Avengers - Time Rift: Iron Maiden

Chapter 5 - New Beginnings

Tonya walked into Pepper's office and took a seat next to Tony "Morning. I hope you're both doing well" she said taking the opportunity to work on her social skills. "Good morning" Pepper replied with a smile opening a folder and pushing some papers in front of her "If you sign those where I marked them it will finish your hiring process and we'll get your key cards, clearances and ID badge done for you. Make sure to wear your badge, Happy has a thing about them being displayed". Tony chuckled softly as Tonya replied "Happy? Do you have the other six dwarfs in the basement too?". Tony spoke up as he shifted in his seat "You position here is going to be classified as a trouble shooter for the green energy project. We don't want to push ahead too quickly. I think we achieve everything in a particular time frame for a reason and we need to develop our own tech. All we need you to do is check for errors and give us a nudge in the right direction if we hit a stumbling block. Sound fair?". Tonya looked at Pepper then back to Tony "So basically all I'm doing is making sure you don't blow yourselves up and point you in the direction of a solution if you hit a wall?". "That's it" Pepper replied "We don't want you to finish the project for us, that would be taking advantage of you. All we want is a little help as the inevitable stoppers in the research and engineering pop up". Tony sat back in his chair crossing his right leg over his left and resting his cheek on his hand "Of course this means your own lab as well. Only you, Pepper and I will have access to it and we'll only come in if you invite us or there's an emergency". Pepper cut in giving her a wink "I'm sure you can see where having access to SI's resources and a secure research area would be an advantage in your situation". "They're giving me a place to store and work on my armor and research the location of the other two infinity stone and data packets. Plus it keeps my tech and mission under S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers radar for the most part" she thought to herself with a smile "Sneaky. I like it". "I'll need it on ground level for vehicle access" Tonya said "I have some side projects planned too". Pepper pulled up the diagram of the lab facilities and looked them over "Not a problem. It's not as big as most of the other labs but it should have plenty of space for you". Tonya leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees "And the time I'm not working here? Since it seems like I'll have a lot of down time". Tony replied with a thin smile "Try not to blow things up. I might bug you now and then to give me a hand and the Avengers could use a heavy hitter if you feel like it. I'll keep you and Cap working together at a minimum. Other than that you have your own reasons for being here that you have to take care of and I think Coulson wanted to talk to you about something but he'll give you a ring when he's not being all ... agenty". Pepper slipped the signed papers into the file folder and closed it "That's all I have as far as paperwork. If you have any questions feel free to drop in, my doors always open." she tapped her pen on the desk for a moment "Oh, I almost forgot. Thursdays, let's set a standing lunch date. We'll call it a business lunch. I can fill you in on anything we don't want to risk having overheard". "Banker's hours, plenty of time off and a paycheck? Sounds good to me especially with that monthly salary" Tonya said. Tony stood up and made his way toward the door "Well, I'm sure you ladies have everything here covered. I have to go be irresponsible and have a glass of breakfast. Scotch eggs, hold the eggs. Those bike parts we ordered are in too Tonya so you can start playing with that when you want, and drop in on the tower after lunch, it's time we do an official meet and greet. See you at home Pepp" he said giving her a wink as she blew him a kiss and watched him as he closed the door behind him. Pepper turned her attention to Tonya giving her a smile "So you know the arrangement and the paperwork's filled out" she said as she stood up behind her desk "I'll give you the nickle tour and get you settled in then head out for lunch". Tonya followed Pepper to the door and out into the hall, Pepper paused for a moment as she spoke "And that salary is weekly, not monthly. On top of you being an invaluable member of our team Tony felt like you deserve some special treatment. Something about kind of being family". Tonya stepped into the elevator behind Pepper feeling a bit confused "Family? I don't know where he gets that shit ... but it could be worse" she thought not noticing the small smile she was expressing.