Goddess of Deception

*January 25, 2010*

“Fury wants us in his office,” Phil said

“Finally something interesting. It's about Stark isn't it,” I said

“Of course, isn’t everything about Stark,” Phil said

We walk to Fury's office.

“Sir,” Phil said

“I'm sure you two heard about Stark already.” Fury said

“Yeah, talk of the building, the world really,” I said

Stark was kidnapped by the ten rings yesterday.

“Yeah, I need you two to go talk to Obadiah Stane.” Fury said

“Stark's partner?” I asked

“Yeah, we have been following some of Stark's inventory and it's going to some... not so nice people. I need yall to find out if Stark's a part of it.” Fury said

“On it sir,” Phil said

We walk out and head to Stark Industries.

“You think Stark is dealing under the table?” I asked Phil

“Stark is a lot of things. A criminal. I don’t know about that.” Phil said

“I don’t see a reason as to why he would do that. That man is already a billionaire.” I said

We arrive at Stark Industries. We are lead to Stane's office.

“Obadiah Stane and you are?” Stane said

“Phil Coulson,” Phil said shaking his hand

“And who is this young lady?” Stane said

“Runa Thorsdotter, we're with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division,” I said

“Well, that’s an interesting name,” Stane said

“Yeah. We’re working on it.” I said

“No, I meant your name. It’s beautiful. Where are you from? Sweden?” Stane said

“Norway, actually. We're here about Mr. Stark.” I said

“Yeah, It’s a shame what's happening. But I think Tony will come through. Everyone thought Howard was crazy. Leaving his company in the hands of a minor, but Tony surprised them all. He has a way of doing that.” Stane said

“I'm sure that’s true Mr. Stane, but these are terrorists we're talking about,” Phil said

“We aren’t exactly here about Mr. Stark's kidnapping, We're here to talk about how Stark Industries weapons are getting into the hands of these terrorists.” I said

“I don’t know what you're talking about, we are very careful about how we conduct business. We make sure that our products go to the right people. I have all of the paperwork to back it up. Stark industries take rules and regulations very seriously.” Stane said

“Do you believe that Tony would betray his country?” Phil asked

“No, not in a million years,” Stane said

“Thank you for your time,” I said

Phil shakes his hand. I go to shake his hand and he grabs it and kisses it.

“You're welcome back anytime, especially you,” Stane said to me

I smile and walk out. Phil and I are waiting for the elevator

“That was weird,” Phil said

“Yeah,” I said as we both look back at his office.

He is standing at the window looking at us as we walk into the elevator.

“That happens to you a lot?” Phil asked

“More than I would like. I've gotten used to it over the years. It’s usually creepy old dudes.” I said

“Creepy? yea. Old? Not compared to you” Phil said

“Thanks for that,” I said joking to be mad

“No problem,” Phil said smiling

We go back to Fury's office

“So what did you find?” Fury said

“Stark is a negative, but I would keep my eye on Stane,” I said

“I can go get him. Simple in and out mission. I’ll make sure there are no witnesses. Get me over there, I’ll get him out in under 10 minutes” I said

“No, We can't risk people seeing you use your powers. The world is not ready for that yet.” Fury said

“So, you're going to let Stark die?” I said

“Runa, it’s not as simple as you think,” Phil said

“Then why am I here? I’ve been here seven years and I’ve done absolutely nothing. Why did you bring me into this ‘Avengers initiative’ if I’m just going to sit behind a desk? Tell me. Or did you bring me here because you were afraid of me and wanted to keep a closer eye on me?” I said

“You're our big gun. This is too small for you. You were brought here for when the shit really hits the fan. And I understand that you feel like your being underused, but we cant just have a nuclear weapon running around Afghanistan. Do you understand the implication of an S.H.I.E.L.D agent getting caught in hostile territory trying to rescue a hostage? We are a preventive agency, we are not trying to start World War 3.” Fury yelled

I realize I was wrong. I just miss being out there on the battlefield so much. I thought I would be doing more field work as an S.H.I.E.L.D agent.

“I’m sorry sir. I just want to help, is all” I said

“I know that, Runa. But for the fate of humanity, I hope I never have to send you out, because that would mean we would be in a world of hurt.” Fury said

“I understand,” I said walking out

*April 26, 2010*

“I just got the word, they found Stark!” I told Phil

“Yeah, it's about damn time. It’s only been three months,” Phil said

“The Department of Defense is saying they found a signature flying through the air, near where Stark was found. I’d like to know how the hell he got out of there.” I said

“Was it you? Can you fly?” Phil said

“No, it was not me. And no I can’t fly.” I said

“Sorry, had to ask. Well, it's Stark. He probably figured something out. We’ll find out soon enough when we go talk to him.” Phil said

*April 28, 2010*

“Stark’s having a press conference. Now might be our only chance to talk to him for a while.” I said

“Well, we need to get going then don’t we,” Phil said

We go to Stark industries. Stark goes up to the podium and sits down in front of it. We approach his assistant.

“Ms. Potts?” Phil said

“Yes,” Pepper said

“May I speak with you for a moment?” Phil said

“I'm not part of the press conference, but it's about to begin right now,” Pepper said

“I am not a reporter. I'm agent Phil Coulson, with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division.” Phil said

“That's quite a mouthful,” Pepper said

“I know. We're working on it.” Phil said

“We've been approached already by the DOD, FBI, CIA...” Pepper said

“We are a separate division. With a more specific focus. We need to debrief Mr. Stark about the circumstances of his escape.” I said

“I'll put something in a book, shall I?” Pepper said

“Thank you,” I said

“Hey, would it be alright if everyone sat down? Will you sit down? That way you can see me, and I can...A little less formal...” Stark said

Phil and I look at each other and sit down in the back.

“Good to see you,” Stane said

“Good to see you,” Stark said

“I never got to say goodbye to dad. I never got to say goodbye to my father. There are questions that I would've asked him. I would've asked him how he felt about what his company did...if he was conflicted if he ever had doubts. Or maybe he was every inch of a man we all remember from the newsreels. I saw young Americans killed...by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero-accountability.” Stark said

I look to Phil.

“Weapons are getting there somehow?” I said

We go back to listening to the press conference

“What happened over there?” A reporter asked

“I had my eyes opened. I came to realize that I have more to offer this world than just making things that blow up.” Stark said standing up going behind the podium.

“And that is why, effective immediately, I'm shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark International,” Stark said

Everyone stands up.

“Holy Shit,” I said

“Until such a time, as I can decide what the future of this company will be, what direction it should take, the one I'm comfortable with and is consistent with the highest good of this country and the world,” Stark said

Stane starts to push Tony off the podium.

“What we should take away from this...is that Tony's back! And he's healthier than ever. We are gonna have a little internal discussion and we'll get back to you with a follow-up.” Stane said

Notes