Chapter 12: Media
NBC – Meet the Press
[Logo appears followed by NBC News]
CHUCK TODD (V.O.)
This Sunday, the Avengers assemble at the United Nations headquarters in New York to debate the newest Accords. Security is tight in and around the United Nations as Mr. Tony Stark, Captain America, Black Widow and others return to make a compromise that is beneficial for all.
CHUCK (cont'd.)
[appears at desk]
Joining me inside for analysis is Politico writer, DANI COFFMAN. The Wall Street Journal columnist, FIONA SCHEILP. And, BOBBY HUNTER, editor of National Review.
Welcome to Sunday! It's Meet the Press.
FADE OUT - Background pictures and music plays over]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
From NBC news of Washington, D.C., longest running show in television in history, this is Meet the Press with Chuck Todd.
CUE THE MEET THE PRESS LOGO
CHUCK
Good Sunday morning, today we are interviewing Mr. Stark's press secretary in regards to the upcoming Accords and the details he can share with us. The past two years have been turbulent for the Avengers ever since the first Accords was signed into law. Both sides have debated the functionality of the Accords and its hindrance on personal freedom.
After last year's attack at Midtown Tech, the Accords fell under public scrutiny when former Secretary Thaddeus Ross attacked unarmed, Peter Parker at his school due to his enhanced abilities. The public's reactions to the brutality of the Accords against all enhanced individuals forced the United States and the rest of the world to scrape the old Accords in favor of a newer, better version.
CHUCK (cont'd)
Here with me now is press secretary of Stark Industries, THOMAS DELANCY.
Mr. Delancy—it's good to have you back on Meet the Press.
THOMAS DELANCY
It's good to be here, Chuck. How are you?
CHUCK
I'm good. I'm good. So, today is the big day where all the Avengers are coming into New York City to discuss the new Accords. Now, there hasn't been any developments about these Accords since a month ago. What can you tell us about the Accords and the central goal of it?
THOMAS
Certainly. Well, as you remember, the Sokovia Accords was meant to keep enhanced individuals in check and held accountable for their actions. However, it did impede on their personal freedom and was a bit careless with their identities. And it gave a lot of power to the Secretary of State, who at the time, abused his powers and responsibilities.
CHUCK
Mr. Stark was quoted saying, "'Secretary Ross treats the Avengers as his own personal army for his own agenda. Anyone who is not willing to go along with it are labeled as threats and locked away without any of their constitutional rights.'"
What can you tell us about the treatment of the Avengers after the Sokovia Accords were signed?
THOMAS
Well, Chuck, I can say that the Avengers were treated like a personal army to Ross. Mr. Stark and others found the man to be aggressive, apathetic and controlling. He deliberately refused to give full accounts and evidence to the UN council in order to get his way. This type of abusive of powers is unacceptable and damaging to not only the reputation of the Accords, but also to the Avengers themselves.
We have to remember that, while they may have extraordinary abilities or equipment that average people don't possess, they are still human. They cannot be treated as a personal army for one man.
CHUCK
And these new Accords is to ensure that one man is not fully in charge of the Avengers?
THOMAS
These newest Accords is to create a compromise between the Avengers and/or enhanced individuals and the world governments. Not one person is directly in charge of the group. We don't want another dictatorship again.
CHUCK
What about children with enhanced powers? There have been talks of a 'Peter Parker Clause' or the 'Parker Laws' that are to be written into the new Accords. This section is in regards to children under the age of twenty-one and what they can/cannot do, is that correct?
THOMAS
Um… no. I know it's quite hard to know what it is as there isn't a full copy of the draft. But the Parker Laws… its goal is to establish a mentor-protégé partnership. So, the mentors will be held accountable to the protégés' actions until they are of age. And, it's also to help protect their identities so that they can grow up without the strains of the public knowing who they are and being a target against criminals.
CHUCK
Are they considered Avengers, then?
THOMAS
(Shaking his head)
No. No, they are not Avengers. They are pre-Avengers. They have a choice to go onto becoming an Avenger or living a normal life. It's up to them. Until then, they can experience both normal/Avenger lifestyles while they train to better their abilities.
