TITLE: Iron Maiden - Days of Future Past
DISCLAIMER: The Marvel Cinematic Universe characters and everything from Earth-199999 belongs to Marvel under the umbrella of The Mouse of Doom, ahem, sorry, Disney... anything from other Marvel Universes / dimensions / timelines belong to their respective comic creators… basically, if you recognise it, it isn't mine... Please don't sic SHIELD on me, I'm just here for the fun.
Palacio de la Moncloa
Avenida Puerta de Hierro
Madrid
Spain
March 22nd, 2010
"Doctor Stark, buenas tardes, ¿Cómo está?"
Tony actually blinked at the flurry of Spanish that came his way as Prime Minister Zapatero shook his hand hastily with a wide smile on his face. He understood the greeting vaguely enough, but the last part went completely over his head.
"We're good, thank you for meeting with us again." Morgan answered in English as she accepted the hand presented to her and shook it professionally, accepting the welcome back to the government offices in Madrid.
"Good, good." Prime Minister Zapatero chuckled, taking the hint to stick to English and not confuse Doctor Stark any further. "I trust you have enjoyed your stay in Madrid so far?"
"It's been great," Tony nodded, following on as Prime Minister Zapatero welcomed them into his official office and gestured for them to take the offered seats by his desk. "We had a few trips to take care of first, but we've been looking around and Morgan's been showing me the sights." He said with a grin.
That much was true at least, they'd flown straight back to Madrid after speaking with Doctor Hussain in London, and after spending a day relaxing together and catching Pepper up on everything that had been spoken about in London, they'd taken their suits and flown down to Valencia so that Morgan could show him the actual site where Stark Plaza was built in the future, and where it was going to be built again soon.
Valencia was definitely a beautiful city, he could clearly understand why Pepper had moved the business headquarters here. It was vibrant and stunning, and the position of the Stark Plaza towers would give a truly breathtaking view across the city from one side, and from the other they were literally within throwing distance of a luxury harbour for private yachts, and a gorgeous beach that would have fit in perfectly back in Malibu.
He could well imagine that from the top floors of the new Stark Plaza, anyone would be able to look out and on a clear day they would likely be able to see the Balears Islands, and probably make out Ibiza itself on some days, and probably nights too when the party island lit up and started their usual festivities.
From there they'd both flown further inland to take a look at the airport Tony had his eye on. It was still open and functional now, but even in the short time they'd taken while watching the airport and running scans over it, it became pretty clear that it was hardly a busy or profitable airport. From everything he saw it was obvious that money and business was running out, and financial troubles were hitting the airport hard.
He would wait and have FRIDAY and JARVIS keep watch on it closely, and the second that the financial troubles hit rock bottom, he would swoop in and buy the entire thing up for a song. The airport itself was only a hundred and forty some miles south of Madrid itself, and surrounded by enough dry and arid land that expansion and test areas for future jets and aviation technology would have more than enough room for everything that Stark Aviation would need.
"I have been speaking more with the Council from Valencia, and visited the site you wish to purchase personally, there are some worries about the actual intended height of the building you intend to construct, and the methods of construction." Prime Minister Zapatero explained as he moved to his seat and sat down, shuffling himself around to sit at his desk and look across at Doctor Stark.
"Structurally it won't be a problem," Tony said calmly, waving that worry away. "Internally we'll be using proprietary techniques to ensure stability and integrity, it'll be bolstered by excavating the underlying ground first and building up the subterranean levels, where we can embed the foundations of the underground facilities deep down and around the level where the metro station will be built." He explained.
"That was the conclusion my architectural advisers came to as well," Prime Minister Zapatero nodded as he considered what he was being told. "Exactly how extensive are you intending the subterranean levels to be?"
"Extensive." Tony said, implying everything in that single word. "Down to the metro line obviously, not as deep in other areas, but there'll be underground facilities for storage, computer systems, server farms, labs, parking, that sort of thing, along with shipping and internal areas for receiving and sending out electronics and scientific equipment." He explained.
"I see," Prime Minister Zapatero contemplated this.
"It'll be easier that way," Tony interrupted his thoughts. "Having the subterranean levels accessible away from the main building, so cargo and staff can come in from a distance and drive through without driving around the actual plaza itself will cut down on traffic around the building, so tourism and business can continue without interruptions." He explained.
Honestly that part of the Stark Plaza had blown him away when he'd seen the blueprints. He could definitely see Pepper's touch in a few of the areas, specifically where organisation and logistics were planned out perfectly, allowing a vast underground car park for employees, then underneath that there would be cargo areas and logistics, allowing for trucks with deliveries or trucks leaving Stark Plaza, to drive through the underground areas and come out above ground away from the main building and on a slip road that led up directly to join one of the main routes along the coast.
"That does sound like a well planned method of keeping the traffic around the building itself to a manageable level." Prime Minister Zapatero nodded thoughtfully, trying to imagine what Doctor Stark was describing. "
"The other thing that we should really bring up is power," Tony said, leaning back in his chair and smirking a bit. "Electricity I mean." He clarified at Prime Minister Zapatero's confused expression. "Power generation. The Stark Plaza will be completely self contained, it'll have it's own power source. And I'm willing to plug it into the city's supply as well, and augment whatever electricity source you have here with our own reactor." He explained.
"An internal reactor?" Prime Minister Zapetero frowned at the phrasing. "From what you are describing, I do not believe you speak of nuclear power generation?" He asked, looking for clarification here.
"Arc technology," Tony shook his head, gesturing to the glowing nanite core reactor on his chest. "Depending on the construction timetable, this will be the sixth or seventh building sized reactor on the planet. I've got one in my mansion in Malibu. Another in the Stark Industries complex in LA. The Air Force have one for some work I'm doing with them, and the fourth is in construction plans right now to be fitted into the Stark Tower in Manhattan." He explained. "I've got plans for another to be built in my research and development compound, but future plans might include others."
"This technology... it is peer reviewed... and safe?" Prime Minister Zapatero questioned.
"Right now it's ready for large buildings and facilities." Tony nodded. "The New York city council have gone over my plans for the reactor that will be installed in Stark Tower, and they're more than happy to have it in downtown Manhattan. A few years time, It'll be ready to take on and power entire cities." He explained with a proud grin. "Five years time, I'll probably have plant sized reactor cores ready to supply clean green energy to an entire country."
"You intend on replacing the need for fossil fuels or nuclear power entirely?" Prime Minister Zapatero asked in surprise, his eyes wide as he thought about this.
