Chapter 4: When Tragedy Strikes

Lucy's Diary, Entry Four

Ugh! I hate Liv! I hate her so much! She had absolutely no reason to bring up the fact that Grandpa Howard worked on the atomic bomb and when he was accused of selling weapons to bad guys! It had NOTHING to do with my device. And, she just had to suggest that my device was a weapon?! For crying out loud! Was she really trying that hard to get people to not like me? I have already gotten many text messages for the rest of the day from my friends telling me how much they loved seeing Liv getting punched by me. So, all she did was make me more popular in school.

Anyway, despite my somewhat bad day at school, Pepper was able to make it better by letting me have Rachel, Paige, Wyatt, and Quentin over at the mansion. And we were able to give Pepper another amazing birthday. We went out for dinner and went to see a movie. We ended up seeing the new Indiana Jones movie called "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". I really liked it, and I think that Pepper enjoyed it too. At least, I hope that she did. I know that I am her boss's daughter, but I like to think that we've known each other long enough to be friends. Who am I kidding? Of course we are.

You got to love Pepper. She always seems to know what to do to make a person feel better. She's been like a mother to me. If I was younger, I probably would have called her Mom from the very beginning. But, I may be able to call her Mom eventually. I see the way Dad looks at her and vice versa. Something is going on there. And it's my job, as a teenager, to make sure that those two get together. I won't meddle like you see in TV and movies, but I will try my best to make sure those two, eventually, tell each other how they feel.

Well, my friends already left to go home, and Pepper's doing work downstairs. I probably should get to bed, I have P.E. tomorrow at school. That should be exciting, and in case you can't tell, that part was sarcastic.

Cuts to Tony in Afghanistan, he had just finished up the demonstration and pulled out a metal container that had single-malt scotch on the rocks inside.

Tony: "(pulls a glass cup from the container) I'll be throwing these in with every purchase of $500 million or more. (Holds the cup in the air) To peace!"**

He took a slip from his drink when his phone rang, Tony opened his phone and saw Obadiah on the screen.

Obadiah: "Tony."**

Tony: "(surprised that Obadiah was calling because of the time difference) Obie, what are you doing up?"**

Obadiah: "I couldn't sleep till I found out how it went. How'd it go?**

Tony: "It went great. Looks like it's gonna be an early Christmas."**

Obadiah: "Hey! Way to go, my boy! I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"**

Tony: "Speaking of Christmas, why aren't you wearing those pajamas I got you?"

Obadiah: "(annoyingly) Goodnight Tony."**

Tony hangs up the phone, sighs, and starts walking towards the humvees. He picks up his phone and dials Lucy's number. Cuts back to the Stark Mansion, Lucy was asleep in her bed.

Lucy: "(snores as she was awoken by the ringtone of her phone)"

Jarvis: "(speaking through the speakers in Lucy's room) Incoming call from your father, Lucille."

Lucy: "Huh? (she said while groaning and puts her head under her blanket)"

Jarvis: "(speaking through the speakers in Lucy's room) Lucille, you have an incoming call from your father. Shall I tell him to leave a voicemail?"

Lucy: "(She groans as she reaches out her hand and grabs her phone. She talks groggy) Hello…? (clears throat) Hello?"

Tony: "Afternoon, my little sleeping beauty."

Lucy: "(groans as she saw the time on her alarm clock: 3:47 A.M.) Dad, do you even know what time it is?"

Tony: "(he smiled brightly when he saw the sleepy face of his daughter on the screen) For me or for you? Because I think the time here is great."

Lucy: "(sighs) Since you're calling, I take it that the demonstration must've gone well?"

Tony: "(he shrugged) Sweetie, you know that I would've called you, regardless, but yes, it went well."

Lucy: "(sarcastically) I'm so happy for you."

Tony could sense the sarcasm in his daughter's voice, but chose to ignore it.

Tony: "Hey, by the way, I got a call from Pepper a few hours ago, she told me that you got in trouble at school for punching Liv?"

Lucy: "(sighs annoyingly) Dad, you know just as much as I do that she deserved it."

Tony: "(he gave Lucy a look before continuing) Regardless if they deserved it or not. You don't just punch people. It's wrong."

Lucy: "Even though they are our biggest rivals?"

Tony: "Even when they are our rivals."

Lucy: "(sighs) She just drove me insane dad, and my emotions just burst out like a volcano."

Tony:"(chuckles before continuing) Alright sweetie, I'm going to let you go back to sleep. I'll be home soon. Love you, Angel."

