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29 Hammer's Presentation
🕑 Added 2024-10-04 18:15:01 +0000 UTCAfter a long flight from the West Coast, Harry, Natasha, and Pepper finally touched down on the East Coast, their destination: the Stark Expo. The trio headed straight to the expo grounds, where the place was buzzing with energy and anticipation. As they approached the main hall, the crowd’s excitement was palpable. Attendees filled every available seat, their eyes fixed on the stage where Justin Hammer, CEO of Hammer Industries, was set to make his grand presentation.
Rumours had been swirling for weeks. Hammer Industries had released a statement claiming that they were about to unveil revolutionary new technology, something that would change the face of modern warfare. The specifics were shrouded in mystery, but internal sources hinted that Hammer had somehow acquired technology related to Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit from the U.S. Military. This revelation had only fueled the public’s curiosity and sent the media into a frenzy.
As Harry, Natasha, and Pepper navigated through the bustling crowd, they exchanged glances, each understanding the potential stakes of what was about to unfold. For Harry and Natasha, the mention of Iron Man technology in the hands of Justin Hammer raised immediate concerns. Pepper, on the other hand, remained poised, though the tension in her posture was unmistakable. They knew Hammer's reputation for cutting corners and delivering subpar results, but this presentation was different—there was a real possibility that Hammer had managed to create something genuinely dangerous.
The trio took their seats, as the air around them buzzed with anticipation. Conversations hummed throughout the hall as attendees speculated about what Justin Hammer had up his sleeve. Harry could sense Pepper's unease, the tension in her posture betraying her calm exterior. She had every reason to be anxious—this wasn't just any presentation. Hammer Industries had always been a thorn in Stark Industries’ side, but now, with Pepper newly appointed as CEO, the stakes were even higher.
"He's going to put on a show," Natasha remarked, her tone laced with scepticism as they took their seats near the front. "But the question is, what kind of show?"
"Whatever it is, it’s going to draw attention," Harry replied, his eyes scanning the room, already calculating the risks involved. "We need to be ready for anything."
Pepper nodded, her focus already shifting to the logistics of what they might need to do. “Let’s just hope it’s all smoke and mirrors,” she said, though she knew better than to count on it.
As the lights dimmed and the opening music for Hammer’s presentation started, the trio braced themselves. Whatever Justin Hammer was about to unveil, they were ready to deal with the consequences.
For Pepper, this wasn’t just a competition; it was a test of her leadership. The eyes of the business world were on her, watching to see how she would handle this challenge. If Hammer’s presentation lived up to the hype, it could pose a serious threat to Stark Industries’ dominance in the business world.
Pepper knew that if Hammer succeeded in captivating the audience and the media, it would force her hand. She would need to respond swiftly and decisively, not just to protect Stark Industries’ reputation but also to prove she could lead the company as Tony’s replacement. The pressure was immense, and the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her like never before.
Pepper took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She knew that whatever Hammer was about to reveal, it could set the tone for Stark Industries' future under her leadership. Failure wasn’t an option—she had to be ready to counter whatever challenge was thrown her way, to prove that Stark Industries was still the leader in innovation and technology.
Harry noticed the way Pepper’s fingers drummed nervously on the armrest of her seat. Her eyes, usually so composed and full of determination, now flickered with unease as she stared ahead, lost in thought. Harry leaned closer to her, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Pepper, you’ve got this,” he whispered, his tone warm and reassuring. She turned to him, her expression softening slightly as she met his gaze.
“It’s just... this presentation,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “If Hammer’s tech is as good as the rumours say, it could be a real problem for us—for Stark Industries. I can’t let that happen, not on my watch.”
Harry nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility she felt. “I know this is a big moment, but you’re not in this alone. You’ve already proven that you can handle anything that comes your way. Tony trusted you to lead Stark Industries because he knew you were the best person for the job. And so do I. Lastly, we aren't in the weapons industry anymore. So whatever Justin Hammer presents, it will not have a direct impact on our products.”
