Here's to being human and taking it for granted

Ginnie sat at her computer, staring blankly at the screen. Usually ideas were so quick to come to her and yet today, nothing. She didn't have much in the way of work, she didn't have any meetings, she didn't have anything necessarily scheduled to get ready for in the next week or so, so it shouldn't be much of a worry, and yet it was. She was never out of ideas. Her mind was so used to moving at light speeds, thoughts and ideas something that were often plentiful to her. So why was it that she was out of them in this moment? As if she really had to ask herself that. With everything that had been going on in the last few weeks alone, it should be no small wonder why her mind was such a void.

She liked to think it started with her night with James, but she knew that wasn't true. This mental downward decent started after the doppleworlders were taken care of, when she initially started to overdo it with the alcohol and the working. If anything, James had been a small fix in her issues, yet he was more of an issue in his own right. She didn't like the complication this was all causing for her. Why couldn't it remain as simple as before? Yelling at each other, glaring here and there, the occasional flirtatious break? She almost missed that, it was simple. The more complicated relationships, though... But he wasn't even half of the issues. No, there was the confusion of their relationship mixed with the seemingly temporary panic that had been two of her childhood... was friends the right word? Probably. Mixed with the temporary panic that had been two childhood friends seemingly getting blown up on top of her current attempt at toning back her drinking. She'd never liked thinking she was addicted to anything, but now that she was actually trying to stop, she was learning that she'd been quite the liar for heaven knows how long now.

When she tried to write something on the blank document on her screen and all she saw was a mix of nonsensical, she finally decided it was time to stop. If she couldn't focus on this sort of work, she had another sort of work she'd been putting off for far too long. The idea to use JARVIS to simply send out the message for her was strong, but she ultimately decided against it as she took out her phone. The young brunette thought carefully about the words she was going to write down before typing them into the phone. Walter West, I request your presence in my office. I've a few things I want to do. And, by the by, you are being timed. She gave a small nod to her head. She would, no doubt, be going up to the roof or seeing his ability to be used as transport soon, so she knew she wasn't going to be in her office for very long. Mentally, she started to count as she shut down her computer.

xxx	Walter West
sorry it took a bit of time but here we go!

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

From beside the mini-bar in Ginnie's office, Walt flattened his suit-jacket to his chest as it billowed upward. Running in anything but his costume made him feel noticeably different, but he had guessed that his employer had summoned him on professional terms. He watched her deactivate the monitor before her and cleared his throat modestly to alert her as to his presence. 

Placing a slice of cake on Ginnie's desk in front of her, Walt retreated a few steps to a respectful distance.

"Sorry about the delay, ma'am." Walt made a conscious note to dial back the confidence. Arrogant, he thought. Don't be arrogant.

"It was was Harold's birthday down in the Theoretical Division of the lab. He seemed very grateful for the budgetary grant you assigned to his team. He's putting it to excellent use on their solar reactor project."

Walt slipped his hands into his pockets after smoothing his skinny tie down one final time. He also cast a cursory glance over Ginnie behind her computer. He pouted and smiled in his most reserved, professional display of concern.

Despite the mood in the sweeping office, Walter couldn't help but feel excited. He was eager to impress his employer, and even more so to set her at ease. The energetic work environment, the chance to ameliorate the communal suffering of a member of his heroic family, and the daily opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds of a generation in tandem with the most revolutionary technology in history; it was, in fact, a dream come true.

Even so, Walt's exhilaration was superseded by worry as he looked at the exhausted woman behind her imposing desk. Walt attempted a kind, reassuring smile, meted with equal professionalism and warmth.

"Are you alright, ma'am?"

Here's to being human and taking it for granted

Ginnie hated admitting it but she'd actually been a little startled by his appearance. She knew she said he was being time, she should have understood that he'd be there in a literal flash, but that didn't mean she was entirely prepared for him to be there as quickly as he had been. Honestly, it was pretty impressive. She tried to hide the fact that it had startled her but glancing down at her wrist. She was pretty happy that she did usually wear a watch on it, meaning it made for an easy excuse to say she was just checking the time. "Impressive, you're a lot faster than even I thought. Although, I don't know what I really expected, considering what you've showed in the past," she said, trying to keep her tone as cheerful as possible. It probably didn't contrast well with the expression on her face. But at least there weren't as many bags under her eyes as their used to be. It was the little victories that really counted, weren't they?

