Bruce ended up making tea because Pepper was simply too jumpy to need any more stimulants. They chatted idly about life and how the two were doing, Pepper venting her frustration with the people at Weyland Industries. Bruce couldn't remember at which point in Pepper's monologue he had grabbed the rum nearby and poured some in both their mugs, but it happened all the same. The atmosphere was easy and light, a change to what the two had been experiencing the past few weeks, and it was nice. Steve joined them, wrinkling his nose at the offer of tea and rum. Thor wandered in at some point and they all had a good whine. Needless to say that Thor's numerous stories of a magical adopted brother won the unofficial contest. The kitchen became crowded and loud, in a warm way.
/Master Tony would like you all to come to the lab now. I'm afraid it's rather important./ Jarvis announced, Bruce and Pepper exchanged a look. They made their way down to the geek cave Tony and Bruce had created over the last weeks. The clutter was mess for the rest of them, but Tony and Bruce knew exactly where everything was and what it was.
"I think she's finally ready. I mean, I think." Tony said, now carefully removing the wires from the android's head. Bruce picked up some instruments on the table next to the table of the body.
"Tony, are you sure? I mean, we can wait. Well, I know I can." Bruce said, chuckling lightly at the look he got from Tony.
"What is this? Who is she? Is she hurt?" Thor, rapidly firing questions, became concerned. He walked forward to examine the body on the table. Her face was peaceful and her hair was as white as a sheet of snow. Her skin was pale and dappled with freckles here and there, covered mostly in a white tank top and blue jeans.
"Calm down big guy, she's a synthetic life form. I built her with Banner. She's not alive. Not yet." Tony said, throwing a playful glance at Bruce.
"Anthony, I did not know Midgardian males could have children! Congratulations, my friend!" Thor teased lightly, beaming at the two men.
"No, that's not… Whatever." Tony said, too excited about his new toy to really care at what Thor was implying. Bruce, however, stood staring shocked at Thor. Tony removed the last wire and the body seemed to sink a little, becoming limp. Everyone flinched away slightly. Tony rearranged her limbs so she looked comfortable. Her body had simply become malleable, flexible and honestly, more human like. Tony reached a hand over to unlock a small control panel under her collar bone.
"Do we start her in fully operational mode or do we take it slowly?" Bruce asked. Tony glanced at Bruce.
"Honestly? You're asking me that? I never do anything on safe mode." He said, winking at Bruce. Tony was about to press the small button that meant bringing the android to life when Steve piped up.
"Wait! What if she goes crazy? What if she kills us all? What if she discovers time travel, replicates herself and then kills us?" Panic cracking Cap's voice. The Avengers looked at Captain America, fearless leader. Tony raised an eyebrow.
"Clint showed you the Terminator movies didn't he?" He asked monotonously. Steve looked defensive, his arms across is chest.
"He may have…" he looked up at Tony as he smiled.
"Relax baby, enjoy the moment." He winked at Steve and turned his attention to the buttons once more. A push of the button and at first nothing happened. Tony's brows furrowed and Bruce went to take his glasses off. Then, very suddenly, her eyes snapped open, her body arched toward the ceiling, and she took a sharp breath and that made everyone in the room tense. Thor and Steve moved into battle stance. Pepper grabbed a nearby spanner while Bruce tensed, willing his heart rate to even out again. She let the breath go and sat up, blinking a few times. She looked from person to person, analysing everyone's vital signs and defensive stances. She looked to Bruce to her left, his readings slightly elevated. She reached a hand up to touch his arm when she saw them; hands, her hands. Her concern of Bruce's vital signs soon forgotten, she brought them up to her face, flexing each joint cautiously. Everyone in the room studied her movements closely, like she was a wild animal who could easily kill them all. Turning her hands over she looked them over and then smiled. Then her eyes widened and her hands flew to her face. Pepper put down her weapon and the rest eased out of battle mode. She fingered lightly over her face, inspecting it. With her face thoroughly memorised, she once more faced the room of strangers. With her eyes wide, her eyes landed to Tony. A face she could never forget.