Taking Care of Business Pt. 1

They were quite early as they neared Rein Corp. Facility but that was how Walter liked it. Never keep people waiting on a mission if you can help it. He checked the rear view and then looked over at Penny. Penny was back working on her little something with Friday. He checked the mirror again and decided as he turned the truck. "Ladies, I'm sorry. I'm going to pull over a minute to take care of something really quickly."

"Is everything alright, Walter?" Penny asked as they pulled off the main road.

(("Boss, don't-"))

Walt took off the glasses and handed them to Penny with a smile. "Everything's fine. We're very early and this won't take but a moment. Just some trash that needs to be picked up. I'll be back in a moment just a moment so stay in the truck." He pulked over and opened his door reaching under his seat quickly he garbed the items he knew were there there and showed Penny the gloves smiling. "Stay right here, ok?"

Penny nodded and clutched the glasses smiling. "I will, Master."

Walt smiled and closed the door. "Friday. Lock up." As he slippes the other item onto his belt. He figured they'd get here in 15 seconds. Time to work.

A nondescript late model vehicle was pulling down the side road. Two men in the front.

"Slow down. We don't want to get to close to the target," said the older man in the passenger seat.

"Shut up. I know what I'm doing!" Said the younger driver impatiently. "I won't let him get away."

"We're not pursuing him, kid. This is tracking only. We don't engage unless we have too and only with a perfect opportunity, you punk."

"Shut it fool! I told you I know wh-"

He slammed on the brakes there was the targets vehicle just ahead around the bend. It looks like they pulled over.

"See. I know what I'm doing!," the driver sneered.

"You're too close! We need to either drive past or backup and let another team take over. Why'd he stop here?"

"But look! The targets alone."

"I said "no", kid. I don't like it."

"Why not? He's off taking a piss. Let's grab the girl and go."

The older looking one looks at the kid and then past him realizing it was already too late now. "Because he's not taking a piss moron. He's right there. Play it cool."

Walt had snuck up circling around them the gun at his hip on the right, the knife on his left. He was close so he casually strolled the remaining steps to the driver side window put his left gloved hand on the door, his gloved right hand on his hip near the gun the gun and leaned in. "Morning."

"Morning," said the fellow who appeared Walt's age or a little younger.

The driver said nothing staring forward clenching his jaw embaresd. Walt raised an eyebrow at him and waited. He knew Friday would have already disabled their coms and probably their vehicle and-

(("Coms and vehicle are disabled Boss. Please don't make me regret this, Walt."))

Walt was pleased with Friday but didn't let it show as he continued to stare at the younger man intently waiting.

"Morning," the one Walt started thinking of as 'punk' finally grunted out.

"Out for a drive?" He asked them casually but there was nothing casual about his tone.

"Nice day for one isn't it?" Asked the older of the pair with a smile that was not reflected in his eyes. Walt nicknamed him "Snake" in his head.

Walt pretended like he was considering the weather but he didn't move. "Not especially, no." It did feel like rain was coming again. "Mind telling me why you're following me?"

"I think there must be some mistake-" began Snake but Walt cut him off.

"Next time you jokers use several teams in plain, unmarked vehicles to tail a man, pull your heads out your asses first and don't use the same make, model, year and color from the exact same lot... assuming there'll be a next time, that is. I got places to be. Want to tell me what this is about?"

Punk took the bait. This was screwed up anyway but maybe he could drill this old SoB if he was fast enough. He went for his gun. "Fuck you, old coc-Gah-FUCK!"

Walt had drew his gun and held it pointed at "Snake" while he'd grabbed with his left and smashed "Punks" face into the steering wheel. "Snake" froze he was fast in reaching for his weapon but he hadn't been nearly as fast as this guy. "Snake" watched as Walt disarmed "Punk" who was shouting about his nose. Walt took "Punks" weapon and tossed it with his left then used that hand to keep punk lightly pinned to the wheel. He raised his eyebrow at "Snake".

The other man nodded and put his hands out, palms up. "Right hand. Thumb. Fore finger. Window." Walt said. The fellow complied and slowly disarmed himself tossing it out the window. "What now?" "Snake" asked.

"What now depends on you two. I ask the questions. You answer my questions. Understood?"

Snake nodded. He was smart.

Punk not so much. "I'll tell you. I'll tell you what I'll do to that pretty little-uh-aaaAAAAAAUUUGGGHHH!!!"