"Oh, don't apologize. There was hardly much of a delay." She listened to what he had to say, though, a tad bit happy that at least those in her employ were pleased with their work environments. It made being in charge just a little more worth it, she felt. Not only did she get to do a good bit of help to others, making sure they got the money they would need to survive and keep their families well off, it got fresh ideas and faces into the company that could quite easily bring it up all the more. And with thieves such as Hammer and Stane about trying to get in on her territory, it made for a good change of pace to know that, for once, she had someone that could give her the upper hand. As if she didn't quite have that already.

His question threw her a little off guard. "You have no need to worry about me, Walt. I'm just fine. It's just been a... well, you know how it's been. You're in the hero world, after all." She cleared her throat, getting up from her seat. She was going to need to wrap her cake up to put into the mini-fridge before getting them anywhere. There was no way she wanted that to go bad. "I just had a few things that I needed to discuss with you, if you don't mind. First of them being that, perhaps, next time you attempt to break timelines or dimensions, try consulting someone first. As important as saving a friend can be, I know people with personal experience that change time isn't going to help. At least nine times out of ten." She offered him a small smile, though, as she got the slice of cake put away. "That being said, I've been wondering something as of late. You're on the older side of the Teen Titans, probably getting rather close to that point when it's either strike out on your own or join a team. So what would you think about auditioning for the Avengers? I'm positive that I can speak for James in saying that you'd be a very welcomed addition."

xxx	Walter West
whoosh~

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

Walt restrained his smile as he was lectured on the dangers of time travel. Never tell me the odds, ma'am, he thought as he waited politely for her to continue. 

Then she mentioned joining the Avengers, and his face froze on the tightened grin that served as his poker face.

This was something he had been thinking about since his best friend's abduction. Since meeting the Red Hood. And James was just as big a part of it; try as he might, whenever he thought of all the good that Captain America had done for him personally, he could never draw his mind away from the fact that it was James who tried to delay the search for Marty. In Ginnie's office, Walt removed one hand from his pocket to smooth down his tie, glancing at the ground and clearing his throat before speaking.

"Thank you." Walt held a deep respect for Virginia Stark, and the fact that she made the offer to join the Avengers meant almost as much to him as did the offer itself.

"I'm already in your debt." He looked her in the eyes as he proceeded, trying to make her understand the amount of consideration he had dedicated to the matter.

"You've given me more here- as Walter- than I could expect from you. And it is with appreciation of that fact that I share my sincere hope that you don't ever think me ungrateful.

"I can't join the Avengers. Not in good conscience. I'm not at all what you're looking for."

Walt sighed, committing to sharing the whole truth.

"I know that I'm qualified," Walt added hastily, anticipating his employer's objection on that front. "It's not that. I won't avenge anything. And I am resolute in my refusal of any undertaking that could result in my being forced to. In other words, Miss Stark," Walt hated this. Speaking of this to Ginnie felt worse than handing in a resignation; it felt like a betrayal.

"In other words, I think things need to be done differently. James is a hero. No question. But when Marty was in trouble, he wasn't ready to save him. He was ready to avenge him. It isn't just that," Walt interjected once more, shaking his head and clearing his throat again, before succeeding, barely, in meeting Ginnie's eyes.

"I see it all the time. I see half measures and suffering. Compromise in place of safeguards. Vengeance instead of protection. Fear, ubiquitous, but of all the wrong things. Fear of doing the right thing for fear of doing the wrong thing along with it. And that's when the mistakes come. Fear- not of what has to be done, but of being the one to do it." Walt swallowed, looked up at the ceiling for a moment, and continued.

"My father told me something once. It was after he lost his friend in the Battle, right here in this city. He told me," Walt said with the slightest waver in his voice, "Never to watch something like that happen if I could stop it. I can. And I intend to."

"I'm not afraid of doing the right thing, Miss Stark. I'm not afraid of full measures."

Walt concluded with finality. Hands returned to his pockets, he was braced for whatever followed. Dismissal. Rebuke. He was even ready for acceptance, although he didn't expect it. This was simply the way things were now for him, and he understood that he would have to explain himself to everyone he was close to, just as he was now to Stark. He had wondered for a long time what they would think. Marty. Lydia. His father. But first, he waited patiently for Ginnie to respond.