"Arc power is the future, constant clean and renewable energy on a stable grid." Tony nodded with a grin. "We set up in Valencia, there's a very good chance that the first Stark Reactor Plant will be built here in Spain, and you can have the first cities, the first country, to be entirely powered by renewable energy."
He could tell right there and then that he'd won the deal. The expression Prime Minister Zapatero was making said that he knew exactly what that would mean on the world stage. He was offering Spain the chance to not only become the first completely clean country on the planet, but take the first steps into becoming an economic and technological powerhouse in their own right, one that could easily eclipse China or The United States in time.
"That's for the future though, a glimpse at what I've got planned for the next few years," Tony waved the thought away. "Stark Plaza is the first step. From there, I'll move more of Stark International here once we've got the main headquarters up and running, and start expanding other areas of the business."
"You are speaking of starting an economic overhaul that will completely change our country Doctor Stark." Prime Minister Zapatero admitted.
"Yup." Tony grinned, knowing the Prime Minister could see exactly what he was doing. "Millions of jobs. Economic growth. World wide trade and new technologies, all developed right here." He explained, ticking the various items off on his fingers as he spoke. "Business aside, I'll be looking at a private residence as well, somewhere to relax and kick back... Where'd you say was good?" He asked, looking at Morgan knowingly with a grin.
"Roc de la Guàrdia," Morgan smirked back. "Close to Andorra near the Pyrenees." She smiled fondly, thinking back to her childhood days growing up there with her mother and how amazing it had been at the house her mom had had built.
"Beautiful lands indeed, you know the area well?" Prime Minister Zapatero asked curiously, looking towards Doctor Stark's young assistant now.
"Extremely well," Morgan smiled.
"You will be seeking nationalisation then as well?" Prime Minister Zapatero asked, looking curiously back to Doctor Stark as he considered that.
"We'll see how it goes first," Tony admitted. "I'll be working globally, the intent is to keep the headquarters of Stark International here, but as the company grows globally, I'll be looking to open other facilities in other countries, and will be spending time all over the world as things progress."
"Quite so," Prime Minister Zapatero nodded, taking that on board and thinking everything over. "Provisionally, the Council of Valencia are in agreement with your plans for Stark Plaza." He confirmed. "We have survey teams ready to start their evaluations of the grounds in Valencia, and are willing to work alongside your own teams to perform a full investigation into the land to evaluate it's suitability for such a mammoth undertaking."
"I'll have legal draw up the forms and start the ball rolling then," Tony gave a wide grin as he stood up, seeing the Prime Minister was clearly ready to make an agreement and already envisioning Stark Plaza starting to grow, trying to imagine the world's reaction to seeing the future of Stark International taking shape right before their eyes.
"Indeed," Prime Minister Zapatero chuckled as he stood up as well. "It will be an honour to welcome you to Spain Doctor Stark. I look forward to cultivating a close relationship between the Spanish government and your business."
"Same here," Tony smiled as he shook the offered hand. "We're going to do amazing things here, it'll be the first step towards the future." He intoned with a glint in his eye and a promise of things to come.
"Of that, I have no doubt." Prime Minister Zapatero smiled widely. "I look forward to speaking with your teams more, and seeing the progress start on your headquarters."
"I'll have someone send some tickets over for the Stark Expo," Tony smiled as he started planning things out in his head. "Once the contracts are signed, I'll make the official announcement on the seventh of May, and show the world what the future of Stark International is going to look like."
"You are planning on a public announcement so soon?" Prime Minister Zapatero asked in surprise.
"It'll leak sooner or later, it'd be impossible to keep a project this big a secret." Tony waved off the thought. "Might as well announce it on my terms and get everyone talking about what I want them to see, not making up their own minds and listening to gossip rags about what's going on."
"Yes, of course." Prime Minister Zapatero nodded thoughtfully. "Then I will look forward to your announcement, and offer to stand with you to provide an official welcoming to Spain."
"I can do that," Tony grinned at the thought, knowing that would definitely light a fire under the Senators who were going to cause trouble for him in the future. "I can definitely do that." He said, a suitably evil grin splitting his face as he started making plans and writing out the announcement speech in his head.
Picturing him announcing the future of Stark International on stage, standing there with the Spanish Prime Minister, a holographic projection of Stark Plaza behind them, as they shook hands for the entire world to see.
"Then let us sit and discuss the land prices and regulations for Valencia, and see where we can come to a mutual beneficial understanding..." Prime Minister Zapatero said, indicating his desk with both of his hands before they begun the proper negotiations.
SHIELD Helicarrier
Location: Classified
"Report," Director Fury asked, looking up as Agent Hill came into his office and closed the glass door behind her.
"Agent Thirteen has been moved from Los Angeles to a covert location for questioning sir." Agent Hill reported, coming to stand in front of Director Fury's desk. "Our contacts in the FBI can't find out where she is, but our contacts say she's been officially charged and taken into custody."
Director Fury simply nodded, having expected this anyway. "The charges?" He asked, biting back his urge to scowl at how bad this was going to be.
Secretary Pierce was already throwing his weight around and trying to get the FBI to release Agent Thirteen into SHIELD custody, but the FBI were adamantly refusing and had implied that if Secretary Pierce continued to push the matter, then they would open a direct investigation into the links between Secretary Pierce and SHIELD, and charge him with obstruction while their investigation continued.
Overall, it was not looking good for Agent Thirteen, and SHIELD didn't have the political capital to expend on one agent right now, not even Director Carter's niece.
Her name might get her some clemency by the people who were aware of Peggy Carter and everything she had done for SHIELD, but it wouldn't protect her from the industrial espionage charges, nor would it protect her from the FBI's deeper investigation.
"Sixteen counts under the Economic Espionage Act, twelve counts of fraud, there's more but those are what our contacts at the Department of Justice have confirmed so far sir." Agent Hill explained. "There might be more tacked on top, depending on how thorough the FBI are with going through Agent Thirteen's file. Stark's lawyers are working with the FBI directly, apparently there's footage of her tampering with Stark's security systems and accessing proprietary technology files."
Fury grimaced at that, wishing Agent Thirteen had managed to at least get any of Stark's technology out and into SHIELD's hands, that would have at least made this whole mess worth while. The note of proprietary technology made this even worse, and meant Stark could back up the espionage charges and get the Department of Justice to come down heavily on Agent Thirteen, and SHIELD itself if they didn't manage to distance themselves properly.
As it was they had nothing, one of their lead Agent's had been burnt beyond saving, and the FBI were turning their attention towards SHIELD, backed up by Stark's formidable and well financed lawyers.
