Author's Notes: I hope all my readers are getting through this pandemic safely. I started my new job and had about 10 days of normalcy before my home state shut down. Luckily, lawyering can be done from a good social distance. My best wishes to everyone for your health and safety, and deepest gratitude to the first responders, healthcare workers, and everyone doing all those varied tasks to keep our civilizations going during these scary times.
Previous Chapter Recap: The world braced for a possible alien invasion only to discover the strange spacecraft approaching was led by none other than Thor and Bruce Banner! A joyous reunion was a bit rocky as Bruce learned about the authoring of the Sokovia Accords, and Thor began seeking a new home for the people of Asgard. Oh, and Wanda and Vision were finally recognized as an item by those Avengers who were a little slow on the uptake.
Creative Liberty Note: The Brooklyn federal courthouse doesn't have steps - my visualization of the final scene in this chapter is based on the courthouse in Manhattan on those steps where so many conversations and dramatic scenes occur in Law & Order and other series.
Chapter 46
Bucky couldn't resist winking at Vision when he emerged the following morning from Wanda's room. "I heard that!" Wanda called from her room.
"I suppose I may expect this from the entire team?" asked Vision, though he was smiling.
Bucky grinned and raised his hands. "For the record, Steve, Sam, and I told nobody, but you went missing from the other guest house last night, and Stark did the math. So, in short, yes."
Vision shook his head. "How fortunate I'm incapable of blushing. I take it you've no objection, then?"
"She's a grown woman," said Bucky. "It's not my place to object, even if I did have a problem, which I don't."
Wanda flounced out of her room. "If you're finished making Vision do the walk of shame, I'd like to have breakfast."
Wakanda was full of celebration now that the alerts had been lifted, and Bucky, Wanda, and Vision joined a big group of Avengers and T'Challa's advisers eating breakfast in the gardens. Thor, Bruce Banner, and T'Challa drifted in and out, still working on negotiations for the Asgardians to settle somewhere on Earth. Families of T'Challa's advisers and council also crowded around until someone had the sense to turn the whole thing into a huge buffet/picnic. Most of those, apart from eagerly joining introductions to the Avengers, stayed quiet and listened to the dignitaries talking.
"The Kingdom of Norway now exists where my people once fought against the Frost Giants on Earth's behalf. They and several of their nearest neighbors have expressed great interest," Thor announced to the group. "It will take some time; fortunately, the ship we, ah, acquired from Sakaar had substantial wealth in its hold. It will enable us to trade for provisions while we await the Midgardian nations' decision. Several towns and villages are willing to cede land to a new Asgard in exchange for favorable trade and teaching of our skills, but it's early yet." Thor and Steve edged away from the table, then Steve caught Bucky's eyes and beckoned.
Bucky hesitantly trailed after them, joined by Wanda. "Thor asked to meet you, Buck," said Steve.
"Indeed." Thor held out a hand, nowhere near as boisterous as Bucky had expected. Rather, he seemed deliberately gentle. Meaning somebody's warned him I'm out of my gourd. "Any friend of Steve's is a friend of mine, but it is a great honor to meet a shield brother from his own time. Well met, my friend."
"Thank you," Bucky murmured, feeling heat in his face. "I've heard a lot about you."
"I can imagine. My friends have told me of your troubles. Once my people are settled, my healers may be able to assist you and Wanda."
That was a surprise, but Bucky wondered exactly what that would entail. Fortunately, Thor turned his gaze to Wanda, and she asked, "Steve, Bucky…could I, er, speak with Thor alone?"
Steve blinked, then smiled, "Sure." He and Bucky wandered back to breakfast. "Bruce said she apologized to him yesterday, for what she did in South Africa."
"Ah." Bucky couldn't quite keep from grinning at Vision, who was watching Thor and Wanda from a distance. Thor listened to whatever she said, then put a gentle hand on her shoulder before answering. She looked tiny next to him. "She and Vision finally sorted themselves out last night."
"Yeah, I heard." Wanda broke off from her conversation and shot both of them an exasperated look.
Don't blame us for having enhanced hearing! Bucky thought at her. "What's Thor going to do about Loki? Even if Scandinavia is swooning over the Asgardians, I doubt any country will want to let him in."
"I'm not sure," said Steve. "It may be a moot point; Thor says Loki's refused to set foot near Wanda. He may take off in the ship once the Asgardians are settled, though even Bruce has said he did some pretty good things during Ragnarok."