Here's to being human and taking it for granted

Ginnie slowly found herself moving back towards her desk so she could lean on the edge of it, her arms crossing over her chest. It wasn't meant to look annoyed in any way, just something of a comfortable position as she listened. The way he started it off in general was a bit disappointing, though. She knew there was something up almost the moment he started to speak, the way he went about it. It was all about his tone, about his body language. Try as one might, they are never going to be able to completely hide the way they truly feel. All the smiles in the world wasn't going to make her believe otherwise. It was convincing, though, she'd give him that. It was convincing and almost encouraging, but she knew the way these sort of speeches went. They never started off in her favor. However, she wasn't like most people, at least she didn't like to think she was. She was Virginia Stark, and no matter what his answer was, she was going to be sure to try her damnedest to turn it around.

However, his speech did bring up a few good points. Without much thought, she pursed her lips. After all, she wasn't necessarily pleased in the idea that he might end up going for the other option: The Justice League. Sure, she had respect for them, but she still preferred her own team a lot better. Furthermore, there were plenty of times that she would have much rather they didn't exist, though she'd never really admit that. Who needed so many super teams when one or two should be enough as it is, right? But her mind was going off track. She needed to keep it focused on his words. And his words made more sense than she would like to admit.

She waited until he was completely finished to even consider beginning to speak. Her arms uncrossed, hands finding the edge of the table to lightly curl around. Simply another sort of comfortable position. She wasn't entirely sure where to begin in debunking this sort of doubt but she knew she had to start somewhere. So why not start with James. "I understand where your issues are coming from. Captain America sometimes goes off in a way that he shouldn't, I get that. He doesn't always understand that sometimes there is a different way when emotions truly get involved. Where he might mean well, he can go about it the wrong way. We've had something happen to us as a whole that tore down our defenses. And by we, I mean the hero community as a whole. The Titans, the Justice League, even SHIELD. It was something none of us ever could have expected and it dug it's claws in real deep. Some of us lost more than others, whether that was mentally or physically. Teammates left to torture for weeks, months, some even an entire year. Others seemingly left for dead by their own copies. Our minds weren't all back to where they should. While I like to think that it was dangerous what you did, not only to save Marty but to save Lydia, it was the right thing to do. Well, mostly." She paused a moment, trying to give at least a small break from one part of this speech to the next.

"But never let it be said that he simply wanted to avenge Marty. If Mister Jordan had not been able to be saved, I am certain he would have done something to avenge him, but he was more proud of you kids than you know. He didn't want to outright help you, because he wanted to see just how far you would go. And I know, you're probably thinking I'm making that up but trust me when I say that he kept tabs through most of that mission and he was proud of what you were able to do." For the most part, that was true, too. She couldn't be one hundred percent sure, but what she gleamed from the conversation between Lydia and James that awkward morning, that was definitely the case. "The Avengers isn't just about avenging. I know, the name is misleading. And I know that we haven't been doing as good of a job at being heroes as a whole as we should. We're still learning, all of us, every day. With people coming and going, we're still learning how to work as a team. But being an Avenger is more about doing the right thing or the wrong thing. It's about being a symbol. It's about knowing the difference between right and wrong and understanding that sometimes, there is a grey area. It's about trying to live in the lightest of grays possible in order to keep people safe and sound. Whether that's in their homes, in the parks, or on the streets. Maybe we need someone to give more perspective Mister West. Maybe we need people like you to help us truly realize where we can work better. Every member, new and old, has an impact on the team in their own way. We need to do because it's right and just. Yes, we can't always go that extra measure not because it isn't the right thing to do but because it can endanger others. Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the other options. But sometimes there isn't that other option. And we need people who are willing to go that extra mile where most people won't."

She shifted again slightly, keeping her features as stoic as possible. Her eyes stayed locked on his with every word, hoping it'd help to show her point in some way. "So, Mister West, I ask you again. Would you please do me the honor of auditioning for the Avengers."

xxx	Walter West
bam

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

"Miss Stark, of course I will. I will do it because you asked. maybe perhaps it's the right thing to do. And perhaps I'll be accepted. What then?" Saddened by the confrontational tone the conversation was developing, but dedicated to it as he was, Walt surged forward unburdened by caution.