CHUCK
What are the chances that Captain Steve Rogers will agree to these new Accords? He didn't agree with the last accord nor did many of other Avengers. It was a crisis.
THOMAS
Well, Captain Rogers has had a hand in drafting these new Accords, so I will say there is a high chance for him to agree with the final decision. Again, the Avengers are working together to smooth out the bumps in the road. They are returning as a team again.
CHUCK
Okay, I will leave it there. Thank you, Thomas, for coming on the show and sharing your views. Much appreciated.
THOMAS
Oh, thank you, Chuck. It was great to be on.
CHUCK
(addressing audience)
When we come back, we will go into discussion with our analysts to discuss the rewards and risks of the latest Accords Summit.
FADE OUT – Commercial break
E! – Entertainment Tonight
[E! Logo appears with music]
ZOOM IN – center stage
JASON KENNEDY
I'm your host, Jason Kennedy. Right here on E!, we sent our team of top-notch reporters to New York City to cover the Accords summit at the United Nations. We managed to get a brief video clip of the legendary and extraordinaire, Mr. Tony Stark!
JASON KENNEDY (cont'd)
The hero and now, father, arrived outside the UN to a massive crowd. As always, he waved, photographed and signed a few autographs. The best part though was that he spoke exclusively to our reporter, Nancy King.
SWITCH TO NEW VIDEO FOOTAGE – focus on Tony Stark exiting car
NANCY KING (V.O.)
As you can see, it's crazy down here in New York this morning as the Avengers arrive at the UN to debate the new Accords. Arriving now is Mr. Tony Stark. He's coming this way. Hold on—
(rustling noise form camera moving to follow Nancy)
NANCY (cont'd)
Mr. Stark! A word please? What can you tell our viewers about the Accords?
FOCUS ON STARK - Tony Stark, wearing suit, tie and signature sunglasses.
TONY STARK
That they will be better than the last one.
NANCY (V.O.)
Congratulations on becoming a father!
TONY
Thanks.
NANCY (V.O.)
Is it a boy or a girl? What's its name?"
TONY
(smiling, but shakes head)
Have a good day.
[Tony walks away]
NANCY (V.O.)
What about Peter Parker? Is he here?
[Tony keeps walking away until he walks out of the camera's view.]
SWITCH BACK TO MAIN SHOW – Jason Kennedy standing in front of the last captured image of Tony Stark.
JASON
Mr. Stark went inside right after that, but Nancy is still there, interviewing people who traveled as far as Asia to the UN to witness history in the making.
FADE OUT TO ANOTHER CLIP
Two young women are wearing cosplay costumes of Thor and Black Widow.
NANCY (V.O.)
Where are you two ladies from?
FIRST WOMAN (Thor)
We came all the way from Hong Kong.
NANCY (V.O.)
Hong Kong? Wow! That's quite the travel. You came all this way to see the Avengers?
FIRST WOMAN
Er… yes. We want to be here when history happens.
SECOND WOMAN (Black Widow)
And to see Spider-man. We hope to see Peter Parker today. We are sad to miss him yesterday. We went to the Statue of Liberty yesterday morning, so we missed him there.
FIRST WOMAN
Told you we should have gone in the afternoon.
NANCY (V.O.)
You guys like Peter Parker?
BOTH WOMEN
Yes!
FIRST WOMAN
We support him. He is the bestest hero.
SECOND WOMAN
After Black Widow.
SWITCH TO ANOTHER PERSON
African American male, wearing a shirt with Captain America's shield on it.
NANCY (V.O.)
Are you hoping they finish today with a new set of accords?
MAN
I hope so. I mean, I guess you gotta fight what you believe in. You gotta do what you think is right, so I hope it works out. You know? It's not the Avengers without Captain America and the other guys. Avengers can't just be Iron Man. It can't.
NANCY (V.O.)
Would you ever like to meet Captain America?
MAN
(laughs)
Who wouldn't?
