Divergence

by iTony

Summary:

In an infinite number of timelines, Tony suspects that there must be one where he wasn’t systematically abused, controlled, and imprisoned by Obadiah in his own home following his capture and imprisonment by terrorists. There’s probably one where he built the suit sooner, escaped sooner, and perhaps even one where he didn’t have to kill Iron Monger in the end. In fact, there’s probably one where Obadiah really did love him as a son. And he’s going to find it.

More notes inside.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Please note that this work takes place in Universe 619... mostly.  The Tony Stark you are probably familiar with lives in our world, 616.  To make things easier, I have included this handy reference sheet:

The cast

Universe 619, aka "Universe Prime"

• Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark, a playboy philanthropist billionaire who, following his capture and rescue from Afghanistan, was imprisoned and tortured by his business partner, Obadiah Stane, before building the Iron Man suit to escape him. 
• Obadiah Stane, the deceased business partner of Tony Stark, who, after decades of resentment towards Tony, orchestrated his capture by terrorists and later abused him personally before being killed in a mech suit battle.
• Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Tony’s personal assistant, whose sharp mind, flawlessly organized records, and intuitive demeanor are often the only things keeping him together.
• J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony’s Iron Man suit’s A.I. program.

Universe 620, aka "Universe Alpha," aka "The Golden Timeline."

• Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark, a disabled playboy philanthropist billionaire and C.E.O of Stark Industries, which he runs with his business partner, Obadiah Stane. 
• Obadiah Stane, the business partner of Tony Stark and surrogate father figure.  A distinguished businessman and brilliant negotiator with a love of chess, piano, and cigars. 
• Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Tony’s wife, whose sharp mind, flawlessly organized records, and intuitive demeanor are among the many reasons he loves her.
• Cinnamon, Pepper's cat, who was given to her by Tony.
• J.A.R.V.I.S.,  Tony’s house’s A.I. program.

Universe 621, aka, "The Darkest Timeline"

• Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark, a mute playboy philanthropist billionaire who, following his capture and rescue from Afghanistan, is imprisoned and tortured by his business partner, Obadiah Stane.
• Obadiah Stane, the C.E.O. of Stark Industries, who, after decades of resentment towards Tony, orchestrated his capture by terrorists and currently holds him captive in his own home.
• Virginia “Pepper” Potts, Obadiah's personal assistant, whose sharp mind, flawlessly organized records, and intuitive demeanor are used in part to help Obadiah care for Tony in his home.
• Cinnamon, Tony's cat, who was given to him by Pepper.
• Edwin Jarvis, a butler who makes Tony toast. 

 Supporting Characters (in all universes)

• Harold “Happy” Hogan, an ex-boxer and Tony’s personal driver, whose friendly, well-meaning personality allows him to act as a source of comfort for both Tony and Pepper.
• Dr. Reed Richards, a physicist whose knowledge of interdimensional travel proves invaluable to Tony as he moves between timelines.

Honorable Mentions

• Thor, S.H.I.E.L.D. member and extra-dimensional god from Asgard whose mention of interdimensional travel in Universe Prime begins this whole mess.
• Andrew, husband of the author, who originally suggested I title this "Iron Man 2: 2 Many Iron Men."

 

Enjoy!  Updates every Wednesday and Saturday.