Ironman Part One
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2008 - EXT. RURAL AFGHANISTAN - DAY
FROM UP HIGH:
Toni, Happy, Pepper, Rhodey and Peter stiffen.
"Is this when...?" Natasha asks.
Rhodey just turns to her and gives a curt nod.
A U.S. Military convoy worms through a barren vista. ROCK MUSIC swells as we drift down and enter the center Humvee.
INT. HUMMER - CONTINUOUS
Three Airmen, kids with battle-worn faces. Crammed in there with them is a woman. She is wearing elegant white dress pants that are missing any creases, a black bralette and white blazer that is not done up. Her hair is perfectly curled, hanging to mid waist, and blood red lipstick. She looks as if she has been teleported from Beverly Hills.
She is, of course, genius inventor and billionaire, TONI STARK. In her hand is a drink tumbler of vodka.
At this, multiple jaws dropped. Nobody could lie and say that Toni Stark was undeniably gorgeous, and always put together elegantly.
Bucky's eyes glazed over slightly. He snapped out of it when he felt someone's eyes on him and he caught Toni's eyes as she had a playful smirk on her face and gave him a wink before he turned away blushing.
Toni feels the air is extremely stifling and decides to try and diffuse the tension.
TONI
Oh, I get it. You guys aren't allowed to talk. Is that it? Are you not allowed to talk?
"Toni," Steve scolds. "You need to treat soldiers with respect."
Before Toni can say anything, Nick Fury clears his throat. "Steve, Toni has been around the army for a lot longer than you have, you can clearly see that it was tense in the Hum-vee, she was breaking the tension."
"He's right," Sam reluctantly agrees.
One Airman grins, fidgeting with his orange NY Mets watch.
JIMMY
No. We're allowed to talk.
TONI
Oh. I see. So it's personal.
RAMIREZ
I think they're intimidated.
TONI
Good God, you're a woman.
The others try to compress laughs.
TONI (CONT'D)
I, honestly, I couldn't have called that.
I would apologize, but isn't that what we're going for here? I saw you as a soldier first. I love that. We need more woman stepping away from tradition roles. You go girl.
"Yes, Lady Toni, female warriors are amazing," Thor booms, causing a few people to flinch.
PRATT
I have a question, miss.
TONI
Please.
PRATT
Is it true you're twelve for twelve with last years Maxim cover girls?
"Oh my god," Clint says coughing.
TONI
Excellent question. No. I'm going to let you in on a little secret, so much that the media says about me is untrue. Everyone wants to just get a piece of me, or a piece of fame. Everyone says they've slept with me, with majority of that being a lie.
"Wait, really?" Scott asks.
"Yes, the media loves portraying me worse than what I am."
"You're a lot worse than what the media says," Wanda sneers, causing Pietro to roll his eyes at his twins dramatics.
TONI
You guys can keep a secret yeah?
A resounding chorus of yes went around and Toni smiled.
TONI
I have a kid guys. He's out of the spotlight, but come on. I run a multi billion dollar company, I am consistently making and building new weapons whilst working on multiple other projects. I honestly don't have time for that playgirl life style. I just don't respond to the media. If I did, I'd be spending my whole life correcting them.
"So none of the media knew about Peter?" Clint asks.
"Nope, and I hacked into any possible organisations that has it listed that he was my son, and removed the evidence. I wasn't letting anyone come close to him."
"So why'd you tell the army?"
"Well, the army generally has to keep quiet about a lot of things, and I liked those guys."
They all look at her thoughtfully. She just smiles at them and takes another sip of her drink.
TONI
Anyone else? You, with the hand up.
JIMMY
It's a little embarrassing.
TONY
Join the club.
JIMMY
Can I take a picture with you?
TONY
Are you aware that Native Americans believe photographs steal a little piece of your soul?
Not to worry, mine's long gone. Fire away.
"Toni, you have a soul," Rhodey says quietly. The room had gone somber, knowing this was how Toni felt for a long time.
"Honeybear, you know for a long time I hated who I was and everything I did within the company. Peter was the only good thing that happened in my life."
"Mum," Peter says quietly.
Toni just gives him a quick kiss on the forehead.
JIMMY looking very excited hands over the camera to PRATT.
TONI
I don't want to see this on your MySpace page.
"When was this?" Clint says giggling.
"2008," Rhodey says stiffly.
