Chapter 15: Faceoff!

Here's chapter 15: Faceoff!

So another win for HammerTime on Patron not surprisingly.

Off to San Francisco we go!

This chapter might set off some reviewers, as throughout the story I've gotten complaints Hammer is too 'dumb' or doesn't 'win' enough on some of the places I post.

Apparently world domination in business doesn't count - only fisticuffs. So let's preface this chapter by saying Justin doesn't always win at everything, he shouldn't, because that would be really boring.

Also this chapter features Helen Cho, crazy, Helen Cho.

Anyway as usual, I don't own Marvel, the Avengers, X-Men or anything from Disney and etc, etc, I make no real money from this and it is entirely a free work from a fan. Don't sue, I is poor.

Hope you enjoy.

＊＊＊

San Francisco, California.

Justin was looking forward to putting a quick end to this wrinkle in his grand designs, but unfortunately it looked like he'd have to take things slower than he'd like.

Which was the story of his life most days.

His SHIELD entourage had joined him in San Francisco, Agent Coulson and Agent Barton managing with some effort, to remain blandly polite - even as they followed him wherever he went.

He somewhat regretted allowing Fury to add this caveat to his interference, but perhaps it would have been twice as painful if he'd just gone ahead and refused Fury, and forced them to be more covert.

They made quite the procession as they all trooped into the Buena Vista Café at Fisherman's wharf, in San Francisco. Justin was followed by Domino and several members of his protection detail, with Coulson, Barton and some STRIKE members following behind and pretending to be a separate group - but so obviously attached to them it was ridiculously pointless.

Usual SHIELD doctrine. Be pointlessly obvious.

Justin smiled pleasantly at Hope, as he sat down across from her. They'd pointedly picked a two seater table to avoid anyone deciding they could sit down with them and join the conversation. Yes, Coulson, we mean you. "We've made a habit of meeting only for a meal it seems." He said charmingly, giving her an honest smile.

Domino took the table next to them, sending a beatific smile at Coulson and Barton, who would have to take a table further away, without being in hearing distance, Barton looked almost tempted to sit down across from Domino, her mien going absolutely mischievous at his pondering. Coulson ended up having to drag him away before he got a chance to embarrass himself any further.

Hope watched the little dance with amusement, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand, "With the circus you always bring, it limits the places we can go." She teased gently, "And since you were late, I already ordered for you." She added, still in the same teasing tone, her green eyes warm.

Hope might not have the ethereal beauty of an Emma Frost, or the deadly grace of a Natasha Romanoff, but everything she had was painfully genuine, and more attractive because of it.

Justin sighed, lips twitching slightly, "It seems to always happen that way, doesn't it?" He agreed companionably, before cranking his neck in the direction of the SHIELD agents, "Although this time I can certainly lay the issue at hand at the feet of my government minders and their incessant whining."

Clint especially, Coulson at least was a professional, but Clint seemed intent on being as annoying as possible.

And Justin hadn't even gone out of his way to punish him for being an Avenger in the future yet.

A waitress appeared with their food, putting a stop to Hope's response. She was a peppy girl, almost bouncing in place, serving Hope first, before laying a plate before him, her wide doe eyes almost shining in awe, "This is the smoked salmon eggs benedict for you, sir, and can I just say I'm a huge huge, so massively huge, fan! You're literally doing more for the planet than the rest of humanity combined!" She said rapidly, in a fast enough cadence he barely caught it all.

There might have been a squeal in there too.

Justin couldn't help but preen slightly, although he stopped as soon as he saw Hope hide a grin behind her hand, realizing he was literally peacocking to some undergrad part timer at a café. He cleared his throat awkwardly, smiling at the overexcited girl, "I appreciate your kind words." He said, mentally wishing she'd go away as Hope continued to laugh at him from behind her hand.

He just knew Domino was going to bring this up later. Why was it whenever he was near Hope he always ended up so awkward instead of the smooth debonair man he was otherwise?

"I'm… Probably going to get fired for asking this and bothering you, but can I have your autograph, pretty please!" She begged, holding both hands and her notepad to her chest, almost squealing at him.

"Yes, Justin, can she have your autograph?" Hope mocked, laughter in her voice, "Be kind to your fans now…." She is enjoying this way too much.

Justin smiled wanly, drawing a pen from his suit pocket that was likely worth more than this locale, and found himself a sheet of paper ripped off the notepad by the rapidly blushing girl. "Who do I make it out to?" He asked politely, one eyebrow twitching slightly as the girl squealed high enough to draw every eye in the café.

Well, to be fair, they were already staring ever since Justin walked in, he was kind of a big deal at the moment. That and all the armed men that followed them in, even in America that wasn't so usual in a simple café.

"Bethany!" The waitress managed to squeal out, squirming in place, her face red as she tried to act casually, swiping some hair out of her face before she scribbled something on her notepad at a fast pace, her blush increasing.

Justin almost wrote down - fuck off Bethany.

That autograph might actually be worth more, to be honest.

But Hope might not be in such a good mood if he made the silly girl cry, so he settled for a neutral - It was nice meeting you, undersigned, Justin Hammer.

There. He was nice. He filled his quota for the month.

He handed the scrap of paper to the girl, Hope and Domino both with shit eating grins on their faces as they watched the girl squeal yet again, holding the note like it was made out of gold.

"Bethany! Stop bothering the customers!" A loud voice yelled from the back, the serving girl blushing furiously, as she dropped the note she'd been struggling to write onto the table, while holding Justin's signature to her chest, running away to deal with her boss. Squeaking out a rushed, "Byethankyouiloveyouimeanit!"

Before Justin could grab the note she left behind, Hope swiped it, Justin having a feeling about what exactly had been written down, grabbing his utensils instead to focus on his delectable looking food, hoping Hope would follow suit.

Alas, he wasn't that lucky.

SHIELDs presence was giving him bad luck, he really needed to ditch those losers soon…

As soon as he got Stane… Fury couldn't complain after that.

Technically a World Security Councilor taking the man in, counted as legal, right?

Hope fanned the note across her face, grinning at him, "You're a hot commodity it seems, Justin." She said playfully, "Not only a phone number, but an address, the girl's measurements and apparently…" She looked over the note again, snorting, "A gymnast roommate who'd be totally down." She finished, in a ditzy accent, mocking him.

"I am fairly famous." He said, refusing to be drawn in further in this whole embarrassing episode, cutting into his smoked salmon dish, grabbing a bite. Hope always manages to find something delicious, he thought, realizing she'd already had several opportunities to end up ordering for him, with him being late to their meetings.

Hope snorted again, placing the note down, attending to her own meal, a Dungeness crab omelet, if he identified the meat correctly as she cut it. He kind of wanted to switch meals now… He loved crab.

Hope noticed his look, gaining a sly look on her face, "I'll give you a bite of mine if I get one of yours?" She said, waving her fork a little in the air. That's definitely crab…

"Jesus Christ, fuck already." Domino muttered from the table next to them, looking skyward, like she was begging for assistance from a higher power.

"We're only good friends, Domino." Hope said firmly, as she lent her fork over to Justin who took a bite out of the crab omelet.

"Friends… Sure." Domino drawled, rolling her eyes. "I always spoon feed my friends too."

"So Hope, have you thought over my offer?" Justin cut in, sending Domino a warning glance, he didn't need his bodyguard ruining the mood.

Hope chewed her food slowly, giving herself a few extra seconds to answer, "It has… Merits." She acknowledged, looking hesitant, "You understand that I'm not comfortable with Pym particles being used for weapons?"

Justin waved the concern away, "It couldn't be farther from my mind, I'm looking at a limited partnership, solely for the efforts of space travel and for setting up either a moon base, or a space station."

Hope's face smoothed out, the relief at the weapons matter being a non entity removing some stress, but she looked around furtively right after, pulling at a lock of hair, "Should we really be talking about this here?"

