And a woman comes into view. "Having fun?" she asks them, voice light.

"Oh, I forgot, you two are our tall dark and mysterious ones. Don't worry. I can explain things just fine."

"You see, you aren't in your home dimensions anymore. This place exists between universes. Champions come from all over to fight in our Arena - willingly or not. You two are a team. If you win, you'll be set free. If you lose - well, that's where the fun begins, isn't it?"

"The challenges all have different rules and win conditions. Sometimes you'll even be told what they are. As you advance, you'll be given access to more gear."

"We'll provide you with food and water between challenges. It'll appear on a tray in the middle of the cell whenever we feel like it."

The words don't seem to affect them and they just stare.

"Awww, are you giving me the silent treatment? How cute."

She doesn't like this person. She doesn't think she has words, not right now, but - 

The woman is amused. She's confident. Doesn't think James or the Winter Soldier are any more a threat than a bunch of angry butterflies. And... Her eyes. The speed with which she seems to be taking in information - it's faster than James can. It's faster than most speedsters can. And the woman seems intensely aware.

She walks like an experienced fighter, one focused more on fluidity - what James' nerd friends would call a dexterity build.

She's showing very shallow emotions - only the ones she wants them to see, probably. James can't see any signs of suppressed reactions, though.

The way she carries herself... Probably only makes sound when she walks for the effect of it.

So. This woman is deadly. Fast. Aware. Deceptive. And not someone on their side it seems.

(James is no slouch. Her analysis is completed by the time the woman finishes talking.)

"Identify yourself."

Collect more intel. Keep them talking. The more they talk, the more they reveal. Their weakness, motive.

The opportunity for escape will come.

"I'm Uzumaki Karin. In case it isn't obvious, I work here."

"Identify your Commander."

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough. Why spoil the mystery?"

They step forward, still holding onto the principal.

"Lower the shield."

"Now why would I do a silly little thing like that?"

"Oh, no clever comment?" She turns to James. "How about you? No?"

She smirks. "Well, then I wish you all the luck in the world. You two are going to need it." She turns, raises a hand, and waves, sending a "See you later," over her shoulder as she leaves.

They watch her go, observing her movements and direction. Listening.

James pauses for a while, then pulls herself away from the Winter Soldier and signs, "Analysis on her?", knowing she very well might've missed some things.

"Seventeen year old female. Ambidextrous. Has seen a lot of combat, has training in knives and hand-to-hand. Access to superior healing, metaphysical or advanced tech. Spy."

She nods. Signs "Fast. Eye twitch - speedster." Speedster is unlikely to be a sign he's seen before, but the meaning is hopefully obvious. "Extrasensory perception. Confident. Good liar."

"Mutant."

She shrugs. She's... Not entirely sure about that.

"Different worlds."

"They all die the same."

She smiles a little. She's familiar with aliens and the great powers of the cosmos, even if not alternate universes.

"Some difficult."

-- they looks away from her sharply and starts reexamining the outside of the cell.

"I will not fail the mission."

"...Yes," she says after a pause. She could tap his shoulder to make him look at her, but...

The Winter Soldier does not fail missions, after all.

They step forward again, looking carefully at the space beyond the barrier to examine it in more detail. And listening.