InsaneJournal

Who: Trish and Tony
What: The Trish Talk interview. And the symbolic end of the Avengers.
When: backdated, Monday
Rating/Warnings: Green



“Thank you for sending in your opinions, everybody. Continuing today’s topic: ‘The Overturning of the Sokovia Accords, Heroes and Villains’, after a quick commercial break we will have our very special guest, Mr. Tony Stark - also known as Iron Man! So stay tuned, we’ll be back in a bit.”

Trish got up from the mic when the show cut to commercials, and went over to where Tony Stark had been sitting for a little while.

“Mr. Stark, thank you so much for coming!” She greeted, waiting for him to stand up to shake his hand. “Are you ready to lay it all out there for New York to hear? Again?”

"Yep, all ready. I think New York's going to get sick of me," Tony replied, standing up and shaking Trish's hand. It wasn't any longer than necessary and it was very professional. He already liked Trish from their banter on the network, so he was more at ease and not feeling like he had to come across as a total edgelord. "As long as you don't get sick of me, I think everything'll be good. Are you going to rake me over the coals trying to determine if I'm a supervillain? WHIH is. Those psychologists they interviewed were brutal."

Tony could think of a few choice words for WHIH and those psychologists. Speaking of which? He pointed over to the person running the control booth.

"Keep a finger on the bleeper button, ok?" he warned everyone in the vicinity. "I don't want to piss off the FCC. Too much."

It was a little awestrucking to be in the presence of Tony Stark; the man had charisma enough for ten other people. He truly filled a room, it seemed, sometimes to the detriment of others’ oxygen perhaps. Trish smiled and shook her head.

“Oh the villains aren’t you and your friends, trust me. And hey, I trust TV psychologists as much as I trust those people who analyze body language and microexpressions - also on TV.”

Her brow raised when Tony warned the intern in the booth to be ready to beep him. She turned to him again, and while she ushered him into the room where they would be talking, Trish also said, “Yes, and neither do I. If it happens here our show’s on the line, not you so please be considerate. And take a seat, please. Do you want anything to drink?”

"Do a show on that. You might expose how effed up the microexpression industry is. Put 'em out of business."

Tony let her lead him in and pulled a little face like he was getting the uh oh talk that he so often heard when there was public speaking appearances.

"Noted." He sat down and thought for a moment. "I don't think it's a great idea to crack open some wine right now. Then it'd be drunk talk. A bottle of water's fine? Thanks."

“I’d rather focus on serious stuff that actually affects people but thanks for the tip!” Trish quipped back with a smirk. She then shook her head, closing her eyes. “I didn’t mean alcohol, Tony.”

Pressing a button, she called up to the intern. “Nicole? Can you get Mr. Stark a bottle of water, please? Thanks.”

Leaning back, she looked at Tony with a smile. “So, with the overturning of the Accords, we’re going to talk about that primarily. So I’m going to ask you about your arrest, and why you signed the Accords in the first place, and why you changed your mind about them now. That okay?”

Looking up, she saw the intern coming in with a bottle of water, which she set in front of Tony, and then mouthing ‘one minute’ to Trish. Trish nodded, and smiled in thanks. As she put the headphones back on, Trish warned, “One minute to go.”

Tony chuckled at Trish's quip, trying to look innocent. He picked up the headphones and looked them over.

"Sounds good." Tony took the bottle of water that Nicole offered him, giving her a smile. Then he turned his attention back to Trish. "I tried to make myself pretty for the radio show. Or you. Both. We got this. I'm in your capable hands."

He opened the bottle of water to rehydrate, because drinks with 'dad' the night before was a monumentally bad idea before a radio show. There was a higher than normal chance that the corporate publicists and legal department were going to crucify him. Nothing unusual about that.

Trish stared at Tony for a long moment before she chuckled lightly and shook her head again. The flirting apparently wasn’t going to stop even though it had become obvious that he and Pepper Potts had gotten back together at some point. Trish could deal with that.

“You look perfect for a radio show, Tony.” She took a sip of her own, ever-filled bottle of water and nodded. “Thanks for the implicit trust.”

“Fifty seconds!” Said a voice into their headphones. Trish cleared her throat, nodded to Tony and prepared. Once the counting was muted in her ear and the jingle came back on, Trish inhaled.

“Welcome back to Trish Talk. As I said before, we have a very special guest with us today. Mr. Tony Stark, welcome to Trish Talk, and thank you so much for being here.”

She paused, allowing Tony to answer.

“Now; the news of the hour, as much as they can be, is the overturning of the Sokovia Accords. As I recall, and I’m sure our listeners do too, you were the superhero poster-child for the Accords back when they were drafted by the 117 members of the United Nations. It all began with you, and with The Avengers. Before we come to the present: can you explain in simple terms what the Accords meant, and why you supported their inception in the first place?”

