John Walker gets Justice

Author's Notes I do not own Marvel, nor do I in anyway help with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If I did, the MCU would be a much different, much better direction going forward than it is now.

All I own in my OC Graham Williams who makes an appearance in this story, and a new OC General Richardson.

I have had this idea for a one-shot in my head for awhile now, recently watched the Thunderbolts film, which I thought it was very mediocre at best and one thing in it really annoyed me. In the movie, they claim that Walker killed an innocent man in the quite frankly really bad Falcon and The Winter Soldier series on Disney Plus

When that just is not the case, plus Walker got screwed over in the show, when he was punished for killing a damn terrorist, especially when that terrorist was fighting Walker, throwing concrete at him, which would have killed anyone else. Which happened literally 19 seconds before Walker killed that terrorist in battle. 19 seconds. Watched the scene and counted to make sure that was accurate.

Plus, a terrorist who helped murder Walker's best friend in cold blood as well and was involved in other murders of innocents. A lot of those who hate on Walker, seem to forget that fact.

This story will also be somewhat Sam critical, as to be honest, that speech he gave at the end of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it was so cringe and made Sam look like an idiot, he did have no idea how complicated the situation that world leaders faced was. In something that never happened before and would be such a chaotic mess.

And I never had any ounce of sympathy for Karli or the Flagsmashers. They were terrorists! No better than HYDRA!

I only had sympathy for all of those who came back after 5 years of being dead and ended up with no home, no money, no jobs, no healthcare, nothing. Honestly why shouldn't the governments have helped them. They were the ones most in need.

And honestly, I would imagine if the governments did not do something to help them, they would have been doing terror attacks like the Flagsmashers and be 10 times worse, which would have just added more fuel to the fire in the situation post Snap.

Really hated how the MCU glossed over the aftermath of the Snap being undone in Endgame, it could have and should have been done a lot better.

So, this is a one-shot that fixes all of that.

Lastly, I want to thank my beta-reader, Fenrisulven13 for proof reading this story for me. I highly recommend all of you read his fanfics.

Enough of an author's notes, on with the one-shot.

Washington DC

As the media circus died down, once John Walker aka Captain America went into the building, an older man who looked at the media morons with sheer hatred in his eyes, before went to enter the building himself.

The sham hearing was already going on, raised voices could be heard as the man overseeing the hearing, Senator Armstrong was saying "John F Walker. It is the order of this Council that you are not to act in any capacity as a representative of the United States government or it is military. You are hereby stripped of your -"

Whatever else the senator was going to say was interrupted as the door to the room opened and the senator and others were shocked at who was entering the room.

It was none other than former general and former secretary of state, Thaddeus Ross, who was dressed in his former uniform as a general with his medals on display.

Also with Ross was a man Walker knew well, his commanding officer, General Richardson, out of habit Walker saluted him and the general saluted back.

Senator Armstrong, trying to regain control of this situation asked "What is the meaning of this exactly?"

Former General Ross answered "I am simply here Senator Armstrong to show my support to a fellow soldier. This whole thing is an absolute outrage!"

General Richardson asked "Has Captain Walker, been allowed to give testimony to explain his actions for what happened last week in Latvia?"

Senator Armstrong answered "No, but that is not necessary."

General Richardson took several steps forward, towards the table where Armstong and the others were saying in shock and some anger "It is necessary Senator. That man has the right to give testimony. To tell his version of what happened. Last I checked, we live in a democratic country. Where people have the right to a fair trial, a fair hearing, to give their own version of events. Politicians like you, have rights that has been kept intact, because people like me, people like General Ross, people like Captain Walker. So many before us, put on the uniform and fought to defend this country. To defend others and to stop oppression from tyrants in the world, some of the worst of the worst of humanity and many have died doing so. Captain Walker has earned the right to tell his side of the story."

Among those gathered for the hearing, a lot of them soldiers, nodded in agreement at that declaration from General Richardson.

The senator said "Very well. Captain Walker. What happened in Lativa last week."

Walker was silent for a moment, remembering what happened and started to explain what happened, the fight with the Flagsmasher terrorists, that he and Lemar fought against, how they got help from former Avengers Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson in the fight.

