The Unknown Variable
JUST LEAVE ME ALONE! I DON'T OWN ANYTHING!
A large silver and gold castle stood before me. Its walls were like mist, appearing and disappearing at will.
I walked through the echoing halls, feeling completely at peace, something totally forin to me.
A blonde haired, purple eyed child stood in front of me. Her mystic eyes glared at me as her face twisted in fury "What are you doing here!?"
"Father has sent me to speak without before my next Life." The words flowed from my lips, but they sounded like they belonged to someone else.
The child's face became stony, before an emotional mask slipped into place. "What is that Father wants Aequivalere?"
Everything twisted and vanished before reforming again. I was standing on a hill, this time, with Mortem by my side.
I turned and glared at him heatedly. I was all his fault! I mentally jumped, wondering why I was so mad at the Entity of Death.
"It is because of you that I am stuck like this." I snapped, anger coursing through my veins. "Over and over again, why? Why would you do this to me?!"
Mortem sighed, "I never meant for this to happen, and you must know that…I only reside over the realm of Death, I have no power in the Realms of Paths and Fate."
I ignored his words and glared at him one more time before vanishing in silver mist…I would never forgive him.
I awoke with a start, and groaned.
'Not another one…' I thought to myself. After the cave, the nightmares had kept the strange dreams at bay, but now they come along with the nightmares. It seemed that the sicker I got…the closer to Death I got…the more they came.
I had learned not to ask Mortem about them, for at any mention of them, he would cover my mouth before glaring at the ceiling and leaving for hours on end.
I glanced at the clock it was about eleven pm.
"Dad should be home by now…" I muttered to myself, pushing the strange dream from my mind.
I slipped from my bed and entered the lab. The lights turned on as my door opened.
"Jarvis?" I called, coughing lightly.
'Hope one of those fits don't start' I thought to myself.
"Yes, Miss Penny." The trusty AI replied.
"Patch a call through to my Dad, will you?" I asked, as I plopped down into Tony's chair.
"Right away, Miss Penny." Jarvis replied, and instantly ringing could be heard from the surround-sound speakers.
"Hello?" Tony's voice filtered down through the ceiling, he sounded tired and stressed…just how much had happened in less than three hours?
"Hey Dad, where are you?" I asked loudly, trying to get my point across.
"Oh God Pen, I'm sorry. I'm driving to DC right now…I got subpoenaed on my way out of the Exp. I have to appear before the Senate…Armed…something tomorrow at Nine." Tony's voice echoed through the lab.
"Bloody hell, Dad…you okay?" I asked, sitting up in the chair, my chest clenching in worry and pain.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. Sorry I didn't call earlier…I'm driving. Happy just fell asleep fifteen minutes ago and I didn't know if you were sleeping…" Tony trailed off with a yawn.
"It's okay Dad…just drive carefully; and make sure you sleep before court tomorrow. Anything you need me to do on my end?" I asked, wishing that I could do something to help.
"I'm almost to DC Pen, I'll try to sleep a few hours when I get there… okay?" Tony said gravely.
Both he and I knew that it wasn't likely that he would sleep for more than two hours at the most.
"Alright Dad…keep your com. in during the hearing, alright? I'll also be in their system if you need anything." I said, hoping to contribute something to help.
"You try to sleep, you hear me? I don't want…" Tony paused, and realized how he couldn't exactly say what he wanted to.
Sleeping doesn't exactly cure poisoning.
"I'll try too Dad…" I replied. "Good luck, I'll be watching your back tomorrow."
"Maybe I won't make them all look like fools…since you've got my back." Tony quipped, causing me to laugh.
"Naw, you'd do that anyway. Besides, I bet it will be fun to watch…just don't do anything I wouldn't." I stated with a chuckle, a smile on my face.
"Thanks for the free rein Pen. Talk to ya in the morning." Tony said, and I could hear the smile in his voice.
"Night Dad," I called.
"Night Penny." He replied before the call disconnected.
I only managed to get another hour of sleep…my chest was flaring up again and it was hard to sleep while you're in constant pain. Mortem had disappeared while I was sleeping, before I talked to Dad, and never showed back up. I was worried about him.
I was also out of my blue drink, so to distract myself from the pain; I hacked into SHIELD and played on my violin.
By seven that morning, I was already in the electrical system and computer systems that belonged to the court that had subpoenaed Dad.
I had some fun by playing with the lights and automated sinks in the bathrooms and various offices. People were freaking out, and one person had already fled the building, screaming about 'ghosts'.