He couldn't even claim Agent Thirteen was acting as a rogue agent, not when the FBI had got hold of her official file from somewhere.
"Do we know how the FBI managed to get their hands on Agent Thirteen's dossier?" Fury asked, looking up at Agent Hill now and frowning at her.
"No sir," Agent Hill shook her head. "We've got our best teams going over the Triskelion's servers with a fine tooth comb, they've found no evidence of a cyber attack or network intrusion whatsoever." She explained. "Their report indicates that the only possible way is that the FBI have a mole within the Triskelion and they took copies of the files physically." She said before pausing.
"What?" Fury demanded, gesturing for Agent Hill to spit it out.
"There's been some suggestion that the FBI was given the SHIELD files by Stark." Agent Hill explained. "Our contact at the FBI couldn't confirm it, but apparently that's the rumour sir."
Fury frowned as he considered that, sitting back in his chair and drumming his fingers on his desk as he thought it through. It was entirely possible, Stark had both the technical experience and the prowess to get into their systems if he really wanted to, he couldn't deny that.
"No," Fury said, shaking his head and waving the accusation away. "It doesn't fit." He said firmly.
"Sir?" Agent Hill asked.
"Stark, hacking our systems I could believe," Fury said, giving her that much at least. "Stark hacking our systems, copying some agents files, and then leaving so perfectly that there wasn't even a trace of him? No showboating? No flashy ego boost or boasting that he'd done it?" He asked aloud, shaking his head. "It wasn't Stark. Whoever got into the Triskelion servers was a professional, to do it without us noticing, leaving no trace, and have it done for god only knows how long until this happened?" He asked. "Stark would have left a video or a picture, or just god damned called me to boast about it."
Agent Hill nodded as she thought about that. Stark doing something like this and not boasting about it didn't fit in with the egotist at all. He wouldn't keep something like this quiet, so it wasn't Stark.
"Stark was out of the country when Agent Thirteen's cover was blown. If it had been him, he would have wanted to watch and make some of his usual stupid remarks to her." Fury shook his head. "It wasn't Stark. Run checks on every single personnel at the Triskelion. I want deep background on everyone working there. Their families, previous employment, I want to know what they had for breakfast!" He spat out angrily. "Lock the servers wings down, nobody without level seven clearance gets anywhere near the agents dossiers from now on."
"Yes sir," Agent Hill nodded automatically. "We have to assume that the FBI have other files though sir, they couldn't have known Agent Thirteen would be directed to infiltrate Stark Industries, we don't know how many of our agents have been compromised."
"Pull everyone back, clear out every ongoing mission, I don't care where they are, I want everyone back for evaluation and reassignment within the week." Fury ordered firmly. "Priority order, pull back those evaluated in high risk environments first, then work down the missions list."
"Yes sir," Agent Hill nodded, accepting the dismissal for what it was and leaving Director Fury's office to head out and start recalling all of their embedded agents. She could certainly understand Director Fury's ire right now. Not knowing how many of their agents had had their security compromised meant that every single one of them was at risk.
It was going to be a logistical nightmare to recall every single one of them, and they would probably lose decades worth of investments from agents that had been deeply embedded within businesses, laboratories, and other government agencies. There was no other answer though, without risking their agents and leaving them in positions where they could be exposed and further damage SHIELD, recalling them was the only option available to SHIELD right now.
She knew things were going to get worse before they got better as well. With Stark's lawyers involved, it was inevitable that Stark got involved as well, and from there the whole thing would be blown up like some sort of spectacle for the public to watch and take notice of.
It would only be days before that happened, and honestly she was surprised Stark hadn't pushed it out and made a press release already.
Once that happened though, SHIELD and Agent Thirteen would be firmly dragged out into the public eye, and given Agent Thirteen's prosecution and the amount of proof Stark would be able to show about her actions, it would be damning for SHIELD and create a precedent for other private businesses to rail against SHIELD.
Once Agent Thirteen's past missions were listed in a court room, she knew without doubt that the businesses and laboratories that Agent Thirteen had infiltrated on previous missions would begin their own lawsuits as well. Every one of them had the potential to be equally damning towards SHIELD, and as it would be the first time SHIELD was being dragged into the public eye, this was going to be a lasting stigma that would likely shadow the agency for decades to come.
SHIELD would survive though, eventually. They would continue on, and they would protect the world whether people liked it on not. She would ensure it. They might loose some of their American contacts and some of their contracts with businesses, but in the end, they would be able to rebuild those and forge links with other businesses and labs in different countries.
It would be a pain, but they would manage.
Back in his office Director Fury simply scowled, sitting in his chair and planning how to speak to Stark and get him to drop the charges against Agent Thirteen.
He had precious few options left to him right now, and didn't even know when Stark was going to be getting back in the country. He couldn't approach him at his mansion again, the security would likely be even better there than at Stark Industries, which meant approaching him at the business was his only option.
He'd already tried several times to get in contact with Stark Industries, but had been given the run around every single time. Turning up unannounced was another option, but didn't guarantee that Stark would be there or that he would get to see him.
It was frustrating. He was so used to relying on SHIELD's technological superiority to force meetings and get what he wanted, that now that Stark had the superiority, he was planning blind and unable to judge properly how to angle things to his advantage.
He'd already considered sending some agents to intercept Stark and force a meeting from there, but that would almost definitely put Stark on the defensive again and give his lawyers even more ammunition to bring against SHIELD in the future.
Not to mention the fact that Stark's damn suit gave him more than enough firepower to deal with any agents he could send, and he really didn't want to antagonise Stark any further and give him reason to direct any more of his legal teams to start looking towards SHIELD.
His only real option was to find out when Stark was back in the country, and approach him himself. He could take the lithium dioxide and offer it in trade. Help dealing with Stark's palladium toxicity problem in exchange for Stark dropping the charges against Agent Thirteen.
From what the lab technicians had told him, Stark's toxicity problem wouldn't be life threatening for several more weeks now, so he did have some time to wait until Stark would be desperate enough to work with.
Tipping his hand early to stave off Stark's lawyers and the FBI would likely save SHIELD's reputation, somewhat anyway. It was unlikely that they would be able to stop the FBI from investigating, but if he could convince Stark to call off his lawyers and drop the charges against Agent Carter, that would keep things out of the courts and away from the public eye, which would mitigate a lot of the damages really.
Letting Stark get more desperate before he approached him with the lithium dioxide would have been his preferred option. Desperate men are always more easily manipulated, and he could have used it as a way of bringing Stark into the loop somewhat, but keeping him off balance and busy enough that he wasn't able to start looking into things too deeply.
