Tony Stark picked up my resume, glancing at the first page before giving a quick, confident nod. "Let's see here," he said, his eyes scanning the document. "Lucas Rojas, military veteran with ten years of service. Joined at seventeen, impressive. Honorable discharge at twenty-seven. Participated in the Transition Assistance Program—good initiative."
He flipped to the next page. "Internship at Stark Industries focusing on cybersecurity. Top marks in all your training modules. Volunteer work at the F.E.A.S.T. Center, teaching kids coding. Nice touch."
Tony looked up, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Tell me, why should I hire you again?"
Before I could even open my mouth, he laughed. "Kidding, already hired you." He tossed the resume back onto the desk, the decision made.
Tony leaned back in his chair once more, his smirk widening. "You see, Lucas, I like a man who doesn't waste time. You've got the skills, the experience, and you seem to know how to handle yourself under pressure. That's important around here."
He tapped a finger on the desk, considering. "You'll be working closely with our cybersecurity team. It's a crucial role, given the kind of tech we develop. We can't afford any slip-ups. And volunteering at the F.E.A.S.T. Center? That shows you're not just about yourself. I respect that."
Tony's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "But don't think for a second I'm going to go easy on you. Stark Industries is where the best come to prove themselves, and I've got high expectations. Mess up, and you'll hear about it. But do well, and... well, let's just say there's no limit to how far you can go here."
He stood up, extending his hand. "Welcome to Stark Industries, Lucas. Now, get ready to dive into the deep end."
Tony gripped my hand firmly, pulling me up from my seat. "Come on, let me show you around," he said, leading me out of the office and into the bustling corridors of Stark Industries. "No time like the present to get you acquainted with the place."
We moved through the sleek, high-tech halls, Tony pointing out various departments and key areas. "Over there, you've got R&D," he said, nodding towards a glass-walled lab where scientists and engineers were deeply engrossed in their work. "That's where the magic happens. You'll be spending a lot of time coordinating with those guys."
He barely paused to let me take it all in before pulling me along to the next stop. "And here, we have cybersecurity," he continued, nodding at a room filled with monitors and intense-looking analysts. "This is where you'll be making sure all our secrets stay secret."
Tony didn't slow down, introducing me to various staff members as we walked. "This is Dr. Amara Patel, senior engineer in cybersecurity. She's a genius, and you'll be working closely with her." Dr. Patel nodded at me, giving a brief smile before Tony moved us along.
"Jake Thompson, fellow tech consultant. He's your go-to guy for troubleshooting." Jake gave me a quick thumbs-up.
"Elena Ramirez, software developer. You'll be doing a lot of coding together," he said, waving at Elena, who looked up from her screen and gave a small wave back.
We continued moving, and I barely had time to register the names and faces. "Ryan Cho, IT specialist. He'll help you navigate the complex IT infrastructure here." Ryan looked up and grinned.
"Samantha Carter, project manager. Keeps everything running smoothly," Tony added, introducing me to a woman who nodded briskly before returning to her conversation.
"And finally, Marcus Lee, research scientist. Always full of innovative ideas," Tony finished as Marcus gave me a nod.
Before I could even process the introductions, Tony turned to me with a wide grin. "See, Lucas, you'll fit right in. Now, any questions?" He paused for half a second, then laughed. "Kidding, no time for questions. Let's keep moving."
Tony continued leading me through the labyrinthine halls of Stark Industries, never slowing down. We passed through an expansive manufacturing floor, where robotic arms worked in perfect harmony, assembling various high-tech components. The precision and efficiency of the operation were mesmerizing.
Next, we walked through a section dedicated to artificial intelligence and robotics. Here, engineers tinkered with sleek, humanoid robots and sophisticated AI systems. The cutting-edge technology on display was both intimidating and exhilarating.
We moved on to the bioengineering lab, where scientists were engrossed in developing advanced medical technologies. I caught glimpses of complex bioreactors and gene editing tools, reminding me of the vast scope of Stark Industries' endeavors.
Tony then led me to a large auditorium filled with state-of-the-art holographic displays. It was a command center of sorts, buzzing with activity as analysts monitored global events and coordinated responses. The sheer scale and capability of the operation were overwhelming.
Finally, we arrived at the top floor, where expansive windows offered a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. This was the heart of Stark Industries, the nerve center from which Tony directed his empire. The view, combined with the tour, left me in awe of the vastness and complexity of the world I was about to enter.
Tony finally stopped, turning to face me with a broad grin. The tour had been relentless, and my mind was spinning with all the information and sights I'd taken in. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, looking both amused and expectant.
"Alright, Lucas," he said, "I've shown you the highlights. Any questions?"
Finally, a moment to catch my breath and respond. I ran a hand through my brown hair and gave a chuckle.
"What was that first part?" I asked.
Tony's grin widened. "I said you're hired. Welcome to Stark Industries, kid."
Then, with that trademark mix of charm and charisma, Tony Stark pulled me into the elite ranks of the world's leading technology company.
I was led back into offices and led to Dr. Patel once more.
