Chapter 7
Tony stood in the room that allowed for viewing of the training room below. Natasha had her evaluation today and he and his mother had decided to watch. He knew who was preforming the evaluation and he could admit he was a bit concerned, not for the one doing the evaluation but for Natasha. He eyed his mother knowing she was planning something but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what. He suspected it had something to do with the rogues considering the state the fight against Rogers and Barnes had left him in.
He turned his attention back as he saw Gamora and Nebula enter the training area. He frowned slightly before he saw the last member enter the room, apparently running behind it seemed. Tony watched Jessica walk over to the side of the room as her part wasn’t until the second stage of the evaluation.
“I am Gamora, level 4 enhanced. I will be leading this evaluation. To help me is Nebula level 4 and Jessica Jones level 4.”
Tony saw Natasha’s gaze look over the three and could practically see the wheels spinning in her mind.
“It was my understanding only level 5 enhanced performed the evaluations.”
“There are some exceptions.” Was all Gamora said on that matter before beginning the evaluation.
Natasha was a skilled fighter in terms of a baseline human, though against someone with advanced training like Gamora she fell short. Tony didn’t even need to see the report later to know that just watching as Natasha was forced on the defensive. The training room was set up with obstacles that neither side were familiar with to put them on an even playing field. Gamora obviously observed her surroundings to become familiar with them. While Natasha did a bit as well she seemed so confident in her skills that she didn’t become as familiar with them as she tried to force her opponent onto the defensive.
Tony saw the moment Nebula jumped in as the next stage to be completed. Natasha faltered a moment clearly not expecting to be facing two against one but she tried to find a way to separate the two sisters. The two were going easy in comparison to a real fight. When Jessica joined in to offer help to Natasha as per usual for an evaluation the widow was distrustful and refused time and time again the offered help. The session ended with all three level 4 enhanced being utterly unimpressed with her.
“What do you think?” He asked Hela curious about her opinion.
“Her ego was hurt when she discovered the sisters were better trained.”
Tony figured the same and watched as Natasha walked to the two sisters and tried to probe for information about them and their training. He knew both stayed knowing the widow was said to have skills with secretly interrogating people. Tony still wasn’t all that sure about her abilities considering all he knew was from the years working with her and the avengers.
Later when he looked over the report Gamora wrote up he almost laughed. Some of the delightful key points were that she was arrogant, overestimated her own abilities, and poor skill level in interrogation. She was listed as having a fair amount of skill as a fighter but her refusal of accepting help was cause for concern. Gamora believed it was because Natasha had no read on Jessica beforehand. She wrote in her report it was likely also why Natasha focused more on her and Nebula as opposed to her surroundings of the training field. She’d rather get a read on people rather than the place she was fighting.
If she passed to join the avengers her level would be a 2. Tony did laugh when he saw that. Though fighting and interrogation weren’t the widow’s only skills, at least according to her application. So there was another test to see her hacking skills. Something she believed were noteworthy so they had been included in her testing. Normally Tony was the one who performed those kinds of evaluations but considering the conflict of interest he wasn’t available for any of the former avengers’ tests. It was why Shuri was brought in to perform that section of the test. She was visiting for several days as part of the widow’s, Lang’s, and Barnes’ test considering all of them possessed some level of hacking ability.
Tony read the report from that as well which basically said the widow’s ‘hacking’ ability was laughable. She knew how to use equipment given to her with an explanation that would allow her to gather information. She herself did not possess any talent for that and the fact she put it on her application was actually a mark against her.
Next to take the test was Sam. Jean Grey was tasked with that examination with Quill of the Guardians and Ororo of the x-men aiding in the test. Sam wasn’t a leader type but following instructions he could do. When the two mutants were against him and Quill stepped in with instructions Sam listened. He could follow orders which were points in his favor. Sadly listing his work at the VA pointed out quite a few problems. Charles Xavier was tasked to test those skills and found that Sam was to star struck by Rogers to properly be considered for being useful as a counselor. Tony had suffered PTSD for years and Sam had been too blind to see it. When questioned on certain behaviors of his teammates, both past and present, Sam had been utterly clueless to issues.
