EXT. KUNAR PROVINCE, RURAL AFGHANISTAN — DAY
A US military convoy worms through a barren vista. Back in Black by AC/DC swells as we drift down and enter the centre Humvee. Inside the Hummer, there are three airmen, kids with battle-worn faces. Crammed in there with them is a woman wearing an expensive red suit, Antoinette Stark. In her hand is a drink, a tumbler of vodka.
"Of course, it's that song." Natasha chimed giving a hard stare at Toni, to which she stuck her tongue out.
"That's a song?" Daphne asked eyes raised, music from the future was really something. "Yeah, it's my favourite song actually", Toni replied from behind.
"Really Toni? Drinkin-" Steve started talking but was drowned by another voice.
"Wow, you look so good wearing that." Kate complemented in awe of the woman on the screen. "Yeah, really beautiful", Benedict grinned ear-to-ear on seeing her sister.
"Hey! Do you have that here? Can I try it on?" Eloise pleaded with her best puppy eyes. She knew back in her time, wearing something like that, would land her on the first page of Lady Whistledown. This was her only chance to wear whatever she wanted.
"Yeah, please don't say 'no'." Francesca also joined in.
"No, you two won't." Anthony looked horrified. He too knew what a large scandal this will cause if someone were to know.
"Oh, come on dear husband, let them enjoy their time here. They won't be able to dress like that back in the ton." Kate chimed in.
"Bu-"
"No buts Anthony." That made him shut up. "Also, do you have something like that for me?" Kate winked at her sister-in-law who grinned back at her while Anthony sat there flabbergasted.
"I don't exactly have that, but I have something like that, which I am pretty sure you'll all love, but we have to ask Stephen for getting out of this place" The sisters beamed in joy, clapping their hands in the air. Violet smiled at the girls, hoping to ask her eldest if she had something like that, for her to try on. Rhodey looked relieved at the sight of Toni and her 'should have been' family, it was a long time since she smiled like that.
Toni Stark: I feel like you're driving me to a court-martial. This is crazy. What did I do? I feel like you're going to pull over and snuff me. What, you're not allowed to talk? Hey, Forrest!
"Really Toni? Respect the soldiers at least. They are putting their lives on the line for their country." Steve said displeased.
"She is trying to ease the tension, Rogers." Wanda retorted nonchalantly as Toni passed a grateful nod towards her.
Soldier: We can talk, ma'am.
Toni Stark: Oh, I see. So it's personal?
Soldier (female): [She's driving the Vehicle.] No, you intimidate them.
"Lady Antoinette intimidates a lot of people", Loki whispered under his breath.
Toni Stark: Good God, you're a woman. I honestly... I couldn't have called that. I mean, I'd apologize, but isn't that what we're going for here? I thought of you as a soldier first. But yeah, I am so proud of you sweetheart.
Soldier (female): I'm an airman.
"Wow, women can join the army?" Daphne thought out loud.
"Yeah, it's one of many things they can do now, which might have been not allowed earlier", Pepper said.
"All thanks to everyone who came before us. We wouldn't be here without the rebels from the past", Natasha added.
Toni Stark: Well you have, actually, excellent bone structure, there. I'm kind of having a hard time not looking at you now. Is that weird?
"No, sister. I too love her bone structure." Colin said staring at the woman in awe.
The Soldiers in the vehicle laugh and chuckle.
Toni Stark: Come on, it's okay, laugh.
"A great way to ease the tension." Simon complimented.
"Thank you, your highness."
Soldier: Ma'am, I have a question to ask.
Toni Stark: Yes, please.
Soldier: Is it true you went 12 for 12 with last year's Maxim cover models?
Benedict who was drinking water spit it out, almost drenching Sam who was right sitting in front of him. Violet's eyes widened in shock, at hearing about her daughter. The scandal she would have caused if she were to be in their time. Whereas Anthony's mouth just hung open. His twin was his twin, there was no doubting it. Bridgertons were not the only one shocked.
"Damn, Dr Stark, you got game." Peter interrupted the shocked audience, to which Toni looked scandalised. Pepper, Rhodey and Stephen glared at her for influencing that kid. On noticing the stares, Shuri backed him up, "What? It's true." To this her brother looked at her, scandalised.
"Yeah, the kids are not wrong." Natasha backed her fellow spiderling. After the airport fight, they both developed a sibling-like bond.
"Natashalie, don't encourage these kids."