"What does Clint say about that?"
"Guess." They both chuckled. "Not that I blame Clint. From everything Thor's told us about him, even if he has reformed, I don't see him settling down to a quiet life in one country on one planet, where the 'realm' may only cover a few square miles."
The next introductions were Clint and Scott's two families. Maggie Paxton was hesitant about meeting Bucky, but Laura Barton and her kids weren't, and Cassie Lang told Bucky, "I'm glad they found you innocent. I think you were too."
"Thanks," Bucky said awkwardly, but he didn't try to correct her.
T'Challa and his siblings joined the breakfast party, and soon there was another duel of graciousness going on between the two kings. It started with the news that Mjolnir had been destroyed. "It is a painful loss, but compared to the loss of my father and my people's home, I can bear it."
"That's a terrible shame; we'd hoped for a look at it," said Jakarra.
"I should have been happy to allow your people to study it, knowing my captain's shield was born of your realm's metal. My ship has some fine ores from the far reaches of the universe; I shall make a gift to you in gratitude for your hospitality," Thor proclaimed.
Shuri leaned forward as many of the Wakandans began whispering in excitement. T'Challa smiled. "That's very generous. Once your people are settled, Wakanda will gladly initiate trade with the new Asgard. You might find our vibranium useful in building a new home here on Earth. I'll provide some to you in return for your own generosity; it's not from a dwarf star, but you might find it useful in crafting a new weapon fit for a king."
Now the Avengers were looking sly, and like a tennis match, everyone looked to Thor for his response. He just beamed. "I would indeed, for I know its great value to Midgard and your people! Some of our great craftsmen survived Ragnarok and will be eager to put their skills to the test here on Earth. Perhaps I can persuade them to share some of their secrets with a people so learned and enterprising as the Wakandans."
"Top that!" Shuri whispered, and snickers rippled through the Wakandans.
T'Challa scowled at her, but Bucky thought he was mostly kidding. "I think, my friend, the sooner we've formalized the alliance between Asgard and Wakanda, the better for both our realms." Thor nodded readily. "There's a great deal we can teach each other with open trade and sharing of skills. I seem to recall from Earth's stories that Asgard engages in alliance by marriage."
T'Challa's siblings both choked, and Thor froze. "I…"
T'Challa made a sweeping gesture at Shuri. "My sister is unmarried and a great admirer of Asgard." Now a number of Wakandans began to desperately stifle their laughter while poor Shuri was reduced to sputtering. "I make no demand, of course, but perhaps you might consider it before she grows too old."
A couple of T'Challa's ministers broke into wheezing snickers. Thor looked completely befuddled, which in turn broke most of the Avengers, including Steve, who was beet red from trying to restrain himself and attempting to hide behind Bucky.
Tony Stark, of course, was beside himself, looking more elated than Bucky could recall ever seeing him on a screen, let alone in person. Bruce Banner was gasping with silent laughter, slapping Tony on the back. Bucky couldn't claim to know much about Thor, but judging by his human friends' reaction, he'd never been caught so flat-footed before in all the time they'd all known each other.
Thor cleared his throat (twice), then said, "While I, ah, am honored and most happy to establish a formal alliance and mutual friendship with Wakanda, I fear I must decline this singular honor. For I am promised to another."
"Didn't you and Jane Foster break up?" asked Clint loudly.
Thor elbowed Clint so hard he nearly fell off the bench at the table, but went on to T'Challa, "I do assure you, T'Challa of Wakanda, that this is no slight at all to fair Princess Shuri. Indeed, it would be a great honor and joy for any man to win the hand of so lovely and accomplished a lady; among the people of Asgard, such a princess, skilled in combat and diplomacy, learned in so many cultures and skills of her world, would have ballads sung in her honor!"
"He's on a roll," whispered Natasha as the Wakandans were now snickering helplessly at their princess's expense. Shuri was honest-to-God flustered.
T'Challa heaved a deep sigh. "I take no slight, my friend, only despair of how I'm ever to get her married off."
Shuri let out a muted screech of outrage as Jakarra dissolved into hysterics. Thor raised a hand. "If I might then offer the counsel of a realm where such matters have been tradition for many eons by Earth's reckoning: it's best to let the lady herself choose when and to whom she will be affianced, for few men or women may surpass the judgment of she whose hand is sought."
