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Marvel: President Stark 15 - Debate, Tesseract & Skeleton
🕑 Added 2024-09-26 19:14:20 +0000 UTC"It's encrypted, Sir," Jarvis responded, starting a quick decryption and geo-location. "It's from the White House."
Tony hovered midair and picked up the call. "Boss?"
"Haha, is there anyone who can be Tony Stark's boss?" The calm yet relaxed voice came from the other side. The current President, and the one who was hoping to get re-elected.
"So the bureaucrats do know their boundaries. Seeing what's happened in the last few days, I thought you guys forgot about it." Tony took a straightforward jibe at the recent retaliations he had faced. "What can I do for you? Kinda busy, on my way to Japan."
"Ah, yes. You helped them a lot this time. I spoke with their Prime Minister and he couldn't stop thanking you. It seems your political campaign is going very well." The President replied and went straight to the business. "I’ll ask this once, Tony. Are you fully committed to the election?"
"Definitely more committed than Senator Stern to Hammer Industries," Tony replied.
There was silence for a moment on the other side. Tony didn't say anything either and waited for a reply. He knew what the man on the other side was thinking—Whether to go with the re-election attempt or not.
"You'll make a decent President, Tony." The voice replied. "I'm pretty young, enough time for a second chance. The stage is yours—welcome to the club."
That's it? He's quitting?
Tony was not someone to deny such opportunities.
"You sure I'm welcome in that club?"
"As an Independent? Absolutely not. But I guess you don't care about that. Good luck, Tony Stark."
Tony appreciated that at least the man had enough mind to not try and ask him to join his party. "Enjoy your half retirement, buddy."
"Will do."
The call got cut after that, and Tony resumed flying. But he still surfed the internet to find who his likely opponents were going to be in the coming election. Even if the current President was going to skip it, there was still going to be someone from both parties and a few other ambitious independents.
One less hurdle to cross, I guess.
####
As the weeks went by, a great many events across the world were reported. The return of Captain Steven Rogers; Tony's international Iron Guardians; and the appearance of enhanced humans across the globe that tried to cause a scene secretly.
In America, as time went by, the number of states with Iron Guardians kept increasing. From thirteen to twenty-four—Arizona, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Alabama.
Tony Stark as a brand was more household than any other name in the country's history. From old men on their deathbeds to kids learning to speak, they all knew about Iron Man. That fame was well calculated and nurtured by the money fed to the media.
But half of it was natural. Tony's livestreams went on forever through the cameras on the Iron Guardians. News channels created whole segments to show the day's most badass moments from Iron Guardians. Likewise, reaction Youtube channels arose that reacted to the live streams.
It was all free publicity. Also, Jarvis was one heck of an AI lad as it controlled all of Tony's social media to maintain high visibility with comedic posts and thought-provoking ideas. World thought it was all Tony, but seriously, he had no time for that.
The election was now mere months away, and the first debate was soon to be held with Matthew Ellis and Edward Nomm. The first was a known name in politics, while the second was a new guy who had grown popular while being Illinois Governor. But both belonged to a party, while Tony was alone.
However, Tony was being lazy after months of working non-stop. That morning, he stayed in his bed, staring at the ceiling as if there was something written on it. The bright top-floor windows of the Stark Tower were drowning the entire room in light.
But, he didn't even move.
It being a rare night in the bedroom, he was alone. No naked woman beside him. No spilled bottles of drinks on the floor.
"Jarvis, did it happen?"
It was a special day. No, a monumental day for Stark Industries. A day that Jarvis had predicted in advance, but that didn't lessen its effect on Tony.
"The market opened three minutes ago, Sir. Stark Industries has officially crossed a one trillion market cap."
Tony lets out a low whistle, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “So, what you're telling me is... we're roughly six point two five percent of America's GDP?"
"Stark Industries is an international enterprise, Sir. Drawing that parallel would be inaccurate. However, purely by the numbers, you are indeed correct."
