32

Chapter 32: Liberation, A Moral CharadeSummary:

In which not much gets done—but plans are made, and Murphy's Law strikes yet again.

Notes:

Chapter-specific warnings: the usual [unreliable narrator, miscommunication, uncomfortably-close-to-Skynet!JARVIS, not Avengers friendly, etc.], with the start of another round of legal drama [...that I'm probably butchering because I'm not a lawyer and my main experience with it's from tv], and hints of canon-typical violence.

Also, surprise guest star Miriam Sharpe, who I hopefully did justice in transposing from that scene in canon to here.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

To: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

From: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

Subject: The Game Plan

Quick question, what's the current record for fastest lawsuit filed, and do you think we can beat it?

As for battle plans: this is very obviously a power grab, but how are we doing this? Head to head, or something more subtle? Asking because I think we can use this for…you know, and to liaise with PR going from there; if we're doing a full-on clash, memes probably won't be enough to distract from the fallout.

Just…trying to get our ducks in a row, here. This means war, but what're our battle plans?

—Rosales

———————

To: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

From: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

Subject: I'm Down For A Fight

And so's the rest of my floor, but I've got that same problem, too.

We've got *so many* things we can use, but it all depends on the plan for the short vs. long term. (Really looking forward to Phase 3, here. So, so much.)

I mean, either way we're making Ross regret e v e r y t h i n g but are we throwing just the book at him, or are we leaving no survivors whatsoever? Seconding the use of this as a way to leverage things to our satisfaction, but are we showing our hand this early? This is going to be pretty damn public, I don't think we'd be able to fit anything related to world domination without it making making even more waves…

Idk, not sure about our approach here.

—Chan

———————

To: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

From: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

Subject: Cards On The Table

On my end, we're all out gunning to destroy his career. I'm talking completely annihilation, leave no stone unturned, fall of Babylon levels, here. No punches pulled whatsoever.

PR shouldn't have too much of a hassle—I mean, that part's pretty much cut and dry, just dig out the old footage of what went down in Harlem and I'm still not sure how tf he got his job after the stunt he pulled in Brazil—plus, again, picking a fight with Iron Man. Should be self-explanatory.

We've already got a pretty solid case going on here, just need to make sure everything's as tidy and above-board and squared away as we can get it. Shouldn't take too long, though, but it'll just be Accords-related, sticking with the plan for the other thing. Pretty sure PR'd kill us otherwise.

Also, discovery of the day: SWORD's adorable. Palamas' pushing for an escort team-up between Security and Legal. Something about an intimidation factor, which…I can actually get behind, a little. And it's not like they're not pulling their weight when it comes to paperwork, either.

Thoughts?

—Rosales

———————

To: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

From: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

Subject: Talk About A Power Move

You guys are *really* out for blood, aren't you?

Still have some reservations about it all, especially SWORD, but…I think I'm seeing it now. Security's kind of invaded our floor, trying to help out, and they're actually helping. Took a little to get things going, but now my biggest issue's about how it'd look like for PR.

…huh.

—Chan

———————

To: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

From: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

Subject: We Were The Ones Spearheading The Damn Thing

Of course we're out for blood. Tokyo's branch has also been suspiciously quiet, too, considering how much work they've put into making a clause for Taiwan that wouldn't step on too many toes. (Hopefully they haven't put a hit out.) Plus I'm pretty sure Sandoval's taking it as a personal insult at this point, which I completely understand.

Also: let me guess, you've compared notes on who does and doesn't owe you favors, and/or the world domination thing came up.

—Rosales

———————

To: Rosales, M. Department Head [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

From: Chan, A. Department Head [Legal, New York branch]

Subject: I Am Not At Liberty To Disclose

But as it turns out, we share quite a few similar opinions about the Avengers as well as Ross, and they had some fascinating insights on several governments and organizations.

Such as some loopholes that might come in handy if/when we ever need to deal with Kazakhstan again. And it is always good to know that networking's the same, across the board. 

This is shaping up to be a beautiful friendship, current situation notwithstanding.

—Chan

———————

———————

To: Rivera, M. Coordinator [Legal, New York branch]

From: Kim, A. Corporate Counsel [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

Subject: So. That Happened.

Any idea when Dr. Stark became the walking embodiment of Murphy's law?

I could've sworn that we didn't have to deal with this shit back when we regularly dealt with plausibly-deniable warlords, how is it that it's when we're actually trying to make the world a better place and reducing greenhouse gases that things get weird?

And what type of dumbass thinks going after Iron Man will end well? I mean, Ross going after the team, I can see. (RIP, whoever's backing them, btw, because that's going to be /ugly/.) But Dr. Stark?

Just…it boggles the mind.

