Stark Enterprises International HQ - So It Begins

[Green Goblin - Norman Osborn]

Osborn sat back in his chair; his feet propped rudely up on the board room table and laughed as he read the paper. The Hood had been making news of late and it amused him greatly. The young street punk who got lucky in finding a magic cloak to help in his rise to power was certainly and interesting character. Someone to keep an eye on but truly no threat to him or his plans, in fact the man had not been smart enough to accept his offer of joining the New World Order and taking a considerable place in the reshaping of the status quo. Never the less The Hood served a purpose, he created chaos and it would be through such chaos that many of his ends would be met.

His smile faded though as the others finally entered the room. It had been a long dreary day with these meetings and his only consolation was in expecting the sheer anger and hatred he could see in Mr. Tony Starks face from across the room. This alone brought a little joy to Osborn’s black heart and indeed as Tony himself entered the room Osborn’s smile returned as he stood and nodded to the man. “A drink Mr. Stark? Perhaps some water… or a glass of bourbon?” He smirked darkly while jibing the man about his alcohol problem, a well known fact to all those in attendance which most, if not all accepted yet still placed even the smallest seeds of doubt in some. “It is good to see you up and about from your long absence and looking so… healthy. Whatever accident caused your coma; all here surely hope that there is no relapse.” He nodded and moved to the small mini-bar behind his chair pulling out a bottle or water and pouring two glasses full with ice inside. After sitting back down he pushed the glass with startling speed, at least startling to those that didn’t know his little secret like the Invincible Iron Man across the way, across the desk towards Stark and nodded as he took a long gulp of his own. “So… you called this meeting… why Mr. Stark. Your interests in this company… your former company, have grown quite fast since your awakening but they are not yet considerable enough to have anything but a vote in most policies. Nor at this moment are you head of any of the departments so you certainly have nothing official to bring forward for our approval. In truth I only authorized this for two reasons, one you still have some… small… support amongst these men…” He looked around the table at several specifically then back to Stark. “And I must admit I am morbidly curious as to what you may have to say.”

[Iron Man - Tony Stark]

"No bourbon, thanks. I remain on the wagon." he said coolly, a slight icy edge to his voice, but nothing impolite. Bourbon, as always, being counted as #2 on his list of Lifelong Addictions (alcoholic beverages, with #1 being women and #3 being high-powered hardware), sounded like a hell of a good idea to that darker part of his brain, but he resisted the urge with much more ease than was usual. After all, he was here for a very specific reason, and that purpose gave him plenty of willpower. That's right, you prick. Keep smiling.

He had a brief flash of Addiction #3, this time in the form of his armored gauntlet punching Osborn's smile straight down his throat, but that too passed in an instant, and Tony's easy smile never even flickered. His hand snapped out, very nearly inhumanly fast as the water glass shot across the table to him, and caught it, tilting it just slightly so that not a drop spilled. He lifted the glass slowly, taking a sip as he lifted a brow, listening to Osborn's small little speech, reminding Tony and the rest of the Board who was really in charge here, quite smoothly actually, if more than a little blunt. But then, Osborn was a blunt-force businessman... someone who crushed his opposition. Tony had a different approach.

If you had competition, you didn't need to crush them. You just needed to offer a better product. And noone in the world did that like Tony Stark.

"Well then, Norman, I'd hate to leave you to stew for too long in your curiosity." he said, chuckling, and pushed himself up out of his chair, looking around to the men and women - especially to the same ones Osborn had let his gaze linger on - with a reassuring smile. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Board - I thank you for attending this meeting, considering it is, as Norman so aptly pointed out, an unscheduled meeting." He walked around the table to the head of it, between the table and the holoscreen, and while he still smiled, his tone grew slightly colder as he went on.

"Now I know over the past few months I've made a big deal over the direction this company has taken, the way the principles I built this company to adhere to have been trampled, or some other thing that seems to have irritated me at the time, but... life's much too short to spend it complaining to a group of people who care about none of that so much as they do their net worth. And no, I don't speak of all of you." His voice softened only slightly at that second bit, and he leaned forward, putting his hands on the table as he continued.

"Which is why I want to announce that this will be my final Board of Directors meeting. You'll be free to peddle my inventions for any purpose you see fit without having to listen to old Tony Stark talk about morals or doing the right thing. I've decided to end my attendance here because, simply put, I won't have time anymore." He stood back up, taking his hands off the table, and the holoprojector activated apparently on its own, with just a little prompting from his technopathy. It was password encoded, and only the current CEO was supposed to be able to release control of the system, but as if Tony was going to have even a moment's difficulty hacking a system he had created himself. Like everything else around here, someone else might sit in the chair, but it belonged to him.

