Stark Industries Welcomes New Leadership as Pepper Potts Steps In as CEOChristine Everhart, Vanity Fair
April 27, 2011
Today, Stark Industries announced a new chapter in its leadership: Margaret Stark, current CEO, will be passing the title to Virginia "Pepper" Potts. After months of discussions and with mutual agreement from the Stark family, Potts will officially take on the role, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a longstanding commitment to the company's values and vision.
Margaret Stark shared her thoughts on the transition, saying, "I was an excellent appetizer for the company. Dad and I had been discussing, all the way back in 2009, putting Miss Potts in leadership at Stark Industries. Her ability to assist me in leading this company through her most trying times only serves to assure us we're making the right decision."
Tony Stark echoed his daughter's sentiments, calling Pepper Potts the "CEO in all but name" during his own tenure as head of the company. "She was the only reason things got done," he remarked. "It's time she takes over fully and continues doing the excellent work my daughter started."
Potts' journey with Stark Industries is a story of dedication and leadership. A Boston University graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting, she began her career at Stark Industries as Tony's personal assistant and quickly demonstrated her talent, commitment, and reliability. Briefly stepping into the world of modeling early in her career, Potts' talents always shone brightest in the corporate sphere. Her strategic insights and natural poise have been crucial as she worked alongside both Tony and Margaret to guide Stark Industries through tumultuous times.
Potts is also no stranger to the Stark family's new era of humanitarian efforts. As the pilot of the Rescue Machine armor, she has supported the "Iron Family" on critical missions worldwide, most recently aiding in disaster relief in Japan following the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami.
Pepper Potts' transition to CEO is a continuation of her integral role in Stark Industries' transformation. She was a driving force in Margaret Stark's efforts to implement more employee-centered policies, including changes in company benefits, increased support for employees and their families, and an ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability at all levels of the company.
This change reflects the forward-thinking ethos that Stark Industries embodies, honoring tradition while embracing a future of innovation and responsibility. With Potts at the helm, Stark Industries seems well-prepared for continued growth and a bold new era. The company's employees and stakeholders alike can look forward to the leadership of a CEO who has demonstrated unflagging loyalty, vision, and strength, both in the boardroom and on the frontlines of global challenges.
The Stark family is confident that Potts' dedication and expertise will continue to guide Stark Industries into a promising future. From transforming the company's inner workings to representing its values on the world stage, Potts has proven herself a champion of the Stark legacy.
Iron Man 2
Bucky Barnes was exhausted. All he wanted to do was curl up under the covers and sleep until his feet stopped aching. Instead, he finished his cup of coffee, shook himself like a dog, and left the control room. Kyle, a previous green beret turned go-fer, fell into step with him, a tablet in his hands, and three inches of paperwork tucked under his arm.
"What's next?"
"Grey has the entertainment side running on autopilot, there is nothing over there we need to handle. Miss Potts has requested additional hands to the side entrance and the parking lot, I've already sent Harrison's squad and Boyd's team volunteered to root out the car thieves." Bucky nodded, glancing at the tablet keeping track of every on-site member of Stark Security. "Barclay's squad is going around making sure everyone gets a break and a snack. He's got Tina and Katie with him."
"Copy that," Bucky said, trying not to laugh. Tina and Katie were two of the scariest women he'd ever met. "You think they'll hit a guest, or staff first?"
"Katie has money on a guest, likely doubting she actually works security," Kyle said. He switched views on the tablet, pulling up the ticket sales. "We're expecting just shy of seven thousand people tonight for the premier evening. Tomorrow, sales has us at fourteen, three eight seven. That's not including the three thousand staff and fifteen hundred volunteers."
"Or the people that will buy their tickets at the gate," Bucky added. "Did Hogan send over the OT estimate? And did we get approval from finance?"
"Yes. Jones is the only one with OT restrictions, but that's only because his wife is one sneeze away from labor."
"Twins, right?" Bucky remembered. Happy stressed that it was important to know things about his team. Not only did it show them that they were valued, it made them more loyal.
"Yes sir, they're very excited." Bucky had a friend, in Brooklyn who had twin sisters. He smiled slightly, glad to have another part of his past back where it belonged.
"Does Jim need help with the various military presentations?" Bucky asked, twisting to avoid a herd of volunteers as they ran across the open space. They looked like they were aiming for the Oracle globe that gave Bucky anxiety. "Or additional hands? We've got four roaming units; we can spare two of them."
"I'll send Hughes, unless you want to keep him as a rover?"
"Who has Chavez?"
"Hughes."
"Send them to Jim, Chavez is a little weasel, put him near the politicians, we'll know everything that's happening."
"No wonder Hogan trusts you to be in charge," Kyle said, looking up at Bucky for the first time that evening. "You make this look easy."
"I'm older than I look," Bucky teased. Kyle didn't know who he was beyond his role at Stark Security, so the joke went over his head. "Alright. Is that stack for me?"
"No, I have to run it to Grey. She said she'd get it to Miss Potts."
"Fantastic, I hate paperwork. Go on and head over, bring her a lemonade, will you? She's probably dying."
"Lemonade and paperwork, copy." And Kyle was gone, slipping down a side street to find the nearest pretzel stand. Tony had requested the food stands open a few hours before the gates, that way staff could eat before they got lost in the excitement.
"Hogan, we're green and go," Bucky said, into his comms with the press of a button. They needed closed comms, otherwise they'd never manage to get everything done.
"T minus five hours until the gates open. Check in?" Hogan asked, basically checking attendance.
"I'm at control," Pepper said. She had Jayne and Tony's PR rep Megan with her, as well as Jennifer and Sam, who volunteered to help work opening night. "We've got everything handled here."