"I like him better than you," Shuri informed her brother.
T'Challa broke into laughter, and Thor quickly joined him. Shuri did let Thor kiss her hand and beg her pardon once again (clearly more for the jokes partly at her expense than the rejected 'proposal'), but when T'Challa tried the same thing, she snarled at him like a cat, which got everyone going again. The two kings headed off to the palace again, and Bucky heard Thor say, "I begin to think it's a shame my brother may not easily visit here. I'd dearly like to see you engage in a battle of wits with him!"
Rhodey arrived in Wakanda with T'Challa's permission, eager to hear firsthand about Thor and Bruce's tales of derring-do and relay the news from home in person. "I think President Bunt's finally calming down enough that we're no longer in danger of nukes flying in every direction. The Defense Department's still running in circles making squeaking noises, but I don't think they'll push for anything drastic."
"No offers to take in the Aesir refugees from the land of the free, huh?" asked Bruce.
Rhodey smirked. "Actually, the governor of Alaska's making some noise, along with some congressmen from Montana and North Dakota. But since Thor wants to establish New Asgard as a free 'realm', I doubt we'd ever get approval to outright cede land from a state."
"Yeah, a microstate like Monaco or Vatican City in Europe is one thing, but within the U.S.?" Steve shook his head.
"Besides, we briefed Thor on how refugees from less admired 'realms' get treated in the old U. S. of A.," said Sam.
Scott nodded. "Canada, maybe, but not the U.S. under the Bunt administration."
"Any non-interstellar news from home?" Sam asked.
Rhodey grimaced, and they all sighed. "Yeah. The unholy trio are demanding all of the 'rogue Avengers' and Bucky return to the U.S. for possible trial now that the crisis is over. Most of this revolves around the Accords, except for Bucky."
"Well, the 'crisis' was nice while it lasted," muttered Clint.
Steve couldn't keep himself from looking at Bucky. Bucky's face was unreadable…but then Steve caught the anguished expression on Wanda's face, and that told him all he needed to know. "You don't have to go back, you know. You've got asylum from T'Challa."
Bucky closed his eyes for a second, then murmured, "But if I don't go back now, can I ever? Are you gonna tell me you won't go?"
He had Steve there. All Steve could do was shake his head.
"You're wanting to surrender?" Rhodey asked. Steve nodded. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Laura and Maggie leading the kids away from earshot. "Let me see what Tony and I can work out. You deserve to come home with dignity – all of you, including Bucky, if that's what you want," he added to Bucky.
"Thanks," said Bucky. He and Steve looked at each other for a long moment, before Bucky pronounced, "I think it's time."
Steve's stomach twisted into knots as Sam said, "I'm in," soon echoed by Clint and Nat. Wanda silently raised a hand, as did Scott.
"We'll be at the strongest arriving together," said Tony. "The world still loves the Avengers, and at the end of the day, the court of public opinion still prefers us to any Congressional committee. This would be the time to make our push to finally repeal the Accords in full."
"That won't eliminate the charges from when the Accords were in force," Natasha pointed out.
"No, but it'll neuter them – beloved international heroes charged with violating laws so grossly immoral and oppressive that they're being repealed," said Rhodey. "That's not good optics for the Justice Department."
"What about Bucky?" Steve asked.
"The world's feeling generous towards all of us," Sam mused. To Bucky, he concluded, "If you want to go head-to-head with the haters with the goal of exoneration, now's the time. Not that any of us would blame you if you wanted to stay here."
Bucky took a depressingly short time to answer, looking at Steve rather than Sam. "If I stay here, eventually you'll be operating out of the U.S. again. 'm not sure I could handle that. If I don't lay it on the line, I'll regret it."
All Steve could say to that was, "I'm behind you, Buck, no matter what. 'Til the end of the line."
"Hear hear," said Sam. The rest of the team nodded.
"So…what now?" asked Scott.
They all chuckled weakly. "Let Rhodey and me do some negotiating. I'll have Pepper start up the PR machine. We'll have you come home covered in glory first, then let the unholy trio and their allies deal with the optics of arresting you."
Associated Press, January 25, 2020
THE AVENGERS ARE COMING HOME!