That had made Walter's temper go from mildly irritated to angry and he'd had enough. He'd be damned if he let anyone threaten Penny. He'd punched Punk across the jaw, almost sprawling him into Snakes lap and then he decided to get the message across. His left hand had grabbed Punks groin and squeezed while Punk howled.

"Friday?"Walt grunted.

(("One step ahead, Boss. Penny is currently enjoying some choice operatic selections picked by yours truly."))

"Thanks." He grunted as he squeezed and twisted. "Talk."

Snake kept his eyes on Walt not saying anything as he kept the gun in his right hand leveled at them. Punk however was feeling talkative. "AaaauuUGHNN! The Girl! HeeeeeddoooAAAHHH!!!!!"

"Shut up." Said Snake.

Walter viciously squeezed and twisted more.

"HooooahhheeeeerEEEEEEEHHHH!!! Yoooou ahhhndd theeee giiiirl!!!"

"Quiet", hissed Snake.

"Who?" Growled Walt.

"Eeeeee I'll talk I'll talk I'll talk you and the girl they want her and you out of the way"-

Snake made his move. The concealed gun shot up into his hand as he lowered it to fire-

Walt shot his finger off.

"Arrrggghhh! Fuck!!!"

"We don't know who they are but they're hiring out muscle!!! They're looking for the best!!! They want your character!!! I don't know much more but I'll tell you anything!!! I'll tell you everything!!!"

"I know you will." Said Walt.

-a few moments later-

Walt strolled back towards the truck whistling along with the opera.

(("Team 6 is on their way and will be arriving shortly, Boss."))

"Thank you, Friday. Tell them to take them both to medical and the then over to interrogation. Tell Adam and the gang they should find them "pliable". I know he told me the truth but I want it double confirmed. Then we'll heal them up and keep them safe. We'll also need picking up when we leave Rein Corp. You were right about the truck. I'm sure the enemy will figure something is wrong by the time we're leaving. I don't think they'll make a move now that they've tipped their hand. But I'm not taking chances. Have an extractionteam standing just incase."

(("Understood... and it's not because he threatened Penny?"))

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't...I lost my cool when he threatened her. But that also means she's in danger. I won't let anyone threaten either of you. Have everyone stay on their toes we've got a new enemy."

(("It will be done. You're a good man, Boss."))

Walter thought back to those words he shared with Penny in the truck and shook his head. "No. I'm not, but I'm still trying to be "responsible" and do better. But I am trying. Hopefully I'm not a monster just yet."

He tossed the "trash" into the back of the truck.

(("And law enforcement? Shall we contact the PWBI?"))

Walt smiled. "And do what? The badguys sure don't want to press charges and I'm actually grateful and don't want to either. Theyll be 3S guests for a while but that's safer than having their mysterious boss "silence" them. The PWBI will eventually get involved but when they do they'll also try to shut us out. Besides what are they going to do? Call in one of their already overworked Batmen?" He thought about the mask Diana had given him last night and smirked. "I am Batman."

Walt continued singing along with Die Fledermaus as he opened the truck and climbed in rejoining the ladies, his family safe.

(("You're the worlds strangest cowboy, is what you are, Boss."))

-At Rein Corp-

Walter, waiting at the check point put on his tie. "How's that look ladies? Acceptable?"

(("Honestly, Boss? Nobody can make a suit that expensive look quite as shabby as you do. You have many fine qualities but highly fashionable elegance still eludes you at the most impossible moments. Penny, if you'd please?"))

Penny giggled and motioned for Walter to turn her way a moment,"I don't think it's that bad. We just need to comb this part down, straighten this, wipe your face..."

(("Penny, you'll find a comb in Walter's travel bag and some moist towelettes and napkins in the glove box. You've got your work cut out for you with this one, I'm afraid."))

Walter sighed but accepted it. "You're doing wonders for my confidence and self esteem. This tragic canvas needs all the help it can get. But I draw the line at makeup."

Penny pats Walters shoulder and leans in to give him a quick kiss. "I think you always look fantastic and now you're dashing enough to be a prince."

"Thank you, my dear." Walt said giving her the kiss. "I'm certain i look my best now thanks too you."

(("Well that's because Penny is exceptionally lovely. Luky for you you could be wearing a burlap sack and next to her no one would look twice... or once for that matter."))

Walt grined,"Friday, you're correct as usual. Oh wait hold up I think I see one of my favorite gaurds now

Walt drove up to the gate of the Rein Corp facility in his truck and grinned to greet the guard in the gate control booth. The guard is a Clover (from Totally Spies) who is wearing a security guard hat, blue mini-skirt, and a crop top that wraps around the neck with a window that exposes her large cleavage. She also had a belt with a taser, walkie-talkie and a badge.