"Entertainment is set up. I'm just waiting on the last of the drinks for the various greenrooms, and Belle, who is- Here! Fantastic. Oh, and Kyle with my paperwork." There was sudden silence, as if she had cut off her mic. The family could picture her chugging the drink, as she often did with her water after training. "Thanks, sugar, I really needed that drink. I'm green and go."
"Alright everyone, this is likely going to be the busiest and most ridiculous month of our lives, let's get to work." They could all hear Pepper huff. The comm link closed, and Bucky was back alone with his thoughts, a tablet, and a sense of urgency that vibrated through his bones.
At least we don't have to be here for the whole month. Bucky shook his head at Grey's text. She was right though. Tony was slated to drive in the Grand Prix in Morocco the following week.
It was six in the evening when Bucky looked up to see Iron Man blazing across the sky, pulling loops and barrel rolls. He was joined by Iron Peacemaker and Rescue Machine, for some fancy flying that would shame the Blue Angels. All three of them landed on the main stage, officially opening the Expo.
"Knock'em dead," Bucky said, briefly opening his comms so they could hear him. Grey clicked her mic three times. Bucky smiled, and whispered to himself, "love you too, Grey."
Iron Man 2
Grey couldn't stop her whoop of excitement as her and Pepper took off a second behind Tony. They had a new mode on their suits, Ghost Mode, keeping all their lights dark so they could fly undetected for a short bit. They flew a mile away from the Expo, turned on all the lights again, and headed back for the main stage of the Stark Expo.
"Knock 'em dead," Bucky said from the ground as he watched them fly overhead. Grey clicked her mic three times, one of several non-verbal communication codes the family had set up, telling Bucky that she loved him.
They flew in formation, the girls a bit behind Tony. He landed first, and the robots in the stage started taking off the suits.
"It is so good to be back," Tony said the moment he was able to step free of his suit. He looked resplendent in a tuxedo, all black and white except for the pocket square, bright red. Pepper was once again in her Persian Blue dress, this time with glittery gold heels and chains, causing her to sparkle in the lights. Grey stepped out of Iron Peacemaker in a dress that held gold accents that hinted at armor. The dress was, again, American Rose, with gold links of chainmail coming from the bottom of the corset.
Grey and Pepper waved at the crowd, while Tony stood there, his arms widespread as if he were absorbing the cheers.
Eventually, the dancers took a final bow and headed off stage. Grey and Pepper stepped up next to Tony, identical grins on their faces.
"Blow something up!" Someone shouted from the crowd. Grey laughed.
"We already did that," she shouted back. The cheers and clapping finally died down, and Grey felt like she could actually hear things again.
"I'm not saying that the world is enjoying its longest period of uninterrupted peace in years because of us," Tony said. The crowd, mostly comprised of service members and Stark Industry employees, cheered their approval. For this, the opening night, there were only about three thousand guests. "I'm not saying, that from the ashes of captivity, never has a greater phoenix metaphor been personified in human history! I'm not saying that Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sippin' on iced tea, because I haven't found anyone man enough to go toe-to-toe with me on my best day."
"Except me," Grey whispered out of the corner of her mouth, her press smile not moving.
"I love you, Tony!" A woman shouted from the crowd.
"Hey, me too," Pepper whispered. Grey snickered to herself.
"It's not about you," Tony said. "It's not even about us. It's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations. And that's why, for the next month, for the first time since 1974, the best and brightest men and women of nations and companies the world over, will pool their resources, share their collective vision, to leave behind a better future. It's not about us. Therefore, what I'm saying, if I'm saying anything, is welcome back to the Stark Expo!"
Grey and Pepper took a practiced step back, intent on getting out of the way as Tony introduced the video of Howard.
"And, to tell you all about it, my own legacy, Grey Stark!" Tony stepped back in the opposite direction, holding an arm out for Grey. Seemingly unphased, but internally cursing up a storm, she stepped forward and allowed Tony to guide her up front.
"My grandfather had a saying that was well known in Stark Industries. Everything is achievable through technology. Better living, better health, even world peace. Now we might be a long way from Utopia, but we've already made the first steps. And all this here?" Grey gestured to the city around her, pride glittering around her like diamonds, and grinned a politician's grin. "This is the city of the future. With infinite possibilities for mankind, technology holds the future. Already it's changed the way we live our lives. I have a robot that will vacuum my floors. They didn't have that in Howard's time. Having little friends like that enables us to live more interesting lives, giving us the time and energy we need to dedicate to things that matter, like our families. And for me, the Iron Family. Welcome back to the Stark Expo. No, even better, welcome home."
Grey gave the crowd a sassy half bow before turning back to Tony and Pepper, walking off the stage together. Once they were out of sight, Grey smacked her dad on his arm.
"Ow!" Tony cried out, clutching his arm. At the sight of anger on his daughter's face, and the irritation on Pepper's, Tony sent them both apologetic smiles. "I'm sorry for changing it up on you with little notice."
"Little notice?" Grey hissed.
"With no notice," Tony corrected, holding his hands up to either placate or ward off violence, whichever Grey's reaction called for. "But I was thinking as we set up today, I want to shift the focus away from Howard, and to you."
"There are so many things wrong with that sentence that I don't even know where to begin," Grey said shaking her head incredulously. She looked to Pepper for help or an answer, but only got a blank look. It seemed this was another of Tony's last minute ideas – one he forgot to run past anyone else.
"You are the Stark Legacy," Tony said plainly. "Not Howard, who started the company, or me, who created the Iron suits, but you, who will one day be in charge of all of this."