Justin smirked, "It's no matter, if it gets out, all it means is more pressure on Hank fucking Pym to cough it up, the people and politicians of the world drooling at the idea of a moon base." Good luck keeping it all locked down then, Hank!

Even if his stubbornness was actually helping him, he just needed the man to be less stubborn to him, specifically.

Hope gave him a dry look, some censure in her tone, "That's still my father, Justin." She let out a huff of air, going back to her breakfast, adding. "Although you are still underestimating his stubbornness if you think a little thing like public opinion is going to make a difference."

"But you're open to the idea?" Justin asked, having offered a limited partnership between the two of them for this venture, hoping Hank would at least let his daughter do something with the particles, as long as they and their company were the ones still handling it.

Hope nodded, reaching for her glass of orange juice, "I could definitely see us working together to get into space." She said, a thrum of excitement working through her, Hope trying, but failing, to hold back a brilliant smile.

"Space, the final frontier." Justin intoned heavily, smirking with self satisfaction. This trip was already paying dividends and they hadn't even stomped Obadiah Stane yet.

Hope burst out laughing, "You giant nerd!" She teased, "Don't tell me you're going to name the first shuttle Enterprise?"

Justin sniffed, cutting through some more of his smoked salmon, "Of course not…" Not enough Hammer in that name, he thought, but didn't say. He had a feeling Hope would just tease him more if he revealed that.

Or his planned eventual moon base, HammerDome, name pending.

It would be several years, minimum, before Africa was sufficiently built up to support such a venture, however - unless he focused on it above all else.

And he had too many things to do to focus solely on that.

Hope was still smiling, a knowing look in her eyes, but she switched the subject, cutting Justin a break, "I'll talk to to him, I'll find a way to get him to sign off on just the two of us working on this, I'll have to promise to not let you near any Pym particles though." She warned gently.

Justin scoffed, "I couldn't care less how they're created, I just need them for the space venture, that's it." For now… Pym particles were literally the way to a post-scarcity society…

"As long as you're sure, I'll do my best." Hope promised, flashing him a quick smile, before she got a more distasteful mien to her face, "Let's talk about the elephant in the room… Stane."

"You're going to put me off my breakfast, my darling." Justin joked, but he grabbed a handkerchief and gently dabbed at his lips, "I suppose it would be wise to lay our cards on the table however, especially as Stane can not have missed my presence in San Francisco."

Hope shook her head wryly, "Not when you keep arriving like you're a rock star, with groupies throwing themselves at you." She indicated the note that still lay on the table.

Part of Justin was almost tempted to grab it, the girl had been annoying, but very very cute. The knowing smirk on Hope's face stopped him however, he refused on principle to make a fool out of himself like that.

Instead he smirked proudly, tilting his chin arrogantly, "When you're as good as I am, everywhere rolls out the red carpet."

"Not Stane." Hope pointed out dryly, "And I'm sure he still wants the Pym particles, so someone will show up for the meeting, but seeing this whole circus surrounding you… I don't think he'll show up personally."

Justin made sure there were no servers around for the moment, lowering his voice, "I am fairly certain he was intending to kidnap you to begin with, to force the issue with Hank, so really, I'm coming along so that we can take care of it and follow the trail back to him." He admitted.

At first he'd been thrilled at the opportunity to add himself on to Hope's meeting with Stane, until he realized how foolish it was to rely on Stane being unaware of his presence, even if he attempted to be sly about it instead of openly arriving in San Francisco.

Stane's meeting with Hope happening - while the transfer of the business wasn't finalized and with the uncertainty of FTony's mental condition - was suspicious.

With the Pym particles revealed at the Suez, and Stane being somewhat more than average in intelligence, it was obvious that gaining control of Hope would result in a chance at getting Hank's cooperation.

Which would catapult Stane into a position equal to, and perhaps even surpassing Hammer's own. The particles were that kind of game changer.

Personally, Justin believed it would just bring the old coot out of retirement in an explosive manner, but Stane was obviously not thinking entirely clearly at the moment, chasing his dreams at full speed, hoping to get powerful enough, quickly enough, that he could then escape the consequences.

Sort of a limited plan similar to Justin's own, just incredibly rushed and hanging on by a prayer. Someone would nail Stane eventually, if he kept going like this. Not everyone knew about Hanks previous career though, Justin wouldn't without his previous knowledge.

Justin just wanted this all done before Stane took control of Stark industries and changed too much about Iron Man's trajectory. He really didn't want to be stuck financing it himself.

"You really think he'd be that bold?" Hope asked, head bent low, whispering back to him furtively, her lips barely moving.

Justin nodded, "It's why we'll spring the trap, he's no doubt somewhere nearby, so that he could meet with you after you're captured and explain what he wants, typical villain 101."

"And your… Guests?" She asked quietly, the warmth and playfulness drained out of her with the realization of their upcoming meeting, which somewhat bothered Justin.

He liked it better when she was smiling.

Justin scoffed lightly at her mention of the agents, "They're insisting everything is fine, despite their agent not reporting in for days, I'm plain ignoring them, feel free to do the same."

Hope pursed her lips, glancing over at said agents, who were watching them intently, Agent Barton now openly showing his chagrin. "Seems I'll be the one to owe you one after this." She said finally.

Justin took a bite of smoked salmon, shaking his head, "You've bought me food, again, so I'm afraid I still owe you." He insisted.

Hope laughed, shaking her head, the small aura of discontent fading, as they just enjoyed breakfast together.

Stane would be dealt with tomorrow.

Whatever ambush he had planned for Hope, wouldn't be enough for Justin and his team, no matter what reinforcements he could bring in on short notice.

Stane couldn't wait either, not now that they were on to him, that Hope knew about him, he'd have to go all in.

Or he'd surprise them all, and just show up for the meeting, and call it all off to attempt to seem 'normal' hoping it would all blow over.

Either way, Justin would ensure he came out on top.

＊＊＊

Cairo, Egypt.

Ororo Munroe could hardly believe the kind of speed these things worked at.

She'd barely been approached by Charles about this venture - the actual reveal of mutants on a global scale - before she was flown out to Cairo to begin working on the project.

The fact Africa itself would be playing a major part in the process was something Ororo could get behind. After so long of being exploited, they'd finally step out on the world stage as something more, equals to one and all.

Of course, she hardly thought Hammer wasn't exploiting them, but at least he was doing it in a way that hugely benefited them at the same time.

Which drew parallels to how Hammer was doing this mutant venture as well. She was sure he was exploiting them for his own reasons, but the net benefit to all mutants would just be too great to quibble about it.

Charles had explained it, and Ororo had drawn some conclusions even Charles hadn't, because Charles, despite everything, had always led a privileged life. He just couldn't see it sometimes - the things Ororo could.

Hammer was a grifter, he was helping them, but he'd take the lionshare of the profits and benefits. She had no doubt most of the mutants that she'd be nominally in charge of in UNESCO, would end up loyal to Hammer above everything.

At least the uplift of Africa would help the lingering pain of seeing Wakanda destroy themselves so fully… Ororo couldn't even help if she wanted to, they literally had no allies anymore, African countries hating them even more than anyone else.

She was brought out of her thoughts, as the blonde nordic looking woman who had introduced herself as Hammer's personal assistant, walked over, heels clicking loudly against the hardwood floors.

"Apologies for the wait, Miss Munroe. There were some issues at customs, and the photographer's for your specific set were briefly detained. They are here now, and we're ready to begin." Elena said, only a slight pinch to her features showing her annoyance.

Ororo tilted her head curiously, "What kind of issue detained them?" She wondered out loud, already having a feeling…

She did know this country fairly well.

Elena gave her a strained smile, "Some of their portfolio apparently… Clashed, with some views of the border guards." Her features hardened, as she grasped her clipboard tightly, "Hammer industries made it very clear to them that such a thing shall not happen again, and the Egyptian security services promised that customs agents would be re-educated post haste."

