"Debrief yesterday was a disaster," Tony said over his coffee. Grey rolled her eyes but nodded. "James, has Steve never given an after-action report?"

"As far as I can remember, no, Monty and I were the ones that always reported to Colonel Phillips and Agent Carter." James shrugged his shoulders and continued sipping his coffee. It was five thirty in the morning, and the Iron Family was still half asleep, even as Pepper and Grey were typing out emails as fast as their thumbs could go.

"Good morning," Clint said from the doorway.

"Morning Clint," Grey greeted warmly. "There's a pot of coffee on if you want some."

"Oh, yes please. Pepper, how are you feeling after that hit yesterday?" Clint asked, remembering seeing her crash straight into a leviathan.

"Bruised," Pepper replied. "Looks like a watercolor pattern."

Pepper turned and tugged up her shirt, showing the collage of bruises, she earned the day prior.

"I had bruises like that after I fell off a four story, fighting against Scarlotti," Clint said, whistling out his appreciation. "Bastard almost killed me."

"We were just talking about the debrief yesterday," Tony said, passing Clint a cup of coffee. "What were your thoughts?"

"You all definitely have your system down, and it works," Clint said, skipping the creamer and drinking it black. Grey noticed and made a face. "Loki and Thor could use some training up in the way we want to do things and make some adjustments, so it works for them. When's Loki's trial?"

"Tomorrow," Grey replied, waving her hand at the wall so Bambi would pull up the weekly calendar. "Today we're slated to be seen helping clean up the city – you want in?"

"I mean, no. But I will. You're planning on making the Avengers like your Iron Family division, right?" Clint asked, dropping into a chair. James nodded. "Then I want in. This was fun, and I can tell Nat's sold, where she goes, I go."

"Well then you should know, Grey wants to recruit Bobbi and Hunter too," Pepper said, knowing that that might end up being a problem."

"Bobbi won't give up her undercover work," Clint said, shaking his head.

"Mh," Grey said noncommittally. "I've seen her receive the spy's goodbye. She will leave SHIELD, that's when I can recruit her."

"What? How the hell could you know that?" Grey turned to Clint with glowing orange eyes.

"Once there are flowers in the afterlife, everything moves quickly," Grey said cryptically. "But it happens after Glenn and Phil work together to save Glenn's son."

"That doesn't make any sense," Clint said, tactfully not commenting on the freaky glowing eyes.

"Grey can see the future. Sorta. It's weird to explain," James said, giving a shrug like he wasn't concerned. "She plays up being cryptic because she's a little shit."

"Would you rather I say that once Daisy meets her mom, she's going to find out she lost her mind after a trauma and is going to accidentally fuck up the world?"

"No," Clint said quickly. "I don't like that any better. I'll take the fortune cookie. It's less pressure on this poor Daisy kid."

"You might have met her," Grey said, tilting her head as she looked at Clint. "You two might have stayed at the same orphanage in New York."

"Possible. I was in and out of a few for a while," Clint said, taking a sip of his coffee. He made the decision to no longer be surprised by the things Grey said. If she could see the future, and knew things about his past, it was probably safe to assume that she just knew everything. "I get it now."

"Get what?" Grey asked, bewildered by the sudden change of direction.

"How you convinced Natasha so easily," Clint said. He leaned against the counter, seemingly barely resisting the urge to perch on it. "You're either the best con artist in the world, a genius, or you get visions. Although Nat's convinced, you're a genius too."

"Nope," Grey said, laughing. "Definitely not a genius. That's all dad. I just see a lot of what he does in the future and can give him the ideas."

"Kid, you've got seven patents under your name," Tony said, laughing. Grey whipped around to stare at him. "Oh, yeah, I've included you on the patents for the suits, the arc reactor, the gaming floor, the hexagonal solar panels, the newer repulsors, and the-"

"She gets it, Tones," Pepper said, almost crying with laughter at the distress on her daughter's face. That was always an argument within the family – Grey hated accepting any credit for things she saw in her visions. She considered it cheating, but the family was too quick to put her name on anything she had a hand in. Even the Starkanium paper had her name on it.

"I've got breakfast ready in the commons," Lyn said, popping her head in the room.

"Lyn, you're a godsend," Grey said, immediately moving away from everyone laughing at her. "Assholes, all of you. Especially you, dad. Bambi, will you wake up the team, gently please, and let them know that breakfast is ready."

"I received summons to break our fast?" Loki said, nearly falling out of the hallway, just as the family entered the common area. He was yawning, and still in his pajamas - a tunic that stopped above his knees. He had thrown on a pair of sweatpants, clearly enjoying the American casualwear. "Good morning."

"You're not a morning person, are you, kid?" Tony asked, reaching over to clap him on the back. Loki tensed at the movement, but relaxed on contact, when he realized it was a warm gesture. Tony flashed him an apologetic look, which Loki waved away.

"Definitely not."

"Let's get you some coffee and some of Lyn's breakfast."

"Morning Tony, Loki," Natasha greeted from her spot at the table. She had a full English in front of her. Grey looked up from her phone and flashed Loki a beaming smile. "We playing clean up today?"

"Yes," Tony said as Steve came in, followed closely by Thor. Bruce slipped in on their heels and slid into his seat, a mug of tea already in his hands. "You're going to want t-shirts and jeans, most of us are going to be lifting concrete blocks for the construction crews."

"Are they incapable?" Steve asked, dropping into his seat. Lyn came out with plates for everyone. Steve and Thor were both given four eggs, toast, bacon and sausage with protein pancakes. Bruce got the same meal, just half the size, and a bowl of fruit.

"We need to help, Steve, we're the ones that wrecked the city," Grey said, reaching over to put a pot of honey next to Bruce's fruit. He looked at her in surprise. She just winked.

"The Chitauri are the ones that wrecked the city," Steve said firmly.

"Thor killed the power in the Chrysler building – that's why Jim isn't here, he's there, repairing it. It was an accident, yes, and it was done in the defense of the world, yes," Grey said, spelling it out and trying to negate any argument anyone could come up with. "But we are good people, so we will clean up our messes. Construction crews will get ninety percent of it done, yes, but we will be able to provide invaluable help speeding things along."

"She's right, Steve. Between you, Thor, and Loki and the suits? The crews can focus on repairs while we clean up because we won't need their equipment," James said.