"Doc he's all yours. Take it easy on him, it's only his first day. If you need anything Lucas, don't hesitate to buzz me. Unless I'm out, then F.R.I.D.A.Y. will step in. Again, welcome to Stark Industries." Tony left as quickly as the whirlwind he pulled me through. I turned to Dr. Patek.
"Hi... I'm the new guy." Was all I could manage after being stuffed with so much at once.
She laughed gently, offering me a seat across from her desk. "Hey Lucas, nice to meet you. How are you finding Stark Industries so far?"
I shook her hand as she sat down. Dr. Patel had soft features, with dark, curly hair and deep brown eyes. She wears a comfortable outfit and glasses, giving her a serious but approachable look. Her warm smile and attentive demeanor immediately put me at ease. In a company that led the world in innovation, she didn't look frazzled by any means.
"It's... a lot." I said with a chuckle once more. I was still reeling that Tony Stark said I was hired.
She laughed, adjusting her glasses. "That's a fair assessment. Stark Industries is a big company, and we do a lot of different things. I'm sure you've seen some of the groundbreaking work we're doing in the labs."
I nodded. I took a look through the large glass window of her office and saw the different futuristic looking things going on. Of course, it was a far cry from the busted 20 years dated equipment I'm used to in the Army.
"A bit. But I'm eager to dive in to whatever you have going on." I expressed.
"Great! Well, as Mr. Stark mentioned, I'm the head of the cybersecurity team here at Stark Industries. Our mission is to protect the company's sensitive data and systems from malicious threats. We work closely with engineers and programmers to develop cutting-edge solutions that keep our information safe."
I listened intently, eager to learn more about the vital role of cybersecurity in a technology company like Stark Industries.
"Of course, with the development of new technologies comes new challenges. As we create more advanced systems, we must also continually innovate our defenses to keep pace. It's a dynamic field, and it requires constant vigilance and creativity to stay ahead of the curve." She spoke as she pulled out a flyer from her desk.
"This ties in to the next thing. Stark Expo. I'm sure you've heard of it." She pushed the paper toward me. I grabbed and examined it. Mr. Stark had a way with selling. The flyer was full of color and text. The expo would be open for anyone to come in and show off their newest innovation in engineering.
"We always make a showing and even rent out a booth for the event. So, naturally we want to ensure we have the highest security possible to make sure no one takes advantage of the chaos and confusion." I nodded and gave a little laugh.
"Like hacktivists or thieves trying to steal tech or schematics?" I questioned. Dr. Patel nodded.
"Exactly. And also, the news outlets that come in. Some are for what Stark Industries does. And others are the Daily Bugle." She remarked, not hiding the disdain in her voice.
"I heard about the Bugle. They love talking smack about Spider-Man, right?" I inquired. She nodded.
"Well, that's one of the reasons why they're on my shit list. Another is that the owner, J. Jonah Jameson seems to have a thing against heroes in general. It's not a secret that we support the Avengers or even S.H.I.E.L.D. because of what they do. Jameson also tries to spin all kinds of conspiracies about what they're doing and why. A lot of people listen to him. Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent. Transparency and honesty is the core of our work. And I mean that with all of this." She explained.
I nodded. I completely understood. She wanted to ensure that I knew all of what I signed up for and that the work we did was transparent and above board. I adjusted my shirt, a bit nervous at what was next.
"Well, Mr. Stark said I'm hired. Can't run away now." I joked. She gave a hearty laugh.
"I guess not. Okay Lucas, what I want to do is to start off by getting you up to speed with the basics of our current setup." She stood and led the way. I spent the rest of the day being led through the specifics of their work. Their latest innovation was the use of nanotechnology for security. Tony had recently patented it and gifted it to S.H.I.E.L.D. as an overarching defense mechanism.
They were also working on ways to prevent hacking. Their newest project involved creating a series of decoy servers that could be used as bait to lure in would-be attackers. I absorbed all of the information, fascinated by the challenge of keeping such an innovative company secure. So many clever designs, must be expensive to even think about.
Dr. Patel continued to lead me around, explaining how they also used countermeasures such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to protect their networks. The level of sophistication needed to keep up with the rapidly evolving threat landscape was daunting but also exhilarating.
"And this is F.R.I.D.A.Y. This is who Mr. Stark was referring to earlier. Don't be shy, say hello Lucas." She led me to a screen that was black. Whatever it was, I was ready for it. At this point, they could tell me the universe was full of aliens and I'd have no choice but to believe them.
"Uh, hello?" I said as the screen began to light up. The image of a woman's face appeared on the screen. She had an ethereal beauty about her and a calmness in her eyes.
"Hello, Lucas. It's nice to meet you," she said in a soothing voice.
"Wow. I... I didn't know we had an AI system here at Stark Industries," I replied, astounded by the realism of her appearance.
"I'm afraid I can only be found in Tony Stark's personal quarters, at the Tower, or here. I am the brainchild of Mr. Stark himself. He called me F.R.I.D.A.Y., for Female Replacement Intelligent Digital Assistant Youth. It's an honor to meet you." She introduced herself.