Tony still felt proud of himself. "You think Dad would've approved of what I’ve done with Stark Industries? Or, I don’t know, maybe the whole upcoming White House gig?"
After a short silence, Jarvis spoke. "Based on my historic eval—"
"Ah, leave it. He never cared about anything I did. Anyway, what’s on my schedule today? Something exciting, I hope." Tony finally slid off the bed and stretched his arms. "Don't I have a meeting with Capsicle?"
"You’ll have breakfast with Captain America at a cafe. Ms. Potts will pick you up from there and take you to the first Presidential Debate. Afterward, you’ll be meeting Director Fury in the evening." Jarvis read through the entire schedule. "You have no plans for dinner."
Tony's shoulders slumped, a sigh escaping. "Oh great, another day full of nothing. Fury better have something shiny to show me, or I might poke his other eye too."
Complaining and dragging himself around. He took a quick shower and got nicely wrapped in a new suit. Then, he placed a pin of the American flag on his suit since it was debate day. After that, he slapped some hair spray on his head and left the building.
"I'm taking the Ferrari today," Tony said, a signal for Jarvis to control the automated garage to clean up the car and bring it over to the driveway at the ground level. By now, Tony had made all his cars self-driving because it gave him more privacy. Happy was always busy with Pepper, after all.
Then finally, he picked up the small suitcase which was actually the newly updated Mark 5 Iron Man suit. It was annoying that the nanotech research was going so slow, but he had no other options.
In no time, he stepped on the gas and became yet another insect in Manhattan's morning traffic. But he didn't have any issues since Jarvis took the wheel so he could start reading the debate material.
At his request, the debate was going to be held in a stadium of all places. It was almost like a concert at that point, and he wanted to not just win but end the political career of the other two.
"Alright, give me the rundown on their past policies—both as Senator and then Governor," Tony said, tapping furiously at the touchpad. "I want their bank accounts, family trees, the whole income rollercoaster. What’s their family business? Did anyone get rich on the sidelines? Nepotism, corruption, and which lobbyist group has been most actively kissing their asses. All of it—don’t leave me hanging."
It was intense. It was the first trial of how an AI could help one win elections. A terrifying thing in itself, but Tony saw it all as fair game. The others had their own advantages, so he had to use his own.
"Sir, we have arrived at your destination. Mr. Rogers is sitting outside the cafe."
Tony stopped reading and got out of the car quickly. All eyes were on him as soon as he appeared, but there were cops too who had been notified earlier. They stopped anyone from approaching Tony as he went over and took a seat in front of Steve outside the cafe.
"Captain."
"Mr. Stark." Steve nodded like a good, stiff military man.
Tony chuckled and relaxed in the chair, looking at the menu. "You know, I'll have you saluting me in a few months. By the way, call me Tony."
Steve looked around. He could see how famous Tony was. Over the past few months, he had read all about the famous Tony Stark. "Tony… You won't win."
Tony raised a brow. "Oh? We got ourselves a Nostradamus?"
"They never allow outsiders into the office," Steve muttered seriously.
Tony shrugged. He felt the same, but he was betting on his odds. Ignoring the comment, he instead took out a folded sheet of paper from his suit's pocket and placed it on the table.
"What’s this?" Steve asked.
"Dad would have done this if he was alive to see you," Tony replied, a calculated string of words based on Jarvis' calculated probability. "Congratulations, now you own a nice building in Brooklyn."
Steve read the document and frowned. "T-This is my apartment building. Tony, I can't take this."
"Dad must have offered you some stocks in Stark Industries when he started it. Consider this that, and honestly, this is much cheaper than stocks. I'd have given it months ago, but the city administration is too slow, even for me." Tony accepted the sumptuous breakfast of coffee, eggs, burgers, and some beacon from the waitress just then. "Did your back pay thing get fixed?"
"No, they're working on it."
"Classic." Tony ate quickly. "I'll get it done after taking the office."
Come on, say those sweet words.