SWITCH BACK TO MAIN STAGE – Jason stands in front of screen
JASON
I agree! Who wouldn't want to meet any of the Avengers? Honestly, this summit is almost like a movie premiere based on the crowd size, paparazzi and these heroes arriving to loud screams and cheers. Okay, next up, is Kylie Jenner moving on from Travis Scott? Find out after these commercial breaks.
TMZ
[TMZ Live logo appears with music and cubicles in the background]
ZOOM IN – A man with a Big Gulp walks onto the screen
HARVEY LEVIN
And welcome to TMZ Live! I'm Harvey Levin, here. And, now let's start! What's happening in the world?
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
TMZ presents… SUPERHERO BOY BAND
SHOWS A PHOTOSHOPPED IMAGE OF THE AVENGERS DECKED IN ROCKERSTAR ATTIRE
SWITCH TO TMZ OFFICE ON MALE REPORTER
MALE REPORTER (first)
So… as everyone knows by now, the Avengers assembled at the UN today.
HARVEY
Yeah. Hard to miss that one.
FEMALE REPORTER (first)
Yeah, but they didn't do anything. Nothing got done.
PAUSE ON FEMALE REPORTER
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
No—of course not. That's how it all works. Show up. Do nothing.
UNFREEZE FRAME TO CONTINUE LIVE
MALE REPORTER (first)
Well, apparently, it's just one of many meetings to take place. But, we did manage to capture some photographs of the Avengers.
SWITCH SCREEN. SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS TAKEN
Photos of Tony Stark speaking with King T'Challa. Captain America huddled with Falcon and Black Widow. War Machine sharing a smile with Falcon. Ant-Man conversing with Captain America and Tony Stark listening to Vision talk with Scarlet Witch nearby.
HARVEY
It's unbelievable how cordial they are after that massive rift two years ago.
FEMALE REPORTER (second)
Some people forgive quicker than others.
MALE REPORTER (second)
I don't think that's the case here. I think they are just compromising.
MALE REPORTER (third)
Well, they're like family right? You fight and make up. That's how it is.
TURN TO OLD PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TWO AVENGER FACTIONS FIGHTING EACH OTHER
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Family Drama! Wouldn't want to join that family if that is how they work out their differences.
TURN BACK TO TMZ OFFICE
HARVEY
Wouldn't know. They're pretty hush-hush on their private lives, right?
MALE REPORTER (first)
Well, except for Stark. He's very public about himself.
FEMALE REPORTER (third)
Not really. He's public only about his public image, but his personal life—he's pretty quiet about it. His wife just gave birth and they haven't even told anyone if it's a boy or girl. Like, E! asked, but he didn't respond.
FEMALE REPORTER (second)
Pepper Potts isn't his wife. They are engaged.
FEMALE REPORTER (third)
Really?
CAST
Yeah.
HARVEY
Do you think they will ever get married?
MALE REPORTER (third)
Well, they have a kid now. Supposedly. So, I would think so. Yeah.
HARVEY
Weirder things have happened, I guess. So, what happened at the UN, then? Nothing?
MALE REPORTER (first)
It's was all secret and everything. Too much security and people refused to talk about it. But, everyone was there.
FEMALE REPORTER (fourth)
Everyone, but Peter Parker.
SWITCH SCREEN TO A SNAPSHOT OF PETER PARKER
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Where in the world is Peter Parker?
RETURN TO TMZ OFFICE
HARVEY
Wait… Peter Parker wasn't there? Isn't he the reason this whole thing is happening?
MALE REPORTER (first)
Yeah, but he wasn't in attendance today. Or at least, he didn't arrive with the others. Nor was he seen with them.
FEMALE REPORTER (second)
Wonder why not? I mean, he's a pretty big deal now.
HARVEY
(sarcastically)
Oh, really?
FEMALE REPORTER (second)
Uh. Yeah! He's basically everyone's favorite, little hero. Most of the people who traveled to the UN wanted to see him.
FEMALE REPORTER (first)
Especially since he saved that little girl's life yesterday.