"It's an honor to meet you too, F.R.I.D.A.Y. I'm excited to work with you," I replied, overwhelmed by the surreal experience of meeting an actual artificial intelligence.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y., can you please make sure Lucas is fully in-processed and have a badge and biometrics set?" She asked.
"Yes Dr. Patel, done. Lucas Rojas is now officially a Stark employee." She responded.
"Perfect. Okay, Lucas, let's wrap up the tour here and we'll call it a day. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow." She smiled.
"Thank you for the tour, Dr. Patel. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you." I gave her a smile.
Dr. Patel nodded and led the way back to her office. After the final bit of paperwork, I grabbed my badge and began my way home. One week in New York and I was already a Stark employee. It was crazy to think about.
As I made my way home, I reflected on the craziness of my first day. Stark Industries was unlike any other place I'd ever worked, and I was excited to see what else awaited me in my new job. I pulled my phone and texted my little sister. I'm sure she'd be excited to know that her brother is now an official Stark employee.
I kept walking, enjoying the cool breeze of the evening as I went. The city lights were beginning to shine, and I marveled at the busy streets full of people on their way home.
Right, let's catch you up to what's going on. I'm Lucas Rojas, ex-Army soldier. Joined at 17, to get out of the house. Was not a nice place. Spent my time in IT doing this and that. My nose was in all things tech, networks, and otherwise. I figured ten years was enough. Plus, I couldn't progress anymore; promotions got competitive. So, I took what I got, and the Army helped me transition to normal life. I interned with Stark Industries, but never saw anything that I saw in that building.
I readjusted my backpack and tried to get my mind off of work. I had a long day of training tomorrow and needed to focus on myself. As I turned the corner, I noticed a crowd of people gathered outside of a local corner store. Curious, I approached the crowd to see what all of the commotion was about.
I noticed a group of men standing by the entrance of the shop, holding baseball bats and threatening the owners.
"I told you that you owe protection money old man! Where is it?!" one of the thugs yelled.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about. I paid last month. Please, leave me alone!" the storeowner cried, clearly frightened. A crowd of people, you'd hope someone called the police. Or did the bystander effect kick in?
The thug raised his bat, preparing to strike. I'll tell you what, it's the small choices that define where you go in life. I could have left this be, assumed someone called the cops and left. But I was that type of guy. I always had a bad habit of sticking my nose in things it doesn't belong, regardless of the cost. Damn you, Lucas.
Before the bat could come down on the store, I grabbed the thugs wrist.
"Think the gentleman asked to be left alone." I stated. Can't be afraid now. This was the path I chose. Little did I know that a small choice like this would set me on a path that I'd never see coming.
He stared at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes before he composed himself. "And who the hell are you?" he snarled.
"Just a guy passing by. Heard the commotion and thought I'd lend a helping hand," I said, my hand gripping his wrist hard, my peripheral on each guy. Let's see, how many... five.
"Don't stick your nose into things that don't concern you man. Go back to wherever you came from." He warned, yanking his hand away.
"Yeah, you see, that's the thing. It's a bad habit of mine." If only I could hear myself. I pulled on the guys wrist hard, knowing full well he'd try to pull back. I used my other hand to adjust the bat and let him go. The bat gave him a good wakeup call right on the forehead.
The group looked on in shock as their leader fell to the ground, out cold. "Now, who's next?" I asked. The four of them rushed me.
And the rest is history. Keep your distance and move in between the pauses. Believe it or not, the Army didn't teach me this. Took a class in martial arts. Loved Kung fu stuff as a kid. I was the kid that would see a broom and I couldn't help but pretend it was a staff. That's a secret by the way.
I moved from person to person, slamming them into the ground, making one guy hit the other with the bats, that's harder than you think, by the way. When I looked to the last two guys, I used my forearm to block a blow from the bat. Thankfully, I used the bottom of my forearm and not the side. A bruise versus a broken bone. The impact was strong, but I was stronger. I quickly swept my foot under his leg, causing him to fall on his back. Before I could do anything, the other guy smashed me upside the head. Sh##.
I stumbled back, dazed by the blow. The attacker lunged forward, swinging the bat wildly. I ducked under his swing, feeling the wind rush past my head. The man's momentum carried him forward, and he lost his balance. Before I could react, a blast of white stuff hit him in the chest, sticking him to a light pole. What the heck was that?
I looked around and saw a figure standing on the roof of the convenience store. I squinted, trying to get a better look. But before I could, the figure leapt off the roof, landing with a thud on the pavement.
"Holy crap, it's Spider-Man!" One of the onlookers yelled. Were they watching me get my a## kicked the whole time?
"Nah, that ain't him. That's clearly a woman. Spider-girl!" Another yelled. The figure, whose face from the nose down was covered with a red mask. She wore a skin tight body suit of black and red. She looked like Spider-Man, but her silhouette was obviously different.
"Actually, it's Silk." She corrected. She extended her arm and another ball of webbing shot out and latched onto one of the thugs who were attacking me from behind. She webbed each one where they laid. The guys were struggling to free themselves.
