"Oh, my God, Morgan!" Pepper cried as she stepped off the Stark Jet. Natasha was there, holding Morgan in her arms, watching impassively as the medical team unloaded a comatose Grey. Tony was with them, double-checking the monitors connected to his oldest daughter. Natasha handed Morgan over easily, smiling at the CEO as she did. "Natasha, thank you so much. Thank you."
"She was a delight. And Gina was very helpful," Natasha said, wrapping her arm around mother and daughter and leading them to the SUV. James came down the stairs to the jet and turned immediately to watch Tony and the team load Grey into an ambulance for transport back to the tower.
"I'm riding with Tony and Grey," James said lowly, catching up with Pepper and Nat. "I'll see you back at the tower."
James pressed a kiss to Pepper's cheek, then ran across the tarmac to the ambulance.
"What the hell happened out there?" Natasha asked once they were in the SUV. Clint was driving, and the car started moving the second the last door closed.
"It was awful. And I'll tell you all about it in a secure debrief." Pepper's skin glowed briefly, causing Natasha to look at her in astonishment. "Oh that? Yeah, Extremis makes you glow, apparently. Tony said he'd fix it."
"What about Grey?" Natasha was dying to know how she was doing, even if her training was preventing it all from showing on her face.
"It doesn't look good, Nat," Pepper said, solemn and sad. She had read the doctor's report.
Line Break
"Well, well, well. Look who got rid of his nightlight," James said as Tony started looking around in confusion. Heart surgery was no joke, and Tony was only just starting to come around. "Pepper and Morgan just went upstairs for a nap – do you want me to wake her?"
"No. Let her sleep, it's been a rough week," Tony said. James adjusted the bed, so Tony was upright, and helped him take a sip of water through a straw. "She's still worried about Grey. And she needs the rest – I'll have to do something about the Extremis in her system, before she burns anything else down."
"Grey's hospital bed has a permanent handprint on it, thanks to Pepper," James joked, glancing in the direction of Grey's bed.
"Any changes?"
"Nothing," James said bitterly. No one on the medical team had any idea how to help Grey. She was intubated, unable to breathe on her own just yet. If she were to wake up, she'd be paralyzed from the waist down, courtesy of a broken spine. And that wasn't even touching on the damage to her organs. "You wanna tell me what happened to you? I only know Pepper's side, after her debrief."
"The Mandarin was a hoax," Tony said bitterly. "It all started when I turned on the TV."
Line Break
Tony recognized the Ten Rings flag the moment he saw it pasted on that awful technicolor background. Then it was a man in front of kneeling men. Men with guns aiming at those kneeling. They weren't Stark Weapons, for whatever that mattered. That was something Tony was glad for – he didn't need another crisis on top of the Ten Rings resurgence.
"Some people call me a terrorist. I consider myself a teacher." Presumably it was the Mandarin speaking, but it was a voice over. The kneeling men were shot and killed. "America. Ready for another lesson? In 1864, in Sand Creek, Colorado, the US Military waited until the friendly Cheyenne Braves had all gone hunting. Waited to attack and slaughter the families left behind and claim their land. Thirty-nine hours ago, the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait was attacked. I…I… I did that. A quaint military church, filled with wives and children, of course. The soldiers were out on maneuvers. The Braves were away. President Ellis, like your predecessor, you continue to resist my attempts to educate you, sir. And now you've missed me again. You know who I am. You don't know where I am. And you'll never see me coming."
And it was President Ellis that responded, not Tony, not Iron Man, not even the Director of the Avengers Initiative.
"Central to my administration's response to this terrorist event, is a newly minted resource," Ellis said, holding his own press conference. Margaret was there, watching from the shadows, in her capacity as Director, but she wasn't the resource he was talking about. "I know him as Colonel James Rhodes. The American people will soon know him as the Iron Patriot."
Jim walked out in the Iron Patriot suit. It was a new suit, not just War Machine painted red, white and blue. His rank was painted on his chest piece, right where it would be on his uniform. The suit looked ridiculous and deserved all the mocking he was getting from talk shows and twitter.
Line Break
"Well, well, well, look who sponsored the press conference Ellis had to announce Iron Patriot?" Grey asked, walking into the living room, where Tony and Pepper were watching Bill Mayher criticize. Pepper had a tablet up on her lap, watching muted feeds of other talk shows, weighing the positive and negative responses they were getting. Joan Rivers seemed to be having fun poking at the suit.
"Who?"
"AIM, Killian's thinktank, they also sponsored the rebrand." Grey's shoulders were practically touching her ears she was so stressed. "I really don't think this happened at Christmas at all, I really think we need to be on our guard, right now."
"Well, as long as Tony doesn't give the Mandarin our address, we should be fine to let Jim handle this, right?" Pepper asked, putting away her tablet. Her watch beeped, and Tony left the room without a word, heading for the kitchen. "Thanks, Tony. So, what do we do?"
"For now, just be on guard. I haven't seen a lot of the signs I'm looking for yet. If you see Killian in the office, let me know, immediately. But that's really all we can do," Grey sighed. Tony popped his head in from the kitchen.
"It'll be okay, kiddo. Your last Marvel commitment is next week, and we can head back to New York, just in time too, we're down to our last three cans of formula." Tony shook his head and sighed. "Kid eats more than Barnes, I swear."
"And once we're back in New York, James will be home," Pepper promised. "Tony go and feed Morgan before she starts crying. Grey, sit down, relax. Ok?"
"I will not relax until I run out of visions," Grey said, holding up her hands. She couldn't relax, not until after Thanos had been dealt with. And by then, Grey planned to have the Sokovia Accords be something that they could actually work under. "I'll have time to rest after I die."
"You're morbid today," Pepper put in, looking Grey up and down, waiting for an explanation. When one wasn't forthcoming, Pepper asked, "are you okay?"
"No. This is looking weirder and weirder, and I won't be okay until I know when to expect the house to explode. And even then, I won't relax until you and dad and Morgan are safe. And even then…"
"There will probably be some other thing for you to respond to, I get it. Listen, you're in charge of Morgan today. Tony needs to put in a few hours in the lab, and I need to make an appearance at the office, Julie is losing her mind having me back in Los Angeles, and she's given me so many meetings today I'm going to be in the office until nearly six."