Lucy: "Love you too, Dad."

Tony hung up the phone, took another sip of his drink and signs before getting into the humvee. Rhodey walks up to the window to talk to Tony.

Rhodey: "Hey, Tony."**

Tony: "I'm sorry, this is the 'fun-vee'. The 'hum-drum-vee' is back there."**

Rhodey: "(smiles at Tony) Nice job."**

Tony: "See you back at base."**

Rhodey nods his head before walking towards the other humvee. Tony takes another sip of his drink as other soldiers get into the van and begin the journey that would change his life forever.

Crossfades to the next morning in the school gym. Lucy and her friends were doing physical exercises. Wyatt was sitting in front of Lucy while she did sit-ups.

Wyatt: "You're doing good, Lucy. You're up to forty sit-ups."

Lucy: "(speaks every time she went up and down) Oh, really? I… haven't… been… counting."

Wyatt: "(chuckles a little) You, not paying attention? I knew something was up when I saw you trying to stay awake in history class. What's going on?"

Lucy: "(stops doing sit-ups to take a breather so she can talk to Wyatt) I didn't get much sleep last night. Dad called me in the middle of the night to tell me that the demonstration went well. But after he called, I couldn't fall back to sleep. (Takes a slip of water before continuing) I'm just nervous about what he's going to say when he gets back this afternoon."

Wyatt: "Don't worry about it, Lucy. If it's about you punching Liv, then I'm sure he'll let you down easy. Besides, I heard that Principal Bentley had a long good talk with Liv after what happened yesterday. Apparently, he gave her a piece of his famous 'Student Speech', and since then, she hasn't insulted anyone. Not even the lunch lady. I guess whatever Bentley said must've straightened her out."

Lucy: "(nodded impressively) Wow. That's shocking. But, with all things, it won't last long. I wouldn't be surprised if she'll be back to herself by the end of the week."

Wyatt: "Maybe. But don't jinx it. I say that it'll last until the end of the month or if we're lucky, until graduation."

Cuts to few minutes later, all the students were lined up to do rope-exercises. Leading these exercises was Edward "Eddie" Johnson, who was Wyatt's grandfather.

Eddie: "(blows whistle) Alright kiddos. Let's see if any of you can climb the rope and ring the bell in less than five minutes."

(Rachel and Paige look at Lucy with big smiles on their faces)

Rachel: "That should be easy for you, Lucy."

Paige: "Yeah. Remember when we went rock-climbing up at Joshua Tree? You really aced up the mountain!"

Lucy: "Yeah. I guess I did. I mean, I can't blame myself for being a good rock-climber. (Walks over to Eddie) I'll give a try."

Everyone except Rachel, Paige, Wyatt, and Eddie gasps.

Eddie: "Alright, Lucy, my dear. Just step right up and I'll time ya. (Whispers into Lucy's ear) Just take it easy sweetie, because of your current condition, don't overwhelm yourself."

Lucy: "(whispers back) Don't worry. I won't."

Eddie takes a few steps back and Lucy grabs the rope and takes a few short breaths.

Eddie: "(grabs his stopwatch) Ready Lucy? (Lucy nods her head) On your mark, get set, go!"

Lucy started climbing up the rope to ring the bell. She was about three-quarters up the rope, when suddenly Mason; Eddie's gym assistant, came running in with the rolling tv that they used for video exercises.

Mason: "(panting, out of breath) Eddie! You.. and the.. students.. need.. to see…"

Eddie: "(puts his hand on Mason's shoulder) Mason. Take a deep breath and explain slowly."

Mason: "(takes a deep breath) Sorry. Anyway, you all need to see this. (Turns on the tv, and switches it to the news channel)"

News Anchor Man: "We interrupt this program to bring you this important report. We received news that Multi-Billionaire Tony Stark has gone missing while in Afghanistan."

Everyone gasped when the Anchor Man said the horrible news. Lucy, who by now, made it to the top of the rope, heard the broadcast and she felt as if all of her energy was sucked right out of her. And her hands started shaking.

News Anchor Man: "The CEO of Stark Industries had been in the war ridden country for a weapons demonstration to show off his new weapons to the United States Soldiers and Generals stationed over there. During this trip, the soldiers and Mr. Stark were attacked. No further details as to what happened have been released at this time but we will inform you as we get information. In the wake of this tragedy, we can only assume at this time that Tony Stark's daughter, Lucy, will be taking her father's place as CEO of Stark Industries. We will keep you informed on that as soon as we get more information."

