4118/The planning of the 'Next, Great' from Stark Industries

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The planning of the 'Next, Great' from Stark Industries
Date of Scene: 13 November 2020
Location: Stark Tower: Penthouse
Synopsis: What starts out as a work session for Pepper and Amanda ends with dragons, and words of things going 'bump in the night' by Tony.
Cast of Characters: Pepper Potts, Amanda Sefton, Tony Stark




Pepper Potts has posed:
Stark Tower.

It's a part of the NYC skyline, nestled near the Empire State Building, taking some of the iconic tower's presence. Lights are on at several levels, regardless of hour of the day. While it's not a 24 hr a day operation, it really is. R&D tests, trials, they all run regardless of time of day, or night, and there are always people on the floors. The downstairs lobby is always manned with reception and security, though over night, there are locked doors and a pair of armed security doormen present.

It is, after all, a privately owned and operated corporation.

High up the tower, the 'top shelf' as it were, the late night candle is burning. The opulent Penthouse has been set up for overnight running with the kitchen area set with all sorts of comustables ranging from fruit to salad to nuts and everything in between. The restaurant offering of the evening is Thai; Pad Thai, drunken noodles, all manner of chicken. And, of course, there is coffee, tea and the opportunity to make smoothies.

Settled on the couch with the view of the NYC skyline just beyond, Pepper is dressed down in a pair of comfortable pants, a form fitting long sleeved shirt, and her red hair is up and tied back in a pony tail. Before her is a laptop, but that isn't what she's paying attention to at the moment. In the air around her is a holographic design of the Expo area, stripped and plain, its existance hanging there, waiting for input. In hand is a green-coloured smoothie, largely ignored for the work that goes on literally around her. Hovering in the background, seemingly meandering, is a little yellow drone, keeping out of the way, but still present.

"The responses are trickling in, and I imagine that now that the election is over, we'll be hearing from Mr Luthor's aides soon," Pepper mulls as she pulls her feet up and under her to get a little more comfortable. "Makes it a little harder without having a clear response, but I'm pretty much used to that now." There's a ghost of a smile on her face as she considers. "It's an art."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda has her tablet, a laptop open nearby. She is also dressed casually -- jeans, a lightweight, cable-knit sweater. Her hair is loose, but she has always preferred it that way. She has learned to ignore the presence of drones and she has only a small bowl of fruits beside her with a glass bottle filled with cold water. She laughs at Pepper's words. "It's your job description," she retorts.

She rises and moves to where she can see the Expo plan, bare as it is. "I don't suppose there's much difference where you put him. You know there'll be a Luthor exhibit. You know it won't be any less than any other year. Just keep him away from his worst rivals, and you're good." That's her guess.

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Setting this up is like planning a wedding reception with a thousand different relatives," Pepper returns dryly, green eyes looking back at her friend. "Exactly."

A sigh exits the woman, one that meant to steel her for the work still ahead of her, of them, and lifting a hand, she begins to manipulate the area; gardens and static displays shifting under her 'touch'.

"HOMER? Give me the list and list of attending and square footage requested, please." Pepper is also used to the drones, and she's gotten to the point where she doesn't automatically look //up// when talking to the resident AI and defacto 'butler'.

"Yes, Miss Potts," comes the easy, male voice. The AI really didn't need to actually answer, as the information requested fades into existance on the outside of her other work, each in a manipulatory piece.

"There are only a couple of companies that are going to be here," and Pepper points to the main Exposition floor where Tony and SI have their 'main events'. "I met with Mr Queen the other day, and he, I think, will be.." Reaching out to grab 'Queen Consolidated', she drags the bit over to set it inside the periphery.