How the man Walker killed, had held him in place for the leader of the Flagsmasher's Karli Morgenthau was ready to stab Walker to death, Lemar, being who he was, did what any soldier, anyone would do for a comrade, for a friend.

Walker said "The terrorist who I later killed, during the fight, he grabbed me from behind, held me in place, rendering me helpless as Karli Morgenthau had a knife in hand and was about to stab me to death. Lemar, seeing this, stopped her, she attacked him and with the serum flowing through her, she hit hard into a concrete pillar, he died on impact. Lemar for one damn second hesitated, he saved my life, he gave the ultimate sacrifice and I have to with that. The guilt that I had to watch on, helpless as a man I known since childhood. A man like my brother died before me and I could not do anything to stop it!"

He started to get choked up as he talked about how Lemar was killed, punched into a pillar by a psycho terrorist who had the super soldier serum in her.

Other soldiers there had looks of sympathy as Walker talked about what happened next, how he went to check on Lemar, seeing he was dead, the terrorists getting away, focusing on the mission, take down these Flagsmasher terrorists.

Walker explained "The terrorists were fleeing. I could not let them get away and more innocent lives be put at risk. I went after the first one of them I saw, he ran, threw a piece of concrete at my head, was able to deflect it with my shield. I knocked him down; he tried to get back up to continue the fight, not just once, but twice. At no point, during this, did he have his hands up or say the words I surrender. Under the rules of engagement in war like that. If an enemy does not surrender, tries to get back up to continue the fight, like he was, not to mention having the super soldier serum in him, making him a weapon, even without a gun or knife in his hands, his whole body is practically a weapon. I did what I had to do and I eliminated a threat, who could have posed a threat to other innocent people, like all of those in the immediate area when that fight happened. I was not going to let more innocents suffer at the hands of those terrorists. If it was not for Lemar, I would have died then and those terrorists might have killed him next and taken out both Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson, having the numbers advantage on them in the fight."

Former General Ross spoke up saying "And if Captain Walker died at the hands of those terrorists, we would see more innocents dying and suffering at hands of these radical nutcases. You should not be condemning this man for doing his job. Doing the exact same thing that every soldier who puts on a uniform to defend his or her own country would do. Defeat enemies in battle and save innocent lives. You put him through this sham hearing for that. You disgrace the entire US military with this kangaroo court!"

Several soldiers in attendance started to speak up, voicing agreement with the former general's passionate words, as General Richardson said "Senator Armstrong, be warned, if this sham goes on and Captain Walker is punished in anyway at all. I will resign and other high ranking military officers will resign as well in protest over this. I have spoken with other generals; we are united on this! The world is in chaos Senator. The Snap Thanos did was undone, 3.5 billion people who were gone for 5 years are back. We are in a situation never experienced before in human history. It is a damn miracle the world did not fall apart after the Snap happened, never mind during the 5 years of insanity that followed it. Now look at the situation now, half the population is back and those 3.5 billion people. They are angry, one day they had homes, money, families, jobs, healthcare, social security, lives and then they are dusted. 5 years pass they are back and in the blink of an eye they have nothing whatsoever!"

The General was silent for a moment before saying "My eldest nephew was dusted. He had a wife, he had children, he had a job. He comes back and suddenly 5 years have gone back in what was just mere seconds and now, his wife is dead, she killed herself in depression 3 years after the Snap, his children are being raised by someone else, other people are living in his home. He cannot get his kids back. He cannot even see them! As those raising his children will not give him visitation rights! This world is on a damn knife edge. Countries are on the verge of civil war and in the US right now, there are cities spilt into two sides, those who remained behind and those who came back. Half the city will kill the other half and the only thing that might stop them is the army and if high ranking officers like me resign over an injustice, who will command the army? Plus, the rank and file will be outraged, might lead some to talk of a coup to ger rid of idiots like you senator, the world is already crazy, a military coup in the United States is not as impossible as some things that happened over the years."

Senator Armstrong was silent at this as soldiers were in complete agreement, demanding that Captain Walker not be railroaded by this kangaroo court, suddenly another man entered, an older man, with a cane in his hands, who wore a black suit and said loudly "Senator Armstrong. My name is Graham Williams. I am the Special Advisor to the President. I am here on his authority and on his orders."