"Bucky." Steve looked like he was getting ready to argue, but a cold look from Grey stopped him in his tracks.

"His name is James," Grey said icily.

"Grey, it's fine," James said, reaching over and putting his hand on her thigh. She glared at him for a moment before rolling her eyes and giving up, going back to her chocolate chip waffle.

"What about those of us without super strength?" Natasha asked, gesturing to Clint and Bruce. Grey looked at Pepper.

"Just having the extra bodies and hands will enable more getting done. The Margaret Stark Foundation is still here, along with the Maria Stark foundation. Stark Industries has hired a construction company, and the city of Manhattan has hired another, this gives us four on site crews." Pepper's tablet was projecting the plans up for her to scroll through. Her breakfast was mostly untouched. "Finance finally got me the estimate – we're looking at nearly two hundred and twenty billion dollars and five years to clean this up. Bambi estimates that if we get out and help with the in initial clean up, not only will donations pour in, we'll be able to shave a year and fifty billion dollars from that."

"You want us to go out for the donations it'll bring in?" Steve asked in disgust. Grey took a deep breath and tried to remind herself that he was only referencing his days as a bond salesman in the USO tour.

"Yes, I do, Steve," Grey said. "Because if the press gets one picture of me in that suit helping, it'll raise a little money for the governor. If the press gets a dozen photos of all of us helping, it'll raise a lot of money so we can do more good."

Steve glared but turned back to his food. Grey and Pepper exchanged looks, but James silently promised to talk to him. Natasha and Clint watched the family have an entire conversation just with a look and wondered what they'd gotten into.

"Anyway – you are only expected to be out there until noon. The afternoon is yours to rest, relax, whatever you want. We do expect you all at six downstairs in Conference Room Three to meet your PR reps for the first time and learn about what will happen if you agree to sign on with the Initiative."

"If we agree?" Bruce asked.

"Yes. The Avengers' Initiative is optional. However, we do have a Stark Industries offer for you, Dr Banner," Grey replied.

"Regardless of if you accept the offer for the Avengers' Initiative, Stark Industries would like to offer you a position within our R department," Pepper continued, sliding something on her phone screen in Bruce's direction. His phone and watch beeped.

"You want me to head up an entire division?" Bruce asked, surprised.

"Of course we do. You're a brilliant scientist, Bruce," Grey said. "You've got seven PhD's, do something with them. Who knows, between you and Helen, we might find the cure for the common cold."

"You sure have lofty aspirations, Grey," Bruce laughed.

"Nah, lofty would be if I asked you to cure cancer," Grey said, glitter in her eyes. Her phone beeped, dragging her attention away from Bruce, who felt slightly relieved he was no longer in her crosshairs. Grey looked at him with a mix of hunger, pride, and scrutiny that made the hair on his neck stand on end. It wasn't a bad expression; he'd take it as a compliment if she looked at them all that way. There was something specific she wanted from him – and Bruce was afraid of what it was.

Line Break

The Iron Family dropped down from the helipad on the tower, while the non-suited Avengers took the elevator down. The crews on the street broke into applause once everyone was outside, cheering the Avengers for saving the city – and helping to clean up after themselves. The Iron Family, with their helmets retracted, shook hands with some of the workers for a few minutes, before Pepper was dragged over to the middle.

"Pepper, this is Judith. She's the director of the Pepper Stark Foundation," Tony said, bringing a woman over.

"Pepper Stark Foundation?" Pepper asked, tears immediately springing to her eyes. Grey nearly laughed, slinging her arm around Pepper's shoulders.

"Well, mom liked her work with first responders, Grey likes her disaster relief, I figured it was time you got a foundation designed to help fix the environment, it's a wedding present," Tony said, blushing at the end as Pepper threw herself at him. Their suits clunked together but Rescue hugged Iron Man as tight as she could without denting their suits.

"We're here today to ensure the repairs are done in a sustainable way, and also to help clean up the water contamination," Judith said cheerfully, holding out her hand to shake. Rescue shook her hand, a beaming smile on the pilot's face. "We'll email you all the details of what we get done today, Mrs. Stark."

"Thank you, Judith. And welcome aboard. We're going to do great things together," Pepper said, looking like she was barely resisting planting one on her husband. Grey laughed at them, barely resisting throwing her head back.

"Come on you two, let's get to work," Grey said, still laughing as she turned to find the person in charge.

Line Break

Avengers and Iron Family Lend a Hand in Post-Battle Cleanup

Alice White, New York Times

The morning after the Battle of New York, as the city began to assess the damage caused by the alien invasion, an extraordinary sight unfolded amidst the rubble: the Avengers and the Iron Family were not just present—they were leading the cleanup efforts.

While the streets near Stark Tower were still lined with debris and remnants of the Chitauri invasion, heroes like Steve Rogers (Captain America), James Barnes (Iron Guardian), Thor, and Loki rolled up their sleeves—quite literally—to assist construction crews in moving massive pieces of rubble that would have required heavy machinery. Their enhanced strength turned hours of work into minutes, clearing paths for emergency vehicles and allowing repair crews to get to work faster.

The Iron Family contributed as well, with Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Colonel Jim Rhodes (War Machine) using their suits and engineering expertise to help stabilize damaged buildings. Margaret Stark (Iron Peacemaker) and Pepper Potts (Rescue Machine) focused on clearing pathways and assisting civilians who were still sheltering in place. Tony and Jim even worked side-by-side with electricians to restore power to affected areas, their technical knowledge proving invaluable.

For New Yorkers, the sight of Earth's mightiest heroes on the ground—literally getting their hands dirty—was both comforting and inspiring.

"It's surreal," said Jacob Medina, a construction foreman who was on-site near Grand Central Station. "Yesterday, these guys were fighting aliens. Today, they're here with us, helping clean up the mess. They didn't just save the city—they're rebuilding it with us."

Even Loki, the Asgardian prince who played a central role in the invasion, was seen working to clear rubble. While his presence raised eyebrows, his contributions were undeniable. "He's lifting debris like it's paper," one worker remarked. "He's putting in the effort, I'll give him that."

The Avengers and the Iron Family have always been symbols of strength and protection, but their presence in the cleanup effort has shown another side: humility and a willingness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people they protect.

