Thank you for all the comments so far!
I hope all this talk of the Accords isn't too boring. It needs to be sorted out before this fic can progress further. I'm aiming by Chapter 10 to have the Civil War story wrapped up, then we will be moving into the Infinity War storyline and that is when the real action and fun will start. I have a lot of plans for it so please stick with me! :)
CHAPTER FIVE: Willing to Compromise
Tuesday 10th May 2016
"Luck is on our side, we have a location on Zemo."
Tony's face split into a wide grin. "Where is he?"
"Cleveland."
Tony did a double-take. "Cleveland? What's he doing there?"
Natasha frowned. "I don't know. Friday reports it looks like he is trying to track someone down but she cannot identify who. He's lurking in murkier areas… as if he is watching for somebody."
Tony placed a hand under his chin. "Are things happening faster than they should be? The bombing shouldn't happen until the twenty-second of June. We're still in May."
"We don't know how long Zemo was planning his attack," reasoned Natasha. "He certainly had something to control Bucky with… When he was posing as the government official to assess Bucky, the lights went out and we lost everything, sound, video… The next thing we know Bucky isn't Bucky… He's the Winter Soldier…"
"The red book…" murmured Tony. "When Zemo was interrogated after he was captured, he spoke about the book which triggered the Winter Soldier. He doesn't have it right now but he soon will. That's what he is looking for."
"The thing is, Tony, Zemo hasn't technically done anything wrong yet. We can't apprehend him just because we know what he does. Our knowledge only comes from our unique circumstances. It will not hold up in a court of law. We have to provide evidence."
Tony swallowed. He took the data-pad from Natasha. "There has to be a Hydra agent in Cleveland. Only former Hydra officials would have access to the red book."
"So… Do you think Zemo and this Hydra agent were working together?"
Shaking his head, Tony flipped the page on the datapad to peruse further details on their target's movements in Cleveland. "He's certainly keeping a close eye on several neighbourhoods." He glanced at Natasha. "I don't think they were working together. Zemo acted alone. He must find whoever he is looking for soon and murders them to get that book."
"Murder…" Natasha smiled. "That's what we can get him on. He murders someone or even tries to we have a reason to apprehend him, a reason to put him behind bars."
Tony nodded, beginning to pace. "But how soon will it be before he discovers the location of who he is looking for?"
Natasha shrugged. "FRIDAY is keeping a trace on him. I've asked her to alert us."
"We might not get there in time…" Tony warned. "Well… I could with the suit but I'd have to leave you behind and we need to do this together."
"There is another option."
"What?"
"You said Pepper was there when you died."
"Yeah…" Tony wasn't sure where she was going with this.
"She had a suit?"
It clicked. "She did." He scrutinised her. "You want one?"
She shrugged. "Not particularly. I'm thinking more of one just to fly to places so we can stay together. A QuinJet isn't as fast as your suits."
"Hmm. That is something I can do. No weaponry? Nothing like that at all?"
Natasha shook her head. "No." She paused and then amended: "Maybe something small to defend myself with if we get attacked in the air but nothing like yours. At least I'll be able to keep up with you. I wouldn't use it in front of the team unless absolutely necessary."
"Yeah," agreed Tony, "I'm not sure they would take it well if they knew the extent of how much we are working together."
"They'd probably want suits of their own…" Natasha quipped.
"Or try to question you why you are spending so much time with me," noted Tony quietly.
"Using the Accords is a good excuse. I'd rather be in on them than on the outside of them. Steve is stubborn but I think he will come around."
Tony's lips twitched. "He nearly signed before. I offered him a chance to sign… after Bucky was brought in. Steve was offered one last chance to work with the Accords. He refused…" He bit his lips. "It was because of Wanda… And her being locked in the Compound for her own safety. The words 'weapon of mass destruction' may have entered the equation."
Natasha's eyes widened. "You didn't!"
Wincing, Tony stepped away. "I did!"
"Tony!" She was shocked, surprised even. Would have hit him if he hadn't stepped away.
"I know! It was a stupid thing to say but at the time he didn't seem to grasp why Wanda had to be kept in the Compound. He kept saying she was just a kid but she's not. She's in her twenties. And people were vying for her blood! And, to top it all off, she's an illegal immigrant who doesn't have a valid visa to be in this country. The only reason Wanda is in this country is that I am personally vouching for her."
