The Stark Tower proudly glistened in the sunlight as I exited the Subway. Many things raced in my mind. How would Mr. Stark himself accept me as one of their own? I walked up to the entrance and entered the lobby.

- Uh, hello? I am here to see Tony Stark. I trust that he's here at the moment.

The clerk at the desk looked at me and then said: - Yes, he's at the top floor. You must be Mark Shepard, am I right?

- The one and only.

- I shall tell him that your coming. We certainly appreciate having new blood in our fold after all.

I thanked the clerk and entered an elevator. Again thoughts raced in my mind. Stark was after all responsible for my uncle's death and yet he still managed to save New York from that menace. He certainly is an oxymoronic being down to the last bone. The doors soon opened and I approached Stark's Office/Pentroom Apartment. I knocked on the door and upon hearing a confirmation, I gently pulled it open.

- Welcome to Stark Industries, Mark. I have been waiting for you for quite a some time.

I glanced towards the voice and found Mr. Iron Man himself, tending bar. I was quite surprised that he can be so laid back.

- Well, you certainly are a man of taste, Mr Stark. To be honest, I have never been so close to a celebrity like you before.

- I am sure you will get used to it. Stark replied.

- You could say that again. Look, it might come as a surprise to you but I do have a deeply personal motive. You remember Obadiah Stane, don't you? Well, he's my uncle. And you killed him with your own hands.

To say that Stark's expression was priceless is putting it lightly.

- Y-you're related to Stane? That's just not possible. I-I did what I had to do.

- Is that so Mr. Stark. Well, just be glad that I won't be turning into a big green hulking giant anytime soon. Otherwise you would have been as flat as a pancake by now.

- You don't want revenge against me?

Well, of course not. After all, you and a few others did save New York from those invaders a few years back. In fact, I want to make sure that my uncle's mistakes won't be repeated.

Stark let out few deep breaths. My cellphone ringed and upon checking it, I found out it was an unknown number. - Most likely one of those dealers again. I thought.

- Ok, it seems that everything's basically cleared up by now. Tell me, how soon will you be able to work here?

- I'd say next week maybe. Oh, and by the way, you probably should keep a watch on Hell's Kitchen area. Some reports of gang activity it seems. And a mysterious vagrant dressed all in black.

- Hell's Kitchen huh? You sure it's something warranting our attention?

- Well, I am sure it's something that doesn't warrant your or anybody else's attention just yet. But I am sure that this vagrant might be of some to you and your team. Just be on a lookout for an opportune moment. Anyways, I must go now. It was a pleasure talking with you Mr Stark. I promise that I will make your company proud.

- Until next time. Stark said and then turned around to look at New York skyline.

As I rode the elevator down, I looked at my watch. It said 15:36. Good, that means there's still time for that dinner. Hopefully Helen will reconsider my proposal. It will be worth a try.