Chapter 2
The Quinjet was en route to transport Steve to the Helicarrier, where he was to remain in custody until his overall disposition could be decided by several countries. The US wanted any trial to happen in the US because he was Captain America, a hero and icon to the American people, while Sokovia, Russia, and several other countries demanded that he be tried in Sokovia. They also were arguing that he should be imprisoned in Sokovia also. Until the arguing stopped and decisions were made Steve was to be in the custody of SHIELD. This was the only victory that Fury had won so far.
The Quinjet landed and Steve was marched through the decks of the helicarrier with SHIELD agents stopping to stare until he was placed in the brig that was designed for the Hulk. It was the same one Loki tricked Thor into when Loki was preparing the invasion of earth by the Chitauri. Once his restraints were off and he was placed in the transparent jail cell, Fury cleared the area so that he could talk to Steve. He looked at Steve, who was dressed in jeans, a grey tee shirt, and work boots.
"Sorry about this, Cap," Fury started.
"It needs to be done. People have to trust that the Avengers are not above the law and I am their leader," Steve replied.
"Maybe so," Fury shook his head, "but if you end up in the custody of Sokovia, you're life can't be protected. Hydra had at least one major base there. Knowing how Hydra works agents are probably installed in the Sokovia government and military and another base is being built in the mountains of Sokovia."
"Then you'll just have to expose Hydra, Fury, and save my butt," stated Steve trying to keep emotion out of his voice. "We know that major remnants of Hydra can be found hidden in Germany, Russia, the Balkans, and Yugoslavia. There are still pieces of it still entrenched in America, Britain, and even France. Hydra needs to be dug up and exposed once and for all and destroyed."
"Even at the cost of your life?" asked Fury.
"It wouldn't be the first time I'd given up my life to stop Hydra, Fury," said Steve.
"I'd rather get you released above board and go after Hydra together," remarked Fury.
Steve nodded then he stood up and looked around his new home. There was a bed and a toilet and not much else. It was not built for a long-term stay, but more like the amount of time it took for banner to calm down and revert from the Hulk. He looked over at the control panel where Fury stood. There was a button that when pressed dropped the cell from the carrier, just in case the Hulk was managing to break the cell. Steve didn't like the idea of falling to his death without being able to put up much of a fight. He looked at Fury.
"If you are going to have someone guard me, please let them be someone you trust. I don't want to be fall to my death," said Steve then pointed at the control panel.
Fury chuckled.
"I'll have Coulson and his team guarding you for now. I trust them," said Fury.
"Coulson. He's dead," stated Steve in shock to hear that Agent Coulson was alive.
"Long story made short, we brought him back to life with some help from alien technology. He wasn't thrilled with it, but he's come to accept it. His team was the one that got the intel on the Hydra/Aim base in Sokovia," explained Fury.
"Well, I look forward to seeing him again," said Steve.
"I'm sure he'll be glad to see you again, Cap," said Fury. "I'll have him bring you some dinner, since your meal was rudely interrupted."
"Thanks," grinned Steve.
Fury dramatically did an about face and marched out of the area leaving Steve alone. Instead of pacing, he sat down on the bed, placed his elbows on his knees then buried his face in his hands. The chances were that fury would not be able to talk the world out of a trial of some sorts. Even as he sat in his cell, Steve knew that news channels were playing images of the destruction of Novi Grad, the capital city of Sokovia. They would discuss endlessly how things could have been handled better, especially if an army with strict guidelines and rules of engagement had engaged Ultron. They just didn't understand how dangerous Ultron was and how dangerous Hydra continues to be.
Avengers
Clint dialed the emergency number Stark provided to all Avengers. It rang once then twice and again and again until finally it was answered.
"What? I'm trying to get drunk and enjoy my retirement from the hero business," snapped Stark.
"Your retirement is over, Stark," replied Clint.
"Legolas, why are you calling me? Do you need a new tractor for the farm? Are you into healthy farming with no chemicals and pesticides because I wouldn't be adverse to buying my produce from you?" Stark asked sarcastically.
"Steve has been taken into custody as the leader of the Avengers. He is probably going to be tried for war crimes for what happened in Novi Grad. That is why I'm calling you," Clint spat.
"Dear God, this just keeps getting better and better. No amount of alcohol is going to make this go away. Okay, we need to talk as a group. Who are you in touch with?" Stark asked.
