author's note: this update is a little different. hopefully it doesn't ruin the flow. I had this article written which was going to be placed at the end of the book as a bonus, but I think it is well placed in the book itself. this interview takes place before Vienna. there will still be a narrative update this week :)

this also isn't "essential reading" for the story, it's just a little something extra.

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EXCLUSIVE! ACESO'S THOUGHTS: "THE AVENGERS COULD HAVE BEEN FASTER, SMARTER, MORE EFFICIENT."

BY KAREN PAGE FOR NEW YORK BULLETIN
MAY 2016

Doctor Isadora Moore on the Sokovia Accords, events in Paris, and the ethics of combat medicine.

The Avenger's Compound is a mighty structure- located where, even I don't know after my visit. The car ride took us off the main interstate and onto unmarked roads- no further landmarks than the generic trees and bushes that are spotted all across the state of New York. The Compound is bustling on a warm Friday afternoon- Cadets running drills in the lush green field, and countless professionals going about their business in the atrium- doctors, engineers, receptionists.

I'm met by Dr Moore herself, and immediately she oozes professionalism and intelligence, while not ever appearing overbearing. "Let's go where it's quiet and get to know each other," she tells me, and leads me to a social space on one of the many glass balconies.

Yet, for all of it, it's clear that Aceso is not a figure well known to many of us, and her body language as we sit shows me Dr Moore is not used to this nature of press.

In our previous conversations over telephone and email, I warned Dr Moore (who insists I call her Isadora) that this interview would be much more personal than those of the medical journals we've past seen her in. When I reiterate this she laughs with good nature.

Isadora: Of course, I expect no less, Karen- I'm very familiar with your work, and I know you won't go too easy on me. Truth is, I haven't spoken much at all about my time as an Avenger as I have my work as a doctor.

Karen: And why do you think that is?

Isadora: [she laughs again, if a little uneasy this time] It took me a long time to come to grips with myself in this sort of environment. And the kind of attention it brings- it's different to the sort of work I do as a professional. When I talk about my projects (our article on G.E.M.I.N.I) I'm judged on my credentials, my research, things I can tangibly control. And if they're criticised- if somebody evaluates and finds a flaw, it's something that I can easily fix. As Avengers- we're judged on heroism, and strength, and rightly! But those sort of abstract qualities- I can't control how those are perceived. And when a flaw is found in who you are? That's a little more tricky than fixing a citation.

Karen: Is that something you struggle with often? Controlling your image? Flaws in yourself?

Isadora: I think it's something we all do, as humans. Not only our image to the world, but to ourselves, and the people we love. At the end of the day, as much as I'm humbled by it, being Aceso is a job. I have a responsibility to help people who are hurt- and unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't go to plan. One of my greatest mentors, Doctor Crewe at Stanford University- fantastic woman, does so much ground breaking research for paediatrics- she said to me: as doctors, we're always going to lose people. We're never going to be fast enough, smart enough, efficient enough 100% of the time. But we have to keep going regardless. We don't forget about our mistakes, but we move past them.

Karen: You mentioned moving past loss and failures as a doctor. Do you think that applies to your role as a superhero, and the situation in Lagos, and Sokovia?

Isadora: Oh gosh, that word. Superhero- I don't think of myself as a hero in anyway, and I don't think I should be thanked for what I do. It's the only thing that's right. I will be honest, when it came to Sokovia, I tagged along last minute. I had no training in combat. I went to treat people. Now, that isn't me taking responsibility away from myself or putting it on anybody else. What I mean to say is that, I didn't know the team very well at all.

Karen: You knew Captain Rogers, and Agent Romanoff, from your encounters in 2014. (Read: the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

Isadora: Yes, but I saw them work for no more than a few days. After Sokovia, I realised that the Avengers' process after events like these? It isn't all that different to the processes Doctor Crewe taught me in Medical Eval. They went through it all, hour by hour accounts of the entire conflict with Ultron, from birth to end. They identified where they could've been faster, smarter, more efficient. And I thought, this is a team I would want to stand beside. Listen, what happened in Lagos was an absolute tragedy- I won't sugar coat it, I can't, I was there. I saw it all. And I know that for what my role is, I failed miserably. But I also know that we're doing our best.