"She doesn't know, does she?" Natasha murmured.
He shook his head. "No. If I do not vouch for her, there is nothing Steve can do to keep her here legally. He can fight the system all he wants. He'll just end up getting himself arrested for obstruction of justice."
"We need to get them to sign the Accords."
"First, we have to make the guarantees that will make it easier for Steve to sign," explained Tony. "His concerns are valid. Best way to beat the system is to work on the inside. Which reminds me, I have a meeting with the UN panel in a few days, I would like you to be there. Two voices from the Avengers are better than one."
"Sure." Natasha glanced at the data-pad in Tony's hands. "Hopefully Zemo will not make his move for a while yet."
"I don't think he will. We've got time to convince the others to sign the Accords before Zemo strikes."
Natasha eyed him wearily. "I hope you're right about that, Stark."
He caught her eyes. "Me too, Nat."
Thursday 12th May 2016
Tony had sent a message to the other Avengers he was going to see the Accords committee with Natasha the next day and welcomed their feedback on them. Surprisingly Steve came to Tony's office to talk to him about it.
"I read them. We all did. We sat down and went through the whole document," admitted Steve. In his hands, he was holding a blue folder.
That surprised Tony. He hadn't expected Steve to do so especially since Steve had not read the full document previously. The small changes he was currently trying to make were helping.
Tony swivelled in his chair. "And? Please take a seat." He indicated the seat in front of his desk.
Steve sat, placing the folder in front of him and opening it.
Tony could see sheets of pages from the Accords document, photocopied with pieces of it underlined.
"Before any of us sign, we want our concerns addressed. We deserve a chance to have our own say. This folder has everything you need. If things can be sorted or safeguards put in place which addresses our concerns…" Steve hesitated. "It is something we could sign but not as they are now."
Tony nodded, pulling the folder towards him, flicking through the folder, running his eyes over the highlighted sections and the annotations to the side. "The tracking bracelets I will bring up as well as being indefinitely detained without trial. I will seek clarification on what happens with those countries who have not signed up to the Accords."
"If this legislation does become law there is one other thing which isn't mentioned within the Accords which needs to be debated," said Steve. "I feel very passionate about it."
"Right," answered Tony. "What is it?"
"What if we have to be somewhere where there is a life-threatening threat and we are needed there immediately? What if it is a world-ending situation? We cannot be sitting around waiting for permission."
Tony reached for his data-pad, flipping to his copy of the Accords. "Did you miss page four hundred and sixty-five?" Holding it up, he turned it over to Steve. "It's addressed right there."
Steve took the data-pad, eyes running over the screen. "It's not completely clear, Tony."
"How is it not clear? If there is a world-ending threat we can act on it as long as we head out there we put in the relevant requests to act in that country."
"But what if they refuse?" said Steve. "If there is a world-ending threat and we are not allowed to enter the country, what then? And it causes untold destruction because we could not act? Are we supposed to let it happen? Will we then be detained indefinitely because of our actions saving the world?"
Tony frowned and re-read the passage himself. "Ok, Cap, you have a point. It isn't clear and we do need to clarify." He wondered if that had been Steve's objections to the Accords in the first place. "How do you feel about obeying the Accords when it isn't urgent missions which need acting on straight away?"
Steve frowned, his shoulders tightening.
Tony noticed his physical reaction. "You still do not like it, do you?"
"No…" Steve shook his head. "I just…"
"Want to go where you are needed." Tony could see what Steve was having trouble with. "Steve, we cannot do what we want in this world all the time. I do not want you to become a criminal. We have to stay together. If we defy the laws at every turn we are no better than the bad guys. Wasn't it helpful we informed the authorities of Rumlow's attack in Lagos? They could discreetly evacuate people and remove highly dangerous materials from being stolen. Just think what could have happened if we hadn't informed them or gained permission? People would have died."
"I know," admitted Steve. "But…"
Tony watched carefully, knowing Steve was considering all the facts.
"If we are allowed to act without permission in world-ending or imminent life-threatening threats then I will sign the Accords."
Tony's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You will?" he stammered.