SWITCH TO STATUE LIBERTY IMAGE
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Who couldn't forget that rescue? Swept her right off her feet.
RETURN TO TMZ OFFICE
HARVEY
Maybe he's recovering from his trauma as well. Isn't that the excuse Stark Industries used when he was rushed out of the conference a few weeks ago?
MALE REPORTER (third)
Yeah, but man, that kid experienced a lot. Being shot and on the run for a year. I can see why he can't handle reporters in his face. Questioning and judging him.
MALE REPORTER (fourth)
Yeah, he always looks sad and lost in the videos and photographs taken by the media.
MALE REPORTER (sixth)
I don't see why he is. He should be reveling in all the attention. Get the girls. Fame. Money. Be a playboy, son!
MALE REPORTER (fourth)
Come on, man. He's like fourteen or something.
MALE REPORTER (fifth)
What? That's every teenage boy's dream! He should live it up!
FEMALE REPORTER (fifth)
Don't you go and try to corrupt him. I don't need my Baby Daddy to become a jerk.
CAST
Ewww.
What?
Come on, Sharon!
SHARON
What? Hey, can't a girl have a crush?
HARVEY
Yeah, but you're twenty-five years old and he's like… twelve! That's more like a pedophile.
SHARON
Oh, screw you guys. It's not okay for women to date younger men, but men can fuck women twenty years their junior?
MALE REPORTER (fifth)
Yeah… when they are above the age of eighteen.
SHARON
Yeah, well, he will be in like two more years.
FREEZE PICTURE ON SHARON. DARKEN. JAIL TIME STAMP OVER HER HEADANNOUNCER
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Oh, Sharon… orange is not your color!
SWITCH BACK TO LIVE
HARVEY
Sharon, I think after this, the police will be knocking on your door.
(laughter is heard around the office)
Anyway, isn't that kid dating someone? Didn't we talk about that yesterday?
FEMALE REPORTER (second)
He was seen with friends out and about in New York City on Saturday. And his friends included the Princess of Wakanda.
A CROWN OF HEARTS FALLS IN FRONT OF THE SCREEN.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Is another royal marriage in the future?
SWITCH BACK TO TMZ LIVE
HARVEY
Are they dating? I don't think we answered that question.
SHARON
They aren't dating.
MALE REPORTER (third)
You're only saying it because you don't want it to be true.
SHARON
No, I'm being serious. I think they are only friends. Apparently, it was the princess's first time in New York.
HARVEY
Really?
FEMALE REPORTER
Well, eyewitnesses of yesterday's event say that the two looked rather comfortable and cozy with one another.
MALE REPORTER (first)
They said the same thing about the other girl. The one that went to the same school as him.
HARVEY
There's another girl? What is this? A love triangle already?
TRIANGLE APPEARS WITH PETER, SHURI AND MYSTERIOUS GIRL FACES AT EACH END.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Not another Teen Romance story!
RETURN TO TMZ LIVE
HARVEY
Wait… so there are two girls now?
MALE REPORTER (second)
Yeah. There's been photos and video clips of Parker with the two girls.
HARVEY
Really? Huh. What's this other girl's name?
FEMALE REPORTER (third)
No one knows. Yet, at least.
HARVEY
How can no one know? Everyone knows someone!
CAST
(all shrug, helplessly)
HARVEY
(sighs)
Well, what's happening in this triangle then? I mean, do the girls even get along?
MALE REPORTER (second)
Apparently, they do. Onlookers have said that the group seemed to have gotten along well together.
HARVEY
So, no cat fights. Nothing like that, huh? Do we at least know which one Parker prefers?
MALE REPORTER (second)
Well, onlookers say that Parker seemed very close to the Princess, but also comfortable around the other girl too. So… kind of hard to tell who he likes more.
FEMALE REPORTER (first)
Well, if he is dating the princess, I wonder what that will mean for him as an Avenger. Or whatever he is.
MALE REPORTER (first)
What do you mean?
FEMALE REPORTER (first)
Well, if he dates her, will he travel to Wakanda? Or will she travel here? If they get married, does that mean he has to give up being an Avenger and will he have to move to Wakanda?