Lucy was so shocked about the news, that she let go of the rope and started falling towards the ground. Wyatt noticed and quickly rushed over to where Lucy was going to fall. And he caught her in his arms before she could hit the floor.

Wyatt: "Lucy! Are you okay?"

Lucy: "(breathless) I… I… I'm... I'm just… I'm just fine… (faints into Wyatt's arms)"

Lucy slowly opens her eyes as she regains consciousness, she rubs her head as she slowly sits up. Paige, who was sitting nearby, heard her groan and rushed over to Lucy.

Paige: "Lucy? (yells to the others in the room next over) Hey! Lucy's awake! (Walks over to Lucy) Are you okay?"

Lucy: "(groans as she rubs her eyes) I think so. How long was I out for?"

Paige: "(looks at the clock on the wall before speaking again) About an hour and a half."

Wyatt, Rachel, Principal Bentley, and the nurse came into the room.

Rachel: "(sighs in relief) Thank heavens that you're alright."

Wyatt: "Yeah. You really scared us back there."

Lucy: "(sighs) I guess I just got shocked when I found out about my Dad. It was probably a falsified report. The news gets stuff wrong all the time. For we know, Dad is probably on the way home now. (Chuckles, while the others stare at her. Lucy stops chuckling) Why aren't you laughing?"

Rachel: "(trying to Lucy the truth slowly) Because… it's not funny. What we saw the news is true, Tony has really gone missing."

Lucy's eyes widened when Rachel gave the news. She almost fainted again when she was caught by Paige and Wyatt.

Paige: "Lucy! Are you okay?"

Lucy: "(breathless) I think so."

Principal Bentley: "Alright Lucy. Before you faint again, why don't you go home and try to get some rest. Miss Chase, Miss McAllister, and Mr. Johnson. I'm giving all of you permission to stay with Ms. Stark at home to comfort her during this difficult situation."

Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt: "(speaking at the same time) Yes sir."

Lucy stood up from the bed and grabbed her backpack. And the four friends walked out the room and to the parking lot to Lucy's car and back home.

After getting past police and reporters and the front gate, the four friends finally got to the Stark Mansion. After parking, Lucy ran into the house and saw Pepper standing by the couch. The two looked at each other before speaking.

Lucy: "(trying to hold back her tears) Pepper. Please tell me it's not true."

Pepper nods sadly, Lucy couldn't hold back any more, she ran over to Pepper and cried out on Pepper's arms. Pepper put her arms around Lucy to try to calm her down. Meanwhile, Rachel and Paige walked into the house just as Wyatt put down all of their bags by the door.

Pepper: "They have every single available man out looking for him. (Pepper whispered as Lucy started to calm down a little) Rhodey assured me that they will find him."

Lucy: "(she nodded as she pulled away from Pepper and ran her fingers through her hair) And, what if they don't?"

Pepper: "(she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly) Then you are the new CEO of Stark Industries. Unless you don't want to be yet. I'm sure that we can find someone else to take over until you are ready. Maybe even Obadiah could do it. It's all up to you. But, legally, you are your father's successor. It's all up to you."

Lucy: "(nodded once Pepper finished) I'll think about it. I can't make any decisions about such things right now. I just need some time. But, if Obadiah calls, tell him that I want a meeting of the board. Here, not in New York or anyplace that I have to travel to. If you don't mind, of course. I know this is hard on you too…"

Pepper: "Lucy, you know that I don't mind doing favors for you. Especially in a situation such as this."

Lucy: "(she nodded and went to hug Pepper again) Thank you, Pepper. You're the best."

Pepper: "You're welcome. I'm going to order a pizza. Rachel, Paige, Wyatt, have any of you eaten?"

Wyatt: "No. Not since lunch."

Rachel: "And, if you don't mind, we're going to stay for a while to keep Lucy company."

Pepper: "(smiles) That'll be great."

Lucy: "Well, I'm going to change my clothes. I'm still wearing my gym clothes. (Starts walking towards the stairs) When I come back down, maybe we play a board game or something."

Rachel: "That sounds like a great idea."

Paige: "I call dibs on Monopoly!"

Everyone chuckles as Lucy went upstairs to change clothes. Even though Lucy knew that things were still bad because of her father, she knew that everything would work out for the best. Or so she thought.

Later that afternoon, Lucy was getting ready to go meet Rachel, Paige, and Wyatt at The Grove (one of the most popular shopping malls in L.A.), she was walking towards the stairs when she heard Pepper talking to Obadiah.