A small inclination of the head gave Tony his answer.
"Are you sure?" He felt he needed to clarify it again. Steve's response was a surprise but a welcome one.
"We discussed it. Friday showed us polls and opinions on the Avengers presently. The people we save want us to not be entirely independent, to be answerable to someone. But these safeguards have to be put in place before I will agree to sign anything."
"Wow."
Steve cricked his head. "You seem surprised?"
He was. He really was. The Steve of his time had been completely adamant against the Accords, not willing to compromise at all. This Steve…. They're the same, Steve! He reminded himself. "I'm just happy you are willing to compromise. We need the Avengers together, Cap…"
"You keep saying that," mentioned Steve, leaning forward across the desk, hands clasped in front of him. "Why?"
Tony hesitated. Could he say something without giving anything away?
Yes.
He had permission.
"Something is coming, Cap. I don't know when but something is… And we need to be together to face it. It'll be bigger than anything we've faced before but it will be a lot harder to defend the Earth from this threat if we are not working with the government."
Lowering his gaze, the other man contemplated the new information. "How long have you known?"
Tony shrugged. "Since New York. Steve, we are not prepared for what is out there. We were lucky last time but next time, we might not be so lucky. If we do not stay together we will lose. You said it yourself, last year that we would lose together too. But I'd rather be in the position to defend the Earth from now until then, rather than be operating illegally."
"Would they really stop us if there was a world-ending threat if we didn't sign?"
"Probably not but they'd want us to answer to it afterward."
"Even if we saved the world?" pointed out Steve.
Tony grimaced. He knew Steve and the others had been given leave to return after Thanos. The Accords had been disbanded but it didn't matter now as the Accords were still in play. "The Accords are the only way we stay together, Cap. I can try to change them so it is easier for us but you have to play your part too."
"Why won't you not sign them?" Steve locked his gaze. "You could break the law with us."
Tony's eyebrows rose at Steve's suggestion. "And jeopardize my entire livelihood? They could take away all my money, my business, everything I own. I have a lot of things at stake if I do not sign. By signing, I am able to keep everything, including my suits. I can't let them get access to them, Steve."
"So you've been pushed into signing."
Shaking his head, Tony leaned back in his chair. "No. I made the choice which works best for me and that is to sign. I can't be any help to you if I'm in jail. The Accords are the middle ground the world needs right now. Whether they last or not is another point entirely. Until then we have to stick together. Help me help the world, Steve. We cannot afford to lose." Again, he silently added. He held out his hand across the table hoping Steve would take it.
Focusing his eyes on Tony's extended hand, Steve slowly reached out and took it. "We have a deal." He pulled his hand. "Make those changes, get clarification on the points we've raised, and we will all sign."
Friday 13th May 2016
"He agreed to sign?" Natasha leaned back against the wall as they waited for admittance into the chamber where they would discuss the Accords with the committee.
"I know. I'm surprised too." Tony walked slowly up and down the corridor. He was feeling antsy, wanting to get this meeting underway. "But it does depend on whether we can get the changes made to the Accords. It's the only way we're going to keep the team together. I can't go on the run. I told Steve why I couldn't. I cannot afford to not obey them."
"I think you did the right thing," observed Natasha quietly. "We've both learned from our mistakes. I shouldn't have helped Steve at the airport and allowed them to escape. I knew Steve would keep trying no matter what. Zemo wouldn't have been able to split us further apart if I hadn't helped Steve. But the answer is not splitting. It feels right to be working under the Accords."
"It will be easier to prepare the world this way," said Tony. "Minimise the damage Thanos may make." He glanced up as the doors to the chamber opened and they were beckoned inside.
The room was circular and a long table was set up in the middle of it. Six seats were positioned on one side with the other two seats on the other side for Tony and Natasha. The six seats were filled, three men and three with women representing the six continents across the world. Each person represented the wishes and desires of the nations within those continents.
Thaddeus Ross was the representative for North America and he sat at the table, his eyes piercing bright as he watched Tony and Natasha take a seat each. He didn't look happy, his cheeks slightly red as if he had already been arguing with his respective counterparts.