Toni Stark: That is an excellent question. Yes and no. March and I had a scheduling conflict, but fortunately, the Christmas cover was twins. Anything else?
The Soldier next to him, Jimmy, raises his hand.
Toni Stark: You're kidding me with the hand up, right?
Soldier (Jimmy): Is it cool if I take a picture with you?
"What is he doing?" Gregory inquired looking awkwardly at that rectangle device.
"He is taking a picture" Stephen answered the curious thirteen-year-old.
"You mean painting a picture?" Benedict asked in confusion. How can one take a picture?
"No, he means taking a picture. That box has a device called a camera, you all are from 1814 and it will be up for commercial production by 1839, but it won't be this small, it will be a very large box." Peter starts explaining.
"And, that thing 'takes', as in freezes a moment in a paper, just like painting. But you neither would have to sit for a painting nor would it take hours. It's just a matter of a few seconds." Shuri finishes explaining it to the medieval crowd.
"So, you do not have art and artists at this time?" Violet asked.
"No, we have that. But we also have this." Vision offered in.
Toni Stark: Yes. It's very cool.
The soldier next to him pulls his camera out and hands it to the soldier in the front seat.
Toni Stark: I don't want to see this on your MySpace page.
"Damn, how old is this?" Shuri asked horrified thinking about that site.
"Uh, what exactly is this MySpace?" Colin asked.
"It's a website and it was in 2008", Toni answered both of them.
"What's a website?" Anthony asked incredulously.
"Oh boy, everyone is getting a science lesson after this."
The Soldier puts up a peace sign for the photo.
Toni Stark: Please, no gang signs. No, throw it up. I'm kidding. Yeah, peace. I love peace. I'd be out of a job with peace. Come on. Hurry up. Just click it. Don't change any settings. Just click it.
"What does that mean, dear?" Violet questioned.
"Before Dr Stark's father's death, he used to own this company that made weapons for this country." The Vision continued to explain. "And after his death, she took over the company."
"But she eventually shut it down." Peter chimed in.
As the picture was about to be taken, a massive explosion rocks them and blew up the vehicle in front of them. Gunshots and such were heard and hitting the side of their vehicle.
"Oh my god!"
"Is that how-" Stev started asking.
"Yeah", Toni answered.
Toni Stark: What's going on?
Soldier (female): Contact left!
Toni Stark: What have we got?
The driver stepped out to go into combat and was shot down.
Soldier: Jimmy, stay with Stark!
Soldier (Jimmy): Stay down!
"Wait what's happening?"
Toni Stark: Yeah.
The other Soldier from the front seat got out to shoot but was shot too.
Soldier (Jimmy): Son of a bitch!
Jimmy goes out to fight.
Toni Stark: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Give me a gun!
Soldier (Jimmy): Stay here!
Jimmy turned back around and he was gunned down too, holes piercing the vehicle. Toni's hearing and senses were dulled a bit as she got himself out of the vehicle, stumbling a bit in the chaos. She got some of his hearing back and ran and dove behind a rock for cover. She pulled out her phone to contact and call for help when a bomb landed next to her. She looked over to see it say: Stark Industries. She tried to get up and get away but didn't in time. The bomb exploded and made him fly through the air a bit.
Toni Stark: Whoa!
She hit the ground hard, senses dulled again. She felt a pain in her chest and pulled her shirt of out the way as blood started to pool.
Toni snaps awake. She's tied to a chair, bloody rags covering her chest. Two Insurgents flank a DV camera. Behind Tony a line of armed hooded men and a banner showing ten interlocked rings. The Leader, with a huge Choori knife in one hand, reads rhetoric (in Dari) for the camera.
The credits roll over saying 'IRONMAN'.
"What did just happen?"
"I got kidnapped."
"You got what?"
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
36 HOURS EARLIER
INT. AWARD SHOW - CAESARS PALACE, LAS VEGAS - NIGHT
Voiceover: Toni Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot. Even from an early age, the daughter of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with her brilliant and unique mind. At age four, she built her first circuit board.
"Wow, that's impressive Toni." Bruce smiled at his fellow science sibling.
"What's a circuit board?"
"A circuit board is like a special puzzle that helps electronic things work by connecting all the different parts and letting them talk to each other", Toni explained to George, who asked the question.
"Okay?"
"What did your sister say?" Simon whispered to Anthony.
"Does it look like I understand?"Anthony whispered back.