—Kim

———————

To: Kim, A. Corporate Counsel [Legal, Los Angeles branch]

From: Rivera, M. Coordinator [Legal, New York branch]

Subject: …Now That You Mention It

Why tf *is* he even going after Dr. Stark?

Looking back at his record, at what JARVIS and FRIDAY've managed to pull up, you'd think he had a brain. On paper he's an ass, but a smart one, you'd think he'd know better than to take on an entire damn company. Not sure if he's thinking he can pull the same stunts he did back then, or what, but…

Best I can figure is he thought that he could take out Iron Man and the Avengers in one fell swoop, but I still can't see it. Damn shame, too, because if he'd left well enough alone I would've paid good money to watch the A-Team try to get themselves out of this one.

…or is that his play, and is he trying to distract us from the team? (Pfft. He can have them, for all I care, but still.)

Trying to figure out Ross is giving me a headache, and I now have Regrets

—Rivera

It took all of Natasha's self-control to keep from reacting the way she wanted to, after the UN bombing. Stark was shaping up to be even more of a menace than what she'd previously thought, and that literally everyone around her agreed that he was "a responsible, trustworthy man" when she'd seen firsthand just how far it was from the truth did not help. At all.

Yes, he was an asset when it came to robotics, but clearly these people were confusing Stark with his right-hand (wo)man, because Pepper Potts was very obviously the one they were referring to even if it was his name on all the tech. She was the one pulling all the ropes, it was incredibly unfair towards her that everyone seemed to insist on giving him all the credit. [Like he wasn't enough of a pain already, now this too?]

As if that wasn't enough, however, now the Crown Prince of Wakanda was escalating things, talking about assisting in seeking out the attempted assassin, and her team wasn't listening to her.

As it was, her instincts—the ones that had helped her survive the Red Room, had saved her life countless times—were all but screaming at her to stay out of it. To hide, to get to ground, because she was all but flying blind, and if it were anyone but the team who was at stake, Natasha might just have done it. She was a survivor above all else, and this? This felt like the receding tide before a tsunami.

But her team was counting on her, and she would not fail. Even if it meant having to put out fires while some of them were still fanning the flames, even if it meant having to work with people she'd gladly never speak to again if she could help it.

…even if it was incredibly frustrating.

She was already having a hard time getting into contact with Stark, despite needing to hammer out a battle plan because Ross alone was a nightmare, but after this it was almost guaranteed he'd try to force something through. Knowing him, he'd up the ante, probably citing "emergency measures", and how was she supposed to work her play if she didn't know what her main ally was up to?

To: Hill, M. Head Intel Officer, Director of SWORD [Communications, Security, New York branch]; All Security Department Heads [all branches]; All Communications Department Heads [all branches]; All Legal Department Heads [all branches]; Jordan, A. Head Representative [Legal, New York branch]; All PR Department Heads [all branches]

From: Lee, M. Head Representative [PR, Los Angeles branch]

Subject: SitRep, Post-UN Attack

Ross is being very, very loud and annoying about taking action. Talking about sending in a specialized strike force, and apparently the attack gave everyone in DC temporary amnesia because apparently, that didn't raise any alarm bells. At all.

PR's going to focus on putting out the fires, first and foremost. There's been quite a call for Iron Man to step in and apprehend the suspect, but seeing as how the man's over 8 hours away and Ross basically declared war on Stark Industries…

Suffice it is to say, the kid gloves are coming off, everyone.

Legal: 1) Congratulations for what is quite possibly a world record in international law, and 2) may you set more in your handling of the situation. My only advisory to you would be to refrain from making any jokes relating to shadow governments in public spaces, as we are already pushing the envelope as is.

Communications: keep up the good work, we don't want to give the world any more ammo than we can help and information security's right at the top of the list right now. As is keeping the rest of us updated on what's going on, whenever possible.

Security: while I am slightly concerned about the implications that this might have later on if word gets out, any help would be greatly appreciated. Just don't get in the way, and if possible try to avoid making waves—we've got enough on our plate without having to contend with any headlines talking about our private army at this point in time.

Time to strike while the iron's hot

—Lee

Tony Stark was in the parking garage, briefcase armor in one hand while reviewing the latest round of paperwork on his tablet in the other, when he noticed the woman approaching him.

"Hello, Dr. Stark. My name is Miriam Sharpe, and I need to talk to you about the Avengers."

Great. Another one. Why did the world not seem to realize that he meant it when he said he was not a part of the team?

"I'm sorry, you've got the wrong guy. I have absolutely no—"

"Oh, I don't think so." She cut him off, shaking her head slowly. "I work for the State Department. HR, to be exact, but hear me out."