"Fury will deal with it," Steve replied, sipping some coffee.
Tony scoffed, “Oh, the guy who tried to negotiate a bigger budget before I even took the office? Sure, pin your hopes on him."
They went back and forth like that, talking about anything and everything. While Steve was always stiff with his replies, he always reacted to Tony's words. A form of balance formed between them, a balance of humor and seriousness.
Beep!
Beep!
A loud horn came from the street just then.
Tony looked up and saw a limousine with its windscreen down and Pepper waving at him from inside.
"Well, time's up." Tony put a fifty-dollar bill on the table and got up. "Getting late for my debate."
Come on, old boy. Say it.
Tony started to walk away.
"Tony," Steve called for him just then and picked up the paper from the table. There was a momentary pause before he smiled. "I owe you one."
"I'll remember that."
That's what I wanted to hear, buddy. Good job, I'll promote you after taking office.
With that, he jumped in the backseat of the limousine and relaxed like it was just another Tuesday. The little game with Captain America was a long one, after all.
"Tony, I'm more stressed out than you. It's your Presidential debate." Pepper was already panicking, scrolling through the contents on her phone. "Did you read the material I sent you?"
No wonder I made her the CEO. She's perfect.
Tony looked at his pretty CEO. Her beige pencil skirt was tight around her slender hips while above was a white shirt with a blazer matching the skirt. Her hair was tied in a ponytail as always. The perfect embodiment of a hot, powerful, career woman.
"Relax, I've got it all locked in here," he tapped at his temples and adjusted further into the seat. Though, as he did that, he pressed a button that raised the divider between the front and the back seats. "Although I'm a little bit stressed out."
"Exactly! You should be stressed out!" Pepper replied with another anxious call. "Tony, you—Ah, you mean stressed in that way."
She just noticed the raised divider and the window blinds. Her face turned to Tony and she saw his smirking expression right away.
A sigh left her lungs and she put away her phone before relaxing back just like him. "Are you serious?"
"What? I didn’t say anything." He raised his hands.
"I know you more than you know yourself, Tony Stark." Pepper declared, but unlike normal times, she didn't get angry. A cute grin formed on her thin lips. "But I guess… After seeing the stock report this morning, you do deserve a reward."
Pepper kicked off her sharp high heels and suddenly straddled Tony's lap, squeezing him under the weight of her bottom.
"One trillion," Tony muttered.
Pepper opened up the first few buttons of her shirt, without removing the blazer. Her sleek blue bra peeked out seductively from under her clothes. Then, she raised her hips and pulled up her pencil skirt all the way to her waist, leaving her blue sexy panties-clad loins naked.
"Um-hum." Pepper hummed and removed the rubber band, letting her hair spread around her head sensuously. "It's a one trillion dollar reward then… Umm…"
“Too cheap for a priceless CEO like you,” Tony muttered, placing both his hands on her slender waist.
Without pause, Pepper dug in, kissing his lips, suckling on his bottom lips as her eyes enticingly lingered on his heated gaze. Her tongue dug out his own, brushing the insides of his mouth with passion.
Tony's hands caressed up and down her back, feeling her supple flesh as he cupped her ass. He pulled her a little closer, deeper into the kiss. His fingers went under her panties from each leg hole, tasting the soft heat of her body on his palms.
At the same time, both of Pepper's arms squeezed between their bodies. She opened his belt with a strong tug, unbuttoned his pants, and pulled out his girthy shaft. His flesh was already warm, tight, and throbbing in her hand.
They both felt each other’s eagerness.
Moving away from the kiss, Pepper’s waist tilted back a little.
With one hand, she pulled the bridge of her panties to the side and lowered herself on his cock. She could feel the moistness between her legs make way for his swollen staff. A breathless moan escaped her as his cockhead went in, followed by a slow-moving heavenly torment of pleasure, scraping around her moist walls.
She was anguished and conflicted. She was now the most powerful woman in America, with status that could rival world leaders, thanks to Tony.