She walked towards me, her hips swaying slightly. "You, okay?" She asked, concern lacing her voice.
I looked at her, admiring the way the streetlights illuminated her figure. I shouldn't be checking out a superhero. Hopefully she didn't catch on.
"Yeah, nothing I can't handle. Silk? Like the cloth?" I asked. Did I mention I have ADHD? It's the reason I stick my nose where it doesn't belong. And also, the reason I say things without thinking them through. Even at 27 I still don't have the self-control. One thing the Army couldn't hammer out of me.
"No, more like the webbing. Nice moves, by the way. Didn't expect to see a dude take those guys on. Pretty impressive." She complimented.
I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed.
"You're making me blush." Did I also mention that I use humor a lot to cover up when I feel uncomfortable?
She let out a laugh. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. Anyways, glad to see you're all right. You should probably get home, though. That bruise on your arm needs to be looked at."
I glanced down, noticing the already forming bruise on my forearm. Ouch.
"Okay, yeah, I should probably go. Thanks for the save, by the way. You're pretty amazing," I said, still in awe of her abilities. A woman Spider-Man. I've heard of Spider-Man. Superhero worked with the Avengers once or twice. I didn't know there was a female version.
Silk gave me a two-fingered salute and leaped up onto a nearby building, shooting a web and swinging off. I watched as she disappeared over the horizon. If it wasn't for the bruise on my arm aching, I probably would have been charmed.
I let out a sigh and headed home. It was going to be a long night.
My apartment was in a nicer part of town than where I was working at. I wasn't rich, but my military pension was paying for me to live comfortably for the time being. Been a while since I had a nice place. Better than living in a building made of mold and more mold.
I unlocked my door and stepped inside, the familiar smell of home greeting me. I took off my shoes, placed them neatly in the rack, and hung my jacket on the hook.
I went into the bathroom, turning on the light and examining myself in the mirror. Red marks all over, with the topping being the very large bruise on my forearm. That's going to hurt in the morning. I looked like a wreck, the sweat dripping down my face. The adrenaline was finally wearing off, and I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. I won't lie, I was scared. But I have this philosophy in life. 'If not me then who'? Someone's gotta step up.
I let out a sigh, feeling the pain creep up on me. I rummaged through my medicine cabinet, grabbing the bottle of ibuprofen and taking a few pills. I jumped into the shower and crashed on the bed. I've been here for one week, but today I felt like was my real first day. Hired by Mr. Stark, beat up some thugs, and then met woman Spider-Man; Silk.
I closed my eyes, the exhaustion finally catching up with me. I drifted off to sleep, images of webs and superheroes floating through my head.
I woke up the next morning to the sound of my alarm blaring. Time to start the second day to the rest of my life. Get up, change, brush my teeth, and go for a run. Ah, six in the morning, how I hated waking up at that time every day for ten years. And yet, I still do it. Guess that's the discipline the army instilled in me.
The crisp morning air felt refreshing, and I breathed in deeply, enjoying the freshness. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden glow over the city.
I turned on my music, my feet pounding against the pavement as I ran. I was taking in the sights.
I eventually spotted an elderly Asian man struggling to carry groceries. I jogged over to him.
"Sir, can I help you with that?" I asked, offering to take the bags from him.
He shook his head, a gentle smile on his face. "Oh no, thank you. I'm fine. I can manage it. But thank you for the offer," he said, his accent thick. Rejection hurts, even if it shouldn't. I chuckled.
"Of course, I'll see you around." I spoke. I'll probably be known as 'that one running guy in the early morning'.
I continued my run, making my way back home. By the time I got back, it was time to get ready for work. I showered, changed, and headed out the door. The subway was crowded, as usual, and I made my way to the stop near the tower. I should eat much more than just a banana, but I'm lazy.
I arrived at the Stark Industries building, flashing my badge at the guard and heading inside. The lobby was bustling with activity. I made my way to the elevator and forgot to take my earphones off. As I did-
"Mr. Rojas." Can a voice. I'll admit, I jumped.
"Oh jeez!" I involuntarily said aloud. I'll tell you right now, I was the only one in the elevator. After finding my soul that was floating away, I cleared my throat.
"Good morning, F.R.I.D.A.Y." The only disembodied voice that would know my name.
"Good morning, Lucas. I trust you slept well. Are you ready to begin your second day?" She asked, her voice as pleasant as ever.
I nodded. "Y-yeah, I slept pretty well. Thanks for asking, F.R.I.D.A.Y.," I stuttered. I was still a bit shaken up.
"Very good. I have a message for you from Mr. Stark. He wishes you the best on your second day," F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. I chuckled.
"I'm assuming the boss is this nice to all his new employees?" I joked.
F.R.I.D.A.Y. paused for a moment, as if contemplating what to say next. "I cannot speak to that, Mr. Rojas. However, I can say that you are an excellent addition to the Stark Industries team," she said, a note of sincerity in her voice.
I was touched by her words. "Thanks, F.R.I.D.A.Y.," I said, unable to hide the smile on my face. "And don't worry, I wasn't planning to go to HR had you answered my question." I teased.