As New York begins the long road to recovery, the sight of its heroes working alongside everyday citizens is a reminder of the unity and resilience that define this city.

Heroes or PR Strategy? The Financial Impact of Avengers' Cleanup Efforts

Marsha Smith, Independent Columnist

The morning after the Battle of New York, the Avengers and the Iron Family weren't just heroes—they were construction workers. From lifting rubble to repairing power lines, their efforts were widely praised. But as we admire their hard work, we have to ask: is it all for the donations?

Let's face it—Stark Industries stands to gain from this. The optics of their employees and affiliates cleaning up the city could translate into significant goodwill and financial support. Donations to the Maria Stark Foundation and the Margaret Stark Foundation are already rolling in, with estimates suggesting they could top $500 million in the next month alone.

And why not? It's a brilliant PR move. By showing the Avengers and the Iron Family as hands-on helpers, Stark Industries positions itself as not just a defender of Earth but a pillar of the community.

Is it genuine? Probably. But let's not ignore the benefits. For Stark Industries, this cleanup isn't just about lifting debris—it's about lifting their image to even greater heights. And from a business perspective, it's nothing short of genius.

Whether it's for the city or the bottom line, the result is the same: New York gets rebuilt, and Stark Industries comes out looking like heroes. Everybody wins. But let's not pretend the millions of dollars in donations and positive press aren't part of the plan.

Pepper Stark Foundation Launches with a Mission to Rebuild Sustainably After the Battle of New York

Christine Everhart, Stark Industries

Just one day after the chaos and destruction of the Battle of New York, a new beacon of hope has emerged: the Pepper Stark Foundation, a gift from Tony and Margaret Stark to Pepper Potts in honor of her leadership, compassion, and dedication to building a better world.

This newly unveiled foundation focuses on repairing environmental damage caused by disasters, both natural and manmade. Its debut project? Addressing the environmental fallout of the alien invasion that shook Manhattan. With air quality diminished and water systems potentially contaminated by debris, the foundation wasted no time stepping in to assist.

A Gift with Purpose

Created as a wedding gift to Pepper from Tony and Margaret Stark, the foundation is a testament to the Stark family's commitment to making a positive impact on the planet. Its mission is clear: to ensure that disaster recovery efforts prioritize environmental sustainability alongside traditional rebuilding.

"Pepper has always championed the importance of ethical, sustainable choices," Tony Stark said in a statement. "This foundation is a way to honor her vision and ensure that future rebuilding efforts leave the world in a better place than we found it."

Sustainable Solutions for a Stronger Future

In its inaugural effort, the Pepper Stark Foundation has committed $2 billion to sustainable improvements for buildings and infrastructure damaged during the Battle of New York. Key initiatives include:

Hexagonal Solar Panels: Businesses and residences affected by the battle will receive free installation of Stark Industries' patented hexagonal solar panels, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

Improved Air Quality Systems: New HVAC systems with advanced air filtration technology will be installed in affected buildings, helping combat the poor air quality caused by the invasion.

Eco-Friendly Windows: Energy-efficient windows will be provided to improve insulation and reduce heating and cooling costs, benefiting both residents and the environment.

These efforts are being carried out in close collaboration with the Margaret Stark Foundation, ensuring that environmental sustainability is woven into every aspect of recovery.

Pepper Potts' Vision for the Future

While the foundation carries Pepper Stark's name, its ethos reflects the shared values of the Iron Family. Known for her dedication to ethical leadership, Pepper has long advocated for sustainable practices within Stark Industries.

In a statement, Pepper expressed her gratitude for this meaningful gift:

"This foundation is about more than just repairing what's broken. It's about creating a future that's resilient, sustainable, and hopeful. I'm deeply honored, and I look forward to seeing the difference we can make together."

A Model for Future Recovery Efforts

The Pepper Stark Foundation represents a new standard in disaster recovery, proving that rebuilding can go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. Its inaugural effort in New York is expected to serve as a model for future projects worldwide, showcasing the potential of combining innovative technology with compassionate leadership.

With the Pepper Stark Foundation at the helm, the rebuilding of New York after the Battle is more than just a return to normal—it's a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future. As the Stark family continues to innovate, this foundation reminds us all that even in the face of destruction, there is always an opportunity to rebuild stronger and smarter.

Line Break

"Good Gods, I'm exhausted," Grey said, stepping out of her suit and shaking like a dog. It was a habit she started after their first flight, and planned on keeping. It was a great way "What's that smell? Is that lunch? I'm starving."

Pepper lurched out of her suit, aiming for a trashcan, where she promptly threw up. She spat, then said, "it smells awful."

"Since when are you a baby, Potts?" Grey teased, grabbing a water bottle from a passing volunteer, and handing it over. Pepper rinsed her mouth, frowning.

"I'm not, that was just visceral," Pepper said, shaking her head. She held up her hand to stave off Natasha and Loki, both of whom had seen her throw up and came running over. "Nat, Loki, I'm fine, I promise."

"Nonsense, Lady Pepper," Loki said, waving his hand over her. His Seidr washed over her and the nausea passed. "Allow me to accompany you up to Healer Cho."

"Bambi, send Rescue home," Grey said, sending away Pepper's suit. "Go, I'm about to tap out here, too. I'm fucking exhausted, and I still have the presentation at six."

"We have the presentation at six," Pepper corrected. "I'll still be there."

"Yeah right, you probably picked up the flu," Grey teased. Loki and Natasha ushered Pepper down the street toward Stark Tower, leaving Grey standing there with her suit and a charley horse. "I should've known I was going to hurt like hell today. Ugh I need to eat."

Grey sent her suit home as well, intent on simply walking home, and turned into the nearest restaurant, nearly choking on her breath as she realized she walked into a shawarma shop. She got the spicy garlic chicken, and walked back to the tower, wondering what Marsha Smith's article was going to look like the next morning. Of course, Jayne would announce the matched donations after lunch that day, revealing that all the donations that flooded in because of the Avengers were being gifted to the city for repairs. When would Marsha learn that Grey was always a few steps ahead of her. If I can outsmart Rita Skeeter, I can outwit a half-correct conspiracy theorist.