"None of you understood. Right?" Tony asked as everyone shook their head. How to make one understand what a circuit board is when they don't even have electricity?
"I soo am conducting a science lesson after this."
"Can I join?" Bucky asked from the other side of the room. Steve looked wide-eyed at him. There was no way, he would let him go near her.
"Sure, snowflake. Everyone's welcome there." Toni smiled at him, which he returned. Bucky loved learning about science stuff more than anything else in this world. But unfortunately, he didn't have a choice then, getting drafted into war, almost dying, getting brain-washed and whatnot. But that doesn't mean he won't learn now when he has a choice and a free mind.
At age six, her first engine. And at 17, she graduated summa cum laude from MIT. Then, the passing of a titan.
"What's this summa thing?" Clint asked.
"Summa cum laude. It means holding a degree with the highest distinction", Stephen explained.
"Wow, sometimes I forget you are the most intelligent person in the world, man", Sam commented.
"Yeah, Lady Antoinette is really intelligent. The way she figured out the soul forge back in Asgard. It was so fascinating, to see a mortal figuring it out. She left our Asgardian healers speechless" Thor added.
"You went to university?" Eloise asked her sister awed. They honestly have come a long way from that time. And she was so proud of her sister for that. Even if she cannot join a university, she was at peace that one of her sisters could. And that was enough. Maybe, if they lucked out, Hyacinth could too join a university someday.
"I turned out lucky."
She knew that not everyone in that room was lucky enough to attend university. Her sisters, Kate, Natasha, Wanda, Pietro, Bucky and even Steve did not have the opportunity to enrol for higher education due to their time and circumstances.
Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal daughter returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries.
"You took over at the age of 21?" Simon asked wide-eyed. Simon knew what the burden of duty can do that too on a young person. He saw his best friend changing in front of his own eyes when Anthony had to take over the estate after the demise of his father.
"Well, she took over at the age of 17. The company couldn't show that to the world, so Obadiah took up as the frontman. While she handled the business from the background because apparently, a woman that young handling a large company was bad publicity", Pepper explained.
"The world feels threatened by the intelligence of a young woman. That's not new now, right?" Kate chuckled.
"Unfortunately not" Wanda joined in the conversation as the women shared a laugh.
With the keys to the kingdom, Toni ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, and satellite targeting. Today, Toni Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe.
"Dr Stark did a great job with the advancement of technology, not only in weaponry but also medicine, energy, metallurgy and engineering." The princess of Wakanda explained. "She's one of the few white people we study back there in Wakanda since her contribution to modern sciences is unparalleled."
Violet could not be more proud of her eldest. The fact that she was renowned in the world and had a great impact on the future made her swell in pride. She was somewhat happy that she was brought here, in this 21st-century world. She would have been a waste of talent if she was stuck in their time. Edward would have been so proud.
James Rhodes: As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. She is my friend and she is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to present this year's Apogee Award to Dr Antoinette Stark.
James Rhodes: Toni?
James looks around trying to find Toni in the crowd. While Obadiah Stane who sits in the crowd shakes his head, stating her absence. So, he got up and walked towards the podium.
"You were not in that award show? Right?" Daphne asked her sister.
"No, she was not", Rhodey answered eyeing Toni.
"Why? I mean getting awarded is an honourable occasion." Colin further questioned.
"Well, for one I was not the most likeable person then nor honourable for that matter. Secondly, I didn't care. I have five of them lying in this house. Thirdly, I hate award shows", Toni explained further.
Obadiah Stane: Thank you, Colonel.
"Oh boy, not him again", Toni muttered under her breath as she watched Stephen, Rhodey and Pepper glaring daggers at that man.
James Rhodes: Thanks for the save.
Obadiah Stane: This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful. Well, I'm not Toni Stark. But if I were Toni, I would tell you how honoured I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award. Toni, you know...The best thing about Toni is also the worst thing. She's always working.
"That's true", Pietro commented.
The scene cuts to Toni playing craps, a crowd erupting as they all win big. Chips pile up. She is flanked on both sides by lucky ladies. In between rolls, he whispers into one Woman's ear. He rolls again. The table is hot. More cheers. And now he sees Rhodey pulling up, glowering.
"Ok, I take it back."
"And fourthly, it was Vegas!" Toni exclaimed as if it was the most plausible explanation for her absence.
Toni Stark: Work it! Come on! We should just stay till the morning.