"I will watch my baby sister. But if she pukes on me again, you're taking me out of the roster completely."
"And Helen should be back today. Keep an eye out for her." Pepper continued like Grey hadn't spoken, as she gathered her things. A tablet, a laptop, and two standard notebooks got picked up and tucked under Pepper's arm, only for Grey to take them from her and start loading up Pepper's new work bag, a custom Birkin in Rescue Blue. Grey herself had gotten one in Peacemaker Pink; she carried it daily.
While Grey took over packing her things, Pepper returned to her room to change, coming back in an all-white suit with her Persian blue vest. Grey thought she looked amazing.
"Have a good day at work, remember to eat lunch, don't forget to rest, dad might be getting up at night, but you're still recovering from having a baby. Love you," Grey called as Pepper left.
Twenty minutes after Happy and Pepper left, Tony came into the living room with Morgan – who was wearing an Iron Peacemaker onesie.
"I'll be just downstairs in the lab if you need anything, I've got to knock out the final blueprints for the leg brace. Once I finish that, I'll come up for lunch, the three of us will go out, how's that sound?"
"Perfect. Now shoo, it's time for Morgan to spend time with the best Stark," Grey said, making funny faces at her sister as she picked her up.
"But Pepper just left," Tony said, pretending to be confused. Grey rolled her eyes and shooed him away, laughing slightly. "Oh, I've got a Valentine's Day delivery coming today at around noon – keep an eye out for that."
Tony disappeared into his lab, leaving the girls alone. Grey turned to Morgan, settled on her hip and grinned at her.
"Come on Morgan, let's go, I've got one meeting this morning, and you're young enough that it should still be classified. Petraeus can't possibly argue against a baby."
Line Break
Pepper was so glad she forgot to pack her lunch. She had Happy run out and picked up a Tony special, two double cheeseburgers with fries, and a milkshake for Pepper, who devoured it all in under thirty minutes.
"Here's your schedule for the afternoon, Mrs. Stark," Julie said as she walked in. "I cancelled the four o'clock and moved the five up to four, and the six up to five."
"Wait, Julie, I know this name, Aldrich Killian, he's with AIM, isn't he?" Pepper asked, looking at the schedule with something akin to dread. Grey wasn't wrong. But she technically wasn't right – it wasn't Christmas, it was Valentine's Day.
"Yes Mrs. Stark. They're looking to expand and are looking for financial backing."
"Hmm. He's at four now. Cancel the rest of the evening meetings, I'm going home directly after the meeting with Killian."
"Right away," Julie said, turning to do as asked. Pepper activated her comms.
"Grey, you logged in?"
"Always," Grey said immediately. "Watching the delivery people set up your very late Christmas present. And finally getting a chance to read Forbes' article about you."
"I have a meeting with Killian today," Pepper said, expecting Grey to swear or be upset. Pepper should've known better than to try and anticipate what Grey would react to.
"Have Happy bring you straight home, we're going into lockdown. Helen, there you are – no don't unpack, you're leaving in ten minutes. Pepper, call me after your meeting, keep your comms in." And the feed went silent. Pepper wondered what exactly had changed but was more worried on what was going to happen. Grey would handle it. Pepper knew and trusted that. Tony was home – nothing bad would happen today. With that in mind, Pepper sighed and got back to work. Stark Industries wouldn't run itself.
Line Break
"Have Happy bring you straight home, we're going into lockdown. Helen, there you are – no, don't unpack," Grey said as Helen walked in the door, her bag over her shoulder. Grey held up her finger, asking for just a moment. "Pepper, call me after your meeting, keep your comms in."
"What's going on?" Helen asked. "Is that a bunny?"
"Nope, it's a sign of the apocalypse." Grey clapped her hands together You're going to New York, and you're taking Morgan with you. Bambi, file flight clearance for the jet, we're sending Helen back to the tower."
"Why doesn't everyone come?" Helen asked. "If something is going to happen, why stay and fight it?"
"Because if we don't fight it, who knows what Killian will continue to do. Him stopping to fight us is what allows dad and Jim to save the president."
"The president is in danger?" Helen asked, surprised.
"Killian is working with the Vice President," Grey explained. "I tried warning Ellis that Rodriguez was dirty, but I don't have any proof. They're not going to take my visions as evidence, most of the world doesn't even know about my visions. So short of pulling a Hydra and sending Nat, Clint, or James after the guy, I have to let shit play out. Unless you know how to convince the most powerful man in America that his right hand is crooked?"
"I do not know how to do that," Helen said, understanding Grey's distress. "So, what's the plan, boss?"
"Get you and Morgan out of the line of fire, hope that Happy doesn't chase after Killian and get himself nearly blown up. And wait for dad to solve it, because I can only see the end with any real clarity. He has to do the heavy lifting this time."
"You'll figure it out. Let me get my bag from my room, and I'll go to the airfield right away." Helen dropped her work bag on the floor and ran to Jim's room to gather her things. And if she packed up for Jim as well, that was her prerogative. Grey added Morgan's diaper bag to the pile before sticking her head out to flag down Helen's driver. Another one of Happy's trusted security team in LA, Helen's driver was a five eleven blonde woman with her hair in a low ponytail.
"You're taking Helen to the airfield, and you're to ensure she and Morgan get on the jet to New York. I know you're LA based, but we're going to double your salary this week as long as you stay with Helen and Morgan, you got it?"
"Yes Ms. Stark," she said, nodding. "I'll get the bags loaded, and we'll leave as soon as Dr Cho is ready."
"Good. I'm your primary contact. If it doesn't come from me, you don't listen to it, understood? You're in charge of my baby sister's safety. I'm trusting you, Quinn."
"I'll get them safely to the tower and stay with them until you relieve me of my duty. I'll coordinate with Henry once I'm in New York," Quinn promised, scooping up the bags and taking them out to the car. Grey's tablet rang. She sighed and went to answer it.
Line Break
"Hey, guy," Happy said, watching Killian's minion sit sloppily in his chair, his visitor's badge sitting on the arm, rather than pinned to his jacket. Happy tapped his badge until the minion held his up, at least assuring Happy that he went through security. He watched the guy hike his leg up over the arm of the chair, and Happy felt his blood boil. No wonder he followed the guy, he practically oozed suspicion. Happy picked up his tablet and made a video call.