I was completely connected to everything that I could be in that court room by the time eight forty-five came around. I had hacked into the news network that would be broadcasting, the screens that would be playing evidence, and various other electrical devices that was set up around the hall.
"Pen, you there?" Tony said through the com. quietly.
"Armed and ready Dad, they have a major fly on the wall…and they don't even know it." I commented, trying to keep my voice light…and failing by coughing harshly at the end.
I imagined Tony rolling his eyes, "How much sleep did you get last night?" he asked.
"Enough." I replied, turning up the volume on the TV slightly.
"Penny…" my dad said warningly, but I just rolled my eyes and replied.
"Unless you want to discuss your sleeping habits, drop it Dad." I snapped, not wanting to have this discussion.
There was a moment of silence before Tony said, "I'm getting called in. I'll keep the com. open, alright?"
"Rock and roll 'em Dad," I commented with a smile.
"Always do." He replied before the com. went silent.
A large grin had settled on my face as I watched the Judge try and get my father's attention. This was going to be fun.
"Mr. Stark, could we pick up where we left off…"
Tony, however, was talking to Pepper. Sadly, the camera's angle was too far off to read his lips, and he was mouthing the words so the com. didn't pick up anything.
"Mr. Stark! Please,"
Tony quickly turned around and said, "Yes, Dear?"
I snorted in amusement and saw Pepper give him a look. I was so right; this was going to be good.
"Can I have your attention?" the annoyed man said.
"Absolutely." Tony responded, causing the other people in the room to chuckle…or at least most of them.
The camera finally turned away from Tony's face and I could see the man annoying me. It was Senator Stern…and he definitely lived up to his name.
"Do you or do you not possess a specialized weapon?" Stern said, clearly annoyed.
"I do not." Tony replied speaking very close to the microphone and looking tired and I saw some hidden annoyance on his face.
"You do not…" The senator repeated.
"I do not." Tony repeated, and then elaborated. "Well it depends on how you define the word 'weapon'."
I nodded, and pulled the large bowl of popcorn onto my lap. What my Dad was saying was very true. A lot of things depended on how you look at them.
"The Iron Man weapon." The senator said, speaking as if Dad was three.
My eyebrow twitched…Dad wasn't going to like that. A wicked grin appeared on my face, he would get what was coming to him.
"My device does not fit that description." Tony stated, and I saw a vein on his forehead throbbing…he was getting annoyed.
"Get him Dad." I stated into the Com. and I saw Tony's lips twitch slightly in response.
Tony's statement threw the senator off, and he said, "H…w…How would you describe it?"
I snickered loudly, oh; he fell right into that one.
"I would describe it by defining it by what it is, Senator." Dad stated, his eyes begging the man to push him.
"Oh, he asked for it…" I stated, and I knew Dad was listening.
"As," The senator asked, I noticed that the man on the right, was clearly very annoyed with my father. It was funny.
"Um, a…hem…it's a high tech prosthesis." Tony said, pausing for a moment while he 'appeared' to be thinking of a response.
The crowd laughed, and I smirked as I popped popcorn into my mouth.
"Nice comeback." I stated.
"That is," Tony turned towards the guests, "actually the most apt description I could make."
He turned and faced the panel of old guys again, and I snickered. This was totally worth missing out on seeing Tony.
"It's a weapon, it's a weapon Mr. Stark…" Stern said, the rest of his sentence was drowned out by Tony who interrupted.
"Please, if your priority was actually the wellbeing… of the American citizens…" Tony stated, and his hand went to his forehead and I saw him pale slightly.
"Dad, was that another surge?" I asked; worry clear in my voice as I put the popcorn down.
"My priority….is to get the Iron Man weapon turned over to the people of the United States of America." Stern said, and I could see him trying not to glare.
"Deep breaths helps with the pain, Dad." I stated, dismayed that I actually had to give him that advice.
"Well," I heard him take a deep breath before he said, "you can forget it."
Tony paused, and I could see him take another practically unnoticeable deep breath. "I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself which is tandem amount of in due interest…servitude, or prostitution depending on which state you are in."
The audience laughed, but Tony was not done. "I'm not the only hero out there. But I don't see any of you jumping down their throats with a flashlight, trying to take away what makes them who they are."*
Tony shrugged and said, "Can't have it."
He really did look exhausted, I sighed, the sooner Dad got out of the public eye, he better I would feel. We didn't need anyone figuring any of this out.
