Of Luck and Lack of Forethought

2008 – Iron Man.

2009.

“Sir, if the palladium keeps hitting your bloodstream…”

“It won’t be good, I know.”

“I believe the word is: understatement.”

Even through the headache and hazy vision, Tony couldn’t help the smile at JARVIS’ sass.

With another grimace, Tony rubbed his throbbing temples. The pain in his muscles (aside from his brain), the memory loss, confusion and depression were symptoms that were a little harder to hide than the insomnia, heart palpitations and difficulty in breathing. Despite their long time joking about the fact that Tony couldn’t even remember his social security number, Rhodey, Pepper and Happy knew that he had eidetic memory, it was impossible for him to forget once he read it.

He was not looking forward for the face paralysis or the kidney and liver diseases.

Sooner or later, they were bound to find out.

The memory of the first time he got drunk at 14 and college freshman and Jarvis forced him to tell his mom surfaced, “I believe your mother would rather hear it from you than from third parties.”

And it’s not that Tony disagreed, it just has been a very long time since he had to justify himself to anyone that actually cared about him.

The few family members he had left either hated his guts (his cousin) or were perfectly content to live up to the eccentric uncle role (his uncle… obviously).

Tony had no reference if it was preferable to rip the Band-Aid off and tell his friends when all was done and over with (meaning him dead or cured)… or months of agonizing discussions and, as well meaning as it would be, hovering.

“Sir, Ms. Potts is asking for permission to enter.”

Their awkward back and forth since Iron Man was still full force and Tony just…he would have said something months earlier if it wasn’t for whole, ‘the one thing keeping him alive was also killing him’ thingy.

“Let her in, Jay.”

The sound of Pepper’s killer heels shouldn’t be so comforting and nervous-inducing at the same time.

“Tony, PR contacted me about some projects that could potentially boost SI’s image now that our stocks recovered from last year.”

“Lay it on me.” He put his screwdriver aside.

“JARVIS, can you open the file on Stark Expo?”

At her words, Tony frowned, “That relic? There hasn’t been one since Howard was still around.”

“And the schematics haven’t changed since 1973, yes. But next year SI will be completing seventy years as a company and PR wants to do something to celebrate it at the same time that it could take attention off of Iron Man and back to the tech we are developing.”

“And they think that the Expo is the answer to it?”

“With a few twists, like inviting a few prospective scientists with promising projects and presenting them as well, friendly or even rival companies would have the chance to show off their work. But to show our long tradition as company not just as a weapons manufacturers, PR thinks that using the last model at least as a basis would be the way to go, especially since it seems to have sentimental value for Howard Stark since he didn’t change it once in almost two decades.” She motioned to the model on holo-screen.

The last time Howard changed a single building was indeed in 1973 and Tony could still recall how… defensive he would get if anyone suggested a single change in the subsequent years.

Then 1991 came and Tony just couldn’t be bothered with something that honestly, in the big scheme of things, just wasn’t bringing anything to SI as a whole besides good PR… as it was being suggested again.

Tony couldn’t even understand why Howard insisted on doing it every couple of years, why he was so mad at a four year old Tony just because he took one of the buildings. He didn’t damage it and Howard knew that Tony was careful, that was already after he build that first circuit board and yet that thing seemed to be worth mountain of diamonds for Howard…

Pepper was still talking but Tony wasn’t paying attention anymore, her voice, usually calm and low was background noise.

Unknown to Tony himself, his head tilted and his eyes narrowed, the expression on his face made Pepper pause and stare back in concern.

The buildings…

“Jay, put it upright.”

The hologram changed and the model was facing him like a giant TV screen.

Tony rolled his chair closer, forcing Pepper to take a step back, “What does it look like to you, Jarvis? Not unlike an atom,” He manipulated motioned to the globe right in the middle, “in which case the nucleus would be here.” The inventor pointed, “Highlight the unisphere.” He enlarged the Earth model, “Lose the footpaths. Get rid of them.” With a wave of his hand, the model was a little clearer.

“What is it that you’re trying to achieve, sir?” a little behind Tony, it was clear that it was a question Pepper wanted an answer to as well.

“I’m discovering…uh, correction, I’m re-discovering a new element… I believe. Lose the landscaping, the shrubbery, the trees. Parking lots, exits, entrances. Structure the protons and the neutrons using the pavilions as a framework.”

Once it was done, Tony just couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Dead for almost twenty years, still taking me to school.”

“The proposed element should serve as a viable replacement for palladium.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Tony muttered.

“Unfortunately, it is impossible to synthesize.”

“Tony what is going on?”

