Sokovia Accords
Batman and the others had been working on figuring out what exactly was wrong with their fellow avenger as well as fixing him when they were alerted of their guest as well as the need of their presence.
Deciding to come back to Banner after everything was done, the five headed of to the briefing room where the Secretary of State, Thaddeus Ross, stood at the head of of a table watching them. Batman observed as Natasha's body tensed, and for the briefest of seconds, he saw her mask crumble.
Batman understood what she was going through, with all the time spent with Banner it was more than obvious he had spoken of his past. And Ross most definitely not painted in a positive light add the fact that Banner was at the moment in some sort of coma. Her reactions were a no brainer, what was impressive however was her ability to reign in her emotions.
Moving his attention away from Nat and Ross, Batman realized that apart from he and the others who had made their way here from the med lab all the others were present as well, Rhodey, Sam, Wanda and Pietro. With all the members present, Batman realized what all this was about and what exactly was about to happen.
Batman and Ross locked eyes with one another as everyone took their seat, their stare down lasted a few seconds before Ross turned away. "Where's Banner? this meeting calls for all available Avengers and was told he was here" Ross questioned as he looked around. "He's busy. Don't worry we'll tell him everything", Stark's words caused Ross to focus on him before turning back to face the others.
"Five years ago, I had a heart attack. I dropped right in the middle of my back-swing. Turned out it was the best round of my life, because after 13 hours of surgery and a triple bypass . . . I found something 40 years in the Army had never taught me: Perspective." At this moment the Avengers began to exchange glances wondering to themselves just what all this was about.
"The world owes the Avengers an un-payable debt. You have fought for us, protected us, risked your lives . . . but while a great many people see you as heroes, there are some . . . who would prefer the word 'vigilantes'." At the word 'vigilante' Ross narrowed his eyes on the Batman who remained seated unaffected by his glare.
"And what word would you use, Mr. Secretary?" Natasha spoke up unwilling to stay here longer than necessary.
"How about "dangerous"? What would you call a group of US-based, enhanced individuals who routinely ignore sovereign borders and inflict their will wherever they choose and who, frankly, seem unconcerned about what they leave behind?" Ross gave his response as he activated a screen behind him.
Upon its activation, News footage from past Avengers and SHIELD matters flash on the screen as he speaks, As well a few less than legal actions Batman had taken.
"New York." Ross spoke up as the screen showed the New York Invasion; A Chitauri leviathan flying overhead. Terrified citizens running around haphazardly in an attempt to make it to safety . A soldier firing his gun and finally the Hulk smashing into a building and sending a dust cloud to engulf the camera.
Observing everything Rhodey gained a regretful look as he snuck a glance behind him at Natasha who still had her emotional mask on perfectly.
"Washington DC." The three Insight helicarriers were shown, firing on each other. The destroyed Triskelion. A smoking helicarrier with flames russhing out of it crashing into the Potomac and throwing up a massive wave, engulfing the screaming citizens and the camera.
The scenes causes Sam to look down.
"Russia". The scenes of Batman engaging the guards of the seventh circle prison, helping the red guardian in his escape. The snow storm rushing down over the prison and engulfing the camera.
"St Petersburg". The burning pieces of Dreykov's aerial institute falling to the earth were shown.
Batman remained unfazed as he observed the two clips, ignoring the piercing gaze Ross sent his way as he showed the clips.
"Sokovia". Terrified citizens, running around . A sky filled with Ultron Droids. A building falling over.
The Twins stared at the screen with a haunted look, as did Tony.
"Lagos." The burning building. Paramedics moving a body. A dead girl with her terror filled expression frozen on her face. Wanda was particularly affected by the Lagos footage, Pietro leaned to give her a side hug as he glared at Ross. Before Pietro could do anything however Steve intervened, "That's enough."
Secretary Ross gave a nod to an aide who took down the images, "For the past four years," Ross turned his focus back to the avengers. "You've operated with unlimited power and no supervision. That's an arrangement the governments of the world can no longer tolerate. But I think we have a solution for most of you."
An aide hands him a thick file, which Ross slides across the table to Wanda. Who after giving it a glance, slides it over to Rhodey.
Ross spoke up seeing the Avengers were curious as to what the file was about, "The Sokovia Accords. Approved by 117 countries . . . it states that the Avengers shall no longer be a private organization. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a United Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary."
Realizing what this meant Steve leaned forward, "The Avengers were formed to make the world a safer place. I feel we've done that."
Ross quirked a brow at that, "Tell me, Captain, where is Banner? He is supposed to be here but isn't or better yet where is Thor?" Steve looked up and met Ross's eyes as Ross continued. "If I misplaced a couple of 30 megaton nukes . . . you can bet there'd be consequences. Compromise. Reassurance. That's how the world works. Believe me, this is the middle ground."
"You said most of us, what does that mean?" Batman asked the question that had been on his mind since he heard Ross's framing. "The Accords for all the Avengers are the same, except you. You are wanted in a multitude of countries, the UN is calling for you to come and explain the actions you took in Sokovia".
At those words Batman stood to his full height looking down at Ross, "you want me to what?!"
"Turn yourself over to UN custody"
"If the members are of the UN are feeling insecure that's their problem I'm not obliged to make them feel better about themselves."
"Three days from now, the UN meets in Vienna to ratify the Accords And you are required to present yourself"
"I don't have to do anything, I'm a part timer remember" Batman walked out at that leaving all present to stare at his back as he made his way out of the room.