This action (disbanding of the team) haunted Steve, and make him feel frustrated / angry – an emotion that he would vent a few terrorists… and considering the fact that the Avengers had always been a part of Cap’s life since his revival, it would be an understandable reaction. Said anger or edginess would not go unnoticed by Agent 13, Sharon Carter, who would be assigned once again as liaison to Steve with S.H.I.E.L.D. – apparently, because of their shared history, Sharon would be one of a few agents that would not see Steve and freeze with intimidation, while addressing a living legend.
Sharon would be frank about her opinions with Steve. She would also be the agent Fury would ask, to bring in Steve for a very sensitive briefing to review the Winter Soldier dossier… all about a top Russian assassin, who’s work seemed to span decades – one who’s identity seemingly belonging to a long time partner of Steve.
For Steve, this realization would not have come at a worst time – though it might also be argued that it came at the most convenient time as well. The Winter Soldier problem was what Steve needed to get his mind off the Avengers’ disbanding. Here was an old friend – brainwashed and manipulated into being an unwilling puppet – a killing tool, and apparently, this tool was attempting to go against its programming. For the Winter Soldier dossier from S.H.I.E.L.D. was inconclusive – but Steve would somehow get his hands on a more complete and comprehensive dossier… one that would prove without a doubt that the Winter Soldier was trying to escape his conditioning.
Steve needed to know if he could save his old friend and war-time partner – Bucky Barnes… somehow, he had been given a second chance to right a long time failure… so Steve had to chase after the Winter Soldier.
Their initial post-war meeting would be a struggle for Steve – as he had to try and convince the Winter Soldier to stop, to prove that he was not yet ready to give up Bucky for lost – and in some level, Steve succeeded… though the Winter Soldier fled – ashamed of what he had become and would later go on a path of revenge against those that manipulated him… a path that both Steve and Sharon chased, with the hopes of catching up with Bucky. In the process, both Steve and Sharon got closer to each other – and once again, years of repressed emotions finally found their way out… Steve and Sharon crossed the line from being just acquaintances and mission companions, to that of lovers.
Fate would likewise seemingly smile at Steve in other things as well; for as a result of a prison breakout – several heroes would respond to the crisis and eventually team up to prevent the escape of all the inmates – though a sizable number had already left, it would be through the efforts of Cap, Spider-man, Luke Cage, Daredevil, the Sentry and Spider Woman - later on joined by Iron Man, that the breakout at the Raft would eventually be stopped.
The morning after, atop the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier, Steve and Tony would discuss that fact that the raft incident would emphasize the need for heroes – more specifically, a ready team, like the Avengers – and how disbanding the team may have been a mistake. Apparently, this time, Tony becomes convinced of the idea – and the two decide to give the idea another try.
The heroes who participated in the raft would then be approached – and through both Steve and Tony’s recruitment effort, most of them would later be considered as part of a new start – a new team, the New Avengers. Tony would also insist on a few changes – ones that according to him, were needed with the changing times. In line with this, Tony felt the need to tap the services of Wolverine. If Steve had anything to say at this time, he apparently thought to give Logan a chance to be part of the team… possibly doing a mental note to keep an eye on Wolverine’s use of his claws.
Just like any new team, there would be adjustment periods – one such adjustment, however, would be how Tony was seemingly acting more experimental and arbitrary with life and death – now that he had integrated the Extremis virus into himself, and in the process, seemingly fuse his armor into himself. When once confronted by Steve about this, Tony would react seemingly instinctively, and almost strangle Steve – Tony would stop himself, but Steve thought that he would have to have with Tony – and soon.
Still, Steve had a team again, and having resolved one frustration, Steve could better focus on another. It would not be until London – fighting against a long dormant but recently activated Sleeper, that both Steve and Bucky would finally find the chance to battle side by side – and to Steve, this would feel natural – like wearing a glove. It would be a good feeling, once again. But once the Sleeper was stopped, the Winter Soldier would once again disappear – Bucky was not yet ready to face and talk to Cap… instead, he would contact Fury, work with him… eventually talk to Namor, but fro the moment, avoid Steve.
