Lost in Time

Twenty-Five

Elle stood outside the operating room with Rhodey and Pepper, watching as Tony has the shrapnel removed from his chest. She let out a breath of relief, knowing nothing had gone wrong for him. She could feel Rhodeys gaze on her and she chuckled, turning her head to him... 'Something I can help you with Colonel Rhodes?..'

'Tony never once mentioned you..'.. He said, and she could tell he was assessing her.

'He has his reasons..'.. She shrugged... 'Pepper, would you mind going to get an update on Happy please? I'd feel better knowing he's got someone with him..'.. She asked her friend.

'Of course..'.. Pepper looked between Elle and Rhodey, feeling as though they wanted a private conversation... 'I'll fetch us some coffee too while we wait for Tony..'.. She gave a little smile and headed off.

Elle waited another minute, before turning back to Rhodey... 'I'm sure you have a lot to say, so go ahead..'

'I've looked into you, Miss Grey-..'

Sergeant Grey. If you want a truth, you give it. So, let me go first..'.. She folded her arms... 'Do you really think, that you being War Machine, or Iron Patriot, whatever they want to call you, is just a coincidence? That you really believe the government doesn't have ulterior motives for you?..'

Rhodey gave her a scrutinising look... 'I don't know what you think you know, Sergeant, but I am privy to a lot of conversations, and Intel regarding the missions I'm called for. There is nothing untoward about it..'

She gave him an amused smile... 'He really didn't tell you about me, did he?..'.. She chuckled, and looked back into the operating room, seeing the doctors begin to stitch Tony up... 'Give me your hand..'.. She held out her own to Rhodes, seeing him hesitant before he did as she asked. Elle focused and stepped back a few feet, pulling him with her... 'Now we can't be overheard..'

Rhodey had no idea what she meant as he looked around, pulling his hand back... 'Who are you?..'

'Sergeant Elle Grey. Long story short, I'm from the future 2034, came back to the past, 2011 in fact, and I'm here to change what's going to happen. Tony knows only a certain amount, like what I've told you, and he's been helping me..'.. She put her hands on her hips.

He frowned at her, then shook his head... 'I don't know what games you're playing, but I know Tony, he's a good guy, and whatever it is you-..'

'An all out war, one that affects the entire universe, is coming. And half of all life in said universe, gets wiped out, including this world. That's what I'm trying to stop. The future I'm from, its hell, what happens is something I have to stop..'.. She said, cutting him off... 'I've already changed some events, trying to save those who would be beneficial to fighting against this war Rhodey..'... Elle took a deep breath... 'Tony dies, giving his life to stop this war, he saves the damn universe. I don't want that to happen to him, he sacrifices more than anyone, to make sure the rest of us get to live..'

Rhodey had no idea what to say. Time travel was impossible, it just couldn't be real... 'How do you expect me to believe anything you say?..'

'I can prove it. But you can't tell anyone, so many lives are at stake..'.. Elle shook her head... 'I gave up everything, to come back to the past, to change your future. I've seen and lived through it all once already, and I don't want that, for anyone, not even my worst enemy..'.. She looked back up at him... 'I know Tony is a good guy, I know I can trust him, and he has helped me. The story we created, that I'm his goddaughter, its one no one questions. Please Rhodes, help me to save him, save them all..'