| The news is in a flurry of activity as the television images switches from the news room to in front of a large solid gate and walls surrounding a property. A white plastic banner covers whatever is above the gate.
"In just a few moments, Tony Stark will be making a live press conference about a recent building project he has been behind in The Bronx." The female report smiles brightly, "And here he is!"
The gate opens slightly to permit Tony Stark, Captain America, and Iron Man to step out and to the makeshift little stage that has been set up there with nothing more than a mic. Stark is all smiles as he looks around at all the reports and clears his throat before speaking into the mic, his voice projecting well.
"Thank you all for attending my press conference, especially since you really have no idea what it is about." Stark chuckles a bit. "Honestly, I'm sure you all noticed that I've changed a lot since a near death experience in California. Not only that, but I was crippled for a while. It took everything in me to fight and keep the mentality that my life was /not/ over."
He takes a deep breath as the press hounds lean forward in their seats. "In either case, Stark Enterprises has become a company for the people of Earth, not just for one country by developing weapons of war. The company has grown as I have grown, learning from past mistakes. I worked with the Maria Stark Foundation to get the Avengers back on their feet as well, knowing the world needed the Avengers."
One of the press guys calls out, "Does this have to do with the Avengers? Why is Captain America here? What do you have to say about Tony Stark stating he is a changed man Captain America?"
Captain America raises a hand, palm outward as he silently declines comment.
Stark hurries up and speaks before Captain America gets caught in a cross-fire of questioning. "It does have to do with the Avengers in a way. You see, the Avengers has done so much for me, showed me what it meant to be a hero, what it meant to risk yourself for others, and to put others before yourself. And as time went on, I wanted to do more than just be a tech geek for the Avengers." There is a dramatic pause before he continues.
"That is when Iron Man stepped forward with a report of a teenager performing heroic stunts, fighting against weapons and guns, in an effort to stop a slave ring." The press start shouting off questions about who the young hero is, was the slave ring stopped, and more.
Stark waits a few moments and when it doesn't seem to quiet down he says firmly, "Let me finish up here! I got one of those board members to attend I try not to fall asleep at." This draws some laughter. "Better. Now, there are teenagers out there fighting, risking their lives for others, and they are /alone/. You all remember the New Warriors, but the team is no longer around. Basically, who's going to help these teenagers? Who is going to make sure they know what they are doing before they go out and jump in front of a bullet?"
"Basically, nobody is doing anything. And that's a problem." Stark then makes a motion to an employee to pull the blank banner down to reveal the sign beneath it: Avengers Academy. "And it's one that I have the power to remedy." Cameras are flashing off and questions are being shouted again.
"Listen! The point is, I created the Avengers Academy as a mentorship program. Not to actively arrange missions for teenagers, but to give them the tools to help keep themselves and others safe, and to make an educated decision for themselves: 'Is this the right choice for me?' A number of Avengers have agreed to act as mentors, including Captain America and Iron Man. Legalities and identities of students will be kept confidential between the staff, students, and their parents or guardians. The facility will be ran with high security for the protection of these students."
A press woman asks, "Will you be making this into a high school?"
Stark shakes his head, "What are we, Xavier's Institute? No, it's a mentorship program, so students would still attend schools, work part-time jobs, or whatever else they do. It's a chance to give teenagers honestly interested in superheroing a chance to show not only what they are made of, but to be sure this is the right life choice for them. It's an educational program that will be free to the participates. We also hope to work in conjunction with other superhero groups to be able to show these teenagers the heart ache, and also the reward that people experience as heroes. Thank you all for your time."
Stark then walks away as the press ask more questions. Iron Man says clearly without the use of the mic, "No further questions right now. You can forward them to the PR department. We just ask that you remain respectful of participates of the program, and respect their privacy. Their safety is of the utmost importance."
Captain America and then Iron Man move to follow Stark back onto the Academy grounds.
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