"Secretary Ross," Tony inclined his head. He turned his attention to the other representatives in the room, introducing each one to Natasha. "Laura Templar, representing Europe; Sergio Ballard representing South America; Marcel Kech sits for Australia; Georgianna Melhar represents Asia and Afolabi Adebayo stands for Africa."
"It's good to meet you all," said Natasha. "I hope you do not mind me accompanying Tony to this meeting. He has-" She was cut off by Thaddeus Ross's very loud voice as he attempted to discredit him.
"In fact, we do mind. This is supposed to be a classified meeting between us and Mr. Stark. I respectfully ask you to leave." His counterparts all gave him a look but Ross ignored them.
Natasha folded her arms across her chest. "No. I'm staying here."
"If she's not allowed in the meeting then I refuse to attend." Tony got to his feet.
"It is compulsory for you to attend, Stark," warned Ross. "You are already in enough trouble for talking to the Avengers about the Accords. Do not make me have you arrested."
Twisting to glare at the man, Tony had the overwhelming urge to punch him. He'd forgotten what an arrogant prick the man was. He was looking forward to taking him down, something he had not dared to do before because of how much power had been bestowed upon Ross once the Accords had been signed.
They were not law yet.
"Have the Accords been made law yet, Secretary Ross?" Tony asked sweetly. "I would not be breaking the law by leaving. Talking to the Avengers? I wasn't prohibited from doing so. How do you expect us to consider the Accords if the majority of the team are not involved in the ratifying of it? Or were you hoping the less time they had to read them, the more chance you had of bringing them into line under yourself?" Because that was Secretary Ross's play. He wanted the Avengers under his control. Tony wasn't going to allow him to succeed this time. "How do you expect the rest of the Avengers to accept the Accords as they are when they are hardly given any time to consider them and request changes?"
"The wording of the legislation does not concern them. They will follow the law or be arrested or retire," stated Ross harshly.
"Thaddeus, stop making a fool of yourself and sit down!" Laura Templar spoke up, her eyes peering over her round glasses. "We all agreed the Avengers should be given access to the Accords before the signing date. If Mr. Stark had followed your plan of introducing them three days before the selected signing date, problems could have been created. This way we can still debate them and discuss any concerns the Avengers may have."
Tony inclined his head. "Thank you, Miss Templar."
Ross glowered at them.
Tony knew he wasn't going to like what happened next. Ross would fight him every step of the way. But this time he had Natasha with him to back him up. "Much as you may not like it, Ross, I do not work for you."
"Yet."
"Clearly you are not the right man for the job," stated Natasha. There was anger glittering in her eyes.
"I have been appointed by the President himself!" roared Thaddeus, his face becoming redder.
"You have it in for us based on some of the legislation you proposed, Secretary," swallowed Tony, shifting the papers out of the folder he had brought with him. He cast his gaze around the room. "Rhodey has already agreed to sign the Accords as has Vision and Wanda Maximoff has made a provisional guarantee to sign. However, the other members of the team are more apprehensive about some of the legislation proposed within the Accords themselves. Natasha and I would like to discuss with you today about potential changes to the Accords which would then enable Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson agree to sign and work with the governments of the world."
Ross's lips were twitching and it was clear he wanted to say no however the other five representatives seemed happy to listen.
Tony passed his notes over to Natasha who took up the discussion.
"The tracking bracelets are a no from the Avengers," she began. "It violates our rights of freedom and none of us will consent to be tracked twenty-four seven. Perhaps if we are considered dangerous because of something we may have contributed to in our efforts to save the world, it may be up for discussion, however, it is not legal for us, as heroes, to be tracked at all times."
"And those with powers like Miss Maximoff?" enquired Georgianna.
"She has abilities which need to be tracked," added Sergio Ballard.
Ross looked smug.
Tony smiled. He had a plan. "Easy. She's human. All of us are. She doesn't need to be tracked. She needs to be given the chance to learn to use them in a safe and controlled environment. Wanda has agreed if she needs to be tracked she will consent to it, but only in the event, she is under investigation or it has been proven she is dangerous, neither of which occur currently."
"She may have done questionable things in the past," interrupted Natasha, "but so have I. Should I not be tracked too?"
"You do not have super-powers, Ms. Romanoff," pointed out Marcel Kech. "The two cases are entirely different."
