Torn Between Lies

Chapter Two~Sokovia Accords

We messed up big time...

I relived on my powers too much, I think as I look at my hand, another hand intertwines with it giving it a squeeze. I look to my right and smile at Wanda, my roommate at the compound. We were both watching the news on the T.V sitting on her bed.

"11 Wakandans were among those killed during a confrontation between the Avengers and a group of mercenaries in Lagos, Nigeria, last month. The traditionally reclusive Wakandans were on an outreach mission in Lagos when the attack occurred." says a reporter. 

We changed the channel.

"Our people's blood is spilled on foreign soil. Not only because of the actions of criminals, but by the indifference of those pledged to stop them. Victory at the expense of the innocent, is no victory at all." says the king of Wakanda and then a News Anchor continued "The Wakanda king went on to . . ."

Change channel.

"They are operating outside and above the international law. Because that's the reality if we don't respond to acts like these. What legal authority do enhanced individuals like Wanda Maximoff and Illisha Stark have to operate in Nigeri-"

The TV turns off. We turn to see Steve set the remote down and lean on the door frame. "It's our fault," says Wanda.

"That's not true." says Steve, I look at him "Turn the TV back on. They're being very specific."

"I should've clocked that bomb vest long before you both had to deal with it. Rumlow said "Bucky" and . . . all of a sudden I was a 16-year-old kid again, in Brooklyn." he says sitting on the bed next to me "And people died. It's on me." says Steve taking my other hand.

"It's on all of us," says Wanda squeezing my hand again.

"This job . . . we try to save as many people as we can. Sometimes that doesn't mean everybody. But if we can't find a way to live with that, next time . . . maybe nobody gets saved." says Steve.

Vision interrupts us by materializing through the wall into our room "Vis! We talked about this." says Wanda.

"Yes, but the door was open so I assumed that . . .Captain Rogers and Illisha wished to know when Mr. Stark was arriving." says Vis. I smile and nod my thanks "Thank you. We'll be right down." says Steve.

"I'll . . . use the door. Oh, and apparently, he's brought a guest." says Vis begin to leave.

"We know who it is?" I ask.

"The Secretary of State."

What? We all stand up and begin to walk downstairs to the briefing room, I paused outside as Wanda, Steve, and Vis sat down. The whole team was here with the Secretary of State, Thaddeus Ross, standing at the head of a table. 

"Because after 13 hours of surgery and a triple bypass . . . Does Ms. Stark care to join us?" asked Thaddeus. I'm snapped out of my daze as Rhodey opens the door for me "Um yes, thank you, Rhodes." I say walking in, giving a small smile to Tony before sitting down between Sam and Steve across from Wanda.

Thaddeus nods at me continuing "As I was saying, 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"

"And what word would you use, Mr. Secretary?" asked Natasha.

"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?" says Thaddeus as he 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."

I bite my lip as a Chitauri leviathan terrifies citizens. A soldier firing a gun. The Hulk smashes into a building and sends a dust cloud to engulf the camera. New York, I felt someone responsible.

"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. Washington, I was the one who gave Sam and Steve the where to with that.

"Sokovia."

Terrified citizens, running. The city rising. A building falling over. I close my eyes blinking back tears, okay that one is definitely on me.

"Lagos."

The burning building. Paramedics moving a body. A dead girl. Wanda and I look at each other knowing it was our doing, Steve sees this and intervenes. "Okay. That's enough."

Thaddeus nods to an aide and the images disappear. "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 passes it to Wanda who looks at it then passes it to me.

I take a look at it "The Sokovia Accords?" I ask sliding it to Rhodey.

"Approved by 117 countries . . . it states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organization. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a United Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary." says Thaddeus.

"The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that," says Steve.

"Tell me, Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?" 

I look over at Thaddeus "Thor is out in space looking for the cause of something bigger then we know-"

"Please Ms. Stark 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." 

"Middle ground?!" I ask, everyone turns to me "Did you not hear what I just said something bigger is coming! You put this in place people and creatures on other worlds won't stand a chance when it comes!-"

"Ms. Stark please sit down!!"

I take a breath before returning to my seat. "So, there are contingencies," states Rhodey. "Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the Accords." I glance at Tony before looking back to Thaddeus "Talk it over."

"And if we come to a decision you don't like?" I ask not looking at him. He stops for a second and grins "Then you retire." once he leaves I look at where he once was "Can't believe this guy is expecting us to sign this I mean come on." I say.

And then I look around, no one was smiling "Wait were acutely considering this?"