"I think there's a lot that's been added to that description over the years," Pepper smiles bemusedly to her friend. "It all sort of creeped in." There's a pause before, "Okay, no. A few things were dumped." That is given with a broader, affectionate smile. Soon after, though, her tones take that genuine warm tenor as she continues,

"I really do appreciate the help. And the company. That, and it just makes me feel better that you're here with all that going on in the Park." She almost sounds apologetic, like it was her fault that Amanda is 'stuck' in the swanky bit of Brownstone on the edge of that weirdness magnet. "It used to be nice?" Her voice rises slightly in the end, as if trying to convince //both// of them that it had been quiet.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"Yes, well, when you want help with the wedding," Amanda says, "you just let me know." She gestures at the layout. "I'll have all this experience to draw from." Her eyes twinkle just a little as she says it.

And Amanda has learned: Of course, ALL of Stark's AIs *need* to answer. Because *he* needs to answer. And they're really just an extension of him. Pepper's fooling herself, if she thinks otherwise.

She chuckles at the commentary about the Dakota. "Eh. Don't worry about it. It's Central Park. If I've learned anything, it's that Central Park is the city's Bermuda Triangle. Anything weird that can go down there *will* go down there." A beat. She smiles. "Besides. I live pretty permanently in the world of the weird, remember? It's a lifestyle choice."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper laughs at the intimation, and her lips press together soon after in a smile as she shakes her head bemusedly. "Nowhere near there," she offers up. "Though he's impressed with himself with his ability to be boyfriend material." There's a heartbeat that passes before she continues the thought, "So am I." She definitely seems happy in it; while she's busy, she's got something of a 'glow' on her. The surroundings for her, up here in a Penthouse few in the world could afford, is natural. And in all that, she's not that far off from those years in University, in terms of personality. If anything? She's come into her own.

"HOMER, please add walkways from Queen Consolidated to the main floor." Even as she requests it, it appears on her map, with a 'Done, ma'am.' sounding for good measure. "Shall I add LuthorCorp to the map?"

Pepper cants her head as she considers, finally taking a sip of that green smoothie in hand before it separates. "Leave that to the side, I think. Wait for his aides to contact me." She doesn't expect the President-elect to contact her directly? What?

Her gaze moves back towards her friend as she sits back, pulling her legs more firmly under her as she gets comfortable. "It didn't used to be like that. When I moved in, it was the place to be." Green eyes narrow playfully as she picks up a throw pillow to toss at her friend, "Okay, your fault. But, I have to say? I like your friend Kurt." Just sayin'.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda laughs lightly. "Pepper, if the world knew, *everyone* would be impressed with his ability to be boyfriend material." His reputation is only slowly changing, after all. Long track record to erase.

She glances around at this room, this place that so suits her friend. It would never be something she'd find truly comfortable. The apartment by Central Park is more her speed. But Pepper? She's thriving. And that's all that matters.

She tosses up an arm to block the pillow. "Kurt's the best," she agrees. "And don't blame me for anything but that last round at the apartment. I've only had one issue at Central Park and no one in their right mind would ever take responsibility for Loki." Except maybe Thor.

But he's an alien godlike being so... He doesn't count.

"Patrick still runs regular patrols, you know. The last time Thor turned up, I thought he was going to blow a gasket. He spent all his time racing around the apartment, looking for the Trickster." Who never showed up, wonder of wonders.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Pepper is a very private person, and her best friend right there knows the right of it. Most of the Avengers aren't aware; not even Janet, one of her other close friends but not necessarily confidante in matters of the heart. "I'm not entirely sure the world is ready," is quipped, the words in a liltling drawl. "So, I'll just let them pretend they still know him. He is still Tony, after all." Though he hasn't done an 'appearance' in some time. Last big news conference was when he'd withdrawn from the election, and proceeded to go on an alcohol-fueled binge in Las Vegas.

Then he found himself again.

"I think we're getting closer and closer to the point where you need to start considering decorating the living room," she begins again. Around the Penthouse, while there isn't a lot to show that there is a female presence here, there are little tells... like the throw pillows. Not much, but some. Still looks very much like a bachelor pad, albeit a rich bachelor pad with all the tech fixings.