"I appreciate the consideration, Lucas. I will also continue to provide you with updates on your progress." She spoke.
"Thanks F.R.I.D.A.Y. I'll be seeing you around... Or I guess I'll be seeing you all the time... Never mind." I joked. I tended to do that.
"I look forward to it, Lucas. Have a wonderful day," F.R.I.D.A.Y. said before going silent. The elevator doors opened, and I was welcomed by the sounds of what I would be hearing for a long time, I hope.
I entered the office, greeted by the sight of my coworkers hard at work.
"Morning Lucas. Ready to get to work?" Dr. Patel asked, a smile on her face.
"Do I get to have a fancy lab coat like yours, or only those who survive a year at Stark Industries get one?" I joked.
She laughed and shook her head. "Not quite, but maybe you'll earn one someday. Let's get started," she said, leading the way to the lab. I followed her, eager to learn more about the fascinating world of cybersecurity.
I spent the day learning the basics of the Stark Industries Cybersecurity infrastructure. Dr. Patel was an excellent teacher, patient and thorough in her explanations. We met up with the other individuals that Mr. Stark introduced me to the day prior.
Dr. Marcus Lee was the Head of the Research & Development team. He was a brilliant engineer, with a passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology. He was also a huge fan of classic rock music, and often had it playing in the background while he worked. Oh, Sweet Child o' Mine was playing.
Dr. Samantha Carter was the Project Manager for the cybersecurity team. She was a meticulous planner, ensuring that all projects were completed on time and within budget. She was also a former military as an officer, which she attributed to her strong sense of discipline and organizational skills. I was gonna have fun calling her ma'am and saluting her every chance I got.
Elena Ramirez was the Lead Software Developer. She was an expert in computer programming, with a keen eye for detail and an agile mind. She was also a big gamer, often spending her spare time playing video games and chatting with friends online. Did I mentioned she's only 20 years old?
Ryan Cho was the IT Specialist for the team. He was an expert at troubleshooting issues and getting the network running smoothly. He was also an avid tennis player, and often talked about his favorite players and matches. He also loved to play pranks on his colleagues and was always quick with a joke or a clever pun. He was a big Star Wars nerd, always talking about the movies and the fandom.
There was Jake Thompson and Tara Williams. Jake was a Tech Consultant for the cybersecurity team. He was a certified genius, with a knack for solving complex problems. He was also a bit of a flirt, often cracking jokes and making witty remarks. He's a bit of a show off, always trying to impress his colleagues and make himself look smart. Tara Williams, Data Analyst, was a bit of a recluse. She kept to herself, often working in her own corner of the lab. She was a talented data analyst, with an eye for patterns and insights. She was also a bit of a conspiracy theorist, often ranting about how the government was spying on everyone through their phones. I'll give her that one, she's not wrong.
After getting acquainted with my new colleagues, we got down to business. I spent the rest of the day learning the ins and outs of the Stark Industries cybersecurity systems. It was a daunting task, but I was eager to learn and contribute. I was amazed by the complexity and sophistication of the systems, and I was determined to do my part to keep them safe from malicious threats.
Sometime during the day I pulled back my sleeves, a habit I have from a kid. It was to think. Needless to say, I forgot what I had on my forearm.
"Holy sh##! What did you do to yourself?" Elena asked. And then everyone else joined in.
"Oof, that's gonna leave a mark. You get into a fight or something?" Ryan quipped.
I shrugged. "Well, you see, it's a funny story..." I began to explain. Some of them clapped sarcastically.
"Way to make your first impression on New York, Lucas. Fight crime on the first day in town." Dr. Patel joked.
I rolled my eyes. "It's not like I planned to do it. Just saw what was going on and couldn't walk away." I defended. "Plus, I got to meet one of the spider heroes. Did you all know there was more than one?" The looks on their faces said they did indeed know.
"You met Spider-Man?" Elena asked, excitement in her voice.
"No, but I did meet a woman who said her name was Silk. She swung in and webbed those guys to a lamppost." I replied. The room was silent for a moment, and I could see the gears turning in their heads.
"Hmm. There was that article in the Daily Bugle. Talked about Silk, and some guy that beat up some crooks." Elena mused. She then gasped. "That was you! You were that 'some guy'! No way!"
I was stunned. I was on the news?
"Uh, yeah, that was me. I guess I'm kinda famous now." I joked.
"You have a future in vigilantism, Lucas. The ladies love a crimefighter." Jake winked.
I groaned. "I'm not looking to become a superhero. I just wanted to help out. Plus, I think it's a little too early to be talking about the ladies." I retorted. Elena wasted no time in pulling out her phone and showing me the Daily Bugles news on me. On her screen was an elderly guy with a thick mustache, salt and pepper hair, and an attitude out of this world.
"You heard it here folks! Leave the streets to the people! We don't need those unruly and irresponsible lawbreakers that call themselves superheroes. Take this gentleman for example." He paused to let a video play of me beating up the thugs from a cell phone. I smacked my face. Suddenly it didn't feel so heroic.
