospitality," Schmidt said suddenly turning away from his position at the window and focusing his piercing gaze on his colleague. Zola was unsurprised that the Skull had all the facts to hand, it was part of the reason he followed him. "What about production? Do we still look to be on schedule?"

"Yes Herr Schmidt, we lost some workers to a bought of pneumonia but these new…" he gave one of his tight ironic smiles "recruits should allow us to make up the difference."

"I am pleased to hear it Doctor." With a sharp nod of acknowledgement Schmidt turned his attention to the bank of monitors and equipment before him, and Zola moved to exit the office. "One moment more of your time please Arnim." Zola turned back around and walked over to join Schmidt where he was stood gazing down at a display. As he approached Schmidt turned his head and regarded him with something Zola could only describe as amusement in his eye "I wanted to share with you our great adversary's latest daring move." It was there in his tone too. "It seems he plans to invade Hollywood."

At Arnim's apparently baffled expression Schmidt, with a flourish, pressed a button and presented the movie he'd had queued for his reveal with a dramatic hand gesture. And there he was in all his celluloid glory, Erskine's greatest creation, decked out in his ridiculous suit, marshalling troops and looking so painfully patriotic – even in black and white – that it was almost an affront to Zola's Swiss pragmatism.

"I believe there are currently two of these great works available for public consumption and that a third is soon to be completed," Schmidt proclaimed, no longer even attempting to hide his humour at the folly of their enemies. But the next instant the glacial focus that made him the leader Hydra needed had returned, and even after all these years it still gave Arnim momentary pause to have that gaze directed his way. "We can be assured though Doctor that our rivals will not have the same reaction when they see our final achievements in this area. What do you have to report?"

"The latest trial was indeed promising. Recovery time from the subject's initial malady was much shorter than anticipated, well outside the average. There was a measurable improvement in reflexes and reaction times even when measured against a completely healthy subject." Arnim stuggled to keep his pride in his work from his voice when describing his progress. All this in a war zone and without all the research notes Erskine had deprived them of.

"Yes Doctor that is most impressive. But your subject is dead is he not?" Schmidt asked with a raised eyebrow as he casually reclined against the console, arms crossed. Luckily this was the Red Skull in scientist mode and not that of ruthless military dictator.

"Yes, it was unfortunate. I believe that the strain of the process combined with effects of the sickness was simply too much for the subject's body to take, leading to heart failure. I will know more once I have done a full investigation. If I could work on a healthy subject we would advance at a much greater rate."

Though it was phrased as a statement, Schmidt understood the last comment as the request it really was.

"I am afraid we must continue with our pretence that our unwilling martyrs are succumbing to natural causes. Though I sympathise with your frustration Arnim," and his tone made clear the truth of that statement. "A riot or other prisoner unrest would jeopardise our timetable for The Valkyrie and that cannot be permitted to happen."

Zola let out a small sigh but nodded his assent, and in an unusual display of camaraderie Schmidt reached over and grasped the diminutive doctor's shoulder in a supportive gesture.

"Don't worry Doctor, all systems can be improved upon. I will talk with Colonel Lohmer. We shall keep our 'new recruits' as you called them separate from the existing workers for the time being and you shall have your pick of these fresher, stronger test subjects if that would please you. Though the same process of isolation on health grounds must still apply. "

Zola raised his head "Yes that would aid me greatly," he said gracing his German ally with a grateful smile.

"Then so shall it be". With that the audience was over and Schmidt had returned his attention to the works being carried out below. "Tomorrow then Doctor."

"Yes tomorrow." Zola gave a respectful nod despite knowing that Schmidt was no longer paying him any attention, and swiftly left the room. There was much to prepare. Maybe spreading the serum injections out over a longer period and increasing the Vitaray bursts would be a sensible adjustment to the protocol. Yes that would be a very good place to start.

Next up one hydra prison cell block and its assorted inmates.