James Rhodes: You are unbelievable.
Toni Stark: Oh, no! Did they rope you into this?
"They did. Didn't they?" Toni pestered Rhodey.
"They did" Rhodey admitted defeatedly.
James Rhodes: Nobody roped me into anything!
Toni Stark: I'm so sorry.
James Rhodes: But they told me that if I presented you with an award, you'd be deeply honoured.
Toni Stark: Of course, I'd be deeply honoured. And it's you, that's great. So, when do we do it?
Rhodey plops the award down on the felt.
James Rhodes: It's right here. Here you go.
"How do you forget why you were there and when the award was?" Benedict asked.
"I have been wondering the same thing", Clint added.
"Just because I have Eidetic memory doesn't mean I remember everything."
"Yeah, that I can back up. She is so bad with dates and times, she doesn't even remember her own birthday." Pepper clarified it.
Toni Stark: There it is. That was easy. I'm so sorry.
James Rhodes: Yeah, it's okay.
Toni Stark: Wow! Would you look at that? That's something else. I have three of those floating around. Uh, we're gonna let it ride! Give me a hand, will you? Give me a little something-something.
One of the girls blows on her dice.
Toni Stark: Okay, you, too.
Toni holds the dice out to Rhodes.
James Rhodes: I don't blow on a woman's dice.
Toni Stark: Come on, honey bear.
"Honey bear? Really?" Natasha shook her head.
"That's not his worst nickname", Toni answered smiling at her best friend.
"What is it?" Simon asked curiously.
"It- mhmhmhhhm" Rhodey covered her mouth with his palm before she can utter another word.
"We don't talk about that."
James Rhodes: I don't blow on a woman's dice.
"So would you blow on a man's dice?" Shuri questioned while smiling not-so-innocently as Toni and Benedict toppled out of their seat laughing their asses off. Most of the room roared in laughter while Rhodey glared at everyone utterly embarrassed.
Rhodes knocks Toni's hand away causing the dice to roll.
Toni Stark: There it is. Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls! And...
Dealer: Two craps. Line away.
"That's really the worst." Sam shook his head still recovering from the laughter fit.
"I know, but I have no idea how Toni wins so much in gambling", Rhodey said.
"It's basic maths and probability."
James Rhodes: That's what happens.
Toni Stark: Worse things have happened. I think we're gonna be fine. Colour me up, will ya?
Toni, Rhodes, and Happy are shown walking down the hallway, leaving the casino.
James Rhodes: This is where I exit.
Toni Stark: All right.
James Rhodes: Tomorrow, don't be late.
"She was late, was she not?" Anthony asked.
"Yes, she was", Rhodey replied glaring at Toni to which she puts her hands up in fake surrender.
Toni Stark: Yeah, you can count on it.
"You cannot count on Toni for arriving on time." Happy said.
James Rhodes: I'm serious!
Toni Stark: I know, I know.
Toni handed over his award to a Caesar cosplayer.
Toni Stark: Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar's. There you go.
"You gave up that award? Just like that?" Bucky asked.
"As I said, I have five of them back in my house."
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
EXT. CAESAR'S PALACE - NIGHT
Toni heads for her waiting limo, the entourage hanging back.
Christine Everhart: Ms Stark! Excuse me, Ms Stark! Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine. Can I ask you a couple of questions?
Happy Hogan: [whispering to Toni] She is cute.
"So, you only talk to people who are cute?" MJ asked.
"Of course not, it's a security code", Happy answered.
Toni Stark: She's all right? [Turns to face Christine.] Hi. It'll be Dr Stark for you.
Happy Hogan: Yeah, she hates being called Miss.
Christine Everhart: Hi. Sorry. Dr Stark.
Toni Stark: Yeah. Okay–
Christine Everhart: It's okay?
Toni Stark: Go.
Christine Everhart: You've been called the Da Vinci of our time. What do you say to that?
"Wow, that's some compliment", Benedict said.
Toni Stark: Absolutely ridiculous. I don't paint.
Half of the room snorts, while the other rolls their eyes at her antics.
Christine Everhart: And what do you say to your other nickname? "The Merchant of Death"?
"Christ, that escalated quickly", Francesca mumbled.
Toni Stark: That's not bad. Let me guess. Berkeley?
Christine Everhart: Brown, actually.
Toni Stark: Well, Ms Brown. It's an imperfect world, but it's the only one we've got. I guarantee you, the day weapons are no longer needed to keep the peace, I'll start making bricks and beams for baby hospitals.