"Clover!" Wakt said. "How's my favorite Rein Corp security gaurd today?"

"Oh, Hi Mr Stark. Longtime, no see. You on the list? Yeah, seems so..."Clover says rather listless.

Walts shocked. This isn't like the usually upbeat and perky Clover that he's met on so many other occasions. Walt looks behind them to make sure they aren't holding anyone up before reaching out and touching her arm. "Clover, is there something wrong? If you need to talk to someone I'll listen."

Clover smiles a bit at the kind gesture remembering all the times Walt would go along with her litte jests. "That's nice of you, Walt. I'm just going through some stuff right now and... oh! I just noticed that's new. You have a character with you this time. Let me just write that down. Hello, I'm Clover. Your boss comes around regularly a couple times a year. He likes my jokes and is a very nice man. You're very lucky to work with him over at 3S."

Penny smiles and waves,"Salutations, Clover! It's a pleasure to meet you! Walters not my boss though. He's my owner and master!" Penny hugs Walter's arm beaming.

"Yes, this is my dear sweet Penny." Said Wslter kissing Penny's cheek. "She just swept me- Clover? What's wrong?"

Clover started bawling. "And now you have someone! You guys are in the prime of your relationship. All lovey-dovey and soon comes your sexy time and your partying it up out there." Her meltdown getting worse, "oh look it's Clover. Let's all go talk to Clover. "Hello Clover we're so happy. Everyone's happy! We're all going out to go party and live it up like millionaire rockstars just like we used to joke about!"

Walt tries to interject. "Billionaire, actually, and-"

"And everythings great and we're all happy! Lets invite all the happy people and have that epic party!"

"I mean sure if that's what you-"

"Oh yeah happy fun people only! Because you know what we don't need?"

"A designated driver because of chauffeurs?"asked Walt.

"Invitations because everyone is invited?" Asked Penny.

(("A reason for this conversation to end?")) Queried Friday even though only Penny and Walt could hear her.

"Sad pregnant chicks! So you stay home Clover. Better luck next time!"

Walter said,"uhh...okay...nobody..."

(("Penny, dear don't-"))

"You're pregnant?" Smiling Penny cheerfully dumped a pound of salt in the open wound. "That's wonderful, Clover! Congratulations! I'm sure you and the father must be very happy"

This leads back to clover bursting out in tears sobbing. Someone starts honking. Clover is blubbering and collapses trying to say something.

"... he... they... and then... missing..."

" Hey buddy! Move your piece of shit truck the fuck out of the way!"

Walter thought about how nicely his day started but it's turning into another roller-coaster of a day. He got out of the truck. The last thing this guy was expecting was to see a man of Walters stature in an expensive suit step out. Walter fixed the man in his eyes, pointed at him and told him. "Wait."

The man wisely shut up.

Walter walked around the gate. "Friday. Take the wheel." As he approached the door to the security stand.

(("Yes Boss.))

Walter knocked on the door. "Clover? Clover Honey.." it was a teasing little nickname but it usually made her laugh, "...open the door. It's going to be alright. Come on kiddo." He could take the door right off it hinges and get away with it if he wanted too. But Clover wasn't his employee. She wouldn't "get away with it" and this was already going to be hard to explain. With great power, comes great responsibility.

Finally he heard the lock click. He pushed open the door and walked in tacking out his handkerchief and started to dry her eyes. "But *sniff* you'll get it dirty. It's silk."

He smiled at her. "It's what it's used for. Take it."

She did starting to feel slightly better. Walt looked around and buzzed the gate so Friday and Penny could pull the truck through. They did and started to make the turn to pull up next to the gate. Walt grabbed the clipboard and Clovers hat off her head perching it on his own. When the man pulled up Walt started down the proper checklist name, number, ID, etc. Everything was in order and he was just finishing up the man, Derrick ,opened his mouth "Just who the hell are you anyway."

Walt coniued writing in the form. " You know the handbook and manual you all use?"

"Yeah?" Derrick asked still not buying the clue.

Walt finished up and looked him in the eye. "I'm the person who wrote them both. You'll also find my name on the big wall as you walk in with everyone else who helped with either time, money or effort into building this place into what it is today. I'm one of those people. Derrick. And Derrick?"

Derrick swallowed. "Yes, sir?"

"I'm going to let it go and pretend this all never happened... but you've got a rude, fucking mouth and you might want to consider watching that would be my advice to you."