With a jolt that almost took him to the ground, Tony turned to be face to face with a befuddled Pepper.

With a higher pitch than he ever remembered having, Tony squeaked out, “Oh, hi.”

~*~

The last time Tony managed to get out of trouble pulling off ‘cute’ was when his mom had to go talk to a teacher in MIT because he blew up one of the labs… but he was fourteen when he was in MIT, so pouting just a little not to overdo it and widening his so called Bambi eyes were enough to convince his mom that a stern talking to was enough, then they spent the rest of the afternoon downing lattes that he really shouldn’t have.

Something told Tony that even if Rhodey was the one to point out that he had Bambi eyes, they wouldn’t be enough to get out of this one.

“Dying?! Dying?! DYING!” it was Pepper yelling the word with different kinds of inflections as if trying them out but it was Happy’s pursed lips and Rhodey’s deadpan that was making Tony bit his lip.

“Uh… I feel the need to emphasize that it could be past tense ‘was’ if you guys let me build the Hadron Collider now…”

Pepper hissed in such terrifying way that for one second Tony was honestly scared of being scratched… by high heels of hell instead of claws.

“Will you die in the next fifteen minutes?”

Tony blinked at Rhodey, “Uh… estimates indicate eight to ten more months before it’s critical and almost an year before it becomes irreversible and…uh… death.”

“Then you’ll be fine.” Came the completely emotionless response much to Tony’s chagrin that went back to biting his lip.

~*~

After yelling and half-hearted accusations and tears – and Tony hated when Pepper cried – and Happy grunting his very disappointed displeasure and Rhodey glaring a hole through his skull for the next month that he very conveniently had of accumulated vacation, Tony build the Hadron Collider… after destroying the ground and the walls – and it was Pepper’s turn to bit her lips but in consternation.

And Starkium was created.

“You know… this thing’s properties kinda remind me of the ones Dad noted down about Captain America’s shield.”

The muttered and casual comment made Rhodey’s eyes pop out of their sockets.

~*~

“Tony this is huge! We can’t reveal it to anyone before everything is airtight, legal is already working on it overtime so the other projects will need to be put on temporary hold.”

“Pep, I know the game, the only sightings of Tony Stark are Iron Man retrieving or destroying tech and charity functions, otherwise this,” he tapped the new reactor, “meaning me, is not going public any time soon. Total seclusion unless it is absolutely necessary for me to make an appearance, I’m eccentric, ask anybody.”

His trusty PA nodded firmly, “With any luck, patents will be ready by the time we finish building for Stark Expo, invitations have been sent and we already received confirmation from most of them and…Justin Hammer will be in attendance?” she raised an eyebrow.

Tony shrugged completely unrepentant, “I have a habit to rub his face in since MIT and well, the Expo is all about tradition, right?” cue shit eating grin.

 Pepper rolled her eyes, “Sure.”

~*~

2010 – Iron Man 2.

“This is the first Stark Expo in almost twenty years! Everybody who is anybody seems to be in attendance or will be in attendance in this event that in three months will be made public for anyone who is lucky enough to secure a ticket! Scientists and artists from everywhere will be here, tonight is just a little taste of things to come, and here comes Iron Man!”

Shoot to Thrill blasted through the speakers and people didn’t know what was more deafening, the music or the huge crowd.

“Please, it's not about me. It's not about you. It's not even about us. It's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations. And that's why for the next year and for the first time since 1991, the best and brightest men and women of nations and corporations the world over will pool their resources, share their collective vision, to leave behind a brighter future. It's not about us. Therefore, what I'm saying, if I'm saying anything, is welcome back to the Stark Expo. And now, making a special guest appearance from the great beyond to tell you what it's all about, please welcome my father, Howard.”

Behind Tony, the huge screen turned on and a record of Howard Stark began, the last Expo before 1991.

“Everything is achievable through technology. Better living, robust health and for the first time in human history, the possibility of world peace. So, from all of us here, at Stark Industries, I would like to personally introduce you, to the City of the Future. Technology holds infinite possibilities for mankind, and will one day rid society of all its ills. Soon, technology will affect the way you live your life every day. No more tedious work, leaving more time for leisure activities and enjoying the sweet life. The Stark Expo. Welcome.”

~*~

“Mr. Stark, can we pick up where left off? Mr. Stark, please.”

“Yes, dear?” several of the politicians and military laughed at his flamboyant personality.

“Can I have your attention?”

 “Absolutely.”

…

“It’s a high tech prosthesis.” More laugher.

…

“I am Iron Man, the suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be turn over myself, which is tantamount to indentured service or prostitution depending on what state you’re in. You can’t have it.” Tony didn’t react but the amusement was what he was going for.