"Baby hospitals, really?" Clint asked.
Christine Everhart: You rehearse that much?
Toni Stark: Every night in front of the mirror before bedtime.
Christine Everhart: I can see that.
Toni Stark: I'd like to show you first-hand.
"That was way too smooth", Colin said.
Christine Everhart: All I want is a serious answer.
Toni Stark: Okay, here's serious. My old man had a philosophy, "Peace means having a bigger stick than the other guy."
Christine Everhart: That's a great line coming from the guy selling the sticks.
Toni Stark: My father helped defeat the Nazis. He worked on the Manhattan Project. A lot of people, including your professors at Brown, would call that being a hero.
Christine Everhart: And a lot of people would also call that war profiteering.
Toni Stark: Tell me, do you plan to report on the millions we've saved by advancing medical technology or kept from starvation with our intelli-crops? All those breakthroughs, military funding, honey.
"That actually makes sense", MJ and Eloise said at the same time.
Christine Everhart: You ever lose an hour of sleep your whole life?
"She's an insomniac", Stephen said.
"No, I am not", Tony protested.
"Who are you kidding, Toni", Bruce said.
Toni Stark: I'd be prepared to lose a few with you if you hadn't pissed me off.
Toni gets in the car and drives off. The car stops in front of her Malibu mansion. She walks out of the car, bids Happy goodnight and walks further inside the mansion. Pepper is shown walking out of the hallway.
"Wow, that's your home?" Violet asked.
"Yeah, it was."
"Was?" Simon asked.
"Yeah, it kinda blew up a few years ago...", Toni started explaining but she was cut off.
"When someone decided to give their home address to terrorists", Pepper told glaring at her.
Toni Stark: Hey! How is she? Did she have dinner, yet?
Before Pepper could answer, an old woman peeks out of the door, sitting in a wheelchair. Her short hair was almost white and her face wrinkled. But you can chalk out her beauty, even under old age. Toni smiles on seeing her godmother and walks towards her to hug her.
"Peggy? You knew Peggy?" Steve asked. How did she even know her?
"Yeah, she was my Godmother and mum and dad's best friend", Toni replied with a sad smile playing on her lips.
"Then, why were you not at her funeral?" Steve pressed further.
"Because I was working on the accords, trying to repel it and I didn't get time to check my messages. So I couldn't come in time. And by the time I could, you guys had already made a mess that I had to clear up" Toni explained while glaring at the golden boy.
Peggy Carter: Well, you were out of this house and why did you think I will eat without you, young lady?
Toni Stark: I don't know Auntie, maybe because the doctor said to. You need to take your meds on time, you know, old lady.
Peggy Carter (smiling mischievously): Well, the doctor is not the boss of me.
Toni Stark (playing along): Oh yeah? Who is?
Peggy Carter: I am. And maybe sometimes your Uncle Danny.
At this, Toni fake gasps but couldn't hold it longer as the three women burst laughing in the hallway.
"She seems like a great woman", Violet said smiling at the woman on the screen. At least her daughter had a loving family growing up.
"She was. But she was a greater mentor and one of my greatest friends", Toni said with a sad smile on her lips. She missed her so much every single day.
Toni Stark: Ok. Fine. Now that I am here, let's get dinner. Pepper, I know you didn't have any yet. So join us, please.
Pepper Potts: Oh no, please. It's fine, I will have some on my way.
"Pepper, you never deny that old lady", Rhodey said.
"Yeah, I know that now", Pepper replied.
Peggy Carter: Hey! Virginia. This young lady is the boss of yours, listen to her.
Pepper Potts: Please, it's fine, ma'am. No need to invoke boss privileges.
Toni Stark: Come on, you heard the old lady here. And I will invoke boss privileges. Deny again, the old lady is going to provoke the 'grandma' privileges.
Peggy Carter: I am not grandma... I am barely old.
Toni Stark: Yeah, we know. Now let's go inside, I am starving. Pep come here or you are fired.
"Did you just threaten to fire her, if she didn't have dinner with you", Rhodey asked.
"Seems like her. She threatened to leave me out in the cold if didn't complete my dinner, last week", Wanda said grimacing.
"And I still stand by that", Toni said.
