Women of the Avengers

Robert called some people he knew at the FBI, so that they could add a team or two for protection and also let them know what was going on,he called the NYPD so they can put some undercover cops on Pepper . Robert knew that he better not take any chances on her safety.

Once they got back to the tower they all sat in the common room. "Ok, what are the reasons why someone would want to take Stark out?" Asked Hall.

Bruce spoke first, "Well you could have a grudge for being passed over for a promotion."

"Money, is always a good reason." Steve added.

Robert thought for a second, "Jarvis, how much is Stark Industries worth?"

"Agent Hall, it is worth about seven hundred billion dollars, as of last quarter,"

"That is a lot of reasons to kill someone. Who is in charge of the weapons inventory, at the time they were removed?"

After a few seconds, "That would have been Mike George, he has been employed for six years, and he is working today."

Robert thought for a moment, "Jarvis, please have him brought to the tower, and to floor three,"

"Yes Agent Hall,"

Robert noticed everyone looking at him, "What's up?" He said with a smirk

Steve answered, "Why are you taking a suspect to the Hulk's vent room?"

Robert looked at her,"Well simple to interrogate him. We may not have a lot of time here."

"Agent Hall, I think I may found the answer, to why they would want Sir, dead." Jarvis commented "In the Company Bylaws, that Howard Stark incorporated, A Person with the Stark last name or direct relation as in a cousin, uncle, or aunt must be in control. If this is not possible, then it will go to the first person that is the closest thing possible.”

“Well holy shit, slap my knee and call me Susan. Doesn’t that just explain a whole a lot of motive. Jarvis I want to know anyone that works or had worked at Stark Industries that fits that profile, top of the list are any people that are on the senior board.”

Thor and Loki looked at each other, “Why would you want to be called Susan?”

Robert just pinched his nose, “Thor, just drop it please.”

Later on Clint and Natasha, returned from the Hellicarrier, with Pepper in tow. She looked like hell, her eyes red from tears, voice was raspy at best, Everyone’s heart went out to her, Steve lifted her up, and laid her down on the sofa, Bruce went to make some tea. Thor and Loki, had left to take the next shift, then it would be Steve and Bruce.

A few hours later, Pepper was still on the couch in the same position, Jane and Darcy helped her to her room so she could take a shower and change.

Once she got to the bathroom, she told her friends she would be fine. She was okay, until the memories hit her and she cried for a half an hour, when Jarvis notified Betty and Jane to help her out.

Robert updated everyone where they were at, Clint and Natasha had some questions, they were good ones. Jarvis announced his search was over and had sent the results to everyone's Stark pads.

As soon the results came on to the pad my right looked at it went to at in the investigation, Jarvis announced that his search was and he transferred the info to the Stark pads on the table, as everyone picked up the tablets and looked through the info. They talked and compiled a list of suspects that seem to fit the bill.

Jarvis then announced that suspect was in the Hulk room, waiting, Robert got up and asked Bruce to come with him.

“Why do you want me there?”

“Well, why else would I use the Hulk room, Like Duh!”

“You are nuts you know that.”

“Yes, anyways, I just want you to scare this guy, I figured you know you flash your eyes green a little, he spills the beans,”

As they went into the room, Robert had pretty much nailed it, the guy acted all tough and denied everything. Then the nice agent introduce Dr.Bruce Banner, and how much the Hulk cares about Tony. Bruce flashed his eyes green and let his skin change a little. The dude, pissed himself and almost shit himself, he gave that people had taken his wife hostage in order and threaten to kill her. But the guy was smart enough to give them the phone number and all the info that he had.

Robert and Bruce believed the guy, and turned him over to some FBI agents, who would deal with him accordingly. Then Robert’s phone went off as they went to join the others, He talked to a person on the other line for a few minutes, Bruce overheard some things like national security, takeover, and stock buying.

As they got back upstairs, Robert started to talk, “My contact over at the Security and Exchanges Commission, said that there is talk of change at S.I. and someone is buying stocks quickly.”

Clint and Natasha were given the info from the dude, in the hulk room. and they would go check it out. Pepper had gone to bed, Where everyone else agree that would probably be best, and to start fresh.


The next morning Robert woke up and check this phone for messages which there were none. Bruce and Steve had already left to take their shift watching Tony

Pepper unfortunately had to go to work but she was grateful to see the extra security in the building and the security agents were told to make sure not to get in her way or there will be consequences, it was okay, everyone offered their sympathy.

Pepper was then summon to a board meeting later in the day. As she walked in, she saw all the senior board member and none of them look happy

“Miss Potts, is come to our attention that Mr. Stark, is in a coma and maybe for some time are you aware of the company bylaws state. That a person with the Stark name or blood must be available or the CEO hold the majority of shares.” Pepper was shocked that they would pull this move.