The glow of the projector resolved into a logo, the centerpiece of which were the words 'Stark Dynamics'. "I feel that my new company will be taking up too much of my time. My father used to say that if you wanted to get rid of the competition, the best thing you can do is to provide a better product. And that's exactly what Stark Dynamics is going to do." There was a gratifying look of terror in the eyes of several of the board members - noone knew better than these people exactly how good Tony was at outclassing the competition. After all, it was his ability to do that that had made them all wealthy - and even now the company was surviving on things he had designed years ago that were still years ahead of the competition - OsCorp included in many respects.

And THAT wasn't the other shoe.

"I also felt that it would be only courteous to provide you with the list of Stark Enterprises personnel who have asked me to pick up their contracts, considering that the majority of the research department has their contracts coming up, and many in other departments as well. I have also made plans with several personnel who have contracts coming up more than a year from now to purchase theirs when they do." Which was true and false at the same time. If SE wanted to retain its personnel, they would have to be far more careful about treating their people well - that, or treat them worse. Either way, it hurt Osborn, and that was just fine.

"All told, this company will be losing approximately fifty-seven percent of its top research and engineering personnel, and between ten and sixty percent from several other departments, especially, oddly enough, the legal department, much of which, under my employ, will be filing three hundred and seventy two injunctions against military products which this company has been producing for the past two years, based on a few things I found in my own contracts and patents. I don't expect, in truth, that much will come of a lot of them, but at least a few of them will force you to cease production. Maybe not for long, but I figure... every less tank I let you build is better for the world." He said this last sentence with much of the venom he had been storing up the entire meeting, and many of the board members paled further. The loss of so many people was going to be a massive body blow to the company, especially its research personnel, and one of the only people in the world who could touch Tony's engineering expertise - certainly the only one currently working for Stark Enterprises...

"Thena Eliot will also be part of my new company, as a partner and head of the research department." And there went the last hope of SE being able to catch up with what Tony was building. "Honestly I wasn't expecting to get as many people as I did, but it seems the employees of this company remember much better than its Board of Directors how much better things were before I was attacked."

"On that note, though, I thought I would also inform you of a few other people who have noticed the decline in quality coming out of this company. SHIELD, for instance, one of your biggest clients, is shifting its hardware and software contracts to S.D.. DARPA has been quite interested in a number of new technologies I've proposed as well. It seems there is a demand for a number of technologies you have been unable to keep up with. Sad for you. Good for me." The holoprojector had been showing the percentage of personnel losses and contract losses to S.E. as he spoke - the numbers of which were considerable and potentially devatstating - but it shut off then as he adjusted his tie.

"I won't take any more of your time. But is there anything you'd like to ask, first? I'd be happy to sell stock in S.D. to... well, some of you, if you should be interested in moving your investment money."

[Green Goblin - Norman Osborn]

Osborn smiled and even chuckled a little slowly standing as the other at the table gave of a few shocked gasps and whispers amongst one another. But this did not faze Norman at all. Indeed he had been planning all along to let those contracts expire. Most of the people who were leaving were far more loyal to Tony Stark and his principles then they ever would have been to himself. No… he already had replacements lined up for them, as good or better. People who would jump at the chance to work within the guise of the legitimate world to reach their underhanded goals...

Goals which Osborn himself influenced…

“Congratulations Tony… I wish you well in this little venture of yours and well played with those Shield contracts.” He grinned though inside he could feel the anger welling up, even as Director for the Commission of Superhuman Affairs he could not stop this or get in the way of which contracts Sage, as SHEILD Director chose to pick up. Never the less he had other plans, he didn’t need the SHEILD contracts in the long run and there were many other branches of the US military not to mention other UN nations and… underground armies… he could supply to. In fact his new personnel were used to such things…

“Is this all you wanted to inform us about Mr. Stark?” He asked now, a little venom in his voice as he rounded the table towards Tony. Thoughts of stabbing the man and crucifying him on the board room table running through his mind as his hand out to his business rival, perhaps the second most hated opponent in his live outside the wall crawler. He knew well as he held his hand out if Tony wanted to make this all look good and legitimate, not throw any of these on lookers off with attitude he would have to take the show of ‘respect’ and that in itself almost made Osborn laugh out loud knowing how detestable and suspicious this gesture would be to Stark.

He only wished he had one of his goblin gloves on… several thousand volts would possibly end his problem quite well…

[Iron Man - Tony Stark]

"Well thank you very much, Norman. I hope your replacement personnel don't get you into too much trouble. I hear from several reliable sources that the authorities are going to be watching both Stark Industries and Oscorp very carefully, you know. And I know you don't want to get caught in anything... underhanded, now do we?" His grin turned almost predatory, though it was very sedate... most people would have missed it, but he returned the vicious look in Osborn's eyes with plenty of enthusiasm. Osborn had crossed a line... and there were enough people crossing lines with Tony these days that anyone who did was likely to feel a disproportionate response... which was not a good thing.