Pepper gave him a small, appreciative smile, but the worry was still there, lingering in her eyes. Harry reached out, gently placing his hand over hers, stilling the nervous tapping of her fingers. “Listen,” he continued, his voice steady and confident, “whatever happens up there on that stage, you’ll deal with it, just like you always do. You’ve navigated Stark Industries through some of the toughest challenges. This is just another one. And honestly, I can’t think of anyone better to face it than you.”
Pepper squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his unwavering support. “Thanks, Harry,” she said, her voice a little stronger now. “I just... I don’t want to let Tony down. Or you.”
Harry shook his head, a soft smile on his lips. “You could never let us down. We believe in you, and more importantly, you should believe in yourself. Hammer’s show might be flashy, but Stark Industries is built on something much stronger—real innovation, vision, and heart. That’s something Hammer can’t replicate, no matter how hard he tries.”
Pepper took a deep breath, letting his words settle in. The tight knot of anxiety in her chest began to loosen. Harry’s confidence in her was infectious, a reminder of all the challenges she had already overcome. She wasn’t just Tony Stark’s successor—she was Pepper Potts, a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
“Thanks, Harry,” she repeated, this time with more conviction. “I needed that.”
“Anytime, Pep. We’re in this together,” Harry said with a reassuring smile. “And whatever happens, we’ll handle it.”
A spotlight suddenly illuminated the stage, and Justin Hammer, dressed in a sharp suit and brimming with his usual swagger, danced confidently to the centre. The crowd fell silent, anticipation thick in the air. Hammer flashed his trademark grin, one that was more showmanship than sincerity, and began his presentation.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Hammer’s voice echoed through the vast hall, each word calculated to draw in the audience, “for far too long, this country has had to place its brave men and women in harm’s way. But then, the Iron Man arrived, and we thought the days of losing lives were behind us.”
Hammer’s voice dripped with feigned concern; his words were designed to strike at the heart of the public’s fears. The crowd murmured in agreement, nodding along as he continued. “Sadly, that technology was kept out of reach. That’s not fair. That’s not right. And it’s just too bad.”
In the front row, Pepper’s eyes narrowed, her irritation barely contained. “Oh, Lord,” she muttered under her breath, her disdain for Hammer’s theatrics evident. Harry glanced at her, sharing her frustration, but remained silent, watching as the presentation unfolded.
Hammer, oblivious or uncaring of the reactions from his competitors, pressed on. “Regardless,” he said with a dramatic pause, “it was an impressive innovation, one that grabbed the headlines the world over.”
The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the reveal. Hammer, ever the showman, basked in the suspense he had created. “Well, today, my friends, the press is faced with quite a difficult problem. They are about to run out of ink.”
With a flourish, Hammer turned to face the massive stage behind him. “Ladies and gentlemen, today I present to you the new face of the United States military. The Hammer drones.”
The stage beneath him rumbled as hidden platforms began to rise. From beneath the floor, a series of sleek, armoured figures emerged, one after another. The crowd gasped in awe as the Hammer Drones were revealed in all their metallic glory, their exteriors gleaming under the stage lights.
“These are the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines,” Hammer announced proudly, gesturing to each group of drones as they appeared. The drones were designed to be intimidating, with each branch customized to reflect the specific needs of its military division. The Army drones were bulkier and built for ground combat, while the Navy drones had a sleeker, more streamlined appearance, designed for aquatic missions. The Air Force drones sported aerodynamic features, hinting at their aerial capabilities, and the Marine drones stood with a menacing posture, ready for any combat scenario.
The crowd erupted in applause, clearly impressed by the spectacle. Hammer basked in the attention, his smile widening as he soaked in admiration. The drones, however, stood ominously still, their presence unsettling to those who understood the gravity of what was being displayed.