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
INT. TONI'S WORKSHOP - MORNING
The next morning, Toni is shown, working on a car in her workshop. It's like the chaos inside Toni's head - ultra-modern drones and missile parts, sports cars and long-abandoned prototypes. Framed photos of Toni and her dad working on a classic '32 Ford. Music drifts from an old Wurlitzer. We drift past: screens containing various cad images of a flathead engine, and finally, we find - Toni, in a pair of black shorts and an oversized t-shirt, grimy from working on the same '32 Ford as in the photo. Pepper enters holding her PDA.
Toni Stark: Give me an exploded view.
JARVIS: The compression in cylinder three appears to be low.
"What was that?" Kate asked.
"That was an AI"
"What's an AI?" Daphne asked.
"It's like having a smart friend that can think and learn just like humans do, but it's actually a computer program", Shuri explained. "I have one back at home, his name's Griot."
"AI helps computers do things that humans can do, like talking, listening, and making decisions. It can also help solve problems and learn new things on its own", Toni explained further.
"Yeah, it's pretty amazing, just like having a machine friend", Peter chimed in.
Toni Stark: Log that.
Pepper Potts enters the room while on a call, as the music in the room turns down.
Pepper Potts: I'm gonna try again, right now.
Toni Stark: Please don't turn down my music.
Pepper Potts: I'll keep you posted.
Pepper gets off her phone.
Pepper Potts: You are supposed to be halfway around the world right now.
Toni Stark: How is the old lady?
Pepper Potts: All ready to fly to DC. She would be there by the afternoon.
Toni Stark: Are you trying to hustle me out? Why are you trying to hustle me out of here?
Pepper Potts: Your flight was scheduled to leave an hour and a half ago.
"An hour and a half?" Sam said.
"Yeah..."
Toni Stark: That's funny, I thought with it being my plane and all, that it would just wait for me to get there.
"I mean she has a point", Ned and Clint say at the same time.
"No, despite being personal flight, they have to maintain protocol", Sam explained.
"What's a plane?" Eloise asked.
"It's like a flying carriage", Pietro explained.
Pepper Potts: Toni, I need to speak to you about a couple of things before I get you out of the door.
Toni Stark: I mean, doesn't it kind of defeat the whole purpose of having your own plane if it departs before you arrive?
Pepper Potts: Larry called. He's got another buyer for the Jackson Pollock in the wings. Do you want it? Yes or no.
Toni Stark: Is it a good representation of his spring period?
Pepper Potts: Um, no. The Springs was actually the neighbourhood in East Hampton where he lived and worked–
Toni Stark: So?
Pepper Potts: Not "spring" like the season. I think it's a fair example. Um... I think it's incredibly overpriced.
Toni Stark: I need it. Buy it. Store it.
"Why would you buy something you clearly don't need", Benedict asks.
"Because it benefits the artist. If I buy something it would be sort of an advertisement for him and allow him more buyers", Toni explained.
Pepper Potts: Dr Cho called. She wants you to go through these files. She needs an expert opinion on cradle programming.
"Wait, cradle as in Cho's regeneration cradle?" Bruce asked shocked.
"Yup"
"You made its programming?" Bruce further asked.
"Yeah, but it took so long to complete, given getting kidnapped and all that. It took us three years from then to complete it."
Toni Stark: Okay. By when?
Pepper Potts: The sooner the better. Says she needs you in Seoul as soon as possible.
Toni Stark: How am I next week?
"Kidnapped" Toni muttered under her breath.
Pepper Potts: Packed.
Toni Stark: The week after.
"Tortured" Toni muttered the second time but was smacked behind her head by Pepper.
Pepper Potts: I can make some arrangements, you'll be free at the weekend.
Toni Stark: Great.
Pepper Potts: Okay. The MIT commencement speech...
Toni Stark: Is in June. Please, don't harangue me about stuff that's way, way, down...
Pepper Potts: Well, they're haranguing me, so I'm gonna say yes.
Toni Stark: Deflect it and absorb it. Don't transmit it back to me.
Pepper Potts: I need you to sign this before you get on the plane.
Toni Stark: What are you trying to get rid of me for? What, you got plans?
Pepper Potts: As a matter of fact, I do.
Toni Stark: I don't like it when you have plans.
Pepper Potts: I'm allowed to have plans on my birthday.
Toni Stark: It's your birthday?
Pepper Potts: Yes.
"You forgot her birthday?" Francesca asked.
"As I said, just because I have Eidetic memory, doesn't mean I remember everything."