Grey was two bites into her wrap when she heard someone say, "excuse me, Margaret? I don't mean to bother you, but do you have a moment? I run a small blog and was hoping I could ask you a few questions?"

"Only if you don't mind walking and talking, I'm heading back to the tower," Grey said, immediately covering her mouth in case she had food between her teeth.

"Yeah, I'll walk with you. My name's Jake, I can't tell you what it means to meet you, in person like this."

"Oh please, kid, I'm just a person. A cool person, admittedly, but just a person." Jake and Grey both laughed as Jake pulled out his phone to record their conversation.

Margaret Stark: Down-to-Earth Hero in the Aftermath of an Alien Invasion

NYCJakeWrites

Posted on: 05/06/2012

Yesterday, aliens invaded New York City. Yeah, let that sink in for a minute. Aliens. They came through a glowing blue portal in the sky, attacked the city, and were somehow stopped by a group of superheroes calling themselves the Avengers and the Iron Family.

This morning, while wandering through the chaos downtown, I ran into someone I never thought I'd meet in person: Margaret Stark. Yes, the Margaret Stark, Iron Peacemaker herself. She wasn't hiding behind the walls of Stark Tower or giving orders from the sidelines—she was in the thick of it, moving rubble and helping the city she fought to save just hours ago.

I had my phone in my hand, so I decided to ask her some questions. What followed was one of the most surreal and inspiring conversations of my life.

On the Battle That Changed Everything

When I asked if she was okay after the battle, especially after flying a missile into space to destroy the Chitauri hive mind, her response was as humble as it was mind-blowing:

"Unreal is a good word, you know? I was the first person from Earth to see some of those stars in person. Shit, I was the first woman in deep space like that. Never wanna do it again, though. The suits aren't designed for space travel, so I managed maybe two breaths before I ran out of oxygen and passed out. I saw the missile destroy the hive mind, though, so we're safe."

Margaret also admitted that during the battle, she wasn't the fearless hero we all imagine:

"The first leviathan that flew through the portal nearly had me wetting my pants. It was the single scariest moment of my life. I was crying in the suit. Until yesterday, I'd been fighting terrorists and gang runners that were unfortunate enough to end up with a Stark gun."

She might be a superhero, but she's also human, and that honesty was refreshing.

Why She's Out Here, Helping Clean Up

While many might expect someone like Margaret to be resting after a battle like that, she was clear about why she was in the trenches:

"My dad was big on teaching me to put things back the way I found them. Books went back on the shelf; dad's tools went back in his workshop. I'd love to be resting right now or getting a jump on the sheer volume of paperwork I'm sure to have, but being out here brings donations into the Margaret Stark Foundation. Right now, all of those donations are being matched by the Stark Trust and are being given to the city to help fund repairs."

It's not just about the battle; it's about the people affected by it.

What Keeps Her Going

When I asked where she finds her strength, her answer hit me harder than I expected. She pointed to a woman crossing the street with two kids, one holding an Iron Man toy and the other clutching a Rescue Machine action figure.

"Aliens crash-landed here yesterday. And yet, because of us, those two kids are happy. Alive and doing well. It is hard. I have a personal struggle with chronic pain, so it makes getting up really hard in the mornings. But if regular people can find the strength to get up and go to work today—so can I."

That's Margaret Stark in a nutshell: a person who takes her strength from the people she's protecting.

On Being a Hero and Staying Grounded

Margaret didn't shy away from acknowledging the criticisms the Avengers and the Iron Family face. She agreed they're powerful, but she emphasized the structure in place to ensure accountability:

"Right now, we listen to the Air Force, which is bound to cause some international relation issues, but starting next year, The Avengers will shift to be under the operating structure of a small UN committee that will also take control over the Iron Family. The good news is these plans were in the works from the beginning."

As for the future? She's determined to keep doing what needs to be done.

"There's work to be done. There's superheroing to be done, Marvel movies to be made, green energy to create to better the world. There's always something to be done."

A Glimpse of Margaret's Humanity

It wasn't all serious, though. When I asked what she'd do once everything settled, her answer made me laugh:

"I'm going to make an appointment with a chiropractor. My hips hurt. Piloting the suit doesn't mean we get away unscathed, unfortunately. Then I'm going to cuddle with my cat and relax with a book. Wanna see a picture of him?"

She showed me her lock screen, a photo of her white cat with black spots named Chenin. It was such a small, normal moment in the middle of a chaotic day.

Heroes Among Us

Margaret Stark didn't just save New York—she's rebuilding it. She's tired, bruised, and probably in pain, but she's out here working alongside regular New Yorkers to make things right.

Meeting her reminded me that heroes aren't just people in suits—they're people who show up, day after day, for the people who need them most. Margaret Stark is one of those heroes, and I'm grateful to have met her.

Here's to the Iron Peacemaker and everything she stands for.

Line Break

Steve was glad for the boring work, it left his mind free to run in circles, trying to figure out what the hell had happened to his best friend. The metal arm didn't matter, not to Steve, it was the change in Bucky that had him reeling. Bucky hated being called James, said it was stuffy. No – Steve needed to go back to the beginning.

Bucky was alive. Here, with him in two thousand whatever it was. And Bucky was enhanced, just like Steve was. And Bucky had been an assassin for the Soviets after the fall of Hydra. And Bucky had been tortured and forced to do those things. Literally forced, against his will, with science fiction sounding brainwashing. But wasn't he science fiction sounding? Steve sighed. He lifted the next chunk of concrete and tossed it in the bed of the work truck.

"Where's your head at, punk?" Bucky asked, walking back over and nudging Steve with his shoulder.

"Why James?" Steve blurted out, looking at him challengingly. Bucky sighed and ran his real hand over his face. Steve wanted to feel slightly bad at the accusation he could hear in his own voice, but his head had been reeling since he woke up in the SHIELD staging room. He could always apologize later.

"Because I'm not Bucky from the forties anymore, Steve," Bucky said. That was ridiculous, of course he was! Who else could he be? He was Bucky, his Bucky! "A lot has happened to me, and it was really important that I reclaim my identity after what Hydra did to me. James was… untainted."

"If you say so," Steve said, having no other idea what to say to that. And that was another thing – what was up with the fancy new way of speaking? He sounded like those psycho babble doctors that took people and locked them away. "What are you doing with Stark? I saw the footage, he's nothing like Howard."