But she couldn’t shake off the feeling of wanting to please this man under her, wanting his cock to fill her up to the brim, to hear him moan out how pleasurable her pussy was, to thrust into her over and over again until he loses his mind.
Or maybe she had already lost her mind, drowning in the bliss that his large girthy cock gave her? The way his hands grabbed onto her tender flesh, guiding her to fuck herself on his bulging shaft, with slow, desperate moves. The way he let out small grunts of satisfaction, she couldn’t help but thirst for his slick cock more and more.
Her hips moved circles, up and down, spreading her juices all over his straining cock. Her ass bounced on his lap, her pussy enveloping his manhood. Oh, how blissful she felt, wanting him to go deeper and deeper, right to the very edge of oblivion.
"Ungh, this cock of yours!" Pepper gritted her teeth as she devoured his stiffness inside her. It had to be a quick one. "I'm the CEO, goddammit."
"Of a company that I own," Tony smirked back and thrust up, slamming himself balls deep in one go.
Her long moan was music to his ears. But even if he wanted to torment her with long drawn-out strokes, he too couldn’t wait to slam his cock into her tender flesh. Ride out her wild and wonderful body with fervent thrusts and reckless lust.
He moved his waist a bit and tilted them both towards the long seat at the other side of the limo.
Pepper fell back on soft leather seats as Tony’s cock came out of her cave of wonders. “Tony?”
“You still have to follow my orders, right? Madam CEO? Turn around.” Tony smirked playfully.
Pepper pretended to pout. But how could she complain when all she wanted now was his cock to pierce through that last barrier of restraint and ecstasy?
She turned on the long seat of the limo, kneeling on all fours as she bit her lips with anticipation. With her blouse and blazer half opened, her bra already pulled down, her hardened nipples dangled out below. Her skirt pulled up, revealing her smooth, pale ass presented right in front of Tony.
Tony almost wanted to gulp, seeing how perfectly shaped her bottom was. Her panties had a wet mark, obviously from her flowing nectar, lubricating her pussy.
He pulled her blue panties to her knees, sliding them so sensually down her smooth thighs while letting the tips of his fingers tickle her skin. He could feel her shiver a little, her ass wiggling towards him in craving.
“Oh Tony…” She mewled.
He positioned himself kneeling behind her, grabbing both ass cheeks roughly, and aiming his cockhead at the juicy, slick entrance.
When he felt that squeeze on the tip of his cock, he couldn’t wait anymore and quickly shoved his full length in.
“Ah!” Pepper let out a yelp of surprise, feeling his cock collide with the deepest part of her core.
Tony started strong, moving his hips with a wild pace. He loved the way her inner walls throbbed around him, massaging his cock with tight grips and soft releases. He couldn’t help wanting to go even deeper, leaning over her body. One of his hands supported himself, while the other dove into her opened shirt, grabbing a handful of her swaying breast.
He gently kneaded and stroked her aching breast as he kept plowing, and felt her reaction on his cock. Every time he pinched and twirled her nipple, her pussy would tighten in response.
As if he found an amazing new sex toy, Tony hugged her from behind, quickly placing both his hands on her jutting swells. He fondled and molded her sweating mounds as he kept thrusting in and out, playing out a hot and heavy rhythm. He slammed his cock into that wonderful pleasure, letting their skin clash in fiery heat.
“Oohh.. oh… God… Tony…!” Pepper moaned uncontrollably.
“Ghk…” Tony could feel Pepper’s muscles contracting around him, squeezing the life out of his molten member.
Pepper finally reached that final threshold of passion, breathlessly gasping in completion as her body froze with her breasts arching forward more into his hands. Ripples of ecstasy flooded through her, drips of her honey coming out, rolling down Tony’s relentless shaft.
Tony couldn’t stop, he wouldn’t stop. Not now when he was already at the edge. He kept going, slamming his hips into her ass, feeling that illustrious release at the tip of his cock.