"Nat, Sam, and Wanda are with me at my farm," said Clint.
"Can you get to New York?"
Clint pulled back the curtain in his front hall and looked to see if the Quinjet was still there. It was. Fury had left it for them. He smiled.
"Yeah, I can get to New York," answered Clint.
"I'll bring Rhodey and the Vision with me. Let's meet at Avengers Tower tomorrow. I have some ideas how we can deal with this," Stark said.
"How about Banner?" asked Clint.
"SHIELD has him in some R&D lab that they have hidden away in Alaska. He told me he doesn't want to be bothered even if there is another alien invasion. He's working on a cure for his inner rage beast," explained Stark.
Clint was actually relieved that Banner wouldn't be part of this. Natasha needed time away from him.
"What about Thor?" asked Clint.
"Let the good prince deal with Asgard and we'll deal with problems on earth," said Stark then he hung up.
"Asshole," mumbled Clint.
"Stark?" asked Natasha, who had snuck up on Clint.
Clint almost jumped out of his skin, not expecting to be snuck up on in his own house. Natasha smiled.
"Sitrep?" she said.
"Tomorrow we take to Quinjet to Avengers Tower and we discuss our choices," said Clint.
"How are we going to help Steve, Clint?" asked Natasha in a demanding voice.
Clint looked at the woman whose life he spared and who became as close to him as a sister. Her red hair was definitely a harbinger of her temper and right now the Black Widow was angry.
"We start by doing nothing foolish," Clint answered. "And we hope that Stark can come up with something."
"It should be someone like me or Stark in a handcuffs not Steve. He's a good man," she stated.
"And that is why he was willing to do this," said Clint.
"You mean he volunteered for this?" Natasha asked him.
Clint nodded his head then said, "People wanted all of us in cuffs, Nat. I guess Steve is making himself the sacrificial lamb."
"Sacrificial lamb my ass," she hissed. "When I get my hands on him I'll knock some sense into him. I am getting tired of his self-sacrificing act. He has to be the one to stand and take the big hit to protect his teammates and now he's willing to go to prison for his team. Idiot!"
Clint smirked. Her fire was re-ignited. Clint was happy to see that. He knew there was something about Steve that got under her skin like no one else. Maybe it was because in the Red Room they gave to her a version of the serum that was now part of Steve's DNA. Where Steve's metabolism burned at five-time normal; Natasha's was more like two to three time normal. Few people knew this information about her.
"Well, he's being kept in a cell on the helicarrier for now," said Clint. "SHIELD is his jailer for now."
"Give me your phone," Natasha demanded.
Clint tossed it to her.
"I'm going to call Fury to see if I can visit Steve," she said then started to walk away.
"Yeah, a conjugal visit," mumbled Clint.
Natasha stopped and turned to glare at him.
"What did you say?" she asked him.
"Nothing, really, nothing at all," Clint grinned.
Avengers
That night Clint arranged for workers to work the farm for him while he was gone. He didn't want Laura doing anything since she was so close to the due date. In the morning, he packed his gear and prepared to leave. Laura noticed right away that her husband was no longer in farm mode but in Hawkeye mode. She understood him well enough to know he needed to become a different man when he was on the job.
After giving his wife a kiss goodbye then patting her belly gently, Clint kissed his kids. He then led the team to the Quinjet. The only one to linger in order to say goodbye was Natasha. She gave Cooper and Lila their kisses goodbye then kissed Laura's belly.
"I'll make sure that Clint makes it home to you," she told Laura.
"I knew he was like this when I married him. I just got a little excited when he resigned from SHIELD," Laura admitted.
"He's still an Avenger. We need him right now, but once this is over he belongs to you," said Natasha.
Laura smiled then Natasha put her overnight bag over her shoulder then she placed Steve's shield on her back and headed off to the Quinjet. Once she was strapped in, Clint took off and pointed the Quinjet in the direction of New York City.
"Everyone ready to have some fun," said Clint.
"Lots of fun," Natasha called out her response then smirked.
"This is fun?" asked Wanda.
"Just wait. You'll have fun," smiled Natasha.
"I wonder if Steve is having fun," said Sam.
"When I get my hands on him, he won't be," said Natasha taking on a serious tone.
Avengers
Coulson had provided Steve with new clothes, a black cloth jumpsuit. Steve was glad it wasn't prison orange. Besides the new clothes, Coulson escorted Steve to a shower so that he could bathe. Once he put him back in the cell, he apologized endlessly.