"Is this the forehead of security?" Grey asked as she picked up the call, Tony behind her, welding something.
"What?"
"Bring your arms down, hun, I can only see your forehead. And bring the tablet backwards an inch or so. There you are! Hello, what can we do for you?"
"It's Killian. The guy your dad and I met back in '99, at that science conference, only he's better looking, and doesn't need a cane anymore," Happy said, glancing up on occasion, checking in on Pepper.
"Damn, good for him, he fixed his bad leg – wish we could do that with mine," Grey grouched. "Listen, does he have anyone else with him?"
"I think so, there's a guy just hanging out, front desk says they came in together," Happy said. Grey nodded and glanced over her shoulder at her dad. "Listen, clear the rest of Pepper's schedule, I've already sent Helen back to New York with Morgan, I think this is it. Come back home, we're staying in tonight."
"Copy that. What do I do about his partner?"
"Absolutely nothing, do you hear me, Hogan? Nothing, I am not letting you get hurt when we can all safely stay home."
"You're telling me it's safe at the house, but you sent all the civilians back to New York," Happy pointed out, earning a glare from Grey.
"I won't play with Morgan's safety. We can all protect ourselves. She and Helen can't. If it makes you feel better, you can have someone tail shifty, but they have to keep a distance, he's dangerous."
"I'll put my best guy on it. Soon as Killian leaves, I'll get Pepper home," Happy promised, already thinking of pulling Daniel from security to drive her so he can tail this guy. Happy was his best guy, and now that he knew about the threat, Happy could keep his distance and get the information without getting hurt. He hoped. If he got hurt after Grey warned him, she'd kill him.
Line Break
"Aldrich, wow you look incredible," Pepper said, her mind going completely blank at the sight of the changes in the man she once knew. His cane was gone, as was the bad hair and teeth. He wore a good suit, one that actually matched, and a tie, rather than a graphic t-shirt under an ill-fitting blazer.
"Me? You look great!"
"You're very kind," Pepper said, her brain kicking back in at a burst of static from Bambi. Pepper shook herself as Killian turned his back on her for a second. "Please, take a seat, now, Julie told me you were coming to Stark Industries for financial backing?"
"After years dodging the President's ban on "immoral" biotech research, my think tank now has a little something in the pipeline." Killian pulled out a little box, taking a piece of something and securing it behind his ear. "It's an idea we like to call Extremis. I'm gonna turn your lights down."
Had Pepper not spent two years with the Iron Family, she would've been slightly impressed with Killian's confidence and presentation. His change from slightly creepy to suave businessman was startling and had Pepper back on her heels. But Pepper wasn't one of the most famous women in the world for no reason. She was the Rescue Machine, the wife of Tony Stark, the mother of the most powerful woman in the world. Pepper wasn't so easily impressed anymore – if she ever was.
Killian rolled three metal spheres onto the table between them, and Pepper watched as a projection of space appeared. Pepper had to admit; his holographic technology was impressive. Pepper's CEO mind couldn't wait until AIM collapsed, and Stark Industries could scoop up the company and all their patents.
"Regard the human brain. Or wait, hold on, hold on. That's the universe, my bad. That's the brain," Killian said, hitting a button on his remote. "Strangely mimetic, though, wouldn't you say?"
"That's incredible," Pepper said, looking at the neurons firing in the brain. Pepper thought to herself that Helen would love this technology.
"Thanks, it's mine," Killian said, confusing and startling Pepper. "This, you're inside my head. It's a live feed. Come on up, I'll prove it to you."
Killian tapped the piece of tech he'd placed behind his ear and Pepper understood. Pepper wanted the technology even more, thinking Helen could do incredible things with technology that showed a live view of the brain functioning, no MRI necessary. Killian leapt up onto the table and held out a hand for Pepper to come up and join him.
"Now, pinch my arm." Pepper hesitated, wanting more to throw him across the room than just pinch, especially with the way he kept leering at her. "Come on, I can take it, pinch me."
Pepper pinched his arm, near a spot she knew would hurt, and the brain lit up around them, causing Pepper to look up in wonder.
"What was that?"
"The primary somatosensory cortex. It's the brain's pain center. But this is what I wanted to show you." In a move so smooth Pepper didn't realize it was happening, Killian turned her around and had his arm around her shoulders, zooming in on a spot in the frontal cortex. Pepper resisted the urge to bodily throw Killian and vowed to take it out on him later. "Now, Extremis harnesses our bioelectrical potential, and it goes here. This is essentially an empty slot, and what this tells us, is that our mind, our entire DNA, in fact, is destined to be upgraded."
Immoral biotech research. It echoed in Pepper's mind, along with everything else she knew about Extremis from Grey, and Pepper felt anger roll through her body. This man was doing human experimentation, she just knew it. After a few more minutes of staring at his holographic brain, they settled back on the couch, Killian trying to get closer, but Pepper was well used to the ways of men.
"Imagine if you could hack into the hard drive of any living organism and recode its DNA."
"That would be incredible," Pepper said. Incredibly dangerous. "Unfortunately to my ears, it also sounds highly weaponizable. As in, enhanced soldiers, private armies, and we are, Tony and I are just…"
"Tony, Tony. You know, I invited Tony to join AIM, thirteen years ago. He turned me down. But something tells me now, there's a new genius on the throne." Killian gestured to Pepper. "And she doesn't have to answer to Tony anymore. And who has slightly less of an ego."
"It's gonna be a no, Aldrich," Pepper said softly, but firmly. "As much as I'd like to help you."
Pepper was an expert at telling people no. There was the first no, which everyone in business knew wasn't a real answer. So, while she was giving him her second no, she was sweeping him out of her office, past Julie's desk, and down the hall. Her third no was given in the main lobby, and they both knew that was Stark Industries' final answer.
"Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed, but then, as my father used to say, failure is the fog through which we glimpse triumph."
"That's very deep. But I have no idea what it means," Pepper said, stepping outside with him. Happy was still in the lobby, arranging a car to take her home. He had her Birkin on his arm, with all her things in it. He must have cleared the office while she was sweeping Killian out of her building.
"No, me neither. He was kind of an idiot, my old man. I'm sure I'll see you again, Pepper," Killian said, leaning into her space to press a kiss to her cheek. Pepper stood, frozen by his audacity until Happy walked up, a concerned look on his face.