His balls twitched, his cock throbbed, his body stiffening up from the pressure. In a final glorious moment, he claimed that reward. He allowed his molten juices to intermingle with hers, his hot seed spill into her twitching pussy.
“Gah!” He finally let out that stifled breath, leaning on her back for a moment. “That… was amazing…” He added, gulping to coat his dry throat as he moved away from her body. He sat back in his original seat and pulled up his zipper after wiping clean.
“It must be, since you couldn’t stop and came inside…” Pepper playfully commented as she sat down upright and pulled up her panties after cleaning.
“Oh fuck…” Tony smacked his forehead. It finally dawned on him. Her pussy was just too damn good.
"It's fine, Tony. Besides, a reward is a reward.” Pepper winked dangerously.
Ah, I’ll need another session to tame her for good.
They both started to clean up. Pepper fixed his hair while Tony buttoned up her shirt.
"Are you sure you'll win?" Pepper asked, her worry returning albeit the mind still on cloud nine.
Tony showed her a thumbs up. "Consider their careers over."
Pepper dumbly blinked, the hair behind her neck rising. Her 'Tony Sense' was tingling. The man before her was planning something crazy again.
"I pity them." She relaxed back. "It's good for us, I guess."
####
Fifty-thousand. That was the number of people that poured into the largest baseball stadium in the Bronx. It served as the best location for the debate since the backside with the least seats could be used as a stage, while the rest of the multi-story seats housed the visitors.
The seats were sold and all the money was going to a cancer research hospital. Security was also tight ever since the 'terrorist' attack on Tony Stark. Even five Iron Guardians were deployed to the stadium to maintain peace.
Massive screens were added so everyone could see what was going on. It no longer looked like a debate but the final of the World Series.
Now this is what I call a debate. Tony arrived at the venue and peeked at the stadium from behind the stage. Perfect stage.
"Anthony Edward Stark!"
As his name was announced, Tony walked onto the stage while waving his hand at the crowd. He loved it, the roaring cheers of the stadium from his mere arrival. He felt like a rockstar, or perhaps even more.
No wonder celebrities grow a big head. This is intoxicating.
"Matthew Ellias!"
The second contender walked out. A man in his sixties with auburn hair, your average-looking politician with a little bit of belly.
"Edward Nomm!"
Then an even older guy came onto the stage, shorter than Tony, but with white hair and a wrinkly face. Though his eyes were awfully striking and bright.
What gives them the confidence when even the sitting President has given up? Tony wondered in silence and walked up to the middle podium. They probably have every single lobbyist group standing behind them.
It was a traditional debate, so there was only one moderator whose job was to announce the topic. After that, each candidate would get two minutes to speak.
The truth was that the two other candidates did not need to agree to do the debate with Tony. Since the entire system was tilted against any third candidate, the two could have just held a debate between themselves and called it a day. Sadly for them, not only Tony's but their internal polls also revealed that Tony Stark was the prime choice for the November voting across the country. Enough that he couldn't be ignored anymore.
Very soon, the crowd calmed down and the first topic started. It was about the economy, mainly job creation, deficit reduction, and tax policies.
Tony didn't speak first and let the other two cook whatever they had planned.
"I think… A holistic approach towards taxation is what we need. We can't go with pitchforks at the wealthy, but at the same time we can't be too accommodating…" Matthew Ellis finished.
Then the other guy started and rambled something along similar lines but with a more hardline approach towards the wealthy. In fact, the man accused Tony of being one of the people who should be taxed more.
Tony didn't budge and let the two men finish. Four minutes later, it was finally his turn.
"Wow, are you done with the whole speech your army of interns cooked up for you? Holistic? Comprehensive? Those are just fancy words for 'we don’t know what we’re doing.' This year, I paid over two hundred billion in taxes—yes, that's ‘billion’ with a 'B'—and I’ll probably break my own record next year. You two? You're part of the problem. Your backers are the super-rich you keep yammering about—Both of you have been supported by AMA, API, and NAM in the past.