Grey was having Lion King flashbacks as Tony kept rambling on, trying to justify his decision. Grey just stepped forward and hugged him, shutting him up as he melted into it.
"I was expecting the legacy to go to your kid," Grey mumbled into his shoulder.
"You are my kid."
Grey pulled away and blinked furiously, trying to keep the tears off her face. She shook herself, switching her tears for a bright smile, just as Bucky and Happy sidled up to them.
"Okay, I've gotta get to the entertainment pavilion to kick off the big premier trailer. Bucky, did you want to come?"
"I wanna go," Tony said, looking excited. She'd kept the movie and its script a secret, wanting to surprise everyone. "Think the marshal will wait?"
"Oh yeah. Come on then," Grey said, leading the way out of the backstage area to cut across the main courtyard. In the center was a group in military uniform cheering over a phone. "What's going on?"
"He's dead!" A marine crowed, one arm looped around a sailor, who looked like she was about to cry with joy. "They got the fuckin' bastard!"
"Who?" Pepper asked, bewildered. Grey gaped, then joined the cheering.
"Bin Laden! Seal Team Six just found him!" Grey said breathlessly. She really needed to do something about her real-world knowledge, although what, she didn't know.
"You were right," Happy muttered, something like grief on his face. "Grey, I have to make a call, can I? Do you mind?"
"Go, love," Grey said a wide smile filled with bliss on her face. "You can find us after."
Happy ran off, already pulling his phone out. Grey hugged each of the service members before continuing on to the entertainment hall, Tony tugging her along, tucking her arm in his.
"There was a man in his squad," Tony explained quietly as Pepper took his other arm. "He was killed by Al Qaeda, and his wife insisted on continuing the trend of caring for them. Sent care packages, food, regular updates from family – anything to keep their spirits up over there. It's probably her he's calling."
"He's a good man," Grey said, her eyes lingering after Happy. "Bambi, have them change the fireworks tonight, make that show the most patriotic thing this country has ever seen, yeah?"
"Good idea," Tony said as they cut through an alley to get backstage. "Shame we won't be here to see it."
"Are you kidding?" Grey laughed. "I'm exhausted, I want nothing more than to finish this and head to DC to sleep."
"Amen to that," Pepper said.
A staff member brought Grey a stack of paperwork. She rifled through it, tore out two pages and passed it back to the girl, who sprinted away. Bucky accepted the papers and tucked them in a pocket.
"I've got you all front row seats, so shoo."
Tony, and Pepper went to find their seats, as Bucky and Grey turned left to get backstage. They had forty seconds for Grey to get a sip of water and grab her microphone before her name was being shouted and she was running onto the stage – an impressive feat in six inch platform heels.
"Hello everyone and welcome! Welcome to Stark Expo. It's wonderful to see you all." Grey waved and blew kisses into the crowd, barely pausing to wink at Jayne.
Grey stood center stage with a black screen behind her. A year ago, she'd be shaking in the knees and elbows, as she often did during karaoke, no matter how many people were watching. Now she stood tall and proud, barely even noticing how many people were staring at her.
In the press box, she could see several people live tweeting the event. Grey knew they were speculating on which comic book movie adaptation Marvel was dropping tonight. Many people were hoping for an origin story of how the X-Men came to be. They weren't completely wrong, the script for that movie was already written and casting had begun. But it wasn't the trailer that was coming out today.
"Today we are doing several amazing and beautifully new things so I hope you all will indulge me a moment to count some of them. Today is the first Stark Expo held since my dad was born, how cool is that?" A cheer went up, and Grey could see several of the toy repulsor gloves they were selling as souvenirs. "This is also the first Stark Expo to have an entertainment side! I'm sure my grandfather is horrified somewhere, but Dad said it was okay."
Grey couldn't help but think of her beginnings here as she prepared to debut the Avenger's origin story. She'd grown out her hair, stopped smoking, and started taking better care of herself. She ate healthy, cut back on junk food, and dressed each day like it mattered – and it did. Gone was the uncaring girl that was waiting for it to be socially acceptable to give up in your twenties. She wondered what her mom would say.
The black screen behind her lit up, the green screen with the trailer rating popped up, and people screamed. But when Grey held up a hand, silence reigned. Grey spotted the legacies in the second row, and a mischievous smile fell onto her face. This was who she was meant to be. The heir to the Stark Legacy. Her old life no longer mattered, and Grey resolved to stop thinking of it.
"The theme for this expo is legacy. What will we leave behind for future generations? But in order to move forward, occasionally we have to look… backwards." She stepped to the side, walking backwards until she was no longer in the way of the screen. The rating faded, and an image of the US army recruiting station from the forties came up. It wasn't a building one would typically expect to see military men recruiting from, and there were too many people. Stark Expo from 1942 was happening in the background.
"Rogers, Steven." A scrawny man with blonde hair and a familiar face stood, shirtless in front of a doctor. In the audience, someone screamed as they realized what trailer was in front of them.
"Just give me a chance," Steve Rogers said, pleading.
"Sorry son. I'm saving your life," the doctor said, stamping his enlistment paperwork with a red rejected. The screen faded to red, with a hidden arc reactor barely visible behind Marvel Studios in white. Grey settled in to watch the trailer, mentally comparing differences between the one she knew. Dum-Dum Dugan had a different actor, but Morita was still played by Kenneth Choi. It was still alarming to Grey how alike the three Morita's looked. Peggy was still played by Hayley Atwell, but her eyes were blue enough to rival Bucky's.
As the screen faded with the release date, the audience screamed out their excitement, not even stopping when Grey walked back out. She twirled and gave her now-signature half bow.