"Car's ready, if you're ready to go. Here's your bag," Happy said, handing it over. Killian climbed in the car with his sketchy friend, and Happy snapped a picture of the license plate, intent on following them, once Pepper was safely back home.
"Yes, please. I feel like I need a shower after that." Pepper checked to make sure they were alone before she shuddered. "Come on, I'm sure Grey's already sent Morgan away, so I want to go home and shower, then spar."
"Not with me you're not," Happy said. "You can fight someone with a chance this time."
"I really didn't mean to hit you that hard," Pepper apologized for the tenth time. "I'll leave the boxing for Tony."
Line Break
Pepper saw the giant bunny and sighed. She knew Tony liked to do extravagant nonsense to show he cared, but a giant bunny plopped in her living room was not something Pepper wanted. Ever.
"Oh, new suit, is this the one you and Grey were working on?"
"Mark forty-two, in all its glory," Tony said from behind Pepper, despite the suit being in front of her. "Completely autonomous. I'm working on a version of this for you and Grey, too, but she's resistant to the idea of the implants."
"As am I. You can have the cool suit; I would prefer to have my husband." Pepper crossed the room, and pulled the VR glasses off of Tony. She leaned in for a kiss, causing Grey to groan.
"Ew gross. Have date night when I'm not home, yeah?" Grey asked, scrunching her face up in mock disgust. Tony and Pepper started laughing. "Wait, where's Happy?"
"He got me a car and left; said he had something he needed to do."
"That motherfucker is going to get his dumbass blown up," Grey pulled out her phone and made a call. "Where the fuck are you?"
"Chinese Theater, I think this guy is a drug dealer," Happy said. Grey pinched the bridge of her nose. "I watched him give a briefcase to some guy who looks strung out."
"That's Extremis, get the fuck out of there! Happy, that guy is going to explode, I told you not… This wasn't what I meant… Happy, Happy what's going on?" Pepper and Tony looked at Grey in concern, the more frantic she got.
"I gotta go." Happy didn't disconnect the call. He just shoved the phone in his pocket, leaving an open connection for Grey to listen to.
"What are you doing, buddy?" Grey heard through the phone. "You out by yourself? A little date night? Seeing your favorite chick flick?"
"Yeah, a little movie called, The Party's Over," Happy said. "Starring you and your junkie girlfriend. Here's the ticket."
"No kidding. That doesn't belong to you." Grey heard a punch land and silently prayed that Happy was the one that threw it. Then she heard wind, and shattering glass, and a thud. She could hear Happy groan, and shouted his name, alarming her parents.
"Oh shit," Happy said, then there was an explosion. Grey threw the phone away from her at the loud noise.
"Happy's in trouble, we have to go," Grey said, jumping to her feet. "Bambi, alert the authorities, there was an explosion at the Chinese Theater downtown, they'll need fire and EMS. Come on, what are you waiting for, let's go!"
"I'll drive," Tony said, racing down the stairs to the garage to grab an SUV. The three were on the road less than three minutes later.
Line Break
The Ten Rings claimed credit for the explosion at the Chinese Theater the following day. The video opened by him shattering fortune cookies. Grey snarled as she watched the feed from her living room. Tony was visiting Happy, making sure the security at the hospital was secure enough. Three of Happy's team had asked to stand rotating guard outside his room until he woke up.
"True story about fortune cookies. They look Chinese. They sound Chinese. But they're actually an American invention. Which is why they're hollow, full of lies, and leave a bad taste in the mouth. My disciples just destroyed another cheap American knockoff. The Chinese Theater." Grey made a disgusted noise as Pepper walked in with water bottles for them both. "Mister President, I know this must be getting frustrating. But this season of terror is drawing to a close. And don't worry. The big one is coming. Your graduation."
"Tony still at the hospital?" Pepper asked, handing over the water bottle. Grey tossed her tablet to the other side of the couch and accepted it. "Poor Happy. How are you, it couldn't have been easy hearing that happen."
"Worse than seeing it, I'll give you that," Grey grouched. "I told him not to follow the guy – why can't I remember his name?"
"Because you hated this movie for screwing up Tony's characterization," Pepper said, remembering what Grey had complained about in the scif. "Did you have any notes?"
"Just that you get Extremis and will survive the fall. And that Happy will be okay. And that dad is about to threaten the Mandarin on national TV, so we should probably pack up our shit and get out of here," Grey said, pointing to the muted TV, where reporters were surrounding Tony as he left the hospital.
News Break
Terror Strikes Hollywood: Explosion at Chinese Theater Leaves Stark Industries Security President Injured
Patrick Morales, Los Angeles Local Tribune
Los Angeles was rocked by tragedy yesterday when an explosion tore through the iconic Chinese Theater, leaving three people dead and over a dozen injured. Among the injured was Happy Hogan, the President of Security for Stark Industries and longtime confidant of Tony Stark. Hogan, critically injured in the blast, remains in a medically induced coma at a local hospital as doctors work tirelessly to stabilize his condition.
The explosion occurred in the late afternoon, sending a shockwave of fear and chaos through the heart of Hollywood. Witnesses described a scene of utter devastation: shattered glass, mangled storefronts, and smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency responders arrived quickly, evacuating the injured and securing the area, but the damage was already done.
In the aftermath, a chilling video emerged. The Mandarin, a self-proclaimed domestic terrorist and alleged leader of the Ten Rings organization, claimed responsibility for the attack. His message, delivered with a veneer of cold menace, boasted of the group's ability to strike at the heart of American icons and infrastructure.
Tony Stark, who has a personal connection to the Ten Rings due to his 2010 kidnapping, found himself at the center of media attention as he left the hospital late last night after ensuring Hogan was settled. Ambushed by a swarm of reporters demanding a statement, Stark initially avoided their questions. But when the press pushed harder, Stark delivered a fiery response:
"My name is Tony Stark, and I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward. You know who I am and how to find me. There's no politics at play here, just good old-fashioned revenge."
The statement, captured on video by reporters, has since gone viral, igniting widespread debate. Supporters have praised Stark's courage and refusal to back down in the face of terrorism. Critics, however, have expressed concern that Stark's challenge could provoke further violence or escalate the situation.