The little yellow drone actually *beeps* something of a 'greeting' when Amanda's eyes scan the room. He's here! Remember him?!

Pepper grins at the praise heaped upon Kurt, and she nods her agreement. "What little I've seen of him, he's definitely a 'keeper'." Is that the stirrings of a setup? Sadly, the redhead doesn't know Kurt well enough.. and really, years ago, would she have considered her best friend with a blue, fuzzy, spade-tailed demonic-looking.. person? Would she have considered someone such as he existant?

Her heart does melt at the update on the little drone, however. Like a loved pet. "Awww.." Pepper begins again. "Poor Patrick. He's such a good boy."

*beeeeeep*

"Yes, you are too."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda smiles at the yellow flyer. "Hello, Murphy," she says, giving him a name -- no matter what other name he might have been given. She christened him the night of the battle in Romania. Murphy... The little bot who defied the odds, beat Murphy's law, and made it home for repairs. "You're looking better." A little less sparky.

She smiles at the comment about Kurt. "He could be," she concedes. "But we grew up together. So, you know." She chuckles softly. "There may be too much shared history there." They were virtually siblings, after all. "Besides. I really don't see him nearly often enough." She doesn't see anyone often enough. "And aside from Jean, I haven't met any of his friends in Westchester."

She returns to the couch, tablet in hand, to settle beside Pepper. "And don't even start about the living room. It's been repaired, I fixed the furniture. Unless you're moving out formally, it's still your place. I'm not redecorating." It wouldn't be right.

Pepper Potts has posed:
At the compliment, yes.. the little bot is looking better. He's got an upgrade; it's not just a new paintjob for the little guy.

*beeep*

Pepper laughs at the quick conversation between drone and friend, nodding. "Murphy got an upgrade. He's quick and has more shielding." There's a pause before she looks over to the drone, adding, "Please don't show her." Her words drop to a sotto tone, though she's sure she can still be heard, "He zips around like a mostly controlled superball." Mostly.

The green smoothie is sipped on again, and she shifts her position to allow her friend room on the couch. The layout of the upcoming Stark Expo still floats in the air around them, everything manipulatable. It's mostly empty still; the pavillions not yet set, though Queen Consolidated does have a spot on the map near the main Exposition center.

"Oooooh.." Pepper cradles the drink in both hands as she moves to face Amanda. "Maybe, and maybe not. You guys would understand a whole lot more of where the other was coming from." Though time? Eeeeh... "Maybe you should make a point to meet them? Are they having a Christmas party or anything?" As for her own planning, Thanksgiving is 'over' and Christmas is coming up. As is New Years (she's already answered mail for invites.. they're pouring in now.)

Rolling a shoulder, Pepper leans on the couch, setting an elbow on the back. "Really.. it's not really 'formal', formal, but I'm here a whole lot more often then there. That's not going to change anytime soon, I don't think."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda anticipates a quiet holiday season on a personal level. Thanksgiving, perhaps, with Pepper. Probably Christmas Day, as well. But the rest? She'll be working her tail off. Christmas is one of the busiest seasons of the year for event planners. "I don't know," she admits, with regard to Kurt's Westchester friends. "But I doubt I'm going to have time for many personal gatherings. I'm already booked solid through New Year's Eve." Gods, but won't she sleep New Year's day away.

She chuckles at her friend's insistence about the apartment. "Doesn't matter," she says stubbornly. "It's still your place. And I've redoubled the wards, so I shouldn't end up with any more surprise visitors again." A beat. "God level powers not withstanding." She's not the Sorcerer Supreme, after all. She can't fight Gods on an even footing.

Not yet.