"You shouldn't be here. People can't get past the damage and the loss of life right now. They need understand that Ultron wanted to kill all humans," Coulson stated.
"Coulson, it's alright," said Steve. "People a right to be upset with what happened. To many died under my watch."
Coulson looked at the blond haired man who was a specimen of human physical perfection. Technically he was well into his nineties but he looked no older than twenty-six or twenty-seven. This was the man who led the Howling Commandos against Hydra, defeated the Red Skull, and saved millions of lives. Coulson grew up reading about Captain America and admiring him. He still felt the same.
"Is there anything else I can get you, Cap?" asked Coulson.
"Well, books would be nice. Military histories, histories, biographies of people who became famous while I was in the ice, and a bible," Steve listed.
Coulson smiled then said, "I'll get you books, Cap."
"Thanks," said Steve.
"Well, I guess I'll leave you alone for now. I'll be back in a few hours with dinner. Any requests?" asked Coulson.
"Steak, baked potato, string beans, coffee, and a glass of milk," smiled Steve.
"Dessert?" asked Coulson.
"Chocolate cake if you have it," said Steve.
"I'll remember that. I'll see you in a few hours and I should have some books for you along with dinner," said Coulson, who then left Steve alone for the afternoon.
Once he was alone, Steve dropped down and started doing pushups. He figured a couple of hundred pushups would preoccupy his mind for a while then he'd do a couple of hundred sit ups. In his time soldiers were trained to stay physically fit and mentally sharp when they were taken prisoner. Prisoner? Yes, he was a prisoner, wasn't he? Not a prisoner of war, which was honorable in his mind, but a prisoner accused for war crimes.
Steve increased the pace of his pushups. Could he have devised a better plan to fight Ultron? The collateral damage was great, too great. The destruction was immense. Buildings completely destroyed, cars turned to rubble, and streets and sidewalks ripped up. Ultron and his sentries were ruthless in their destruction and the Avengers added to it. He should have done better. He should have come up with a better plan.
Avengers
The Quinjet landed on the landing pad on the top floor of Avengers Tower. Once Clint depowered everything, the team offloaded to find Rhodey, the Vision, and Stark waiting for them along with Maria Hill. Clint took one look at Hill and smiled.
"I find it hard to believe that you aren't back at SHIELD with Fury," he said.
"I am back with SHIELD," she said.
"Yeah, it appears money can't buy everything and everyone. Hill prefers one-eye to me," said Stark. "She's hear as Fury's under the radar liaison. F.R.I.D.A.Y., are the rooms ready for my guests?"
"Yes, Mr. Stark," said the sexy female voice.
"You guys want to settle in or get to work?" Stark asked.
"Get to work," snapped Natasha, who strode past Stark and headed towards the large sofa to sit down. She carried both her overnight bag and Steve's shield, not letting either one out of her sight.
Everyone took her lead and headed into the living area and found a seat, except Stark who headed to the bar for a drink.
"Can I interest anyone in a drink?" he asked.
"No," Clint answered for everyone.
Rhodey looked at his friend. He knew that Tony was suffering from a combination of PTSD and guilt. The man knew he and Banner had made a mistake, even though it was an attempt to do good, but so much evil came from it. Rhodey promised Pepper he'd keep an eye on his friend. They were both worried about him.
After pouring a stiff drink, Tony sat down on the couch.
"Colonel Rhodes here has taken a leave of absence from the Air Force so War Machine can replace Iron Man in the Avengers," Stark announced.
"You won't be suiting up to help Steve?" asked Natasha.
"No," was his simple answer.
"Then what good are you?" she snapped.
"I can foot the bill," he smiled. "Through Hill here, Fury and I have corresponded and come up with an idea which will be the Avengers in a better light in the world community's eyes. SHIELD and Stark Industries will co-sponsor and co-run the Avengers. I'm going to buy some property in upstate New York and build a compound for living and training for the Avengers. We'll solicit some new members and appoint two co-leaders for the team."
"How does this help Steve?" asked Natasha not even bothering to hide her annoyance.
Maria Hill rolled her eyes and spoke up, "The Avengers need to become less intimidating and more under control. One of the ways to help Steve is by changing the current image of Avengers. Some people, some countries, fear the Avengers because it exists without restraints."
