Combustion ✦ STEVE ROGERS² [✓]

18 | CONFLICT

A FEW HOURS LATER, THE TEAM WAS IN THE LOBBY OF THE FACILITY, DISCUSSING THE ACCORDS. However, "discussing" was relative; it was really more of an argument than a discussion, since not everyone seemed to be on the same page. Steve was sitting on the couch, studying the Accords, while Rhodey and Sam argued behind him. Kato sat on the arm of the chair next to Natasha, thinking over the book that now held their future.

"Secretary Ross has a Congressional Medal of Honor, which is one more than you have," Rhodey said to Sam, catching Kato's attention.

"So let's say we agree to this thing," Sam retorted. "How long is it gonna be before they LoJack us like a bunch of common criminals?"

Kato set her jaw, her arms crossed over her chest as it tightened in frustration. Her eyes met Tony's just as they rolled in as much irritation as his body language showed, his hand clawed over his face as he slouched in the cushioned chair.

Kato looked at Steve, who was sitting in front of where Rhodey and Sam continued to argue, flicking through the Accords. His expression was that of concern as he read. And Kato immediately knew what he was thinking. He didn't agree. He didn't agree with any of it.

"One hundred and seventeen countries want to sign this," Rhodey told Sam. "One seventeen, Sam, and you're just like, 'No, that's cool. We got it.'"

Sam cut him a look. "How long are you going to play both sides?"

"That's enough," Kato cut in, pinching the bridge of her nose with one hand. "Arguing is getting us nowhere."

Steve was the last to read the document. Kato had read it. And the idea was ludicrous. Having to rely on any form of government would slow down saving lives. Having to wait for approval to save millions of people was a mistake. More would die, in fact. But... Kato couldn't help but think that it would save lives in the process. She was torn.

"I have an equation," Vision suddenly said, catching their attention.

Sam rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Oh, this will clear it up."

"In the eight years since Mr. Stark announced himself as Iron Man," Vision said, "the number of known enhanced persons has grown exponentially. And during the same period, the number of potentially world-ending events has risen at a commensurate rate."

"Are you saying it's our fault?" Steve asked, a slightly dangerous tone to his voice.

Vision chose his next words carefully, his oddly colored eyes glancing at Wanda before turning back to Steve. "I'm saying there may be a causality. Our very strength invites challenge, challenge incites conflict." Vision looked around the room. "And conflict..."

He didn't need to finish the sentence. Kato knew exactly what he was going to say. And she understood exactly what he was saying. She'd experienced it for much of her life. So much of the early years of her life was built from it - all the trauma she'd gone through at the hands of VICE. All the torture she'd been through, all the kill missions they sent her on, all the momentary brainwashing she'd received... they were all results of conflict. And people had died as a result.

"Conflict breeds catastrophe," Kato finished, keeping her eyes downcast. She was afraid to look at anyone in the room, especially Steve.

Vision nodded at her. "Agreed. Oversight..." He glanced briefly at Wanda once more. "Oversight is not an idea that can be dismissed out of hand."

Rhodey nodded in satisfaction. "Boom."

"Tony," Natasha said to Tony as he lay on the couch with a hand on his face, her voice causing him to remove the hand to look at her. "You are being uncharacteristically non-hyper-verbal."