"But I'm glad Murphy is happy. I expect Patrick would be awfully jealous of his flight capabilities."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Thanksgiving definitely with Pepper. It won't be a large affair, contrary to most everyone's belief and/or expectations. Her, Tony, Amanda, Happy, perhaps Rhodey if he's in-country, and while she does mostly okay with cooking, a turkey with all the trimmings really isn't her forte, so... catered it is. That order she'd sent in to her favorite place a few months ago. Signed, sealed, to be delivered. "Did you want to bring him along for Thanksgiving?

"As for Christmas, I'm not sure where we'll be. Tony's spent them in the California house in the past, so it might be there." Or, here. "He's been invited to a few parties in LA for New Years, and of course here. I'm expecting the invitation to the Inauguration Dinner in January any day as well." It's not a boast, and certainly not an empty one; it's a fact of life for his life, her life. Their life.

Pepper exhales in a sigh before she finishes her grass-colored drink and sets the glass down on the coffee table. "As far as I'm concerned, it's your home." Here's the stubborn streak coming out. "I'll still pick up the rent on the place. Just let me keep a key. But, I'm really close to boxing some things to put into storage. Most of my clothes are here." More than just a 'bug out for sudden business trip' clothing.

Patrick, though.. that's a real soft spot for Pepper, just as JARVIS is. That sigh is more wistful, the thought of a favorite. "If Patrick got flight, I think everyone would be in trouble. He's fine on his treads. There are times, since Murphy's been upgraded, when I've wondered if it would be better to stick some treads on him." There's an indulgent smile that creases her face and she looks back at the little yellow guy and continues, "Then he does something, and I forget how frustrated I get with him at times."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"I'll ask," Amanda says. "He may wish to be in Westchester." She loves Kurt dearly; he's one of her closest friends. Chances are he'll come. But she's not going to promise anything. Especially when Pepper has that I'm-happy-so-I-must-set-you-up-to-be-happy-too gleam in her eyes.

That led to mistakes like Nic Johnston.

She waves her hand dismissively at Pepper's litany of Holiday Scheduling. "I intend to sleep every stolen moment I can across Christmas. Come December first I'll be working just about every day including Sundays straight through to the twenty-fifth." On the bright side... at least her end of year financials will look promising.

"I'll redecorate when your things are in storage. Not before."

She glances to Murphy. "He needs a holographic disguise," she says, reaching up a hand and gesturing to the little flying bot. An illusion settles over him. He now looks like a gold-and-red dragon. "See? It's totally a thing."

Pepper Potts has posed:
Okay, Nic was a mistake. As was Jeremy on her end, but they're 'over there' still. Right?

Right?

"He may, and I can't promise a 'home cooked meal'. But there'll be plenty. Could always do what my parents did too, though. We used to visit relatives all over the state, stopping in for a few hours before moving to the next house." She'll be sure security will let them in and escort them up!

The thought of sleep, though? Priceless. There's a look of envy on Pepper's face as she glances between the holographic display hanging in the air and her friend.. back and forth. She shakes her head with enough energy that her ponytail shakes, "No rest for the weary here. From here on out, until the Expo is done, it'll be late nights." Which is why she's glad for any and all help that Amanda can give.

It's that suggestion, the shift over towards Murphy again, that she turns her head in time to catch Amanda's handiwork. "Oh.." is said on an intake of breath. "That's..

"Murphy, come here, please."

The little bot *beeps*, or at least it would sound like one if he wasn't settle with an illusion. Instead? It's a soft 'rar' as it looks as if wings flap as the droid does as it's told. Navigating the Penthouse easily, it comes around to hover right in the middle of the holographic display. As it's manipulatable, the buildings, the decorations go 'flying' like when a cat jumps onto a gaming board. No sense of 'care'.

Pepper does laugh, however, and she nods appreciatively. "I think I should talk to Tony about this. It's better than having a dog."

*beep*

*rahr*

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda flashes a grin. "I don't suppose Murphy is a proper name for a dragon, but you have to admit: It's a good look on him." No doubt there are cameras somewhere recording the look for the little guy. "Patrick will be jealous of more than just his repulsors."