Local authorities have not commented on Stark's remarks but confirmed that the explosion is being treated as a terrorist attack. The FBI and Homeland Security are now working alongside local law enforcement to investigate the incident and pursue leads on the Mandarin and the Ten Rings.
Hollywood residents and visitors have expressed both shock and resilience in the wake of the attack. Community leaders and business owners have called for unity and support for the victims and their families.
The Mandarin's chilling message and Stark's impromptu, defiant response have left Los Angeles on edge, with many wondering what will happen next. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: the city and the nation will be watching closely.
For now, the Chinese Theater stands as a stark reminder of yesterday's tragedy, its once-glittering façade now marred by the scars of violence. And amid the rubble, a single question echoes: How will this battle of wills between Tony Stark and the Mandarin end?
Line Break
"I've compiled a Mandarin database for you, Sir," Jarvis said, bringing up everything he and Bambi had found on the terrorist. "It's everything from SHIELD, the FBI, and the CIA. I've added in Grey's notes as well."
"Render the virtual crime scene, Jay, let's see what they missed," Tony said, knowing he was going to have to play detective and find proof that Killian was the Mandarin if he wanted justice for his friend.
"The Mandarin is an ancient Chinese war mantle, meaning advisor to the king. They're utilizing South American insurgency tactics with their firebombs," Bambi said, highlighting several points, and even bringing up comparisons.
"He talks like a Baptist preacher. How do people still think this guy is in charge?" Tony asked himself. "Let's try again. If I were trying to figure out who was behind this, how would I do it?"
"The heat from the blast was in excess of three thousand degrees Celsius," Jarvis added as he closed the Mandarin report. "Any subjects within 12.5 yards were vaporized instantly."
"No bomb parts found in a three-mile radius of the Chinese Theater?" Tony asked, even if he knew the truth. He wanted to fully understand. As a member of the Avengers Initiative, he was obligated to work the problem, have something he could give to Samantha to cover himself legally. "When is a bomb not a bomb?"
As Tony said it, he remembered Grey asking the same thing during their scif warning. He wiped a few layers off something Happy was pointing at, and found a set of military dog tags, last name Taggart. He asked Jarvis if there had been any military victims.
"Not according to public record, Sir," Jarvis answered.
"Bring up the thermogenic signatures again. Factor in three thousand degrees," Tony instructed, climbing up on a tall toolbox to get a full view of the map of America Jarvis rendered for him. "Now take away everywhere that there's been a Mandarin attack."
Only one other place in America experienced an explosion with a heat signature around three thousand. It was Rose Hill Tennessee, almost ten months ago.
"That, are we sure that's not one of his?" Tony asked, pointing to Tennessee.
"It predates any known Mandarin attack. This incident was the use of a bomb to assist a suicide. The heat signature is remarkably similar. Three thousand degrees Celsius," Jarvis said, bringing up everything he could find on the suicide. The victim's mother had taken to the press twice, pleading with people to believe her that her son hadn't killed himself. Chad Davis was a military man, who had supposedly returned home, and blown himself up on purpose.
"That's two military guys," Tony mused, wondering if Pepper's thought of a private Extremis soldier army wasn't too far off. Grey hadn't mentioned it, but Tony could see it being the logical conclusion. "Ever been to Tennessee, Jarvis?"
"Creating a flight plan for Tennessee," Jarvis said. Then everything went black in the lab. A doorbell sound was heard throughout the house.
Line Break
"Only the stuff you can't replace. Pictures, mementos, if it can be replaced, leave it. I grabbed my photo album from the first year, and the scrapbook Jarvis made for me. That's really all I need."
"I've got all the photos in the car already, all the physical contracts we have for the Iron Family and the Avengers, I just want my dress. This one that I wore to the Firefighter Family Fundraiser." Grey smiled as Pepper pulled out the Persian Blue dress, the one that inspired the color of the Rescue suit and tucked it in her bag. "Okay, that's everything we need. All our wedding stuff is at the cabin."
That's when the doorbell rang.
"I thought we were on lockdown?" Grey asked, turning to Pepper. "Why are we still allowing people past the front gate?"
"Jarvis has facial recognition running – as long as they're not a match for any AIM employees, they'll be allowed past the gate. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about the helicopters."
"I thought we were a no-fly zone?" Grey demanded, remembering Jim throwing a fit over the People Magazine reporters that practically landed on their yard to get a closer look.
"Yeah, that got rescinded after we officially moved to New York. Since this isn't our primary residence, we don't have the sway to keep it that private."
"Damn," Grey mumbled. "Alright, let's go see who came to visit!"
"At least Jim's safe, searching for a terrorist in the Middle East," Pepper lamented, looking skyward for divine intervention. She just wanted one year without some crisis that involved her husband. Or her daughter. Or even just her. Pepper was tired and just wanted to be CEO. Pepper sighed, and followed her daughter downstairs, carrying the box of sentimental things with her.
"Why am I not surprised?" A woman was asking Tony, who was standing in the mark 42 suit.
"Don't take it personally, I don't remember what I had for breakfast," Tony said.
"Gluten-free waffles with a peach smoothie, sir," Jarvis helpfully put in.
"Okay look, I need to be alone with you, someplace not here," she said. Grey raised her eyebrows at the woman's audacity, even as parts of the movie started becoming clear to her.
"That's not happening, lady," Pepper said, anger bubbling up under her skin as she looked at this woman.
"Pepper, this is Maya Hansen," Tony introduced, surprising Maya, who thought Tony had forgotten her. Tony stepped out of the suit and wrapped his arm around Pepper's waist. "She's an old botanist pal from '99."
"Sorry, with Happy in the hospital, I didn't realize we were receiving visitors. Or old girlfriends," Pepper teased. "We're leaving town."
"Nope."
"Yes," Grey said, climbing over the bunny to get down the stairs. She lacked Pepper's long legs and therefore got stuck halfway over the leg.
"Is that normal?" Maya asked, noticing the bunny for the first time. Grey snorted and shook her head. She knew this scene, or at least, she was starting to. This was the attack.
"Somehow, yes," Pepper said, glancing at the stuffed animal with a small smile. Grey glanced over at them and noticed something out the window.
"Guys, do we need to worry about that?" Maya asked, noticing the missile on the TV's live footage of the house, courtesy of KTLA.
