Amid heated public debate, half a month passed in the blink of an eye. The United Nations conference in Vienna commenced as scheduled...
The Superhero/Superhuman Registration Act which was proposed by S.H.I.E.L.D. and unanimously approved by the World Security Council was set to be signed at 2:30 PM that day.
A total of 117 countries had expressed their support and joined the initiative.
Since the proposal of the Registration Act, many superheroes had already chosen to publicly reveal their identities and register with the authorities, just as mutants had done before. Among them were household names like the Fantastic Four, the widely known Iron Man, Spider-Man who was active in Queens, and the soon-to-retire Hawkeye... Clint Barton.
On the other hand, being led by Captain America, Falcon, and street-level vigilantes like the Punisher and Luke Cage; those who refused to comply with the Act wanted nothing to do with the government. They had zero trust in official institutions, and soon enough, they would all find themselves on the wanted list.
With the successful implementation of Project Insight, S.H.I.E.L.D. had undeniably become the most powerful entity on the planet, wielding supreme authority. Nick Fury's original vision had now become reality... except the hand holding this Sword of Damocles had changed.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had ushered in a new leadership team: General Thaddeus Ross at the helm, Umbrella's Sean Cyphers as the senior advisor, and Helmut Zemo replacing Maria Hill as the new commander, forming a completely new structure.
Soon, with the gradual infusion of a new generation, this colossal organization would sever all ties with Nick Fury...
"We live in a mad world. Our skies are filled with costumed superheroes and costumed supervillains. Not long ago, we also learned that Earth is no longer the sole cradle of life in this galaxy. There is no denying it... the world is changing at a breakneck pace. We stand at the crossroads between the old world and a new era."
Standing in the UN assembly hall, Sean, as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s representative, spoke with the composure of a university professor before the delegations of over a hundred nations.
"We were once grateful for the emergence of superheroes. They saved people in times of crisis, gave hope to the weak, and courage to the fearful. They were the beacons of this world, guiding the direction of our hearts. But like two sides of the same coin, their existence has also brought chaos and danger…"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s data shows that ever since Mr. Stark declared himself Iron Man years ago, the frequency of superhuman appearances has multiplied. In the same period, the number of potential global threats has risen proportionally… Superheroes save lives, but they also ignite conflicts and breed disasters. This is why S.H.I.E.L.D. proposed the Superhero/Superhuman Registration Act. Any power that stands above governments and laws must be subject to oversight and restraint. This is the first step toward global security, and the new world order..."
Thunderous applause erupted in the assembly hall. The globally broadcasted speech sparked deep reflection... even from fugitives like Captain America, who was watching from a hotel room in Romania.
...
Truthfully, Steve had briefly hesitated about the Registration Act...
He still remembered how senators had once used him as a propaganda tool for war bonds, reducing him to a stage performer.
Everyone is driven by interests. If S.H.I.E.L.D. could control superheroes, the Avengers would become mere tools. Regardless of the outcome, the original intent would be lost.
That was why he refused to surrender his freedom of choice, even if he knew resistance was futile.
"I don't know if this is right or wrong. But someone has to stand up." Steve turned to Sam.
Half a month ago, he and Tony had parted ways. Partly because of Bucky, but mostly due to ideological differences.
Iron Man believed submitting to government oversight might quell the chaos. Captain America, however, insisted that superheroes must remain free...
"What's your plan once you find him?" Sam changed the subject.
The former soldier had chosen to stand with Steve, and together, they had spent weeks tracking the Winter Soldier.
Most knew Bucky was Steve's closest friend. Museums still commemorated James Buchanan Barnes as the only Howling Commando who had died a hero's death.
Who would've thought the man who fell from the train would resurface as Hydra's assassin; the Winter Soldier, the killer of Howard and Maria Stark, a man with blood on his hands from countless missions?
It was hard to judge who was right or wrong in their fight with Tony.
Stark sought vengeance for his parents, while Steve believed Bucky had been a brainwashed weapon.
His crimes were real, but the true culprit was Hydra...
"Get answers. Then ensure Bucky faces justice. Whether that's a lifetime in prison or a life of remorse… But he can't die by Tony's hand. That's vengeance, not justice." Steve shook his head, remembering his days in Brooklyn, back when he was a 90-pound weakling.
His father had served in the 107th Infantry before dying from mustard gas. His mother, a tuberculosis ward nurse, was killed by a stray bullet. Bucky's father had also been in the 107th, and died in a training accident.
They shared the same past. Orphaned early, raised on propaganda, and eager to serve their country.
Stubborn Steve was always getting beaten up, refusing to back down. If not for Bucky, there might never have been a Captain America.
"Project Insight is active. S.H.I.E.L.D. will find Bucky soon. We have to get to him before Tony does." Steve said, his expression grim.
He didn't want conflict. It was all pointless fighting.
In a way, he had betrayed Tony. He'd learned the truth about Howard's death from Zola but never told Stark. If only he had. Maybe things wouldn't have escalated this far.
Now, Iron Man was too furious to listen. The chance for reconciliation was gone.
As Steve watched the UN broadcast, his eyes lowered. The old era was truly over. People saw him as a legend from history... Captain America, the star-spangled icon.
But beneath the uniform, who remembered Steve Rogers, the skinny kid from Brooklyn?
"Who am I?" He often asked himself.
A ghost stranded in the new century? Or just a lost soldier, left behind by time?