pure devotion | | bucky barnes | | book one

10. the accords

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𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐫

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A month since the Lagos incident. The Secretary of State, Thaddeus Ross, is standing at the head of a table. Rhodey, Natasha, Steve, Tony, Sam, Vision, Mila and Wanda are gathered around. Ross has summoned the Avengers to a meeting, regarding Lagos.

"Five years ago, I had a heart attack. I dropped right in the middle of my back-swing. Turned out it was the best round of my life, because after 13 hours of surgery and a triple bypass . . . I found something 40 years in the Army had never taught me: Perspective. The world owes the Avengers an un-payable debt. You have fought for us, protected us, risked your lives . . . but while a great many people see you as heroes, there are some . . . who would prefer the word 'vigilantes'."  Mila prickles at the word.

"And what word would you use, Mr. Secretary?" "How about "dangerous"? What would you call a group of US-based, enhanced individuals who routinely ignore sovereign borders and inflict their will wherever they choose and who, frankly, seem unconcerned about what they leave behind?" The word dangerous seems targeted at both Mila and Wanda.

Ross activates a screen behind him. News footage from past Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D matters flash on the screen as he speaks.

"New York." A Chitauri leviathan. Terrified citizens screaming and running away. A soldier firing a gun. The Hulk smashes into a building and sends a dust cloud to engulf the camera, most likely killing the owner of the footage. Mila feels guilty even though she knows she didn't have any part in that.

"Washington DC." The three Insight helicarriers, firing on each other. The destroyed Triskelion. A helicarrier crashing into the Potomac and throwing up a massive wave, engulfing citizens and the camera once again killing the owner. More guilt.

"Sokovia." Mila looks down at this. Terrified citizens, are running. The city rising. A building falling over, slipping through Mila's grasp. Mountains of guilt.

"Lagos." The burning building flashes on screen. Paramedics moving a body. A dead girl. Wanda is particularly affected by the footage from Lagos. Steve sees this and intervenes. "Okay. That's enough."

Secretary Ross nods to an aide and the images disappear from in front of them. Mila can still see it though, replaying in her mind. "For the past four years, you've operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That's an arrangement the governments of the world can no longer tolerate. But I think we have a solution." he places a thick document on the desk and slides it to Wanda first. She picks it up, then slides it to Rhodey who passes it to Mila.

The Sokovia Accords.

"The Sokovia Accords. Approved by 117 countries . . . it states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organisation. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a United Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary." Steve clearly doesn't agree. "The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that."

"Tell me, Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?" Steve looks up and meets Ross's eyes. No response. "If I misplaced a couple of 30 megaton nukes . . . you can bet there'd be consequences. Compromise. Reassurance. That's how the world works. Believe me, this is the middle ground." "So, there are contingencies?" Rhodey asks. "Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the Accords. Talk it over."

Natasha speaks up. "And if we come to a decision you don't like?" "Then you retire." Natasha stifles a smile. Mila finds this far from amusing.

Natasha may think she is untouchable but Mila knows she's not.