Scott Lang was an interesting character but he didn’t think ahead or at the bigger picture. He took people at their word far too easily. His skills at hacking and as a fighter were impressive though. If either he or Sam passed they wouldn’t be put on a team with Tony. Lang hated Tony on Hank’s words alone, something he found hilarious for two reasons. The first being that he had never met Hank. The second being the real reason behind Howard’s (Zeus’s) actions when he and Hank had their falling out. Zeus without his powers had been limited to Midgardian technology. He knew there was a chance that Janet was alive after the mission that caused Hank to believe she’d died. Howard had attempted to not only use the technology to recuse Janet but to stop Shield from trying to replicate the Pym particles. It was why the attempts by Shield were so bad, Howard had been corrupting all of Shield’s attempts knowing that something wasn’t right with the organization. Howard hadn’t told Hank knowing Hank would want to be the one to go on the recuse mission if he figured out how to save Janet. Howard didn’t want to give his friend false hope, if he died on the mission it was no loss because Howard would just become Zeus again. Hank if he died that was it.
Tony had learned the truth when he asked his mom about it. She had explained everything and with full access to her powers had used magic to retrieve Janet. Using magic had taken a toll so in the meantime while Janet recovered she was in the medical wing under careful supervision. He had already tried to reach out to Hank but the man had done nothing but curse him out and hang up before he could get past a greeting. Calling Hope hadn’t been much better as she picked up the phone told him to not contact her again and hung up. So Tony was waiting for Janet to be up, awake, and healthy enough to travel and Tony would take her back to her family.
Steve’s evaluation was done by Logan. Originally Rhodey was going to be in charge of it but again, conflict of interest, so Logan had been asked. Logan was a level 5 enhanced and introduced himself as Lieutenant Howlett. Logan was brutal in his evaluation of Steve and when the mutant made his report he wasn’t kind. It looked like Steve wouldn’t make the cut.
When Wanda’s turn came Tony was both excited and a bit nervous. He didn’t want the witch anywhere near the avengers but he wanted to see what his mother would do. Though the conflict of interest should be an issue due to being his mother, so far she had been pleasant and professional towards the group so the council had allowed it. She and Strange were in charge of testing the witch. It went south almost immediately. A series of questions revealed the witch was more than willing and happy to invade the minds of others to manipulate or control them. Something when pointed out was against the Accord’s rules she scoffed at. Realizing Hela was staying for the test and due to the few powerful magic users it wasn’t up for debate, she lashed out. The attack with the reveal of the witch’s willingness to violate the rules of the Accords as well as the minds of others ended with her powers being bound. The witch screamed curses at the two before ultimately deciding to run away likely to cry and whine to Steve.
Barnes’s test was the one that drew Tony’s attention the most. His was given by Colonel Danvers with the help of Loki. Of all those on Roger’s team, only Barnes had a promising future. His level would be either a 4 or 5 as his skills as a fighter, sniper, and hacker were all good. Barnes also proved to work well in a team and adjusted well to new members.
Barton’s evaluation was much the same as the witch as he was listed as to volatile to be considered for the team. There was a psychological evaluation that was part of the overall testing for new members. Of them Rogers, Maximoff, Barton, and Romanoff didn’t pass.
The reveal of this information was given to the group as a whole as they all refused to receive the news separately even when the leaders advised them against it. As one of the leaders of the teams Tony was required to go. He, Hela, Luke Cage, Charles, Scott Summers, Susan Storm, Peter Quill, and Carol were in attendance. Several of the rogues looked unhappy considering Wanda’s powers were still sealed, Roger’s arguments of that treatment remained ignored, and Barton thought this was all a waste of time.