"Well, I don't think I have to ask if you all are excited, do I?" Grey glanced down at her extended family, taking note of the reactions. Sharon was lit up like a tree on Christmas. Trip was shouting something to Brian next to him. Katherine was elbowing Morita while laughing at his clear mortification of looking exactly like his father. Allie was clearly teasing Sam about something Grey would have to ask about later. She glanced at her dad, who was beaming at her with pride in his eyes. She chanced a look at Bucky, who was torn between pride at Grey's accomplishment, and grief as he looked at the screen, the date of the movie release still visible. "Yes, yes, the secret project we've been working on was Captain America! As many historians have taken to pointing out, Howard Stark and Peggy Carter had a solid friendship that lasted until he was tragically taken away from us. Aunt Peggy, however, was always full of stories. Growing up with the children of the other Howling Commando's, Dad had those same stories, and they were passed on to me. Now, obviously this is a fictionalization, but it is based on the very true story. Now I will pass you lovely people over to Kai, who has another surprise trailer for you!"
Grey handed the microphone over to a woman in a tailored suit, black with American Rose accents, marking her as someone on Grey's team. In fact, she was Grey's left hand at Marvel Comics, handling all the small details. After blowing the crowd another kiss, Grey darted backstage, where Bucky scooped her up and spun her around.
"You did amazing!"
"Holy crap, kiddo, you weren't kidding!" Tony said, sliding around the corner, the rest of the family hot on his heels.
"I do happen to know my audience," Grey said, nodding. "Plus, I plan on dropping a second trailer in six months or so. I can't release it until next year, so I hope they're patient with me."
"How the hell did you pull the casting on this?" Sharon asked, still astonished. "That girl looked exactly like Aunt Peggy. And Steve looks just like the pictures."
Grey just gave her a sly smile.
"She'll never give us a straight answer," Trip said confidently. "She sucks like that."
"Yeah, but you swallow," Grey said absently, before clapping her hands to her face in horror. Thankfully, Tony was the most immature person in the family and cracked up, a reaction that domino'd through the rest of the family.
"When does it drop for everyone else?"
"Sixty seconds after we started the trailer here. It should already be on YouTube, twitter and both Stark Industries and Marvel Comic's websites."
"You put it on S.I.'s site?" Tony asked.
"I had Bambi put it there, make it look like we hacked you all," Grey said, laughing. "And once we posted it to twitter, all the actors in the movie retweeted it. I've got all our public accounts silenced for the next twenty-four hours just to keep the reaction down."
"Speaking of the next twenty-four hours, we have to get to the senate hearing, don't we?" Pepper asked. Tony and Grey made identical expressions of irritation and disgust. Pepper and Bucky matched with their looks of apology.
"We've still got eyes on the marshal over by Tony's newest flashy car," Happy said, putting his phone in his interior pocket as he walked up. "I say eyes."
"Sniper?" Grey asked.
"Kyle," Happy elaborated. Everyone nodded. "Well, let's get going. We're not driving to DC from here, right?"
"Fuck no. I require a shower before I go piss off the government. Dad, you and Happy, go get the subpoena. Pepper and I can drive with Bucky and meet you at the airfield."
"Deal," Tony said before pulling Pepper down for a quick kiss. "See you soon."
Pepper flushed as he walked away, before turning fiercely to Grey and Bucky, who were snickering. She pointed at them, hissing, "that's enough out of you two."
Bucky led the way, taking a left to scoop up Jayne, who would be flying with them to DC. Trailing behind her was a sheepish looking Sam.
"Need a ride?" Grey guessed.
"Kat and Allie dipped after the Captain America trailer, Zora stopped trusting the babysitter. Amazing trailer, by the way. I know you said fictionalization, how much is true?" Trust Sam to be just as quick on the uptake as the family. Grey'd read too many fanfictions that made Sam a Captain America sycophant that sometimes she was surprised when he was an intelligent person. She knew it said something unflattering about her and understood that she needed to work on that.
"A whole lot. Aunt Peggy gave me her journal entries, and Bucky's memory is amazing. Plus, Jim pulled some favors and got ahold of several files from the SSR to really cement the timeline."
"Who did the casting?" Sam asked. "They're a genius."
"Grey did that," Jayne said, giving Grey a smug look. "Told them who to have audition, who her favorites were. Marvel adores her, they'd do anything she asked."
Grey rolled her eyes but went pink at the cheeks.
"Any specific reason for the adoration?" Sam looked at Grey with an eyebrow raised, and a sparkle in his eye.
"I may or may not have promised them a dozen movies following the adventures of The Iron Family," Grey said brightly. "Fictionalized, of course."
"Oh, of course," Sam said, staring at Grey like he'd never seen her before. "Can you deliver?"
"They're already written." Grey realized she could get the transcriptions done much faster if she dictated them to Bambi. It took about two hundred hours to dictate them to Bambi, then edit them, but that time had been scattered over six weeks. "Not that I'm going to hand them over to anyone any time soon. One movie at a time. Just in case I saw something wrong."
Or to prevent the bad guys from changing their plans. And because she was working solely off memory for those dozen movies. And adding tiny hints that Marvel hadn't prior. Her personal favorite was a scene she added into The Avengers, showing Fury with a pager in his hands, debating using it.
"Am I in them?"
"You get introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The movie will probably come out in 2015." Grey smacked Bucky on the wrist when he tensed at the name. She winced as she hit the prosthetic. "Are you fishing for the name of the actor I want for you?"
"Will you tell me?"
"Anthony Mackie, he was in 8 Mile."