Ororo sighed, rising gracefully from her seated position. She thought it was something like that, not surprising, but it sits ill that Hammer industries already has such a grasp on Egypt…

She had a thought, pausing as she walked behind Elena, the assistant stopping as well, looking back at her with a questioning look.

"Anything the matter, Miss Munroe?" She asked professionally.

"This photo shoot… Exactly how risque is it?" She asked dryly, she was tentatively onboard with being the 'face' of mutanthood, but if they had been stopped at customs… Certain things were not something she signed up for, no matter how tight the uniform she usually wore was.

Elena smirked, seeming to understand exactly where she was coming from, "Nothing like that," She said, before she flashed a smile, some wicked amusement in her eyes, "The bathing suit catalog however to introduce the first complement of UNESCO Metahumans, will have you on the cover."

Ororo sighed, following the woman to her doom. When she'd signed on to take over UNESCO under Hammer Industries, she'd expected paperwork, courses, training new mutan - sorry, Metahumans, in all manner of things.

Not a swimsuit catalog or photo shoots for the coming reveal. It seemed to her, those should take a backseat to the actual work. But they would be running hundreds of ads, everywhere in the world, so she supposed they had a lot of material to go through.

Her eyes twitched slightly as she entered the room used for this photoshoot, to see various Metahumans in a state of undress, all very attractive of course, as that was the point.

She wasn't sheltered, she was well aware how the industry worked. Sex sells, and all that. Sexy mut- Metahumans, would make it more likely they'd be accepted, she could acknowledge the point, as distasteful as it was.

This is how we're saving mutants…? She couldn't help but think, however.

Charles…. this better work!

＊＊＊

Pentagon, United States of America.

Thaddeus Ross drummed his fingers on his desk, eyes intent on the demonstration recording he was watching, his new lofty position rarely giving him the time to be on site anymore.

Hammer's demonstration had been the last one he'd attended in person. His lips thinned in distaste as he thought about the man, and his outrageous demands.

He'd never thought he'd run into a man more annoying than Tony Stark. But Hammer managed, and his arrogance in believing he was the only one capable of delivering was astounding.

Setting impossible prices to force the United States of America into either holding off on the next evolution in warfare - or face bankrupting themselves to get a hold of enough suits - it was not the action of someone with America's best interest in mind.

He'd been wrong on one thing though, Ross thought with grim satisfaction, seeing the power armor on the video destroy the targets completely, Hammer wasn't the only one capable of power armor.

Not anymore.

Ross tossed the tablet onto the desk, leaning back in his leather chair, "So… They're not quite the same as what we asked for, are they?" He said gruffly. They're not Hammer weapons…

Besides, it wouldn't do to give his guest a big head by being too effusive with praise, that had been Hammer's issue.

His guest chuckled, "Not the same as Hammer, you mean? I'm afraid I went for a different manner of weaponry and flight, something I've worked on since long before Hammer displayed his wares." He splayed his hands out, a wild grin on his face, "But I give you options, Ross! Drones, or suits, I can do either or both, and for a fraction of the insulting price Hammer gave you."

Now how does he even know about that…? If there's a leak in my department I'm going to string them up by their bootstraps from the Washington monument! Ross thought, gritting his teeth.

Ross eventually grunted quietly, irritated by Osborn's knowledge, but showing him that he had heard him at least. That said, putting his knowledge aside, drones as an option would greatly reduce complaints about casualties, and also meant that proper soldiers with battle experience would be running them, instead of cocky flyboys in million dollar suits."I am tentatively interested in the drones." He pointed a finger at the man opposite him, glaring at him, " If they work as advertised, one demonstration is hardly enough."

They both knew it was bullshit. He wanted them, and he wanted them yesterday. They need to be one step ahead, especially after the Wakanda debacle. Congress was running snap elections soon, but it would still mean a weakened government for quite a while. Ellis, Ross thought, was hardly a wartime president either…

Norman Osborn cackled, leaning forward in his chair, rubbing his hands together, "I can deliver hundreds of the Goblin armor within the month, thousands by the end of the year."

Ross grimaced, "Can we change the name, Goblin is hardly appropriate for the United States armed forces." He scoffed, raising his hands, "Why am I asking?" He spoke, almost to himself, before stabbing a finger towards Osborn, "We're changing the name, but we'll begin with half a drone complement and half piloted armor, to start with, for testing purposes." He barked, not feeling overly pleased about the ugly green armor and flight devices, compared to Hammer's sleek monstrosities.

But he could buy several battalions of Osborn's armors and even skip on the pilot, for the price of one of Hammer's devices. Besides, they could probably paint them or something, make them less ugly.

There wasn't even a question about the choice, and with the Pentagon still dealing with personnel shuffles and promotions issues due to their losses, he'd bully the requisition through for the first few hundred examples.

By the time Congress was elected, he'd present them with a fait accompli and they'd sign off on the new best thing, no newly elected congressman would shoot down a defense spending bill in this climate. Especially one sponsored and already half written by Edmundson, the designated survivor and only current congressman.

Someone who owed Ross, and therefore was owned by Ross.

Wakanda had certainly helped his career go upwards, he'd repay them with hundreds of armors cutting through their people. According to the experts at the Pentagon, it would be months before they had the shield down, plenty of time to get these armors operational.

Osborn's eyes flashed, as Ross disparaged the name, but he nodded along, with gritted teeth, understanding who he was working with, and not arrogant enough to snap back, unlike some.

Ross smirked, heh, at least there's one billionaire with the sense to do as he's told, he thought, before getting into the nitty gritty of negotiations, determined to squeeze as many of these goblin armors out of the man as possible.

They'd have to power them with HammerTech through Arc reactors, so unfortunately he couldn't completely avoid the Hammer connection, as much as it galled to send more money his way, with how the arrogant fool attempted to screw with him.

Osborn had just been missing that one component, power, for years. So he already had everything necessary ready for production.

How ironic, Ross thought, that Hammer would provide the one thing that would allow him to completely skip past Hammer's power armor, for his own more dependable supplier.

Take your ten billion and shove it up your arse, Hammer, he thought, shaking Norman Osborn's hand.

I've made the better deal, with the better man!

＊＊＊

Lunchtime, Hammer industries San Francisco office.

The breakfast with Hope had gone about as well as Justin could have hoped for.

For all that he was pushing for Pym particles for himself, for limited projects - he had no intention of allowing it to become widespread yet. He didn't yet hold dominion of the planet. There could be no post-scarcity society until after he was in charge of everything.

He refused to allow humanity's uplift to push him to the side. Pym particles were a universal cheat, the building block to everything moving ahead. And that could only be allowed once he controlled it.

With Hope and him in a joint venture for space, the Pym particles would begin to be put to use, slowly, and under his and Hope's control, benefitting only them - until he could control the entire process in the distant future. A moon base didn't look too crazy when one rocket alone could bring up enough supplies to build a city.

He only needed to further build up infrastructure in Africa first, because trusting NASA to not have any SHIELDRA members wasn't something he was going to do. He needed it all to be under his domain, his control. There could be no chances for subversion of any space assets.

What would be the point in defense satellites or a big honkin' space gun on the moon - if some bastard could turn it back on them?

He'd done the right thing in trying to lure Hope in, even if it was a shame she insisted on keeping things platonic. Partners wasn't something he really did, but he'd make an exception for this. The Pym particles were that important. And if he kept Hope happy, and dazzled her with the possibility of going into space - certainly did that - then half the battle was already won.

Now if only some of the other women in my life were as easy to get along with… He thought, apprehensively.

Doctor Helen Cho was making her way through security at this very moment, Domino taking no chances, putting her and the men that escorted her - through stringent protocols - to ensure there wasn't any possible avenue for trickery or betrayal. If Cho was right, and she had the means for mind control, permanent mind control - at least according to her theory about its effects - due to the concentrated liquid she'd managed to create…

There could be no chances taken.