"This man, who has asked to remain anonymous, showed that the good and hard working people of New York are more than capable of keeping our city safe. So, as a favor, don't give us anymore heart attacks. Now, on to the weather..." I groaned. I didn't want to be on the news. Not like this.
"Ugh, J. Jonah Jameson is a pain in the butt. We're you asked for an interview?" Dr. Patel asked. I shook my head. "Oh, well, also a liar." She pointed to my forearm. "You're a hero."
I laughed. "I'm no hero. I just did what anyone else would have done."
"A hero is defined not by their powers, but by their actions." Elena said with a finger in the air.
"Thank you, sensei. Now if we could please get back to work. I'm just hoping that Stark Industries doesn't find out." I expressed. And my luck couldn't have been worse.
"Lucas, Ms. Potts would like to see you." F.R.I.D.A.Y. announced.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y. is this about what I think it's about?" I asked, a sinking feeling in my stomach.
"She has asked to see you in her office. Please proceed there immediately." She replied. The silence was deafening. Everyone suddenly became fascinated with the floor, or their hands, or their fingernails.
"I'm about to lose my job, aren't I?" I sighed.
"Don't sweat it. If you do, we'll all quit too." Dr. Patel said.
"She's kidding by the way. But we'll vouch for you if anything." Jake added.
I took a deep breath and headed to the elevator. The ride up to Pepper's office seemed to take forever. I could feel my heart racing, and I was sweating bullets. I was in trouble, and I didn't even know why. Day two and I was already in trouble. Almost beat my record by one day.
I reached the top floor of the building and made my way to her office. In front of the double doors of fear was a young lady at a desk and a guy reading a magazine on one of the waiting couches.
"Um... Ms. Potts asked to see me?" Why did that come out as a question?
"She's ready for you." She said, waving me forward. The guy stood up quickly and cut me off before I could I tap on the door.
"Hey, hi, Harold Hogan, everyone calls me Happy. Listen, you're the guy that's on the video?" He asked, quite excitedly might I add. I didn't know how to react. Was this him trying to get me to admit guilt?
"Uh, yeah. That was me." I answered. His face lit up.
"Ohh, man. The way you did this and that." He mimicked some of the things I did in the video. "Where'd you learn that? I do a bit of boxing myself. Maybe you and I could go a few rounds. You know, hit the bag workout-"
"Happy. He has an appointment with me." Ms. Potts said, her head poking out of the door. My heart skipped a beat. She knew. I'm done.
"Sorry about that. I get a little excited sometimes. Anyway, I'm sure we'll run into each other again. See ya." He said, shaking my hand and patting my shoulder. I stood there, dumbfounded, until Pepper spoke again.
"Lucas, come on in. I don't bite." She said. Not yet, anyway. I'm in a whole load of trouble.
"Sorry to drag you up here, Lucas. But I figured it was important for us to talk about what happened yesterday." She explained. Pepper Potts. Red hair, green eyes, and business like aura.
I nodded. Only thing I could do.
"I'll be upfront. We're not mad, nor are you fired. But we are concerned." She continued. I gulped, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
"Yes, Ms. Potts" I managed to squeak out.
She shook her head. "Lucas, I'd prefer it if you called me Pepper. And don't be so nervous. As I said, you're not in trouble. And I'm sure you'd agree, fighting with four armed thugs, while brave, isn't the best way to handle situations like that. Especially when you represent a company like ours. Legally, I am supposed to tell you that such actions would be viewed as reckless, and potentially jeopardize the reputation of Stark Industries. But we both know that's not why you did it."
I nodded. I did it because I'm a stupid idiot with a hero complex.
"You are a veteran and you stepped in when no one else did." She tapped a button on her desk and a holographic screen came up. Which, quite frankly, I have to say was the coolest thing I ever saw. A video of my encounter yesterday played, albeit from a different angle.
"You'll learn pretty quickly that we at Stark Industries take security and safety very seriously." She added. Must explain why it looks like the recording was captured from a security camera.
"This is the reason I wanted to see you. To let you know that you acted bravely, and that you did what you felt was right. And to remind you that while you may be a civilian, the company that you now represent has certain standards and expectations." She explained. She tapped the button, and the screen went away.
"Stark Expo is coming and I know you'll be there. That being said, I want a guarantee that if anyone comes to you on a comment in this, that you'll say the right things."
Yes of course, the infamous quote. I nodded.
"No comment." I affirmed.
She smiled and held her hand out. "Glad we're on the same page. Now, I do have some paperwork for you to fill out." I felt my shoulders slump. "Not the resignation kind." She added quickly. I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Just the usual stuff. Confidentiality, non-disclosure agreements, and the like. I know it seems a bit overwhelming, but it's just a formality." She looked over to happy who was standing by the door. How long was he there? He approached the desk and placed a folder.
"Listen, like I was saying if you ever want to go a few rounds I-" Happy said quietly but Pepper cleared her throat. When he looked over, she shook her head.
"Not the best time Happy." She whispered. He nodded and returned to the door.
"If you ever want to go a few rounds, or just catch a game, you let me know." He said, handing me his card. I took it and nodded.