SHARON
He better not fucking move to Africa. No way in hell!
HARVEY
(waves his hand down)
Let's not get carried away here, ladies.
SWTICH TO A CARTOON FIGURE OF A WOMAN SEDUCTIVELY PULLING DOWN HER PANTY A BIT
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Hold your panties ladies!
The View
CUE CLIPS OF THE SUMMIT MEETING AT THE UN - bylines rolling underneath
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Let's light up these hot topics with Whoopi, Sarah Haines, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin and Meghan McCain.
Now, let's get things started...
FADE TO STAGE - hosts walk on to cheers. Hosts wave to the audience as they take their seats.
WHOOPIE
Thank you! Thank you! Wow... how are you dressed like that? It's like you are ready to go to a club. Look at those golden pumps.
SARAH
(laughs)
I know! I know! I just saw these and I had to buy them. Wanted to wear them. No, I heard your music earlier in your dressing room and just changed to go dancing there. But, then we got called out to the show.
HOSTS
(laughs)
WHOOPIE
I play some good music. All right, good morning everyone! And welcome to The View. New York has been crazy for forty-eight hours now. With all these Avengers and government leaders coming into the city to participate in the Accords Summit. They are on their third day today to discuss the accords, but... has anyone know what they are talking about?
MEGHAN
No, it's all been pretty quiet. Security is tight. No one is allowed to discuss it outside the premise to avoid any backlash or public distress. A few of media outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post and MSNBC have received a few snippets of what they are talking about behind those closed doors, but again, the general knowledge is that no one really knows.
JOY
Why are they keeping it all a secret? I mean, it's our right to know what kind of laws they are creating that will establish when, where, how heroes can save our cities and civilians.
SARAH
Well, I think... because they don't want anyone to undermine or try to manipulate the situation to their own benefits.
WHOOPIE
What manipulation?
SUNNY
Do you mean that they don't want the public to know any of it until it's all complete?
SARAH
Exactly! Because with only half information, people may make the wrong assumption or there's confusion.
JOY
That stills seems ridiculous to me. Be frank with the public. That's why all this is happening. Because they weren't honest with the people.
WHOOPIE
I thought they are doing all this over again because the military attacked Peter Parker.
JOY
(scoffs)
No—it's because our government was dishonest with us. We weren't aware of what the Accords were designed for. We mislabeled the Avengers and allowed biases of others to influence how we view them.
MEGHAN
You blame the politicians for our foolishness?
JOY
I blame idiots for spreading it.
SUNNY
Some could argue it's the media's fault for not doing their due diligence. It wasn't until the attack on Midtown that the media and public demanded of whole draft and mechanics of how the Accords worked. And it turned out that the general public didn't approve of it at all.
WHOOPIE
Well, the consensus is that the public should hear what topics they are discussing and assessing. It makes the public feel like they don't get much of a say.
SUNNY
But... they aren't exactly the ones who will be affected too much. It's the Avengers who will be affected the most on these new Accords. The public, while supportive or not supportive depending who you ask, doesn't have a complete awareness of what goes on behind the scenes of such like the Attack on New York, Sokovia and even in Indonesia.
JOY
And that makes it okay to keep the public out of it?
SUNNY
I didn't say that—
JOY
This is our planet too. Most of us were here in New York City when it started raining aliens. Lives here were affected. And will continued to be affected if the Avengers have a leash that keeps them from helping on certain scenarios and I think as a civilian, I have the right to know what they are deciding on what constitutes the Avengers to come and help.
SARAH
Certainly, but remember this isn't simply just what the Avengers can provide for the world. It's also about their personal lives.
WHOOPIE
You mean in regards to kids like Peter Parker? He hasn't made an appearance at the UN these past two days. People are wondering if he's going to participate at all.
SUNNY
Well, actually, he arrived at the UN early this morning. A photograph managed to snap a shot of him walking in the backdoors, away from the crowds. He was with... oh, yeah. There are the pictures that are circulating the Internet.