"I don't belong there, ma'am. The very first time I felt restricted by hesitation, or by an order of Cap's- it wouldn't work. It just wouldn't. I am certain you understand the need for me to to do what I think is right, and- perhaps more relevant- what I need to do to keep my family from that sort of suffering. What happened to Lydia, to Marty..." This time Walt's sigh revealed more fatigue, but there was still no harshness, no bitterness towards Ginnie, in it.

"No symbol is worth that to me. But if it pleases you, as a sign of respect, I'll audition. I'll talk with James. But in return, I have to ask you something. Not as your employee. As someone who cares, sincerely, and who is willing to risk career suicide." Walt permitted himself a tasteful smirk, hoping not to detract from the seriousness with which he meant to deliver his next words.

"I have to ask you not to put me in a position wherein I must choose between you, or James, and those people I've already chosen. If necessary, I will choose them again. Every time."

Here's to being human and taking it for granted

Perhaps it was simply her unwillingness to take no for an answer. Or perhaps she truly thought of only the good he could do on her team. Whichever it was, wanted wanted him to not only audition, but at least feel, in some way, that he may actually belong there. She understood stubbornness, though, understood how stubborn people could be. Hell, she was probably one of the most stubborn people she knew. Well, at least she liked to think that way. Then again, she liked to think a lot of ways about herself. That didn't necessarily make them true. She wasn't trying to make this into an argument of some sort, her intentions were the farthest from that as possible. But there was a small part of her that worried that it might go there. "I get that, Walt, I really do. You know, I was a lot like you once. And yes, I know, that has probably got to be one of the most cliche things anyone can say, but it's true. I was young when I got into the heroing game. Not because i wanted to live up to a family title or anything. My older brother had been filling those shoes. But because there was so much adventure in it all and all I had wanted to do was help people. I had a hard time understanding them, but that didn't change my want to help them. I was a sidekick for a while, helped the Titans from time to time, though not an official member. And then, as you know, the Battle happened. Everyone told me to leave it be. My mother, my father, even my older brother. But I couldn't. Because I saw Howard on that television screen and all I could think about was how he could die out there. All I cared about was that one person, so I broke all the rules. I would have done anything to save him. Just like you would do anything to save your own friends. But I lost what you had a long time ago. And seeing you with it, with that spark, that light. It makes me want to find that again. But I can't always do that without other people's guidance, and I will always be the last person to do admit that." She wasn't even entirely sure where she was going with all of this at this point. But for once, she didn't care. So long as everything went together well enough.

"Maybe you don't think you belong there now. And hell, maybe it's even true, but you can't know that until you try. I know, I'm probably sounding forceful. I want it to be your decision, ultimately. I don't want you to be doing it because I'm your boss or even because I'm your friend in some way. I want you to do so because you actually believe you should..." She cut those thoughts off right there at the topic of family and Lydia. For a moment, all she could really imagine was that little girl flying around Stark Tower while Ginnie watched the clock. There was a part of her that wanted to push off the table to get closer to him, put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. But she was rather short and she usually didn't think that it helped as much as it did. "I understand wanting to keep them safe. I've known Lydia longer than most people have. I grew up around her. And I know that the second I heard the news, my heart was in my chest. I'm not going to lie, I almost wanted to go to Rayne and have her change the past, have her save Lydia's life. But I could never do what you tried to do. And there is a part of me that wishes I could. And yet I couldn't."

She gave a soft chuckle as she shook her head. "I would never dream of asking you to choose us over your family. But what I would ask you to do is at least try and consult us before doing something too terribly crazy. At least then we can help. If something had happened to you... I know you're not my responsibility when it comes to what you do in your costume, but that wouldn't change how responsible I would have felt. If there's ever any a moment we make it seem like it's a chose between team a and team b, which it will never be such a case, just know that it's because we care, not because we want you to change who you are."

xxx	Walter West
sorry for the walls of yellow text, by the way xD

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

Whatever hesitation Walt had felt when the conversation grazed its sensitive topic vanished as Ginnie opened up about her past. He realized as she spoke that she was one of the few people that he trusted implicitly- perhaps even the only one who understood the sense of urgency he felt so often, based on what she had confided in him about her brother.

"I would never doubt that you appreciate the gravity of our recent circumstances, or of the risk of letting those we love at arm's length." Walt was particularly moved by her thoughts on the concept of leading each other; he knew all too well that it his relationships with Marty, Lydia, and the rest that kept him above the line in his harshest moments. That responsibility was one that Walt took seriously, and hearing Ginnie speak as if she understood it finally made up Walt's mind.