With crisis averted by arrival of Asgard's refugees, Captain America, James Barnes, and the fugitive Avengers preparing to return to the United States. The Congressional Committee on Enhanced Activities members debating whether to bring charges against "Team Cap".
Debate is raging over how to proceed with any charges that may be brought against Captain Steven Grant Rogers, Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, and former U.S. Airman Samuel Wilson, as well as former SHIELD agents Clinton Barton and Natasha Romanoff. Civilians Scott Lang, Tony Stark, Wanda Maximoff, and the artificial human Vision may also face charges.
There is massive public outcry in support of the Avengers, particularly Barnes, in light of the International Criminal Court's determination that Barnes cannot be held criminally responsible for his actions as Hydra's "Winter Soldier," due to long-term torture and memory erasure. However, proponents of the embattled Sokovia Accords insist that Rogers and his allies' actions in 2017 alone warrant criminal charges and imprisonment.
Colonel James Rhodes, aka War Machine/Iron Patriot, is spearheading negotiations for the team's surrender to United States authorities upon their arrival.
Rhodey went back to the U.S. ahead of the others to hammer out the details. He wanted Steve and Bucky to arrive in uniform – but not their suits. Rather, he wanted them to arrive in the uniforms they'd shipped out in back in 1943. "Or the modern equivalent, at least. People need a reminder that you two are veterans of the greatest war this nation has ever fought, and to keep that in mind when they hear their officials deciding how to punish you for carrying on that fight for longer than any military service required."
Steve was willing enough to take the stars and stripes off for awhile, but Bucky resisted. "Not that I like wearing armor, but I…I can't wear the Army uniform again. It'd insult people."
"Bullshit," said Sam. "You of all people should come home in uniform."
"I'm having shouting matches with JAG personnel," Rhodey huffed. "Congressman Wallace is insisting Bucky be shackled the minute he arrives, and at least a few generals agree with him. If that happens, I say you should arrive in uniform, Bucky. Let the public see what they do a returning POW."
"That'd be quite the visual," Natasha agreed.
Bucky looked down and shrugged, then elbowed Steve. "Let 'em shackle me. I've had a lot worse than a U.S. prison."
"Yeah, prison prior to conviction's not happening," said Rhodey. "Murdock and Nelson have a whole team working on getting you all released on your own recognizance. Wallace, Kelly, and Nadeer can scream flight risk all they want, but you coming here of your own accord is pretty powerful evidence that you're gonna stay the course."
"What's the progress of getting the Accords struck down?" asked Sam.
"Good," said Tony. "Pepper's got massive lobbying resources on it, and despite the unholy trio's efforts, the U.S. faction is bleeding and knows it. President Bunt is holding out, but there's intel that Russia is getting ready to withdraw. They're hoping to snatch up any Avengers who aren't made welcome in the West, and as much as Bunt's got his nose up Russia's ass, he won't want to lose superheroes to them."
Scott and Sam snickered at the mental image. "Just as long as nobody thinks I'm accepting any offers from Russia," Bucky said with a faint smile.
"Or me," said Wanda. "In Sokovia, we hated Russia no less than the West – er, no offense," she added to Nat.
"None taken – I'm the same. The U.S. population takes the idea of freedom and self-determination seriously at its core, even if its elected officials leave a lot to be desired. There's a reason I settled there. The Sokovia Accords are failing, and everyone knows it. Our best shot as foreigners is there."
"I suppose I'll get no say in who gets custody of this," Steve mused, gazing at his shield. Nat wrinkled her nose sympathetically at him.
T'Challa, who'd been silently observing up to that point, said, "If you wish, you may leave it here."
Steve ran a hand down its red, white, and blue surface. "It did originate here."
"Unlike the vibranium used in Sokovia, your shield was sold in a legitimate transaction, and Wakanda is happy to endorse the manner in which you used it," said T'Challa. Everyone grinned. "But if you wish it to be kept safe from opportunists until you're free to take it up again…"
Steve smiled and held it out. "I'm gonna cry," said Scott.
"As will I," said Thor, pretending to wipe away a tear. "But I'm glad your shield will await your hand. My people are preparing to land upon our new home in Norway, but I shall leave them in safe hands for a few days when the time is right. When my brothers in arms return to face your people, I'll be with you."