Despite this, Steve was glad to know that Bucky was back – never mind that he still did not want to talk… he could wait. It would be around this time that he would also hear about Stamford – and the explosion that would change the status quo…
It was a mess… remains of children – hardly older than ten, all immolated, due to a fight between the New Warriors and some villains… never mind that the villain called Nitro caused the explosion, many people saw how it all started by way of a reality show. They watched the New Warriors – eager for some publicity, recklessly encounter the villains, not thinking where the battle would lead – nor of the devastating consequences it would bear on all the innocent bystanders.
Cap and many other heroes went to Stamford, to clean up the mess… they felt that it was the least they could do. An enraged public felt the gesture too little – too late. Congress, in the process of debating some form of Super human control, through registration – suddenly found those against the bill disintegrate… Stamford was just too terrible, and no logical debate would sway emotional debates of those who would say ‘We told you it was necessary – and here’s proof’.
Steve would be called by the new S.H.I.E.L.D. director – Maria Hill, and she would, perhaps out of overzealousness, instruct him to accompany a squad of specially trained agents – nicknamed Cape Killers, to apprehend his long known companions – remember, the bill had yet to be passed, though it could be said that said passing would have been a far gone conclusion. Still, Steve felt that this was wrong – and confronting the heroes would make matters worse.
Director Hill then orders the Cape Killers to arrest Cap – and he warns them to stand down. Once he notices that they are not complying with him, he makes a daring escape from the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier and proceeds to go underground to oppose the registration.
To Steve, forcing the heroes to register is wrong – it impinges on a right to privacy and it cannot be compared to people registering for a weapon since no secret identity is compromised – and once revealed, it would be so easy to steal the database filled with these identities… and the villains they face are by no means powerless – rather, some of these people have loved ones who’s lives will be endangered – as a form of retaliation for the heroism that they do.
It is a feeling – a belief that Steve feels strongly about. Though he understands Stamford – and may agree to the need to properly train others to avoid such incidents, forcing people to endanger their loved ones by revealing who they are… people, who for the most part, have selflessly dedicated their lives to protect others – these people do not deserve to be persecuted, hunted and incarcerated, just because they wish to protect their identity, their privacy and their family’s lives.
Steve is after all a person who knows quite well, that the law is sometimes dependent on wrong, emotional interpretations – and though he loves his country, he has not always seen eye to eye with its government. Steve strives for the country’s higher principles, and in this issue of registration, he feels – and strongly at that, that the country is once again wrong.
He’s willing to fight for his beliefs – and others are willing to stand beside him. He may be a man out of time… with outdated principles, as some would say. But these principles allow him to see things in uncompromising clarity – he is in a better position to know that what is the law is not always what is right. In fact, when a newly re-aligned Spider-man, after junking the pro side, asked Steve how he lives with representing a country that seemingly betrays what he stands for… basically wondering where Steve gets the impetus to continue the struggle, Steve quotes from Samuel Clemens – apparently going back to lessons learned in his formative years in school. Principles long a go ingrained in a simpler time – yet still timeless, if not necessary, more so these days, in a seemingly materialistic-focussed culture.
Steve’s stand against the registration has given others of like mind a very visible rallying point – and it can’t be a comfortable feeling for all the pro-registration personalities. Captain America/Steve Rogers, by virtue of his long and sterling career, has always used principle as his guide, and for this reason, he has the moral high ground. This could be why he is (rightfully) perceived as the greatest threat to the acceptance of the Super Hero registration Law.
Unfortunately, some of his actions (like accepting the Punisher into his camp and his non-negotiable stance) are being interpreted by some as somewhat eroding said high ground. While some heroes have decided to leave – seeing Steve’s uncompromising stance as wrong, others see his struggle and how his group has suffered, as their impetus to join.
What Steve does next, will help define not just his future – but his country’s future. He is, a gifted leader, a master tactician and knows that this is a very important war – one representing a struggle between of what is right, against what is law. Not that he is insensitive to the loss at Stamford, but he believes that the government – in its reactionary stance, is solving things the wrong way.
He has ever been a champion of freedom in whatever form, and has likewise been known to battle far stronger foes, with greater number and with nothing but resolve and his shield as his weapons of choice.