JIMMY holds his fingers up in a peace sign, before Toni cuts in.
TONI
Please, no gang signs.
JIMMY puts his hand down almost embarrassed before Toni laughs.
TONI
No, throw it up. I'm kidding.
They both hold up peace signs before TONI speaks again.
TONI
Yeah, peace. I love peace. I'd be out of a job with peace.
"Yeah of course," Wanda says sarcastically.
"Wanda!" Pietro scolds. "You keep blaming Toni for something that isn't true."
Wanda just grumbles under her breath.
JIMMY
Come on. Hurry up.
Just click it. Don't change any settings.
Pratt, excited, poses as another Airman snaps the photo. A second later --
A MASSIVE EXPLOSION rocks them. Through the windshield, the Humvee ahead of them erupts in a fireball.
At this Toni clenches her eyes shut.
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
People around the room all flinch at the sudden explosions.
Tony is flung aside, and in the side-mirror --
The Humvee behind them EXPLODES. Pandemonium as -- The Airmen are instantly in battle mode. They scramble out, shutting Tony inside.
TONI
What's going on?
RAMIREZ
Contact left!
TONI
What have we got?
RAMIREZ stepped out to go into combat and was shot down
"Holy shit!" Yells out Scott.
PRATT
Jimmy, stay with Stark!
JIMMY
Stay down!
TONI
Yeah.
PRATT got out to shoot but was shot too
JIMMY
Son of a bitch!
JIMMY goes out to fight.
TONI
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Give me a gun!
"Why would you need a gun?" Questions Wanda angrily.
"I create the weapons, I test the weapons, correct any faults, then test again. I was trained by SHIELD from a young age. Aunt Peggy taught me how to fight and shoot from a young age."
"Aunt Peggy?"
"Aunt Peggy," Toni confirms.
JIMMY
Stay here!
JIMMY turned back around and he was gunned down too, holes piercing the vehicle. TONI hearing and senses were dulled a bit as she got himself out of the vehicle, stumbling a bit in the chaos.
"Of course you didn't listen, you never listen," Steve said sarcastically.
Bucky looks at him incredulously. "Steve, if her vehicle kept getting hit or bombed, she'd go up with it."
Steve looks at him disappointed but Bucky just shakes his head. Toni turns and gives him a little smile in thanks.
She got some of his hearing back and Toni ducks, scampering along. She spots an M-16, picks it up, but the weapon is burning hot. She drops it, moves on to take cover behind a rock, and pulls out her phone to contact RHODEY when something PINGS off a smoldering Humvee and thuds in the dirt near him. She spins and see's a bomb, reading: "USM 11676 - STARK INDUSTRIES."
"Your own weapons?" Sam says shocked.
"Yup," Toni says, popping the P.
It DETONATES and -- Throws Tony back, shredding her suit and revealing his body armor underneath and blood seeping through the body armour, before she passes out.
People around the room, cringe.
INT. INSURGENT CAVE - AFGHANISTAN - DAY
Toni snaps awake. She's tied to a chair, bloody rags covering her chest which is torn open, showing her in just a lace bra, her suit jacket gone, and her pants covered in dirt, blood and ripped. Two Insurgents flank a DV camera. Behind Toni there is a line of armed hooded men, all pointing their guns at Toni and two are holding a banner showing ten interlocked rings. The Leader, holds a huge Choori knife in one hand, reads rhetoric (in Dari) for the camera before running the blade over Toni's stomach, cutting her open, blood seeping out of the wound.
The picture then fades into darkness.
"Toni, why isn't any of this on her file?" Natasha asks quietly.
"Toni hates looking weak," Carol says almost like it's a stupid question. "Of course she's not going to leave this in her file. All anyone knows is she was kidnapped."
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[Las Vegas, 36 Hours Earlier]
There is a large screen playing on a stadium.
RHODEY'S VOICE OVER
Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot. Even from an early age, the daughter of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with her brilliant and unique mind.
At age four, she built his first circuit board. At age six, her first engine. And at 16, she graduated summa cum laude from MIT.
"Holy shit, I knew you were smart."
"Toni has an IQ of 230, photographic memory and hyperthymesia. She started at MIT when she was 12, and during that time gained a PHD in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and a masters in Thermonuclear Astrophysics and Computer Programming," T'Challa said proudly.