"What footage did you see? As long as I've known him he's been focused on Iron Man and the Iron Family. Trying to clean up the stolen weapons around the world."

"Weapons that he sold," Steve said adamantly, turning to face Bucky.

"Weapons his Godfather sold under the table to terrorists like the Ten Rings that kidnapped him on Obadiah's orders," James corrected forcefully. Steve looked surprised, but James pressed on. "Tony took me in when he didn't have to, his daughter loved me when she didn't need to, Pepper welcomed me when she didn't have to. This family has done so much to get me settled and adjusted to 2012 – I won't let you bad mouth them, Steve. They're my family."

But Bucky was Steve's family. The words died on Steve's tongue as he saw the familiar stubborn look in Bucky's eyes. Nothing Steve said would sway him.

"You were my family," Steve said softly.

"We still are, Stevie," Bucky said, reaching over and grabbing Steve by the shoulder. The metal prosthetic was cold on Steve's shoulder. "But you need to accept Grey. She's a lot like Peggy was, back in the war. And Pepper's tough as nails, too. You have to think, they're doing the best they can so we can have the lives we want to have."

Steve went back to his thinking as James turned to greet a woman he knew. It was starting to sink in that there was no going back. There was no going back to Peggy or the Commandos, so Steve was stuck, and he was going to have to adapt. But if Bucky was able to do it – so, should he, right?

Line Break

Natasha and Loki were squealing like schoolgirls, as Pepper sat there stunned in front of Hali. She had one hand on her mouth, the other hovering over her belly. The belly Pepper now knew was growing a baby.

"Pregnant?"

"I would need to do an ultrasound to tell how far along you are, but yes, you Pepper Stark, are pregnant." Pepper burst into tears, reaching a hand out for Natasha.

"I'm gonna have a baby!" Pepper cried, a smile forming on her face as she thought about it. The smile quickly fell as she realized, "I fought aliens while pregnant."

"Tony is going to cry," Natasha said knowingly. Loki felt slightly out of place, until Pepper dragged him into the circle as well, holding one of Natasha's hands while leaning against Loki's side. Pepper wasn't as tactile as Grey was, so it was slightly awkward, but both CEO and Jotun relaxed into it as the coolness of Loki's body helped ease the nausea of her early pregnancy. "Don't you dare do the ultrasound without him we'll never hear the end of it."

"She's right," Hali said. "I'll work with Jarvis to schedule the ultrasound sometime this week. You're done with helping the construction crews though. No more heavy lifting for you unless it's an absolute emergency."

"More aliens or not at all, understood," Pepper said, nodding her head.

"I'll write something up for you, and send it along through Jarvis or Bambi, and I'll email Lyn to make some dietary changes. Here's the biggest. You have to limit your coffee intake. Ten ounces of coffee, maximum." Hali looked at Pepper sternly until she nodded again. "Now shoo, away with you, go tell Tony he's going to have another kid."

"He's gonna be so excited," Pepper said as she stood up and stretched. Now that she knew, she wasn't surprised by the lower back pain that had started a week prior. "Gonna make him wait until dinner though."

"Your secret is safe with us, Lady Pepper," Loki promised. Natasha nodded, silently vowing to protect mother and child for as long as she was needed. Loki was making a similar promise in his mind. The unborn Stark already had a slew of protectors that would do anything to keep the child safe. Pepper wondered what James would do with security when he was told she was expecting.

Line Break

"Welcome to the Avenger's Initiative," Grey said, standing in front of a crowd. The combatants who fought against the Chitauri sat scattered, some disinterested, some confused. There were several other people in the room, a few journalists, a few cameras, and people in normal clothes. Grey was leaning on a cane, and Hali was nearby with the oxygen that Grey swore she didn't need anymore. "Despite being willing to work alongside SHIELD, I'd like to make it very clear that the Avengers Initiative belongs solely to Stark Industries. We already have contracts in place with the United States Air Force, and beginning next year, January of 2013, all of our contracts will be with the United Nations. In the folders in front of you, you will find a comprehensive welcome packet, including crash courses on modern culture for those unfamiliar."

Grey and Jarvis had painstakingly created the packets, making sure to include a crash course in modern history, and pop culture for those unused to modern times. They hoped it would help the team acclimatize to each other quicker, and ensure Steve, Thor, and Loki felt included, accepted, and understood. Their PR reps and the mandatory counseling would assist with that.

"Also in those packets, you will find your assigned PR rep. Those people will be with you any time you have to make a public appearance. They will guide you through public speaking, ensure you don't accidentally create an incident, or say something that could endanger the initiative," Pepper said, taking over the speech seamlessly. As the CEO of Stark Industries, she worked very closely with the Avengers Initiative and was always present for related appearances. "Over the next week, Grey or I will sit down with each one of you to get you settled in and officially set up within the Initiative."

"Many of the questions you have likely can be answered by your PR rep. If they can't, our emails, and phone numbers are on the second page of the packet. You can text or email at any time, however, please, unless it's urgent, restrict calls to between eight and eight." Grey glared directly at Natasha, who had the habit of calling at eleven at night. Natasha smirked and wiggled her fingers at her. "Now for likely the most important part - for you lot anyway. Congratulations, the Avengers Initiative comes with a paycheck. It's not an astronomical amount, but considering the Initiative comes with included housing, food, and insurance, be thankful."

It wasn't a request - Grey was daring someone to argue against the wages she'd painstakingly perked up at that, starting to grin. Even Steve looked more interest at the promise of pay.

"And for those that might not have American bank accounts?" It was Loki and Thor's PR rep, a gentleman by the name of Garrett. When Grey told him he would be the man in charge of ensuring education and inclusion of the Asgardians, the man had been ecstatic. He loved a challenge and couldn't wait to learn more about the truth behind Norse Mythology.

"As this Initiative was prepared and staffed well before it was actually needed, bank accounts have been created for everyone. If they choose to use their own moving forward, all funds will be transferred, and the new account can be closed. Everything has already been set up. As last week was the first time we were needed, the first paychecks will be deposited next week's Monday. The schedule for paydays is at the back of your packet. That same schedule will have several events that are mandatory, as well as some that are optional."