"No, Mister Osborn. I think that will be all." he said, taking and shaking the man's hand firmly - he didn't try to compete with Osborn for strength, he knew that was not going to be a winning prospect, but he didn't back down from it either... especially since he could almost see in the man's eyes how badly he wished he had those electrified gloves of his on... almost, Tony was sure, as much as Tony wished he was wearing one of his gloves... so he could put a neat hole in Osborn's chest with a repulsor blast.

"Well. I'll end things with that." he said, nodding, and walking back to his seat. After that, though, he smiled, looking up as though he'd forgotten something, though his eyes said that he had done nothing of the sort. "Oh, I'm sorry, there is ONE thing I had forgotten... the Dataspine that so much of your computer tech relies on as it's backbone? It turns out that, for some reason, I put a specific clause into the rights to that particular technology that means it belongs to me personally, and not the company. You might find your cell and internet service... interrupted, periodically. I wouldn't go so far as to deny you access entirely, unethical as it might be, but you understand, of course, that I'll need to be making improvements on the technology for my own products... I'll be seeing you soon, gentlemen, I'm sure." he said, then nodded and left, letting the doors swing shut on their own.

Of everything, loss of control over the Dataspine would be the worst blow to the company. It was the linchpin to all the advanced communications technology Stark Industries created, both civilian and military. Even occasional interruptions in service would mean an incredible backlash from customers, and a loss of confidence in their products. Worse still, the Dataspine was under a sealed patent in Tony's name, which none of the other engineers had the ability to access, and even if they had - well, it was Tony's tech alone in this case, and even the location was sealed within Stark Tower...

Good luck trying to build your own dataspine, you son of a bitch... Tony thought as he sat back down.

[Green Goblin - Norman Osborn]

Norman nodded while a grim countenance covered his face for but a moment as Tony relayed his information concerning the dataspine. It was troubling, the dataspine did make control of the company and the technology used and created/sold much easier but he knew that it was not necessary especially if his back up plan were to be initiated.

But first the Tertiary plan…

“Well gentlemen and ladies, I guess that’s all for today. Our next meeting… unless another emergency is called, real or not…” He looked to Tony again for a split second then to each of the board members in an intimidating manner, watching as most squirmed as many were known to do in his presence. His eyes again turned to Tony as he continued. "… will be scheduled for the beginning of the next quarter, old business will be addressed and evaluated and new business will be introduced at that time. Thank you.” Norman said these last words emotionlessly and with no meaning while watching the board as they all stood, gathered their files, briefcases and other accoutrements then move to the door.

“Mr. Stark, if you please, stay behind for I wish to speak with you further… alone.” Osborn stayed seated as he spoke, his eyes fully on Stark now as his plans ran through his head, every possible outcome perpetuating in his minds eye. In the end this plan would come to fruition, one way or another. Stark would be another pawn in the game, unknowingly of course, his actions whichever rout he took would lead Norman further in his goals. One path was of coarse harder then the other but both were acceptable.

As the rest of the board made their way out and the doors closed behind them Osborn stood and moved to the small bar again. “Refill on the water Tony?” He smirked and pored himself a glass of ice water while keeping his eyes on his enemy. “First let me say this… I had my annual scan… SHEILD was very thorough… the nanites are still in working order.” He tapped his forehead with a small dark chuckle. “You caged the monster well.” He grinned and sat back down pulling a folder from his briefcase and sliding it across the table. “Clean bill… everything still under wraps and there for…” He paused again but he would not finish this train of thought, at least not vocally, Tony could guess what he had to say and he would leave it at that. “By the way well played… this idea for a new company and enforcing your patents… very good. I am glad to see your little sleep did not affect you, at least not in the mind. Still a genius and perhaps my only true rival in that area, and yet here I sit at the head of Stark Enterprises. What does that make you feel Tony? Angry? Vengeful? Are you out for my blood? Please Tony… be candid with me, blunt even for I truly wish to know your real feelings on the matter.” He sat back in the head chair and seemed to take a relaxed pose but where his expression had been somewhat mocking before it had suddenly changed to one of complete calm interest. He really wanted to know, no subtle plots this time, no sick pleasure… sheer human curiosity for once.

[Iron Man - Tony Stark]

Tony shook his head slightly at Osborn's speech, and then especially as he looked around, intimidating several of the board members - great. Strong-arm business tactics, always a good way of playing it, if you had no imagination and no integrity. Oh wait - he'd almost forgotten exactly who it was he was playing against here. Though he supposed he couldn't say Osborn was ENTIRELY without imagination. After all, the man obviously thought he had this situation well under control.

Then again, that could easily be attributed to sheer insanity.

"Sure, if you're that intent on it." he said, almost offhand, looking idly out one window while the rest of the people filed out of the room, and he waited until Osborn resumed talking before her turned his eyes back over to the man, an expression of almost perfect disinterest masking his thoughts.

