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"With that, the promotional exam has officially come to an end," Zemo declared, his voice clear and commanding as it echoed across the dome.
Every cadet immediately responded with three sharp claps, a customary cheer to honor the newly promoted Special Officers, before saluting in perfect unison.
"Special Officers Vlad and Ophelia, stay behind. The rest of you may pack your belongings. Transportation to your respective Hydra bases will be waiting, and you have one hour to prepare," Zemo announced, his tone calm but firm.
Vlad and Ophelia acknowledged the directive with a crisp nod, turning on their heels to leave with the other cadets.
As the others dispersed, Vlad stood motionless, maintaining his posture in front of Zemo, but his attention was elsewhere. His sharp eyes followed Jona, his closest comrade and childhood friend, as he walked toward the exit. Jona paused briefly just before stepping out of the dome, turning back to meet Vlad's gaze. He offered a small, knowing smile. Vlad, understanding the silent message, nodded back.
For the first time since they escaped their village together, their paths were diverging. Vlad and Jona had always relied on each other, watching each other's backs through every trial Hydra threw at them.
But now, their paths were separating, and their futures uncertain. Both knew it was inevitable.
Their lives were moving in different directions, but there was an unspoken promise between them—a mutual understanding that, someday, they would meet again. They counted on it.
"If you're done gazing at your fellow officer, shall we move?" Zemo's sharp voice cut through Vlad's thoughts, snapping him back to reality.
"Apologies, sir!" Vlad responded immediately, turning to face his commanding officer and snapping into attention.
"Oh, no need for apologies," Zemo replied with a faint smirk. "Camaraderie and brotherhood are commendable qualities for a soldier."
"Thank you, sir," Vlad nodded, though he quickly suppressed his emotions, refocusing on the moment.
"Now, let us proceed to my chamber," Zemo gestured, motioning for Vlad and Ophelia to follow.
The trio made their way silently to a private office situated behind the barracks. Vlad and Ophelia were familiar with this room.
Zemo often brought his top cadets here, sharing his insights and philosophies about the world and inspiring them to rise above Hydra's strict expectations.
However, this time, the atmosphere was different. A boy, roughly their age but unfamiliar to them, was already waiting inside. Dressed in Hydra's uniform, he stood with an air of quiet confidence.
Zemo hung his fur-lined coat on a nearby rack and took his seat behind the desk, leaving Vlad and Ophelia standing at attention.
Though curiosity about the mysterious boy tugged at their thoughts, they remained focused on their commanding officer, hands clasped behind their backs, eyes unwavering.
"At ease, officers," Zemo said calmly, allowing them to relax their rigid postures. He opened a drawer in his desk and retrieved two sealed envelopes, placing them deliberately on the surface before addressing them.
"Officers Vlad and Ophelia, you have been chosen for an operation of utmost importance," Zemo began, his voice steady and grave. "The mission you are about to undertake will not only define your careers but could alter the course of the war itself. But before I hand these over to you, I need to see it in your eyes. I need to know you are ready for the sacrifices this mission demands."
Zemo rose from his chair and leaned in, his piercing gaze falling upon them like a physical weight.
"Are you ready to give your lives for Hydra?" he asked, his voice cold yet commanding.
"Yes, sir!" Vlad and Ophelia responded in unison, their voices firm and resolute.
"Are you willing to sacrifice your comrades—those who fight alongside you—if it means achieving the mission's objective?" Zemo's eyes shifted to Ophelia, his question laced with deliberate intensity.
"Yes, sir," Vlad answered without hesitation, his voice steady and resolute.
Zemo turned his full attention to Ophelia, studying her carefully. She hesitated, her gaze flickering toward Vlad for reassurance. After a moment, she swallowed her doubts and replied, "Y-Yes, sir."
Zemo's scrutiny lingered on her for a moment longer before he finally stepped back, satisfied. Returning to his seat, he slid the envelopes across the desk toward them. "Good. Take these."
Vlad stepped forward, picked up one of the envelopes, and carefully opened it. Inside were detailed directives and dossiers concerning key figures within a classified Allied division known as the Strategic Scientific Reserve.
"This is my son, Special Officer Helmut Zemo," the commander announced, gesturing toward the boy standing silently in the corner. Vlad and Ophelia turned their attention to him, their minds reeling with the revelation.
'Son?'
The word hung unspoken in both of their minds, though their expressions betrayed nothing.
"Helmut has been fully briefed on Operation: Blue Hunt," Zemo continued. "He will accompany you as an integral member of your team. You will be sent behind enemy lines to monitor and report on the activities of the Strategic Scientific Reserve. The intelligence you gather will be critical to Hydra's war efforts. If you succeed, you will be awarded the highest honors our organization can bestow."
Vlad suppressed a flicker of excitement that threatened to creep into his expression. The prestige of such a mission—the opportunity to secure a legendary status within Hydra—was exactly what he had dreamed of. He curled his fingers into his palm to maintain control, keeping his composure steady.
Zemo's tone darkened, his words laced with an unyielding finality. "However, if your cover is compromised, you will be disavowed. Hydra will not acknowledge your existence, nor will your comrades lift a finger to aid you. You will be abandoned to whatever fate awaits you, no exceptions."
Zemo's eyes lingered on Helmut for a moment longer, ensuring that even his own son understood the gravity of the situation.
"You leave at first light," Zemo concluded. "Prepare yourselves. This mission will be long and unforgiving. Dismissed."
Vlad, Ophelia and Helmut saluted, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders as they left the room.
Zemo smirked as he watched his son and his prized student disappear through the door.
"Do not disappoint me, my boys," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with both pride and warning.