Stark would likely be far too grateful for the lithium dioxide anyway to look a gift horse like that in the mouth, after all, dying people rarely questioned being given a lifeline.
He was reasonably sure that Stark would go for it, after all, Stark would put himself before his company and any legal issues, he was certain of that. So offering him the lithium dioxide and sweetening the deal with some of the equipment and personal affects SHIELD had confiscated from Howard Stark after his funeral, would likely put Stark in a better position for future dealings with SHIELD, and from there they might be able to slowly build up contracts with him to start profiting from Stark's new technology.
He'd already seen the civilian photos of Stark's new jet, and could easily picture Stark using that technology to build new Helicarrier's and Quinjet's for SHIELD's use, he just had to convince Stark that SHIELD was working in the world's interest, and that he just needed to put his ego aside and work with them to ensure the world's protection.
That was going to be the hard part though, convincing Stark to put his ego aside. Appealing to his ego was likely going to be far easier, but wouldn't give them what they needed.
They needed Stark, at least as a consultant, and at the very least they needed his technology. He would just have to hang the lithium dioxide over Stark's head until he was desperate enough to work with them, and from there he would just suffer with whatever tantrum Stark threw, as long as it got them Stark's technology, he couldn't care less what the egotist said about him, or about SHIELD.
Stark Industries
Los Angeles branch
March 23rd, 2010
Tony smiled widely as he stepped off of the Stark jet with Morgan behind him, looking over happily at the sight of Pepper waiting there to meet them.
The smile Pepper gave as they came down the stairs from the jet was absolutely perfect, and told him that she'd missed him just as much as he'd missed her. It was strange, he'd never actually thought of a proper relationship before, especially not with Pepper, but after Morgan had literally crash landed into their lives and showed him what the future was bringing, he found himself thinking about Pepper more and more as the weeks went on.
From the future Morgan had shown him, she was trustworthy, loyal, turned out to be an amazing mom for Morgan, and had done both him, Morgan, and Stark Industries proud after his untimely demise.
She was the perfect fit. Now he just had to convince her that he was actually taking this seriously and wanted to put his playboy days behind him, in favour of actually moving on and starting a proper adult relationship with her.
That was definitely a big change. Six months ago the mere words 'proper adult relationship' would have caused him to break out in hives, but seeing how amazing Morgan had turned out, and the promise of having a child of their own to watch grow up and actually be there for, a little brother or sister to Morgan, and a child of their own in this timeline, was a thought that warmed in heart in places he didn't know he had.
"Hey you two." Pepper smiled fondly as they came over, approaching the car with wide smiles as Morgan ducked in to envelop Pepper in a hug. "Did everything go alright?"
"Great," Tony nodded with a smile, waiting for Morgan to release Pepper before he slipped one hand into hers, pulling her gently in to steal a simple kiss from her. "I've got the docs all sorted. I'll be booking in for surgery after the Expo. Early June." He explained, smirking at her surprised face, likely at both the stolen kiss and the fact he'd actually booked himself in for surgery.
"That's fantastic," Pepper smiled, doing her best to cover up her slight blush at the public affection Tony was displaying, and noting how Morgan had very deliberately turned away from seeing it. "How was Spain?"
"Promising," Tony said eagerly. "They're definitely interested." He confirmed. "They're sending surveyors out to go over the land right now, so we'll probably hear back in a couple of weeks about an estimated price for the land, along with all the tax brackets and high rise tax stuff."
"That does sound promising," Pepper nodded in agreement, happy that it had actually gone well. "I wish I could have gone with you."
"What's happening with the SHIELD woman?" Morgan asked, looking around and then turning around when she saw that it was safe and her mom and dad weren't doing their weird thing anymore.
"The FBI have her in custody." Pepper confirmed. "There was some shooting in the west lot, insurance is covering the damages." She explained, holding up both hands when both Tony and Morgan looked at her with worried expressions. "I was in my office, I didn't see any of it." She explained quickly. "A few cars got bullet holes, but nobody else was hurt."
"That's good," Tony breathed out a sigh, happy that Pepper had stayed in her office and away from SHIELD completely. "Back to the mansion. I've got some ideas I want to go through about the R&D compound over in New York." He said, moving towards the car when Happy opened up the back door for them all.
"I already have a list of things you need to deal with," Pepper explained, waiting for Tony to get into the back set before she got in as well, smiling as Morgan gestured for her to go ahead so that she could climb in last. "Doctor Selvig replied to your emails. He'll be here in three days time with Doctor Foster to meet with you."
"Great," Tony grinned at that, mentally still calling him 'Doctor Streaky' in his head. He took a moment to make sure the divider was up between the rear of the car and the front seats, ensuring that they could talk comfortably here without Happy overhearing what they were saying.
"I showed dad the emails you sent over when we were in London," Morgan explained as she got in and sat down on the reverse seat so that she could laze out a bit and sit opposite her parents. "The NASA one might be interesting, but we never saw any real benefit from working on the ISS stuff last time." She explained with a shrug.
"Apparently kiddo's got some specs for artificial gravity generators and other bits she's been holding out on me." Tony needled Morgan with a smirk as Happy started the car and drove out of the Stark Aviation lot and headed out into Los Angeles properly.
"Artificial gravity..." Pepper whispered, her eyes wide as she looked at Morgan in surprise.
"I've got like thirty five years of patents, research and tech to go through and remember, sue me, I didn't think about it." Morgan muttered, rolling her eyes at her dad's antics fondly,
"Because massive things like... you know, artificial gravity, are so easy to forget?" Tony smirked over at her.
"Bite me," Morgan shot back with her own smirk. "Anyway, the R&D compound, the big one in upstate right?" She asked, double checking then continuing on when her dad nodded back to her. "How big were you thinking for the prismatic accelerator ring?"
"Honestly, I hadn't even thought about it yet." Tony admitted, leaning back in the car seat and giving the thought the attention it deserved. "The grounds are pretty big, we'd have to be careful setting it a good distance out from the river, take the actual ring through the sub basement of the compound itself..." He mused, going over the plans of the compound from what he'd seen of them so far in his head. "A mile maybe? Just under that? Diameter?"
"So a three mile circumference, give or take?" Morgan asked, getting a confused look from her mother as she continued on. "Just calculating how much energy we could get out of it to start synthesising Starkanium and vibranium properly." She explained.