“Sargent Barnes, we’ll start with you seeing as you’ve done the best in the evaluations.” Carol started off stated as she looked at the report in front of her. “Considering your background Sargent Barnes we would like you to see a therapist but you are approved to join the team. We’d like to set you at a level 4 until you’ve completed a month of weekly therapy sessions at which point we’ll promote you to level 5. While you can apply to the team you prefer, The Knights, The Avengers team 1, and the Guardians have all expressed interest in you joining their team. The Avengers team 1 is led by myself and Colonel Rhodes, The Knights are led by Hela, The Defenders lead by Luke Cage, and the Guardians are led by Peter Quill though they do not always operate on earth so that would be something to consider when applying to a specific team.”
“We’re staying together as a team.” Steve spoke up trying to speak for Bucky and being ignored as it wasn’t his turn to be addressed.
“Next we’ll be addressing Scott Lang.” Carol continued as though she hadn’t heard Steve’s comment. “We’d like for you to explain your seemingly unfounded hatred of Doctor Anthony Edward Stark but otherwise you’re approved to join the team. The Avengers team 2 have expressed an interest in you joining but the council has expressed concerns considering it is a team lead by the one you’ve expressed hatred for.”
Scott sat up straight in his seat giving Tony a suspicious look.
“Wait, why the hell do you want me to join your team? Is this an attempt to steal the ant-man technology?”
Tony was careful not to roll his eyes.
“I have no interest in the Ant-Man technology. The team I lead has specific kinds of members. You fit the team I lead.”
Truth was Tony led something of a more anti-hero group. His team consisted of Venom, Logan, Loki, Cable, and Deadpool. Tony had been the only one able and willing to work with the group. Scott’s background of having stolen money from a company trying to cheat people had fit right up there in a kind of anti-hero feel. Truth was that Bucky fit that to but Tony doubted Bucky would want to join that kind of team. Tony was willing to let the past be the past with certain members of Roger’s group but he suspected his mom had other plans.
“I call bullshit, everyone knows you can’t trust a Stark.”
Hela slammed her hands on the table as she stood looming over it.
“First of all little human, he is a son of Hela and Zeus. Secondly, the one who gave you the suit you use to fight has never met my son. Thirdly, Hank’s reasons for hating my ex-husband are complete bullshit.”
“He tried to steal the technology before!” Scott argued.
“No he didn’t!” Hela stated loudly. “He kept Shield from replicating it when it became obvious they intended to try to replicate the technology for corrupt reasons. What Howard intended to do was use the limited resources this backwater planet had at their disposal in order to save his friend’s wife. Your ex-girlfriend could have grown up with her mother had Hank listened to Howard when he later tried to explain what was happening. Now Janet is alive and well and has missed out on so much of her little girl’s life because Hank can’t be bothered to listen.”
Tony was surprised by the outburst considering how calm and pleasant his mom had been towards the rogues until this point. He didn’t show it, but something about the entire situation had smelled slightly Loki-ish.
“W…what?” Scott said completely confused.
“Queen Hela, please calm down.” Carol finally tried to get the meeting back on track.
Carol pulled up the next file which was Romanoff’s.
“Natasha Romanoff, I’m afraid you did not pass the evaluation. The Avengers or any of the teams under the banner of that name are unwilling to take you on. We contacted the Accords council with our decision and they have deemed that they are not willing to take the risk of granting you a different position with them considering your choice to turn against the Accords after signing once before.”
“If this Stark getting back about the report I did on him that deemed him unqualified to be an avenger-”
“Wait, what report on Tony?” Quill asked confused stopping Carol from interrupting Romanoff’s accusations.
“When Shield was putting together the avengers I was sent to evaluate Stark. Did he forget to mention that to you?” Romanoff said it in a way like she was secretly trying to push Tony under the bus without anyone knowing.
“I’m just curious, how did Tony fail to make the cut when a man who just woke up from basically a 70 year coma did?” Quill asked looking honestly curious and confused.
Romanoff wasn’t expecting the question but she quickly recovered.
“Steve has experience leading a team during the war, he’s a national hero.”