"I'm pretty sure I've already had this conversation. With your boss, even." Tony couldn't help but reply dryly, because seriously? He had things to get done, lawsuits to get on top of, things to clarify yet again…

"Oh, no. It's not." Miriam said, looking him in the eye, and despite everything, Tony couldn't help but be impressed at her tone. [Really, he knew CEOs that could use a fraction of her spine.]

Still, he had a schedule to keep to, and it did not include being accosted by random strangers in parking garages. Plastering a polite smile, he continued on his path to the car. "I'm sorry you feel that way, but I really must go—"

"I have a son. Charlie Spencer. He was in Sokovia during the incident." Miriam said, and Tony couldn't help but freeze as she pulled out a photo. "The doctors say he was lucky. Say that if the rubble had been a few inches to the left, if he'd been found later, he wouldn't have made it. My son will never walk again, but he was lucky."

"Excuse me, but—" If this was what he thought it was, Tony did not have the time for this. He was done with the team, why didn't—

"When's the last time the Avengers have cleaned up after themselves?"

Oh.

…okay, then, Ross definitely hadn't sent her. This wasn't his style, plus there was no faking the quiet fury he could see in her eyes as she talked about the team, as she pressed on.

"They don't care about us. About the collateral damage, about who gets left behind, about my son. Ross wants the team, I just want them held accountable."

Tony wanted to reply to that, wanted to ask her why him. Even if he didn't know how to say it, apparently it was enough for her to read the question in his eyes.

"You've been shielding them, Dr. Stark. You need to stop."

Helmut Zemo ducked his head and made sure the hat obscured as much of his face as possible, as he quietly went over the latest news on his way to the next objective.

Wouldn't do for any camera to pick him up, after all. Not when he had yet to ascertain the full extent of the AI involved, so better to be safe than sorry.

Especially since the response to the attack at the UN had already shown the extent of the Iron Legion's response time, which, while useful to know, was also rather alarming. It was only pure luck he'd managed to avoid facial recognition thus far, and though he'd done his best to eliminate his records there was still the risk…oh well.

It was a good thing his plan hinged around human error instead of anything overly technological, regardless. This newest development was something that wouldn't affect that. Not in time, at least.

The stage was set, the actors were all in their places and performing beautifully, and the fall of the Avengers was almost guaranteed, now.

Maria Hill didn't know what happened in the parking garage, but whatever it was, it had Dr. Stark frowning thoughtfully down at his tablet, even as she gave him the rundown on the situation. Not that he wasn't paying attention—he was, and had already asked various questions about Legal's and PR's upcoming campaign—but something was most definitely on his mind.

"You okay, boss? You look a little…"

He jerked a little and blinked. "Oh, no, I'm okay. Great, even. Just…thinking. About proxy fights, and investments, and sunk costs."

Maria couldn't help but frown at him slightly in concern, but he merely shook his head and waved her off with a slight smile.

"It's nothing. It can wait. Just food for thought." Dr. Stark said, before shaking his head again and focusing on the matter at hand. "Back to business. So Ross' trying to impede our movements just as things are heating up, right? And how're things looking on that front with the UN?"

This time, Maria didn't even bother hiding her groan. "Wakanda's already making noise about extraditing Barnes. Probably going to try him for attempted regicide, with our luck, and we both know how well that's going to end."

"Well, shit." Dr. Stark muttered, leaned back, and rubbed his temples. "On the plus side, I don't think they've got enough international treaties with that clause set up for it to be much of a threat, we can use that—"

"Sorry, boss, but I don't think they're aiming for due process. If I understand correctly, they're going to send someone in—"

But before she could continue further, FRIDAY spoke up. "Hey, boss? Officer Hill? I think you're going to want to see this."

With that, Dr. Stark's tablet switched from the latest contracts being disputed, to a—oh, come on.

Dr. Stark's voice sounded as disbelieving as she felt. "Please tell me that's not a live police chase I'm seeing, Fri. Please."

"Never mind that," Maria couldn't help but say, unable to tear her eyes from the screen, "tell me that's not Captain America who's being arrested live on CNN."

"Oh, fuck, I can't watch." Dr. Stark groaned, and this situation felt so surreal, Maria felt a nearly irresistible urge to burst out laughing.

"Well…at least we know where Rogers is now."

"Sir," JARVIS finally chipped in, "the man in black has been identified by Col. Rhodes as Prince T'Challa, and is currently in custody for his involvement in the incident."

Seeing Murphy's Law in action was actually pretty impressive, Maria had to admit. "So Wakanda sent its Crown Prince to do the retrieval? This day just keeps getting better and better."

She didn't have enough caffeine to deal with this. At all.