As Justin Hammer continued to bask in the applause, the sound of Harry’s phone vibrating in his pocket broke through the noise. Glancing at the screen, he saw Tony’s name flashing and quickly answered, his voice low but alert. “What’s up?”
At the other end, Tony’s voice was sharp, filled with urgency. “The Hammer Drones—they’ve been compromised. Vanko’s got control. You need to get everyone out of there, now!”
Harry’s heart skipped a beat as the gravity of the situation hit him. He knew what was at stake. Without wasting a second, he snapped into action. “J.A.R.V.I.S., I need a full report on the drones and what Tony just said. Text it to me now.”
J.A.R.V.I.S. promptly sent a detailed message to Harry’s phone, outlining the dire situation. Harry’s eyes quickly scanned the text, his mind racing as he processed the information. He could feel the tension rising, a sense of dread creeping in as he realized just how dangerous the situation had become.
Without missing a beat, Harry showed the message to Natasha and Pepper, both of whom instantly understood the seriousness of the situation. Natasha’s expression hardened, her instincts kicking in as she prepared for what was coming. Pepper’s eyes widened in shock, but she quickly composed herself, knowing that time was of the essence.
“I’ll head to the stage and try to buy us some time,” Harry said, his voice steady despite the urgency. “You two start evacuating everyone. We need to get the crowd out of here before things get out of control.”
Natasha nodded, already pulling out her phone to make calls. “I’ll contact the security team. We need to start the evacuation protocol immediately.”
Pepper was already moving, her phone pressed to her ear as she began making calls to the Stark Expo’s organizers and security personnel. “I’ll coordinate with the event staff. We need to clear the site as fast as possible.”
As Harry made his way toward the stage, his mind raced with possible strategies. He knew they had to act quickly. The last thing they needed was a panic, but there was no time to lose. The Hammer Drones, now under Vanko’s control, were a ticking time bomb, and the lives of everyone in the expo hall were at stake.
The crowd, still oblivious to the impending danger, continued to applaud, unaware of the chaos that was about to unfold. Harry, keeping his composure, moved with purpose, his mind focused on one goal.
“That’s a hell of a lot better than some cheerleaders, let me tell you. But as revolutionary as this technology is, there will always be a need for man to be present in the theatre of war. Ladies and gentlemen, today I am proud to present to you the very first prototype in the Variable Threat Response Battle Suit and its pilot, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes.” Justin Hammer announced standing proudly on stage, beaming as the War Machine suit, piloted by Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes, emerged to the crowd’s enthusiastic applause. The drones flanked Rhodey, performing a synchronized salute that sent a wave of awe through the audience. Hammer was in his element, soaking in the admiration and ready to deliver the final flourish to his presentation.
But just as Hammer was about to conclude with a triumphant close, Harry stepped forward, his voice cutting through the applause. “Thank you, Mr. Hammer, for that stellar presentation,” Harry began, his tone polite but firm, instantly drawing the crowd’s attention. “However, I must inform everyone that due to unforeseen security issues, we need to evacuate the premises immediately. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill”
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, the excitement turning to confusion and concern. Harry, sensing the rising panic, quickly cast a wide-range compulsion spell, his magic subtly influencing the crowd. “Please, for your own safety, clear the premises now,” he urged, his voice calm but commanding, the spell ensuring that the urgency of his words was heeded without delay.
The audience began to stir, a wave of murmurs spreading as people started to move toward the exits, their movements unusually orderly for such a situation. Harry’s magic worked to keep the crowd composed, preventing the chaos that could easily erupt in such circumstances.
But Justin Hammer wasn’t having it. “Hey, buddy, what’s going on here? You’re ruining my mojo!” he snapped, frustration clear in his voice as he glared at Harry.
At the same time, Rhodey stepped forward, confusion and concern etched on his face. “Harry, what’s this all about? Why are you doing this?” he asked his tone a mix of disbelief and worry.