"Not thirsty, but thanks. And is that so?" he asked, lifting a brow slightly. "Well, the nanite technology has always been very reliable." Stark finished, shrugging his shoulders slightly as though there was nothing to be made of it. He didn't believe it. It was too quiet. Too easy. And it should never be that way with this man. He had too much opportunity, and that wasn't a good thing. Osborn was smart enough to work around the nanites... and Tony didn't think it was just paranoia that made him believe that.

Not with this takeover... not with what had happened to him.

"Your only rival, huh?" he said then, lifting a brow and seeming mildly surprised by this comment, for one reason or another. For one, it left out people like Reed Richards, no matter how many times Tony beat him at chess. But then Osborn continued, and Tony almost smiled a little - he was fishing. And Tony was tempted to bite...

"I think letting you out of Ryker's was a huge mistake. And I think I'm going to make sure all the empire-building you've been doing while I've been asleep crumbles around you in short order." He cracked a very slight smile then, leaving his eyes on Osborn's. "And I think Wade was right about your hair."

[Green Goblin - Norman Osborn]

Osborn could not help but laugh hystericaly at Starks responce to his quary. It truly showed how little Invincible Iron Man knew him for in truth Norman Osborn had already won, the world was already his and it was only a matter of time before everone, includeing Stark, came to recignize it.

"Is that so Tony? Is that what you really think will happen?" He chuckled more and stood from his chair to face Tony on his level. He showed no fear as he moved closer to the man who would topple him until he stood only a meter away. No... no fear for Tony Stark, a will to beat him and truly show his supiriority once and for all.... "Tony Stark... Your time has passed. Your empire like Rome fell as it was always destined to. Your attempt to make a second, akin to the Byzantine empire... Constantinople... a failed attempt to hold on to your honor but futile in the end." He grinned even braoder as he said these words but knowing the game, though already won by him, was not completely over yet and more moves were to be made... such as his next.

"However... I do have an offer for you that mite seem appealing. Discontinue this futile venture with a new company, come back to Stark Enterprises full time. Take the helm beside me as partners..." He grinned and stepped back two paces giving his most recent rival more space both out of respect and the desire to see his full reaction to what he would say next. "Now dont get me wrong Tony, I dont expect you to trust me... far from it. I dont trust you in the slightest but between you and I the old addage I feel applys, 'keep your friends close and your enemies even closer'. Does that not ring true? Don't answer me now Stark as I know your immediate responce would be to rebuff me and decline such an outragouse idea. No I want you to at least think on it... give it a week or two and then come back and give me an answer."

[Iron Man - Tony Stark]

"Funny, Osborn. I always thought you were the one who wanted an empire." he said, ignoring the man's gaze for a moment as he took another sip of his water, then finally looked back up at him.

"Friends close and enemies closer? Please, Norman... don't be so cliche'." he said then, standing and adjusting his tie a bit before he turned a gaze that could have melted metal on the man.

"You can take your offer and shove it." he said simply, not moving his eyes for a moment. "I'm not going to taint myself, the Avengers, and everyone I work with by affiliating myself with you, especially not while you positively leapt on my company the second I was out of the way, only to start using my technology to kill people again. But I'm not actually angry about that... it's funny, really. Because you never had a choice in the matter. You had about two years before I finally ran your company out of business... because I'm better at this game than you are, Osborn. I always have been, and I always will be. So you're not going to get even a little bit of my help. I'll have this company back when I've pried it from your clawed hands, and believe me, that day won't be long now."

"So enjoy all this while it lasts. Bring in as many people as you can who share your 'questionable' morals to try and keep the facade in place while I tear it down around you, because you won't have much longer before you finally have to accept the fact that doomed this whole thing for you in the first place."

He leaned slightly closer, and whispered. "I'm smarter than you. And I always will be." He straightened then, turned, and started for the door. He paused for a moment, though, and looked back at the man over his shoulder. "And don't slip up, Osborn... I ever catch you wearing that new suit of yours not disguised as business clothes, I'll show you what mine can do."

[Green Goblin - Norman Osborn]

“You think about it Tony, You think long and hard!” He called back to Tony moments before the door to the board room closed then laughed and turning in his chair to look out the window at the sprawling cityscape. Yes Tony long and hard because I already own your company… I run SHEILD and hold a high place on the Meta-Human council… The Avengers… hell the whole country is just a stone throw away… He thought to himself though said nothing incase listening devices were online and accessible to Tony in any way.

He grinned and closed his eyes for just an instant; he could see Tony in his minds eye kneeling before him, his armor in pieces around him, a representation of his whole world falling to pieces before his feet. The world belonged to Osborn; the New World Order was in place. He and his companions need only reach out and take it…