"Look," Stern said, "I…I'm no expert…"
"In prostitution? Of-course not, you're a Senator. Come one!" Tony said, before glancing back at Pepper.
She just gave him a stern look and I could tell she was biting her tongue, literally, from speaking out.
"I'm no expert in weapons…" The senator stated, loosening his tie.
"Good job Dad, he's nervous." I commented.
"I'm just doing my job.* But we do have someone here who's an expert on weapons. I would like Justin Hammer…"
Tony sat up straighter, and I groaned, "Seriously, that idiot?"
Dad seemed to agree with me, if the clenching of his jaw was anything to go bye.
"…our current primary weapons contractor." Stern continued as the camera spun around to see the snobbish, nerd who ripped everyone off.
"Let the record show," Tony said, "That I observed Mr. Hammer entering the chamber, and I am wondering, if and when, any actual expert will also be in attendance."
This caused the audience to mutter amongst one another and Hammer had to take a drink of water to hide his anger.
"Hehehe…"Hammer laughed emotionlessly, "absolutely, I'm no expert…"
"Bloody Hell," I stated in shock, "a Stark and a Hammer agree on something! Is the world ending?!"
"I'd refer to you, Anthony." Hammer continued, using Dad's full name.
I saw his eyebrow twitch and stated, "Whip his ass for that Dad."
I knew Tony Hated…with a passion, his real name; it was attached to too many memories of Howard.
"…you're the wonder boy." Hammer snipped.
Dad didn't rise to the bait. But I did, "and you're a pathetic, little, slimy, no good weasel."
I saw Dad's lips twitch and I sighed.
Tony wasn't the only one who did comical relief.
"Senator, if I may." Hammer continued.
I was proud of Tony, he hadn't killed him yet… and I told him so. "Good job Dad, you haven't killed him yet…proud of you. Even if he isn't worth it and totally deserves it."
"I may well be not an expert, but you know who was the expert? Your Dad…" Hammer stated, as he took the microphone and started to walk around.
"Okay," I stated giving him my biggest death glares as I coughed. "Now you can kill him."
"Howard Stark." Hammer continued an aware of the concealed glare that Tony was sending him, or of the look of shock that Pepper was giving him.
You don't mention Howard unless Tony does…ever…period.
"really a father to us all." Hammer stated, looking over the audience.
"Fry him." I stated coldly, glaring at the large glasses wearing idiot.
I saw Tony sigh and move towards the microphone…yes. "Shut him up." I stated.
"and to the military and industrial age. Let's just be clear. He was no flower child, he was a lion. We all know why we're here…"
The senator was giving Tony a smug look. He knew Howard got under Tony's skin…a lot of people did.
Tony was latterly on his last piece of self-control, I could just tell.
"In the last six months, Anthony Stark has created a sword with untold possibilities." Hammer stated.
"Dude, you stink at metaphors." I told the screen, and saw a small nod from Tony in agreement.
"and yet, he insists it's a shield. He asks us to trust him as we cower behind it. I wish I was comforted Anthony, I really do. Loved to leave my door unlocked when I leave the house, but this ain't Canada. You know, we live in a world of grave threats. Threats that Mr. Stark will not always be able to foresee. Thank you." Hammer said as he sat back down.
My eyebrow twitched and I quickly turned up the volume on his microphone, so if he so much as stubbed his toe, the whole chamber would hear it. No one messed with the Starks and got away with it unscathed.
"God bless Iron Man, God Bless America." He said, and put the microphone down. Sadly for him, and those sitting near him, he farted as soon as he sat down. Now, while usually it would be completely unnoticeable by those around him because of how quiet it was, the micro-phone was turned up to the max, and so it was heard echoing throughout the chambers.
The audience had a mixed reason, some 'ewwed' and other laughed; while a lot moved away from Hammer with disgusted looks.
Tony snorted, trying to hide his laugher. He raised an eyebrow at Hammer, who was pretending nothing had happened, through his blush gave him away but I knew that the silent question was asked to me.
"Yup, part of me is thrilled that he's humiliated…the other half feels bad…for all of the people sitting near him." I stated smugly.
"That is well said, Mr. Hammer." Stern said, trying to overlook the personal matter the whole nation, and perhaps world, had just heard. "We of the comity would like to invite Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes to the chamber."
Tony's and my eyes widened as Stern dropped that bomb on us.
"Rhodey? What?" Tony said in shock turning towards the door, the same time I said, "Is that why Uncle Rhodey wasn't there?"