Harry turned to Rhodey, his expression serious. “These people are in danger, Rhodey. The drones—they’ve been compromised. We need to get everyone out of here before something terrible happens.”
Rhodey’s eyes widened. His gaze shifted to the drones surrounding him, his mind racing as he began to grasp the threat they posed. Meanwhile, Justin Hammer’s frustration turned to bewilderment as he watched his carefully orchestrated presentation unravel. But as the reality of the situation began to dawn on him, his bluster faded, replaced by a creeping fear. The implications of what Harry was saying were not lost on him, and the confident showman’s facade started to crack.
As the crowd scrambled to evacuate, guided by the police and security that Pepper and Natasha had efficiently organized, a sudden roar of jet engines echoed through the Expo Hall. All heads turned upward as Iron Man made his entrance, the golden-red suit gleaming under the harsh lights. Tony Stark landed with a resounding thud, his expression hidden behind the mask, but the intensity of his movements spoke volumes. Without hesitation, he marched directly toward Justin Hammer, who stood frozen on the stage, a mix of confusion and fear flickering across his face.
“Where is he?” Tony demanded, his voice cold and mechanical through the suit’s speakers.
Justin blinked, trying to maintain his composure but clearly shaken by Tony’s abrupt arrival. “What? Who?” He stammered, his eyes darting nervously around, searching for an escape.
“Vanko,” Tony pressed, his patience wearing thin. “Where is Vanko?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, man!” Justin protested, trying to deflect, but the fear in his voice betrayed him.
Tony stepped closer, towering over Hammer, the tension crackling in the air. “Tell me where he is,” he insisted, each word a barely restrained threat.
Justin tried to maintain his bravado, but he was clearly out of his depth. “What are you doing here, man? This is my show!” He tried, weakly, but the fear was evident.
As this tense exchange continued, something shifted in the background. The minigun attached to War Machine’s shoulder began to move, its barrel slowly swivelling until it was aimed directly at Tony. The crowd gasped, some of them ducking instinctively as they sensed the danger.
Tony noticed the movement and his HUD flashed warnings. “Rhodey?” he asked, his voice calm but with an edge of concern.
Rhodey, still trapped in the suit, could only respond with panic in his voice. “No, I’m not doing this. That’s not me. I can’t move! I’m locked up, Tony! I’m locked up!” he shouted, the frustration and fear clear as the drones around him also began to take aim at Tony.
Tony’s mind raced. The system was compromised, just as he’d feared. The drones, the suit—everything was under Vanko’s control. “Get out of here,” Rhodey urged, his voice desperate. “Go! This whole system’s been compromised!”
Tony didn’t need to be told twice. “Let’s take it outside,” he called, activating his thrusters just as the first shots were fired from the drones and Rhodey’s suit. The sound of gunfire filled the air, echoing off the walls as the bullets and energy blasts tore through the space where Tony had been standing just moments before.
As Tony shot into the air, the hall erupted into chaos. The panicked crowd surged toward the exits, the orderly evacuation now turning into a frantic rush. Harry, still on the ground, moved quickly, using his magic to create barriers to protect the fleeing civilians from the stray shots.
“No, no, no!” Rhodey yelled as his armoured suit, now a puppet to Vanko’s control, took off after Tony, his weapons firing uncontrollably.
Tony soared through the hall, the drones hot on his tail, and Rhodey unwillingly pursuing him. The Stark Expo had turned into a battleground, and the stakes had just skyrocketed.
As chaos erupted around him, Justin Hammer scrambled off the stage, ducking into the backstage area in a desperate attempt to distance himself from the mayhem he had unwittingly unleashed. The drones, now fully under Vanko’s control, began to fire indiscriminately, their deadly payloads ripping through the air. Panic gripped the crowd as they pushed and shoved toward the exits, their actions descending into sheer bedlam.
