The Royal Asgardian

Chapter 58

Secretary Ross clearer his throat. "Five years ago, I had a heart attack." He starts "I dropped right in the middle of my backswing. 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 unpayable 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"."

Natasha Folds her arms "And what word would you use, Mr. Secretary?"

Secretary Ross looks at her "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?"

Ross activates a screen behind him. News footage from past Avengers and SHIELD matters flash on the screen as he speaks.

"New York."

Chitauri leviathan. Terrified citizens. A soldier firing a gun. The Hulk smashes into a building and sends a dust cloud to engulf the camera.

Rhodey looks regretful. He glances behind him at Natasha.

I look down and Steve holds my hand.

"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.

Sam then looks down.

"Sokovia."

Terrified citizens, running. The city rising. A building falling over.

Wanda stares at the screen, as does Tony.

"Lagos."

The burning building. 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. "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.

"You weren't there!" I yelled.

Ross slides the book across the table to Wanda. She picks it up, then slides it to Rhodey.

Secretary Ross sternly Speaks "The Sokovia Accords. 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."

Steve Speaks up for us "The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that."

Secretary Looks at him and I squeeze my fist "Tell me, Captain, do you know where Thor and Banner are right now?"

Steve looks up and meets Ross's eyes.

Secretary Ross looks at him hard "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."

James Speaks up "So, there are contingencies."

Secretary Ross "Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the Accords."

Steve glances at Tony.

"And so if we didn't exist... what the hell would you have done in any of those cases?" I stare Ross Down.