"I think you may have misunderstood something..."
Natasha's voice came over the phone. "No, you don't need to explain. Also, S.H.I.E.L.D. actually has health insurance for family members. I told you, our benefits are quite good..."
"I don't have... Wait, you mean there's money involved? Thirty percent of the amount Nick reports??? That high??? Captain America's bonus is only eighteen percent..."
"Oh, yes, yes. Thank you for your concern. She's fine..."
Natasha said over the phone, "I heard Stark wants to hire some neuroscience experts to further modify his armor. I hope you can remind him that even if Colonel Rhodes resigns from his position, the military will never give up. Even without the Air Force, there are still the Army and Navy. This trouble is far from over..."
Schiller said, "I understand. I believe Stark can handle these matters himself now."
In fact, Schiller was right. Stark really did have to handle these matters alone, and more troublingly, he now had to learn to take care of himself.
Previously, most of Stark's weapons manufacturing and military industry departments had been managed by Obadiah. But now, Obadiah was still unconscious. His injuries were severe, he was too old, and his recovery was poor. Pepper was nearly worked to death; she wished she could split herself into eight people.
Originally, Pepper had only been Stark's personal secretary. Even when helping him manage the company, she had merely handled personnel and procurement matters. But now that Obadiah was down, Pepper had begun taking over all of Stark Industries. She no longer had any time to look after Stark's daily life.
As everyone knew, Stark's ability to take care of himself was practically zero. He had once been able to stay with his good friend Rhodey, but Rhodey had gone on vacation too.