Harry, his mind racing, knew he had to act quickly before the situation escalated further. Channeling his magic, he cast a massive containment spell, focusing all his energy on creating an invisible dome over the stage area. The air around the stage shimmered as the dome materialized, a nearly imperceptible barrier that encased the drones, trapping them within its confines.
The drones, sensing the barrier, immediately shifted their focus, turning their weapons on the dome. A hail of bullets and energy blasts rained down on the invisible shield but to no avail. The bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the magical barrier, bouncing in all directions, while the energy blasts fizzled out on impact, their power absorbed by the protective spell. The drones, now like caged beasts, whirred and buzzed angrily, their movements frantic as they sought a way to break free.
Sweat beaded on Harry’s forehead as he concentrated on maintaining the spell. The strain of containing the immense power of the drones within the dome was evident, but he couldn’t afford to falter. With one hand, he kept the dome intact, while with the other, he used his magic to guide the panicked civilians toward the exits, gently steering them away from danger.
“Keep moving!” Harry urged, his voice amplified by magic to cut through the noise and chaos. “Stay calm and head to the nearest exit!”
The crowd, still in a state of shock, began to move more steadily under Harry’s guidance, the worst of the panic starting to subside. Harry’s dome held strong, the drones’ relentless attacks proving futile against the magical barrier. But he knew he couldn’t maintain it indefinitely. Every second counted, and he needed to ensure the civilians were safe before he could deal with the drones.
As the last civilian cleared the hall, Harry gave himself a moment of relief. But the fight was far from over. The drones, though contained, were still a threat, and Harry knew that he would have to neutralize them before they could cause any more harm.
As Justin Hammer frantically rushed to a nearby computer, his face pale with fear, he barked orders at the technicians who were just as bewildered as he was.
“What’s going on? What’s happening?” Justin demanded; his voice laced with panic.
“The software’s been overridden,” one of the technicians replied, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he tried to regain control.
Justin’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? What do you mean it’s been overridden? What does that mean?”
“I think he’s slaved the drones,” the technician explained, his tone grim.
“That’s impossible! Call the guards!” Justin snapped, his frustration mounting as he struggled to grasp the severity of the situation.
“All the phones are down, sir,” another technician, Jack, replied, glancing nervously at his screen.
“Then call their... Call their cells!” Justin insisted, his voice rising in desperation.
“Their cell phones aren’t working either, sir,” Jack responded, his face showing growing concern.
“He’s locked us out of the mainframe,” the first technician added, his voice tinged with defeat.
Suddenly, Pepper and Natasha stormed into the room, their expressions steely and determined.
“Who’s locked you out of the mainframe?” Pepper demanded, her tone sharp as she crossed her arms, glaring at Justin.
“Please, please, go away. Go away,” Justin stammered, trying to wave them off with a feeble hand gesture. “I’ve got this handled.”
“Have you now?” Pepper shot back; her skepticism evident.
“Yes, I do,” Justin insisted, though the tremble in his voice betrayed him. “In fact, if your guy hadn’t shown up, this wouldn’t be happening. So, please, now go away. Thank you!” He turned back to the technician, trying to mask his panic with false confidence. “Listen, we’ve got to get these bitches out of here. What?”
Before he could say another word, Natasha moved with lightning speed. She grabbed Justin by the collar and slammed him onto the desk, pinning him down with surprising strength.
“You tell me who’s behind this,” Natasha demanded, her voice low and dangerous. Her eyes bore into Justin’s, leaving no room for deceit.
Justin squirmed under her grip; his fear now fully apparent. “Ivan... Ivan Vanko.”
“Where is he?” Natasha pressed, tightening her hold.
“At my facility,” Justin choked out, his voice barely a whisper.
Natasha’s eyes narrowed as she processed the information, her mind already working on her next move. She released Justin, who slumped back against the desk, visibly shaken.
As Natasha released Justin and stormed out of the room, leaving him trembling with fear, Pepper wasted no time. She pulled out her phone, her fingers moving swiftly as she dialled a number urgently.