Graham took out a document from his coat and put it down on the desk in front of Senator Armstrong saying "From the President himself. Read it senator. Out loud!"

The senator opened the document and read it before saying "By Executive Order, this hearing, its transcript are classified top secret, all charges, and punishments are expunged from your permanent record. You will retain your rank and active service in the United States Military. Captain Walker. You are free to go!"

Walker was silent has he heard that, stunned and smiled slightly as his wife Olivia smiled and had tears of joy at the news.

General Richardson smiled at the declaration as Ross knew that the President would do the right thing.

Walker and his wife Olivia went to leave the room, when in unison every soldier stood up from their seats and saluted Walker, who saluted them back.

Graham Williams asked to speak with Walker in private for a moment, he let him know that he and those in the organization SHIELD who he once worked for, knew that he no longer had the shield that was given to him by the government, which once belonged to Steve Rogers, the original Captain America and would ensure it was kept quiet, offering to have a team sent to get the shield back for Captain America by force.

Walker told Graham "No, no. I do not want it. Sam Wilson has it. He can keep it. I never wanted to be Captain America. I just want to be a soldier and after all that is happened, I am going to need to take some leave to process what happened."

Graham nodded in understanding and offered his own condolences for the death of Lemar Hoskins.

After that, Walker, and Olivia, along with Richardson and Ross went to Lemar's funeral and Walker gave his condolences to Lemar's parents who were grateful that Walker took down one of the extremists who through the actions of these terrorists, killed their son.

Walker even talked with Lemar's wife Sasha and vowed, he would be there for her and the children, a promise and Lemar made to each other from their time in Afghanistan, that if anything happened to one of them, the other would look after the family. A promise that John was going to keep.

Former General Ross made some arrangements to get John an appointment with a good therapist to help him after what happened, and General Richardson ensured that John got the time off he needed to get better mentally.

He more than earned it.

Public reaction to the news that Captain America, John Walker was not facing any criminal charges or punishments at all for what happened in Latvia did initially cause outrage and anger at the US military for ensuring Walker got off with no consequences.

The outrage did not last for long, as just days later, more acts of terror were done by the Flagsmasher's, more innocents died. In their twisted ideology and nonsense saying of One World, One People.

All this did was accelerate plans that were being made for Patch Act to pass by the politicians who were trying to deal with a situation that no one ever faced before, doing their best in a crazy situation, dozens were dead, Senator Armstrong among them at the meeting held in New York City 2 months later that was held.

John and Olivia watched on TV as this happened live, looking on in shock and horror as the Flag Smashers, acted like the terrorists they were, just a bunch of bitter, angry little people with an insane agenda killed more innocents.

Most of the Flagsmasher's were shot dead in firefights with SHIELD agents and the leader of the terrorists Karli Morgenthau was dead, John smiled seeing that terrorist who murdered Lemar get what she deserved.

When the news showed Sam Wilson as the new Captain America, they watched as Sam found himself face to face with Graham Williams live on TV for the whole world to see.

Graham just said "So, you are the new Captain America now are you Mr Wilson. Interesting. The loss of life here today, is tragic, but most of the GRC council is still alive."

As some of the other survivors of the Global Repatriation Council started to arrive on the scene Graham said to them "I call for a vote! Here and now considering this terrorist attack by the Flagsmasher's and the tragic loss of life. The latest in many murders and terrorist actions by these people. I propose that the Patch Act be passed at once and we begin the process of sending all of those who remained behind, back to their own countries. So, all of those who came back can get their lives back! Otherwise, those who came back who are starting to get impatient at the long wait, might start to take up arms and outright murder people."

Sam suddenly said You have got to stop calling them terrorists!"

Graham laughed at loud at that before Sam could say anything else saying "But they are terrorists. What would you call it I wonder, when you have a group of people united by a goal for ideological reasons, who use violence and acts of terror to justify their goals. Like these Flagsmashers are doing. They have just tried to kill all of us to stop the Patch Act from passing, trying to prevent us, the people in charge from helping the people who deserve the help most of all. The 3.5 billion people who were dusted by an alien warlord who did it with a snap of his fingers, that you Avengers failed to stop. That you did not think to just go back in time, prevent this shit from ever happening in the first place! No, you just bring them all back 5 years later and leave us holding the bag, to clean up your mess!"