There could be no risk that Cho was under Kilgrave's influence somehow. Which was also why they'd ensured she wouldn't reach him anywhere near the twelve hour window his power usually worked under.

Although Cho was fairly certain the concentrated essence had no time limit…

She would be going through a decontamination chamber before seeing him, her clothing destroyed, there would be no chances that she'd have any means of spreading any chemical concoctions onto him. His San Francisco branch consisted mostly of labs with attached offices, so had the available rooms and procedures already in place.

The vial had already been secured, and transferred to the most secure vault he had on the west coast. A nuke wouldn't be enough to even make the vault take notice, so it should be fairly safe there, until he figured out what exactly he could use it for.

As he waited for Cho to finish decontamination procedures, his thoughts turned to the innocuous vial of Kilgrave juice.

There were so many options really, world leaders, villains, heroes, even business rivals..

But…

He already could control world leaders without much effort, discounting Asia and the Mandarin's control.

Villains and heroes… He doubted he'd need it for them, it was a one time resource after all. Except for again, the Mandarin - there really weren't any real threats right now. Magneto was at the very least leaning towards neutral for now, taking the biggest immediate threat out of the picture.

And with the soon to be rechristened mutants about to come over to his side in droves, Magneto's threat rating would only drop.

No… Controlling heroes or villains was hardly worth it.

As for business rivals, hah!

He already was mowing down the competition just fine without needing something like mind control. It would be a waste.

Justin typed away at his keyboard, a report he'd received a few days back coming into relevance again. He'd tasked Sunil with possible geniuses that could set up his own AI…

He'd originally wanted Samuel Sterns for the project, knowing that even if he wasn't a genius programmer, once he'd become the leader, his brain enhanced by the Hulk's blood - he could become one quick enough. His genius could easily be able to pick up new subjects.

And his morals would perhaps be loose enough to be bought easily. Although trust would be hard…

Except… Lately, when he'd been going over his plans for the near future, he'd come to the realization that Ross wasn't chasing Banner across the world, he was much too busy for that. And with the super weapons now popping up, Banner wasn't even a priority anyway. The odds of the situation in regards to Sterns going down in even remotely the same way - was frighteningly low.

So he'd had to start looking at backup options. Getting Sunil to put together a small list of people who could possibly transform Tony Stark's work into something completely loyal to Justin.

Ah, here's the list… If one can call something with so few names, a list.

Leo Fitz… Unlikely to be worth the effort, a genius from reports, but in the SHIELD academy, which always brought up the possibility he was HYDRA. Even if he wasn't, it didn't exactly make him more trustworthy.

Holden Radcliffe, somewhat more promising perhaps, he was working at GT Agrochemical, and was currently, affording to Sunil, in hot water with the company for his obsession with Transhumanism.

Which again, didn't make him trustworthy, as a transhumanist might be exactly the kind of person to let Skynet loose to transcend humanity or some nonsense.

Last name on the list was a mutant, Cypher. His power was the ability to easily understand any language, including programming languages, and he was also very technically skilled. If anyone could parse through Jarvis, and change his code to something more suitable to Justin's taste - it was likely Cypher.

Of course, he was one of Xavier's, which could present a problem…

AI…

So much hinged on Justin having that kind of assistance, especially for surveillance and eventually space defenses…

His thoughts ruminated on the vial. None of the three options were someone he'd just trust with crafting his AI, there was always a chance they'd build a backdoor, or betray him.

Of all the options in the world… Was this the best one? A truly loyal programmer and genius to work on AI, to continue to upgrade, maintain and work with the AI intelligence itself…

If he mind controlled someone like Cypher… How would he hide it from Xavier?

His thoughts were interrupted before he could make a decision, the door opening, a fidgety Cho entering wearing only a hospital style gown.

He winced slightly at the almost slavish look of adoration that took over her face, even as the slim woman hesitated at the frame of the door.

"Come in, Helen, my apologies for the rough treatment, but we had to be sure." Justin said, getting up and walking around his desk, meeting her halfway with an easy smile.

The poor woman had even faced a cavity search, the least he could do was treat her kindly at this point.

Sunil's warning of how she was blaming herself had changed his initial approach too; he'd initially intended to chastise her slighty for acting foolishly, but if she was already heartbroken for 'failing' him, that kind of approach could backfire. He'd need a more gentle approach, not the big bad boss, but the friendly caring one.

She was too valuable an asset to push away.

Helen stopped just an arm's length away, lowering her head slightly, eyes on the floor, "I failed, you should have treated me worse!" She whispered out softly, barely audible, an aura of dejection around her.

Justin winced, he was usually not half bad with people, but he really had no idea how to deal with Cho. He was lost for words for a moment, wondering if he should offer comfort, or something more neutral, when he noticed the woman begin to sniffle slightly.

For fucks sake….

Justin stepped forward and hugged her, Helen letting out a gasp in shock and not so hidden awe at the action, he patted her on the back, feeling awkward, "There, there, it was a longshot project anyway, and you managed to get something out of it, it's really not a failure."

"B-but you gave me a job and I couldn't do it!" Helen said, staring up at him with wide open eyes, searching for admonishment, her cheeks beginning to redden.

"You did do it, you produced a vial, which is honestly more than I expected out of the project." Justin admitted, having hoped for more, but expected nothing, it was a longshot project to begin with.

"I failed you, you who've done so much for humanity already, for me, you've cured disease! And I let you down!" Helen said insistently, hands grasping around his tie as she stared intently up at him, eyes burning with belief and passion.

That's… One way to look at it, Justin thought with bemusement, he'd marketed it sure, bankrolled it, but Helen had more to do with perfecting Panacea than Justin did. Not that he was averse to the idea of taking the credit, his name was on it as well, just… What was she after, exactly? Stroking his ego like that…

"You haven't failed." He reiterated, taking a step back, releasing her, her hands slipping off his tie as he did, "And I have plenty more work for you, Maya will get much further in her current projects if she had you by her side again."

With current successes of the Soldier serum/Extremis mix being on the low end, Helen's expertise in genetics might speed up the viability to where it could be used far sooner than projected. Only the fact Kilgrave had priority to be figured out or eliminated - had previously prevented Helen's involvement.

Justin hadn't wanted to risk just keeping Kilgrave on ice. He hadn't read too many comics back in the day, but he'd read enough that something like that sounded exactly like how you got fucked. So Kilgrave's death really wasn't a failure in any meaning of the word.

He'd also ensured Sunil checked and ensured nothing of the body remained. There would be no miraculous resurrections.

Helen sank to her knees, grasping his hand and nuzzling it. What the fuck!?

"I must be punished, sir." She said seriously, fanaticism shining out of her eyes, "I failed you, I can't continue on to another project without a punishment for my deficit."

Maybe leaving her completely isolated for so long had been a bad idea… Justin thought, staring down at the woman who was rubbing her cheek against his hand. "Shouldn't punishment be my choice?" He asked, dryly, trying to remain normal, despite of her odd behavior.

What kind of reading material did she have access to in her isolation? This is not the crazy woman that went into the facility… But… It's not Kilgrave crazy either… I think.

She was definitely crazier though…

Helen nodded rapidly, "You're right of course, sir, I was presumptuous." She smiled dopily, staring up at him, her cheeks cherry red now, "Please punish me for having ideas above my station!"

Before Justin could even begin to address that, Helen untied the knot for her gown at the neck, the material falling to the floor, pooling at her knees, which somewhat delayed his thought process.

Justin should be dealing with the crazy fanatic kneeling naked in his office right now, he should perhaps be thinking about the gorgeous naked woman in other manners as well - but instead his thoughts are stuck on one thing, as he points at a spot on her body, "When did you have the chance to get a tattoo? And why is it my name!?" He asked incredulously.

The reports on her fanaticism growing, had if anything been underreported.

Helen preened slightly, "Do you like it, sir?" She cooed, running a hand over it, "I programmed one of the robot arms in the lab to do it on one of my off days." She said proudly.

