Chapter 155: The Avengers Protocol

Washington, D.C. - Avengers Compound

"Everything has been arranged. Both the Kingdom of Atlantis and Wakanda have agreed to let us build our bases there," Natasha informed Steve Rogers and Tony Stark.

"I'll handle the construction of the underwater base, but the facility in Wakanda will require T'Challa's assistance," Tony Stark said.

"I'll leave those matters to you. As for Natasha and Sam, you and Hill need to sort through the supplies here at the Avengers Compound and prepare to ship them to Wakanda first," Steve Rogers instructed.

"Got it!" Natasha turned around and headed off to work.

"Steve, Secretary Ross is looking for you. He's in the conference room," Colonel Rhodes said, walking over to Steve.

"Understood, I'll be right there," Steve Rogers replied. He asked Tony Stark to start drafting the blueprints for the underwater base, then stood up and walked toward the conference room.

Steve Rogers pushed open the door to the conference room and saw Ross and his secretary standing by the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Ross, what brings you here?" Steve Rogers asked.

"Steve, I came here to give you a heads-up on something," the gray-haired Ross turned around and said to Steve Rogers.

"What kind of news?" Steve Rogers asked.

"You've probably caught wind of it by now. One hundred and fifteen countries are currently mounting pressure on the United States, condemning the Avengers for interfering in other nations' internal affairs and carrying out unauthorized cross-border operations," Secretary Ross stated.

"And what do you plan to do? Or rather, what does the U.S. government plan to do?" Steve Rogers asked, looking straight at Ross.

"Don't get so worked up. Things haven't reached a catastrophic point just yet. Some nations have proposed that the Avengers sign a set of accords," Secretary Ross said.

"What kind of accords?" Steve Rogers asked, feigning ignorance.

"The Sokovia Accords, to put it simply. The Avengers will only be allowed to act under the supervision and approval of the United Nations, and a special oversight panel will be established. Frankly, this is the only compromise. After all, while you don't belong to any single nation's organization, your headquarters are right here on U.S. soil. Therefore, we must face the collective decision of those 115 countries together." Secretary Ross took the documents handed over by his secretary, passed them to Steve Rogers, and explained.

"We need to discuss this among ourselves before we can make a decision. We need time to deliberate," Steve Rogers said.

"Of course. After all, it's merely a proposal at this stage; there is still some time before any formal signing. I sincerely hope you all discuss this thoroughly," Secretary Ross told Steve Rogers.

"And if we refuse?" Steve Rogers asked, locking eyes with Ross.

"Then you will be forced into retirement. From that point on, any actions you take will be considered illegal, and you will face sanctions from the United Nations. So I strongly suggest you think this over carefully!" Secretary Ross replied before turning and leaving with his secretary.

Holding the agreements in his hand, Steve Rogers watched Ross's retreating figure and let out a sigh. Fortunately, they had already devised a contingency plan; now, it was simply a matter of buying time.

...

One Week Later
Avengers Compound Conference Room

All the members of the Avengers had gathered here. Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and Arthur were briefing everyone on the current situation.

"That's how things stand. Therefore, our decision is to leave the United States! We will transition the Avengers from operating in the open to working from the shadows. If anyone has any opinions, speak up now," Steve Rogers said.

The group looked among themselves, hesitant and unsure. However, Wanda, Pietro, Sam, and Bucky all readily supported the decision made by Steve Rogers and Arthur.

"I have a question," Peter Parker spoke up timidly from a corner of the room.

"Your situation is simple. You're still in school and can't just up and leave with us. So, when the time comes, we will announce the disbandment of the Avengers, and you can continue operating right here in New York," Steve Rogers said, anticipating Peter's concerns and delivering the conclusion directly.

"Then I don't have any questions," Peter Parker replied, lowering his head, having no objections.

"What about me? Do I have to go to Wakanda with you guys?" Scott Lang asked.

"You'll come with us for now. If you need to sneak back to check on your daughter later on, you can slip away quietly," Arthur told Scott Lang.

"Alright then," Scott Lang conceded.

"I'm taking a temporary break at home, so I won't be coming with you. If you ever need me, just call—no matter how far away it is, I'll be there!" Barton spoke up.

Barton had recently retired to stay home and care for his one-year-old son, and everyone fully understood his situation.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" Steve Rogers asked.

Silence filled the room. Everyone had tacitly agreed to the proposal put forward by Arthur and Steve Rogers.

"Since nobody has any further objections, our next step is to officially announce to the world that the Avengers have disbanded!" Steve Rogers declared to the group.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Over the past few days, the Avengers had already quietly transferred their crucial data and advanced weaponry to Wakanda.

The ordinary administrative and support staff at the Avengers Compound remained entirely unaware of these developments; their immediate future would likely involve being absorbed by the U.S. government.

The sixteen members blessed with superpowers were all the Avengers truly needed, and the team was now formally preparing to relocate its base of operations to Wakanda and Atlantis.

...

Vienna - United Nations General Assembly

Broadcasted live to millions of media outlets worldwide, the President of the United Nations took the podium to formally introduce the Sokovia Accords, co-signed by 115 UN member states, mandating that the Avengers could no longer deploy without the explicit consent of a UN oversight panel.

Any unauthorized actions by members of the Avengers would henceforth be regarded as acts of hostility toward sovereign nations, subjecting them to judgment by all 115 signatory countries.

An uproar swept through the assembly hall as the UN President concluded his announcement. The United Nations was officially moving against the Avengers, and every camera lens swiveled toward Natasha, Steve Rogers, and John Arthur, eager to capture their reactions.

Steve Rogers rose from his seat and, under the gaze of countless eyes, walked up to the podium to deliver an address as the representative of the Avengers.

"I am Steve Rogers, and I speak on behalf of every member of the Avengers," he began, standing tall and resolute before the sea of media and UN delegates.

"The Avengers offer our sincere apologies for the economic damage and civilian casualties caused during our past operations! The Avengers were founded to safeguard peace on Earth, and I can state proudly to the entire world that we have accomplished that mission! However, regarding the Sokovia Accords proposed by the United Nations, I can only say I am sorry—the Avengers cannot accept such an agreement. The nature of our work requires us to neutralize threats and minimize danger in the shortest possible time, which demands swift and decisive action." Steve Rogers paused to take a sip of water before continuing.

"Under external supervision, that level of responsiveness is impossible. Furthermore, requiring every single operation to be vetted by an oversight panel turns the Avengers into a blunt instrument for that committee. If individuals with malicious intent were ever to infiltrate the panel, the consequences would be utterly unimaginable. Therefore, we respectfully yet firmly decline this agreement."