~Stark Tower, Top-floor Lounge~
Tony reclined on the sofa, his legs propped up on the table, the picture of casual irreverence.
He tugged at his tie, casting a sidelong glance at Sean seated by the bar, "You know I've never been fond of dealing with government types. That was true when Fury was around... and now with Ross, it's only going to get worse."
"I thought you'd at least humor me. After all, the great Iron Man owes this nobody a few favors," Sean replied, pouring himself a drink and taking a sip, "The Registration Act is gaining momentum. The outcry is loud, both from the government and the public."
"...Among the Avengers, Captain Rogers has refused to accept the Act. Clint Barton is retiring. Thor is back in Asgard. And Dr. Banner has already agreed. Tony, everyone has to pick a side, choose a camp, and align themselves. You understand that better than I do."
Stark fell silent for a long moment...
As a former arms dealer, he knew the rules of the game played by those in power. When conflict brewed, everyone had to choose a side, or face being ganged up on by the rest.
Stark Industries had once been firmly backed by the Department of Defense and had always been a steadfast ally of the military. After shutting down weapons manufacturing and pivoting to energy, they had turned to courting Congress for policy support.
No matter the industry, alliances and quid pro quos were an unchanging reality.
"Tony Stark can have a stance. But Iron Man can't," the mustached man said, his usual irreverent grin fading, "Captain Rogers is right. The Avengers were formed to make the world safer. We can't become government tools."
In the original timeline, the Sokovia crisis and the Battle of New York had forced Tony to confront the consequences of superheroes' actions, leading him to support the Accords and government oversight, which put him at odds with Captain America.
But in this world, none of that had happened. Iron Man still stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Cap.
"I know you're close with Ross. You've even joined S.H.I.E.L.D. as a senior advisor and are overseeing its restructuring... I don't care about Fury's true allegiance, or last century's grudges between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra. Those are old stories." Tony exhaled deeply.
He had spent a lot of time lately thinking about the Superhero Registration Act, about what it meant to be a superhero...
The world wasn't entirely kind to Iron Man. The Pentagon constantly griped about him ignoring sovereignty and borders, acting unilaterally without regard for consequences.
Every superhero faced similar criticisms. Even the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, New York's beloved hero, was no favorite of the NYPD. Commissioner George Stacy had publicly denounced vigilantes as undermining the law, calling for government oversight.
"I want to keep the right to choose. At the very least, I won't let the Pentagon or the White House order me around like they do with Rhodey." Tony shook his head.
Before Sean arrived, he had discussed this with Reed. The Fantastic Four had been the first to sign the accords. Unlike the Avengers, they didn't handle international crises or global threats.
As celebrity superheroes, the Four were more like public figures. They appeared on talk shows, attended NYPD ribbon-cuttings and fire department galas, and occasionally stopped bank robbers or mercenaries.
Sean smiled and said, "But you have to face reality. In two weeks, the UN will convene in Vienna to formalize the Superhero Registration Act. This isn't just S.H.I.E.L.D. or America's decision. 117 nations will vote. The whole world is watching."
S.H.I.E.L.D. needed poster-child superheroes for PR. Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man; they were perfect for the role.
Captain America would've been the ideal candidate, but he would never agree. Probably because it would remind him too much of his USO days, where he was made to dance onstage in a star-spangled costume to sell war bonds.
"Maybe Rogers can stand his ground against the world. But you can't, Tony." Sean's tone turned grave, "You're not alone. Just like when Stark Industries faced Pentagon pressure, this will be worse."
"Superheroes want freedom. The world needs order. The Avengers will bear the brunt... You will no longer a private organization. Every move you make will be under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s watch."
The lounge fell silent. Tony moved to the bar, poured amber liquor over ice and downed it in one gulp, fire burning down his throat.
"You're one hell of a lobbyist." Stark's eyes betrayed his inner conflict.
He had always been a free spirit... a playboy even the Pentagon had to tolerate. After a string of crises, he'd matured somewhat, shedding some of his devil-may-care attitude. Even Pepper had noticed the change.
"I'm not asking you to sign today. The Act won't take effect immediately. You've got time to weigh the pros and cons." Sean shrugged.
He understood Tony's dilemma. But this was inevitable. Superheroes couldn't operate unchecked. Even without his interference, this day would've come.
A new world order demanded stability. And the Avengers and all superheroes were obstacles in its path.
Rather than entrusting global security to them, why not create a superhuman army that followed orders? Mutants, super-soldiers, Umbrella's genetic evolution projects. Superheroes would soon be relics.
Individual power paled against the tide of history. In its face, everyone was insignificant.
"Tony, you poured everything into Ultron to create a perfectly safe world. Now that chance is here. With Project Insight, the entire planet is under S.H.I.E.L.D.'s watch. We can deploy superheroes to any crisis, anywhere. Compromise lets everyone come to the discussion table. I came to you first because I don't want to see Iron Man on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most-wanted list."
Sean studied Stark intently, then produced a tape labeled December 16, 1991.
He explained, "I found this in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s archives. You deserve to know the truth."
Several drinks in, Tony numbly took it. The date triggered painful memories. It was the day that he lost his parents...
...
{T/N: Any dope untranslated DC or MARVEL fics out there? Preferably non-harem?}