"Fuck," Grey said, turning and throwing herself to the ground. The missile hit the porch and exploded, sending Pepper and Tony flying back. Tony instantly summoned the Mark 42 he'd just stepped out of, directing it to Pepper. It suited her up, protecting her from hitting her head as she hit the ground. Tony smacked into the concrete floor and gasped for breath for a moment, watching the ceiling crack above him. Grey rolled over and took stock of herself. She had a gash on her right arm from a piece of glass. It was pretty deep and was going to need stitches. She ignored it in favor of checking on Maya.
Tony watched the ceiling crack above him and swore, watching a piece come down directly on him. Suddenly the Mark 42 was leaning above him, taking the brunt of the impact and protecting him.
"I got you," Pepper said as the face plate opened up.
"Like you said, we can't stay here," Tony said, rolling out from under Pepper and climbing to his feet. Two more missiles were launched at the house, one of which exploded right above Maya, throwing Tony back onto the couch in front of the now shattered shatterproof windows. "Go, I'm right behind you!"
A crack opened up in the floor, sending Grey falling into the garage below her. She shouted up that she was okay.
"Get Maya, I'm going to find a way around." Pepper stopped and looked back at Tony, the HUD still up. "Stop stopping, get her, get outside."
"Mom, go, we're fine!" Pepper slammed the HUD down and grabbed Maya, shaking her awake and pulling her out of the house. Pepper blasted out the doors, shoving Maya through before crossing the threshold herself. She stood ready, knowing Tony would summon the suit to himself as soon as she was clear.
That's when the bad guys got smart. Rather than continuing to shoot into the house, one of the helicopters targeted the supports, holding the house to the cliffs. The house shook, and Grey found herself falling another level into the labs,
"Sir, Mrs. Stark is clear of the structure," Jarvis said through the house speakers. Tony summoned his suit, scrambling up the floor that was threatening to drop him off the cliffs. The backpiece landed in time to protect Tony from a fifty-caliber bullet. Iron Man stood ready to fight, just as his flight power gave out.
"Jarvis, where's my flight power?"
"Working on it Sir, this is a prototype," Jarvis explained. Tony tried to fire a missile, only to be told they were offline. The piano gave way, and Tony blasted it with his repulsors, taking out one of the helicopters.
"I think we have a problem," Grey said, activating all their comms with a push of a button on her wrist. "Bambi, all ears on. Send out the legacy alert."
"What do you mean you think we have a problem?" Pepper demanded as she pulled Maya back even farther from the house.
Tony pulled the missile from the suit's arm and threw it, catching it with a repulsor blast. The missile and the helicopter closest to it exploded. "That's two!" Unfortunately, it landed on the house, sending Tony through the floor into the garage under him. "Oh shit."
The seven suits on display exploded, one after the other as another pair of missiles hit the house. The house seemed to detach from the cliffs, and fell, plunging two cars, Dum-E, and Iron Man into the ocean.
Pepper ran into the house and looked down over the cliffs, searching frantically for any sign Tony survived. She shouted his name, silently pleading for him to fight, to survive, to come back to her, again.
Tony fought to keep his bearings underwater. Between the current, the lack of light, and all the debris, Tony didn't know which way was up. Not that it mattered, a cord or a cable or something was wrapped around the suit's neck and was dragging him further underwater.
"Sir, take a deep breath," Jarvis instructed, auto piloting the suit. The right arm detached, letting water and the pressure swarm Tony, but it came back and pulled Tony out from under the rubble pinning him to the bottom of the ocean. Once he was free, the arm reattached, and the suit started re-pressurizing Tony to a comfortable level, and expelling all the water that was threatening to drown him. "Flight power restored."
Iron Man flew out of the water and into the clouds, aiming east.
Line Break
"….Send out the legacy alert," Natasha was sparring with Clint when her comms unit activated, startling her enough into letting Clint get a free shot at her.
"What do you mean you think we have a problem?" Pepper demanded through her comms.
"That's two!" Tony's voice came next. Natasha quickly stepped backwards, getting out of sparring range. "Oh shit."
"Jarvis, what's happening in Malibu?" Natasha looked upward, addressing the AI that lived in the walls and controlled the tower.
"The house is under attack by a terrorist known as the Mandarin. Mister Hogan was injured by an explosion last night, resulting in Sir threatening him. While there is no proof, we are under the belief this attack is at his hands."
"Why haven't the Avengers been called in?"
"This is a domestic terrorism event. The Avengers have not been called in by the President and are therefore unauthorized to act."
"Bullshit, the Avengers have the authority, we're the Avengers!" Natasha barked, waving her hand at the wall the same way she often saw Grey do. Thankfully Jarvis understood and pulled up the news footage. The Malibu mansion was under attack by one remaining helicopter. Natasha and Clint watched in horror as the house fell into the water. Natasha couldn't think, she couldn't breathe. Was Tony in the house when it fell? Was Pepper? Grey? Morgan? No, Morgan was safely in New York with Helen, Grey had sent them away the day before.
"Tony!" Pepper screamed, sounding heartbroken.
The Malibu Mansion had fallen into the ocean. Static crackled through the comms. Natasha looked at Clint in horror.
"Pepper, give me a sit rep," Natasha ordered. There was silence on the comms. "Grey, report, damnit, someone tell me something."
Nothing but silence met Natasha's plea.
Line Break
James loved his job. His job was to keep his family safe and travel the world to keep their company safe. This time it was Singapore, where the Director of Security had been using Stark Industries resources to smuggle drugs for the local gang. James had fired him, and most of his department. Which led him to his least favorite part of the job.
Sometimes, James had to stay away from his family for long periods of time. He missed time in the lab with Tony, and his sparring training with Grey and Pepper. He missed spending time with Morgan while Pepper was at work. And he hated sleeping alone. And with Singapore being sixteen hours ahead of Los Angeles, his schedule rarely lined up with Grey's. It's why he wasn't wearing his comms on this trip. It's why he wasn't logged on. At least, that's what he would have to remind himself.
"Go for Barnes," James said as he answered his phone. It was early, but he didn't sleep much.
"Hey Sugar," Grey said, slightly out of breath. "Did I wake you?"
"No, I've been up. What's up?"
"Can you come home?" Grey asked, and James could tell something was wrong. Her voice was jumping all over the place, and she couldn't catch her breath.
"What's wrong?"