Justin reached for his phone, nodding at the crazy genius with a genial smile. "Domino… I need an adult." He said over the line, not even joking. "It's pretty…" He told Helen with a strained voice, the woman beaming up at him, still stroking the tattoo.

Which… Was very alluring. His name was marked on her, that… He hadn't realized that was something that he'd like. Alot.

He just… How do you even deal with this version of Cho? He'd punted her away after mistakingly causing her to fixate on him, figuring the distance would solve the issue for him. But she'd gotten ten times worse.

And he couldn't alienate her, he needed her expertise still. Would need her for so much, the X-Gene research, the Extremis/Super concoction, alien dissection and discovery when they got to that point…

Domino soon arrived, poking her head in the door, snorting slightly as she spotted the naked, and still kneeling, Doctor Cho.

"What did you need, boss? Forgot a condom?" She snarked, thankfully not able to see the tattoo from where she stood.

Justin sent her a death glare, sending a text message over his glasses, gesturing slightly at Helen. Fix her. The short message he sent said. Not something he wanted to vocalize in case it made the scientist crazier.

Domino checked her phone, and this time the snort was much louder. "You fucked her into this, so fuck her out of it! I'm no therapist." She said, and then, she walked away!

He paid her a mountain of gold and she walked away! Leaving him with this… Beautiful, slavishly loyal, kinky woman… Crazy, yes, but…

"You're fired!" Justin shouted after her, because still, he was the boss and she'd abandoned him. His eyes turned back to the woman who was still patiently waiting on her knees for Justin to 'punish' her.

He undid his tie, sighing, "Fuck it. What's the worst that could happen?" He'd been on a bit of a forced dry spell because of how busy he'd been anyway,

And Helen was certainly willing enough…

One spanking coming up to start with.

It's not like she could get any worse, right?

… Right?

＊＊＊

The next day, San Francisco.

They were in the armored limousine heading to the offices where Obadiah Stane had arranged to meet with Hope, with said woman sitting in between Justin and Domino, dressed in sensible but fashionable business attire, matching Justin with the dark blue coloring.

They were already almost there, the locale not too far from Justin's offices, the ride mostly spend in silence so far, as Justin gave Domino the evil eye from time to time.

"So… Did I miss something?" Hope asked bemusedly, looking in-between Justin and Domino, the second was as easy going as usual, and just laughed at the question, while the first kept glaring at the second.

"Nothing…" Justin said, trying not to think of how he'd compounded on the issue of sleeping with employees, by doing it again, and again.

And again. Helen's enthusiasm had grown with leaps and bounds.

Really, he didn't learn, he blamed Domino for it, his eyes turning towards her in a glare again, "Someone who is supposed to keep me from making bad decisions, decided to abandon their duty yesterday." He growled out.

Hope raised an eyebrow, looking at the still mirthful Domino, before returning an unimpressed gaze on Justin, "You're an adult, Justin, why didn't you keep yourself from doing something stupid?" She asked, sounding exasperated.

Justin really didn't want to tell Hope exactly what he'd been doing. So he switched the subject, dropping his annoyance at Domino, for now. "So, Stane is almost certainly going to come after us, but we've already planned for it, so you'll have no need to worry, Hope. You'll be safe throughout this meeting."

Justin had taken several steps to ensure it.

Hope patted him on the hand, "I'll just ask Domino later." She said with a small smirk, before she tossed her hair over one shoulder, leaning back, seemingly utterly relaxed about their upcoming encounter, "I've seen the New York aftermath, and the Suez, I have no doubt about you and your team's capabilities, Justin."

"D'aww, she likes us, boss!" Domino said, hand to her heart, Hope just rolling her eyes at the bodyguard.

He really needed to do something about the two of them becoming friends, Domino knew a lot of dirt…

Justin couldn't help but chuckle along for now however, putting Cho out of his mind for later, fanaticism could be cured surely, cult members were cured, so Cho could be fixed eventually. It wasn't as much of a problem as the other issues he was juggling. "Just let me take the lead," He told Hope, "Our government stooges won't be able to hassle you afterwards if you were just 'following' in my wake."

Hope gave him a measured look, "What are you going to do that would have agents potentially hassling me?"

Murder the shit out of Stane and his puppet… "Oh, nothing illegal really, just taking Stane and his clone or whatever it is, somewhere private for a chat."

"We're pulling up, boss." Domino said, suddenly serious, "SHIELD is already on site, waiting for us." She tapped her ear, where the communication from their security team was fed straight to Domino.

Justin rolled his eyes, "Of course they are, they wouldn't want to be seen like they're following behind us, like good little puppies."

Justin knew he already had snipers monitoring the building, a fast response force with helicopters in case he needed backup, the heavily armed team following him, and a trump card for just in case.

Stane wouldn't be able to outambush him.

Nothing he could bring to bear would beat Extremis and Domino either.

They got out of the armored limousine, just in time to see the glass doors opening, Natasha Romanoff, or as she was known currently, Natalie Dormer, walking out, holding a clipboard, walking past the SHIELD agents like they didn't even exist, walking up instead to Justin and Hope.

"Mr Stane is still willing to meet with you Miss Van Dyne, despite this rudeness with your arrival." She said smoothly, her eyes flickering to Justin without even a hint of the rage she probably felt inside, "And of course, he's delighted at your surprising inclusion, Mister Hammer."

"Stane and I go way back, sweetheart." Justin said with a grin, eyeing Natashalie in a way that earned him an elbow to the gut from Hope.

Natalie smiled politely, ignoring the byplay, "Mr Stane requested that no more than four bodyguards in total may enter the premises." Her eyes swept the heavily armed regiment of Hammer securities soldiers. "We feel that it's being very generous considering the unexpected addition to today's meeting."

Before anyone could respond, Agent Coulson stepped up, "Myself and Barton here are Miss Van Dynes bodyguards." He stated firmly, the thin line of his lips demanding that no one argued the point.

Hope simply looked towards Justin, who made a show of thinking it over, just to mess with the SHIELD agents, before shrugging and pointing at Domino, "I just need her, so I guess we're only taking three." He said to Natashalie.

She gave him a perfect customer service smile, "Then please follow me." She murmured, turning abruptly and walking rapidly towards the building, owned by a shell company, that was owned by another shell company and so on, to the extent Justin had no idea who actually owned it. Albeit it seemed fairly obvious it would be Stane.

Domino flashed a couple of hand signals, and the security team began moving rapidly, to take up positions around the building, ready to breach if necessary, or to provide cover if they had to exit rapidly.

Worst case, they could blow the building. Justin and Hope would survive, and Domino would trip herself out of trouble somehow.

They entered through the glass doors, Domino by his side, and Barton by Hope's, while Coulson walked alongside their 'host', totally not sharing secret messages or codes through blinking or something.

It was odd that she hadn't contacted them at all, but was so freely allowed to come get them like this, had she really had no way of slipping away for even a single report? Justin watched her suspiciously, because if Tony Stark could be replaced, why not Natashalie?

And it wasn't just so he could watch her delightful rump as she walked in high heels either. That was simply a bonus.

"Do you have to ogle every woman you see?" Hope murmured lowly to him as they walked through an empty lobby, a perfect ambush spot, the upper floors having balconies from where one could pin down anyone on the bottom floor, the inside open all the way up to the top floor, in the style of a mall.

Justin nodded briefly, as he kept his eyes peeled for the expected ambush. "Of course, it would be the height of rudeness for me not to appreciate beautiful women such as yourself, Hope." He replied, on autopilot. His glasses investigated his surroundings for any signs, switching to heat vision. Ah. There it is.

Justin coughed lightly, "I believe we will be waiting in here for our host." He told Natashalie, drawing glances from everyone else.

"You want to wait in the killbox?" Clint said in disbelief, shaking his head, "Aren't you supposed to be a genius?"

Natashalie looked back at him, her face placid, but her back ramrod straight with tension, "Is there something the matter, Mister Hammer?" She asked, demurely.

