Chapter 38
“Signing it and then ignoring it isn’t an option, for any of us.” Tony said.
“Then you don’t sign.” Lilith said matter-of-factly.
“Mom, Dad just explained exactly why that isn’t an option.” Teddy said. “We don’t exactly have a choice.”
“Life lesson, Teddy.” Lilith said firmly. “You always,” she emphasized the word, “always have a choice.”
“We would lose a lot more if we don’t signing than we’d lose by signing after it’s passed.” Rhodes said.
“Do any of you not see the obvious solution?” Lilith said.
“No, please, do enlighten us.” Carol said, “because I don’t see any solution but the obvious cutting of our losses, braving up, and signing.”
“The key part,” Lilith said, leaning back and crossing her ankles, “is that this has not been signed into international law yet. Before it’s signed in, we have Plan A. Afterwards, the rest of the alphabet.”
“And plan A is…” Tony asked.
“Make sure it isn’t signed.”
“And how do you suggest we do that? Our publicity is at an all-time high, yet this is still going through.” Clint said. “How do you suggest we do that?”
“I have a handle on that.” She said.
“Lilith, even if whatever network you have can stop it, have you ever considered this might be the right thing? I mean, especially for you, given New York, Paris.”
“Tony.” She gave a sickly sweet smile straight from the Dolores Umbitch handbook. “If you want someone to guilt-trip, look around for someone else. I’m not that 16-year old with an infant in my arms who would break down crying if you so much as turned on an action movie.” She said, “You’re not a paperwork person, but at least read through it. I need to find out who, exactly, still has a copy of the muggle born registration act because this is those same, in some sections even word for word..”
“The what?”
“This still feels like Nazi Germany and Jewish registration.” Steve said. “And the world thought that was OK for the first few years as well.”
“Tony, this is the moment when you realize that not everyone your daddy dearest liked is a complete idiot.”
“Have you gotten to that point yet?” He asked. “Because it seems to me that my answer of ignoring daddy issues is much more effective than following in his footsteps.”
“You’re a hypocrite Tony. It wasn’t me that made Stark Industries a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 weapons manufacturing firm. I wasn’t the one that tried to fix up at least 6 different versions of super soldier serum, and I was the one that heard from Hermione how she didn’t tell Howard about Hogwarts because she didn’t want her blood tested. And my network you seem to be pulling up here? I should think at least I sold my soul for a decent reason. Or rather, I bought it back.”
“What’s going on? I’m a bit lost here.” Bruce said.
He was ignored, as Tony said, “Yeah, and I was the one drugged with love potion for the first 4 years.”
“It kept you alive this far, hasn’t it?”
“You’re becoming the definition of Merope Gaunt, except you didn’t accept the way the world works, you manipulate it to your own gain.”
“You’re really calling me a supervillain?” She asked, eyebrows raised, frighteningly calm. “Supervillains have no place in the Avengers mansion, I guess. And if instead you meant to call me a gold-digger, remind me for just one second which one of us here is the Nouveau Riche. Hint, it’s not me. Teddy, are you going to sign?”
“I’ve seen the memories of the first time they tried something like this. No way. And I’m coming with.”
“Well, now I just have a wonder duo to pick up.” She said, as she twisted on the spot and disappeared.
Teddy stayed for a second as Ron ran into his arms. “Good luck to those of you who sign. Because hel hath no fury. Literally.” He said with his parting words.
“Stark.” Rhodey said. “What just happened?”
“Seems to me like she just left.” Natalia said. “And if I weren’t about to demand answers from you I would follow her right back to base.”
“This is base.” Rhodey argued.
“This place has absolutely average security and is very clearly on the map. This isn’t a base.”
“Alright. Stop bickering so we can demand answers from Stark or I’m out two. I have the Space Avengers to fall back on.” Wanda said.
“You’re not technically one,” Pietro started, but gulped at Wanda's look. “Yeah, sure. Rocket will hate your guts but in a fond way.”
“Wait up, space Avengers?”
“Wanda’s phrase.”
“You know if it wasn’t Quill’s ship you’d get to choose the name.”
“I know, I’m awesome.”
“Kids.” Steve gave them his best disappointed captain America glare, though the rest were watching the back and forth fascinated.
“Yeah?” The twins chorused, innocent smiles projecting.
“Can we get back to interrogating Stark?” Bruce asked.
Tony squirmed under their gazes. “Yeah?”
“What exactly were you hinting at in that argument?”
“The fact that we do actually need the Accords?”
“No, how about we start with what you meant by her network and move from there.”
“Ever heard of the Order of the Phoenix?”
“No, what is it?”
“Storytime.” Tony gave an evil smirk. “If hell hath no fury, I might as well earn the fury of earth.” He stood up to walk over to a wall. “J, bring out the Flashback Vault.”
“Sir, may I note that the requirements for opening that are Mrs. Stark’s permanent departure?”
“You know her and so does your psych software. Are you really telling me that she’s not stubborn enough to not come back after this?”
“So are you, Sir.”
“J.”
“Of course, Sir.” JARVIS said, and a plate in the wall opened, as vials of silvery liquid were drawn out, and a bowl with clear liquid within.
“What is that?” Clint asked.
“Memories.” Tony said. “More specifically, information. We’re a no secrets team, right?”