“Actually that experience would be out of date.” Susan commented before she got a slight frown. “Also he committed crimes before and during his days as Captain America. He tried to enlist under false names after being rejected from the army. He also deliberately disobeyed orders which should have caused him to face punishment. I believe the report done by his commanding officer said he was more useful fighting in the war and after saving a great number of soldiers that there was no way they could reprimand him without bigger problems. It leaves to question how Dr. Stark was unqualified when someone who has repeatedly broken the law and disobeyed orders for their own wishes was qualified.”
“What makes you qualified to do such an evaluation?” Luke asked pointing out a big detail no one else had seemed to consider.
“It’s part of my training as a black widow.” Romanoff stated.
“The Black Widows were assassins trained to kill or in some cases seduce their victims to gain information or get better access to their target to kill them. How did you do this evaluation?” Carol asked before turning to Tony. “You never mentioned going into Shield to do an evaluation.”
“I didn’t.” Tony answered honestly not giving a full explanation.
“I went undercover at Stark Industries to do an evaluation. There was cause for concern about Stark’s health considering he’d appointed his PA as CEO and was selling off his assets.”
Several people frowned before Hela decided to ask him directly what had happened.
“Anthony, I’m not overly familiar with this realm yet as I do not understand.”
Tony sighed before explaining.
“I was dying, poisoning from the arc reactor. Romanoff entered my company under false pretenses to spy on me. I made Pepper CEO due to her being the most qualified and I didn’t want issues that could affect my employees badly if I didn’t have a successor with my death. I didn’t want issues with my money even with a will so I was selling off some of my things and giving the money to charities. At the time in my will, my things would have been split between Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy.”
“Poisoning like that would have affected your mental state though. You were in no position to be evaluated especially by someone with no official training or medical knowledge.” Susan said looking quite troubled by this news.
“So Ms. Romanoff committed a crime to write a report on you?” Luke asked. “Wasn’t what she did cooperate espionage? I’m curious what the others’ evaluations looked like.”
“From what I know no one else was evaluated beforehand.” Tony admitted having seen nothing that showed they were examined like he was.
Carol made some notes on Romanoff’s file.
“I will be informing the council of this. The pardons you received did not include cooperate espionage and a thorough investigation will need to be done. Considering the possibility of Dr. Stark’s compromised mental state at the time, he may not have realized what you were doing was wrong or known to take the proper action. If that’s the case, it would have been Ms. Potts that would decide to press charges.”
Romanoff’s eyes looked like they were about to bug out of her head.
“You can’t do that, she did nothing wrong!” Steve argued finally getting on Carol’s nerves as she pulled out his file.
“Mr. Rogers let’s address your results.”
“It’s Captain.” He snapped.
“It’s not, you don’t actually have a military ranking. You were allowed in as part of consideration for an experimental procedure. There is no paperwork supporting you as a member of the U.S army. As the only one given the experimental serum and having saved over a hundred soldiers, General Philips had no other choice but to continue allowing you to aid the U.S army. I’ve read the reports Mr. Rogers.” Carol said leveling him with a look.
She opened his file in the silence of the stunned shock of that reveal.
“Mr. Rogers you also did not pass the evaluation and I’ve recommended that any appeal be rejected at least until you’ve sought out counseling. As previously stated by Captain Peter Quill, you basically woke up from a 70 year coma and I cannot find anything showing you received proper help for acclimating to the new century. A lot has happened during the 70 years you were asleep and what might have been considered acceptable and normal in 40s may not be in the 21st century.”
“He’s a captain?” Barton sneered at Quill.
“Peter Quill is captain of his own ship, acknowledged as such by his crew and officials throughout the galaxy. As such I refer to him as his title as well as first and last name to avoid confusion of that title and a military title.” Carol explained.
“I don’t need to see a doctor. I’m not insane.” Steve protested. “This right here is exactly why the Accords are wrong!”
