Thirty Eight
I spent another week in the lab, this time working more and drinking less, before Steve and Natasha found us. He agreed with me about keeping out of Hydra's sight. It was good to see them both alive and well. I also told them of the little project I'd been working on for their new friend.
I escorted the three friends upstairs to view Sam Wilson's new wings. He'd need them if he was to work alongside us. Before I could uncover them, I had to remove the cat from the tarp. I'd had problems with this cat all week. I kept setting it outside, and yet it kept finding its way inside and into my lab. It even settled into sleeping curled up against my side. I learned not to mind it much, it kept to itself and didn't get in the way of my work. Even having something warm to sleep next to was nice. But I had a weird vibe. Maybe I was becoming a crazy cat person.
Sam was more than excited about the additions I added. Steve and Nat were a little wary of the alliance with Loki, but if Thor trusted him, we could trust him temporarily. I would say to trust him as far as I could throw him, but his lean body was a lot heavier than he looked, I should know. The only problem anyone saw was how to contact Loki and tell him we agreed.
Thor said he would find him. I reminded him that Loki did not want to see his brother and that maybe I should go. For all of our safety, I saw it as a better option, plus I wanted to see him again. There was an odd comfort in his presence. Even when we had first met, I had chosen to face him without my suit. It sounded so odd, even in my head to say that. But he had looked so broken when he left. I wanted to gather the pieces together and meld him back together. I was a mechanic, how much harder could it be to fix a broken person.
The group and I decided we couldn't stay underground forever, but needed to stay together. I told them the condition of Stark Tower.
"With a little work, we could fix it up and use it as a sort of base. There's enough room for all of us, especially since S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone. We can fortify it, make it impenetrable." I explained.
"And it's self sustaining. The building has its own power source, recycled water. It's completely off the grid." Pepper added.
"Then, get it done, what do you need from us?" Steve spoke.
"Stay here and keep everything safe, I'll go ahead and oversee repairs. I will send for everyone as floors become livable."
"And you'll be fine?" Natasha piped up.
"I'll be fine, the suit will come with me and I'll keep a low profile until at least the lab if fortified."
"When can you start?" Steve asked.