"Say a fifteen foot tall tunnel? Six foot for the actual chamber, that gives nine or ten feet for power cables, lighting, maintenance and walkways?" Tony rattled off thoughtfully. "A ring that big would take a while to get up to speed, but..." He paused, doing the rough calculations in his head. "Probably a good ten to fifteen meters at a time, bars not balls or whatever." He said after running the numbers down. "It'd have to be pretty heavily shielded, the amount of energy output we're talking about..."
"Yeah, I've done the math," Mogan nodded knowingly. "I was just thinking about what you said to Prime Minister Zapatero about construction and stability issues with the height and everything."
"Stark Plaza?" Pepper asked, happy to interject now the two were moving into territory she could actually contribute to and not just stare between the two geniuses dumbly. "You're thinking about construction metals already?"
"You're thinking about vibranium?" Tony asked, catching on to Morgan's thoughts.
"It's about five times stronger than steel, and a third of the weight." Morgan clarified when her mom looked between them both with an utterly lost face again. "I can start synthesising it if I get the right materials, but it takes a lot of energy to transmute the elements into what we need, so..."
"So the accelerator," Tony nodded knowingly. "You want to use the rarest metal on the planet to build Stark Plaza?" He asked, the sheer astonishment of the idea showing clearly on his face. "The skeleton of the building alone would be worth trillions." He said with a bark of laughter.
"At the moment," Morgan shrugged. "Once we start producing synthetic vibranium in bulk, it'll be worth maybe twice whatever steel is at the moment, probably about the same per volume as Tungsten or something." She explained with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It's only worth so much because it's rare..."
"But when we start pumping it out, it won't be rare anymore." Tony nodded thoughtfully. "I'd have to go over the blueprints, check the actual layout and structural plans. I only looked at the Plaza cosmetically, I didn't delve into the plans in any detail."
"It'd make the place more secure, brace it properly, it'd be strong enough to handle a Hulk tantrum if it came down to it." Morgan explained. "Vibranium's strong enough to use like that, and the lighter load would mean it'd be easier to get the frame up and get work done on it quicker."
"Point," Tony conceded with a small nod as he thought about that. "I'll run some calculations tonight, see if it's viable." He said, honestly thinking about the idea now. The concept was pretty far out there, but having a building that was literally Hulk proof, let alone defensible against anything SHIELD or anyone else could throw at them was definitely a huge plus in his book.
"Architecture aside," Pepper interjected. "The Expo council are pressing finalisation for the advertising campaign, it needs your sign off on some of the changes." She explained. "The extra advertising including AC/DC and Iron Maiden's concerts will be going up, and the bands have forwarded over some photos and bits that can be used in the promotional materials."
"Sounds good, I'll take a look tonight and sign off on everything." Tony nodded automatically.
"There was also a large package delivered while you were both away, addressed to you." Pepper explained, looking at Morgan now.
"Me?" Morgan raised an eyebrow at that. She didn't really know anyone yet, definitely not back in this time, and certainly nobody that would be sending her packages.
"It's from the band and manager, Iron Maiden." Pepper clarified with a small smile. "I had it sent up to the mansion once I'd confirmed it was actually safe, I assume Happy had it packed away somewhere there for you."
"Band goodies," Morgan chuckled with a grin, causing Tony to laugh at her enthusiasm. "T-shirts, hoodies, a few CD's? Stuff like that?" She asked, looking back at her mom for clarification.
"And a couple of jackets, a signed poster, and some shirts." Pepper confirmed with a smile. "It the box was pretty big, I think they sent over a collection of sizes to make sure they were sending over things that would fit you."
"Great, now you can stop stealing my t-shirts," Tony said pointedly, knowing full well that Morgan had actually stolen at least a few of his Van Halen and Black Sabbath shirts already.
"They're comfy." Morgan defended herself with a shit eating grin, utterly unrepentant as her dad mock glared at her.
"They're filthy more like," Pepper rolled her eyes at the pair. "Honestly, those t-shirts probably have more oil and weird grease stains on them than I'd even know what to do with."
"A bit of thermal compound or a splash of coolant is good for the skin," Morgan laughed back, causing her dad to nod in firm agreement with her there, much to her mom's horror.
"And while we're on the subject of clothes," Pepper said firmly. "The Expo launch gala is only a month away now. We need to start getting you fitted for the announcement and the opening show." She said, turning between Tony and Morgan, and fixing them both with a look. "Your tailor already has your measurements, but I'm sure he's waiting for your fabric and colour choices. You mentioned you were looking at the classic cut pin stripe?" She asked as she looked at Tony before rounding on Morgan. "I'm assuming you're not going to be wearing a gown for your debut?"
"Not a chance in hell," Morgan snorted, shaking her head firmly at that thought.
"I'd assumed not," Pepper sighed good naturedly. "During the week I'll set some time aside to take you down to your dad's tailor. I don't know whether he's ever actually fitted a full tuxedo for a woman before, but he's probably had stranger requests over the years."
"Sounds good to me," Morgan smiled contentedly, happy that she wasn't going to have to fight a battle with dresses vs suits against her mom again.
"That's May sorted, the Expo anyway." Tony nodded. "Anything else in May we need to think about?" He asked, looking to Morgan now.
"Hammer and Vanko, that's it." Morgan shrugged. "Vanko attacks at the Monaco race first sometime, I'd have to check with FAITH for the dates on that, you were racing last time, not going to happen this time around." She said firmly.
"I know I know," Tony held up his hands in surrender. "So, Monaco then?" He asked. "After the Expo launch?"
"Yeah, some point, I'll check the dates tonight." Morgan shrugged. "He partners up with Hammer after that to create the Hammeroid army, but without Uncle Eightball getting mixed up in that mess..." She trailed off thoughtfully. "I'll put FAITH back into theory mode, she if she can make some projections about how things might have changed without Hammer and Vanko getting their hands on the armour."
"Is this... Vanko? Dangerous?" Pepper asked worriedly. "He's going to be coming after you?" She asked, looking at Tony.
"Slightly more dangerous than a dead squirrel, but only slightly." Morgan quipped with a roll of her eyes. "More dangerous than Hammer, but..." She snorted at the thought of even considering Hammer to be dangerous at all.
"He's the guy with the whips right? Arc reactor, half built suit and the stupid shaggy hair, looked like an idiot?" Tony double checked.
"Yeah," Morgan nodded. "You took him out in your mark five suit last time. Half power, barely any real armour... compared to your mark eighty five, he's barely even a nuisance." She explained.
"You know, I was proud of that mark five design before you came along." Tony shot back, but couldn't deny what Morgan was saying. "Alright, smack Vanko down, leave him for the cops." He shrugged dismissively. "Then Hammer."