Pepper: "Obadiah, you have to understand, Lucy is still trying to process what has happened. (Pepper said, as Obadiah walked into the living room, with her following close behind) She is not in the right frame of mind to make any sort of decisions right now."

Obadiah: "I understand that, Pepper, but I need to know what she is thinking. (he said)"

Pepper: "All she is thinking about is Tony coming home, and then she'll think that everything will be better."

Obadiah: "Yes, well, as much as it pains me to say it, she has to at least open her mind up to the idea that he may not come home."

Pepper: "What would you have her do? Give up hope of Tony's safe return? Let her live in loneliness of her life and be the only one to carry the entire Stark family name?"

Obadiah: "(ignoring Pepper's questions) I just want her to know that I can step in and take care of things, just like I did before. I did it for Tony and I can do it for her."

Pepper: "(she nodded once) I'm sure she already knows that, but I will tell her."

Obadiah: "(he nodded) I'll give her a day or two, but after that, I really need to talk with her. It's not just me looking for answers, you know, the Board has already started asking me what is going to happen now."

Pepper: "I will tell her that too. (she turns to face the window that faced the ocean to avoid saying another word to Obadiah)"

Obadiah just stared at Pepper for a few seconds before walking towards the front door without saying another word. Once the door closed behind him, Pepper turned back around to see Lucy standing at the top of the stairs.

Pepper: "You heard all of that, I take it?"

Lucy: "Hard not to. (She replied, walking down the stairs) I really don't want to talk to him right now."

Pepper: "He's not going to let this go, Lucy. He's going to hound you until you give him the answers he's looking for."

Lucy: "(she sighed sadly as she walks over to the coach and sits down) I just don't know what to do Pepper. I know I'm supposed to step up and run the company, but… (starts twirling with her hair a little) I don't know if I can do it. What if they don't make me CEO? I mean, just because I'm Tony Stark's daughter, it doesn't mean that I can't be the first female CEO of all of Stark Industries. (Sighs sadly)"

Pepper walks over and sits next to Lucy. She puts her arm around Lucy's shoulder.

Pepper: "I know that you can do it Lucy. You are the kindest, and the smartest person I've ever met. Sure, your father can be arrogant, apathetic, callous, and a hedonist. But, when it comes to you or to the people he loves, he really does care. That's why I think that he'll make it back alive. But just in case he doesn't, and you've got to take over the company, I will help you every step of the way. I promise."

Lucy: "(starts tearing up by what Pepper said) Thank you Pepper. But, I know that Dad is going to come back. (She starts to get more upset, her eyes water up more, Pepper sees and opens her arms and Lucy leans into her and starts sobbing) I just want Dad, Pepper. I just want my dad. He can make all of this go away."

Pepper: "(rubs Lucy's back to calm her down) I know. But, Obadiah was right. You do need to prepare yourself for the worst."

Lucy: "(she pulled back and shook her head) I can't…"

Pepper: "But, you need to. I know it's horrible and I know that you don't want to think about it, but it is a very real possibility. I don't want to think about it either, but we have to."

Lucy: "(she wiped her eyes after calming down a little) But, if I do that, I feel like I'm giving up on him."

Pepper: "(she shook her head) You're not giving up on him. You would just be acting sensible. (Pepper took hold of Lucy's hand and squeezed it) When you were in the hospital, your dad did the same thing. He didn't want to think the worst, but he knew that he had to, just in case. We all did that."

Lucy smiles a little as she hugs Pepper. Pepper hugs her back and rubs Lucy's head.

Pepper: "Lucy. If you are still unsure about Obadiah, I'll call your father's lawyer to see

what kind of options you have."

Lucy: "(she pulls back and wipes away her tears) Yes. That's a good idea. I just hope that things will be better soon."

Pepper: "I know it will, Lucy, I know it will."

A few hours later, Tony's lawyer came to the mansion to talk to Lucy and Pepper. He organized his papers and files on the dining room table. He was explaining to Lucy and Pepper about the paperwork.

The Lawyer: "So Miss Stark. Fortunately, your father made it quite clear of what was to happen in the event of his demise or, in this case, absence. Not that he was actually expecting such a thing to happen, of course."

Lucy: "(she nodded) Who would?"

The Lawyer: "(he gave Lucy a small, sympathetic smile) Right. (Clears throat) Obviously, you are financially stable. No need to worry about that…"

Pepper: "(she interrupted the lawyer) I think what we need to know is what provisions were made of who controls the company. Technically, Lucy is old enough. She's turning nineteen in May. Tony wasn't that much older than Lucy when he took over the family business."

