The Invention Left By A Little Stark | Book 2

15) Something Waiting In The Basement

As Spring embraced the earth, there was a new warmth in the breeze that wasn't there a few days ago.

The days were becoming lighter and brighter and the nights were becoming shorter and less profound. Even the grandest cities in the world had now begun to turn from gray to green as life took back its hold from winter.

The change in scenery was evident as Primo glided just below the cotton clouds, the destination being Avengers Tower.

Hank studied the structure as it came into view and a curious look appeared on his face. "Why not the Compound?"

Tony looked at him as if the answer was already obvious. "We're still renovating there, there's no clinic for Barton."

"Shouldn't that be one of the first things you worked on?"

"That's what I tried to tell him." Natasha commented. "But the genius over there insisted we have a natatorium and a theater room first."

"What, you want us to be bored all day while we're out there?" Tony retorted. "Besides, the Tower already has everything. It's cool. And we have the world famous Dr. Cho on call to save Clint from a gruesome death. Actually, you know what? Pym, you really should've just come here first."

Hank didn't amuse him with a reply and merely rolled his eyes as he listened to Tony brag about everything.

Outside, by the Tower's helipad, Dr. Cho and Agent Hill stood patiently as Primo glided into view and settled the landing. Elsewhere, JARVIS and FRIDAY found a moment to communicate their reunion.

"Mission successful." JARVIS told her.

If FRIDAY were a physical being, she would've nodded. "Good work assisting the Avengers, Grandpa JARVIS. Agent Hill informed me of Agent Barton's condition. Dr. Cho is waiting to help."

"Very good. And please refrain from addressing me as Grandpa. It insinuates I am old, but I can assure you I am in prime functionality."

"Of course. Is the boss stable? Ms. Potts is very concerned about the mission and would like to know his condition."

"There was a troubling incident. Mr. Stark's heart rate exceeded 100 bpm and brainwaves suggested signs of distress, leading me to believe he suffered a severe panic attack."

FRIDAY had sensed similar signals of distress from Hank once the team returned. She chose not to mention it since her top priority was programmed to be Tony.

Speaking of Tony, as Primo was carted into the shelter of an overhang, the hatch opened and Clint was the first out, being carried on a gurney. He managed to greet Hill fleetingly before being wheeled away by Dr. Cho's medical team, Bruce and Natasha following them with concern.

Hill entered Primo and passed Thor who was carrying the scepter in a secure case. He held it like a teddy bear, close to his heart and ensuring no one would be able to take it from him.

"Lab's all set up, boss." She informed Tony.

"Well, actually, he's the boss." Tony said, lazily motioning to Steve. "I just pay for everything and design everything and make everyone look cooler."

Steve shot him a disapproving look as he faced Hill. "What's the word on Strucker?"

"NATO's got him." She replied.

"The two enhanced?"

"Wanda and Pietro Maximoff." She beckoned him closer and showed him the tablet she held. "Orphaned at ten when a shell collapsed their apartment building."