"Happy." Pepper said sternly.
"Leaving." Was his rapid reply. He quickly left the room, closing the door behind him. I sat there awkwardly for a moment before clearing my throat.
"Is he always like that?" I asked.
Pepper smiled and nodded. "Yep, but he's a great guy. Once you get to know him. Anyways, Lucas, I think it goes without saying that we here at Stark Industries appreciate what you did. I hope you'll take care of yourself."
I signed the forms and that was that. Felt painless, but I wouldn't know what the future would hold. She gestured the door. Don't have to tell me twice.
"Thank you, Ms. Potts- Pepper." I corrected. "I appreciate that. And I'm sorry again for any inconvenience. I'll try to be more careful next time."
She shook her head. "Don't apologize for what you did. I'll have F.R.I.D.A.Y. send you the footage from the security camera. Goodbye, Lucas." She said. I gave her a nod and left the office.
As I stepped onto the elevator and once the doors closed, I leaned against and sank to the floor. That was the bump. For some people it takes months, maybe years. Took two days for me. I gave myself a smack on the head. Got get it together. I'm just thankful that they didn't fire me.
"Is everything alright, Lucas."
"Oh jeez!" She got me for a second time today. I shot straight to my feet.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks F.R.I.D.A.Y. That's the second time you surprised me today." I informed.
"My apologies. I meant no harm. I simply wanted to check on you after your meeting with Ms. Potts. I hope she did not come across as too harsh. She can be quite intimidating." F.R.I.D.A.Y. apologized. I shook my head.
"No, she was fine. It wasn't the most comfortable meeting, but I understand where she's coming from. I just have to be more careful in the future." I said.
"I'm glad to hear it. I would hate to see you leave the Stark Industries team. You are an invaluable asset to the company." She said. Yes, the 'you're an invaluable asset speech. Make me feel good and ensure I stay mentally sound.
"Thank you. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I hope I can continue to live up to those expectations." I said. I was mostly joking. But a part of me was serious. I've never really been in a position to have a career. Other than the service. But I was committed to doing the best I could.
"I have every faith in you, Lucas. You have a promising future ahead of you. I will let you return to work. Have a productive day." With that she left. The elevator doors opened, and my coworkers were crowding around the entrance. Now this was a funny sight to see. I'm the guy that got in trouble on his second day.
"I'm still employed." I stated. They cheered and clapped me on the back.
"Come on, let's go back to work. I have a lot of things to catch up on. Thanks for the support, guys." I said.
We returned to the lab and resumed our work. I was feeling better, and my anxiety had dissipated. I was just focusing on my tasks, not letting myself get overwhelmed. I was determined to make a good impression and prove myself to my new colleagues. Dr. Patel approached me with some paperwork.
"Just want to let you know Lucas, that Pepper could have done that with an HR rep. Instead, she oversaw it personally. That's a sign of respect." She complimented.
"Thanks Dr. Patel. I'm glad to know she thought of me in that manner. I'll do my best not to let her down." I said.
She smiled and patted my shoulder. "You'll do just fine." I appreciated her kind words, and I was glad that my coworkers had my back. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me. The rest of the day went by fast. On my way out I decided to grab a snack from the vending machine.
"It's you! You're the guy from the video! You're a legend!" A voice yelled. I turned to see a young man, who looked to be in his early twenties, staring at me in awe. Oh jeez. I didn't think the whole thing would spread through Stark Industries.
"Uh, yeah. That was me. I'm not a legend, though. Just a regular guy." I said, trying to downplay the situation. The guy shook his head vigorously.
"Nuh uh. You're a hero, man. Taking down those baddies like that. It's inspiring. Plus, you got to meet Silk!" He said, holding out his fist for a knuckle bump. I reluctantly complied.
"So, I gotta ask, where did you learn to fight like that? Are you ex-military? Army, Navy SEAL, Marine?" He rattled off.
"Karate class." I answered. I pat the young man on the shoulder and walked off. I knew that eventually the news would die down and I'd just be another employee. But for now, I'd have to deal with the attention. I didn't mind it too much, though. It was nice to know that people appreciated what I had done. But it would take away from what we were trying to do.
The subway ride home was simple. Listened to music and tried to avoid any signs of trouble.
The rest of the week was easier to manage. I focused on my work and integrating into the company. I did my best to learn the ropes and make a good impression. I had been assigned to a team working on cybersecurity protocols and was learning a lot. It blew my mind that I was actually working on cutting-edge tech alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.
The days passed by quickly, and before I knew it, it was Friday. I had survived my first week at Stark Industries. I was proud of myself for sticking with it and for making a good impression on my new colleagues. I was starting to get into the rhythm of my new routine and was enjoying the challenges of my new job. The main goal was to get ready for Stark Expo. I was given a ticket to the event and a promise of a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. I was excited to get a glimpse of some of the latest and greatest tech from Stark Industries.
On the way home, I stopped by a convenience store to pick up a few things. While I was browsing the aisles, I heard a commotion toward the front. Please let it be someone who hit the lottery. I peeked around the corner and saw two men dressed in black, pointing guns at the cashier. One of the men was holding a bag, presumably filled with money. I sighed and cursed my luck.