Derrick nodded. "Sir. Thank you, Sir!"

Walt buzzed the gate. "You can go Derrick. Have a nice day. Next!"

Once the line of vehicles had been properly passed through. Walt. Turned his attention back to Clover.

"Hey you want to tell about it?" Walt asked

"What's to tell?"

Walt shrugged. "That's on you kiddo. You can tell me something, everything or nothing. I just asked if you wanted to?"

Walter turned back to check in the next vehicle.

"I don't have to tell you anything?" Clover asked quietly.

"Yep." Said Walter as he took the next drivers info.

"And that wouldn't matter or change how you see me or think of me or anything at all?

"Nope. Don't see why it would." Said Walt finishing up the drivers info and buzzing them in.

"I got knocked up."

Walt turned back around to see Penny had joined them and she was wearing the glasses. She nodded. So Friday confimed.

Walt scratches his head, "Yeah, I think I done might've heard something like that once? Can't quite recollect where, though... I'm getting decrepit..."

Clover and Penny both laugh. "Can I see it?" She asked.

Walt rolls his eyes. "Penny can you run fetch me the hat out of the back seat?"

Penny nods and smiles, "I was wondering when I'd get to see it! I'll fetch it for you right away!"

"She's sweet. I like her!" Clover says.

Walter looks up from pulling out his phone. "I'm glad. I like her too!" He peeks out the shack sees no vehicles and lets Penny back in. He goes to put it on then shrugs, "Heck why don't you wear it while you watch. Friday play footage of "Home" for Clover and Penny." He sets his weathered grey cowboy hat atop Clovers head and goes back to watching the gate.

(("Yes Sir, Playing footage of "Home"."))

Penny just saw most of the same footage this morning when Friday showed her but it's still impressive. Walter checks in another vehicle.

"I can really come visit, someday?" Clover asked.

"That sounds familiar too..." he winks back over his shoulder. "That's what I promised. Anytime. Though I'd prefer you did it sometime I'm home. Bring a friend. Hell bring several!"

"It's magnificent! Magical..."

"It's big, empty pain in my ass, is what is!" Walt said."But it's home and Fridays there and Penny soon will be as well if we can escape the hold this damn area's had on us for the last 24 hours. Then it'll start to be something... maybe..."

"Can we watch it again?"

"Sure... Friday show them some of the live feds too."

(("Yes, Sir"))

Clover smiled as she took the hat off and put it on Penny's head so she could wear it while they watched this time. She looked up at Walt smiled and his heart skipped several beats and started trying to play catch-up! Penny's eyes widened and her smile grew so bright as she blushed so prettily and... damn, Friday was showing her his reaction he guessed, that meddlesome... Penny sure looked a sight like that though.

(("Shall we take Penny shopping, Walt?"))

It was all he could do not to imagine her a variety of outfits and looks and even... He clenched his teeth on the YES he had in his mouth and mummbled,"Sometime when her life is not in danger, maybe..."

But she was smiling and Clover was too. "I got pregnant..."

"Seems that way."

"The father... he doesn't know yet..."

"I see..."

"A-and now he's gone missing..."

"That a fact?"

She nodded. "Walt... I'm afraid... can you help?"

Walt looked at her. "What are you afraid of? Of him being missing or being a mother?"

"Both... does that make me a bad person?"

"No, Clover Honey. That just makes you a person. But admitting it makes you smart. It's what comes after that's important. If you run from your fear it's cowardice, but if you embrace it do the thing you fear anyway it's courageous. But you already know that."

She nodded. "I'm going to be a mother."

"That's good."

"You'll do great!" Said Penny.

"Walt," she asked "can you help them find the father?"

"Of course, Clover. We'll find him. Someday the two of you and that beautiful baby will come visit us."

"And we'll be waiting for you!" Said Penny.

"So who is the boy?" Walt had a sneaking suspicion that it was...

"It's James... James Gardner"

Of course it is."Charles boy?"

She nodded. Walter let out a string of blue curses blistering the air.

"Walter why are you so mad?"

"Because I know the boy! The universe gave him a talent for mischief and this ain't the first time I've had to find the little pain in my ass! His folks came to visit when they were kids and guess who went missing? That's right James and Jamie and I found them too but only after a sudden storm come up, lighting scared the horse, and I got attacked by not one but two mountain lions and then a damn grizzly bear and had to fight them off... bare handed!"

[Walter Stark Penny Polendina and F.R.I.D.A.Y will return in

Taking Care of Business Pt. 2

Coming soon!]