It was stiflingly hot; moisture clung to his skin, chafing at the shirt collar near his neatly trimmed hair line. Overhead, lazy fans turned in circles, moving air but producing no cooling to the people below them. A steady droning hum of their motors laced the air with an undercurrent of sound while the sound of languages other than English penetrated the walls. Outside in the tropical sun, people moved about their business, buying groceries for the evening meal, selling fresh produce and wares. The street was heavy with chatter and small motor traffic.
Zemo turned towards Crossbones, who stood to the side, scarred arms clasped behind him. "When did you acquire your injuries, Mr. Rumlow?"
"At the fall of the Triskellion building. Two years ago." Brock responded, the warped tissue around his face giving him a permanent scowl.
"I see. Serving our illustrious leader Alexander Pierce. Hydra thanks you for that service and your sacrifice. That did not turn out well for him, hmm." Zemo's tone was dry but then gained an edge, "And he lost the Asset. You are familiar?"
"I am." Brock replied trying to keep his cool, which was becoming more difficult with the pompous German.
"And in the absence of Hydra, and during your recovery, have you been following the news?" the Baron inclined his head slightly.
"Let's put it this way; I know what a pain in the ass the Avengers have been to you." Brock tried a smile, but it came out as a grimace.
"Hmm. The loss of Baron von Strucker and his work was a huge loss to us. But it what was lost can be recovered. Sokovia was not an alpha and omega for us. This phoenix can rise from its ashes." Zemo paced thoughtfully, "There is discord in the Avengers after Sokovia. The world is not pleased with them and their destructive ways. The Avengers are expensive. They cost money in infrastructure and innocent lives. So tragic, you think?"
"Sure." Brock agreed shifting his weight. He wanted Zemo to get to the point so he could find some blasted air conditioning in this backwater country.
"Do not be so impatient, Mr. Rumlow. Who you do think helped you get back on your feet and paid your medical bills so that no suspicions were aroused?" Zemo looked back over his shoulder like a snake. Brock blinked. "Precisely. Where was I… yes, the Avengers. My understanding is Tony Stark is feeling, how shall we say, guilty for his latest mistake named Ultron. He is feeling the pressure of government and his own conscience to do the right thing. He thinks making all these… super heroes… sign a piece of paper will make it all better." Zemo chuckled a mirthless laugh, "So short sighted, but a great opportunity for us."
"How so?" Crossbones asked more to help the monologing baron to the point.
"I think Hydra would flourish in a place where no Avengers existed at all, yes?" Zemo postulated.
Brock released his hands, holding them wide in incredulity, "Really? And how are you going to work that miracle? Even a murder bot clad in vibranium couldn't destroy them."
"Exactly. Because we will not destroy the Avengers by force. They are noble people. They have feelings. They have heart. That is their weakness." Zemo smiled wickedly, "We need you to get the Asset. He is Captain America's best friend. He will once again serve us and drive a wedge deeper between the Avengers. A house divided cannot stand."
"And what if I said I had him already?" Crossbones commented slyly.
"Then that would be all the better." Zemo turned to face the mercenary, a hungry look on his face.
"What do you want him to do?" Brock queried.
"I want him to blow up the United Nations. Can you arrange this?" Zemo requested.
"Not a problem. How big do you want it to go boom?" Crossbones replied with a hint of glee in his voice. " Hail Hydra."