"We are going to put some restraints on the Avengers," said Stark. "Trust me, it will be cosmetic more than real."
"So, the Avengers will be the puppet of SHIELD and Stark Industries. Yeah, I want to be part of that," remarked Clint.
"Listen, Legolas, this needs to happen before more of us end up in front of a judge. As far as Capiscle goes, I am going to provide him with the best lawyers possible, while Fury works behind the scenes to get our fearless virgin leader free. In three days Fury and I are holding a press conference to announce the Avengers new relationship with SHIELD and Stark Industries. At that presser we are going to introduce the new team, which will include Rhodey and Red as the current co-leaders. I'm out. Banner is out. Thor is out for now. We need replacements, too. I'm also working on that," explained Stark.
Clint noticed that Natasha was scowling at Stark. He half expected her to get up and wrap her thighs around his neck and flip him. She calmed herself then spoke to Hill.
"I talked to Fury about talking to Rogers. He gave me the okay. Are you headed to the helicarrier anytime soon?" she asked.
"After this meeting," replied Hill.
"Can I catch a ride with you?" Natasha asked.
Hill nodded.
"Well, give my best to Spangles and tell him to expect at least two of my best lawyers to see him in a couple of days," said Stark.
"Why don't you arrange to see him yourself, Stark, and update him?" asked Natasha.
"Trust me, Red, he doesn't want to see me," Stark said softly then downed his drink.
Avengers
Natasha left Steve's shield with Clint, who promised to keep it safe. He also promised to keep hounding Stark about doing something about Steve. Dressed in black jeans, black knee high boots, a black silk shirt, and a black Italian leather full length coat, Natasha got on the Quinjet that came to pick up Maria Hill. She knew that Fury would let her spend the night on the helicarrier and probably try to convince to come back to SHIELD. All she wanted to do was see Steve.
The Quinjet went supersonic and headed off to rendezvous with the helicarrier somewhere between New York City and DC. Maria Hill had changed into a SHIELD black jumpsuit. She read a tablet as the Quinjet made its way.
"Is Hydra involved in wanting Steve put on trial?" Natasha asked her.
Hill looked up from her tablet and stared at the woman across from her. She admired Natasha's skills as a spy and assassin, but she always thought Fury trusted her too much.
"Hydra has implanted itself in several countries and they seem to be the countries who want Steve placed on trail for war crimes, but not in the Hague. They want him tried in Novi Grad, Sokovia," said Hill.
"If he is handed over to Sokovia, he'll end up dead after a few weeks. That country smells of Hydra. From hidden bases to politicians, Hydra is buried deep in Sokovia. They won't kill him right away, but wait three or four weeks before setting almost every group in the prison onto putting him in his grave," said Natasha.
"Other than the Von Strucker's base that you took down, we have no proof that Hydra is burrowed into Sokovia," said Hill.
"So there is no real plan yet to help Rogers, is there?" asked Natasha.
"Not that I know of," said Hill. "But that doesn't mean Fury doesn't have a plan that he is keeping to himself."
"Worst case scenario?" asked Natasha.
"The issue over where captain Rogers is tried is decided at the UN. SHIELD and the US doesn't have much influence there at the moment," said Hill.
Natasha scowled at the thought and went silent. Since she met Steve Rogers on the deck of the helicarrier, she has enjoyed teasing him. He appeared too perfect, too improbable to really exist. At six feet two inches, two hundred and forty pounds, and wholesomely handsome, he looked like the perfect physical specimen. According to his file he spoke six languages, was a brilliant tactician, had an eidetic memory, yet he was also a man out of time, who possessed an almost child-like sense of good and evil, as well as old fashion morality that made everyone in the Avengers believe he was still a virgin. Considering her experience and world weariness, he amused her, but that changed.
When he showed trust in her and treated her as a partner, as they worked to take down SHIELD in order to expose Hydra, her opinion of him shifted. Amusement became admiration and teasing became affection.
"Helicarrier coming up. It's de-cloaking," announced the pilot.
Natasha took a deep breath and exhaled. If they let her into the cell with Rogers, she was going to have to hold herself back from throttling him. Of course, Rogers being a gentleman from another time, he'd let her beat the crap out of him.
The Quinjet landed on the pad then was brought into the ship. The green light went on and the back ramp of the jet lowered. Natasha unbuckled herself and strode off the Quinjet to see Fury standing there and beside him was Coulson. Coulson! How the hell was he alive?
