Sophia Holmes and the Duplicate Man (Sherlock's Daughter Fanfic) *Completed*

Chapter Ten - Civil War Part IX

Tony is sat cradling an unresponsive Rhodey in his arms when we get there, the other Avengers circled around him, including those from Steve's team, watching on. The War Machine armour is completely done for; the legs smashed in and the rest of it looking more than a little worse for wear. 

"What the hell happened?" I ask, panting. "Is he alive?"

"Yeah, he's alive," Tony says, his voice a little more than a whisper. "No thanks to bird brain other there."

"Tony, I said I was sorry," Wilson says coming over, his arms muddy from where Tony blasted him across the grass. 

"Sorry isn't going to wake him up, Wilson," 

"Let me see him," I say, inching myself closer and squatting down beside him. I assess the damage of the suit, being careful not to move him around too much as I check his back. After a minute, I sit back up, grimacing. 

"What? What? Speak to me, Holmes."

"Don't hold me to it," I say slowly, "but I think he's broken his back. It's not in a good place either, so I'd say you're looking at nerve damage, possibly paralysis."  

"Jesus..." Tony says. "This is my fault. The suit ... I should have installed a parachute."

"Nobody could foresee that happening, Tony, don't go blaming yourself," Clint says.

"You know what, Barton. I'm not. None of this would have happened if you lot had just signed the goddam Accords. Can someone - anyone - tell me how this is better than signing a piece of paper?"

Nobody answers. A few minutes later the ambulance arrives, accompanied by several blacked-out vans. 

"Sophie, look thanks for helping out," Tony says, looking back just before he steps into the back of the ambulance. "Could you see that they all get sent away with Ross?"

"Yeah sure," I nod. "Wait, Tony - I think I might know someone who can help Rhodey." Tony sends me a pleading look as he turns back. "He's a nerve specialist based in New York. He treated me when I was blinded, and according to Mycroft, he's the best in his field. Do you want me to call him in?"

"Thank you, yes. I'll see you back over there, yeah?"

"Yeah sure." I give him a small wave as the paramedics close the back of the ambulance and drive off.

"We haven't met yet," a voice says behind, causing me to turn. A tall, grey-haired man stands behind me, his hand offered. "Thaddeus Ross, Secretary of State. I've read all about you, Miss Holmes."

"Good to meet you, Mr Secretary. Can I help with the clean-up at all?"

"If you could confiscate the weapons of Wilson, Barton and Lang, I would be immensely grateful."

"Of course, sir."

"And Holmes?" I look back. "I'm gonna need you to sign the Accords later."

I nod and head over to where a group of armed soldiers have guns pointed at the remenants of Cap's team. "Sorry guys, I'm going to need to take your gear."

"I'm gonna want a receipt for these," Wilson says, his jaw set as he hands me his wings, then the rest of his weapons. 

"I'm not sure it'll be of much use in a prison cell, but sure," I reply, moving on and taking Clint's bow and arrows with a small, mournful smile. 

Lang tentatively hands me his helmet and belt. "Please be careful with them. They're immensely fragile."

"I will," I say, taking them back to one of the vans as they get handcuffed and led off into a separate one. Maximoff sends me a hateful look as she passes, her arms restrained in a strait-jacket and a power-inhibitor in her neck.

I let out a small sigh as they get packed up and head off, just wondering what to do next when I hear a car horn sound behind. 

"You coming, or what?" Happy shouts, leaning out the window of the car. Peter has his head back in the seat, looking exhausted. I smile gratefully and get in beside him.