"Alright, ma'am. I'm sold." Walt smiled warmly. "Whatever comes of it, I am truly grateful. And I trust you. You know the weight that that holds. And so I promise not to manipulate time and space to such a radical degree without first giving you the chance to protest, barring, of course, any extenuating circumstances." A comforting smirk slipped across Walt's face as he relaxed. "And as I said, I'll speak with James. I'd like to know what he thinks of all this, although I'm certain I know what he'll say to the majority." Not to mention Marty, Walt thought. It had been some time since they first mentioned the idea of striking out from the Titans, and he was eager to pursue that line of discussion, but he tabled that thought for now.

His attention returned to Ginnie's face. Speaking of her family seemed to have affected her, compounding the weariness that he had witnessed on her face when he entered the office.

"Now that you've saved my soul, ma'am," Walt spoke with tentative good humor, "What can I do for you? Surely some corporate irritants have been haunting your itinerary as of late?"

Here's to being human and taking it for granted

It was always weird for her to talk about Howard. The pain she felt nine years ago had never really gone away. And she honestly doubted it ever would. It wasn't every day you saw your hero, you inspiration, die. So could she really be blamed for always feeling the same way whenever even the slightest of thoughts about him passed her mind? And yet she knew, she understood, that she couldn't let that sort of sadness or despair show in her features. She had to be strong, try and at least seem like she was a strong person, even if she wasn't really. Why even the smallest part of her thought that it was smart to go into such a sensitive area as a means to her own selfish end was beyond her. Opening up about it was already hard enough trying to use it for some cause, though? If she was truly in her proper mind, she'd probably be scolding herself. And yet, every word that had passed her lips, she meant with all her heart. The sincerity behind them was present in abundance.

She pushed those thoughts to the side, though, as she listened. Better to not dwell on them anyway, right? The sooner she stopped thinking about her brother, the better, after all. And she'd rather her eyes not get glassy with the threat of tears, something she knew all too well would happen if she didn't change her thinking. A soft smile touched her lips at his words. It was good, though, that it was getting through to him. That all those confusing thoughts and feelings about what had happened in the past were at least falling onto open ears, onto understanding ones. "With all of the chaos that it had caused, it's hard not to. All I want is everything to get back to the way it was before all of that, but that's going to take time, I know." Another truth she hated to admit. Just the toll it had taken on her team in general, it had nearly been enough to break it. She couldn't imagine how it effected the younger ones.

"That's really all I can ask for, Walter. And, between you and me, I found what you did admirable. I just worry about what could have happened. And who could have caught wind of it." She knew that she should likely be more lectureful on that entire notion, and yet she couldn't bring herself to be. She'd already said her piece, and that was that. What she really had to worry about was Olivier decided to show Walt the dangers of it all. She trusted Olly a little, but not enough with Walt. If she can stop that from happening, she was going to. Whatever she could do to keep Madrox away. That, however, was going to be the real issue, wasn't it?

Those thoughts were quick to escape, however, as Walt brought the focus onto her. Saved his soul? He shouldn't be so silly. She'd done nothing of the sort, though it was still an amusing notion. The question 'what could he do for her', though, that was one that made her smirk a bit. There were two companies often trying to steal her work, one of which she had actually gone to school with the owner of. Either one would do. "Well, outside of the obvious, there is one corporation that's really been testing my patience. And if I don't have to resort to lawyers, all the better, right?" Probably not the way she should be thinking however, when she felt stolen from, it couldn't quite hurt. "You ever heard of Stane International?"

xxx	Walter West
sorry this took a few days

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

She understands, Walt thought, and a deep veneration struck him slowly, fulfilling his expectations and relieving him all at once. Whatever any of us have to say about each other, she is a hero. He detached that thread before it led to James, and the inevitable conflict upon their next meeting. He had already resolved to keep those two separated in his esteem.

Walt couldn't help but smirk in response to Ginnie's question, but he managed to relegate his amusement to a moderate degree.

"I doubt very much that I would deserve this position if I didn't, ma'am. I only hope that they've restrained their recent criminal activity to that which they're willing to admit to the press, rather than the far more devious endeavors they've got cooking on their lower floors. Whatever the case, I'm certain I can take them off your mind, and off your schedule."