“A few months ago, I threw out a little suggestion—a new IRS system, total transparency. Every company, every dollar, out in the open for everyone to see. No secret handshakes, no backroom deals. First step? Holding them accountable—The fact is, there are loopholes—ones companies, and you two, slip through to dodge taxes. So, before we start crying for more taxes, how about everyone just pay what they already owe? Trust me, it’d make a world of difference."
Tony stopped as his time came to an end. After that, the debate shifted to job creation and deficit.
Tony shrugged. "Jobs will appear when the economy is doing well. For things to actually work, we need someone in the White House who doesn’t have a lifetime membership to the Lobbyists’ Country Club, you know? America’s not a nation of cogs in a machine; we’re a nation of entrepreneurs, thinkers, builders. So here’s the deal: my government will go all-in on startups. To ease the manufacturing, innovation, and creation—there are helping tools that already exist in the Stark Industry. Yeah, I’ll make 'em public. Because why should I have all the fun?
"When the Industrial Revolution came, a lot of farmers lost their jobs. When the factories became automated, a lot of workers lost their jobs. There's always a next step. We’ve gotta be smart about it. So, yeah, let’s get someone in the office with a brain, not just a mouthpiece reading the script. That’s all I’m saying."
Tony wasn't being very kind. His bid for election turned into a fight against a special class of people that was called 'career politicians'. A word that should never have existed.
Slowly, the debate went on. It was boring for Tony since it was too predictable. It was a mere formality for all three of them. But Tony kept the last hit piece for the best part.
Tony easily won when it came to Energy Policy. He had already electrified New York City with his green tech. When it came to women's rights, he got accused of being a playboy, but he slammed the two back with their rumored sexual harassment cases, which he never had.
Foreign Policy was also easy. Tony had just been awarded the highest honor in Japan. His Iron Guardians were his foreign policy.
When it came to healthcare, he didn't say much but gave out an ultimatum to the medical world. That he had the means to make all healthcare as cheap as pennies using more Iron Guardians but for medical purposes. As for the exorbitant medicine prices, it was a clear monopoly that he didn't shy away from calling out.
By the mere virtue of being supported by no lobby, Tony had the freedom to say what the others did not. Freedom to say what the people wanted to fear, what the people felt angry about. While the other two couldn’t without losing the cash support.
At last, the topic came to corruption. This time, the other two rambled about this and that, but Tony targeted the two men directly.
"Corruption, huh? We don’t have to look far. Matthew here was a real estate guy with 400k. Then, he became a Senator, and poof, 3 million. Now he’s a governor worth over 10 million. Fancy mansion, luxury cars—his wife and daughter even got their own. Oh, and his daughter’s a 'star athlete' at Yale. Nationally ranked swimmer—who’s somehow never been in a national competition. And his brother? Went from carpenter to owning a construction empire worth 80 million. But hey, I’m sure that the National Mining Association-backed bill you supported had nothing to do with it. By the way, how was last year's family vacation to Switzerland? Must have been grand to have cost four million in taxpayers' money."
"Boooo!"
It was loud once the stadium became noisy. Matthew Ellis was red in anger already, glaring at Tony and trying to say something but nothing came out of his mouth.
"And Edward Nomm," Tony glanced at him with a smirk. "If shamelessness had a poster boy, this is it. The guy went from teaching kids algebra to being the richest Governor with a cool hundred mil in the bank. Says it's all 'cause he started a company—funny how the tax records say he paid a grand total of... a million over five years. Now, let’s check the guest list: Big Pharma, Petroleum, Manufacturers—you know, the usual crowd. Oh, and about that mansion you gave your daughter? Fifteen mil, right? And your wife’s sister got one too? Does she know?"