"Aww, you're killing me!" Now Tony pretended to wipe away a tear. "The FBI is lobbying hard for us; they really want to hang onto my tech, Vision's communications abilities, and possibly Nat and Clint's investigative skills, and they're willing to push for cutting the rest of you a favorable deal."
"Laura'll kill me if I join the FBI; I'm supposed to be retired," said Clint.
"I never said it'd be full time; they just want to keep the relationship friendly."
"We can milk that. Everett Ross and Sharon Carter are leading the charge within the CIA. After all the egg they got on their faces over the Wanda incident, they're pushing for a new understanding too."
"Any idea where they stand on me?" asked Bruce.
"You're welcome to remain in Wakanda, Dr. Banner," said T'Challa. "But now that Thaddeus Ross is serving life in prison, there is far less interest in detaining you."
"Still, that interest isn't gone," Bruce said. "He had his share of allies, and some of them are already talking about me."
"Let us deal with that," said Rhodey. "Since you were off-world during the Germany snafu, you're actually less hot than the rest of the team. The Committee on Enhanced Affairs may want you to come testify, but you're not gonna wind up in a cage."
"And I've secured full autonomy for New Asgard, including any humans we choose to admit," said Thor. "That specifically includes any and all Avengers."
Tony whistled. "Norway must've wanted a pretty penny for that concession."
"The Grand Master of Sakaar was a very wealthy man with extremely expensive tastes – even compared to my standards as the son of a king of Asgard," said Thor, smirking. "Our rescue vessel wasn't only a personnel transport, but a cargo ship; less than half of the goods in the hold secured us a pleasant coastal realm and a substantial growth for the economy of Norway, to say nothing of the favorable mutual treaty we've now established."
"So there's stuff left in the hold if we need to make bail?"
Thor just grinned.
Vision, however, was frowning. "On many different fronts, the Avengers' position is strong. But therein lies also a risk – our enemies will be growing desperate."
"That's another reason Matt, Foggy, and I don't want you guys in custody, military or civilian," said Rhodey. "We don't need a repeat of the Wanda incident."
"You make it sound like I caused the incident," Wanda complained.
"Sorry, but the Sentinel Douchebag Poisoner Attack is too long." She huffed, but had to grin. "I'm most worried about Bucky; there's a lot of anxious chatter about what state secrets you might have picked up from your time with Hydra now that your memory's back. And Wanda's telepathy still makes everyone nervous."
"We should all keep our guard up when we're alone with any of them," Bucky agreed. "Obviously watch anything you eat or drink, even if it's sealed. And some of our good American politicians have a right to be nervous. I should have a talk with the FBI sooner rather than later. Some of Hydra's men in the states were caught in 2014, others are long dead, but not all of them. I really doubt they all decided to retire and lay low."
"And that's what I'd call one hell of a bargaining chip," said Rhodey. "The evidence that went in front of the ICC has made a pretty huge splash among the potential prosecutors here at home. I won't stop until they drop the idea of charges against you. They may go after you guys for the events in Germany and Romania, but that's peanuts. We can plea it out."
The Asgardian landing was an event of massive fanfare that Clint and the rest of the team really wished they could've been physically present for. But Steve and Rhodey reluctantly agreed (and persuaded the rest of the team) that the Avengers shouldn't be seen as currying favor with Earth's new extraterrestrial residents in the midst of the negotiations for their criminal surrender.
They nearly had to sit on Scott and Tony, but in the end, they prevailed. It was fun to watch on television, at least.
T'Challa and Prince Jakarra were there, along with many other international leaders who'd already negotiated or were in the process of negotiating treaties with the Aesir. Norwegian locals were spread along every inch of the new border, waving signs, flowers, flags, and welcome tokens. A few of the Scandinavian far right were less thrilled by the idea of these ultra-foreigners, but wary enough to keep their distance.
Clint and the others snickered through Thor's grandiose speech about his people's journey and humanity's hospitality. It didn't hurt that Thor's treaty with Norway specifically included a clause barring Loki for residing on Earth. "He must be there somewhere while the ship's touching down, though."
"So far, no sightings. Maybe for once, he'll keep a low profile," said Bruce. "Hey, is that Jane Foster next to Erik Selvig?"
"Yeah. Didn't you know Selvig?" asked Tony.
"Years ago, when he was teaching at Culver." Bruce was more interested in the interaction between Thor and Foster, who kissed him very chastely on the cheek as he introduced her and Selvig to some of his people.