Domino already had two guns out, sweeping their surroundings warily, immediately trusting in her boss to have a reason for his insanity.

Your firing has been revoked, He told her mentally, for that show of support. His glasses already showed where his trump card was waiting and ready if necessary, he didn't intend to risk Hope's life. Even if it would be difficult to remove her with conventional means, since she received the Extremis treatment after the Suez. He lazily raised his hand, pointing forward to the entrance they were heading for. "8 people in that small room ahead, I think I prefer this big open space…"

Depending on what they were packing, in that small space even Extremis would only help so much if they all let loose with nowhere to dodge.

Natashalie gave him a long glance, before she shared a look with Coulson, obviously realizing the jig was up either way. She reached out a hand to Clint, who immediately gave her a gun, as she tied her hair into a ponytail one handed. "You always ruin everything, don't you Hammer?" She said caustically. "Couldn't even play along for one god damn minute."

Justin grinned, winking at her, "It is part of my charm, Natashalie. One part out of many that you enjoyed, over and over again."

"Can I shoot him? He regenerates now, it won't even do any harm." She asked Coulson coldly, checking over her gun, making sure it was set for the coming confrontation.

Coulson glanced over at Domino, before dryly replying, "If I thought we wouldn't end up with a ricochet to the groin, I'd allow it." He looked ahead, "What can you tell us?" He asked soberly, Clint stepping away from Hope to give Natasha a slight jab to the shoulder, a smile on his face.

Justin stepped next to Hope, Domino coming over as well, the divide between the two groups very clear, "They're moving, they've seen that we've stopped." He mumbled to Domino, one hand on Hope's arm, "Just stick close, Hope, you're in no danger here."

She smirked, patting his hand, "Don't worry, Justin, this is actually exciting in a way, and I can take care of myself." She seemed very confident of that, making Justin wonder.

Before the SHIELD agents could fully familiarize themselves with Natashalies report, the doors opened, and Obadiah Stane walked out, followed by several masked men and women. They were fully covered, so there wasn't any hint as to who they were.

Justin was shocked that Stane was actually on site, even if it made it easier for him. That said… His eyes narrowed as he noticed one heat signature hadn't come out, and was moving to an upper floor instead, utilizing another exit back there presumably. Who's to say this is even Stane? It could also be a doppelganger…

Stane, if that is who it was, smiled and splayed out his arms in a welcoming manner, "Mister Hammer and Miss Van Dyne, precisely the people I wanted to meet."

"You haven't made it especially easy to find you…" Justin pointed out, eyeing the masked men and women, his glasses not able to tell much with how covered they were, couldn't exactly pull off facial recognition like that.

Stane grinned toothily, "It was all to get you here, today, my boy." He said exultantly, gesturing to their surroundings, "The people who can change this world, all in the same place." He lowered his head, staring sorrowfully at Natashalie, "That said, traitors and agents aren't invited, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave us be, to charter in a new world."

Justin tapped Domino on one wrist, gaining her attention and looking upwards, mouthing one, at her, to let her know they had someone moving on the upper floors, while Stane was busy monologuing at the SHIELD agents.

Domino nodded, keeping an eye out for a possible second ambush.

"I'm afraid we can't do that, Mister Stane, and despite your… Entourage, this building is surrounded, you'd do yourself a favor if you simply cooperated at this point." Agent Coulson said succinctly, both Natashalie and Clint pointing handguns at the businessman.

"Shouldn't we do something?" Hope whispered into Justin's ear.

He shook his head, speaking barely audibly, "Let SHIELD take the first hit."

It would allow Justin to see exactly what Stane was capable of after all.

"I already know you're not Obadiah Stane." Natashalie cut in suddenly, her gun fixed on the man who stopped speaking, giving her a wounded look, "You're the same man that impersonated Tony Stark…"

Justin's focus shifted away from the men behind him, and the still moving heat signature that was moving to a position just above them. This, this was the man he wanted to rip apart!

This was the bastard who needed to die for messing with Justin's plans. For daring to try and prevent Tony Stark from having the resources to be Iron Man.

Stane sighed, shaking his head, "We let you know that much, my dear." He said in a suddenly Russian accent. "I spotted you the second you entered our service, people in my profession do keep an eye on people in your profession, you know."

He eyed them dispassionately, "The SHIELD agents are an impediment." He said, as if to no one.

From one second to the next, one of the men behind 'Stane' teleported behind the SHIELD agents, shooting them, Coulson and Barton both slumping down, immediately unconscious - even as Natashalie danced away, bringing her gun up to fire at the teleporter, who simply dodged, disappearing from sight.

Domino was tense, giving Justin a questioning look, but he slowly shook his head at her. Even with the reveal that the people facing them had abilities, he still felt secure enough. They'd find out more information without the SHIELD agents in the way, and Fury couldn't even complain, because Justin had taken them everywhere with them.

It was not his fault they were too weak to do anything. Fury should have sent better people.

Before Natashalie could fire again, one of the other ability users crashed into her, managing to hold her still long enough for the teleporter to nail her with the same stun gun he'd been using. Natashalie slumping unconscious, while in the process of trying to scissor her legs around the head of the man holding her.

Slut, Justin thought uncharitably, Already finding another man, after betraying FStane.

"We appreciate your cooperation." 'Stane' said to Justin and Hope, smiling smarmily.

"Where's the actual Obadiah Stane?" Justin asked coldly, If that snake manages to wiggle out of this by claiming he was also impersonated…

Justin wasn't the kind of villain who blew up the moon or took a city hostage or anything, but he might start if Obadiah Stane walked away scot free from all of this.

'Stane' shrugged, "Oh, who knows, it's really not any of your business anyway, is it?" He said with an easy grin, still speaking with a Russian accent.

"Domino, shoot out his kneecap." Justin ordered, squeezing Hope's hand to reassure her, especially now that he was going to be a little more serious than he usually was around her.

Then again, she had been at the Suez canal. She was hardly a shrinking violet.

The men and women protecting the doppelganger moved, but were unable to prevent the shot, as Domino fired a shot that ricocheted of a metal pipe, and despite the doppelganger literally being picked up and moved across the room by the teleporter, still managed to shoot out his left kneecap, causing the man to collapse to the floor in a shrill scream of pain and rage. The masked men and women all turned to face Justin, silently.

"I asked a question." Justin said mildly, glaring threateningly at them.

"Dimitri, cease your whimpering, it's only a knee." An amused voice said from right above them.

Justin stiffened, looking up, he'd forgotten about the last man. He immediately cursed upon seeing him, recognizing him, both from their meeting, and Emma's warning. Which was not good for the current situation.

Sebastian Shaw.

The grinning man looked down on them, "How do you like my hellions, Hammer?" He asked, gesturing to the silent and covered up men and women, who he now could guess were all mutants.

Before he could answer, the man leading the Hellfire club switched his gaze, "Ah, but I would be remiss to not speak to the honored guest, Miss Van Dyne, first." The sleazy tone of his voice, and the covetous gaze, made Justin want to rip the man apart for daring to assault Hope with either.

Hope sniffed imperiously, "This is not even the best kidnapping attempt this month." She snarked, making Justin feel oddly proud, even if it was really bad timing for it.

Shaw was dangerous. But then again…

So was he!

Sebastian laughed, his large hands easily crushing the steel balcony railing he was holding onto, before he jumped down, easily landing in front of them, the floor shattering around him, his Hellions quickly surrounding him in formation. "You have spunk, that's good, it will do a lot while you work under me, girl." He said approvingly.

"That's not happening, Shaw." Justin said, thoughts whirling with the revelation Shaw was involved with Stane and the fake Tony gambit. And from what Emma had said… He would never allow Shaw to lay his hands on Hope, no matter what.

Justin was a different breed of villain from the monster standing in front of him.