So Patrick must never know. Or else Amanda needs to give him his own disguise. Perhaps he'd like to be a tiger or something.

"Make sure you take *some* time for yourselves, yes?" she encourages. "And for your *self*." Boys are are well and good, but every girl needs a bit of me time.

"Spa day after the Expo is done?"

Tony Stark has posed:
There's some familiar sounds - familiar in the sense that Pepper will easily identify them. Tony's surfacing from his lab: the lab where insane things are made. It's legend, that space: many wonder what exactly is in there, like seeing the wizard behind the curtain.

In this case, it's a Tony, with a 'zzzzk' of security door, having jogged the stairs and emerging rather abruptly into the penthouse living space.

"Pepper, I---" Tony begins as if he were going to make an announcement, but picks up on the other person present immediately. He rolls with it, naturally and with ease. Tony's very good at winging it. "---did not expect a threesome," he says instead with a flash of smile. He's clean but very casual - a dark tee over a long sleeved shirt, lounge pants, bright blue and white sneakers.

Tony also observes the dragon with tolerance, which zips over at him. "...Murphy, you're drunk," Tony tells it, amused. "Or I am."

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Or," Pepper stares thoughtfully at the little flappy dragon that is hovering there before her, in the middle of her work, "I can ask Tony to modify his image inducer and Murphy can decide what it is he wants to be on any given day." Though, that might be scary; one day, they have a parrot and the next, a giant archaeopteryx. That's enough to give one a heart attack. Soon after, she laughs and shakes her head, "Maybe not."

Come to think of it, though? "Maybe Patrick should get it? Let him decide how he's feeling for the day?" //That// would be cute. "I think he'd go tiger, because I do think he is a little jealous of the dr-"

The sound of the door gains Pepper's attention, and her attention shifts briefly before she finishes the word, "drones." And, she's on to the next, her brows rising in mock, affectionate askance at the suggestion.

"No. I'm glad you weren't expecting one, because you're not getting one." Pepper's face lights up when he enters the room; green eyes gleam, her features pinken slightly.

"And I think it's a good look for him. How hard would it be to program your image inducer on him?"

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Maybe not. Yeah, even Amanda's not that foolish with her magic. Giving the crazy droids a choice? No. She turns her head as Tony enters and chuckles softly. "Sorry. It's late. I was just playing around." She gestures lightly and the dragon evaporates in a cloud of golden motes of light, leaving the little flying drone exposed in his natural form and paint. "Inspired by your drones at the filmfest. They were a hit, by the way. Thanks for that."

Like there was any doubt they would be.

Tony Stark has posed:
Tony laughs and gives Pepper a brief raspberry. "Not /hard/. More of a question of 'should' rather than 'could'," Tony teases her evenly as she mentions the dragon being a permanent idea. "/Should/ the Tower constantly play rock music. I mean, it /could/." Tony pauses in a mock wistful way, then grins.

"Hi 'Manda. Hey, glad to inspire. Great to hear they went over so well. You're welcome. How'd the event end up going, apart from the obviously amazing drones?" Tony asks, curiously. There's something distracted with him, though, as if he'd just come out of a high-stress or high pressure situation. "I'm here, just getting a snack between test suites," Tony adds, in a 'please do tell me even if I'm walking to the kitchen' manner.

Pepper Potts has posed:
"I think we //should//." There's a pause before, "The drones, not the rock music." Pepper is infamous for turning his music off, though she's gotten better and just turned it //down//. (Almost off) "I could take my pet parrot places." And not have to have a bodyguard, though Happy might have concerns about that. Replaced by automation? What?

To get back to that other bit, though? That whole 'time for her' thing? She returns her attention to Amanda, and nods quickly and conspiratorially, "Definitely. Once the Expo is done.

"There's Thai on the table. I fixed up some salad, too. The smoothie is a strawberry, banana and kale." As if he'll take some? Really Pepper?