I had taken to calling Rhodey 'uncle' sometimes, it wasn't often and usually I said it to get a reaction out of him.
Tony stood up and greeted his friend, the TV couldn't capture what was said, but the Com. did.
"Hey buddy. Didn't expect to see you here." Tony stated, worried. They hadn't been talking much as of late, and I bit my lip. This could mess things up.
"Look, its me, I'm here deal with it." Rhodey said.
"Let's move on." Tony agreed, "It's just…"
"Drop it." Rhodey said sternly.
"We have up here, a complete report on the Iron Man weapon..." Stern started.
Just as Rhodey was about to move away from Tony, Dad whispered in digression, "Careful what you say. It's all rigged carefully by Pen…she's already angry."
"Thanks Dad, you ruin all of my fun." I muttered.
Rhodey gave him a look that said, 'shut up' as he sat down. But he seemed to get the message.
He knows better to mess with me when I'm annoyed.
"compiled by Coronel Rhodes, and Coronel, for the record, can you please read page 57 paragraph 4…" Stern said.
Tony looked worried; this could go extremely downhill fast.
"Excuse me, but are you asking me to read specific selections from my report, Sir?" Rhodey asked, ad he looked both nervous and unnerved. I wondered if was more scared for Tony or of me.
"Yes," Stern replied, looking smug.
"It was my understanding, sir, that I would be testifying in a much more comprehensive and detailed manor." Rhodey stated calmly, shooting a small glace at Tony.
"I understand," Stern said,
"Not, you probably planned it this way." I stated, glaring at the senator.
"A lot of things have changed today." Stern continued.
"You do understand," Rhodey said, "that reading a single paragraph out of context does not reflect …"
"Just read it." Stern stated, shutting him up. "Yes, Coronel, I do. Thank you."
Rhodes looked annoyed for a moment before his mask slipped into place and he complied.
"Very well," he said, starting to read. "As he does not aperate within any definable branch of the government…Iron Man presents a potential threat to the security of both the nation and to her interests."
The whole time he read, you could just tell that he didn't want to read it, and that he didn't agree with a word said.
"I did however," Rhodey said, knowing that his testimony could make this really difficult for his friend. "go on to summarize, that the benefits of Iron Man, far out…"
"Ah…ah," Stern said, realizing that he was saying something that could ruin it for them.
"Weigh the liabilities…" Rhodey tried to continue as Stern said,
"That's enough Colonel."
Rhodey tried to continue, however, his words where drowned out as Stern kept saying, "That' enough Colonel."
"…suggest that we fold, Mr. Stark, into the chain of commands…" Rhodey continued, determined to back up his friend.
Seeing that he was in trouble, Tony interrupted, "I'm not a joiner. But I'll consider Secretary of Defense…if you ask nicely. If we can bend the hours a little bit."
"Good job Dad." I stated as the audience laughed. He had gotten all of the attention off of Rhodey.
"I would like to go on to show," Stern said, "If I may, the imagery that is connected to your report."
"I believe that it is somewhat premature to, ah, revel these images to the general public at this time." Rhodey said.
"Coronel, Coronel, I understand and if you understand and if you would narrate those for us we would be…very grateful." Stern said, and Rhodey did not look happy.
"Let's have the images." He stated, gesturing towards the screens.
"Should I let them through?" I asked my dad, and the slight shift of his eyes was my answer.
'for now.'
An aerial view picture appeared on the screens as Rhodey said, "Intel suggests that the device seen in these photos" the picture changes to another, "are efforts in making manned copies of Mr. Starks suits."
Tony pulled out his Starkphone, (I know, I didn't name them) and an IM appeared on my screen.
'Send video files you found to my phone, and let me have access.'
'On it.' I typed as I quickly sent over the video files that I had pulled from the military mainframe the day before. I had been bored, and it had made a good laugh for me and Tony.
"…this has been collaborated by our allies and local intelligence…" Rhodey contined, as I saw Tony's electronic presence taking over the screen.
"Show them up, Dad." I stated.
"…on the ground indicating that these suits are a…quiet… possibly at this moment…operational." Rhodey stated regulently.
The audients started muttering to themselves, and just for a moment, Stern looked happy. Then Tony leaned forward and said, "Just a moment, buddy, wait a sec."
He moved his phone, which everyone was staring at, (it was clear plastic with holograms and very high tech, nothing available like it on the current market) towards the screens.