"Didn't he lose the rap battle against Eminem?" Jayne asked, causing Sam to pout, and everyone else to laugh. They piled into the SUV, and Bucky slid behind the wheel and pulled the car out of the garage. The airfield was a twenty-minute drive.
They were first to arrive, climbing out of the car and taking their time to pull their bags out of the trunk. Staff raced to take it away, which felt unnecessary, but no one felt it important enough to raise an argument.
"Is anyone else just completely exhausted?" Pepper asked, leaning against the car. She pulled her shoes off, sliding on a pair of ballet flats she'd pulled out. "It's eleven thirty and we haven't stopped running since four!"
"If Dad doesn't hurry the fuck up, I'm taking his kneecaps," Grey bitched, looking mutinous. She'd taken her shoes off the moment they left the expo, tossing them in Jayne purse and walking around barefoot. Her expression changed as she looked at the private jet in front of her. "Or I can just go upstairs and pass out in the king suite."
"We're checking into a hotel in an hour," Pepper pointed out. "Sam, you can also stay at the hotel if you just want to sleep, or we can have you taken straight home."
"If it's no trouble, I'd like to sleep at the hotel, it's much closer than my house would be."
"Absolutely, you can join us for breakfast before the circus," Pepper said warmly. Then, quieter, "how are you doing, Sam?"
Sam glanced at Grey and Bucky, who were either arguing quietly or planning murder; at Jayne, who was asleep on the hood, then back to Pepper and sighed.
"I'm sleeping better. Still have nightmares of him falling. I've been seeing a therapist. I miss him." Sam felt exhausted all the way down to his bones. Riley's uniform was still hanging on the back of their bedroom door.
"We all do, but you most of all. You love him, Sam. That grief is not an easy burden." Pepper could relate; the feeling of thinking Tony to be gone was unbearable. She knew that a hug would be too much, so she settled for a comforting hand on his shoulder. She could feel him tremble.
"We were gonna get married," Sam said in a hoarse whisper. Pepper gave his shoulder a squeeze. "He was the best thing in my life. And he's gone."
"Just be glad that Grey didn't take over your wedding planning. I'll never understand how her brain works, but she makes event planning look simple."
"I don't think any of us are smart enough to comprehend her." They shared a laugh, only broken up by the flash of headlights as Tony and Happy finally pulled in.
"Thank fuck," Grey said. She reached over and pulled on Jayne's hair, causing the woman to shoot up in alarm before her brain caught up. She flipped Grey off and headed up the stairs to the jet.
"Sorry we're late, I stopped for food," Tony said, pulling two large bags out of the trunk. Happy also pulled two bags out, shaking his head as he did. "These two are dinner dishes, three chicken parms, three ravioli, and three lasagnas, probably not as good as Grey's though. Also, breadsticks and salad. Happy has pastries galore."
"An acceptable excuse for being late," Grey said, cheerfully leading the way up the ladder and into the jet. Tony just smiled and sat the bags on the table. Grey snatched the top chicken parmesan and settled into her seat, crossing her legs under her. Sam sat next to her with a ravioli balanced on his knee. Bucky accepted a chicken parmesan and a lasagna before settling in at one end of the table. Pepper grabbed a ravioli and sat across from him. Tony handed out breadsticks before taking the last chicken parmesan. Happy headed for the cockpit to start takeoff, a lasagna in hand. "Any tricks for tomorrow?"
"Just laugh about it," Tony said, his mouth mostly full. "There's nothing they can do to or about the suits, our contract with the Air Force for the weapons cleanup is too iron clad. Samantha made sure of that."
"She is one hell of a woman," Sam said. Upon finding they had the same birthday, and were both usually called Sam, they became the best of friends. Any time one was brought up in conversation, the other would immediately support them.
"Think of this as a press opportunity. How do you want the public to see you react to a governmental threat?" Jayne asked, a bear claw in her hand. Evidentially, she skipped dinner and went straight for the pastry bags. "Tony, in the past blows them off, ignores them, jokes around, shows that he's not concerned with them. Pepper is always polite, soft spoken, acquiescent but not subservient. Are you wanting to show a united front? Or each keep your own individual personalities?"
This had the family pause, options they hadn't considered practically dancing in front of them. Tony and Pepper exchanged a look, conversations flicking between them without a word. Pepper tilted her head in consideration before looking to Grey. She just shoved another bite in her mouth.
"I think we should show a united front," Tony said, nodding his head. "For one, it'll throw them off with me and Peps not acting as we usually do, and for another, it'll be more useful down the line. If they're used to us all being of the same mind now, they won't be surprised if we need to close ranks later."
"It's a bit mob-like, isn't it?" Sam asked, reaching for a breadstick. Jayne passed out water bottles, as the closest to the fridge in her seat. Then she grabbed a donut and shoved it in her mouth with no regrets.
"Well, we kinda want to play into that a little bit," Grey pointed out, gesturing with her fork. "Especially for when the whole world is threatened. If everyone swears fealty to the Godfather, they'll trust him to protect them, and in turn he has power."
"Oh my God, I raised a mobster," Tony said, pretending to be horrified. "But if we're presenting a united front, what's the play?"
Iron Man 2
Tony sat in between the women, wearing a white silk shirt and black slacks. He occasionally flipped through the binder in front of him, sometimes making notes or sketching something out in the margins, leaning forward as he did. Pepper was sitting ramrod straight, her ankles crossed under her chair. She wore her standard black and white PA suit and took notes on a holographic keyboard. Her Persian blue vest was her only piece of color.
Grey was standing up behind their table, her right hand on her hip as she stared down Senator Stern. In her signature fitted suit, this time a cream color with warm pink accents, she looked young kind, putting her at odds with the ice chips shining in her eyes.