The sound of Tony's voice, however, brings something of a concerned expression on her face as she glances between her friend and the distracted genius. She knows that tone, that manner... and in the next beat, she's pulling her legs back out from under her and getting to her bare feet. Might as well put her dirty glass in the sink while she's at it.

"What's going on." It's not really a question, more of a 'I know something is happening, please tell me..' sort of tenor. "Is everything okay?"

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"Oh, it was a hit," Amanda tells Tony. "They've already started talking to me about next year." So, that's a feather in her cap. "The worst trouble we had were a couple of drunks, and security handled those pretty efficiently." Or, more accurately, she put the whammy on them and a fellow gypsy encouraged them to settle down. It all evens out in the wash.

She lets Pepper tend to the subtle stress in her boyfriend's voice. Not like Amanda could do much about it, anyway. And she's okay with that.

And if Murphy somehow manages to look disappointed that he can no longer flit around like a creature out of myth, well... "Don't worry, Murph. I'll come back sometime and set you up an obstacle course to fly through." A beat. "Though, maybe outside, okay?" Safer. Much safer.

Tony Stark has posed:
Is everything okay?

"Always," Tony answers her, tone softing a few degrees with Tony's wish to reassure Pepper. "Solving a problem for Supergirl related to a world-eating monster. But I have a week. Just wasn't in the mood to procrastinate about it." Tony's being flippant, but he definitely is working on solving a problem!

"Also, I suspect the Avengers mansion is haunted. Steve had a close encounter last night, and I have some creepy pictures that would fit with 'paranormal activity'. So there's certainly stuff to /do/. In addition to... leftover Thai, you say? Sold, though why would you bring kale in here?" Tony asks, now at the table. He travels and talks.

Tony fishes around in the food a little while, and picks something out, by the sound of it all. "Pictures are in the local security feed photos if you feel like not sleeping. Clint saw the thing too, he may or may not come by the Tower. Sort of doubt it. You'd think Stark Tower was not amazing. Good thing I don't take it personally, when people don't feel like making use of my guest suites during monster attacks."

Tony's a chatterbox, but some of it is a cover over what he's worried about. "Okay. Food, check. ....Don't stay up too late waitin' on me, Pep. I'll probably be a few more hours," Tony bids, carrying his food across back towards the lab door, clearly expecting to get back down with his chow.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda arches a brow. "Haunted?" she asks, turning on the couch to foloow his movments. She's a sorceress. Hauntings and paranormal crap is right up her alley. "If you need someone to check that out," she tells him, "let me know."

Though, likely as not, the Avengers have access to someone like Strange. So, she won't be needed.

And that's fine.

So, she watches the man go and turns back to Pepper. "Somehow, I think I'm glad he's yours and not mine." She grins impudently right after she says it, too.

Pepper Potts has posed:
Dubious Pepper is dubious.

She has every right to be, too, as Tony begins to explain that which lies before him in terms of work. Her head dips and cants the side, partially in a 'what?' gesture and a 'you're kidding me/you're not kidding me' expression. Glancing back at Amanda, her brows rise in that 'you heard that too'.. all spoken without saying a word!

"Tony.." Does she sound the least bit concerned? Absolutely. And now Amanda enters the fray, as it were, offering up her special abilities. That's great, all well and good, but first, Tony's involved in 'paranormal activity'?

"Oh god.."

Pepper puts her hand on her forehead briefly as she nods her acknowledgment of all that he has on his plate, adding with a half-sincere huff, "Of course I'd bring kale in here. It's good for you. So's chia."

She finishes the cross to the sink to rinse out her glass, but not before stepping in Tony's path to whisper what is probably something of a protest. Later.. for later.

She'll let him go soon after, should he wish to, and catches Amanda's look to her. "He's..." Tony. "... definitely Tony." No mistaking it, however. She loves him with all her heart.