He gave Trish a discreet wink. Yes, he was madly in love with Pepper and would never betray her. In what seemed like it was a genetic inheritance from Howard, Tony found flirting to be equal parts friendly and funny, and he had a horrible habit of flirting with everyone (regardless of gender) that he considered a friend. Trish seemed to be able to dish it back in equal measure without either of them taking it too seriously. Probably because they knew there were far more serious issues going on, and far more than what the general populace knew about.

"Sure can," Tony said, resting his elbows on the table as he leaned in a little closer to the mic. "The Sokovia Accords were supposed to provide supervision oversight to those considered super-powered. It was meant to minimize civilian casualties and widespread destruction. To me? Some additional oversight didn't seem like a bad idea. In theory, it seemed benign and beneficial. It still had room for improvement. Because everything has room for improvement."

Trish did not wink back, but gave Tony a fond smile before she was forced to school her expression into a professional one and begin the big interview. She leaned forward to pay better attention to Tony’s reply. Once he was done, Trish nodded.

“Well, I don’t disagree. Oversight is good on every organized team that goes to any kind of war. But given that one of your Avengers teammates is, by all accounts, from another planet and there are many nationalities even to those of Earth, not to mention the many more people out there who may be considered superpowered but do not work with The Avengers or the defunct SHIELD - don’t you think the UN skipped a number of steps it ought to have taken?” She paused for a beat. “At what point would this have become a mandatory registration situation, do you think, and wouldn’t that be rightly perceived as some form of discrimination?”

“Further, don’t you feel like that is exactly what happened when, while faced with a time sensitive situation such as the storm now entitled ‘sharknado’, you decided to act before receiving the go-ahead and found yourself arrested for infringing on the Accords?”

There was some raised eyebrows on Tony's part, because that was a hell of a set of questions. Trish was good. Why was she still on the radio? Especially when biased hacks like Christine Everhart were pulling in TV ratings from slack-jawed yokels.

"Originally, I believed it had good intentions," Tony said, leaning in more on his elbows. "Most things start with good intentions. It was still implemented as the knee jerk reaction to an accident. It wasn't done on purpose or with malicious intent. And I'm just as guilty of a knee-jerk reaction there, too. I also thought it was only a first step. Nothing concrete.

"The problem was that it was a mandatory registration situation, from the start. You signed or you involuntarily retired. The Accords never went under a judicial review. It needed a review process, before getting sent to the house and senate. There's no provisions for anyone that would be considered a 'friendly' from another place. Which, I'm sorry, Trish. I can't comment on any particular persons. And there is no team for me to be mated with."

He silently mouthed the word 'Thor' and pointed at the mic in an obvious hint to ask for an interview, then made a hammer swinging motion with that hand. He dove right back into trying to cover the mess that the Accords became.

"This brings us to Sharknado. Like the news said, it's a localized weather event. Not a worldwide threat. I had a choice between saving lives and preventing weather-related damage in a city I live in, over waiting for a U.N. council to hold a vote by emergency session. If I can help, I'm not going to wait. That's why I got shot down, with prejudice, before ending up in jail. No judge. No lawyer."

Tony had a bone to pick with Ross. It still stuck with him that the Raft obviously existed even before the Accords were a thing, because no way did they build that thing that fast. They even had a shock collar and straight jacket ready for Wanda. That was awfully convenient.

"Anyway, that's where the Accords weren't working. Someone not helping out, is kinda like an off duty cop standing by while some defenseless little old lady is getting mugged. The off-duty cop can't do anything, because they're waiting for a green light from the chief. I'm not saying that superpowered people should circumvent the law by being judge, jury, or executioner. I'm not saying that all oversight is bad, either. We have laws for a reason. But if you have the capacity to stop something bigger than a mugger, without racking up a body count? Then, hey! Get in there and help out. Waiting around for that green light during an emergency is just a bunch of bull...pucky."

Tony made a blinky 'uh oh' face because he almost said the other word. He tried (and failed) to look innocent, putting both hands over his mouth so he resembled the 'speak no evil' monkey.

Trish nodded, keeping her snicker at ‘most things start with good intentions’ inward so it wouldn’t be heard on the mic. She nodded when he mouthed for her to ask Thor, and inhaled again.