“I’m no expert…”

“In prostitution? Of course not, you’re a senator, come on!” at his peace sign, they felt like they were in a stand up.

“But we have here some who is an expert, I’d like to call now Justin Hammer, our current primary weapons contractor.”

“Let the record reflect that I observed Mr. Hammer entering the chamber and I’m wondering if and when any actual expert will also be in attendance.” Even Pepper couldn’t deny that although far from the place for it, Tony made seasoned professionals his personal audience.

…

But Tony made a U turn when they called Rhodey in as well, sons of a bitch. Several of the politicians that had a slightly weaker spine wilted a little under Tony’s stare. It wasn’t even a proper glare, just the intensity of it made them wondering how in hell People’s magazine described them as Bambi eyes.

…

“I have before me a complete report on the Iron Man weapon, compiled by Colonel Rhodes. And Colonel, for the record, can you please read page 57, paragraph four?”

“You’re requesting that I read specific selections from my report, Senator?” Rhodey knew how to play this game, with a lot less fanfare than Tony but driving the point home just as brutally, knowing full well that all of this is being recorded legally and to the public.

“Yes, sir.”

“It was my understanding that I was going to be testifying in a much more comprehensive and detailed manner.”

“I understand, a lot of things changed today.”

…

“You do understand that reading a single paragraph out of context does not reflect the summary of my final…”

“Just read it, Colonel, I do. Thank you.”

His expression didn’t show it but Rhodey smirked a little inside.

“As he does not operate under any definable branch of the government, Iron Man presents a potential threat to the security of both the nation and to her interests. I did, however, go on to summarize that the benefits of Iron Man far outweigh the liabilities and that it would be in our interest to fold Mr. Stark in the existing chain of command.” Rhodey completed, undeterred despite Stern’s attempt to stop him.

“I’m not a joiner but I’ll consider Secretary of Defense if you ask nice. We can amend the hours a little bit.” Although many of his peers laughed, Rhodey couldn’t help but reach for his water at the thought.

Not that Tony wouldn’t make a very good, almost terrifyingly cutthroat, Secretary. But this much Tony in the military would make him prematurely grey.

~*~

When Natalie Rushman took Happy down in a move that Tony and Pepper have only ever seen in movies, well… they sure reacted appropriately.

“Wow! Knockout!”

And the three waited for the redhead femme fatale to walk away.

“Do you think she is one of them or someone else’s?” Tony could appreciate the view and still do his job.

“SHIELD has been strangely quiet. Aside from Director Fury’s attempt to recruit you, there have been no more sightings of Phil or anyone else.” Pepper muttered.

“I will tight up the security, Boss.”

“You do that, in the meantime, Jay?”

“Three dozen of bugs have been located, sir, the process of scanning their databases are at 83%”

“Highlight the hotspots, will you.”

“Yes, sir.”

“About the other three candidates?” Pepper prompted.

“How long has she been around?”

“A month next week, she is still in probation period, so to speak.”

“Hmmm…well, legal aids should be through.” Catching up, Pepper smiled back.

“Yes, they should.”

“How you want to do this?”

“Well, I believe that Ms. Rushman unfortunately is not the one for you, Mr. Stark but a spot just opened up in legal…under the careful supervision of Jocasta.”

“The new division? Oh, but a career there could take years, Iron Man after all is almost unprecedented, no frame of reference to work with, no basis to build on, they are almost swinging it. Honestly sometimes I think that they’re just seeing the carrot and think that if they run long enough, it’ll be within reach.”

“Well… careers are a long path to take, but Ms. Rushman seems like the dedicated type, if she wants to expand her curriculum, the minimum she could expect is years of hard work…like everyone else.”

They exchanged smiles.

~*~

“I think that we’ll need to rush the presentation of the new tech, Tony.”

The physician just got done with the scratches from the road hash.

“The plan was for the final presentation, Pep.”

“Yes, but after that Senate hearing.”

“Blood in the water.” He recited again, “Perhaps it’s time to break out the other one.”

~*~

“Tony, I’m pretty sure it’s your birthday.”

“Yep, but yours is right around the corner too and you know how bad I am with dates.”

Tony grinned at him and Rhodey sighed and looked back at the much bulkier, steel colored power suit.

“Madonna burst out of a cake the size of a truck and you built me a car from scratch that if it was any faster it would reach Mach speed…my birthday was last month.”

“Then consider it a Christmas gift.”

“Half a year away still, Tony.”

“Black Friday then.”

The Colonel rolled his eyes.