"If you're finished being a child, Miss Stark, perhaps the adults can finish their conversation," Stern said, looking at Grey dismissively. Three things happened at once. Pepper leaned back in her seat, glitter in her eyes. Tony sat up, straight as a pin, and glared at the Senator. And one of Grey's many assistants stepped out of the crowd and handed Grey an apple juice box.
"Well, Senator, maybe if you'd pull your head out of the NRA's ass, we could have an intelligent conversation." Grey took a sip of her juice box and leaned against the table. Tony relaxed again, going back to a sketch, and Pepper sat back up, the corner of her mouth twitching as she tried her best to keep a polite face. "As we've long since clarified, the Iron Suits are considered MAV by the military, meaning Manned Ariel Vehicle, meaning they are not weapons any more than a passenger jet is. We clarified that three hours ago, after Justin Hammer's abysmal attempt at shaming us by mentioning my grandfather. We also proved that while there are some less-than-friendly nations attempting to build their own suits, without our patented reactor technology, and our patented repulsor technology, these nations are minimum ten years away from creating a weaponized suit. Hammer Technologies might be closer to fifteen."
"Yes, yes, we've heard all about how you claim that you are all the best of the best. How can that be with no degree? You can't have a legitimate claim to being "the best" without schooling."
Grey snorted and shook her head, and her eyes took on a yellow hue that made several people uncomfortable. "The only piece of paper I need to legitimize my claim to Stark Industries is my birth certificate, Senator. Besides, I graduated in December. Now if you would let me finish; we have already answered all of your questions, all of your associate's questions, and at least a dozen from various political correspondents – are there any unanswered questions you have, Senator?"
Stern slowly turned red, creeping up from his collar to the tops of his ears before it bled into his face. "No, Miss Stark."
"No, well then, are there any unanswered questions from your colleagues, Senators?" Some muttered a negative reply, most just shook their heads. "No. Then my next question to you, Senator, is are we finished? Because we have companies to run, and you have a tee time across town at four thirty-six."
Jim, who was sitting in the front row, just behind the family, let out a soft snort. He had been called in an hour ago to read some of his report – something that ended in disaster when Grey read Senator Stern for filth at the attempt to only highlight the bad in the report. When Justin Hammer got called in, and promptly brought up Howard, Grey had stood from her chair, accepted a new coffee from an assistant that had slipped in unnoticed, and started destroying everyone's hopes and dreams. Jarvis had already promised to record the live CSPAN coverage.
"The Air Force contracts are concrete and constitutional, Mister Stark, you and your family are, free, to continue as contracted," Stern bit out, his jaw clenched so tight Tony worried for a heart attack.
Tony rose, smoothly and held a hand, out for Pepper. Once she was standing, her arm tucked in his, the trio strut down the aisle, ignoring the reporters. They already had a conference scheduled the next day, but that would be a much quieter affair.
A sleek black sedan with completely blacked out windows and a red trim was waiting for them, a driver in his seat, and a man in a dark suit and sunglasses stood outside. Once the three were close, he opened the back door for them and stepped aside. Tony got in and climbed to the back row, followed by Grey, who slid the middle row back into place so Pepper could get in. Finally, Jim was able to pull away from his superiors, just in time to slide in next to Pepper. The man closed their door and climbed in the front seat.
"That was the biggest clown show I've ever seen," Pepper said, shaking her head. "This wasn't even our first time in front of a senate hearing."
"We agreed to never talk about '06," Tony said darkly.
"Tony. This wasn't our first time in front of a senate committee, but this was definitely the worst one by far. Bambi, did you finish that deep dive?"
"On who?" Bucky asked, his eyes flicking out the window as he watched for threats.
"There was a senator Pepper was staring down," Grey said. "Man was sweating. Wasn't sure if he was going to confess to murder or cry."
"He was too invested in Stern. I think he's a hydra connection," Pepper explained. "Bambi hasn't found anything, but to be fair, they can't find any hydra connection to Stern or Pierce either."
"I'll give them this, they're sneaky motherfuckers," Grey said. "So, what's next?"
Iron Family
Tony shook the woman's hand and smiled, glad that his glasses hid the fact that his eyes had glazed over in the middle of his speech. He waved at the audience, making sure to pay direct attention to a few of them. As soon as he was backstage, Tony blew a raspberry and checked his phone. He was trending on twitter, again.
"I don't think I retained one word of that speech," Tony said as Jayne fell into step next to him. As the only public relations rep on the jet, Jayne was the default choice for getting Tony through the last-minute donation and acceptance they made to a VA hospital in Oklahoma. "I don't even think I know how much money we just gave them. Remind me why Grey couldn't do this?"
"She currently has to be the face of Marvel Comics until Kai can take over. Then, she has to be the public face of the Initiative, therefore she cannot be the face of Stark Industries," Jayne said, lowering her voice to a hiss at the mention of their future endeavors. "Now quit whining, and go greet the outside press, because the dozen reporters inside clearly weren't enough."
Tony gave a bark of laughter at that, understanding that no one hated the press more than the press. And maybe Barnes.
"Gotta sound bite for me?"
"We're blessed to honor those that gave their lives in pursuit of a terrorist leader. We are hopeful that this means an eventual end to the War in Afghanistan. We are committed to this country and her defense."
"I sound like I'm running for president as a Republican, Jayne, I do not want to sound like a Republican president. Do you know how pissed she would be?" Jayne had to concede. "I'll make something up. I know what Grey's after. Mostly, anyway."
"I'd give your entire fortune to be able to understand her."
