Saturday, 24 January 2011. Ozcorp Hall.
The reception was held in a rented part of a skyscraper in Manhattan. Like Stark, the company had fallen on hard times and couldn't afford to build its own. Every square metre in the big apple cost more than gold. The expensively dressed people gathered in the big hall, looking at the exhibition samples and the broadcasts of the company's achievements on the monitors, understood perfectly well that it was not just a boast... It was padding the price before selling. Expensive cars such as limousines, Bugattis, Rolls-Royces and Maybachs were stopped one after another at the entrance and then driven away by personal drivers or helpful staff to the underground car park. And increasingly, among the familiar brands, there were Stark's Starxpedders and flyers, which took off and left on their own. The latter might have dropped their passengers off at the helipad...
However, Tony wouldn't be himself if he didn't cheat on himself and propagate the audience with his exit on one of the wide balconies, jumping off it first and then catching Pepper in his arms. This moment not only showed the arrogance of the prankster billionaire but also planted a simple thought in the minds of many: flyers don't need separate platforms; they can land out the window. Computerised systems are so perfect that even if there is a hurricane, volcanic eruption, tsunami or earthquake outside, it will not affect the stability of the aircraft. This enabled a vertical parking system to be created without being limited to only two dimensions.
The attendees immediately split into three groups about Stark. The competitors and those Tony had stomped on with his new inventions were sincerely trying to pretend not to notice him. Another group were those who neither directly nor indirectly intersected with his business; they showed quite ordinary commonplace interest, nothing more. The third group saw Tony as a possible partner, supplier or sponsor, but even they did not rush forward with all their might. It would simply be impolite. The first to approach him were the representatives of Ozcorp, greeting him with all the rules of politeness. After all, he could become the buyer of Ozcorp at the most favourable price for the board of directors.
Moreover, their shares would rise in value when merging with Stark Industries. So he was almost licked but not imposed on more than etiquette. The next person who came to talk to Tony was not just an acquaintance but a full-fledged partner, Victor Von Doom.
- It's good to see you, Tony and Miss Potts getting better every day, - Victor smiled warmly at his saviour and, what is more, incredible in big business, at the one who kept his word honestly. - How did you like the reception? I feel so nostalgic.
- You flatter me," Pepper accepted the kiss on the hand with an equally bright smile.
- Already the soon-to-be missus. The invitation will come to you the other day, I'll be glad to see you, - the billionaire "subtly" hinted at the future wedding. - By the way, I agree with you. Von Doom Industries organised a similar reception two months ago, didn't they?
- Oh, I still can't forget the faces of the former board members when you mentioned the multi-billion dollar contract with my company. They had sold almost all the shares for next to nothing by then," Von Doom was happy then and even happier when Tony sent him just over twenty per cent of the shares short of 51 per cent. - I owe you forever.
- To me, the best thanks would be your company's good work. Speaking of which, how's your project with the Baxter Foundation going?
As you say, Reed Richards is a pain in the arse, but he knows his job. We're putting detectors in geostationary orbit, creating a planet-sized gravitational telescope to look for spatial anomalies. Your reactors helped a lot, as did the vibrantium. You should have seen the way Reed cringed when he admitted it.
- Was he able to admit it? Growing on himself," Stark was genuinely surprised. - Is that why he didn't come today?
- Not only that, he can't be dragged out for anything not directly related to science and new inventions. And he considers Ozcorp's handicrafts uninteresting and second-rate...
While the two geniuses, billionaire and philanthropist, were chatting with each other, a couple of young people entered from the other side of the hall through the main entrance like all normal people. A brunet in a white Armani three-piece suit and a black shirt with a white tie, and a platinum blonde with almost white hair in a black cocktail dress with a slit almost to the top of the thigh and a not insignificant cleavage, but on the verge of permissible and not revealing more than necessary. From jewellery, the girl wore only a platinum chain with a pussycat and earrings with ferrets. Despite such an "immature" set, the craftsmanship was so high that it did not look out of place and attracted the eye almost more than the taut and not insignificant breasts, which nothing restrained - the dress itself did not allow. Peter reached for his tie to loosen it but was elbowed in the side:
- Be patient a little. The official part lasts until the reception speech," she hissed. - Then you can take it off and wave it around. Let's go and greet them and find Mum.
