Date: 07/05/2008
Location: air field, Miami
An Embraer Phenom 300E came to a stop on the tarmac. The engine powered down before a flight attendant opened the door. Matthew Stark stepped out, face set in a grim frown at the entire situation. Pepper pots stood outside , her eyes red rimmed but still she maintained her professional decorum.
Matthew stepped down the stairway, b-lining it to pepper his first instinct was to comfort the woman that had partially raised him. His arms engulf her small form , the tears she held back escaping.
" It's Tony, he's like a cockroach . He's fine" he reassured her as much as himself " We'll find him"
She pulled out of the hug and looked him over " of course it takes your brother going missing for you to visit." she joked .
" I visit every holiday" he joked back, happy for the change in topic.
" Ready?" his tone turned reluctant to end their semi-joyous conversation, not yet ready himself to deal with their current situation.
" Yes, let's go" she agreed , both their moods dimming and the faces of two professionals replacing their sad expressions.
The two walked to the waiting black Chevrolet Suburban, Happy already opening the door for them . driving off to the main office of stark industries.
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Location: Stark Industries
The suv pulled into the front entrance of the building, Obadiah Stane already waiting at the doors.
" I wish this reunion would be under different circumstances" he said the moment Matthew was in view , going in for a hug.
" Yeah well, life is funny like that" he hugged him back , more uncomfortable than comforted. He never did know why he had an aversion to the man but he paid it no mind.
"Regaurdless, im happy you're back" the man said, his face giving the same smile he uses when speaking to press.
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" Mr. Stark , now that you are CEO and chairman of Stark Industries, what are your plans for the company?" a journalist says, his brown hair bouncing with his animation.
" The company will continue as is until my brother is found and can take over his duties" he answered , now in a suit that looked off on the usually casually dressed eight-teen year old. The press exploded again , their mics shoving to the podium and their voices overlapping each other. Matthew pointed to an auburn haired woman in a wheel chair, the crowd quieting down.
" Mallory Gibbs freelancer journalist," the young woman introduced, " how is it that you have inherited the position of CEO and chairman? "
" It was a decision made by the board and Tony before the incident . If he were to go on a hiatus for an extended period , I will be acting until further notice" he informed , pointing to another as the flashes of light blinded him slightly.
" Did you order the strike on your brother?" a blonde man shouted , the accusation making Matthew frown at his cooled features. The murmurs of the crowd started as some were ready to find any gossip to put on the front page.
" Why would I do that?" Matthew remained calm, holding back his anger at the accusation.
" So you may inherit the company" the man said as though the statement was fact. The rest of the crowd clambering and shoving, the noise enhancing.
" I have never envied my brother's position" he stated before ending the press conference." no more questions" the crowd , vexed at the abrupt end, attempted to follow him out the press room , storming the bodyguards that stood at the exit as the doors closed behind Matthew.
" You have a site visit at the electronics factory at six, the board meeting has been moved to tomorrow and there are a few things you need to sign to finish the transfer," Pepper informed walking alongside him.
"Any news on Tony?" he asked, not even glancing at her.
For a moment of silence " they said that he was most likely taken by a militia, they have no further information" she said a bit hesitant. At that Matthew bit back his frustration , only sighing regrettably.
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Location: under the main Stark Tech Factory
" That was not our deal, you promised me that you would kill him and I will supply you with your weapons" Obi argued , his phone pressed to his bald head, a scowl covering his face.
" No the deal is cancelled , unless you kill him, you think your threats work on me?"
In the background a video of Tony , tied to a chair and surrounded by armed Afghanis men , who held up a sign and was obviously injured.
Stane dropped the call and threw the phone across the room. After his tantrum, he sighs and sits back into his seat.
" Fine, I can work with this. I just need to get that brat on my side and the company will be mine." he said , attempting to console himself, his plans forming, " and if he does comply… i don't mind dealing with another stark." he smiled sinisterly , the quiet workshop echoing his malice.
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To be continued…