Graham was not done as he continued saying "These Flagsmashers, those who remained behind, who have this insane notion that things were better during the 5 years of chaos and fucking mayhem. They must have been living in la-la land. Things were awful. It was a nightmare, a lot of those who remained behind, who lost family thanks to Thanos. Some of them took their own lives. These Flagsmashers are stupid and greedy. They act with damn entitlement, thinking they can just roam free, like dogs off the lead, with no rules. Well, it is fucking wake up time! All of those who died are now back and they want what is theirs and some of them will use violence to take it back, if they must."

One Councilwoman from France spoke up "He is right. In my country, several murders have already happened. Home owners, who came back after the snap was undone, just murdered those living in their homes outright. Saying it is their property. They did not die, were just dusted for what was just a few seconds and they see someone else in their home. A lot of people are calling them heroes. How long until that inspires others and we see full on violence and chaos from those who came back against those left behind. That is what we here at the GRC are trying to prevent from happening, with the Patch Act, prevent massacres from happening!"

Another councilwoman who had initially been opposed to this plan to forcibly resettle people in the Patch Act then started to speak "I must admit, I was at first against this proposal to send 40 million people, those who remained behind after the snap, back to their own countries, so those who came back, can get their homes back. But after this act of terrorism, where others on the Council have died, including Senator Armstrong. I am changing my position. We cannot and should not give into the demands of terrorists. If we do that, on this, it will open the floodgates and every terrorist group will think they can do acts of terrorism, murder and create chaos and that everything they want will be granted to them, if enough people die. Pandora's Box would be opened and once it is open, it cannot be closed again!"

Graham Williams looked at the Council members around him and asked "I call for a vote! All those in favour of passing The Patch Act. Raise your hands!"

Everyone on the Council who was still alive did very quickly, the decision was unanimous.

The Flagsmashers in their entitlement, their arrogance and greed did not stop the world's governments from the resettlement plan, it just hardened the resolve of those to do it.

The peacekeepers soon went in and used force to get the resettlement done in months, as politicians who represented those who came back after they were dusted praised the GRC for doing what it was meant to do.

One politician from Ireland went on the TV and made his feelings known hours later "I am glad to see that the Global Repatriation Council has done what it set out to do from the very beginning. Help the real victims in all of this. The billions of people who were dusted 5 years, who had no choice in the matter, no say in what happened and came back after so long to see everything change. These terrorists, the Flagsmashers were no victims, they were here, alive, life went on for them. Those who came back after 5 years, came back, and lost everything. They need their homes, their jobs, their bank accounts re-activated, their healthcare, citizenship in their countries. Why should we have had to make our own people into refugees, governments and politicians are meant to protect their people. And the least we can do is help those who are back and need our help. Terrorists like these Flagsmashers, must be stomped out! They must not be allowed to endure and spread their poison like HYDRA was! Cut off the head of the snake and the cries of these, bitter, angry little people will fade into the background and never speak up again. As should be the case."

As the resettlement happened over the next few months, people online mocked Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, for his stupid speech he was making, showing how ignorant he was of the situation that was going on, the crisis that world governments were facing in the aftermath of the Snap being undone like it was after 5 years.

Seeing him as an idealistic fool, like Steve Rogers was, who in his arrogance, thought the Sokovia Accords were wrong, who never even bothered to read them.

And a lot of people now saw John Walker as a man who did nothing wrong, a true hero, a man who did what needed to be done to save innocent lives and some were calling for him to be made Captain America once again, preferring him over an idealistic fool like Sam Wilson.

Walker however, kept a low profile, he was on leave for long as he felt it was necessary by orders from high up, he spent months going to therapy to work through his issues, the lingering PTSD from his tours of duty in Afghanistan, seeing Lemar die in front of him, the guilt that made him feel.

It would take a while, but John Walker would become a better man after getting the help he needed to get better mentally and while he would never be Captain America again, he was offered a position in SHIELD, they had need of someone like him for special missions and Walker after talking with Olivia about it, who stood by him, accepted the offer.

John Walker would not be Captain America, something that was forced upon him. He would be his own man.

The end

Author's Notes, well that is the end of this story, read and review, no flames though OK and no scam comments from people offering AI artwork based on stories, that just infuriates me.