In the grand hall of the United Nations, representatives from various countries mingled and conversed after signing the bill, awaiting the upcoming grand banquet.
Though over a hundred nations were present, the true power lay with the five permanent members of the Security Council, who also happened to be the highest decision-makers of the World Security Council.
The so-called democratic voting and treaty signing were nothing more than a public performance... a formality to announce decisions to the world.
Behind the scenes, backroom deals and interest exchanges had long been settled. Though the UN claimed to promote international law, global security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and world peace, its essence remained a platform for the strong to dictate terms.
The five major powers held the real authority, while smaller nations merely played the role of supporting actors, adding to the spectacle.
It was precisely this understanding that drove Sean to infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D., indirectly influencing the World Security Council, expanding his reach, and consolidating power...
Standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows, the young man felt a quiet satisfaction.
Dressed formally and wearing sunglasses, Tony Stark approached. As the poster child of the Avengers and a public supporter of the Registration Act, his presence was significant.
Not far away stood the Fantastic Four, along with a slightly nervous Peter Parker. The latter was attending such an event for the first time as a publicly acknowledged superhero. Unlike others, the friendly neighborhood hero had already found happiness and was soon to marry his dream girl, Mary Jane.
His career at the Daily Bugle thrived. Even his notoriously stingy boss, J. Jonah Jameson, had recently proposed a superhero column dedicated to revealing the man behind Spider-Man's mask...
...
"It's not all bad, is it?" Sean glanced at Tony, who seemed in low spirits, "Still thinking about the Winter Soldier?"
Ever since parting ways with Captain America, Iron Man had slipped back into his old anxious state; sleepless, and relying on work to distract himself. Even Pepper had privately confided in Sean, expressing her concerns.
"Next time you plan to use me as your poster boy, at least give me a heads-up." Tony deflected.
He didn't want to discuss the cold-blooded killer who had murdered his parents.
To him, Captain America's defense of the Winter Soldier was nothing short of betrayal. Not just to him, but to his father.
After a moment of silence, Tony slammed his fist against the bulletproof glass, the dull thud drawing curious glances, "How could he not care at all? My father saw him as a friend, one of the men he admired most, and that bastard chose to defend the one who killed him!"
"People's loyalties always lean one way," Sean remarked casually, "If you had to choose between Pepper and anyone else, you'd pick her without hesitation. Barnes is Rogers' closest friend. They fought side by side, and trusted each other with their lives. That kind of bond isn't something ordinary people can understand."
Even without the Sokovia crisis, the Civil War had unfolded in its own way. Though Sean's subtle manipulations hadn't made things any better.
With obstacles gradually clearing, there was no longer a need to hide his dual identity as Sean Cyphers and Sentinel.
Soon, it would be time to reveal himself to the world in a grand fashion...
"Has S.H.I.E.L.D. tracked Barnes down yet?" Tony asked as he turned away.
Only by capturing the Winter Soldier could he silence the nightmares haunting him.
"Last known location was four hours ago. He should still be in Romania. But finding one man among 20 million isn't easy." Sean shrugged.
The Winter Soldier had served his purpose. Now he was just bait, luring Captain America and Iron Man into a final confrontation that would shatter the Avengers for good.
"I heard S.H.I.E.L.D. built a special prison for people like us?" Tony changed the subject.
"Not my idea." Sean raised his hands in mock surrender, "That prison was originally designed for mutants. Years ago, before you became Iron Man, Magneto and his Brotherhood were causing havoc. The government built an underwater facility called 'The Raft'."
"You didn't answer my question." Tony's smile was sardonic.
He knew governments all too well. They were like a client who discards a courtesan after getting what they want. This was why he'd always been wary of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Saving the world? Maintaining order? Those were just noble-sounding excuses. Only a fool would take them at face value.
"I understand your concerns, Tony." Sean placed a hand on his shoulder, "If you want to change the world, working from the inside is easier than fighting from the outside. Politics, capital games... they all have rules. People like us can master them effortlessly."
"Greed, selfishness, the pursuit of profit… these are human flaws, but also the driving forces of evolution. Suppressing them is pointless. Why not use them instead?" Sean spoke frankly.
If he had said this to Captain America, the man would've scolded him without hesitation. But Tony Stark was different.
Born into wealth, and being the son of an American arms tycoon, he understood the rules of the upper world far better than Steve Rogers, the skinny kid from Brooklyn.
Though Tony had once looked down on the dirty dealings of power and money, leaving them to Obadiah Stane, that didn't mean the former playboy was ignorant of how they worked.
"Presidents need votes, reputation, and support. General Ross wants glory, and a legacy. The World Security Council serves national interests. As the saying goes, 'All men labor under the sun for fame and profit'. As long as we offer the right price, we'll always stay on the winning side." Sean's grip on Tony's shoulder tightened, his eyes gleaming with conviction.
Stark absorbed the words, impressed by the younger man's depth of insight.
"Your Ultron program... if integrated with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Project Insight, it could become humanity's ultimate shield. A global safety net that watches over this planet." Sean's voice thrummed with restrained excitement.
Tony seemed swayed. He had never intended to cooperate with S.H.I.E.L.D., but now, his resolve wavered.
"Maybe you're right." he murmured.
To be a true superhero, one didn't always need to play by the rules.
Sometimes, shadows and schemes achieved far more than righteousness ever could...