"Hammer'll do something at the Expo, he'll want to try and upstage things, make it all about him." Morgan rolled her eyes. "Even if he gets Vanko on board again and creates his Hammeroid army, they're drones, blanket ECM and it'll shut them all down in half a second, then we just trace the signal back, smack Hammer and Vanko around again, and head home for pizza."
"See, she's got it all planned out." Tony laughed, firmly in agreement with that plan.
"I think mom actually arrested Hammer last time, I remember something about that..." Morgan frowned as she tried to remember any stories that her mom had actually told her about the twenty ten Expo. "If he tries to get to you this time..."
"I've got my watch," Pepper said, holding up her wrist to show Morgan that she was still wearing it and had been since Tony had shown her how to use it.
"I'd feel better if you had the bracelets on too," Morgan said pointedly. "If me and dad get caught up with Vanko or with the Hammer-oids, and Hammer comes after you..." She trailed off. "Please wear the bracelets?" She asked, unashamedly putting a little pout on her lips as she stared at her mom.
"I'm with the kid here Pep," Tony said, nodding as he looked at Pepper. "Hammer's an idiot, but he's an idiot who does stupid things." He said knowingly. "If he comes after you... I'd want you to be as protected as possible."
"I'm just not..." Pepper sighed as she saw the expression Morgan was sending her way. "I'll think about it alright?" She said, capitulating solely in order to get Morgan to stop giving her such a soulful and worried look. "I'm not saying yes, but... I'll think about it and try the suit out, but you'll have to show me how to use it, I'm not going to wear it if I'm going to be at risk of shooting someone or something."
"Sure," Morgan grinned, wiping her sad look off her face instantly as her mom gave in. "We could go out flying together or something, let you get a feel for it."
"Family day out," Tony laughed, definitely on board with this plan, and certainly very intrigued to see the armour he'd apparently designed, and Morgan had updated, for Pepper's use. "I could get behind that." He said, smiling at the thought of actually going flying with both Morgan and Pepper.
"I thought you both said that Justin Hammer wasn't that much of a threat?" Pepper asked, looking to Morgan when she scoffed in agreement.
"He's about as pathetic as they come," Morgan said, definitely in agreement with Hammer being nowhere close on the threat scale. "But you always told me not to take stupid chances, and that anyone can get lucky if I underestimate them."
She had to smile when her mom couldn't really argue that point, as it was clearly similar enough advice that she'd given to people before, probably to her dad, and made logical sense to her.
"Point, Morgan. And also... question?" Tony asked, looking at Morgan now. "How long did it take you to master those puppy eyes? And how much did you use them on Pep to get what you wanted?" He asked with a knowing smirk, causing Morgan to burst out laughing.
"Honestly, no idea," Morgan grinned as her mom looked at her with a little scowl now. "I remember... I think it's a memory anyway, might have been a dream..." She explained quietly. "Back when I was a kid, you were working on something, I can't even remember what it was, but I snuck downstairs to watch you."
Tony and Pepper were just listening, both looking at the fond face Morgan was making as she reminisced on what was apparently a happy memory.
"You figured something out, probably something important... because you started swearing, so I copied you." Morgan explained with a grin. "That's when you saw I was there."
"I taught you how to swear?" Tony asked, torn between disbelief and completely understanding that that was something he would likely do.
"You went 'shit!' at something you were working on, I was only... I don't know, five or six maybe? Something like that?" Morgan laughed at the thought. "I was just sitting on the stairs and copied what you'd said, I didn't even know what it meant."
"Tony!" Pepper laughed, slapping Tony's shoulder in response to what she was hearing.
"You took me into the kitchen and bribed me with a juice pop not to tell mom," Morgan smiled fondly. "I remember that, just me and you sat in the kitchen and eating juice pops together until mom came down to find us." She explained with a wistful smile. "I don't even know if it was real or not, I don't have many other memories being that young, but I think I remember that one pretty clearly."
"As much as it pains me to admit, it does sound like something Tony would do." Pepper groaned knowingly. Tony teaching their daughter how to swear before she'd even started pre-school was definitely one of the more irresponsible things she could easily picture Tony doing.
"I don't know, maybe?" Morgan smiled. "It's just stuck in my head, one of those things that you don't know if it was a dream or not." She explained.
"It does sound like me," Tony smirked at her. "So I can bribe you with juice pops then? I'll keep that in mind." He said with a small laugh.
"I haven't had them in years," Morgan smiled at the thought. "It was either that or cheeseburgers. I went through a whole stage of demanding cheeseburgers every day." She explained, her face falling slightly as she spoke. "After you died, I remember only wanting cheeseburgers because they reminded me of you."
"Oh honey," Pepper whispered, seeing a few tears starting to gather in Morgan's eyes as she spoke.
"It got better," Morgan said quickly, swiping away her tears. "After that, me and mom... it got better with just us, but... I remember it you know, and cheeseburgers were always our thing." She explained sadly.
"I get that," Tony nodded. "After my dad... your granddad died, things were pretty rough." He admitted. "You had your mom there to get you through it though, so I know you didn't make any of the stupid mistakes I did." He said with a fond smile, thinking about how he knew Pepper would be there for Morgan no matter what happened to him.
"Yeah, I just did my stupid shit later after mom died." Morgan snorted, drying her eyes on her sleeve as her mom rolled her eyes at her language.
"I think we need to break that family tradition," Tony said, not happy with that thought at all. "Lets start a new one." He said, clapping his hands together. "Family cheeseburger night, sounds like a tradition to me."
"Me too." Morgan chuckled at the thought.
"And juice pops." Tony added on with a grin. "Never tried one. Kind of curious now." He said with a smirk. "I want one."
"Fine," Pepper gave a playful huff at that, though her fond smile towards Tony definitely made up for it. "Cheeseburgers and juice pops." She confirmed with a smile at the thought. "And then you can tell me everything the doctor said about your chest, and what type of surgery it's going to take to get that thing out of you."
Tony simply nodded at that, relaxing back in the car seat as he looked over at Morgan, seeing her watching him and Pepper with a happy smile on her face.
This was the family he wanted, and it was a family worth fighting for. He was going to protect it no matter what, and would fight Hammer, SHIELD, Rogers, Thanos and anyone else that threatened them with every breath that he had.
Stark Mansion
10880 Malibu Point
Malibu
California
March 24th, 2010
Pulling up outside Tony's mansion in his pickup truck, Rhodey actually smiled to himself as he got out and closed the door, catching sight of his reflection in the glass and the full bird Colonel insignia on his chest and shoulders.