It is Steve’s hope that many people will eventually see, that bad though Stamford may have been – it might not be worse that losing the country’s heart, spirit and ideals of democracy – and anyone, despite which side they may be in, will easily agree…
Steve Rogers, of all people, represents and embodies said heart, spirit and ideals.
Sharon would be frank about her opinions with Steve. She would also be the agent Fury would ask, to bring in Steve for a very sensitive briefing to review the Winter Soldier dossier… all about a top Russian assassin, who’s work seemed to span decades – one who’s identity seemingly belonging to a long time partner of Steve.
For Steve, this realization would not have come at a worst time – though it might also be argued that it came at the most convenient time as well. The Winter Soldier problem was what Steve needed to get his mind off the Avengers’ disbanding. Here was an old friend – brainwashed and manipulated into being an unwilling puppet – a killing tool, and apparently, this tool was attempting to go against its programming. For the Winter Soldier dossier from S.H.I.E.L.D. was inconclusive – but Steve would somehow get his hands on a more complete and comprehensive dossier… one that would prove without a doubt that the Winter Soldier was trying to escape his conditioning.
Steve needed to know if he could save his old friend and war-time partner – Bucky Barnes… somehow, he had been given a second chance to right a long time failure… so Steve had to chase after the Winter Soldier.
Their initial post-war meeting would be a struggle for Steve – as he had to try and convince the Winter Soldier to stop, to prove that he was not yet ready to give up Bucky for lost – and in some level, Steve succeeded… though the Winter Soldier fled – ashamed of what he had become and would later go on a path of revenge against those that manipulated him… a path that both Steve and Sharon chased, with the hopes of catching up with Bucky. In the process, both Steve and Sharon got closer to each other – and once again, years of repressed emotions finally found their way out… Steve and Sharon crossed the line from being just acquaintances and mission companions, to that of lovers.
Fate would likewise seemingly smile at Steve in other things as well; for as a result of a prison breakout – several heroes would respond to the crisis and eventually team up to prevent the escape of all the inmates – though a sizable number had already left, it would be through the efforts of Cap, Spider-man, Luke Cage, Daredevil, the Sentry and Spider Woman - later on joined by Iron Man, that the breakout at the Raft would eventually be stopped.
The morning after, atop the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier, Steve and Tony would discuss that fact that the raft incident would emphasize the need for heroes – more specifically, a ready team, like the Avengers – and how disbanding the team may have been a mistake. Apparently, this time, Tony becomes convinced of the idea – and the two decide to give the idea another try.
The heroes who participated in the raft would then be approached – and through both Steve and Tony’s recruitment effort, most of them would later be considered as part of a new start – a new team, the New Avengers. Tony would also insist on a few changes – ones that according to him, were needed with the changing times. In line with this, Tony felt the need to tap the services of Wolverine. If Steve had anything to say at this time, he apparently thought to give Logan a chance to be part of the team… possibly doing a mental note to keep an eye on Wolverine’s use of his claws.
Just like any new team, there would be adjustment periods – one such adjustment, however, would be how Tony was seemingly acting more experimental and arbitrary with life and death – now that he had integrated the Extremis virus into himself, and in the process, seemingly fuse his armor into himself. When once confronted by Steve about this, Tony would react seemingly instinctively, and almost strangle Steve – Tony would stop himself, but Steve thought that he would have to have with Tony – and soon.
Still, Steve had a team again, and having resolved one frustration, Steve could better focus on another. It would not be until London – fighting against a long dormant but recently activated Sleeper, that both Steve and Bucky would finally find the chance to battle side by side – and to Steve, this would feel natural – like wearing a glove. It would be a good feeling, once again. But once the Sleeper was stopped, the Winter Soldier would once again disappear – Bucky was not yet ready to face and talk to Cap… instead, he would contact Fury, work with him… eventually talk to Namor, but fro the moment, avoid Steve.
Despite this, Steve was glad to know that Bucky was back – never mind that he still did not want to talk… he could wait. It would be around this time that he would also hear about Stamford – and the explosion that would change the status quo…
It was a mess… remains of children – hardly older than ten, all immolated, due to a fight between the New Warriors and some villains… never mind that the villain called Nitro caused the explosion, many people saw how it all started by way of a reality show. They watched the New Warriors – eager for some publicity, recklessly encounter the villains, not thinking where the battle would lead – nor of the devastating consequences it would bear on all the innocent bystanders.