“I’m aware knowledge and care of mental health wasn’t as advanced in the 40s as it is now Mr. Rogers but it is something taken very seriously in this century. If you were to join the military today or the police force, a psychiatric evaluation is performed before someone is allowed entry into such a profession. The same is done for the Avengers, we wouldn’t want to allow someone mentally unstable into our ranks. If you believe I am being unfair you may take it up with the Accord’s council, just know they have a copy of the report done.”
Steve tried to protest more but Carol had already moved on to the next file.
“Wanda Maximoff, you are not qualified to join the Avengers. I have suggested to the Accords council that you be permanently banned from applying due to the eagerness and willingness you showed in violating the sanctuary of others’ minds. When given reasons for why this was wrong and completely unacceptable you constantly came up with reasons of why it was ok and I quote ‘there is no one capable of stopping me anyways’ end quote. As such on that alone you will not be allowed to reapply and I’m petitioning for your powers to be permanently sealed. I’ve also put forth a recommendation for an investigation be launched into your past. I can’t imagine with how much you seem eager to use your powers that you have not in the past done so. There may be victims in need of help to recover from what someone with little to no control over their abilities has done to their mind. It has also come to our attention during your evaluation that you were once a Hydra volunteer, after discovering this we consulted with the Accords council on the matter and until an investigation has been completed you will be held in Avengers custody to ensure the public’s safety.”
“Wait, she was Hydra?” Bucky asked something in his tone cold and his gaze murderous as he turned to her.
“Bucky she was tricked by Hydra.” Steve tried reassure his friend.
“You knew?! She volunteered! She wasn’t tricked.” Bucky nearly snarled at him standing up to move away from him.
“This is all your fault!” Wanda screamed launching herself at Tony even though her powers were still bound. He grabbed her and slammed her into the table with little effort.
“Friday, can you send in security?”
Clint tensed likely thinking Venom would be the one to arrive. Instead in came Colossus in all his giant metal glory.
“You called for security Mr. Stark?” He asked his Russian accent thick as he spoke.
“Yes, Maximoff here needs to be placed in a high level security cell. Please put her in the system as a temporary prisoner and ensure everything’s set in place.”
Wanda screamed curses the entire way out as well as promising she’d kill him. That unlike last time she wouldn’t make an elaborate plan and simply break his neck and let him rot.
“Now onto Clint Barton.” Carol continued on like they hadn’t been interrupted.
Clint having seen what happened so far with everyone else didn’t look hopeful, in fact he looked like he was finally realizing they’d fucked up.
“You also did not qualify for the Avengers. However you do have room to appeal after seeing a specialist. There was mention of past mind control and without proper knowledge of the capabilities of magical artifacts among Shield there’s a chance you’re mind has been compromised beyond what they originally believed. If you’re cleared by them, you can make an appeal and possibly reapply in the future.”
Carol moved onto the last file.
“Sam Wilson, you qualify for a probationary period. There were some concerns raised in your evaluation but they’ll be monitored during the probation period. Avengers team 1 has expressed interest in you joining them.”
“Team 1?”
Carol nodded.
“Yes, there will be a later meeting to inform you of the teams, their members, and of course the requirements of each team. Until then, those of you who are at least approved may submit an application for residence in the compound though those can only be accepted after the period in which you are under supervision as per your pardon’s requirements.”
“You’re just trying to separate us. We’re the avengers, you can’t kick us out.” Steve argued.
“You need us.” Romanoff tried the same shit she did when she and Rogers dumped all of Shield’s files.
“We do not, the avengers are strong and there’s plenty of members that we do not need to take members who are not qualified. Now I will escort you out of the building as this meeting is finished. Those who qualified can make an appointment for the next stage of meetings.” Carol said standing up prepared to lead the group out.
“You won’t get away with this Stark. We won’t let you push us around.” Rogers yelled after him but Tony ignored him and instead turned to Quill to talk about when Rocket would be available to work together on a project.
As the genius left he took a quick glance at his mom. Yeah, she was defiantly up to something but whatever it was she wasn’t telling any of them. He got the feeling this wasn’t even close to the last phase of her plans.