It was a promotion he was proud of, not only because he had worked hard for it, but as General Pritchet had said during the promotion ceremony when he'd presented him with the silver eagle, he'd earned it by upholding the true tenants of the United States Air Force.
Honour, loyalty, and dedication.
He'd stood firm as a loyal Airman and brought Tony in for further contracts with the Air Force, and the entire Air Force was reaping the benefits now. The War Machine project, the Angels, the new 'stun guns' and Arc technology... and those were just in the opening months after the new contracts had been signed.
It still burnt a bit, a tight feeling low in his gut, that he'd been so close to turning on Tony and actually working to steal one of his suits for the Air Force. Even if he'd justified it to himself as protecting Tony from himself, it wouldn't have felt true to his honour and loyalty. Not to himself, not to the Air Force, and certainly not to Tony.
Right now he could hold his head up high, both as a Colonel and as a decent human being, and say that he'd made the right choices, for himself and for his best friend.
Making sure his uniform was smart and perfectly straight, he adjusted his hat carefully before turning away from his truck and heading towards the mansion.
He did blink in surprise when the main door opened, seemingly on it's own, when he was just a few steps away. The glowing blue figure that smiled at him from the doorway made him pause mid step before he narrowed his eyes and looked at it curiously.
"Greetings Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes,"
"JARVIS?" Rhodey breathed out, recognising the voice easily enough. "Is that you?"
"Indeed," The glowing blue figure smiled genially at him, gesturing for him to enter the premises. "Sir is currently downstairs, I have notified him of your arrival."
"This... this is new," Rhodey muttered, walking slowly into the house and eyeing the glowing figure dubiously. "Tony... gave you a body?"
"Of sorts, merely a holographic representation of my digital form." JARVIS responded as the door closed automatically behind Rhodey. "In speaking with my fellow artificial intelligences, it has been explained to me that this is more... personable, and puts others at ease when I talk, rather them entering into discussions with what they believe to be merely a disembodied voice."
"It's... it's definitely going to take some getting used to." Rhodey admitted cautiously. "You said..."
"Oh, hey."
Rhodey looked around and the feminine voice, recognising the European accent instantly as Tony's daughter. Seeing her casually walking through the mansion with some sort of glowing technology in one hand and idly manipulating it with her other had.
"Catching up with Blue?" Morgan asked with a grin as she headed over.
"Indeed young Miss," JARVIS smiled back at her. "I was just directing Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes down to Sir's workshop."
"Huh..." Morgan frowned, looking at Rhodey curiously. "Might want to change that J, looks like Rhodey got a promotion while we were away." She said, noting the full silver eagle on Rhodey's chest and shoulders. "Full colonel, congrats." She grinned, holding out her fist to him.
"Thanks," Rhodey smiled, still feeling a bit awkward around the young woman, but he did hold out his fist for Morgan to bump her own into with a grin.
"I will update my database with regards to the promotion. Congratulations Colonel Rhodes." JARVIS smiled over. "Might one enquire... are you finding your arrangement with MAMA satisfactory?" He asked.
Rhodey simply stared at JARVIS' projection at that, not really understanding the question or knowing how to answer it at all really.
"You asking after your family J?" Morgan grinned at him. "MAMA's the first AI not actually here all the time, sound like J's just worried about her." She explained, looking at Rhodey now. "You getting on alright with her?"
"It's... it's a bit of a learning curve, but so far... she's been really helpful." Rhodey admitted slowly.
"Then she is performing as expected," JARVIS responded with a small smile. "Young Miss, are you here to escort Colonel Rhodes down to Sir's workshop?"
"Yeah, I'll take it from here J," Morgan chuckled, giving Jarvis a casual wave with one hand as his blue projection vanished from the room with a small flash of azure light. "Freaked you out a bit huh?"
"I'll get used to it." Rhodey said quickly, shaking his head in bemusement at Tony's technology. He'd certainly seen Tony working on weirder things over the years, but giving his AI's bodies of their own was definitely out there.
"Come on, dad's probably waiting for you already." Morgan said with a grin, gesturing for Rhodey to follow her towards the stairs that let down to the garage and workshop areas of the mansion. "How are the Angels holding up? Been flying OK?" She asked curiously as they walked.
"So far," Rhodey nodded automatically. "Lt Colonel Callaghan's been putting the wings through their paces pretty thoroughly, she hasn't mentioned any problems or anything."
"Cool," Morgan shrugged as they started heading down the stairs. "Let me know if there's any bugs or adjustments that need making, I'm pretty sure they're fine, but getting extra feedback to start on the next generation is always good."
"I'll make sure to tell her," Rhodey said, watching curiously as Morgan simply walked towards the workshop security door, only for it to open automatically for her as she approached and let her through. Even more proof that Tony had really accepted her into his family, and his workspace, fully now.
He was still thrown a bit by the young woman, and didn't really know how to talk with her or anything. Ever since their first introduction, which had been awkward to the extreme with her reminding him very bluntly of where his loyalty and honour should lay, and then at the Stark hanger where they hadn't really spoken much at all.
All he really knew about her was that she was Tony's daughter, and that she got on with Pepper well enough, and that she was apparently in the same genius calibre as Tony was.
From what he could see, she definitely inherited a few more traits from Tony as well. Her casual tight jeans and cowboy boots were a stretch, but her Iron Maiden t-shirt was definitely something he could see Tony wearing, and the way she got on with technology and engineering was definitely something she'd inherited from him.
"Platypus!" Tony beamed from where he was sitting at his workbench. "Full uniform, what's going on?"
Rhodey actually smiled at the welcome, following Tony's daughter through into the workshop where she wandered off to the side where her own workbench was apparently situated before wandering over to what looked to be some sort of snacking station with an expensive looking coffee maker, and various snacks and food packages scattered around.
"This an official visit?" Tony asked curiously, kicking his feet off of his workbench where he'd been lazing back and working on some designs before spinning in his chair to look at Rhodey properly. "There a problem with the armour?" He asked.
"The armour's fine Tony," Rhodey chuckled.
"He got promoted," Morgan yelled over from where she was fixing up a mug of coffee. "Talk about oblivious." She rolled her eyes as she came back over to her dad's workstation, sipping her coffee as she walked.
"A promotion?" Tony grinned widely, standing up from his chair and looking at Rhodey to see if he could spot anything different. "Looks the same to me?"
"My dad's an idiot," Morgan muttered, shaking her head at his antics.
"It's Colonel Rhodes now," Rhodey grinned, seeing more and more similarities between Tony and Morgan as he watched them interact.