~*~

“This has been some year, uh? It’s not even august yet.” the laugher was as subsided and he expected and to be frank what Tony wanted was to be back home, in his bed, he would say his hot tub but last time he fell asleep in it and almost gave Pepper and Rhodey a heart attack.

“First off, I want to start this chronologically so, Ivan Vanko. His father, Anton Vanko was a Soviet that seemly deserted and collaborated with Howard Stark in the Arc Reactor technology. Then it turned out that he wasn’t as disloyal to Russia as he first led America to believe and tried to run off with the Arc Reactor. That expression right there,” Tony motioned to the baffled reporters, “was my reaction too, the Reactor he worked with Dad was the size of a room and don’t ask me how he wanted to ‘run off’ with a few tons in his back pocket because I won’t have an answer for you. The alternative is that he wanted the blueprints… again not doable because Howard would just recreate the whole thing, perhaps killing my dad as the package deal? Whatever the case, in fewer words: Anton Vanko worked in the Arc Reactor with Howard Stark, tried to steal it back to Russia, Howard found out and had him deported. Because ‘sins of the father’ became his mojo, his son, Ivan Vanko tried to take it out on me. Due to sensitive information pertaining to my father I wasn’t even aware of either Vanko until the son showed up in Monaco and now I let the newly promoted Air Force Colonel James Rhodes have the stage.”

Rhodey suppressed an eye roll and walked up. The stage for the Stark Expo was being temporarily used to address the press and the public so he couldn’t even complain the use of the word, ‘stage’.

“Investigations concluded that Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries have been collaborating with Ivan Vanko since his apprehension in Monaco. The designs of the new fleet of power suits are on Mr. Vanko financed by Mr. Hammer. While Justin Hammer’s goal has always been personal success, he was not counting and was unaware of the deep vendetta that his new associate had with Dr. Stark. Due to his personal and political ties with the Russian government, the American military has decided to completely destroy and annul the contract for more power suits from Hammes Industries and personally see to the reconstruction of the Stark Expo’s buildings. The newly instated War Machine however is being maintained by Tony Stark personally and utilized by me, integrated in the existing chain of command and now Ms. Potts will address you.”

“Two years ago, since Dr. Stark has revealed himself as Iron Man, we were first approached by one Philip Coulson that has since been identified as an U.S Army Ranger before being made an agent of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, Logistic Division or SHIELD for short. Even with Dr. Stark’s long history as a government contractor, he never heard of such organization before and requested Colonel James Rhodes’ help in this new endeavor. Howard Stark, the founder and former CEO of Stark Industries was one of SHIELD’s founders however it can be questioned whether Howard Stark could have reasonably be expected to know how an intelligence agency operates, regardless, we turned over the information to the proper authorities and have since found out that the former Senator Stern has deep involvement in many of SHIELD’s dealings and thus explaining this mornings’ news of his arrest. Dr. Stark will now have the floor.”

Tony walked to the mic and if it was any other occasion, he would smirk at the dumbfounded sea of people before him, “Lawsuits were levied and we settled out of court for the return of my father’s property before I was made aware of their… recruitment MO: A SHIELD spy was sent to Stark Industries, Natalia Alianova Romanova or Natasha Romanoff or Natasha Romanov or Natalie Rushman a former KGB agent and a graduate from the Red Room, Russia’s response to Hydra’s Winter Soldier, the Red Room and Hydra were close allies during the World War II and the Cold War. As Ms. Romanova is in her late twenties, questions need to be raised whether the Red Room and therefore Hydra is still active.

That coupled with the fact that the FBI and CIA had uncovered Operation Paperclip. In the effort of keeping them out of Soviet hands, SHIELD enlisted a number of scientists from Nazi Germany, up to and including Arnim Zola, Johann Schmidth, better known as the Red Skull’s right hand man. As Ms. Romanova’s presence made clear, SHIELD hasn’t changed their recruitment parameters ever since. While I’m all for a good redemption history given my own, I would like for the mistakes in which we, Americans, are forgiving them for, to be acknowledged so we will at least know what we are forgiving them for even if we had no choice but to give them second chances in our soil. In light of these revelations, Stark Industries, founded in 1940 as it is, wants to make clear that neither I, as Iron Man or Tony Stark, have any affiliation of partnership of any kind with SHIELD. Thank you.”

As they felt the sharks closing in, Fury couldn't believe what he was seeing, how Stark manage to find the solution without his father's notes? Natasha was almost dying of boredom delivering papers and playing almost secretary in SI's legal department, being spoon fed scraps of info that were almost never delivered to SHIELD directly without a through screening process from SI that were just 'protocol' and Phil Coulson never again manage to go unnoticed.