"Get in line, kid, get in line." With a bounce in his step, Tony shoved open the doors and braved the flashing of the cameras. Eventually they settled down – but not nearly as fast as they did with Tony's daughter.
"Stark Industries did not have a hand in the death of Osama bin Laden. Was it our weapons, sure. But the men and women of the American Military are not Stark Industries employees. Please give praise where it is due. We are simply here to honor those that fought for our freedoms. In a time of celebration, it's important to us that we give. In addition to our annual donations, the Maria Stark Foundation is gifting two million dollars to the Veterans Affairs hospitals and medical centers based not only here in Oklahoma, but across America. For those interested in the exact breakdown of the gift, it will be present on the Stark Industries website at start of business Friday, thank you for your time."
The reporters parted as Happy brought Tony and Jayne down the stairs and into the car. They relaxed as they sped back toward the airfield.
"I feel like I'm running for office," Tony said, thumping his head back against the seat.
"But Grey and Bucky were right," Jayne said, looking at her tablet. "Despite your denials, or perhaps because of, people are still giving thanks to us. How the hell did that work?"
Tony gave a helpless shrug and took a sip of his coffee. He sighed when the airfield came into view. Bucky was still in his suit from the expo, Pepper had changed completely into leggings and a hoodie. She had running shoes on, of course she went for a run while he was stuck politicking.
"How was it?" Pepper asked as they got out of the car.
"The most boring acceptance speech I hope to never sit through again," Tony grouched. "Except for the part where it felt like I was running for Governor."
"Oh, as if," Grey said, sitting on the stairs to the jet. She was in a similar outfit to Pepper but was working on a tablet. "By the time I'm done with you, you'll have more power than the president."
"Are you sure you're a Hufflepuff?" Jayne asked, looking at Grey with skepticism in her eyes.
"I will have Justice and equal rights," Grey said adamantly. "Or else."
"See, that's why I'm telling you you're a Slytherin," Jayne shot back, pretending to kick Grey in the ankle as she started to reboard.
"Whatever she is, she does good work," Happy said. "Now get on the damn jet."
"Think we'll get the troops out of the Middle East?" Tony asked. Once they were settled and taxiing on the runway.
"Ha!" Rhodey shouted like it was the best thing he'd ever heard. "Yeah right. Not during my career."
"We'll be electing presidents on the platform of bringing the troops home until we die," Pepper said blandly. No one was willing to disagree with her, although they all wished they could.
Line Break
Natalie Rushman decided she loved the view from Stark Mansion's windows. She wondered what they would look like as the sun set. Samantha and Jen were waiting for her by the stairs, but she couldn't pull her eyes away from the ocean.
"Natalie, we're going to head down, it's two sets of stairs, first door on the left, okay?" Jen called. Natalie nodded absently. She could hear their steps walking away from her. If she could've, she would've stared for hours. Natalie turned on the ball of her foot – a move reminiscent of a ballerina and came to a screeching stop as her heart jumped into her throat.
"We need to talk, Spider," The Winter Soldier said in Russian. Natasha stared at him and wished she had a weapon.
Line Break
"I'm going to need your help to convince Natasha to defect, again," Grey said, lounging in a hammock in the sun. Her sling was laying above her head, and her shoes were tossed haphazardly off to the side. Bucky didn't bother to ask how she knew he was there. Shealways knew.
"You don't think you can do it?" He stepped closer so he was blocking the sun from hitting her in the eyes. She grinned up at him.
"I think it'll be better coming from someone she knows was also a captive," Grey corrected, flipping her sunglasses into her hair. "But history proves skepticism when it comes to my abilities. You and Jayne were kind enough to believe me withthe glowing eyes, dad 'n' them didn't believe me until I was eleven."
"Thought it was nightmares," Bucky said, remembering the story Pepper told him. Her visions presented themselves as bad dreams until it was proven true. "But to your point about Natasha, why would she believe me?"
"Because the Winter Soldier trained her," Grey said, carefully shifting so she was propped more upright. Bucky absently shifted so he could keep her in his shadow. "And if she meets you as Bucky-"
"James," he said suddenly, before flushing and lookingunsure. He ducked his head before straightening. "If that's okay. I'd like to go by James."
Grey's eyes went soft, and her insides turned to mush as she looked up atJameswith adoration.
"James then. If she meets you as James, she will understand that I'm not just screwing around with daddy's money." They both rolled their eyes at the quote from their least favorite reporter.
"I'm going to start banning her articles, if you don't stop reading Marsha Smith's crap, Grey," James said fondly.
"No, you won't," Grey teased. "Will you do it? Will you meet with her?"
"Of course," James said. He sat next to Grey's head and steadied the hammock so she could lay flat again. "Anything you need."
They sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying the warm sun and gentle breezecomingfrom the ocean, up over the cliff to ruffle their hair.
"I need to never host an expo again," Grey snorted, shuffling around before deliberately rolling off the hammock and onto the grass. She landed silently, in a move James had frequently used to vault over things in his path. Her ten minutes of peace were up for the day. "The expo, congress, two press stops, and I still have to do the interview about Fukushima with what's-his-name from the BBC."
"You need to stop staying up until two in the morning researching laws," James pointed out, wrapping an arm around Grey's waist as they walked back to the house. They waved as Happy pulled up the drive in his SUV, likely loaded down with this week's grocery haul. "Isn't Samantha bringing on someone who knows international law?"
"Yes, actually, but they won't start until after we move to New York since they also work with the UN." Which reminded her – she had a meeting with the UN coming up soon about their involvement in Japan.
"Are they going to freelance for us, or freelance for them?" James asked. Grey shrugged. "Not long now. How are you feeling?"