"You need to come home," Bambi's impatient voice cut into their conversation. "The Mandarin hit the Chinese Theater, Happy's in a coma. The Mandarin just blew up the house, and we can't raise mom or dad on comms."
"I'm on my way."
James connected his phone to his comms and threw all his things in his bag and sprinted out of his hotel room, taking the stairs so he could drop down several floors at once. He shouted an apology over his shoulder in Malay when he realized he startled a hotel worker. He had to get to the airfield.
"I've got you a flight to Seoul, the quinjet will meet you there and take you to LA," Natasha said, readily barking orders. "The foundations have been deployed to help get Grey out of the house."
James spent the flight with his head in his hands, wondering how things went so bad so fast. James didn't doubt what Grey saw. But he wanted to know how they got put in this position again. Once Grey was safe, James would find this Mandarin and introduce him to the most feared assassin in the world.
Seeing the quinjet empty was something of a relief to James. Climbing in and finding a briefing packet in the pilot seat was even better. He was able to learn everything they knew about the terrorist on the flight from South Korea to Los Angeles.
Landing on the helipad of the Malibu house and seeing the destruction was horrifying, even to someone as experienced as James. Realizing that Pepper was missing too, it sent a wave of panic and regret rushing through him. James had been so focused on Grey, and his revenge, that James hadn't paused enough to consider the rest of the family. Where was Tony and Pepper? What about Morgan?
"Bambi, tell Grey that I'm here," James said, having had been on the phone with Grey when the signal gave out. It had scared him more than he'd ever been scared in his life. "Just, tell her that I'm home, and that we're gonna get her out."
"She says that she's okay, just stuck," Bambi reported just a split second later. "She wants you to find mom, she didn't have her comms in, and I can't raise her on her phone."
"You need to tell Grey, we can't find either of her parents. One of the news helicopters caught footage of the Iron Man suit falling into the water, but no one saw it come out," James said as gently as he could. "And Dan called me, Pepper was taken, her and Maya were kidnapped."
"Grey says that Dad got out, he's following a lead to Tennessee, apparently, we're not worried about him, we're worried about mom. Maya Hansen took her – she works for AIM. She works for Killian, he's the Mandarin," Grey explained, through Bambi. "Dad's gonna solve it, Grey hates to say it, but focus on her not on them.
"I'll get someone on it, Katherine's on her way, she's going to help look," James said. He'd gotten the legacy alert she sent. His family had needed him, and he wasn't there, James was furious.
Line Break
Grey was furious with herself. Pinned down in the sub-basement, she couldn't go anywhere or do anything. Regardless of that, it was time to focus. Focus on what was happening around her, because there was nothing she could do for Pepper or Tony, there was nothing she could do for Morgan, or the President of America. She was trapped; her leg was half-crushed under a block of concrete.
"Okay. Let's try and do this," Grey said, bringing her uninjured arm up so she could feel above her. "I can sit up, check. Even if it makes me woozy. That's bad, Bambi, what does that mean? That has to mean blood loss, right?"
"It is the most likely reason for your light headedness. Are you able to see? My sensors are limited to your comms watch."
Grey pulled her nonlethal gauntlet up onto her hand and used the repulsor as a light. She had concrete pinning her legs down, but her right leg had just enough wiggle room to show that it wasn't trapped. Her left leg was buried over her knee, she couldn't move it, feel it, or see it. There was a spot, just under the rock that itched like it was wet.
"Small gash on my forehead, must've smacked it on my way down. Arm is still bleeding from the original blast, and I do think my leg is bleeding. Tell James someone has to come down and get me, I don't think I can get up."
"I am communicating with James, Katherine Dugan, and a team enroute from the Margaret Stark foundation."
"See if you can't connect with Jarvis, leave a message for dad that I'm okay. And make sure someone has a pizza waiting for me when I get out of this mess. I skipped breakfast today."
Grey was trying to hide her anxiety about being trapped in the labs. If she thought too hard about it, she would worry about all the things in the lab that could cause problems for her rescue. So, she gave herself ten minutes to panic. Two minutes to remember the cold darkness of space, of gasping for breath in the vacuum. Two minutes to panic and let her fears overtake her.
Just when Grey thought she was going to drown in fear, a sense of calm came over her. She was alive. She was on earth. She wasn't even really considered missing, just trapped. She was Margaret Stark, Iron Peacemaker, Director of the Avengers Initiative. She'd been to space! She could handle a few hours trapped in the dark. And hey, her leg wasn't hurting either – which was probably a bad thing, but right then, Grey didn't care.
"I am okay. I am not lost, or taken, I am just trapped. People know where I am, so I am okay. I will get through this. Bambi, tell me I can get through this."
"You will get through this, Grey. The public is pulling for you. Already twitter is alight with support for you and your family."
"Read me some of the good ones, Bambi, I've got nothing else I can do until someone gets me out of here."
"Stark Industries Fan six has tweeted Margaret Stark's smile has gotten me through some dark times. Praying for her safety. With a heart emoji. NYCMamaBear tweeted We're lighting candles tonight for the Starks. They've given us so much—now it's our turn to give them hope."
Line Break
"Sir?" Tony could hear distantly, like Jarvis was down a tunnel. There was another noise too, but Tony wasn't aware enough to know what it was. "Sir!"
"Alright, kill the alarm, I got it," Tony mumbled, shaking his head and opening his eyes. He was in a suit? What was he doing sleeping in a suit? Pepper was going to kill him.
"That's the emergency alert triggered by the power dropping below five percent," Jarvis explained, only adding to Tony's confusion. Why had he been in the suit so long? What did he remember – the house exploded, and Jarvis had to save Tony from drowning. Why hadn't Jarvis just left him somewhere on the property? Was he flying? Where to?
Tony screamed as he narrowly avoided hitting a truck, then a deer, then several trees as he crashed into the snow in the middle of somewhere. It was February, where did it snow in February, where was he? Tony sighed as he pulled the HUD off the suit.
"It's snowing, where are we, upstate?" Canada? Back in New York? Tony hoped he was back in New York.
"We are five miles outside of Rose Hill, Tennessee," Jarvis said.
"Why?" Tony whined. "Jarvis, not my idea! What are we doing here? This is thousands of miles away! I gotta get Pepper, I gotta get… Grey, she fell into the labs."
"I prepared a flight plan," Jarvis defended. "This was the location!"