- All right," Peter agreed, but when he saw Stark, he couldn't stand it and asked: - Why is Mr Stark not wearing a tie?
- Stark can come not only in a tie but even in pyjamas or a clown suit, and no one will say a word to him. Firstly, he's already got a reputation for antics. And secondly, he has earned authority through his achievements, wealth, skills and reputation as an honest business partner. Everyone WILL know what to expect from him, and you will be looked up to. For the rest of us, you are still a nobody.
- What can Jupiter do the bull can't? - Parker sourly twitched his lip, not familiar with the corporate ethics of big business.
And it was such that even Steve Jobs, famous for his turtlenecks and jeans, who with his wife Lauren stood surrounded by other rich people and said something, was also previously a "white collar" and did not immediately earn the right to dress informally even at official events. And that was if the regulations allowed. No, you could come to a meeting in a stretched jumper and shabby trousers, but no one would deal with you if security would let you in at all.
- That's about it," she shrugged in response.
After greeting the stewards, Peter and Felicia went to her mother, who had come alone. The dowager's position allowed such things to be done without judgement. In return, however, men swarmed around her, hoping to impress the rich widow. All the more so because the luxurious woman, who had not lost her beauty, looked gorgeous in her dark green dress, which creased from her chest to her feet.
- Hello, Mother," Felicia greeted her mother with a slight curtsy.
It caught her attention, and Parker noticed the micro-mimicry of the woman twitching an eyebrow, but it wasn't easy to see. Her expression was realistically icy. Most likely, his girlfriend had hurt her mother with her behaviour, voicing her displeasure at her bigotry on etiquette. Since this event was different from those where strict observance was mandatory.
- Let me introduce you to my man, Peter Parker. Peter, this is my mother, Lydia Lara Hardy.
- It is a pleasure to meet a woman of such stunning will and beauty.
Peter tried to take the woman's hand to greet her, but she wouldn't let him. And generally looked at the lad as if he were a dung beetle that had climbed up her dress, and for some reason, she tolerated it. There was an awkward pause, which was interrupted by... Tony Stark hugged Parker from behind by the neck in a pantheistic manner.
- Peter, there you are, and I've been looking all over for you. Oh, sorry, ladies. Felicia, Lydia, I couldn't resist your charms if I didn't have Pepper. How I envy you, little man!
The whole atmosphere of the cold aristocracy was instantly washed away. Lydia might have walked away or laid a harsh siege on the bold man if it had been anyone else, but it didn't work with Stark. Besides, she had a rather important multi-million dollar contract with him to advertise Flyers, Starkspiders and Starkmobiles, so all she had to do was put on a friendly face and greet him:
- And it's good to see you, Mr Stark. Do you know Mr Parker?
Stark had once hinted very thickly to her that if Lydia interfered directly with her daughter's relationship, he would be very unhappy. It is a private matter... Not in this case, however, as Felicia's boyfriend was Stark's protégé. Lydia did not understand why this native of Queens was so important to the billionaire, and today wanted to bring this Parker out into the open. But even here, Tony protected him, and he protected him well. Now a lot of people will be looking at the teenager. Some to get through him to Stark himself, and others - in search of what he could attract the billionaire and not to poach such a duck that lays golden eggs?
- Of course, he does. He's working as my lab assistant on an as-yet-unannounced project. In fact, he already has his own patent for an artificial web. Talented almost like me, just a little bit short, but still," Tony praised the guy who was embarrassed. - So you're looking at a future multimillionaire, at least; I'll ensure that.
- Then I'm very glad that my daughter inherited her taste in men from me," Lydia complimented him floridly.
- I'm glad about that too. And now, do you mind if I steal a boy from you for a while?
No one minded, and no one asked. Tony always did what he wanted, and asking permission was a formality. Often he didn't. Nodding to Pepper to stay, he walked away with the boy.
- Why? - Parker asked, grateful but embarrassed.
- You asked me to be your magic tutor. And I don't do things half-assed. So get over it. You're my student now. You're my face. I'll be judged by you," the man replied, putting on an orb against eavesdropping.