Shaw gave him a considering look, rubbing his chin, "You know, I'm sure when you met the delectable Miss Frost, she would have mentioned the position that's open, just waiting for you…" He pointed at Hope, grinning wildly, "Just give me the woman, and you can join me as a fellow King, together we can rule this world." He offered, holding the other hand out towards him, palm open.

Justin laughed harshly, uncaring how some of the hellions bristled at the action, "I am already at the top of the world." He said callously, "Don't kid yourself, Shaw, you'd invite me even if I ripped every single one of your pathetic Hellions apart, because you need me onboard, not outside your influence."

The Hellfire club could hardly proclaim themselves superior as long as the biggest businessman in the world stayed apart, could it?

Shaw grinned darkly, "Perhaps, perhaps, or maybe you are wrong, and would one woman really be worth all that?" He made a sweeping gesture, "Any woman in the world could be yours, I just ask for that one."

Worth it? Not usually, not for most anyone else, but when she comes with Pym particles, she'd be worth a hell of a lot more. Justin thought, plus, she's my friend, or whatever we are.

Justin gave off his own dark grin, itching to kill everyone in here for the trouble of this situation, and for looking at Hope like a piece of meat. "I have a counteroffer, walk away, leave me the doppel, and I won't kill everyone of your little minions, and you." Especially you.

Emma's info on him that she'd shared, made it unlikely he could easily destroy Shaw today, he hadn't been prepared for him, but his minions, he was fairly certain he had the firepower for. Shaw really had an annoyingly strong power.

Shaw threw his head back, roaring in laughter, even as Dimitri, the doppelganger still looking like Obadiah Stane, held his knee and whimpered, looking fearful, likely wondering if the offer would be accepted.

"You have a set on you, Hammer." Shaw said appreciatively, "But I'm taking the woman."

"The hell you are." Hope spat, "Stop talking about me like I'm some possession!"

"Take her." He ordered casually, waving his minions on.

"Vanko." Justin said, his glasses transmitting it, setting off his trump card.

No one knew he'd brought Vanko out to San Francisco. Except Domino. He was the surprise no enemy wanted.

The wall on the second floor on the east side of the building disintegrated, dust falling down, the hellions stopping as Shaw raised his hand in a fist, eyes wary for the first time.

Vanko, in full Whiplash regalia, arc reactors glaringly bright, hovered above them, "Want full power? I think not? But maybe try, it will be good for research - not I think, so good for you, but eh, at least no worry paying for coffin, da?" Vanko's voice blared over the speakers, weapons all aiming at the Hellions.

"Like I was saying, Hope isn't going anywhere, and you need me, a lot more than I need you." Justin said, having been prepared for an ambush, but not exactly prepared for this mindfuck.

Where was Obadiah Stane?

If Shaw was intimidated by the armor that could eradicate Wakandan warships, he didn't show it, laughing again, staring up at Whiplash. "Oh, Hammer, you'll fit right in." He said, "No hard feelings, eh." He added, tilting his head towards Hope, "You won this round."

"I want him!" Justin insisted, pointing at Dimitri, who seconds later disappeared as the teleporting Hellion took him and ran. Justin's gaze whipped back to Shaw, enraged, that's the fucker I wanted to rip apart you absolute ass! "Bring him back!" He demanded.

Shaw shook his head, "Dimitri is useful, if a bit pathetic, and if I allowed you to kill him, I'd have to execute another asset on top of this asset, and you don't have anything to offer me for that, unless you've changed your mind about Miss Van Dyne?"

Justin clenched his fists, rage threatening to spill over. "Fine!" He spat. "We leave it as it is…" I can always go after Stane himself…

Shaw nodded amicably, seemingly not bothered at all about having failed at his goal, "Pleasure doing business, Hammer, I'll see you soon."

Not if I see you first, asshole…

＊＊＊

Afghanistan, Gulmira region.

James Rhodes, glanced at the video feed the drone was giving them, feeling a spark of hope for the first time in a long time. "That's a lot of StarkTech for a compound of terrorists." He commented, looking over Brock Rumlow's shoulder.

Rumlow grunted in amusement, "You boys have been doing a terrible job letting some cave people get access to honest to god missiles." His fingers flying over the keyboard, as he operated the drone that had detached from his armor earlier that night.

James looked at the silent armor standing just a few feet away, feeling a small stab of jealousy at the thought of flight in such armor instead of a jet. The Vulture, unlike the heavy blocky armor of the Scorpion, was a sleek masterpiece that looked like it belonged in the sky, not here in the sand with the rest of them.

"Stop drooling, former Colonel Rhodes." Rumlow said, lips pulling back in a taunting grin, even as he continued to operate the drone.

This again…

"Alright, you can stop it with that, okay?" He said, crossing his arms, his eyes focusing on the screen as the drone zoomed in, the cave system appeared heavily guarded - almost like they had something or someone important in there. "And I am, like you're so eager to point out, a former Colonel, so don't bitch at me for any lost missiles."

Inwardly he was frowning, because this, coupled with whatever was going on with the doppelganger in America, was leading to some very pointed questions for Obadiah Stane. Just what Tony needed, someone close to him turning out to be an asshole, just like his dad - except worse.

Frank Castle walked up, with two mugs of coffee, nodding at James as he offered a mug, James returned the nod, getting along much better with the other man, despite him being a ground pounder.

He was much less of an ass for starters.

Rumlow laughed quietly, even as the drone switched sights to get a good look at the entire hidden compound, switching to other sights like infrared. "Can't stop, former Colonel Rhodes. Hammer Industries sent out a company wide email declaring that anyone who runs into you needs to address you properly."

James pinched the bridge of his nose, glancing over at Frank, who nodded silently, corroborating the story. "Just fantastic." He grumbled, that reminds me way too much of Tony too…

The two of them might actually be best friends if they weren't both giant assholes at the core.

"Think this is the place?" He asked Rumlow, as while he technically was in command of this little Hammer venture, Brock and Frank weren't people he could order around unless they let him.

This wasn't the military, not anymore.

They had two very large and deadly reasons why James walked carefully around them.

Not to mention a line directly to Hammer, who was financing this whole venture, leaving James with no options to really argue.

Rumlow laughed, with an eager undertone to it as he stared at the screen almost hungrily. "Oh, I'm willing to bet on it!" He said, slowly moving the drone back out, before there was any chance someone might notice it and ruin everything.

Frank grunted in agreement, James eyeing him for long enough that the withdrawn man spoke up, "No good reason for that much stuff just laying around, unless it's for Stark." He offered his opinion.

James agreed with him, but was almost scared to actually hope. It had been so long, he sometimes laid awake at night fearing for the worst, that all he'd find was bones - or even worse, never finding anything at all, never knowing…

"If he's in that cave, we need to go in full bore, shock and awe, and penetrate deep enough they don't have time to kill him." Brock said, laying out his ideal plan.

Frank shook his head, a grimace on his face, "You just want to be flashy, don't be stupid, we have to get people in there before we start blowing shit up, or you're just begging for a hostage situation."

"You're too much of a pussy, Frank." Rumlow teased, a wicked grin on his face.

"And you're a battle hungry glory hound." Frank returned gruffly.

They both turned to James, who thanked God, that they were actually looking like they were going to let him plan this. Because this was Tony's life they were talking about, potentially.

"Okay… Here's what we're going to do…" He said, taking a small page out of Tony's book, because sometimes,

Audacity got you places.

＊＊＊

Tony sat quietly, watching Yinsen sleep, his own restlessness preventing any chance at the same for him.

They still had some way to go before they finished their only shot at getting out of here, he was pretty sure the terrorists knew he wasn't building their Jericho missile, but they didn't seem to care.

Something which worried him at the same time as it filled him with relief. Because if he could just finish it before they decided to care, they could get out of here.

He took a deep breath, wincing at the pain, one hand hovering above his chest, pain was getting real friendly with him now, almost his best buddy really, they just spent all the time together, a necessity really…

Their captors actually had pain medication, but Tony couldn't afford to have any shaking hands or dizzy thoughts right now, they were living on the edge as it was.