Once the festivities were over and the Aesir civilians were just schmoozing with the humans, Clint wandered off to join Laura and the kids.
Then the day got ruined in a sparkle of green-gold light blocking Clint's way that coalesced into an unpleasantly-familiar. "Agent Barton," said Loki.
Clint lurched backward and went for a bow that he didn't have. God fucking damn it. "INTRUDER ALERT!" he roared for both Avengers and Wakandan guards.
Loki looked bored. "They won't hear you just now. Calm down; I mean no harm. Rather, I'm only here to inquire after your family's health and well-being."
"Leave them out of this," Clint snarled, cursing himself yet again for having revealed everything about himself under the influence of that motherfucking scepter. "If you ever try to get near them, Thor and all the rest of Asgard won't be able to stop me from putting an arrow through your eye."
The demigod rolled his eyes and picked a speck of lint off his green and black garb. "Did I not just say I mean no harm?"
"Yeah, well, you also know I'm hard of hearing, so speak up and make it fast – what the fuck do you want?"
"Only your welfare." Clint blinked. Loki cast a dismissive glance around the gardens and repeated, "I take it you and your family are well?"
Clint stared. Loki looked at him and break eye contact, putting on an air of indifference…that of course, he had to be faking. There was a reason he was asking… and the fucker wasn't going to go the fuck away until Clint answered. "I'll answer you, but I wanna know why you're asking."
"As you will, though you won't believe my answer: I owe you a debt, greater than even you can imagine."
Clint blinked again. Well, I guess you're right about that. He doubted Loki would go the fuck away until he got his answer, so Clint slowly said,"We're fine."
"Good." Loki took a step back. "Yes, naturally, you don't believe me, so I shan't waste time attempting to persuade you. But know this, Clint Barton – the time is coming when you and your family, even your world will face peril so great it makes that attempt of mine appear to you as pathetic as I know it was. Then your situation grows the most desperate, speak my name, and you will have the aid of Loki."
Clint felt something like a shimmer around himself and looked around wildly, but nothing seemed different. "You're not wanted here."
"Oh, believe me, I know it, and I assure you, I've no desire to be here. This planet is terribly boring. I'm merely ensuring that if you're ever desperate enough to call for my aid, I'll know it. And I'll respond." Loki mock-bowed. "Give my regards to your little friends. Tell them to keep their skills sharp."
He vanished in a sparkle of green and gold, and footsteps came pounding down the footpath. "Clint, are you hurt?" called Vision, flying above a dozen guards and all the Avengers.
"…No," he croaked. "Did you see?"
"I detected a powerful electromagnetic field surrounding you just now, and it disrupted some of the Wakandan monitoring devices."
"It was Loki," Clint breathed.
"Great. Just great," said Steve. "What's he up to?"
"I…don't know. He asked about my family's well-being, of all things, said it was because he owes me a debt. I assume for 2012."
Tony let out an incredulous snort. "Well, that's honorable of him, maybe he really has turned over a new leaf."
"You don't believe that any more than we do," said Nat. She put her hand on Clint's shoulder. "Breathe, Clint. What else did he have to say?"
"He said…there's peril worse than his invasion ever was…and when we're desperate enough, speak his name, and he'd help us." Clint shook his head. "That's…bullshit, right?" It's got to be. It has to be. But why? He looked at Wanda, but she was grimacing.
"I didn't sense anything or anyone – the only way I knew something was wrong was that I suddenly couldn't sense you. Didn't Thor say he wanted to avoid me?"
Bruce said slowly, "He made a clean escape from Sakaar with that treasure ship, but instead of swanning off to parts unknown, he came to rescue Asgard. I'm not saying take him at his word," (nearly all of them snorted), "but he might have a heart in there somewhere."
They all stared at each other. "So what would that heart be doing? Regretting what he did to Clint in 2012?" mused Nat. "Or giving us a warning that there's more where he and the Chitauri came from?"
"And if the latter, then what?"
No one could come up with an answer to that one.
Associated Press, February 29, 2020
AVENGERS SURRENDER!
Fugitive superheroes and allies landed at Avengers Compound and were taken into custody; Avengers to be arraigned immediately at Federal District Courthouse in Brooklyn
Upon landing at Avengers Compound, those Avengers facing charges arising from the 2017 "civil war" were taken into federal custody under tight security. Although no formal announcements have been made, rumors are that after arraignment, the team will be released on their own recognizance with the possible exception of Barnes, who has reportedly agreed to be held at an undisclosed location.