Pepper: "I need NYPD, please."
Justin, still trying to regain his composure, stumbled forward, his face a mask of desperation. "No, no, no! Don’t call the authorities!"
Pepper ignored his plea, her expression hardening as she spoke into the phone. "Command Central," she demanded, her voice firm and authoritative.
Justin’s panic grew, his protests becoming more frantic. "No, no, honey. Don’t call the authorities! You’re making a big mistake!"
Pepper turned to him, her eyes cold and unyielding. "Okay," she said curtly into the phone. "Right away. Right away."
Hanging up, she stepped closer to Justin, her presence commanding. "Step aside," she ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument. Justin, cowed by her determination, reluctantly moved back.
Pepper then addressed the technician, her tone brisk and professional. "Tell me everything you know. Go."
The technician, visibly relieved to have someone competent in charge, quickly began detailing the situation. As he spoke, Pepper listened intently, her mind racing as she processed the information. She knew the gravity of the situation, and she was determined to take control and do whatever it took to mitigate the damage.
Natasha entered the chaotic main hall, her eyes immediately locking onto Harry, who stood at the centre of the fray, his face tense with concentration. The invisible dome he had conjured shimmered faintly, a barrier between the panicked crowd and the relentless Hammer drones. Natasha could see the strain etched on Harry's face as he maintained the powerful spell, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
She approached him quickly, her voice cutting through the noise. "Harry, this isn’t sustainable. We need to focus on neutralizing the drones, not just containing them."
Harry glanced at her, his usually bright eyes dulled by exhaustion. "I know," he panted, "but if I let up now, they’ll wreak havoc. I can hold this for a bit longer, but it's draining fast."
Natasha’s mind raced. She knew Harry couldn’t keep this up indefinitely, and every second they wasted there was another second the situation spiraled further out of control. "We need to get to the source," she said, urgency clear in her voice. "If we can regain control of Hammer’s facility, we can shut these drones down for good."
Harry nodded; his determination unwavering despite his fatigue. "Alright," he agreed, his voice resolute. "Let’s do it."
With a final surge of effort, Harry reinforced the dome, buying them just enough time. Natasha grabbed his arm, guiding him through the chaotic hall to where a car was waiting outside. Without another word, they sped off toward Hammer Industries, knowing that the fate of everyone at the Stark Expo rested on what they did next.
As Stark fought valiantly against the onslaught of remote-controlled enemies back at the Stark Expo, Harry and Natasha tore through the city streets, racing toward Hammer Industries Headquarters. Each second ticking away as they closed in on their destination.
"Save your magic for later," Natasha said firmly as they approached the facility's entrance. "I’ll handle the guards."
Without waiting for a response, Natasha sprang into action. She moved with lethal precision, her movements a blur of calculated efficiency. A guard rounded the corner, barely registering her presence before he was shot down by a Taser Disk. The sharp crackle of electricity filled the air as his body convulsed and crumpled to the floor.
Another guard attempted to raise an alarm, but Natasha was faster. She launched a flash bomb, the ensuing burst of blinding light disorienting him. Before he could recover, she closed the distance, disabling him with a swift, bone-crunching strike on his neck.
Natasha's arsenal was diverse, and she used it all with ruthless efficiency. Wire wrapped around a guard's throat, silencing him before he could make a sound. A well-aimed shot of pepper spray incapacitated another, leaving him writhing on the ground. But it was her martial arts skills that truly shone. Each punch, kick, and throw were executed with deadly precision, leaving a trail of unconscious bodies in her wake.
As she neared the control room, the presumed location of Ivan Vanko, Natasha faced a final wave of resistance. The remaining guards were better prepared, but they were no match for her. In a flurry of swift, brutal strikes, she dispatched them with ease, their weapons clattering uselessly to the floor.
Breathing steadily, Natasha stormed into the control room, only to find it eerily silent. Two guards lay dead on the floor, their bodies twisted unnaturally. Vanko was nowhere to be found.
