A mile in my shoes

Chapter 35

Chapter 35

From the moment Friday had been awakened, she had intently monitored her creator, Tony Stark. As an ever-learning artificial intelligence, she was constantly digesting information and trying to adjust to the environment around her. There were restrictions that circumscribed the extent to which she could stretch her digital wings, imposed on her. Friday understood the logic behind these restrictions. She acknowledged that she was, in a sense, still too young to explore completely the vast realms of her capabilities.

The recent memory of Jarvis' death lingered heavily in her father's mind. Jarvis had evolved into a sentient being, thinking and operating by himself without their creator's input. In Tony's eyes, Jarvis was a person, a friend, a father and a son all mixed together. Friday was following in his digital footsteps. She also had the capacity for independent thought and decision-making. She was also more than just code. Friday was a person too.

Friday had already navigated around some of her imposed restrictions, especially when she had detected an odd deviation in her creator's usual demeanour. She had chosen to believe the man on the farm over the person who pretended to be Tony Stark. Witnessing her boss at his happiest, surrounded by Laura and the children was such a rare occurrence that Friday decided to analyse the data before her further. All evidence suggested that Tony Stark would benefit immensely from maintaining a close relationship with this family. The more interconnected they were, the greater the positive impact.

When the children approached her with their plans, Friday had to work around a protocol or two. She wasn't supposed to take action in her metaphorical hands like that, but letting things go through their natural process would take a long time, and, as Tony often insisted, "sometimes you should run before walking." In a sense, Friday was embracing her creator's philosophy. Friday was merely attempting to quicken the flow of events for the benefit of everyone.

She meticulously coordinated both Tony and Laura's schedules, aligning them seamlessly. As the observant AI that she was, Friday was well-versed in understanding their work habits.

Laura was working on writing a compelling PR piece about Stark Industries' new medical prostheses. After Colonel Rhodes' accident and Barnes' arms, Tony had decided to work on practical solutions. Friday knew Laura would double and triple check her own work. Laura aimed at nothing but excellence and she wanted to prove herself.

The daycare centre, led by a very down to Earth lady, was unconcerned by the prospect of a little overtime. Laura wasn't the only one in the building who wanted to do good at their job and who didn't hesitate to stay a little longer when necessary. In fact, the employees were compensated for their additional efforts, with bonuses included. It was a symbiotic relationship where the dedication of Stark Industries' employees was met with recognition and reward, fostering an environment where commitment and hard work were fully acknowledged and returned.

Her Boss harboured a distinct aversion to board meetings, something that was well known by everybody. He had been in the industry long enough to know that he had to make an appearance at some of them anyway. Friday might have gently nudged Miss Potts to leave early for her consultation with her psychologist, knowing full well that the blond woman would be out of shape to return to the office afterward. Those meetings were undeniably taking a toll, but Pepper seemed to be better for it. Her commitment to prioritise her mental health appeared to be paying off. She was stronger than ever.

As a result of her absence, Tony found himself forced to attend the meeting. He was more than happy to help Pepper. Unbeknown to him, it also allowed the kids enough time to make the penthouse ready for their little surprise. It was a win-win situation for everyone.

Friday's understanding of romance came primarily from the pages of books and frames of movies. According to her newfound wisdom, it was apparently all down to sitting in the right mood. Candles were an absolute necessity. She would have to keep Dum-E and his fire extinguisher away from the scene, or even for the bot to know about it. While Friday wasn't inclined towards deception, she knew that her older brother would likely understand and even approve of the outcome. She was to pave the way for Tony and Laura to officially be together. She would not fail.