Author's Note: This is the prologue of a much larger work and I will continue to add onto it, granted enough people want more. Feel free to leave any thoughts or comments, preferably positive or constructive ones. I do not own Iron Man, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, or any respective characters of the Marvel Universe.
Prologue: Failsafe
New York, 1942
A man sits alone at a secluded bar, tapping his fingers impatiently on a small stack of papers tucked neatly inside a manila folder. He checks his watch for the fifth time.
"If I had a nickel for every time he was punctual…"
"I'm afraid you'd be broke my friend," a new voice chuckled. "You had something you wanted to discuss with me, Mr. Stark?"
"Dr. Erskine, thank you for coming." Howard turns on the barstool and shakes the scientist's hand. He gestures to the barstool next to him, which Erskine occupies. "I heard you found a suitable candidate for your little science project?" Erskine nods and readjusts his glasses.
"Yes, he's quite impressive. I can't think of a better subject." He notices the folder under Howard's palm. "But that's not what you wanted to talk about, I presume?"
"Doctor, I have faith in your program…"
"But?"
"But I've read your reports on Schmidt." Howard stares intently at Erskine, who avoids his gaze. "We both know exactly what he's capable of. How can you assume that just one man will be enough to stop him?"
"You haven't seen this man in action yet. He won't fail." Erskine persists.
"What if he does? We can't put all of our cards on him." Howard passes the folder to Erskine. Erskine opens the folder to find numerous blueprints and dossiers. "I have a plan. A failsafe, if you will, should your super soldier miss the mark. I have the best scientists and engineers already constructing it and I'm designing its combat program myself. Once completed, it will remain dormant until we see fit to deploy it."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I want to give you peace of mind that I know what I'm doing and that we have a backup plan," Howard states simply.
"But this…this is a device of massive size and scope! Will you even be able to finish it?" Erskine flips through the blueprints, marveling at the design.
"Trust me, it'll be ready to go should we ever need it." Howard says reassuringly, taking the blueprints and papers and tucking them back into the folder. He then gets up to leave. "I'll see you in a few days, doctor."
"Wait, Howard," Erskine says urgently, "what will this device do when active?"
Howard's eyes turn hard and his brows furrow. "It will ensure that the enemy doesn't see another tomorrow." He then exits the empty bar, leaving Erskine to wonder exactly what Howard was getting himself into.