"There will be mandatory events," Pepper said firmly. They didn't want anyone getting any ideas about skipping just because they didn't want to go. Events were the only way to ensure they had the backing of the people. "They will be announced in plenty of time to get things in order, but attendance will be required, or a very good explanation given. These events are chosen carefully to ensure the continuing positive reception of the Avengers Initiative."

"And if we don't want to be dancing monkeys, controlled by the government?" Steve demanded. Grey took a deep breath, and behind the podium, Pepper passed her a fifty-dollar bill. Grey also made eye contact with James, who was sitting in the back with Christine and Jayne.

"First of all, the Avengers are not controlled by the government. We are considered private military contractors for the remainder of this year, and starting next year, we will fall under the jurisdiction of the UN, giving the Avengers the ability to respond to international threats, as requested." Steve opened his mouth to respond, but Grey cut him off. "I am speaking, Rogers, not you. This initiative was designed to respond to threats no normal force can. This time, the aliens were on American soil. Next time they might arrive in Colombia, or the Netherlands, or China. Right now, we can legally only respond to threats in America. That makes us fairly ineffectual at protecting Earth. As far as your concern with being, what did you call it?"

"Dancing monkeys, I believe," Pepper said with a heavy eye roll. Grey matched the sentiment with a disdainful twist of her lips.

"That's right. We have to do the occasional press conference to let the people know what's going on. They have the right to know what we are doing to protect them. Classified missions will remain classified, but the larger things will be released to the people. As a lovely example, here are some clips from the conference Dad and I held immediately after the Chitauri Invasion. You'll also be able to see what the purpose of our press corps is. Jarvis?"

Pepper and Grey stepped aside and the screen behind them flicked on. Grey and Tony were standing at a similar podium, still wearing their flight suits. Given that the invasion had barely been a day ago, it wasn't surprising that this was the clip they pulled up.

The Tony and Grey on the screen were bantering back and forth with the reporters, answering questions, before going back to Jayne or Christine for a scripted question to get the conversation flowing in the direction they wanted it.

"Jayne and Christine start each press conference with a handful of scripted questions to keep the topic where we want it. It ensures we don't get off topic, or accidentally reveal something classified," Pepper said, smiling at the two women in question.

"I did that one time," Grey grouched, pretending to pout. Samantha laughed from the back of the conference room, knowing she was referring to the time she accidentally told Sam and Jennifer that aliens were coming. "And Rogers, reporting to the press and holding ourselves accountable, doesn't make us dancing monkeys, it makes us responsible adults. This meeting is over, as I've got like twelve more meetings to get to. Meet with your reps, if you have any questions, feel free to email or text me. Mom, see you for dinner?"

"I'll be there," Pepper said, rolling her eyes. Grey adjusted her grip on her cane and walked out, her cane tapping against the floor. "Are there any questions for me, at this time?" Six hands shot up in the air, including the PR rep for Steve. Pepper sighed and pointed to the first one. It was going to be a long meeting.

Line Break

Loki Sentenced to Community Service After UN Trial, Issues Public ApologyElena Martínez, UN Affairs Correspondent

In the aftermath of the Battle of New York, Loki Friggason, the Asgardian prince and brother of Thor, has been found not guilty by the United Nations for his role in the alien invasion. The verdict hinged on overwhelming evidence that Loki acted under duress, manipulated by an alien artifact known as the Mind Stone. Despite the acquittal, Loki has agreed to serve a 20-year community service sentence for the destruction he caused in Germany and New York.

This unique sentence places Loki under the custody of the Iron Family, where he will work alongside Earth's mightiest heroes to aid in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and global rebuilding efforts. The arrangement, while unconventional, reflects a balance between accountability and rehabilitation, aiming to repair the harm caused while offering a chance for redemption.

A Statement of Accountability

Through Stark Industries, Loki issued a formal apology addressing the harm he inflicted during the invasion. His statement reads:

"To the people of Earth, I offer my sincerest apologies. The destruction I caused in Germany and New York weighs heavily on me, and I deeply regret the pain I inflicted. Though my actions were not my own, I take full responsibility for the suffering they caused. I am grateful for this opportunity to make amends and will dedicate myself to rebuilding what I have broken."

Loki's apology marks a significant step in his public rehabilitation, echoing his earlier trial testimony where he expressed remorse for his actions while under the influence of the Mind Stone. His willingness to serve this lengthy sentence, according to representatives of Stark Industries, reflects a genuine commitment to atonement.

UN Ruling and Precedent

The ruling comes after months of investigation and deliberation, during which Lady Eir of Asgard and Dr. Helen Cho of the Avengers Initiative confirmed that Loki's actions were the result of extreme duress. The trial drew on legal precedents established in the case of James Barnes, the former Winter Soldier, who was similarly acquitted of crimes committed under mind control.

However, while the UN ruled that Loki was not criminally liable, it emphasized the need for reparative justice. Loki's sentence of 20 years of community service was crafted to address the destruction caused during his invasion while also reflecting the unique circumstances of his case.

Under the Custody of the Iron Family

As part of his sentence, Loki will work directly with the Iron Family and the Avengers Initiative, participating in global humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts. His responsibilities will include aiding in infrastructure repair, providing medical support, and leveraging his unique abilities to assist in situations where conventional resources fall short.

Margaret Stark, Director of the Avengers Initiative, stated:

"This sentence isn't about punishment; it's about ensuring that harm is met with healing. Loki's skills, when used responsibly, can make a profound difference in the world. We believe in giving people the opportunity to rebuild and redeem themselves."

A Divided Response

Public reaction to the ruling has been mixed. Supporters argue that the sentence reflects a fair balance of justice and rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of Loki's actions. Critics, however, question whether a 20-year community service sentence is sufficient, given the scale of the destruction.

Thor, Loki's brother and a member of the Avengers, expressed his belief in the sentence:

"Loki has caused great harm, but I know the man he can become. This is his chance to show the world—and himself—that he is capable of more than chaos."

The Road Ahead

As Loki begins his sentence, the world will watch closely. His actions during the Battle of New York left scars, but his commitment to atonement could pave the way for a broader understanding of justice and rehabilitation on a global scale.

The coming years will test not only Loki's resolve but also humanity's capacity for forgiveness and redemption. For now, the former god of mischief begins a new chapter—one defined not by destruction but by the promise of healing.

