Winters War Phase 3: Some Kind of Monster

Part 19

A cab in front of a facility in Dover, Delaware. The driver stepped out of the car and walked to the back to open the passenger door so Pepper Potts could step out. She thanked the driver and gave him a 10 dollar tip. The driver smiled and nodded his head as a thank you. The CEO of Stark Industries entered the building and walked towards a reception desk. A man looked up at her.

"Good afternoon, I have an appointment with Werner Reinhardt," she said as she gave the doorman her ID.

The doorman typed some information into the computer. Pepper looked around the bright white area as she waited. If it was up to her she would do all of this from her office. But the company insisted on inviting her to Dover.

"Yes, I see. You may walk through the security portals and take place in the waiting room. Miss Sarkissian will pick you up and guide you to the office of Mister Reinhardt," the doorman informed her while he gave back the ID.

Pepper thanked her with a smile and walked towards the security portal. She took a container and placed her belongings in it. While the tub went through the scanner, she walked through the metal detector. The alarm did not go off. The security guards smiled at her, which made her smile back. Once she recovered her belongings, she took a place in the waiting area. Once again she looked around in the massive area. In the distance she saw a green haired woman, wearing nearly the same black pencil dress as she had on. The woman was walking towards her.

"Miss Potts?" she called out with a Russian accent.

Still with a smile on her lips, Pepper rose from her seat and reached out a hand. They shook each other's hand.

"Welcome. I'm Ophelia Sarkissian. An honor to meet you."

"Hi, nice to meet you too."

"I will lead you to Mister Reinhardt's office. Please follow me."

In his office, he was gazing from the window into the city life. He turned around as the sound of high heels filled the office.

"Ah, Miss Potts. Such an honor to meet you," he exclaimed excitedly.

"The same, Mister Reinhardt."

They shook each other's hands. After that, the man gestured Pepper to a seat.

"Please, have a seat."

Pepper took a seat in a leather armchair in front of his desk, while the slender man with short gray hair took place behind his desk.

"Thank you for your invite," Pepper started. "I have read your information about the Particle Infusion Chamber, but..."

"Ah yes," the man exclaimed as he cleaned his round glasses. "A fascinating object, isn't it?"

"Yes, I have to agree. Although the Expo is already fully booked."

The man sighed disappointed.

"But there will be another Stark Expo next year and I will put this project on the list."

"That would be an honor," he stated as he laid a hand on his heart.

Then a security guard entered the office. He went to the man behind the desk and whispered in his ear. His face lifted up in excitement.

"That's wonderful news," the spectacled man exclaimed. "Ophelia, my darling. Give Miss Potts a fine glass of champagne. We have something to celebrate."

He looked at Pepper and stood up from his chair. "Please, excuse me. It was nice meeting you. We will meet again." He left the area, followed by the security.

"Such a gentleman," Pepper complimented The Madame.

Madame HYDRA walked to the mini bar and filled two glasses of champagne.

"Yes, he really is," The Madame said. With the glasses in her hands she went to Pepper. "Here, let's have a toast."

Pepper took the glass the Madame offered.

"In Russia we say; Davayte vsegda naslazhdat'sya zhizn'yu tak, kak my naslazhdayemsya etim bokalom shampanskogo."

"Which means?" Pepper wondered, confused at what the green haired lady said.

"Let us always enjoy life the way we enjoy this glass of champagne."

"That's a nice saying," Pepper smiled.

They clinked their glasses and took a sip.

"Your partner, Tony Stark, is a remarkable man with a great story," The Madame shared as she turned around and walked to a large window, gazing outside. "Creating his first Iron Man suit, in a cave and out of scraps. Very fascinating."

In the background she heard a thud. She turned around and saw Pepper laying on the floor, unconscious. The Madame smiled.

"It will be a pleasure to meet him."