PHOTOS OF PETER PARKER WALKING BESIDE A BODYGUARD ARE PUT ON THE MASSIVE SCREEN BEHIND THE HOSTS
SUNNY
Yeah. So, these pictures were taken very early this morning. He was seen with Mr. Stark's old bodyguard walking into the headquarters.
WHOOPIE
Ahhh... so he finally shows his face since Saturday.
JOY
I was wondering if he was ever going to make an appearance. I mean, he's the reason they are doing this whole Accords thing over again. He should be there.
MEGHAN
Well, I think they were holding him off because the first two days were in regards to the actual Avengers. Not... enhanced humans in general. I mean, that's my view of it.
SARAH
You're probably right, Meghan.
WHOOPIE
All right. We will be right back.
CUE THE VIEW LOGO. CREDITS OF UPCOMING TOPICS ROLLING AT THE BOTTOM.
CBS 2 Local NY news station
CUE BACKGROUND MUSIC – [CBS LOGO APPEARS ON SCREEN]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
You are watching CBS 2 News in high definition.
FADE OUT
ZOOM OUT ON ANCHOR'S DESK – FOCUS ON BOTH MALE AND FEMALE REPORTER
KRISTINE JOHNSON
Good evening, folks. I'm Kristine Johnson.
MAURICE DUBOIS
And, I'm Maruice Dubois.
FOCUS IN ON MALE ANCHOR
DUBOIS
As you might have guessed, the Accords Summit is still continuing here in New York City. Thousands of supporters and protestors have flocked to the capital to share their input and to catch a glimpse of the superheroes.
While many of the former Avengers have entered the United Nations building these past few days, there was one glaring omission: Peter Parker. The boy who started it all. But, that all changed early this morning, take a look.
SWITCH TO A PRE-RECORDED VIDEO AND PICTURES – Peter Parker entering the United Nations building with bodyguard. Peter Parker leaving the building with bodyguard and friend. Video clips of Peter Parker walking to a bodega during lunch hour.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Peter Parker was seen entering the United Nations early this morning. Rather than enter in the front like the others, he opted to sneak into the building through the back doors. He didn't come out until around early afternoon, when he and the princess, Shuri of Wakanda, stepped out for a bite to eat at the local bodega.
SWITCH TO NEW VIDEO CLIP – interview with employee at the bodega.
FEMALE REPORTER (V.O.)
How was it meet the famous Peter Parker? To have him enter your shop?
JUAN BLANCO
Err… it was okay. I am in shock. I never thought one would enter here. It was (inhales) crazy.
FEMALE REPORTER (V.O.)
What was he like? Did you get a chance to really talk to him?
JUAN
No. Not much talk. He asked for food. Paid. He was nice. Quiet. Kind.
SWITCH TO NEW VIDEO CLIP – interview with a customer who was inside the bodega at the time.
FEMALE REPORTER (V.O.)
What was the first thought that popped in your head when Peter Parker walked in through that door.
SUSAN EDKINS
That I was hallucinating and should have taken my heart medication.
(chuckles)
It was surreal. I honestly couldn't believe it at first.
FEMALE REPORTER (V.O.)
What was he like? Did you get a chance to talk to him?
SUSAN
No, I didn't. I didn't want to bother him. He and his friend were talking. You could tell that they were good friends, so I didn't want to interrupt. Plus, they had those fierce looking bodyguards with them. Was afraid that I would get hurt if I approached.
FEMALE REPORTER (V.O.)
Still—at least you can say that you saw him.
SUSAN
True. Very true. Um, he was such a nice boy though. So polite and kind. Quiet, but kind. He spoke Spanish to the cashier. Completely lit up the cashier's face.
Overall, a nice boy. And I feel terribly sorry that he got pulled into all this trouble.
RETURN TO THE MAIN SHOW – zoom out on anchor desk to see both anchors
DUBOIS
Well, there you have it. Peter Parker had finally made it onto the scene. I wonder what took so long for him to make an appearance.
JOHNSON
May have took him three days, but he's here now. And, I must say, I'm happy to hear Mr. Parker is a good person.