"Steve, relax," said Bucky irritably, wanting to get his friend's obnoxiously dismal eyes off the shackles on his wrists and feet. Well, Steve dropped the long face in favor of glaring daggers at the two armored officers on either side of Bucky.
All the sirens outside the truck escorting them to the courthouse were really annoying. "Quite the motorcade," said Sam.
"Wait'll you see pictures," said Rhodey. "People're camped out outside the courthouse, parked along every mile of this route, waving signs in mostly in support of you guys. When they watch this man walk up the courthouse steps in shackles, they'll want blood – not yours."
Wanda was tucked between Clint and Vision, who were glaring at the rest of the guards. Yeah, Wanda made people nervous, but she couldn't have looked less threatening, all pale and quiet, practically under Vision's arm. She was officially in Vision's own custody (and Bucky doubted anyone knew about their relationship. He wasn't about to tell).
"So the charges are conspiracy to aid international fugitives and assault on federal agents for the rest of us?" asked Sam.
"Yep. And maybe treason and desertion against Steve and Bucky over the Winter Soldier, but the federal prosecutor's not at all enthusiastic, even if the Accords proponents are screaming for it."
"Where's the President? Any chance of pardons?"
"Right now, he's unfriendly," Rhodey admitted. "He's calling the ICC a pansy court and pissed off most of the female population by saying Bucky and Wanda only got off because the judges were women. So the prosecutor may be getting pressure directly from Bunt, but Matt and Foggy think he knows it's a crap case."
"Are they reprising their role as our Atticus Finch?" asked Clint. That got a few weak chuckles as Rhodey nodded.
"Almost there. When we get out, we'll be behind bulletproof glass. Pause a few beats, let the cameras get a good look at each of you as you come out. Try to look dignified – please?" he added at Tony, getting stronger chuckles.
Bucky looked out the tiny window behind him. He could barely see anything beyond the vehicles and flashing lights, but something clicked at the sight of the swiftly-passing buildings. Suddenly, it hit him in such a rush, he felt his heart skip. "Steve…" he breathed. "It's Brooklyn. We're home."
Steve blinked, then met his eyes. Neither of them said anything else, just looked at each other.
Wanda choked back a sob.
Peter Parker always got a press pass to big events where Mr. Stark would be involved. He was afraid Happy would be too busy to remember, but he got his pass along with a lecture: "This is a very hot event, kid. Tony says you're welcome to take pictures and make everyone admire the dignity of their returning heroes being slandered, but don't let on that you know him. The Avengers have a lot of enemies, and Tony doesn't want you having to deal with backlash. So you're an incognito junior reporter."
"Got it," Peter promised.
So there he was, right at the front of the press lines with a window through the high panes of bulletproof glass, with a clear view. Noise assaulted him from all directions. The sidewalk in both directions was packed with people, waving signs, shouting slogans, mostly supporting the Avengers and condemning the prosecution. Peter snapped some good shots despite the chaos blasting his senses.
A group of wheelchair-bound World War II vets had pride of place at the base of the steps, bearing signs that read, WELCOME HOME, SARGE, and WWII VETS FOR BUCKY BARNES! A tearful woman with a megaphone was telling the story of her children's rescue by Falcon from another Avengers fight.
The Daily Bugle wouldn't pay for pictures like this, but they'd look good in Peter's portfolio. The shots that'd earn him money would always be superheroes, even if Spider-Man was absent today. Peter had thought about suiting up and appearing in solidarity, but Happy had talked him out of it. "We've all got a lot on our plate, kid. It's a nice thought, but Tony needs his eyes on the ball. He'll get distracted watching out for you."
So Spider-Man wouldn't be in evidence today, but Peter was determined that at some point among all these formalities, Spider-Man would swing down into view and shout his support for Mr. Stark, Cap, Bucky Barnes, and all the rest of them.
Then the police motorcycles and armored cars rolled up, the crowd went crazy. Peter started snapping nonstop as a shiny black car disgorged King T'Challa, King Thor, and Bruce Banner, who hadn't been charged with anything, but they'd insisted on coming in support of the others. They stepped to the side and waited while a reinforced personnel carrier pulled up.