"Hurry the hell up!" one of them yelled, smashing the counter with his gun.
"Please, sir, I'm trying, but it's stuck," the terrified cashier pleaded.
"Well try harder! Or else it's gonna get ugly in here!" the other yelled. The peaceful hum of the convenience store shattered as the door jingled and two more men in black stormed in, guns drawn.
"Dammit. I promised I wouldn't do this. But I can't just stand by," I whispered. This was becoming a bad habit. I crept over to the end of the aisle and watched as the men argued with the cashier. The door jingled again.
"We hit the gas station. What's the hold up?" one of the new arrivals asked.
"The damn till is stuck. Can't get it open. You think these small businesses would invest in more modern registers. Come on! Open it!" one of the thugs aimed the gun closer to the man. He looked to be in his mid-20s, and he was absolutely terrified. He was trembling, and his voice shook as he spoke.
"I-I can't. I'm telling you, it's jammed. I've been trying to get it open since you came in here!"
"Looks like we're gonna have to teach you a lesson, then," the man sneered. I couldn't take it anymore. The door jingled again.
"Did you guys hit the lottery or something?" a voice asked as they came in. It's her! Silk! She walked into the convenience store, seemingly unaware of the danger she was in.
"Crap, it's that Spider-Woman!" one of the thugs hissed.
"Can't you guys stay out of trouble for one day? It's like every day this week you guys are trying to rob something," Silk quipped. The thugs all pointed their guns at her. She stared at them, her hands on her hips.
"Really? The guns? That's a new one," she said sarcastically. I had to do something. I couldn't let her get hurt. I scanned the shelves, looking for anything I could use as a weapon. The shots rang out. My eyes looked over in horror as... she was dodging all the shots. What the hell? I couldn't believe my eyes. She was moving with impossible speed, grace, and agility. The bullets seemed to miss her by mere inches.
"Give it a rest, guys. I'm not in the mood to do this today," she said, her voice exasperated. One of the thugs lunged at her, but she ducked under his arm and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach, sending him flying back. I had to do something. But I can't. I need to stay under the radar. She got it. She's a superhero.
"Guys, please, just let me go. I'm begging you!" the cashier cried out. I was conflicted. I looked over at Silk, who was still dodging bullets. Everything happened quickly. One of the thugs grabbed the young man and held a gun to his head.
"Alright, spider freak. Leave us alone, or else he gets it. Understand?" the thug demanded. Silk froze. Her fists clenched, and I could see the rage on her face.
"Let him go," she growled.
"Then you know what you gotta do. The door is right there," the thug threatened. Silk looked torn. I had to act. I couldn't let her risk it. I reached out and grabbed the nearest object off the shelf, a can of paint. I threw it as hard as I could, striking the thug on the head. I sprinted full speed and dropkicked the hostage taker. He pulled the trigger, a round whizzing by.
"Ah, what the hell?!" the other thug yelled. Silk was on the move, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks to the men. I engaged the third thug, catching a punch and countering with a knee to the gut. I grabbed the weapon and disarmed him. Cock, rounds out, handle up, slide out, drop magazine. I took the pistol apart piece by piece as if my life depended on it. I jabbed him in the face before throwing him to the ground and kneeling on his back.
Silk made quick work of the thugs, and I could tell she was angry. She slammed the last one onto the floor and knocked him out cold.
"That was a good throw," Silk approached me, a look of recognition on her face. "Wait, you're the guy from the other day." She paused, glancing at the disassembled gun and the subdued thugs. "You really shouldn't be putting yourself in these situations. It's dangerous."
"I figured you'd appreciate the assist. We made such a good team last night," I joked. Am I flirting with her? Silk sighed, her expression softening slightly.
"I get it, but you have to think about your safety too. You were lucky this time."
"I'm no stranger to putting my life on the line for others. Ten years of service," I explained.
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Fair enough. But seriously, next time, leave it to the professionals," she quipped.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black." Must have been an automatic response for her to say that. I was the professional. Well, used to be.
Silk nodded, her demeanor shifting back to serious. "Just be careful, alright? New York can be a dangerous place." Sirens were heard in the distance.
"If you could, don't let anyone know what I did," I pleaded.
Silk gave a slight nod and a reassuring smile. "Your secret's safe with me, Lucas." As she turned to leave, she called over her shoulder, "Stay safe, hero." She opened the door and swung away. Well, that was... anticlimactic. I stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. The sirens grew louder, and I realized I needed to make myself scarce. I hurried over to the clerk.
"Hey man, you ok?" I asked. He was white as a ghost and shaking like a leaf. He nodded slowly, clearly still in shock. I patted his shoulder and said, "You did a good job, my friend. You have a way out that's not the front door?" He nodded and pointed to a door to the back of the convenience store. "Good. If they ask, I was never here. One of the spider people saved you." I suggested. I could hear the police outside and knew they would be in soon. I gave the guy one last pat on the shoulder before making my way out back.