“Right, plus what you said is true of every country that signed - not to mention, not every member of the UN signed, nor every country in the world, not even a specific agency representing those countries that would provide quicker response time where singular governments couldn’t. So this means powered people would only be subjected to these Accords in those specific countries. And also, an aspect of how the UN functions that our listeners might now know is that the UN Security Council is made up of fifteen countries, ten rotating and five that are permanent. Of the permanent ones, only one needs to veto action for any reason, and the others have their hands tied. As a point of interest these nations are France, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States. And as an example, China and Russia vetoed the involvement of the United Nations in the genocide perpetrated in Syria. That is why there’s been no real involvement of any member state of the UN in Syria.”

She paused again. “And I do have to mention that oversight only means that someone other than single individuals would have to respond for the same quote-unquote offenses - it wouldn’t change behavior, or accidents, it would only change where and when they would happen.”

Trish laughed slightly as Tony almost slipped up and said ‘shit’ on air, which would have had the FCC on their asses but would also have been funny. “Uh huh, there’s also that. Unlawful behavior and a violation of human rights, if I recall correctly. It harks back to the Argentinian dirty war in the 70’s and the people called ‘The Disappeared’ - tens of thousands of people who disappeared without a trace, without a trial or defense. Black sites like this exist other than for powered individuals but again, the principle is the same.

“I don’t think anyone can completely be on the side of inaction in the face of a natural disaster if it is in someone’s power to minimize destruction and death. I certainly don’t think an organization such as the UN should. So Tony,” she leaned forward again. “The Accords did not work. What do you think might? How would you solve this?”

Tony was glad she was adept at pointing out where things were messed up, while offering plenty of time to elaborate. He crossed his arms and sat up a little straighter, sorting through his thoughts as he listened. Politically speaking, he was much more middle of the road in his viewpoints over the years, doing some things conservatives fawned over and other things liberals raved about. He really didn't like catering to either side, because his thing was being a futurist. Political stuff didn't cause him any discomfort.

What was uncomfortable, was anything related to The Raft. He was unsettled by what he saw on his first visit, and taken back by the attitude Ross copped when Tony was trying to tell him the truth. It was just as bad as he imagined it would be, when he was a prisoner there.

"Black sites are like modern day oubliettes," Tony replied. "I still think some hardcore terrorists and genocidal wannabe Hitlers deserve to get drop kicked into a pit. But I like knowing what's going on even more. So that begs the question, are enhanced people considered terrorists, simply because they have special powers or skills? Nope. Can't throw 'em into secret jail, if they haven't broken an actual law. If they used their powers to intentionally murder someone, and they've gone to trial for that murder? Then yeah, I think that's an instance where they need to have their powers known. They need locked up where they can't harm anyone else, including the guards just doing their jobs. The keyword is intent to kill. Criminal intent. Not accidental. An accident isn't the same thing.

"Anyway. I'm like the last person that should be talking about involvement in wars," Tony admitted. "I love my country. I do. I want to believe the system can work, but I'm not blind to the parts that don't. The Syrian conflict had a unanimous U.N. security vote for a ceasefire so they could send in U.N. aid workers in mid-February. Russia delayed and blocked that vote for as long as possible. For days and days. They don't want outside intervention effing up their own agenda over there. That aid is only now trickling into parts of Syria, a month later. That's why it's obvious that waiting on a U.N. vote during a catastrophe isn't a viable option. Not when in-fighting between countries is getting even worse than it was, two years ago. I know there's a lot of countries that signed the Sokovia Accords. So how would I solve that problem, if it was up to me?"

He paused for two seconds to mull it over, on the spot. It was how he made most of his decisions. Only, this time, Tony had a sudden epiphany. It was so perfect for the moment, he wondered how he didn't see the solution to this problem, before.

"I tried privatizing world peace. Didn't work. I did things that helped jump start the Accords with those countries. Sokovia? Yeah, that's my fault. We weren't trying to destroy stuff or kill any bystanders. The intent was to save, not to kill or destroy. Not successful.

"My ultimate solution is finally rendering the Avengers defunct." Tony tapped the palm of one hand down on the table, like it was a done deal. "There. That removes any superhero related problems. Gone. I can do that. I own the trademark and logo rights. Oh, I'll still show up to stop any baddies. I'm not going to stop doing that. If anyone wants to shoot me down because of it...well, go for it. Bring your A-game. You want a bullseye on Iron Man? I'll paint it on. Maybe bring something that can actually hit me, too. Because that subpar crap couldn't slap the broadside of a bright red barn, midday, even at arm's length. C'mon! That was laughable. And sad."

Take that, whoever created that missile...or whoever took a chunk out of Thor. Tony wasn't exactly the type to let things slide, and he had a past history of giving his home address out to terrorists. Issuing challenges and throwing down gauntlets happened on a whim. So did trash talk. That much was evident by the wild grin Tony was giving Trish, as he swiveled the seat of his chair slightly from left to right.