JARVIS was most displeased by recent events. Sir's readings were approaching less-than-optimal levels yet again. Stress, once again, was posing a risk to Sir's health, and there was little he could do to help.

Not only that, but someone had figured a workaround to JARVIS' personal security, and the Iron Legion was hard at work, dealing with the aftermath of the UN attack. The UN attack that he had been unable to prevent, because of a flaw in the Iron Legion he had yet to identify, and said security breach was an insult to his very existence with every second that passed.

The only silver lining to be found was in the reactions expressed in the company's internal communications. While the circumstances themselves were remarkably stressful, he could not help but be slightly pleased by the effect it was having on everyone in the company, as well. The bureaucratic war machine that was Stark Industries had been primed for such an eventuality, and seeing the way they were reacting had everyone involved bumped up a few grades in his primary protocols, because…well, JARVIS approved. Greatly.

He had already informed Legal of his previous forays into compiling a case on former General Ross, and had passed on the pertinent details and data mined. Not only that, but he had shifted the pertinent subroutines and allocated more processing power to the enterprise, to ensure the man's career was obliterated, because no one threatened Sir and got away with it. No one.

Ross was currently number one on his Threat Assessment Index, and JARVIS was acting accordingly. Legal had his full assistance in their venture to crush the man, and he was looking forward to it.

Tony took a deep breath, and then another.

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, or if he felt slightly warmer than usual—but that didn't really fit with how Extremis worked, now did it? He wasn't in a state of distress or agitation that'd override his safeguards, there's no reason he shouldn't be anything but calm and in control of the situation…then he glanced at the tablet again, and he felt his head starting to pound in earnest again.

Right. Stress, one of the few things that could give him a headache now, right.

He turned away from the spectacle, away from Rhodey's arresting Captain America and the Winter Soldier—hey, at least he wouldn't have to deal with that, yay for silver lining—closed his eyes, and valiantly resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall because his life was a goddamn cosmic joke.

Great.

Like Ross wasn't bad enough, like the UN attack wasn't enough, now this? If the world was trying to overwhelm him, it was doing a good job.

As if on cue, his phone started to ring, and Tony couldn't help but look to Hill, who gave him a sympathetic tilt of the head as her own tablet started to chime with the influx of intra-office communications that were doubtlessly going to be discussing this latest development.

"JARVIS, get the coffeemaker going again. And get ready to make more of my emergency stash, I think we're almost out of caffeine powder at this rate and we're going to need all hands on deck." Tony said, before biting the bullet and picking up his phone.

They wanted him in Germany. For the Avengers, and Winter Soldier. Of course they did.

If Tony had hated Ross one iota less, he might've been tempted to just stay out of it. As it was, like hell he was cleaning up their mess this time around, but since it was several countries who were concerned about it and a single visit would assuage that and get him some leeway with dealing with others, he could deal.

…his patience was receding, slowly but steadily, and Thor help Ross if they crossed paths again, but he could deal. For now, anyway.

Notes:

Unreliable narrator moments:

— Natasha's not wrong, per se; there's actually quite a few people conflating Tony with the company, in some respects. Basically, remember Ross' mistake, in thinking that taking on Tony was going to be easy because he was just one guy, and not realizing he'd pissed off the entire company? That's the exact opposite of what's going on in everyone else's minds at the moment. Plus, again, she formed her impression of him when he was dying, and never really changed it since. [She's going to be Team Cap, as per canon, btw.]

—JARVIS' Skynet has been showing for quite a while now, oops

—Everyone in SI's assuming Tony knows what's up, regarding Phase 3 [aka world domination]. Oops?

Doesn't seem like much's going on at the moment, but that's because when shit goes down it's going to be very, very fast. [Ross won't know what him him.]

I hope I did the Charlie Spencer thing justice; I'm trying to reduce the body count as much as possible, but I also felt that I shouldn't erase what he or his mother meant, narratively speaking. [I mentioned it on tumblr. The short version is I have quite a few feels about it.]

—————

This arc's even less cooperative than the AoU one, plus life happened. Fun.

again, this fic's mostly self-indulgence at heart, so expect some weird skips because, again, I liked AoU more than I did CW if you hadn't picked. up on that by now. Also, I'm trying to minimize bashing [please do that in the comments too, people, I'd rather hear back on what you liked narratively-speaking rather than if Character X is Problematic], hope it shows.

As always, erratic updates have been and will continue to be a thing. Broke student, here, this is my way of destressing but life happens.

On that note: it's been over a year since I first posted this fic. Show of hands, anyone remember the days where I'd hoped this would be like 5 chapters? Anyone?

...yeah, so much for that plan. Oops. *facepalm* btw, if anyone's curious, right now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it'll cap out at less than 50.