"Dammit," she muttered under her breath, quickly moving to the computer terminal. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she hacked into Vanko's system, bypassing layers of security with practiced ease. The drone controls were heavily encrypted, but Natasha’s determination was unyielding. She dug deeper, her mind racing against the clock.
Despite her best efforts, the drones remained under Vanko’s control, their programming too complex to override in the limited time she had. Frustration gnawed at her, but she didn’t let it slow her down. Her focus shifted to Rhodey’s suit—the one bit of leverage they still had.
With a few deft keystrokes, Natasha isolated the control signal to Rhodey’s armour. It was a long shot, but she had to try. A few tense moments passed before the system finally responded, and she was able to release the suit from Vanko’s grip.
Natasha’s fingers danced across the keyboard; her face illuminated by the soft glow of the control room monitors. The familiar hum of machinery filled the air as she completed the reboot sequence. A moment later, a screen flickered to life, displaying Tony’s image.
“Reboot complete,” Natasha announced with a smirk. “You got your best friend back.”
Tony’s face, now appearing more relaxed and healthier, filled the screen. “Thank you very much, Agent Romanoff,” he replied, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude.
“Glad to be of help,” Natasha said, her eyes flickering between the monitors. “Well done on the new chest piece. I’m reading significantly higher output, and your vitals look promising.”
Tony chuckled, a trace of weariness still in his voice. “Yes, for the moment, I’m not dying. Thank you.”
Pepper’s image appeared on a second screen, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “What do you mean you’re not dying? Did you just say you’re dying?”
Tony’s face turned slightly sheepish as he glanced at Pepper’s image. “Is that you, Pepper? No, I’m not. Not anymore,” he assured, though Natasha’s brows knit in confusion.
Pepper’s eyes widened, her voice rising with alarm. “What’s going on?”
Tony sighed, a touch of frustration mingled with his relief. “I was going to tell you. I didn’t want to alarm you.”
Pepper’s concern grew, her tone sharp. “You were gonna tell me? You really were dying?”
Tony leaned back slightly, trying to ease the tension. “You didn’t let me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that?” Pepper demanded, her voice laced with hurt.
Tony’s gaze softened, a hint of playfulness returning. “I was gonna make you an omelette and tell you. Figured that would be a nice way to break the news.”
Natasha, listening in, couldn’t help but interject with a touch of humour. “Hey, hey. Save it for the honeymoon. You’ve got incoming, Tony. Looks like the fight’s coming to you.”
The banter brought a fleeting smile to Tony’s face, even as he prepared for the impending chaos. With a nod of appreciation to Natasha, he refocused on the task at hand, readying himself for the battle that lay ahead.
Natasha swiftly gathered every piece of crucial data from Hammer Industries' control room. She loaded all the relevant files and schematics onto a hard drive, her mind racing through the implications of what they had just uncovered. The urgency of the situation was palpable as she worked quickly but methodically, ensuring that no detail was left behind.
With the hard drive securely in her grasp, Natasha reconnected with Tony through the coms. Her voice was firm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency. “Tony, Heads up. You got one more drone incoming. This one looks different. Ivan Vanko is approaching you.”
Tony’s response was sharp and alert. “Understood. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for the heads-up.”
Natasha nodded, even though Tony couldn’t see her. She glanced at Harry, who was ready and waiting. They exchanged a brief, determined look, knowing that time was of the essence.
“Let’s get out of here,” Natasha said decisively.
Harry’s grabbed Natasha as he prepared to apparate away from the location. Natasha’s heart pounded as she prepared for the uncomfortable squeeze that accompanied the spell. She closed her eyes, centring her focus, and prepared herself for the disorienting sensation that was about to envelop them. With a crackling pop, the two of them disappeared from the facility.
Comments
Ryan
Good chapter - looking forward to the proposal