Three months ago, Peter had seen Stark's instant teleportation and naturally asked about it and more. Many things could be explained by science, but not all. And then Tony, in his own manner, admitted that he was a magician. And proved it with a demonstration of various charms. Then the guy was stunned and asked to teach him, and Stark took and agreed, saying that he has the potential and is just young enough to do it. Especially since no one else could help him with magic, Stark could leave the chores to the apprentice and do more important things himself. Peter made the earrings for Felicia himself, albeit with Tony's help.
- Come on, I'll introduce you to some important people.
After that, the tedious promenade through the different groups began. The mayor and city administration group. The group of media moguls. Groups of police and military, business and science, and many others. If not for the mutation, he would have been falling off his feet by now. Finally, when it was over, a grinning Stark, chipper as a cucumber, left his apprentice at the food table and skulked off to his woman, beginning to woo her, make her laugh, and blush. Felicia had retreated to the bathroom, which he saw out of the corner of his eye. It was a few minutes into the speech when a familiar yet unfamiliar surprised voice called out to him from behind:
- Peter? Is that you?
Turning around, Parker almost dropped the champagne glass he had managed to grab halfway through.
- Great reaction.
- Harry? Is that you?" Peter looked at the redhead in the green suit in surprise.
Harry Osborne and Peter Parker. What could unite the son of a billionaire and him? Actually, a lot. Peter went to a much more affluent junior school when his parents were alive. And there, he met Harry Osborne, with whom he cheated and generally had a good relationship. It's not exactly friendship forever, but it was a childhood friend.
- What a meeting! - The redhead hugged the boy and said. - At least some good news this evening. Oh, yes, let me introduce my companion.....
- Mary Jane," Peter said involuntarily when he saw the girl in the blue dress.
Yes, it was Mary Jane. She was in an expensive dress, with professional make-up, but it was her. Parker was scared at first. Scared that old feelings would reappear... But no. nothing at all. The emptiness and ashes were completely occupied by Felicia. For Mary, he felt rather sad about the defeated first love. He was guilty of building air castles concerning the girl who never perceived him as a guy.
- Do you two know each other? - Harry wondered.
On the other hand, Mary took much longer to recognise the stately, handsome and expensively dressed confident guy as an old friend.
- Peter? - Her eyes widened. - Is it really you? You've changed a lot. Why didn't you call?
- Here was the meeting of three friends! - Osborne rejoiced. - It's like something out of a soap opera! I saw you with Tony Stark but didn't think it was you. You came up, huh?
- It's a long story.
One Peter didn't really want to tell. No, he was glad to see Harry, and it was interesting to learn how he had lived and studied after junior school, moving to a boarding house in England that was closed. However, the sight of Mary Jane hinted at a less-than-pleasant conversation. She demanded with her eyes that Parker justify himself to her and confess all his sins. Such was Mary, and, being in love with her, he tolerated such an attitude. But not now. And that meant definite conflict and a ruined meeting with Harry.
- Peter," Felicia came up behind him, grabbing her boyfriend under his arm and scenting him with her perfume. - I've finally found you! Are you sure you weren't running from me?
- How could I! - Smiled the rescued man.
- Tony's company seemed more pleasant to you than mine. However, we'll talk about it later, won't you introduce us?
- My girlfriend, Felicia Hardy," Peter began. - This is my childhood friend Harry Osborne.
- We know each other," the redhead grinned wryly. - Your girl's got a great left hook. I was foolish enough to make a move on her once.
- I see you've come to the right conclusions since then," the blonde commented.
- That's right.
- And this is Mary Jane, my... friend;- after some thought, Peter didn't add the word "sex" because "officially" they didn't quarrel or break the relationship.
Parker had just left. By the way, the redheaded girl looked extremely confused at the moment. The transformation of an old friend was half the trouble. She was sure that inside, he was still the same stiff, stammering horny man who stuttered at the sight of her. But Hardy's look and gaze told her that not only did she actually love Peter, not play with him, but more importantly, she respected him. Respects him as a man, which doesn't fit Mary's mind, and with it comes a certain resentment towards Parker. Why wasn't he like that with her? However, she had yet to understand that a social circle influences a man as much as he influences that circle. She was "protecting" him, which only drove the guy's self-esteem into a minus. Mary made no effort to make Peter more confident, to teach him how to dress and behave. By the way, she was not obliged to do so, and a lot of the guy's own fault that he was satisfied with this status quo. However, Stark, Hardy, that Sif revealed Parker's potential, supported him and made him believe in himself. Which, along with the serum, served to transform the ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.
