INFERNO │ Marvel

1.1 the stark siblings

Amelia Stark was pissed. Her brother, the famed Tony Stark, had once again failed to show up. To receive an award, no less. She would have thought it would be a brilliant boost for his ego, yet he was nowhere to be found. And she was pissed.

"Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot," the narrator spoke while the audience clapped. "Even from an early age, the son of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly stole the spotlight with his brilliant and unique mind. At age four, he built his first circuit board. At age six, his first engine. And at 17, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT. Then, the passing of a titan. Howard Stark's lifelong friend and ally, Obadiah Stane, steps in to help fill the gap left by the legendary founder, until, at age 21, the prodigal son returns and is anointed the new CEO of Stark Industries. With the keys to the kingdom, Tony ushers in a new era for his father's legacy, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, satellite targeting. Today, Tony Stark has changed the face of the weapons industry by ensuring freedom and protecting America and her interests around the globe."

Amelia watched his life story be told, pictures of her and Tony together occasionally showing in the mix. It was never debated by anyone that Tony had more success than her. While she was a big part of Stark Industries, it was him as the older Stark who had been appointed CEO of the company. No one could say that Amelia was any less of a genius than her brother, though.

A spotlight lit the stage after Tony's introduction, revealing the Stark's good friend James Rhodes at the podium. He glanced around the room before speaking. "As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend and he is my great mentor. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to present this year's Apogee Award to Mr Tony Stark. Tony?"

Rhodes glared in the direction of their table, narrowing his eyes at the younger Stark sibling as if to silently question her where Tony was. She subtly shook her head at him. Amelia would have accepted the award in place of her brother, but Obadiah Stane looked a little too excited to take the opportunity himself. She gave him a small nod, and he immediately leapt from his seat.

"Thank you, Colonel," Obadiah said, graciously accepting the award from Rhodes, who looked as annoyed as Amelia felt. "This is beautiful. Thank you. Thank you all very much. This is wonderful."

"Jesus Christ," Amelia muttered to herself. She didn't believe in any god, but if one did exist, then she would pray to him that this would not get any more awkward than it already was.

"Well, I'm not Tony Stark," Obadiah started. "But if I were Tony, I would tell you how honoured I feel and what a joy it is to receive this very prestigious award. Tony, you know... The best thing about Tony is also the worst thing. He's always working."

-

Tony Stark was, in fact, not working, and his sister knew it. Her heeled boots clacked loudly against the floor of the casino as she took angry strides towards him, not caring who she pushed aside in the process.

"Asshole!" she called out, pointing her finger right in his face. Rhodes soon followed after her.

"You are unbelievable," Rhodes followed up, but Tony cut him off before he could continue.

"Oh, did they rope you into this?" he whined, then looked at Amelia. "Did you rope him into this?"

"Nobody roped me into anything-"

"I'm so sorry," Tony said in fake sympathy.

"No, you're not," Amelia retorted, gently pushing the woman on Tony's arm away from the trio with an apologetic smile. The woman scowled at her and tried her best to stay glued to his side.