Tony looked at the camera then, as if staring at the crowd. He kept a firm face as he spoke the next words. “Corruption? They’re the root of it all! They’re like leeches, just waiting to suck the life out of the people’s wealth. Just because they got elected doesn't make them above the law. Now, I’m no saint, but I’ve got one secret: I can’t be corrupted. You know why? Because I don’t care about making a buck—give me my wrench and a plate of burgers, and I’m good to go. So here’s the deal: vote for them if you want puppets in office. Vote for me if you want a free nation with a free president.
"Ah, by the way, Matthew, about that assistant of yours that 'mysteriously' died in a car accident two years back. Didn't you pay her two million? And then she reported you to the cops? It's a pity that the police record was erased, but sadly for you, physical record is a thing."
Eeeeeek!
The mics let out an intense hum at being pushed away.
Matthew Ellias cursed at Tony and stormed off the stage. The man had expected Tony to be tough, but this was like destroying all decorum.
Sadly, Matthew failed to realize that, unlike his other colleagues, Tony didn't give a fuck about his existence.
Edward Nomm, meanwhile, walked over to Tony and shook his hand.
"Be careful."
Tony didn't like that one bit and continued to talk. “Edward Nomm, wasn’t your first wife’s death a real mystery back in the eighties? Never solved. You tied the knot again just a week later—talk about moving on quickly! Guess you really loved your new wife, huh?”
Politics was never an easy ladder to climb. One had to dip their hands in the mud, and sometimes blood. At times, some lose themselves to their power. For old men with decades-long political careers, it wasn't hard for Tony to find dirt.
By the end of it, only Tony was left on the stage. Was it a victory? It was for the people to decide. To him personally, it was a massive win.
No doubt, many other ambitious men looking at the debate felt lucky for not participating. Especially the current President.
Tony Stark had no breaks on his mouth.
####
At the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
"He's bold," Charles muttered.
"He's reckless," Erik added.
The two men sat in Charles' office and stared at the screen showing the debate. That was if it could even be called a debate. It was a career murder with words.
"He'll make more enemies than he can afford at this rate. Are you still going to pin your hopes on him?" Erik asked his old friend. He had grown accustomed to the momentary truce that they had formed. "He can't help us if he can't help himself."
"Stark has resources that allow him to plan ahead. Whatever he is doing right now is to win the election, not win favors. He hates the bureaucracy and the current landscape. He's going to uproot it and he's not hiding his threats. He wants them to come after him in the open so he knows who he has to deal with." Charles evaluated deeply. "He did well."
####
New York City, SHIELD headquarters.
"You really unleashed chaos up there, Stark. Remind me to keep you off the mic next time." Fury muttered as he led Tony deeper into the building's underground area.
"Yeah, didn't like their faces." Tony was hardly paying attention, however. He was more focused on the fine lady walking beside him, Maria Hill. "Got any dinner plans?"
Maria ignored Tony and kept walking. Although she wanted to reply, there was Fury nearby.
"You were looking for a more advanced energy source, as I’ve been informed. Well, I think we might have something that fits the bill," Fury said, his tone steady and authoritative. "We’re still in the research phase, but given your role as an advisor to Shield, I’ll let you take a look. Just remember, this is classified."
Finally, their elevator arrived at the bottom floor and Fury walked out. The entire corridor was filled with armed guards. At the end was a sealed door that Fury opened using his fingerprint and a code.
Tony became focused at that point. To make the theorized Light Speed Engine, he needed an energy source.
Woosh!
The steel door opened. Murmurs came from inside, there were men at work. No, they were scientists at work.
"We're relocating the research to another base in a few days. You've got until then to do whatever you need with it. Make it count." Fury finally brought Tony to a secured, small, cubical chamber with a small pillar at the center on which a glowing blue cube was placed.
Tony frowned at the sight, becoming entranced by the glowing cube. He walked closer to it while analyzing all the data that Jarvis read through his glasses. Energy rating off the charts. The vibrations, the frequency, and the density.
"What is this thing?" Tony asked and raised his hand to touch it. He expected Fury to stop him, but that didn't happen. For a reason, since he quickly retracted his hand as it was scorching hot. "Alien?"