"How do you know?" Scott questions.
"Toni, Rhodey, Carol, Hope, May, and I went to MIT at the same time," T'Challa said.
This shocked Scott. He thought the Pym's and Starks hated each other.
Then, the passing of a titan. Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Shane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal daughter returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries. With the keys to the kingdom, Toni ushers in a new era for her father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Toni Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe.
"You took over the company at 21?"
"Not really. Technically I took over when Howard died when I was 16, but it couldn't be made public due to my age, so I did it all in the background and Obadiah was just the face."
"So you ran the company, raised a kid and created weapons all at the same time?"
"Yup, I adopted Peter when I was 18. May passed away, and I was given custody. Mainly because we knew he was a genius from a young age, so she thought it would be good him growing up with me, as I was like him at a young age."
Clint and Scott whistled. They never knew everything Toni did, whilst raising a kid at such a young age.
James Rhodes: As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. She is my friend and she is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present this year's Apogee Award to Ms. Toni Stark.
The camera zooms into the front row seats of the ballroom, where Obadiah Stane is sitting next to an empty seat.
"Of course you weren't there," Steve sneered.
Toni gripped the seat arm tightly, trying to ignore Steve's comments.
RHODEY
Toni?
Obadiah stands up and walks onto the stage, taking the award.
"Fucking, Obadiah," Rhodey said angrily.
"What's wrong with Obadiah?" Scott questioned, but nobody answered. Too angry looking at Obadiah.
OBADIAH:
Thank you, Colonel.
RHODEY
Thanks for the save.
OBADIAH
This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful. Well, I'm not Toni Stark. But if I were Toni, I would tell you how honored I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award. Toni, you know...The best thing about Toni, is also the worst thing. She's always working.
"Ain't that the truth," Fury chuckled. This shocked everyone on Team Cap. They had rarely heard him laugh.
"Were you actually working?" Clint said almost mockingly.
Toni just ignored him.
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Toni Starks Workshop
Toni is lying on a moveable board, currently underneath one of her cars. She rolls out from under it.
TONI
Hey, buddy, can you pass me a 16mm Flex Wrench.
The screen pans to show a young boy, with light brown hair, lying on the floor with a sketch book open, eyebrows furrowed with the tip of his tongue poking out in concentration. As she speaks he stands up, he goes to grab the wrench before placing it in Toni's outstretched hand and going back to his sketchbook.
"I just love how he knew exactly what to grab," Shuri squealed.
"That reminds me, Shuri, can I bring Harley and Peter to Wakanda to see the lab again?"
"Oh my god," she squealed again. "Of course. I haven't had the Rugrats in there in ages."
"Shuri, we are the same age," Peter groaned and Harley just nodded.
TONI
Thanks honey.
Suddenly the music turns off.
TONI
JARVIS who turned the music down.
"Someone is going to get in trouble," Carol teases.
"What do you mean?" Bucky questions.
"Only Peter, Pepper and Rhodey were allowed in her workshop. Now Harley and Loki are allowed too."
"Loki?" Steve questions angrily. "You never let any of us."
"Loki is one of my best friends. They one day just walked into the workshop and just never left. Like a parasite."
"Yeah, I don't like you either, misguardian."
Suddenly a foot goes on the moveable board and pulls Toni out from under the car. Standing there is James Rhodes, Toni's best friend since MIT days, with a frustrated expression on his face.
"Sorry again, honeybear," Toni winces.
Looking at Rhodey's face, Toni grimaces.
TONI
Oh, no! What did they rope you into this time?
RHODEY
Nobody roped me into anything!
TONI
I'm so sorry.
RHODEY
But they told me that if I presented you with the Apogee award, you'd be deeply honored.
"You didn't go to the award ceremony for yourself?" Scott questions.
Laughter was heard around the hall. "Toni hates award ceremonies. She has received so many, she believes they should hand them out to other people that deserve it."
TONI (sarcastically)
Of course I'd be deeply honored. And it's you, that's great. So, when do we do it?
RHODEY
It was tonight. I gave it away, like all the others.
"You gave it away? Toni that's an amazing award."
"If I give it away, it means someone else can either keep it as a momentum, or they can sell it for a lot of money, and they get to keep the money and use it for whatever they need."
"You do that?"
"For at least my last five apogee awards and at least five of all my other awards."