Loki Accepts Responsibility for His Actions, Agrees to 20-Year Community Service Sentence
Jayne Vittori, Stark Industries

In the aftermath of the Battle of New York, Asgardian Prince Loki stood trial before the United Nations, facing scrutiny for his role in the alien invasion. While the trial concluded that Loki had acted under duress, manipulated by the alien artifact known as the Mind Stone, the prince surprised the court by requesting a formal sentence.

"I cannot undo the harm I caused," Loki stated during the trial. "But I can dedicate myself to rebuilding what I have broken. Whether it was my choice or not, I owe a debt to the people of this world, and I intend to pay it."

Loki's request for accountability was a rare moment of vulnerability from the enigmatic Asgardian. Initially, the UN considered a five-year community service term, but after deliberation, it was decided that a 20-year sentence was more fitting, given Loki's Asgardian lifespan, which far exceeds that of a human.

A Sentence of Service

Under the terms of the agreement, Loki will serve his sentence in the custody of the Iron Family and as part of the Avengers Initiative. His work will focus on global humanitarian efforts, disaster recovery, and missions aimed at rebuilding trust and repairing the harm caused during the invasion.

The arrangement is unique in its approach to justice, blending rehabilitation with tangible reparations. Loki's commitment reflects a shift from punishment to purpose, demonstrating his willingness to take responsibility despite being cleared of legal charges.

Margaret Stark's Welcome

Margaret Stark, Director of the Avengers Initiative, issued a statement regarding Loki's inclusion in the team:

"Loki's journey toward redemption is one we welcome with open arms. He has taken the first step by acknowledging the pain he caused and committing himself to repairing the damage. The Avengers Initiative is about more than just protecting Earth; it's about building a better future, and Loki's contributions will be a part of that effort. We are confident that he will rise to this challenge and prove himself as an ally."

A Divided Response

Public reaction to Loki's sentence has been mixed. Supporters commend the UN for taking a rehabilitative approach, while critics question whether Loki's sentence is enough to balance the scale of destruction.

Thor, Loki's brother and a fellow Avenger, expressed his faith in the decision:

"Loki has always been capable of great deeds, for better or worse. This is his chance to show the better side of himself. I believe he can, and I will stand by him as he does so."

Others, however, remain skeptical. "How can we trust someone who brought an alien army to our doorstep?" one New Yorker questioned, echoing the sentiment of those who feel Loki's actions were too severe to forgive.

Looking Forward

As Loki begins his 20-year sentence, the world will be watching closely. His willingness to accept responsibility, combined with the guidance of the Iron Family and the Avengers, offers hope for a path to redemption.

Loki's case is a reminder of the complexities of justice in a world where gods, aliens, and heroes intersect. Whether his actions in the coming years will change public perception remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Loki has taken the first step toward earning a second chance.

For now, Earth moves forward, stronger and more united after the Battle of New York. And as Loki joins the Avengers Initiative, the world watches to see if he can transform from a bringer of chaos to a force for good.

Line Break

"I think you should make a social media post," Bambi suggested, breaking Grey's thoughts into the report she was reading.

"I just posted on Instagram," Grey replied, barely looking up from the report in front of her. Natasha was clearly the best they had at writing reports, she'd have to ask her to help Thor figure it out. His video recording had great battle descriptions, but he couldn't quite control his volume.

"I've found many blogs of high school students, and they have opinions, opinions no one is addressing. They're scared," Bambi explained, pulling the blogs up on Grey's computer.

Heroes in the Sky
AvengersFan97
05/07/2012

Two days ago, I saw something that changed my life forever.

I live in Queens, a few blocks away from where all hell broke loose in Manhattan. I wasn't downtown when it happened, but I could see the portal from my bedroom window. At first, it was just a strange blue light in the sky. Then the news broke, and I realized this wasn't a normal New York day. Aliens. Freaking aliens. And not just on the big screen—real aliens coming through a hole in the sky and wrecking our city.

I was terrified. Who wouldn't be? But then, something incredible happened.

The Avengers showed up.

Yeah, you've probably seen the clips by now. Iron Man flying around like a boss, Thor with his hammer, Captain America barking orders like it's 1945. And let's not forget the Iron Family—Margaret Stark flew into freaking space to stop the invasion. Are you kidding me? These people are legends.

Watching them fight, something clicked for me. Like, I've always thought heroes were just for movies, you know? But these guys? They're real. They fought aliens with everything they had, and they didn't back down. They didn't just save New York—they saved all of us.

And it wasn't just the fighting. It was the teamwork. Captain America launching Black Widow into the air like some crazy circus act? Hawkeye calling out enemy positions like a sniper god? Even Loki, the guy who brought the aliens here, stepping up to fight on our side? That's next-level stuff.

It's made me think about what I want to do with my life. I'm just a junior, but I've been coasting, not really caring about school or my future. Watching the Avengers made me realize I want to do something that matters. I don't know what yet, but I want to help people. Maybe it's firefighting, or maybe I'll study engineering and try to build something that can protect people like the Avengers do.

For the first time, I feel like I have a purpose. It's crazy to think that it took an alien invasion to wake me up, but here I am, looking at colleges and thinking about what comes next.

To the Avengers, the Iron Family, and everyone who stood up to protect us that day: thank you. You're my heroes, and I'll never forget what you did for this city.

What Happens When They Come Back?

TooMuchToHandle99

05/07/2012

Okay, I'm just gonna say it: I'm scared. Like, really fucking scared.

Two days ago, I was walking home from school when I saw the sky split open. I didn't know what it was at first, just some weird blue light above the city. But then the news started blowing up my phone. Aliens. Fucking aliens.

I booked it home and didn't leave my basement for hours. I kept refreshing Twitter and watching the news, hoping someone would say it was over. But instead, I saw clips of these Chitauri things wrecking downtown. Buildings falling, people screaming, everything on fire.

The Avengers showed up and saved the day, I know. Everyone's talking about how badass they are, and yeah, they're cool, but no one's asking the real question: what happens when it happens again?

Think about it. These aliens didn't just show up randomly. Someone sent them. Someone out there in space hates us, and they know where we are now. What's stopping them from sending more? Or something worse?