Stane, Walt reflected inwardly. What does that bitter young man have that could put Ginnie out of sorts? But he felt certain he'd find out soon enough.

"Anything and everything, ma'am. Tell me what you need."

Here's to being human and taking it for granted

Ezekiel Stane, current CEO of that despicable company. She remembered going through high school with him. What had been such a friendly rivalry, she never could have predicted would turn into something so bitter in their later years. As much as she had wanted to be nothing more than friends, she could see it in his eyes. That man had been playing her for a fool all her life. There had been no rivalry, he'd simply wanted to prove he was her better. Perhaps it was simply her own ego talking, but there was rarely a person out there that was her genuine intellectual equal. Some might come close, but Stane? He clearly shared more with his family than he'd ever likely admit out loud.

And was it really all that much of a shock? Max Regem might be doing his best to cover for Stane and help it where he could, but that never stopped the stories of how his anger got the better of him, of how he had brought harm to his own employees. That had always been enough for her to have some sort of spite for him. But which is trying to patent her Arc Reactor tech as his own? Just the fact that he was trying to replicate it at all wasn't something she could easily let fly. Her tech was like children to her. Well, her family's tech, she supposed she should said. But all the work she had put into refining it, making it better, the fact that he had the audacity to steal it and think she wouldn't find out was barbaric.

She was happy he was more than willing to help. What she was about to ask, she knew, was likely highly illegal. And apart of her understood that, a part of her even felt bad about that. But in the corporate world, there were some lines that had to be crossed in order to prove a point. Besides, suing him over it would do nothing for her. She already had plenty of money and apparently, Ezekiel needed every cent he had in order to keep stealing other people's ideas. "Mister Stane has had something of a habit of trying to write off Stark tech as his own for longer than I think even I can remember, and it's gotten to the point where he needs to be taught something. Stealing my schematics, trying to use my family's arc technology. Something needs to be done about it. I may just be a possessive business owner, but I don't quite like other corporations playing with my things like that, especially not something so important." She paused a moment, thinking what she said over. Just what, exactly, was she expecting out of this, though? She wasn't certain. It was something she should think on more but, well, it wasn't really as much about the tech as it was seeing just what Walt could do, wasn't it? It was more so just killing two birds with one stone. "Anything you think you can do?"

xxx	Walter West
whoosh (and this all came from a thread with zeke i read where he was actually talking about re-purposing the arc reactor tech. he likely has some form of back up but it was probably the first real thing to come to mind)

The highs and lows of living, to getting second chances

✿

"Certainly, ma'am."

Without the obvious legal blockades, reacquiring any Stark tech from the hands of Stane's corporate headquarters would be a thing of ease. Even if his findings there led Walt on a scavenger hunt across Stane's global network, it would be the work of minutes for the Flash (or the to-be-determined alias Walt would use to protect Stark's indemnity.) He knew all this, but he also knew that Ezekiel Stane was a persistent and vehemently jealous individual, and that he would stop his nefariousness only when forced to. This realization led Walt to consider an alternative, which he voiced to Ginnie with the promise of reward in his tone.

"Miss Stark, you know Ezekiel Stane better than I do, no doubt. You're aware that he a prideful man, and it is my belief that that is his predominant weakness." Walt conducted a final examination of his plan in his mind before relaying it to his boss. Confident in its potential, he took a breath and placed his hands in his pockets, adopting a comfortable stance.

"Without your technology, Stane would cheat his way along just as he's always done. There's always the option of rendering his deliverance by way of the law, but in the interests of preserving your company's public image, I think instead we should leave things to develop as they way." Walt allowed himself a slight but intentful smile. "By which I mean, I believe Stane can be made to witness the error of his ways firsthand, without any possibility of evidence of our interference ever arising.

"Put succinctly, ma'am, I am certain I have worked with whatever technology Stane has aqcuired, and I am equally certain that I could access and sabotage said technology. Finally," And most likely to earn me a promotion, Walt thought, "I believe that, with appropriate delicacy, I could organize a very public display of this faulty "Stane" tech, and thus ensure a very well-contained catastrophe. This would result in a serious demerit to Stane's public and private image, destabilizing his empire as well as any future plans to reallocate any Stark property. And while this should go without saying," Walt concluded reassuringly, "No part of my plan poses a risk of any physical harm to anyone, innocents and Stane's folk alike."