The Lawyer: "Indeed. (He pulled out a piece of paper from his briefcase, but didn't hand it over quite yet) As you know, when your grandparents died, Mr. Stane was put in control of the company temporarily before your father decided to assume control himself. You do have that option if you want to take it."

Lucy: "You are saying that there are alternative options?"

The Lawyer: "Yes, there is. (He replied. He finally handed Lucy the paper) Take a look at this."

Lucy took the paper from him, read it and then gasped and her eyes widened in shock. It was a document that had been signed by Tony and notarized as well.

Lucy: "(shocked) Is this for real?"

The lawyer nodded as Pepper looked from Lucy, to him, and then back again.

Pepper: "What does it say?"

Lucy: "(still stocked but calms down a little and reads it out loud) I, Anthony Edward Stark, being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare that… (Pauses for a second before continues) ...if something were to ever happen to me, my daughter, Lucille Maria Stark, is to be made CEO and Chairman of Stark Industries. If she is too young to maintain control on her own, then an Intern CEO will be appointed to take care of things until she comes of age."

Pepper: "So, Lucy is already CEO?"

The Lawyer: "Technically speaking, yes."

Lucy looks at the document again. She couldn't believe that her father would ever make something like this.

Lucy: "When was the document made?"

The Lawyer: "It was made on the day after your grandparents died in '91. Right after the funeral actually. Your father wanted to make sure that if something happened to him, you would be the CEO of the company. Effective immediately."

Lucy smiles as she looks at Pepper. But then Pepper thought of something important.

Pepper: "Wait! Does Obadiah know about this?"

The Lawyer: "(he shook his head) No. No he doesn't. Your father made it very clear that he did not want Obadiah to know this information unless it was absolutely necessary."

Lucy: "(she nodded her head again) Good. Thank you for meeting with me. I appreciate your time."

The Lawyer: "Not a problem at all. (He replied as he gathered up his paperwork and put it back in his briefcase) I wish we could have met under happier circumstances."

Lucy gave him a nod before taking the document and heading to the living room, while Pepper showed the lawyer out. She stood at the glass wall, overlooking the ocean, and waited for Pepper. Pepper came back into the room with a tray of glasses of lemonade and put them on the coffee table.

Pepper: "That was an interesting meeting."

Lucy: "That's one way to put it. (Lucy replied. Pepper watched as Lucy turned and sat down on the couch) Pepper, what should I do?"

Pepper: "(she sat down next to her) You have to do what you feel is right."

Lucy: "(sighs) I guess. Let me ask you something, what would you do? If you were in my place?"

Pepper: "(she thought for a moment) I would not let my family's legacy be handled by anyone other than myself. It's your name on the side of the building, Lucy. Your father's work and your grandfather's work. Not Obadiah's."

Lucy: "But, he was Grandpa's business partner and he took over after my grandparents died."

Pepper: "Yeah. You weren't even three years old yet. (She reminded her) Your father was still getting used to the changes in his life. With his parents dying, and the unexpected death of your mother. It was too much for him to handle all at once, but he had friends and his extended family to help him. (Pepper put her hand on Lucy's shoulder) If you were like any other teenager, I would tell you to let Obadiah take control. But, you're not like any other teenager, Lucy. You're special. You are your father's daughter in the ways that matter most and I know that you can handle this."

Lucy: "(she looked at Pepper) Thank you. But, I don't know if I can do this by myself. Will you help me?"

Pepper: "(she gives her a smile) Absolutely."

Lucy: "You're right, Pepper. It's my name and my family's company. I should be the one in charge, not anyone else."

Pepper: "(gives Lucy a hug) We'll get through this together, Lucy. I promise you that."

Here's the fourth chapter of the Iron Maiden story. If you see lines with two stars (**) next to them, it means that the line was taken directly from the movie.

Sorry if I haven't uploaded any new chapters in a while. But I'll be uploading Ch. 5 soon. I'm also working on another story here on FanFiction. So keep an eye out. ;)

UPDATE 1: I rewrote Chapter 4 a little bit, and I changed Eddie's actor from Robert Duvall to Jon Voight.

TRIVIA: Edward "Eddie" Johnson is portrayed by Jon Voight in this saga.

Mason, Eddie's assistant, is portrayed by Jason Ritter in this saga.

Principal Bentley is portrayed by Arliss Howard in this saga.

Tony's Lawyer is portrayed by David Cubitt in this saga.

I hope that you enjoy this new chapter! Please read and review!