DUBOIS
Yeah?
JOHNSON
(nodding her head)
Yeah, my young niece absolutely adores him and has such a big crush on him. It would break her heart if she learned he was a mean person.
DUBOIS
No doubt. A lot of hearts will be broken.
JOHNSON
(laughing a bit)
Are you insinuating that Mr. Parker is in a relationship with the Princess?
DUBOIS
No, but many observers have noted the closeness between the two. Sources say that Peter Parker and Princess Shuri are often seen hanging around one another, and were seen holding hands in the video when he rescued the drowning girl. I know… sounds a bit of a stretch.
JOHNSON
A little.
DUBOIS
But, inside sources have also remarked on how close the two are. Wouldn't be a big surprise if they came out as a couple.
JOHNSON
Well, that's all 'she said, he said' talk. So far, neither party has made a statement about their relationship and probably will not.
DUBOIS
Probably not. Rumors are circulating that Stark is overly protective of Mr. Parker. Won't tell anyone anything about him nor allow him outside the compound.
JOHNSON
I don't believe that.
DUBOIS
Why? Because he's Tony Stark?
JOHNSON
No, because I don't think Tony is the kind of person to house arrest a kid. As for the information, I understand that. The kid deserves privacy or at least, what little he has left of it.
DUBOIS
Agreed. I wouldn't tell the media anything personal about my kids like that.
JOHNSON
And, based off what Juan and Susan said about him, it looks to me that Mr. Parker is a very private person. Doesn't like to make a big show for the purpose of attention.
DUBOIS
The opposite of Mr. Stark then?
JOHNSON
Exactly!
(faces the front camera)
All right, in the next segment, a fire burned a double-story home in Queens. Luckily no one was injured, but what caused the fire and how do we prevent more fires from occurring throughout the city?
And the stock market looks to take another tumble. Learn how this might affect you. Soon, after the break.
FADE OUT – Commercials.
MSNBC – The Rachel Maddow Show
FADE IN – [cue music and logo]
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
You are watching MSNBC, The Rachel Maddow Show. Your host, Rachel Maddow.
ZOOM IN – Rachel Maddow at her desk.
RACHEL MADDOW
Thanks to you at home for joining us at this hour. Much appreciated. Tonight—tonight we kind of have a big show for you. About an hour ago, the United Nations and Avengers approved the first draft of what they called the New York Accords. Take a look.
SWITCH SCREEN WITH PRE-RECORDED CLIP OF ANNOUNCER
UNITED NATIONS PRESS SECRETARY
We are humbled to announce that the Accords Summit has concluded well and with our first draft of what is to be known as the New York Accords.
There will still be a few more months and summits before finalizing, but everyone is pleased to produce the first draft as it signals the step forward in a healthier, working relationship between the Avengers and governments.
FADE OUT
ZOOM BACK TO MAIN STAGE – Rachel Maddow at her desk.
RACHEL
Well, that's great news! It took only five days, but the Avengers and the world's greatest politicians have come to a truce and drafted the first New York Accords. As to whether they will be passed still seems to be up in the air.
Tomorrow, the Avengers plan to host a press conference of their own to discuss the New York Accords with the media. In attendance will be Mr. Tony Stark, Captain Steve Rogers, Colonel James Rhodes, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Sam Wilson, King T'Challa, and the A.I., Vision. They will be there to discuss and answer questions about the New York Accords.
RACHEL (cont'd)
Missing from that line up is, of course, Thor, Dr. Bruce Banner—both MIA since 2015. Scott Lang, who made only a few, brief appearances at the summit. Hawkeye, who has been MIA since 2016. And, more importantly, Peter Parker.
The kid who started the revolution will not be in attendance of the press conference. Although, from what we have uncovered, Parker will be at the United Nation's headquarters during that time. He just won't be part of the conference.
RACHEL (cont'd)
We're going to take a short break and when we return, we will discuss some key issues in the New York Accords and how it may affect our lives. Stay tune.
FADE OUT – Commercial break