"If we start tracking people with powers they may feel less inclined to help us in our hour of need." Tony cast a glance at Natasha before turning his attention back to the committee. "Put it this way, how would you feel if you were in Wanda's position and were told you had to be tracked at all times just because you have powers?"
"It's for the greater good." Ross folded his arms over his chest, stubborn as always.
However, the response from the other five members was more positive.
"It wouldn't be fair to be feared for our powers," confirmed Sergio.
"I think we can agree most of us, that the permanent tracking bracelets can be altered to only be used when an Avenger or an enhanced individual is under investigation and it is legally required for them to be monitored," suggested Laura. "Do we have a consensus? If we do we can take this suggestion back to our respective continents and gain feedback on whether this change would be acceptable to the governments around the world."
The rest of her companions muttered agreement, even Ross did, though he didn't look happy.
"There are two other areas of the Accords which require some changes," continued Natasha. "The second part is about detaining us indefinitely without trial. That is illegal and breaks our human rights. None of us can sanction the Accords fully with that in place. I understand that a particular piece of legislation is unpopular among many of the countries involved with the Accords. Is that correct?"
"It is," Afolabi Adebayo confirmed. He glanced at his companions. "We all disagreed with the motion Thaddeus put forth. He was insistent on including it."
"Of course he did," muttered Tony. "He's intent on controlling us. I think we can agree to remove that piece of legislation."
"Or alter it so you are only detained pending trial if the situation warrants being put in jail, otherwise house arrest should do," suggested Laura wisely. "If that is the case, monitoring would be required at all times to ensure house arrest is not broken. Do you agree?"
"We would have to discuss it with the other Avengers," explained Tony, "but I feel certain it may be something they will agree to. They do know they will have to compromise if any changes are to be made to the Accords."
"Excellent. Do you have any other queries relating to the Accords, Mr. Stark?" Sergio asked.
This meeting was going better than expected though Secretary Ross's face was still not looking happy. He was losing control of the Avengers by the minute.
"There is one other thing we require clarification upon," started Tony quietly. "We all agree we need to seek permission to cross into other countries, but what if there is a world-ending threat and we do not have time to ask for permission? By not attacking when we have the intelligence could lead to more deaths. How do we go about it?"
"I would believe it to be obvious, Stark," said Ross. "You ask for permission regardless of what the outcome would be."
"And if people died because we had to wait?" Natasha asked, her eyes burning steadily at Ross.
"Collateral damage."
"Wow," whistled Tony. "You'd rather people died than be saved? Isn't the whole point of the Accords to prevent people from dying?"
"Mr. Stark has a point, Thaddeus…" Marcel indicated. "This is a discussion I have already been having with officials. If there is such a threat, which is a high risk to life, then they would be happy for the Avengers to intervene, before permission is granted, providing of course they have been notified in advance of what this threat is so they can provide assistance if needed. All the Avengers would need to do is communicate on-route. If they decide the Avengers are not required they would request the Avengers to leave." Marcel's bright green eyes turned towards Tony and Natasha and she shook her head slightly to move a bit of hair out of her face. "Would the Avengers retreat if asked? If the government wanted to handle the situation on their own?"
Tony bit his lower lip. "I would. I cannot say for the others."
"Like Captain America," intoned Thaddeus Ross. "He finds it difficult to follow orders, doesn't he? Prefers to give them rather than obey."
Tony wasn't going to rise to the bait. "I think it would depend on the situation at hand. If it was a threat only we could deal with and we were being pulled out, I would find it difficult to leave knowing it would be better for me to be out there fighting. I think the main point here is that if we do have to enter a country without permission to prevent a world-ending threat, we wouldn't have repercussions for our actions in doing so. We would be just trying to do the right thing."
"Agreed. In world-ending threats the Avengers should not face any punishment for attempting to help," backed Afolabi. "It is the smaller missions which are not world-ending threats that we would prefer to have some element of control over."
"That we can agree on," smiled Natasha. "But we do need to have a firm answer on whether we can still act legally in world-ending situations. Hopefully, they would be few and far in between but we cannot deny that we have had our fair share of them."