TONI
I'm so sorry. You know I hate those award shows. I go away tomorrow, I wanted to spend some time with my little man.
RHODEY
Yeah, it's okay.
TONI
Besides, it's not like I don't have any of those floating around.
RHODEY
Just a heads up next time. I almost looked like an idiot waiting for you to come up.
TONI
I didn't even realise it was tonight. I forgot what day it is.
"How do you forget the day?"
"It has been proven that genius' have trouble remembering dates and names because they have so much going on in their minds. Other things don't register."
"Is that why you come up with nicknames?"
"Exactly, makes it easier for my brain to remember people if I associate them with something else."
RHODEY
It's okay. Should also tell you, it's nearly 11pm.
TONI
Oh shit. Thanks Honeybear. Peter, it's time for shower, hot chocolate and bed.
"Classic Toni and Peter," Pepper smiles. "They always forget the time and get stuck on their work."
"What were you designing, Peter?" Harley questions.
"I think it was an engine for a new car, mum bought."
"I was so proud of you when you finished it."
PETER
Okay mom
Peter stands up and yawns before walking towards Toni who wraps an arm around his shoulders.
TONI
Say goodnight to uncle Rhodey, you won't see him tomorrow before we go.
RHODEY
Goodnight little man
PETER
Goodnight Uncle Rhodes
They walk up to the elevator before taking it to the main floor.
RHODEY
This is where I exit.
TONI
All right.
RHODEY
Tomorrow, don't be late.
TONI
Yeah, you can count on it.
RHODEY
I'm serious!
TONI
I know, I know.
"She was late, wasn't she?" Carol sighed.
"She sure was."
Toni and Peter walk off towards the bedrooms as Rhodey leaves, getting Jarvis to lock the front door.
Toni leaves Peter to get ready for bed, and she walks in holding two glasses of hot chocolate before lying next to Peter in bed.
PETER
Can you stay in here tonight Mum?
TONI
Sure thing little man.
She gets under the covers and pulls Peter right against her.
"I've never seen Toni look so at ease and peaceful," Clint comments.
"Mum is the best," Peter says defensively.
"Even when I was undercover spying on Toni, nobody could deny the love between her and Peter," Natasha compliments.
TONI
Song or story?
PETER
Song
TONI
Okay little man.
"Lost Boy - Ruth B"
There was a time when I was alone
Nowhere to go and no place to call home
My only friend was the man in the Moon
And even, sometimes, he would go away, too
Then one night, as I closed my eyes
I saw a shadow flying high
He came to me with the sweetest smile
Told me he wanted to talk for a while
He said, "Peter Pan, that's what they call me
I promise that you'll never be lonely"
And ever since that day
I am a Lost Boy from Neverland
Usually hanging out with Peter Pan
And when we're bored, we play in the woods
Always on the run from Captain Hook
"Run, run, Lost Boy", they say to me
"Away from all of reality"
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
He sprinkled me in pixie dust and told me to believe
Believe in him and believe in me
Together, we will fly away in a cloud of green
To your beautiful destiny
As we soared above the town that never loved me
I realized I finally had a family
Soon enough, we reached Neverland
Peacefully, my feet hit the sand
And ever since that day
I am a Lost Boy from Neverland
Usually hanging out with Peter Pan
And when we're bored, we play in the woods
Always on the run from Captain Hook
"Run, run, Lost Boy", they say to me
"Away from all of reality"
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy Darling
Even Captain Hook, you are my perfect storybook
Neverland, I love you so
You are now my home sweet home
Forever a Lost Boy at last
Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy Darling
Even Captain Hook, you are my perfect storybook
Neverland, I love you so
You are now my home sweet home
Forever a Lost Boy at last
And for always, I will say
I am a Lost Boy from Neverland
Usually hanging out with Peter Pan
And when we're bored, we play in the woods
Always on the run from Captain Hook
"Run, run, Lost Boy", they say to me
"Away from all of reality"
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
Neverland is home to Lost Boys like me
And Lost Boys like me are free
As Toni finished singing, she looked over and Peter was sound asleep. Kissing him on the forehead, she wrapped her arm tighter around him before falling asleep.
"Holy shit, Tones, I didn't know you could sing," Maria says.
"Yeah, she's incredible," T'Challa states.
"You have an amazing voice," Bucky compliments shyly.
"Thanks Bucky," Tony says blushing.
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