"Really excited to go to Monaco; I've never been. We'll leave shortly after the press conference where Pepper would announce her acceptance of the CEO title. Apart from the race, the week is ours. I've booked two food tours, some fancy spa days with tea for the girls, and there's a golf course Jim's insisting on for the guys. I've booked a private tour of the prince's car collection as a surprise for Dad, and a night at the casino for Pepper."
"I think I was in Monaco once," James said, thinking back.
"Not in the eighties," Grey demanded, looking up at him. If she discovered he'd had something to do with either Grace Kelly or Princess Diana, Grey was certain she'd kill Pierce.
"Seventies, I think," James said. "There was a man the KGB wanted removed. Joke was on them, whomever it was that took over after him was a wild thorn in their side."
"I love it when evil plans backfire on the villain," Grey sighed dreamily. Then her smiled turned dark. "It's less fun when the hero's actions backfire."
"You're thinking about Coulson again?"
"How the fuck did you know that?"
"You shrieked his name in your sleep," James said, mildly concerned. "Last night before you woke up."
"Oh, sorry, sugar. I was trying to line up the timeline again yesterday, I keep screwing it up in my head, but it's correct in writing." Grey scooped up Chenin as they entered the house through the side door. Alpine jumped up on James's side, digging his claws in his jeans until he could jump to his shoulder. "Hi bubbas! Who's my good boy? It's not you, but mommy still loves you, yes, she does!"
James was much more dignified with his cat as he scratched Alpine behind the ears. Grey cooed over her cat, even as he squirmed to get out of her arms.
"And what has you so worried about Agent Coulson?" James held no worry or jealousy that she was thinking of other men. He knew Grey had responsibilities that were bigger than him, and even bigger than the beginnings of the Avengers Initiative.
"I have two ways to save his life. I can either ensure Ward doesn't follow Garrett into his rabbit hole of Hydra, or I can intervene after we meet Robbie. Either way, I have to ensure Ward doesn't die on an alien planet."
"Sure, okay, I'll bite. Why?" Chenin scratched Grey, and ran away, yelling at the top of his little lungs. He scratched at his post, then sprinted away like he was being chased.
"Dominoes," Grey sighed, pouting after her cat. Alpine chirpedas Chenin ran back into the room, smacked into a wall, then ran away again. "That stupid cat is gonna get himself killed. And I'm just gonna laugh."
"No, you won't," James said, shaking his head.
"No, I won't," Grey agreed.
Iron Man 2
Natasha stared at the man in front of her and waited. Was this her death? How did Stark have the Winter Soldier? Was all this an elaborate trap for SHIELD? Was their intel wrong?
"Why don't you sit down, you look like you're going to bolt," the man said, this time in English.
"What is this?"
"A conversation," he replied steadily, settling himself down on the couch opposite her. Natasha's eyes tracked the way he relaxed, seemingly completely at ease. She could see that he wasn't tensing to move, or attack. "Just words."
"And if I don't believe you?"
"You're welcome to join Sam and Jen downstairs with Tony and Pepper if you'd like. Or you can hear me out, and maybe learn something in the process."
Natasha's eyes darted to the stairs, wondering if he was telling the truth. He shifted so that she would be out of reach if she wanted to walk past. Natasha noticed and sat down.
"My name is James Barnes. I fought in the second world war alongside Captain America, until I fell off a train and Hydra took me."
Iron Man 2
"I have come for your thumbs!" Jennifer sang as she and Samantha walked into the gym where Pepper was watching Tony box with Happy. "Miss Potts, you first I believe!"
Samantha smiled and leaned against the wall, only there to countersign the document. Pepper scratched out her signature before inking her thumb and pressing it to the designated box. She pulled away and looked at her thumbprint. Bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet, Pepper turned to look at Tony.
"Come on, Tony, I promise, this will be the last time I ask you to sign over your company."
"You're excited," Grey asked as she crossed the room, reaching out to accept the ink pad for her thumb. "Could it be the new promotion?"
"Or the celebratory dinner I'm taking you to, tonight?" Tony asked, gesturing to the garment bag and shoe box hanging behind him. There were two bags and two shoe boxes. "Well, actually, I'm taking you both."
"I get to come?" Grey asked, equally touched and excited. "Love fancy dinner!"
"And your signature here, Miss Stark," Jennifer pointed out as she sat the document on the table. Grey cheerfully scratched out her signature, before pressing her thumb into the box.
"Company's all yours, boss," Grey teased, holding her thumb up for Pepper to see. Grey clapped her hands in excitement.
"So, dinner tonight, press conference tomorrow, then we fly to Monaco?" Tony asked, ducking under Happy's swing.
"Yes. Day one we beat up Vanko, then we actually enjoy a vacation, and then, theoretically, we add two more to the team," Grey said, flicking through something on her phone. She tapped out an email, rubbed her jaw, then threw the phone onto the couch.
"Can we afford to take a vacation so soon after Pepper takes the company?" Tony asked, reading over the terms of the job. "If it was me, sure, but Pep's the responsible one."
"The vacation is the work, dad," Grey laughed, before packing up the official paperwork and passing it over to Samantha, who countersigned it in six places. "Pepper has to meet with the Monaco offices, put in a token appearance at the race, since we have a car in it, we're actually meeting with the Prince for dinner as they want to possibly contract with the Iron Suits in a similar fashion that Japan did after Fukushima."
"So, it's not a real vacation," Tony pouted.
"It's a mostly real vacation. There's like an hour or two a day Pepper has to devote to things," Grey assured. "I will have to vanish during part of it, there's a Marvel board meeting that even time zones can't get me out of."