Cap and many other heroes went to Stamford, to clean up the mess… they felt that it was the least they could do. An enraged public felt the gesture too little – too late. Congress, in the process of debating some form of Super human control, through registration – suddenly found those against the bill disintegrate… Stamford was just too terrible, and no logical debate would sway emotional debates of those who would say ‘We told you it was necessary – and here’s proof’.
Steve would be called by the new S.H.I.E.L.D. director – Maria Hill, and she would, perhaps out of overzealousness, instruct him to accompany a squad of specially trained agents – nicknamed Cape Killers, to apprehend his long known companions – remember, the bill had yet to be passed, though it could be said that said passing would have been a far gone conclusion. Still, Steve felt that this was wrong – and confronting the heroes would make matters worse.
Director Hill then orders the Cape Killers to arrest Cap – and he warns them to stand down. Once he notices that they are not complying with him, he makes a daring escape from the S.H.I.E.L.D. heli-carrier and proceeds to go underground to oppose the registration.
To Steve, forcing the heroes to register is wrong – it impinges on a right to privacy and it cannot be compared to people registering for a weapon since no secret identity is compromised – and once revealed, it would be so easy to steal the database filled with these identities… and the villains they face are by no means powerless – rather, some of these people have loved ones who’s lives will be endangered – as a form of retaliation for the heroism that they do.
It is a feeling – a belief that Steve feels strongly about. Though he understands Stamford – and may agree to the need to properly train others to avoid such incidents, forcing people to endanger their loved ones by revealing who they are… people, who for the most part, have selflessly dedicated their lives to protect others – these people do not deserve to be persecuted, hunted and incarcerated, just because they wish to protect their identity, their privacy and their family’s lives.
Steve is after all a person who knows quite well, that the law is sometimes dependent on wrong, emotional interpretations – and though he loves his country, he has not always seen eye to eye with its government. Steve strives for the country’s higher principles, and in this issue of registration, he feels – and strongly at that, that the country is once again wrong.
He’s willing to fight for his beliefs – and others are willing to stand beside him. He may be a man out of time… with outdated principles, as some would say. But these principles allow him to see things in uncompromising clarity – he is in a better position to know that what is the law is not always what is right. In fact, when a newly re-aligned Spider-man, after junking the pro side, asked Steve how he lives with representing a country that seemingly betrays what he stands for… basically wondering where Steve gets the impetus to continue the struggle, Steve quotes from Samuel Clemens – apparently going back to lessons learned in his formative years in school. Principles long a go ingrained in a simpler time – yet still timeless, if not necessary, more so these days, in a seemingly materialistic-focussed culture.
Steve’s stand against the registration has given others of like mind a very visible rallying point – and it can’t be a comfortable feeling for all the pro-registration personalities. Captain America/Steve Rogers, by virtue of his long and sterling career, has always used principle as his guide, and for this reason, he has the moral high ground. This could be why he is (rightfully) perceived as the greatest threat to the acceptance of the Super Hero registration Law.
Unfortunately, some of his actions (like accepting the Punisher into his camp and his non-negotiable stance) are being interpreted by some as somewhat eroding said high ground. While some heroes have decided to leave – seeing Steve’s uncompromising stance as wrong, others see his struggle and how his group has suffered, as their impetus to join.
What Steve does next, will help define not just his future – but his country’s future. He is, a gifted leader, a master tactician and knows that this is a very important war – one representing a struggle between of what is right, against what is law. Not that he is insensitive to the loss at Stamford, but he believes that the government – in its reactionary stance, is solving things the wrong way.
He has ever been a champion of freedom in whatever form, and has likewise been known to battle far stronger foes, with greater number and with nothing but resolve and his shield as his weapons of choice.
It is Steve’s hope that many people will eventually see, that bad though Stamford may have been – it might not be worse that losing the country’s heart, spirit and ideals of democracy – and anyone, despite which side they may be in, will easily agree…
Steve Rogers, of all people, represents and embodies said heart, spirit and ideals.
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