Laura cleared her throat. "As far as I am aware, the general consensus among Europe is if it is a world-ending threat they are happy for the Avengers to intervene without notification, providing of course at the end they stay and help with the clear-up and provide statements both to the governments and the Accords committee. We would then determine if permission should have been granted prior to your intervention. But this would just be a formality. We would prefer to trust the Avengers to act when they need to without permission." She cast her gaze around, avoiding Secretary Ross's burning eyes. "I think we can all agree world-ending threats would be allowed to be acted upon without due authorisation?"
There was muttering from around them, all of them agreeing to the clarification Tony sought.
Tony smiled. "If these changes can be implemented into the final version of the Accords, you will have a deal with the Avengers to work under the Accords and with the United Nations." He and Natasha rose from their chairs. "Thank you for your time to listen to our requests and consider them all."
All apart from Ross said farewell as they left the chamber.
Once outside, Tony smirked. "Ross is not happy, is he?"
"No," grinned Natasha. "He's losing his power."
"It wouldn't surprise me if the others requested a new appointment to his position. He is rather… unstable. I hope the changes we asked for will be implemented. On the day of the signing, before we sign the official document, we will need to check to make sure Ross hasn't tampered with it."
"Would he dare?"
"He would. He wants the Avengers under his control. What we've done is strip power away from him. He'll be gunning for us both, Nat."
"Let him try," she replied darkly. "He won't win."
Tony grimaced. "We'll see. Steve should at least accept the Accords now. We've requested the changes and hopefully, part one of our plans have worked. We'll keep the team together for Thanos."
Natasha sighed. "Once they are signed we have to start preparing for him."
"We do… we do." Good thing he was already thinking about it.
On the way back to the Compound, Tony received two messages. "Pepper is at the Compound. And I've just been sent this." He passed his phone over to Natasha.
On the screen was a video of a masked individual swinging through New York, stopping a bus from rolling over and bringing it to a stop.
"Peter?"
"Yep," Tony confirmed. "I'm keeping an eye on him."
"Are you bringing him into the Avengers?"
"Soon." Tony took his phone back. "I want to be involved in his life, Nat. He meant a lot to me. But… I'm not sure whether to get close or not."
She laid a hand on his arm. "Do it. But do things differently this time. His Aunt found out about his secret identity, right?"
Tony nodded. "She did."
"Recruit him to the Avengers but tell her. Spider-Man may only be a teenager but we need as many heroes as possible if we are to counter-act Thanos."
"The kid is going nowhere near Thanos again," stated Tony darkly.
Natasha cocked her head to the side. "If you want that, you cannot get involved with him."
Tony groaned. "Damn it, Nat." He put his phone back in his pocket. "I'll talk to his Aunt. I cannot not have him in my life."
Pepper was waiting in the common room when Tony and Natasha returned. Her long hair fell about her shoulders and she wore a shirt and skirt, having dressed down for the occasion. She was surprised to see them both there.
"Hi Pep," smiled Tony. "Good day?"
"The usual when you are running a world-successful business," she answered. "What do you want to talk to me about Tony?"
Tony exchanged a glance with Natasha. They had already discussed how best to start this out. There was no point leading up to the reveal that they were both from the future. It was better to just come out and say it. He'd already ensured all recording equipment was switched off and none of the other Avengers were currently in the Compound so they were unlikely to be disturbed or overheard.
Tony scratched the back of his head. "I'm not sure how to go about and say this, Pep, so I'm just going to come out and say it. Nat and I… we're from the future."
To be continued...
Please let me know what you think!
So, Steve is willing to compromise on the Accords. Zemo is looking for the red book to control the Winter Soldier with and Tony and Nat cannot interfere until Zemo has committed a crime. All they can do is have him followed. Ross wants to control the Avengers but is being stopped by Tony and Natasha.
It's never really revealed what the committee of the Accords would be so I decided to make it up a bit, have a person represent each of the six different continents who then liaise with the respective governments on the Avengers behalf. Antarctica is the seventh continent but no one lives there so doesn't require representation at the moment. Ross is representing North America which is why he is on the panel.
Peter has sort of made his debut in this story. Tony is currently watching out for him via Friday monitoring him from public cameras.
Up next: Tony and Natasha talk with Pepper. Will be posted next Sunday!
the-writer1988