- Oh, is that it? Should I start worrying? - Felicia asked jokingly.
- No, let's leave Mary to Harry, and I don't need anyone else but you.
- Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho, I envy your relationship," Harry grinned, putting his arm around Mary, who was writhing for a moment.
She hated seeing Parker's disdain for her. It was as if your dog was happier with someone else than with you.
- How did you meet M. J.? - Peter inquired, to whom Felicia was snuggled up to the edge of decency, making the boy's hand seem to sink into her cleavage.
It wasn't surprising. This Mary was somewhat inferior in beauty to Felicia herself. Besides, she knew Peter a lot more. And even though her boyfriend didn't tell her much about the redhead, she knew that he had been in love with her before. For this reason, Hardy learnt such an unpleasant and unexpected feeling as jealousy. Previously, Felicia had been confident in her ability to hold on to Peter and that he wouldn't leave her. Now, however, she was facing a rival for the first time.
- Oh, that's an interesting story. I was passing through Queens and thought I'd stop by your house, only it turns out you'd moved. I went through the neighbourhood and met her, introduced her, and suggested we hang out. Then you know what happened," Osborne's eyebrows drew together, hinting at the same thing.
- Harry, what are you talking about? - The redhead blushed, matching the colour of her hair.
When MJ had been hanging out with Flash Thompson, Peter had been pushing away thoughts of sex. Just the thought of him and her, let's be honest, fucking. He didn't know specifically, and he didn't want to know about it. Especially since it was her own business, how and in what positions she was with. At the moment, the picture looked even worse. Having met a rich guy, MJ hadn't missed the chance to jump into his bed and get a chance to escape her dysfunctional family. Could he judge her as a person? No. Did it make him feel good to think about it? Also no. First, love is usually exalted, and Parker was no exception. And such a final shattering of that image was unpleasant.
However, simultaneously, he immediately saw Felicia for who she was. Beautiful, confident, not without flaws like adrenaline addiction, because of which she is always inviting him to parachute jump or on his web ride, but that and loved. These were already more mature feelings with a long-standing attraction to each other. Peter had no time to reply to Osborne's story, nor did he know what to say. Except to wish him happiness, though he realised Harry would find someone else at any moment. He was interrupted by the tapping of a fork on his glass from the chairman of the Board of Directors, John Fulkerson, who had replaced Norman Osborne, the founder and president of Ozcorp, who had been ousted. He, along with the rest of the board, gathered on the elevated stage on the right side of the auditorium:
- 'May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen,' he continued when the chatter died down, and everyone turned their attention to a full-looking man in his forties: - "As you all know, Ozcorp is going through some tough times. We've been through many ups and downs. Still, this recent time has proven to be too much for the corporation. The Board of Directors, which I am currently representing, has decided to make a decision to...
At this point, there was mad caracal laughter and the squealing of small jet engines that only grew in intensity.
- We have made the decision to...
While everyone looked around to see where the sounds came from, two small rockets flew through the window. They exploded, hitting the centre of the stage, scattering splinters, stone fragments, blood and pieces of bone-like shrapnel. Before anyone could react, Stark was already in action. Taking advantage of the confusion, the first thing he did was to send Pepper with a portkey to their mansion in Polynesia. Around Peter and his girlfriend, invisible magical shields flared up before the attack began. The apprentice's spider-sense was incredible, so despite the explosion's proximity, none of them or behind them were hurt. What could not be said about the others? The explosion in a closed room only injured a few dozen and even more concussed. However, Peter had already started to lead his friends and the injured away.
Stark, under invisibility, rushed after the culprit, who was already flying away in a familiar Ozcorp glider. As he flew closer, he saw the culprit himself, wearing a gremlin mask and a green armoured suit that also looked like a Norman company design. Tony didn't bother talking, urging him to stop, or asking why the bastard had done it. Because the guy had killed a dozen and a half, maybe not exactly innocent, but still people, and put more in danger. So Stark fired a beam of ionised plasma that burned the glider through and shorted it out. The enemy managed to sit on the ground even in such conditions, turn around and, grabbing a green-coloured grenade, screamed in a frantic voice:
- Let me go, or I'll throw the grenades!