"Coulson," she growled, "you're supposed to be dead."
"I get that a lot," smiled Coulson.
"We don't have time to discuss the resurrection of Phil Coulson at the moment," stated Fury in a tone that bide no arguments. "I agreed that you could see Rogers, but it comes at a price."
"What is the price, Fury?" she asked.
"We'll talk after you see, Cap," said Fury. "Coulson, lead to the Captain."
"Yes, sir," said Coulson. "Natasha, he's in the Hulk's cell."
"The same one we put Loki in. You bastards," she spat.
The walked past Coulson and headed in the directions to the containment cell. She knew the way. Coulson followed behind her. They came to an elevator and she got in. Coulson just got in right before the doors shut.
"Clint will kill you when he finds out that you are alive," she stated.
"I didn't ask to be brought back from the dead, Nat. It was Fury who brought me back to life," said Coulson. "Sometimes I wonder why."
Natasha closed her eyes and sighed. Beside Clint, she was close to Coulson and Fury and that was it. If it was true what Coulson just said then he was dead and Fury pulled off one of his miracles. That wasn't his fault. She opened her eyes and looked at him.
"You owe me a bottle of vodka and an explanation," she said. A big grin cracked Coulson's face.
"Sounds good," he said.
The elevator doors opened and they headed to the center of the ship where containment cell was. Two men guarded the door to the room. Coulson entered his code and the doors opened and he and Natasha walked into the room.
The first thing Natasha noticed was Steve sitting on a cot reading a book. There was a small pile of books beside his bed and not much else in the containment cell. He looked up and saw Coulson and Natasha walking towards his cell and his stomach churned. Natasha looked much better than the last time he saw her. There was fire in her eyes again. He smiled at her.
"Hi, Nat," he said.
"What sort of fool are you, Rogers?" asked Natasha. "Just because you are the leader of the Avengers, it doesn't mean that you sacrifice yourself without talking to the rest of us."
"Nat...," he started to speak, but she cut him off.
"How did this man ever defeat Hydra? He is too willing to make the big gesture and leave his comrades with the guilt," she said in Russian.
"I am sorry to act the fool and be a burden," Steve said to her in Russian.
Natasha stopped and looked at him with shock. She remembered reading that he spoke German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Irish Gaelic. He spoke Russian, too.
"How long have you been able to speak Russian?" She asked.
"I learned once I met you," he replied.
"Guys, do you mind speaking English?" asked Coulson.
"Is my shield safe?" Steve asked her.
"Yes. Clint has it while I'm here," she answered.
Natasha was still taken back by his learning Russian because of her. She needed to get her mind straight, though. They needed to get his release.
"Stark is sending some expensive lawyers to represent you," said Natasha. "We are starting a new version of the Avengers. It is going to be funded by SHIELD and Stark Industries and overseen by the two."
Steve looked down at the book in his hand. He was reading about the Fall of the Roman Empire. He shut the book and then placed it beside on the bed.
"No offense, Phil, but I don't trust SHIELD to oversee the Avengers," said Steve. "If SHIELD oversaw the Avengers when Pierce was on the council, the Avengers would have been a tool of Hydra. We should be unaccountable for our actions, but we shouldn't become a tool for some agency."
Natasha felt a swell of pride. Steve was right. He was meant to be their leader.
"For now Steve just concentrate on getting free. We can fix the rest of this once you are with us," said Natasha.
Steve nodded.
"How's the rest of the team?" he asked.
"Everyone is fine," Natasha answered.
"Even Wanda?" Steve asked.
A spark of jealousy warmed Natasha's cheek. It annoyed her that she felt this way. Steve wasn't interested in Wanda, except as a teammate.
"She lost her brother, her twin, so she must be going through a tough time," Steve added.
"Clint is looking out for her," Natasha said.
"Tell Clint not to get too involved in this. He's got a new child on the way. He should be with his wife now," Steve said.
He was showing concern for his team. Tears burned at the edge of her eyes. Natasha willed them to go away.
"I have to talk to Fury, Rogers. We'll get you out of there as soon as we can," she said.
"This is my choice, Nat. Don't do anything foolish," he said.
She looked at him for a moment, thought about saying something more, but changed her mind. With a graceful about face she strode out of the containment cell room with Coulson on her tail. Steve watched her go and wished he had said more to her.