“And on the practical side of things,” Trish began, “the laws of this country aren’t yet ready to accommodate the full prosecution of these people to the full extent of the law as it is their right as a citizen. That would need to be handled first, but it seems the prison was the priority. While I understand, somewhat, considering what happened with our alien invasion and the man who would conquer us, I too cannot abide by playing fast-and-loose with human rights. It is a long arduous process no one seems to want to kickstart.”

She only nodded as Tony went on about the United Nations, and put a finger over her lips as she waited for his answer on ‘how to fix it’. What he said didn’t surprise her, and at the same time it absolutely did. She wasn’t sure it actually fixed anything, though.

“Right, but this still means that Captain America, Thor, the other Avengers even the ones who aren’t enhanced but rather skilled - such as former Agent Romanoff - are still unrecognized (even if they’re at least no longer wanted criminals) and thus devoid of rights. Rather, whatever the government wants to do if they’re found involving themselves it...can. It shouldn’t, but it can. They’re unsafe. Groups can protest, violence can be incited and there’s no law to protect them or establish any ground rules. So this is me, Trish Walker, urging you out there to appeal to your government officials to fix this. Establish laws, don’t forget human rights, let those who can help do so without fear of being shot and trapped in a black site prison somewhere. And let the people who would do harm with the same talents, know there are specific laws in place to protect us.”

She looked to Tony, grinning. “Mr. Stark, thank you so much for your time. And let me say, personally, that I am a great supporter of your efforts both in withdrawing your company from the arms manufacturing business and as Iron Man.”

A pause for Tony to say goodbye and leave a message if he liked.

“This has been Trish Talk, with me, Trish Walker. Come back tomorrow when we will discuss smaller time heroes. Our friendly neighborhood enhancers who may not have battled armies of aliens, but have made and continue to make a difference in people’s lives here in New York City. Have you seen them, are they out there? If you have any stories you’d like to share, please send them into trishtalk@wnex.com. Thank you for tuning in.”

Trish waited until she heard the jingle, and pulled her headset down, talking as she rounded the table to shake Tony’s hand. “Tony that was incredible. Thank you so much for coming!”

In Tony's mind, the Avengers as a public entity (or scapegoat whenever things went wrong) were already dead, and desperately needed to be buried. It was a dead horse that kept getting beat by too many big sticks. Everyone else already had the secret Avengers network to coordinate from. Going underground kept Peter's anonymity intact, and kept Aunt Hottie safe as an unknown. It also meant he could go right on being Iron Man, and would be the only person held responsible by the public if things went wrong. Everyone else would be free to act, and far removed from anything he had done...or might do. Track record? Not exactly impressive. Better to publicly cut ties, if there were any left to cut at.

For him? That seemed like a win-win scenario. He looked pleased as he stood up, shaking Trish's hand.

"Thanks for having me. You raised some good points," Tony said, letting go of her hand and giving her a nod. "Might not agree on everything, but still? Super impressed. If you ever want to get out of talk radio, I could use a public relations rep. You'd be cleaning up a lot of messes. Like, every other day. But I also think you'd be wasted on that. You should replace Everhart. Jesus, she's just...terrible. And you're not! Go you. Wanna do lunch sometime?"

Actual lunch. With food. Just eating. Food.

Trish, personally, thought it was irresponsible how he was always throwing himself right onto the fire. But that was his choice and she’d be a hypocrite if she pointed that out anway.

“Oh, thank you. It’s good when you can have a discussion even when you don’t agree on every point.” Showed intelligence on both parts, she thought. Trish lowered her head, smiling sheepishly at the compliments, and was thankful that Tony saw how wasted she was in Public Relations. She didn’t want to come right out and say it, but she should replace Christine Everhardt. Maybe not on that channel, but God, she’d give anything.

“I’d love to have lunch. Just let me know. And thank you again. Anything you need from me, just ask. I owe you a couple favors by now.” She patted him on the arm, smiling. Boy, it was good to make friends.

"Yeah, I'm trying out that whole self improvement...whatever...when it comes to discussing things. Then I go in with guns blazing." After all, discussion had broken down way before Siberia happened. He got the hint. And this was his way of trying to make amends and fix it. It might work. It might not work. It was always better to try. The HQ upstate would just become a Stark scientific research center. Stick a fork in it. It's done.

Tony gave Trish a big grin when she patted his arm, feeling like they both made their points. And yes, it was nice having someone that...was it friends? Weird. He didn't usually make those. He started heading for the door. "No prob, Trish. Anyway. I'll text you. Don't get blown up or anything."

And then Tony Stark breezed his way out of the building.