"Who asked you?" Tony grouched, knowing well enough it was him that had asked to have the flight plan prepared. Tony had planned on taking the jet though, not his new prototype suit with terrible battery life. "Open the suit."
"I think I may be malfunctioning, sir," Jarvis said, alarmed.
"Open it Jay," Tony ordered. The suit opened, allowing Tony to sit up and rub his arms in the brisk, late winter air. "Oh, that's brisk. I think I might actually just cozy back up in…"
"I actually think I need to sleep now, sir," Jarvis said. Tony looked around like he was looking for a person.
"Jarvis? Jarvis! Don't leave me, buddy," Tony pleaded. Tony sat there in silence for two minutes and ten seconds, before he jumped to his feet and got to work. A double cable from the back was used to drag the suit through the snow. He followed the road for four miles until he found a Texaco that had closed for the night. The Indian statue had a poncho on that Tony immediately liberated and wrapped around himself. Then he turned to the payphone that looked older than he was.
"Stark Secure Server, now transferring to all known receivers," the synth voice said as Tony dialed in his personal code. He still needed to make one for Morgan, something he put on his mental to do list. Behind repairing the suit, finding Pepper, and beating the Mandarin anyway.
"Pepper, it's me. I have a lot of apologies to make, and not a lot of time. So, first off, I'm so sorry I put you in harm's way, again. That was selfish and stupid, and it won't happen again. Also, it's past Christmas, and the rabbit's too big, I should've gifted something more traditional. And I'm sorry in advance because I can't come home yet. I've gotta find this guy. You and Grey hunker down somewhere and stay safe. I love you. I'm so sorry."
Tony ended the connection and started dragging the suit again, this time in the direction of town. There was a completely dark house with a separate garage that Tony broke into, knocking in the door with the weight of the suit.
Tony got the suit onto the couch and just sat for a moment. He sat and tried not to think about how he didn't know where Pepper was. He tried not to think about how he didn't know where Grey was. So rather than not think about his family, Tony got to work. He lucked out, ending up in a hobby engineer's garage. He found a good lamp, and a set of pliers and set about pulling some shrapnel out of his arm.
"Freeze!" Tony turned and saw a kid with a potato gun, staring at him with suspicion. Tony resisted the urge to bury his face in his hands and scream. He was alone, searching for a terrorist with a dead suit, and a ten-year-old kid from Tennessee. "Don't move."
"You got me," Tony said, holding his hands up. "Nice potato gun. Barrel's a little long. Between that and the wide gauge, it's gonna diminish your FPS."
The kid fired the gun and shattered a jar a little above Tony. Maybe it wouldn't diminish the FPS.
"And now you're out of ammo," Tony pointed out.
"What's that thing on your chest?"
"It's an electromagnet," Tony explained. "You should know, you've got a box of them right here."
"What does it power?" Curious little bug, wasn't he? Tony tilted the lamp so it lit up the Iron Man suit behind him.
"Woah! Is that… Is that Iron Man?"
"Technically I am," Tony pointed out. The kid just stepped closer and handed Tony a rolled up magazine.
"Technically you're dead." Tony wasn't surprised at seeing Christine's name on the byline, she had first rights to any Iron Family story. But it was the story that sent shivers of horror through Tony.
Devastation in Malibu: Stark Mansion Destroyed, Tony Stark Feared Dead, Margaret Stark Trapped Under Rubble
Christine Everhart, Stark Industries
February 12, 2013 – 5:00 PM PST
In a stunning act of targeted violence, Stark Mansion in Malibu was obliterated earlier today in a calculated attack orchestrated by the Mandarin, the enigmatic leader of the Ten Rings terrorist organization. This catastrophic event comes just one day after Tony Stark, known globally as Iron Man, publicly challenged the Mandarin, issuing a statement that now carries chilling weight.
A Familiar Nightmare
For those who have followed Stark's journey, this isn't the first time he's been presumed dead at the hands of the Ten Rings. In 2010, Tony Stark was captured in Afghanistan by the same terrorist organization and held hostage for three months before he miraculously escaped and built the first Iron Man suit.
Now, three years later, history seems to be repeating itself—but with far more devastating consequences.
Stark is once again missing and presumed dead after witnesses saw his home collapse into the Pacific Ocean. However, unlike his previous disappearance, this time he has a family depending on him—and the stakes have never been higher.
Pepper Stark Survives; Margaret Stark Remains Trapped
While Tony's fate remains unknown, his wife, Stark Industries CEO Pepper Stark, survived the attack and is actively overseeing rescue efforts. She declined to comment beyond a firm statement:
"I don't believe Tony is dead. And I need to focus on getting my daughter out of that rubble. Morgan is safe in New York. That's all that matters right now."
Her priority is clear: Margaret Stark, who has been confirmed alive but injured, remains trapped under rubble. Rescue crews have struggled to reach her, hindered by the unstable debris and the cliffside's precarious conditions. With each passing hour, the world grows more anxious.
Meanwhile, three-month-old Morgan Stark was not present during the attack. She is safe at Stark Tower in New York, under the care of her godmother, Natasha Romanoff, who continues to update the family's closest allies.
A Calculated Attack
The Mandarin claimed responsibility for the attack in a chilling broadcast just hours after the destruction:
"Tony Stark wanted me to find him. So, I did."
With surgical precision, the Mandarin struck at the very heart of Stark's world—his home, his family, his safety. This wasn't just an attack—it was a statement: No one is untouchable.
The timing and execution leave little doubt that this was meant to break more than just concrete and steel—it was meant to shatter morale.
A World Holding Its Breath
As rescue crews race against time, the world watches in horror, hoping for a miracle.
Social media has erupted in an outpouring of concern, with the hashtag #FindTonyStark trending worldwide.
Government officials, world leaders, and citizens alike have shared messages of support.
Stark Industries issued a statement, emphasizing their commitment to search and rescue efforts:
"We are working closely with authorities to ensure all possible efforts are made in the ongoing rescue operation. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragic event, and we will not rest until we bring our family home."
With Tony missing, Margaret trapped, and Pepper refusing to accept defeat, the world waits in uncertainty.
But if history has taught us anything, it's this:
Tony Stark has been presumed dead before—and every time, he's come back stronger.
The question is: Can he do it again?
Will the Iron Family rise from the ashes?