"We call this thing Tesseract."
Tony walked around the cube, looking at every corner. It was easy to guess a few things.
It's definitely a container for something.
“Your father uncovered it and dug deep into the research. Feel free to check his notes if you’re interested,” Fury added.
"Dad?" Tony looked back in a bit of surprise. "Where is it?"
"Agent Hill, get Stark those research notes," Fury ordered and stepped back. "I'll leave you to it. The Tesseract stays here, but feel free to explore as you wish."
Tony ignored Fury and returned to observe the Tesseract. Sometime later, he received the research papers. He sat down right on the floor and started reading them. What he wanted to know was if his dad had found what was inside the casing.
Theories, formulas, and possibilities. The history with Hydra, and the possible uses in aircraft and other weapons. He scoffed when he realized that most of the research his father did was around turning the thing into a weapon, something he despised now.
This is useless. Tony put away the research papers and looked back at the tesseract. I'll need my tools. This thing can help me make a stronger Arc reactor.
"Is this it?" He looked back at Maria Hill. "What about Shield research?"
"That's… classified."
"Classified? Of course, it is. But, hey, not for long, right?" Tony stood up, giving his pants a good pat-down, although there was no dust. "Alright, I'll return tomorrow. I need my tools, so I’m gonna jet. Dinner?"
"Sure." Maria Hill shrugged.
That was easy.
Tony sized her up, taking in the figure-hugging leather SHIELD jumpsuit on her tall frame. "As much as I really like that style, maybe a wardrobe change?"
Maria Hill smirked and turned around to leave. "I'll see you on the roof."
"Copy that," Tony responded and fixed his suit jacket. He left the underground research facility and took the elevator straight to the rooftop. Of course, it was also guarded, but his Iron Man suit was waiting for him there.
Wasting no time, he stepped into the suit and prepared to jet off. While waiting, he made Jarvis tell him all the news regarding his debate. Since he had to leave quickly after the debate, he had no idea about the public perception.
"Sir, you've received ninety-six calls since departing the stadium. Public sentiment is overwhelmingly in your favor. According to five quick polls from leading media outlets, your approval rating sits at eighty percent—significantly higher than any competitor." Jarvis paused before continuing, "In light of this, I've taken the liberty of popularizing the hashtag 'Stark_Century' across major social platforms, subtly hinting at a new era under your leadership as you approach the Oval Office."
Jarvis did all that? I don't remember upgrading anything.
"Let's go."
Tony looked at the woman. He had to agree, SHIELD had a knack for picking up hot agents. Even in her civilian clothes, regular blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a jacket, she looked fantastic.
Having added a few extra thrusters on his back, Tony didn't need to have pretty ladies climb on his back anymore. Instead, he walked closer to her and lifted her up in a cradle carry. Right after, he leaped high into the sky with the boosters and made a slow flight toward the restaurant of his choice.
It was late at night, and the city was a sight to behold at such times.
Tony didn't hide his face behind the mask for the duration of the flight and chatted with Maria. He had seen her before a few times, but this was the first time he got to know her. About her career and whatnot.
"Fury must trust you a lot then," Tony muttered. "Hard to imagine that."
"No, he trusts no one."
Grrrrr~
All of a sudden, a loud roaring sound alerted them. They looked down towards an empty road between tall skyscrapers. A long trail of fire had emerged out of nowhere in the middle of the street with all the car sirens beeping nearby.
"A fire?!" Maria exclaimed.
"No." Tony quickly flew down and lowered his faceplate to zoom in. "It's a… burning motorcycle? A Skeleton? What the…"
____________________
A/N: Get ready to welcome Loki. Battle of New York starts in the next chapter. There was a time skip in this chapter that lasted a few months.
Comments
LETSGOO
Hope we see this story more often
MrPlotThickens
Nic Cage all the way.
The Shaman
Wait…ghost rider…nic cage? I’m all in