This was New York City. What's more, there are a bunch of cars and passersby around. An explosion under such conditions would be catastrophic.
- Petrificus totalus," Stark said.
The infamous battle with Magneto had shown him his weakness. And then, since then, Tony had not only made artefacts and various kinds of armour for all occasions but also mastered wand magic. And the conductor, in this case, was the entire armoured glove, and the charms were pulled off the extended index finger. After that, Tony approached the criminal frozen because of the paralysing charms, hid his grenades in the spatial vault and hit him well, from the bottom of his heart. Then he removed his mask and was not surprised to see a familiar face.
- Norman.
He thought Osborne should have accepted Stark Industries' help developing the autopilot. Tony knew the breed of man Norman was. Brutal, arrogant, headstrong, who believed that all means were good and that it was a disgrace to ask for help. Better to break, take away, cheat, steal. There was madness in the businessman's eyes, and the diagnostic enchantments indicated that he had done something to himself by taking something like a super soldier serum. However, simultaneously, after using mental magic, he realised that the serum was only a trigger, the trigger of a violent man with psychopathic tendencies going mad who was losing his company. And even if you cure him, the mental illness isn't going anywhere. Like half a dozen lives wouldn't go anywhere. Stark couldn't resurrect them since there was a real mess, and the souls had already flown off. Besides, no one forced Norman to use an untested serum, so even in that regard, he can't be absolved of responsibility. You don't excuse a drug addict on a binge or a drunk in a whiteout if they commit a crime, do you? That's the case here. So Stark called his old friend, Agent Colson. The Shield had a special prison for these special criminals.
After surrendering the criminal to the agents, Tony returned in disguise. Still, in the time that had passed, it was all over. Thanks to his flyers and summoned Jarvis suits, the seriously injured were taken away immediately; the rest were sorted out by ambulances and interviewed by the police. Peter sat on the sidelines, staring blankly towards the bloody mincemeat where the forensics team tried to make sense of the mess. The guy's sleeves were rolled up, but it was as a dead poultice as his once-white suit was covered in blood, as were his hands. One didn't need to watch the camera footage to realise his apprentice, with first aid skills and a ring with minor healing sealed into it, found himself in his own battle helping injured people. Beside him sat Felicia under his side, wrapping her arms around him. Peter's gaze was familiar to Stark; it was the gaze of veterans, tired doctors and rescuers - the gaze of a thousand miles. When the mind cannot cope with the horrors experienced, it retreats into mental defence.
- Who was that? - Tony appeared from around the corner, taking off his suit before he did, and Peter came to his senses. Two tracks of tears streaked his face.
- Norman Osborne.
- Why? Why all this? So many dead... I didn't make it; I couldn't save everyone.
- And I couldn't, Peter," Stark sat on the other side of him, putting his arm around the boy. - And I couldn't. No one can; I've told you that before. But I try my best to minimise such events, but I can't make people defend themselves. Bulletproof spray's been on the market for two months, and how many people have used it?
- 'A third, Mr Stark,' Felicia answered him. - 'Roughly.
- Exactly. Everyone has their own way, and I don't want to take away people's freedom in exchange for safety because then there would be neither freedom nor safety," Stark sighed heavily. - Our company has been fighting bureaucracy for a month to license unmanned autonomous drones to scout and disarm intruders. Hopefully, today's case will move things forward.
- There's no bringing back the dead.
- No," Stark nodded. - You're an adult today, my apprentice. Take a week's holiday on my island with your girlfriend. I'll send a flyer and get you some time off from school. By the way, Felicia, take care of Peter. Don't let him do anything stupid. Better yet, see a good counsellor together.
- Okay," the girl nodded, not moving away from her boyfriend.
Tony nodded and went to see Chief of Police George Stacey. To give a statement and deal with the damn drones. How he would love to deal with the whole Imperius thing, but not only was it unethical, but Xavier had already contacted him about it once before. Retaliation is one thing, but he won't allow the whole world to be Impeached. And the words of the world's strongest telepath were... suggestive. And they weren't meaningless. Imperius is numbing, and you can't always keep it on. It's good as a one-time action, but only sometimes.