“I don't understand what is going on here I have done nothing, but bust my ass to make Stark Industries a global power and have succeeded, except you people keep fighting me tooth and nail. Mr. Stark is in a coma, and this is what you care about?"

“Watch your tongue, you will not talk to me, I have been with Stark Industries before you were born. You have taken advantage of his son, and then he makes you CEO, he has turned his back on us, the old guard. but we are the ones that know the true power. All you women, think the same, that you can do a man’s job, well you can’t, you have failed.”

“The old guard is right, well maybe you should hurry up and die, Tony has a vision for the future, and he has pointed us in the right direction. I will support and succeed in that choice, and if you can’t see the profits that we have had, maybe you need stronger glasses.”

“Listen here you little, bitch,I made my millions the old fashion way, I didn’t take some cheap ass way of getting it. “ As Pepper looked around, she could see everyone was afraid to say anything, but be damn if she would back down now.

“You are blind and lack the clear vision, it does not matter, the board has come to a decision, as of the end of the day, you are fired. The new owner of the S.I. has decided that you are not needed.”

Pepper was in shock,”You, you, can’t do that, only Tony can make that choice.” but then she heard a voice that made her skin crawl

“Nope, I am currently the Stark with the most stocks and I am not in a coma, so the board has transferred the power to me. So that even if Stark would wake up, he will have no power.”

Pepper turned around and saw a man, “Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Howard Jones, but here is my Birth Certificate, and as you see Howard Stark is my father. He had an affair with my Mother who was married to Hugh Jones. So you can leave now, you stupid bitch, maybe if you give me a little something, I will put you in the mail room”

Pepper was stunned silent, she always had heard the rumors, but never believed them. “So since I am in the direct bloodline, I will be taking over Stark Industries.” Pepper turned around all she saw was angry mean faces, no one would help her, she was alone. “You are fired!” She was about to cry, when she heard the sound of the door being kicked in, and another voice of Agent Hall.

“Aww hell no, Arrest that jackass now.” Howard turned around and suddenly he pushed to the floor, as well as two senior board members, by FBI and SHIELD Agents, they were read their rights, and pulled back up to the wall.

“What is the meaning of this, you can’t do this. I have rights, and you are trespassing"

“You know that is funny, everyone thinks they have rights. You don't, you are a fucking terrorist and the fuck I can’t arrest you. Howard Jones, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Tony Stark, Illegal weapons, Illegal transactions of stocks,” then Robert punched him in the gut, “And that is for hurting Pepper’s feelings.”

“Whatever, it doesn’t matter, I own Stark Industries, I will be out of jail by this afternoon. I know more judges than you think.

“No, I don’t care how many judges you claim to own, and two you don't own S.I."

“Says who, you, You are stupid cop, I will have your badge shoved up your ass.”

“Fuck you, The Federal Government decides that fucknut, You see Stark Industries has a lot of Military contracts, and also is part of the Security force to guard the nation. So the S.E.C. can void any takeovers or firings that would put this company could have, in the interest of national security. Considering you have just been arrested for attempt murder and other acts of terrorism, I am pretty sure you little takeover is denied.”

A man came in the room and introduced him as a Commissioner for the S.E.C., basically the number two man of the government organization. “Ms. Potts, I am terrible sorry about the words that you heard today. But The Federal Government will not approve of any takeover of the S. I. and I am reinstalling you in charge. Until Mr.Stark awakens, our prayers are with him."

Pepper was shocked by all the events. She looked to see agent Hall, explaining to the criminals what was going to happen. Everyone gathered their things, and left, Pepper eyed each one of them, there will be hell to pay, for those who betrayed her trust.

"Thank you...." Pepper walked over to Robert, he giving instructions to the agents that were leaving.

Robert just smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her. Pepper felt the tears coming. So after having another good cry. Robert just looked at her, "One of Tony's deepest fears is that he will wake up and you will be gone. Please go and wait for him."

Pepper just smiled and started to walk out the room. She stopped at the doorway and turnaround "If you ever want her back, I will make it happen." Robert just smiled, he knew that he would love to have his daughter back in this life. But he made the decision a long time ago that it would be have to be her choice and no one else.

Pepper went back to the carrier, as she down next to Tony. She picked up his hand and kiss it so softly. "Hey babe it is me, I want you to know I love you I will always love you I want to be with you forever."

Each of the Avengers spend time in Tony's room. Pepper saying how much they missed him and that is pretty much what happened for the next week. Until a Tuesday morning, just as the sun was starting to rise.

A miracle happened as Pepper kissed his forehead and said "Good morning, my love." As she was sitting back down she heard the the words, that made her break down and sob so loudly.

"I love you too" with his brown eyes looking back at her.

All the Avengers had heard Pepper crying and as they ran into the room, they saw their friend, team member, someone they loved with a big smile holding Pepper.

Notes