"Oh, oh boy I'm good." The green code appeared on screen and suddenly the code stopped and read, 'Welcome, Mr. Stark'.
I might have had something to do with that.
"I commandeered your screens…I need them." Tony stated, moving on to the second one, which showed the same message as the first.
"Time for a little transparency. Now let's see what is really going on." Tony commented as he/we loaded the first video.
"What is he doing?" Stern said, becoming concerned.
"Now, if you'd turn your attention to said screens. I believe that is North Korea." Tony said, the black and white video appeared on screen. A robotic suit, looking like it came out of sixties horror movie, appeared on screen. It took a few steps before falling over on its 'face' and shooting everyone.
Some people stood up to get a closer look, while others stated to turn it off as blood splattered the screen.
"Turn it off. Turn that off." Stern said, and Hammer got up, being the only one who bothered to listen.
"Iran." Tony continued, loading the next video. A blurry suit exploded in midair, not far from the ground, before crashing and hitting the camera. "No grave immediate threat here…"
Hammer continued to try and turn it off, but he really showed how much he knew as he was just hitting every button.
"Is that Justin Hammer?" Tony stated, confused. I had loaded that video. It was one that my worm in SHELD had picked up, and I had forgotten to show him.
"You're welcome." I stated.
"How did Hammer get in here?" Tony asked. It showed Hammer standing next to the most humanoid suit yet.
"Lift your right leg up." Video Hammer stated, and the suit complied, as the real Hammer started freaking out.
I started laughing.
"Arm up"
"Justin, pay attention. You're on TV." Tony mocked stated as the video continued.
"Right arm."
Everyone started muttering and shot Hammer tons of different looks. A lot shocked and quite a few annoyed and irritated.
We couldn't hear what was being said as everyone was talking, but after a few seconds I was able to catch video Hammer said, "Turn to the left."
The suit complied alright…just…a bit too much. It turned all the way around. Snapping the pour pilot's spine, and causing the suit to spark. We could even hear his muffled screams of pain through the two broadcasts.
Hammer wasn't going to have any friends any time soon.
You could hear video Hammer cussing as the current Hammer finally unplugged the screens.
"Oh, wow." Tony commented, shaking his head. "yeah… I'd say…um…most countries...five to ten years away…Hammer Industries…twenty."
Hammer hurried over to his microphone and said, "I would like to point out that that Test Pilot survived."
"…the point that he is making…I want to put it down…" Stern said, he was standing and was sounding like an idiot.
"The point is: you're welcome." Tony said, and I knew that he was wrapping everything up with a bow. "I guess."
"For what?" stern snapped.
"Because, I'm part of* your nuclear deterrent. It's working. We're safe, America is secure. You want my property, you. Can't. have. It! But I did you a big favor."
I sighed but knew Tony was going to do it anyway. "I have successfully privatized world peace." Tony stood up and looked towards the audience, that started clapping and cheering at his statement.
They have him a standing ovation when he gave them the peace sign.
"What more do you want?" Tony yelled over the crowd as he made to leave the room. "For now,"
Stern looked annoyed and sat back down, knowing that there was nothing more he could do.
"and for all of these ass-clowns." Tony stated and I had to laugh.
"F*ck you, Mr. Stark." Senator Stern said, causing many of his counsel members to look at him in shock, "F*ck you buddy."
"Can't believe he just said that on live TV…" I stated to myself in shock. He must really dislike my dad.
"We're adjourned…we're adjourned for the day." Stern said as Tony smiled and gathered his stuff; clearing enjoying getting such a rise out of the senator.
"Okay," Tony said as he slipped on his sun glasses.
"You've been a delight." Stern commented as Tony have him a thumbs up, then blew him some kisses to mock him.
I had to shake my head and laugh at the same time. I had said this once, and I'll say it probably a thousand times more. Only Tony.
This is the LONGEST CHAPTER IN THE STORY! It TOOK ME HOURS WRITE THIS! I hope you people are happy…sooooo late….I would have split it in two, but I wasn't sure where was a good place. Oh well. Just…don't annoy me or stuff and I'll leave you alone.
Thanks to everyone, I'm too tired to comment…
Oh, the * parts. The first one and last one (i think...) I just thought that Penny might make Tony a bit more aware of other people (hero's) and it is a good point. The middle one was his response to it and…I just wanted to. I told you it wouldn't be word for word and stuff. If something sounds weird, blame the late hour.
I'm goin to bed…sooooo…late….
Cp