Although with the kind of shit he'd tried in his life, he'd probably not even notice the pain medication. Still, best to not take any chances.

He sighed quietly, rubbing his face, this all had really put things in perspective, his company was responsible for this kind of shit, blowing up American soldiers, arming terrorists.

Selling weapons had never much mattered before, but now that he'd experienced being on the other end, he could honestly say that he was wasting his genius on this. Finding ways to kill more people? Everyone was already doing that. He could do so much better.

Could do something different then dear old dad…

Yinsen let out a whimper, and Tony almost got up, but sank back at the last moment. He was hardly someone who could comfort anyone else. He didn't even know where to start, for all that Yinsen had been the catalyst to his own resurrection.

Had kicked Tony back into gear instead of leaving him lamenting on the unfairness of life.

Whatever I manage to do, you'll get to see your family again, Yinsen. He thought, determinedly.

There was suddenly a lot of noise, men screaming as they ran down the tunnel, Tony getting up, heart thundering as he shook Yinsen awake. This can't be a good sign, he thought, eyes flickering to the suit of armor, half finished.

Yinsen slowly rose out of his cot, face paling as he became immediately awake upon the sound of shouting and the locks of their cell being jostled. "What's going on, Stark?" He asked, putting his glasses on.

Tony shook his head, unsure of the reason for the sudden commotion. "I don't speak terrorist." He quipped, lacking literally anything else he could do other than attempt bravado. I can't go back to torture again, I barely managed the first time…

Let me keep my mouth shut, for once. He prayed, not sure to who, because if there was a god, he had a shit sense of humor.

Being blown up by your own missile belonged in a comic book, not the real world.

Yinsen came to stand beside him, head subserviently low, as the door began to open, "I can hear them shouting about strangers at the gate. Visitors?" He whispered to Tony.

Tony sagged slightly, keeping his eyes low as Raza entered their cell. Visitors could not be good news for him…

"Look at me Tony Stark." Raza growled, planting a gun under his chin, forcing his head up. Only due to this, did Tony catch the drone that slowly entered the cell and flew up to the ceiling silently, oddly bird-like in appearance with green scales that almost looked like feathers, they had a glint to them he'd only seen once before…

It couldn't be…

"Look at me!" Raza shouted, spittle flying into Tony's face, drawing Tony's attention back to the maniac terrorist leader.

"Alright, I'm looking, you look lovely today, are you on a new skin care routine?" Tony snarked, immediately regretting it. Raza had shown him many times how much he appreciated back talk. Out of the corner of his eyes, he could see Yinsen close his eyes and mutter prayers under his breath.

Oh, come on, I am not that bad!

"Why, Tony Stark, are there people here offering 100 million dollars for you ?" Raza asked harshly, for once ignoring the snark, and getting straight to the point.

Tony's eyes widened, "Wow, a hundred mill… Gotta say… I feel like that's a bit low, you know, I mean I never imagined myself being sold, but if I had to put a price on it… 500 mill, minimum" The gun was shoved hard up his chin, pushing Tony up on his tippy toes, Raza growling fiercely at him, fire in his eyes, "Alright, I don't know, is it my godfather maybe? Big bald man with a beard?" Tony tried, having no clue honestly about who would just walk into a terrorist compound.

Obie can't be that dumb… Can he? He wondered.

Raza scoffed, "They're here to pay for your execution, not to release you."

Tony thought about the drone above them, and had a feeling Raza and these visitors had different ideas. Although claiming to be here to see him dead was almost smart, get on the terrorists side and all that, except for the whole part where Raza might actually kill him.

Tony would have words with whoever organized this rescue if it actually worked.

Raza removed his gun from Tony, as he patted him on the cheek, "Perhaps if you don't deliver soon, I will sell your death, hmm?" He took a step away, barking something that Tony didn't need a translator to figure out what it meant - kill the visitors.

As soon as no weapons were pointed at Tony, the drone above them fired.

Yinsen cried out in fear, dancing on the spot, as Raza and the men with him, all fell, dead immediately from headshots. "What's going on!?" Yinsen cried out.

Tony slowly smiled, as he stared up at the honestly beautiful piece of tech. Is that fucking Vibranium? Gimme! "I believe we're being rescued…" He said, trying to keep his emotions back, the suit of armor had been a longshot, a shot that maybe they'd get it finished before they were horribly killed, he'd half believed he was going to die any day now…

The drone zeroed in on Tony, a voice speaking out of it, "I'd suggest taking cover behind something, your bodyguard and savior is about to make a dynamic entry."

Tony grabbed Yinsen, and dragged him behind their workbench, grabbing his cot with him to add another layer between them and the entrance.

They could both hear screaming in Arabic, gunfire and explosions in the distance.

One man with an assault rifle ran into the cell, screaming, the drone dropping him immediately, the man falling down the stairs, a hole right in the middle of his forehead.

Just as Tony began to relax, something big smashed through the doors, sending them careening across the floor, dust and debris falling from the ceiling of the cave.

"Tony Stark." An electronic voice said through the dust cloud, "You are safe, the Scorpion will defend this area until the hostiles have been cleared."

Tony laughed, hugging Yinsen, who was blinking stupidly behind his glasses, seemingly not able to believe they'd been rescued. The laughter cut off, as the dust cleared, and they both saw their rescuer.

It was a large Scorpion, the tail swaying in the air behind it, as the power armor - and it couldn't be anything else - covered the entrance, a multitude of weapons arrayed against the hole that used to hold the entrance doors, including a massive rotary cannon over one shoulder, that spun as it turned towards the entrance, panicked screaming indicating terrorists who had changed their mind about running this way.

"Say the line." The voice from the drone said eagerly.

"No." The Scorpion said, swatting at the drone with its tail, the drone easily evading.

"C'mon, you have to say it. When else are you going to get a chance?" The voice insisted, even as Tony took in every angle, every piece of this beautiful beast in front of him, freezing suddenly as he took in just exactly what was powering this monster in front of him.

The Scorpion sighed, the sagging of shoulders visible even in the armor, the drone letting out a whoop of excitement, laughing, even as gun fire continued outside.

Tony ignored that, gaping in shock at the Arc reactor he could see slotted into the armor in front of him, more than one, in fact! "What the hell!?" He spluttered, stabbing a finger forward to point at it, one hand grasping the one in his chest. "What, how!?"

The Scorpion loomed over him, somehow managing to pull off looking embarrassed, as it spoke through its external speakers, "Tony Stark, its…" He sighed heavily, "Hammer Time!"

"What the fuck does that even mean!?"

"For fucks sake, Frank, you said it wrong, now we look lame!"

"... Die in a fire Rumlow."

Tony slowly sat back down, head spinning, "Someone please explain what the fuck is going on…" He managed to get out, Yinsen patting him gently on one shoulder.

"This is just a dream right? I finally succumbed to the fever… Yeah that's it…"

＊＊＊

Author's note:

No Justin, that's not how therapy works.

Everything always goes a little too perfect in many SI stories, here, other people have agency too. Even if it's still basically Justin winning, just not all the time at everything.

Definitely not with women, for all the screwing he does.

Afghanistan is one facet of this situation, where Hammer began by forcing the military back from searching for Tony. Then just offering a reward to look good, then sent Rhodes to run a private effort to locate Stark because he got Rhodes basically fired. Then sent his team to assist him to ensure Stark lived.

A normal SI would probably just have done one thing for the whole situation and have everything go perfectly. This ain't that kind of SI.

As for Osborn, he basically already had the Goblin shit ready, he just couldn't properly power it to make it work reliably enough for production. So he could jump straight into it now that Hammer started selling batteries.

Hammer or course did not know this. It's not part of his plan to have power armor around for military use yet.

For those following other stories of mine, Panacea's Remedy won as well on Patron and will be up Monday morning.