We're not ready for this. Sure, the Avengers handled it this time, but what if they can't next time? What if more portals open? What if the aliens bring bigger guns or more monsters? We got lucky this time, but luck runs out.

I keep replaying it in my head: what if the portal had opened over Queens instead of Manhattan? My little sister's elementary school is a few blocks away. What if one of those flying whale things landed on her school?

Everyone's putting flowers around Stark Tower like it's all okay now, but it's not okay. I feel like I can't trust the world anymore. I keep looking at the sky, waiting for something else to come through.

The Avengers did their best, but they can't protect everyone all the time. And that's what scares me the most.

The Day the World Changed
PoliticNerd98
05/07/2012

I can't stop thinking about what happened two days ago. Not just the aliens or the Avengers, but what it all means.

I'm a senior at Stuyvesant, and I've always been into politics. My friends think it's boring, but to me, it's how the world works. And right now? The world doesn't work the way it did on May 4th.

We know aliens are real now. They're not just out there—they've been here. They invaded us. That changes everything.

How are governments supposed to handle this? The Avengers saved New York, but who's in charge of them? Stark Industries? The UN? What happens if there's another attack and the Avengers aren't enough? Are we supposed to build an army for space battles now?

And what about Loki? He's going to stand trial at the UN, which is huge. If he's guilty, what happens? Do we lock him up on Earth? Send him back to Asgard? This isn't just about justice—this is the first interplanetary legal case in history.

There's also the bigger question: what's our place in the universe now? We've always thought of Earth as the center of everything, but we're clearly not. We're just one planet in a galaxy full of beings we don't understand.

I think about how countries will handle this. Will we work together to protect Earth, or will everyone just argue over who gets what piece of alien tech? Will this bring us closer, or will it tear us apart?

I don't have answers, but I do know one thing: May 5th wasn't just an invasion. It was the start of something bigger. We're not alone anymore, and the world has to figure out what that means.

Grey sighed and knew Bambi was right, someone needed to address the little people – and that was supposed to be her job.

"There was a fic series I read once, where Dad used Social Media to heal himself after Siberia. I could do something like that? I still have my press makeup on." Grey pondered it for a moment and nodded. "Open my Instagram and start a live stream."

Grey talked on her livestream for nearly two hours, answering questions about herself (What her favorite color was – pink, her favorite food – currently soy marinated eggs, and how she took her coffee in the mornings – with creamer and whipped cream) answering questions about the invasion (no, we don't believe it'll happen again, yes, we do believe we are safe, yes, we agree that Loki deserves another chance) and about the various avengers (Bruce is her current favorite because that morning Clint took the last of the coffee out of the pot and didn't refill it. Thor offered to fight him to defend her honor, and Loki laughed so hard at her pout that he almost fell out of his chair). She answered scripted questions that Bambi slipped in to keep her on topic, and tried to make it fun while answering all their questions.

"Alright everyone, this has to be my last question for the day, I have a meeting coming up that I have to prepare for, so let's make this a good one, yes?" Grey searched for a question for a moment before deciding. "I've mentioned in the past that I struggle with chronic pain. How do I manage it while taking on such huge responsibilities? Well, the easy answer is that I don't. I don't like taking standard pain medications because there is a serious risk of addiction, and it makes me so drowsy I can't get anything done, so for the most part, I just deal with the pain. If it gets really bad, and I'm not on call for the Iron Family or the Avengers, I smoke, I have my medical marijuana card in both California, and New York, who just recently signed medical marijuana into law. There has been some controversy, especially with Marsha Smith's original article just pouring gasoline on the fire. Jayne wrote a really good piece afterwards; it got her nominated for a Pulitzer – I'll put the link down below. Thank you everyone for tuning in to hear me ramble for almost – wow – almost two and a half hours. Have a great evening and stay safe out there!"

Grey ended the livestream and felt better about the situation. She glanced over at Jayne, who had quietly slipped in in the middle, working with Bambi to post edits on twitter.

"You did good," Jayne said, flashing her a smile of approval. "Bambi's tracking hits on my article from back then, and we've already had a hundred people look into it. Did you mean to change the conversation around drugs?"

"Well, no, but if that's what happens, then whatever. One of the Nordic countries has all the drugs legal so people can get treatment rather than prison, it's an approach I'd like to start here – if I ever take over the country." Grey rolled her eyes and stood up to stretch. Her hips popped the moment she was vertical, causing Jayne to frown. "I think this country needs to step into the modern world, leave all the bad stigma and shit in the past, but of course they won't cause that orange bastard-"

"We're going to get a shitty president that only cares about himself and his ego?"

"Yep," Grey said, popping the P.

"Trying to prevent it?" Jayne asked.

"There's a good chance it doesn't happen," Grey said, sinking back into her seat. "But, there's also every chance it does. And that's what I'm working hard to change. If I can change people's attitudes now, I won't have to do it later."

"Can you do it?" Jayne asked, not doubting Grey, more just doubting the population of the world.

"I kinda have to," Grey said, shrugging her shoulders. "The alternative is that I do nothing, and I'm not that kinda person."

The not anymore went unsaid. Grey had grown a lot since she turned nineteen. She had started taking her family responsibilities seriously, throwing everything she had to give to the Stark name.

"I think you're going to change the world, Grey," Jayne said, leaning back in her chair.

"As long as I save it, too," Grey replied. "As long as the people are safe."

Line Break

Pepper opened her office door and shook her head, wondering why Tony had filled it with flowers this time. She hadn't yet told him her news, so she knew it couldn't be that. The flowers were lovely; pink carnations, white daisies, peach colored roses, and blue hydrangeas with some greenery. She crossed to her chair and sat down, reading the card.

Happy Mother's day to the woman who took me in when she didn't have to. I love you, Pepper – Margaret.

Pepper had to blink tears out of her eyes as she turned to her computer, quickly googling what the bouquets meant. Grey was fully accepting her as a stepmom (something Pepper never expected to be in her life) and the love that was associated with the acceptance.

"Jarvis, what would I need to do to legally adopt Grey as my own?"

"I would recommend speaking with Ms. Kim, Mrs. Stark," Jarvis said. "I'm sure she would be able to put you in touch with a family courts lawyer."

"Thanks Jarvis, I think I'll send her an email. Then I have to go hug my daughter."