Tony's listening equipment was hardly going to suffer from poor audio pickup, so the two voices came through in succession with exceptional clarity.
"It's just a Hydra Branch base. With the two of us working together, how could those bastards possibly stop us?"
A hint of urgency tinged Kara's clear voice.
The Avengers seated around the table exchanged looks. This was a recording of Kara and Bu Lai's conversation just before they defied orders and stormed the Hydra Base.
Captain America frowned. He had been planning to go after Kara later and reassure her that Tony had only expelled her from the Avengers in a fit of anger.
"That doesn't seem right. We don't know what's inside, and even on our planet, following orders is the first rule of a team working together in good faith."
Bu Lai sounded deeply confused, seemingly unable to understand Kara's determination to act alone.
"Hmph! The Avengers? They're just a bunch of lucky people who got a head start. Before they formed their team, did they fuss over every little thing and plan everything out before acting?"
Kara's voice grew increasingly contemptuous.
"They're just superheroes who showed up a few years earlier and formed a group that the authorities and the public trust. All these strict demands they're making of us now are just a way to keep newcomers from rising!"
"Forget it. Why am I even talking to a pathetic alien refugee who fled to Earth? If you had even a little courage, you wouldn't have ended up losing your memories and not even knowing who you are."
Kara's tone in the recording was exceptionally sharp and vicious. When Bu Lai refused to agree with her, she went straight for his most painful wounds.
Bu Lai, meanwhile, was tolerant and generous, strictly following