"Yeah, trust me she doesn't", Pepper chimed in.
Toni Stark: I knew that. Already?
Pepper Potts: Yeah. Isn't that strange? It's the same day as last year.
Toni Stark: Well, get yourself something nice from me.
Pepper Potts: I already did.
Toni Stark: And?
Pepper Potts: Oh, it was very nice.
Toni Stark: Yeah.
Pepper Potts: Very tasteful. Thank you, Dr Stark.
Toni Stark: You're welcome, Ms Potts... Okay, I am gonna see my old lady out and get changed. Any fashion suggestions?
Pepper Potts: Go with your signature.
Toni Stark: Signature it is.
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
EXT. STARK AVIATION HANGAR - SANTA MONICA AIRPORT - DAY
Rhodey, in uniform, paces talking on a cell phone. Behind him a parked Boeing Business Jet reading: STARK INTERNATIONAL, "TOMORROW TODAY." A growing rumble and Rhodey turns to see - A Saleen S7 roaring up, stopping short of him. Seconds later- A Rolls limo arrives. Toni's chauffeur Hogan pops the trunk and takes out: a single overnight suitcase. The Saleen's scissor doors open, and Toni jumps out.
"You don't drive that fast, Toni", Stephen's grip on her hand tightened.
"You don't have to worry about it, sweetheart", Toni squeezes his hand reassuringly.
Toni Stark: You're good. I thought I lost you back there.
Happy: You did, ma'am. I had to cut across Mulholland.
Toni Stark: I got you. I got you.
James Rhodes: What's wrong with you?
At this, almost half of the room started laughing.
Rhodey is shown standing at the jet doorway, visibly fuming.
Toni Stark: What?
James Rhodes: Three hours.
"Three hours?" T'Challa exclaimed.
"Yeah, come on. I lost track of time."
Toni Stark: I got stuck with Auntie Peggy. You know how she is.
"Yeah and go on. Throw poor woman under the bus" Stephen said laughing at Rhodey who playfully glared at the two.
James Rhodes: For three hours. For three hours you got me standing here.
Toni Stark: Waiting on you now. Let's go. Come on. Wheels up! Rock and roll!
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
INT. TONY'S PLANE - DAY
Toni Stark: What are you reading, platypus?
"What's a platypus?" Thor asked.
"It's a mixture of duck and a beaver", Shuri explained and Peter brought up his phone and showed Thor a picture of it. And it was passed around the room for everyone to watch.
"I see well James, you sure do look like it", Thor said causing Toni to fall over her seat laughing. The teenagers and young adults also started doubling over in laughter.
"Yes, now that Thor told it, you sure do", Pietro said leaning against Wanda trying to contain his laughter.
Even the rest of the Avengers and the people from the past doubled over in laughter while Rhodey groaned in embarrassment.
James Rhodes: Nothing.
Toni Stark: Come on, sour patch.
James Rhodes: I'm not sour.
"You are sour!" Benedict said, still trying to calm down.
"Yeah, so sour", Eloise continued.
Toni Stark: Don't be mad.
James Rhodes: I told you, I'm not mad. I'm indifferent, okay?
"Mad and indifferent are synonymous", Simon said.
Toni Stark: I said I was sorry.
Flight Attendant #1: Good morning, Dr Stark.
James Rhodes: You don't need to apologize to me.
Toni Stark: I told you I was sorry.
James Rhodes: I'm your man.
Toni Stark: Hi. I told him I was sorry, but he...
James Rhodes: I'm just indifferent right now.
A hot Flight Attendant holds out steamy towels with thongs.
Flight Attendant #1: Hot towel?
James Rhodes: You don't respect yourself, so I know you don't respect me.
"I am so sorry Tony, I was just-"
"Indifferent? It's fine Rhodey, I wasn't the best friend to you either"
Toni Stark: I respect you.
James Rhodes: I'm just your babysitter. So, when you need your diaper changed... [grabs a hot towel] Thank you. Let me know and I'll get you a bottle, okay?
Toni Stark: Hey! Heat up the sake, will you? Thanks for reminding me.
James Rhodes: No, I'm not talking... We're not drinking. We're working right now.
Toni Stark: You can't have sashimi without sake.
"Now that's plain truth", Sam said.
James Rhodes: You are constitutionally incapable of being responsible.
Toni Stark: It would be irresponsible not to drink. I'm just talking about a nightcap.
Flight Attendant #2: Hot sake?
