mom_npcs (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} mom_npcs) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} momadness_log,@ 2021-07-09 12:32:00 |
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Plot: The Visit
It had been over a month since the loss of Ross, and the investigations into the 'tragic helicopter accident off the coast of Venezuela" was still being investigated (according to the news). For their own reasons, it was clear that the United States government was still trying to keep that little accident out of the headlines, even while the rest of the world was starting to catch on.
The sudden construction of the Wakandan Embassy was one thing but the arrival of Asgardians that were now settling on United States soil had been another.
While people at the Facility and in the nearby area were dealing with day-to-day rebuilding and issues with the portals, behind the scenes there had been talks and negotiations. It was clear that this was a blatant violation of the Sokovian Accords, but there was little that any government could do without potentially starting a war with Wakanda.
Meanwhile, Pepper Potts and King T'Challa were working tirelessly to negotiate their position behind the scenes. The goal was to keep the government away as long as they could, so they could help those Newcomers settle without the government seizing information or technology about the portals. It had been difficult, considering they were under pressure, but Wakanda's influence ran deep. Lucky for them.
Ross's disappearance had been a sore point, though. With half at the table convinced it had been an assassination rather than an accident, it was only a matter of time before things escalated...
The helicopter arrived Friday afternoon without fanfare. Tony Stark only realized it was happening a few minutes before and quickly stepped out to greet none other than Madam President, herself. Surrounded by the Secret Service, with an entourage having pulled in just before she arrived to 'secure the facility', she confidently stepped off the tarmac and looked STark in the eye as she removed her sunglasses.
"Well, well, well. The famous Tony Stark. I can't say it's not an honor."
Something about her smile rubbed Tony the wrong way, but he held his cool, clearing his throat. "Madam President. What brings you here?"
"Cut the crap, Mr. Stark. You have an idea. But I think we can better address this inside?"
Tony hesitated, but the secret service was already planning to move. He nodded, taking a breath. "This way."
AS they walked, he announced to FRIDAY to secure the conference room and to let everyone know there might be a "team meeting" coming soon.
Sure enough, two hours later, there it was. Those invited included Steve Rogers, James Rhodes. James Barnes, Carol Danvers, and Sam Wilson (catching a pattern?). Natasha Romanoff, Scott Lange, Wanda Maximoff, and Sharon Carter were encouraged to join as well. Others could attend but are not required to. The Secret Service was everywhere. Tony had told the others 'no weapons, no powers'. The president was taking her life into her own hands just being here, and even Stark knew it. Then again, if anything happened to her, they were all screwed.
They sat around the conference table, with the glass walls raised to allow spectators to sit in the common room and join in. Monitors around the facility were broadcasting the goings-on for those who chose to step out or watch from a more private venue. At the head, the president looked cold and calculating, eyeing them. Tony sat next to her and once everyone was there, he asked.
"So...you gonna tell them what you told me?"
"It seems we are at an impasse," she began coolly. "Your operation here is dangerous. Not only to this country but potentially the world. You've caught the attention of the United States government as well as world leaders everywhere. We are currently under pressure to shut you down by any means necessary." She paused for effect. "But...I believe we can come to a deal." Her eyes went to Rhodey.
"She wants to re-recruit you." Tony was addressing the group of military folk seated together. "Even you, Barnes."
"Full pardons in exchange for re-enlisting. Each of you would retain your current ranks or be promoted. It was discussed that Col. Rhodes would be the most ideal candidate to take overall leadership over military affairs, but each of you could report to a different branch of service."
Tony sighed, rubbing his eyes as the president went on. "We would also be willing to pardon the war criminals you are keeping here, of course: Natasha Romanoff, Scott Lang, Wanda Maximoff, Sharon Carter, even Clint Barton wherever he is."
"It would also mean that the scientific endeavors you are pursuing here would be overseen by our agencies."
"Which is bullshit." Tony pointed out, glaring and knowing exactly where this was going.
"You're a civilian organization in charge of a technology that could end this whole planet if something went wrong. Tell me, Mr. Stark, why should we not be concerned with that?"
Tony glared. "I'm not letting you use our technology as a weapon."
"I assure you, Tony, I do not want to see this used as a weapon either. But as of now, you have left us in a very difficult position. Russia is threatening to invade. China has voiced their opposition to your 'research' here and even NATO believes it would be best to redistribute your guests under the supervision of different countries in a controlled refugee program. This includes your Asgardian friends."
Of course, there was something else going on there. Stark could feel it. The president hadn't arrived to save them. Trouble was, she was also not giving them much of a choice.