War Machine, in military formal dress rather than his armored suit, stepped out with the first armed agents, checking things out before nodding to the ones still in the van. Mr. Stark came out first, all casual attitude and flirting with the crowd. Then he turned and gestured grandly at the van, and a tall, handsome man stepped out in a formal military uniform, and OH, that's Cap!
Even though Cap had shaved off that beard, Peter barely recognized him without all the red, white, and blue, and it seemed other people had the same problem – for a split-second. There was a brief pause before an even louder roar from the crowd and the thunder of applause from thousands upon thousands of hands.
"We love you, Cap!"
"God bless Cap!"
"Free the Avengers!"
The rest of the Avengers followed, each paid homage by the crowd, and if there were any haters, Peter couldn't make them out even with his own enhanced senses. He snapped pictures of Wanda Maximoff, nervous but smiling as she detected the good will flooding the air around them, of Clint Barton and Sam Wilson startled by the chaos then appreciatively nodding to the crowd. Then Cap hovered near the van door as more armed agents assisted another man out.
This man also wore a formal Army uniform, but he was shackled hand and foot. A collective intake of breath filled the air from the crowd, then a collective cry went up that sounded more like a wail of protest.
Those World War II vets who could stand were doing so, and Peter snapped a gorgeous shot of Cap looking back as the men all saluted. Cap saluted back, but Barnes didn't. The former Winter Soldier's face was almost emotionless, though even the forever blasé Mr. Stark looked moved.
The Avengers made a few quick nods and gestures of appreciation to the crowd until the guards began ushering them up the stairs. Peter kept snapping as Cap watched his friend being led at the front of the group, but Cap waited to see all the rest of the team accounted for.
Then a couple of agents came trotting down towards the van, nobody paying them any mind – but adrenaline flashed to life in Peter as one of them cut around it with his gun drawn. Instead of charging into the crowd for a threat, the man went past it, around the other side so he was facing up the stairs again.
An unseen voice shouted in alarm, the Avengers and escorts all turned to look – and the man pointed his gun up the stairs.
Only enhanced senses like Peter's could detect where the man was aiming – and he made a noise of horror drowned out by the BANG of the gun - and Captain America jerked back in shock.
Then the air filled with screams, Cap blinked in surprise, looking down at his chest. Then his mouth moved, and his expression grew dazed, and he started to fall.
"STEVE!" Bucky Barnes surged free of his escorts and snapped the shackles on his hands and feet like they were kids' bracelets. He was down the few steps to Cap's side in a flash and caught him, with Mr. Stark on Cap's other side.
Peter saw blood appear on the edges of Captain America's mouth, and a dark red stain growing rapidly right in the middle of his chest. Cap looked so bewildered, staring up at Bucky and Mr. Stark as they babbled at him, but he couldn't seem to focus enough to answer them. And he was sagging in their arms, his eyes turning dull and unfocused, slipping closed as his body went limp.
Peter's eyes darted back towards the shooter just in time to see him put the gun in his mouth and – another shot. More people screamed. The officers who'd swarmed towards the shooter began yelling and cursing, guns out but nowhere to point them.
"NO!" Wanda Maximoff was generating a red field around the cluster of Avengers as more shots were fired from somewhere, but she was crying hard.
Those in the crowd who hadn't run in panic began to echo her, and the world around Peter filled with cries of anguish, "No, no, please, no, not Cap, oh my god, no!" again and again and again.
Peter didn't have his suit, and the anguish on the faces of the Avengers, of Bucky Barnes as he cradled a motionless body against him…it all told Peter that there was nothing he could do now anyway.
Captain America's eyes were closed now…he wasn't breathing. So Peter kept taking pictures. The world would need to remember the sight of Bucky Barnes in a pool of Captain America's blood, clutching Cap's hand to his cheek, with more agony in his eyes than Peter would have imagined possible.
To Be Continued...
Coming Soon: Our heroes seek help from every possible source for a gunshot that would be fatal even to a supersoldier - and Nick Fury even goes interstellar for aid! The world reels at the prospect of losing Captain America - this time for good - and Tony and Bucky reach a strange meeting of the minds.
PLEASE don't forget to review! (Oh, and since you've all been so patient with my irregular updates during some very hard times, I don't want to leave you waiting long during these even rougher times - so the next chapter will be up within a week!)