"'Grats." Tony beamed over. "Come here to show off then?" He asked with a smirk. "The Air Force should probably get better uniforms you know, make it obvious what ranks belong to who." He pointed out, gesturing wildly to Rhodey's uniform with one hand. "I could make some suggestions, speak to some people, have some designs drawn up?"
"My uniform is fine Tony." Rhodey said firmly.
"Fine, whatever." Tony shrugged, waving that thought away. "So, what brings you to visit then?" He asked curiously.
"Officially, I'm here to invite you to the base to speak with General Baur." Rhodey explained. "Mitchel Base in Long Island has been reactivated, and will be set up and ready in the next couple of months."
"Sweet," Tony grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Upgrade time, can actually build up a proper area for the armour and everything instead of sticking with a cobbled together hanger."
"The hanger is fine," Rhodey rolled his eyes, used to Tony's attitude by now. "General Baur wants to talk about the Expo presentation, and make sure that the plans for the Air Force recruitment stage and pavilion are all going ahead."
"Yep, all in the works," Tony nodded casually. "Couple of weeks and your guys will be able to move in and start setting everything up, should look good." He said with a smile. "I've got the War Machine and Angels presentation pencilled in for the second week, prime stage, we'll be able to blow their socks off with everything."
"Just let me know what the plan is Tony." Rhodey said with a grimace, knowing full well how Tony liked to just 'wing things' and rarely stuck to any plan that had been set out for him.
"It'll be fine," Tony smirked knowingly, seeing Rhodey shake his head in response. "Actually, huh... that's annoying." He frowned, staring at Rhodey's uniform now.
"Dad?" Morgan asked curiously.
"Have to fabricate a new chest piece for the War Machine armour." Tony shrugged. "I had Honeybear's old rank on it, guessing flying around with the wrong rank on your chest is a big no-no?" He asked, looking at Rhodey now.
"Definitely." Rhodey nodded in confirmation. "Colonel Rhodes if you would." He said with a proud smile.
"I'll have it fabricated and sent over," Tony shrugged. It wasn't a huge thing, just a new chest plate with the redone etching. It'd probably take barely a few hours to get it made up, painted and sorted out.
"General Baur asked me to talk to you about future projects that you're working on?" Rhodey asked curiously. "Things in the works, ideas, projects you're already working on?" He asked, thinking back to how Tony must have been working on the War Machine project for a long time before he'd actually approached General Baur with the idea.
"I've got some ideas," Tony admitted. "Morgan's got some kick ass thoughts too." He added, slinging his arm around Morgan's shoulder with a wide grin. "Some new body armour, larger versions of the Stark guns, rifles to match with an extra kick."
"I've been working on better armour for the Angels already," Morgan nodded along. "A bit thicker, extra weave, should hold up to a fifty calibre pretty easily, I'd want to check in with the pilots first and get their feedback on manoeuvrability and comfort first though before I start putting anything solid together."
"You designed the Angels uniforms?" Rhodey asked, staring at Morgan in surprise now.
"Told you, she's even better than me at some of her stuff." Tony grinned proudly, knowing full well that Morgan was more than his match when it came to cybernetics, nanotech, holographics and all of her future technology.
"I'll speak to General Baur, arrange a time for both of you to come down and speak to Lt Colonel Callaghan about the upgraded armour." Rhodey said, nodding as he made a mental note of it, and catching up to where his brain was still reeling at the familial... fond... and proud expression Tony was wearing in response to what he'd said about Morgan.
"Sounds good," Tony clapped his hands together. "We're just bouncing some ideas around for a new R&D compound. Get some other geniuses up there, put together a proper think tank thing to start really kicking things up a notch."
"A new building?" Rhodey asked curiously.
"Re-purposing one of dad's old warehouse compounds," Tony shook his head. "Upstate New York, a few hours out of the city." He explained. "Should be a good little get away from everything, give me somewhere to work on bigger projects and set up my own test areas for things."
"That sounds like a good idea." Rhodey nodded approvingly, making a mental note that if Tony was looking at expanding more and more in America, then he certainly wasn't looking to leave the country at all. "You working with other geniuses though?" He asked, raising a sardonic eyebrow. "Tones, you don't get on with other geniuses. You don't get on with people for that matter."
"I get on with Morgan just fine." Tony shot back defensively.
"Apparently family overrides your brain somehow and stops you from insulting her every five minutes." Rhodey explained with a smirk.
"Nah, he does that, I just fire back at the old man." Morgan grinned when her dad rounded on her with a hurt expression and clutching his heart mockingly.
"Eu tu?" Tony demanded dramatically.
"Pft, you're not Caesar, and I'm hardly stabbing you in the back." Morgan rolled her eyes. "Give him a minute, he needs time for his brain to catch up again."
"Brat," Tony grinned, actually more than happy to have someone that could keep up with his verbal sparring. "Such sass, where did you get that from?" He demanded.
"Genetics," Morgan smirked back. "According to my mom I've got a predisposition to be an ass and a violent allergy to stupidity. It makes me break out in repulsor fire."
"Huh, I suffer the same conditions." Tony mused mock thoughtfully. "Think I could get those added to my medical charts?"
"The thought of you procreating is the nightmare fuel of people around the world Tony." Rhodey interrupted, shaking his head in amusement at the pair of Starks. "Are you actually going to go public sometime? You know people are already asking questions about the pair of you, especially after that whole satellite stunt."
"Expo," Tony waved off the comment about the satellite as if it was completely irrelevant. "Opening night. That's Morgan's debut, Expo is always about the future, and Morgan is the future of everything... Stark Industries, technologies, my family." He said firmly, getting a wide smile from Morgan in response.
"Tony..." Rhodey grimaced, imagining how that was going to go. "Are you alright with this? The Expo is going to be a huge deal on it's own... the press are going to have a feeding frenzy, it won't just be on national news, it'll be everywhere." He explained, looking to Morgan now. "Please tell me Pepper has at least spoken to you about how bad it's going to be?"
"It's fine, chill." Morgan grinned, much to her dad's amusement. "Half of it was my plan anyway, and I know how to handle the press."
"That's what your dad keeps saying, it never ends up going well." Rhodey admitted, thinking of the sheer amount of complete disasters he had seen Tony cause during press conferences and even just normal public statements.
"Really Platypus, don't worry, Pep's on top of it, she's got the whole thing worked out." Tony said with a grin. "Gala, opening night. Be there, it's going to be a show to remember." He promised with a mischievous grin, one Morgan mirrored much to Rhodey's growing horror.