Karen: After the Battle of Sokovia, there was a lot of focus on your role. We see our heroes involved in search and rescue after the fact, sometimes they're not involved at all. But there you were, right in the middle of it all, helping. A lot of attention on witness statements- namely the one made by Aleksy Leibermann, who claimed that if it weren't for your help, his livelihood based on personal training would have been lost. Digging deeper, we've found that this wasn't the first instance of you healing on the field?

Isadora: [extremely bashful, and slightly lost for words] Well, first of all thank you, Karen. I'm always so glad to hear from patients after treatment, especially ones like Aleksy who was just so brave despite being in a lot of pain. But yes, I've had to use my abilities on the field before- in fact, it's where I discovered them. I think something about the high pressure and the desperation... [she laughs sadly] But I think people ought to know that there is a large difference in who I am as Aceso, as Doctor Moore, and as Sadie, y'know?

Karen: So, in all of this, I think it's safe to say you were something of a beacon for the people after Sokovia. But in the past year you've found yourself under a lot of scrutiny, particularly after the events in Paris last fall, and Captain Rogers' reaction to it all. Can you comment on that?

Isadora: That's a question for him, I think.

Karen: Did you condone his vengeful rage?

Isadora: I don't think- I'm not sure I understand what you want me to say to all this.

Karen: I want you to say whatever you think. The world has already made their judgements- Captain America was able to come forward, issue a statement, answer questions. Why shouldn't you? You were confined to your recovery- I want you to say what you would've said then, if you had the chance.

Isadora: [takes a long pause, a sip of her water] Paris was... an extremely traumatic event for everyone involved. As for Steve's- Captain Rogers'- decisions in that moment? I can only say that this man is incredibly experienced, and far more educated in enemy tactics than I will probably ever be. You'll know from his statement that what he did keeps the team, and the world, safer in the long run. Knife-crime rates are already too high, if someone can stab an Avenger and get away with it, who cares if you stab someone from a rival gang? I don't mean to make excuses- at the end of the day, there was no trial, and that was wrong, but people seem to forget that this wasn't just any group of common criminals. It was HYDRA.

Karen: So you think the Captain's actions were more political in nature than passionate? Even despite his confession, and your relationship?

Isadora: Yes. Definitely more political.

Karen: Then don't you think it should have been more regulated? Surely you'd agree that there is a difference between Captain America and Steve Rogers as you've admitted a difference between Doctor Moore and Aceso?

Isadora: Well, of course there's a difference. But it's not just about wearing a costume- a hat or a shield. 'Steve Rogers' is just as qualified as 'Captain America'- he still is a Captain even if he didn't set out to work that night. Just as Dr Palmer who operated on me was still a surgeon, even if she didn't leave her hotel room in her scrubs. And I get the criticisms of it all- that our title as Avengers gave us a free pass to settle personal scores but, you have to understand all the implications I mentioned if Vermis were to have gotten away with it.

Karen: So you condone the death of Hugo Vermis? His execution without trial at the hands of, who exactly, in that moment? Captain Rogers, decorated war hero, or a regular man clearly experiencing extreme distress and anger at the events?

Isadora: Bit of a loaded question, Karen, and I don't think it's fair.

Karen: A lot of people don't think what happened that night was fair either.

Isadora: Yeah. I guess, that's true. To answer your questions, we could go around in circles about the philosophy of the superhero identity. I don't condone Vermis's death without trial- but as per Rogers' statement, we all know his reasoning, whether we agree or not. I would've done things differently if it were him [Captain America] who were attacked.

Karen: You would have healed him.

Isadora: Of course. But even past that, I would've done it differently. Regardless, we can all judge what we would've done in his shoes, but like I said, he is infinitely more qualified than me or you. Maybe my way wouldn't have been effective at all- maybe it would have been damaging.

Karen: Do you think he would've done it differently, if it were him who was attacked?

Isadora: What do you mean?

Karen: If Captain America was stabbed that night, and you healed him. He's still left a little bloody, but he's right back to his peak physical health. Do you think he would've pursued Vermis, executed him with the same rigour? Do you think he would've done it if it were just anyone attacked? Or do you think he did it all how he did because it was you, Dr Moore?

Isadora: [a long, deafening silence] I shouldn't really be entertaining these questions. These are all questions for Steve.

Karen: Alright. Let's get back to the Accords. You're due to attend the ratification in Vienna this week. What are your thoughts?

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