Toni Stark: Yes, two, please.
James Rhodes: No. Just- I'm not drinking. I don't want any.
"You ended up drinking anyway, didn't you?" Natasha asked.
"Of course, they did", Pepper said giving them the nth number of glares, to which both of them just snickered.
Rhodes and Toni are drunk on the couch and the flight attendants dancing around them.
James Rhodes: That's what I'm talking about. When I get up in the morning and I'm putting on my uniform, you know what I recognize? I see in that mirror that every person that's got this uniform on got my back!
"I am sorry, Mr Rhodes what are you talking about?" MJ asked.
"Yeah, what the hell are you two talking about?" Bucky asked.
"I'll let you all know if I remember", Rhodey said.
Toni Stark: Hey, you know what? I'm not like you. I'm not cut out...
James Rhodes: No, no. You don't have to be like me! But you're more than what you are.
Toni Stark: Can you excuse me if I'm a bit distracted here?
James Rhodes: No! You can't be distracted right now! Listen to me!
Everyone again doubled over in laughter seeing their shenanigans.
Tony exits the plane, fresh and fired up to greet the waiting brass. He shakes hands. Then - Rhodey appears dressed in ABUs. He's weary, squinting at the stinging sun. Pulls his sunglasses down over bleary eyes. Three JERICHO MISSILES on a 'flatbed' (which have been unloaded from a military jet in the b.g.) are brought under heavy guard to a waiting convoy.
Toni Stark: General.
General: Welcome, Mr. Stark. We look forward to your weapons presentation.
Toni Stark: Thanks.
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
EXT. DESERT TEST SITE - AFGHANISTAN - DAY
Toni fired an N.R.F. 425 machine gun. Generals sit on folding chairs behind a safe zone of Hescos and sandbags. Afghani soldiers and SF (Air Force security) men patrol the perimeter. Toni puts the N.R.F. 425 gun down next to other weapons. She struts before the Generals like a carnival barker.
Toni Stark: Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?
Everyone sat straight at this scene.
She nods at the Jericho Missile, on a mobile launcher.
Toni Stark: With that in mind, I humbly present the crown jewel of Stark Industries' Freedom Line. It's the first missile system to incorporate our proprietary repulsor technology. They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I respectfully disagree. I prefer the weapon you only have to fire once.
The Jericho roars into the sky from a mobile launcher.
Toni Stark: That's how Dad did it. That's how America does it. And it's worked out pretty well so far. Find an excuse to let one of these off the chain, and I personally guarantee you the bad guys won't even want to come out of their caves.
The whole room sat there in awe at the power and authority she radiated while she addressed the crowd.
The Jericho, as it divides from a single missile, into scores of mini-missiles. A row of majestic peaks behind him. She raises her arms.
Toni Stark: For your consideration, the Jericho.
The mountains behind her outstretched hands explode. The shock wave washes over Toni, blanking her with dust. As the shock-wave erases the observing Generals with dust.
"You made that?" Violet asked still shocked.
"Unfortunately, I did", Toni replied.
He opens a large silver case. Ice-smoke curls out and then a bottle appears. Drink glasses. As Tony pours the Generals and Afghani military officials exchange awkward glances.
Toni Stark: I'll be throwing one of these in with every purchase of 500 million or more. To peace!
"The irony", T'Challa said.
"The irony", Toni laughed at that but no one was sure if it was at her younger self or her present self.
•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•
EXT. DESERT TEST SITE - DAY
The Generals board their Humvees and depart to the East. Toni and Rhodey walk to their convoy of awaiting Humvees, pointing West. Tony gets Obadiah Stane on his video phone.
Everyone who knew what he did, continued to glare daggers at the screen.
Obadiah Stane: Toni.
Toni Stark: Obie, what are you doing up?
Obadiah Stane: I couldn't sleep till I found out how it went. How'd it go?
Toni Stark: It went great. Looks like it's gonna be an early Christmas.
Obadiah Stane: Hey! Way to go, my girl! I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?
Toni Stark: Why aren't you wearing those pyjamas I got you?
Obadiah Stane: Good night, Toni.
Toni hangs up the call as he enters the military vehicle.
James Rhodes: Hey, Toni.
Toni Stark: I'm sorry, this is the "fun-vee." The "hum-drum-vee" is back there.
James Rhodes: Nice job.
Toni Stark: See you back at base.
"I, in fact, did not see you back at the base", Toni said.