A/N: You guys didn't think I'd be done with the updates on this story, did you? Even though I'm hard at work on several others, I'll do my best to keep up with everything I can on this one given the time and work I've put in thus far.
So let us get on with it!
(I own nothing)
X
High in the clouds above the New York skyline, a large cargo plane reached the altitude that had been marked for this operation. The pilots checked their readings before signalling that they were where they were supposed to be.
Flipping the switch to open the cargo-bay door, the lone occupant ran to the opening and lept out into the open air.
The metallic suit of red and gold armor flared to life, thrusters in its hands and feet firing full throttle as it rolled and dodged around a barrage of fireworks that lit up the sky. The booming sound of 'Shoot to Thrill' by ACDC filled the air.
One of the celebratory explosions managed to clip the armor, staggering it for only a second before launching toward the ground at full speed. Doing a series of barrel rolls and spins for flare before going through the opening in the roof of a large round building and landed in a hard crouch on a stage where a massive crowd cheered loudly at the arrival.
Standing with arms held wide, a series of robotic limbs came out of the floor and started removing the armor piece by piece to reveal the grinning visage of Tony Stark. The genius billionaire looked out over the crowd, dressed in one of his best business suits while behind him a line of Victoria Secret models danced in tandem while wearing lingerie that resembled the Iron Man suit.
Tony clapped along with the audience as the last of his armor was removed and the stage was whole again, the girls finishing their dance by standing around him with their glowing palms facing him.
Just behind the curtain, Nathan stood with Carrie, Pepper and Happy, all of them clapping as the man of the hour made his over the top entrance.
"He certainly has plenty of flare." the telekinetic said to her boyfriend.
"Yeah, that's dear old dad. The invincible Iron Ham." Nathan replied, causing Pepper and Happy to laugh.
"Oh, it's good to be back!" Tony exclaimed as the models left the stage. "You miss me?"
"Blow something up!" someone shouted from the crowd.
"Blow something up? Already did that." he answered without missing a beat before becoming 'serious'. "I'm not saying that the world isn't enjoying it's longest state of peace in years because of me. I'm not saying, that from the ashes of captivity has a greater phoenix metaphor been personified in human history! I'm not saying that Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn-chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't run across anyone who was man enough to go toe to toe with me on my best day!"
With each word spoken the crowd cheered louder and louder, many people chanting his name. Tony held up his hands, "Please, it's not about me. It's not about you. It's not even about us. It's about, Legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations. And that's why, for the next year since 1974 the best and brightest men and women from nations and corporations the world over will pool their resources, share their collected vision to leave behind a brighter future!"
"It's not about us." the genius hero continued, "Therefore, what I am saying, if I'm saying anything, is welcome back to the Stark Expo!"
Tony soaked in the praise for a few moments before, much like with everything else in his life, he went off script. "Now, speaking of legacies. As many of the world already knows, I have my own that I know full well will hopefully one day make the future even brighter. I'm talking about my first greatest creation." he motioned toward where Nathan was standing, "My son, Nathan Stark."
The heir rolled his eyes, deciding to go with the flow as he kissed Carrie on the cheek and stepped out onto the stage to join his dad as the audience cheered.
"Although I agree with my old man here about being one of his greatest creations, it's not surprising given that last year's model has some pretty high-mileage." Nathan said, clapping his dad on the shoulder while the crowd laughed.
Tony put his arm around his son's shoulders and had him in a playful headlock, "As you can see, this particular invention has a few bugs to work out." he said before the two Starks separated, the younger of the two addressing the crowd.
"But back to the matter at hand, this year is all about the future. Everyone brings something to the table, each innovation and advancement a stepping stone for the generations to follow." his father took it from there.
"Without further ado, making a guest appearance from the great beyond to tell you what it's all about. My father, Nathan's grandfather, Howard Stark."
The screen at the back of the stage turned on and began playing a footage reel from when the Stark Expo had first opened decades ago.
While this played, the two Starks went backstage. "Well, certainly wasn't expecting that." Nathan said as he rejoined the others. "Though I shouldn't be surprised."
"Your dad snuck that part in." said Pepper. "All of this is part of your family's legacy, and I guess he was hoping you'd want to be there for the opening."
Nathan looked over where his dad was standing by a snack table, focused intently on something in his hands.
None of them seeing the readout on the device he was holding that read: 19% Blood Toxicity.
X
The next hour was a flurry of activity for everyone. Once the opening ceremony had come to an end the Starks were bombarded by fans wanting to either take their picture, have an interview or sign something.
Carrie stuck close to Nathan's side, even though she had changed so much from the tormented wallflower she had been back in Champerlain she was still very much unsettled in situations like this.
Despite being all but thrusted into the lime-light with being the girlfriend of a young celebrity and super hero, the telekinetic felt very shy and reserved in crowds.
Of course, Nathan knew this and did his best to be a buffer between her and the masses that not only wanted a piece of him, but a piece of her as well. Ever since it became public that he was off the market and seeing someone exclusively everyone and their dog wanted to know everything about the woman who had claimed their heart of the Stark heir.
There had even been an array of pissed off female admirers on many blogs and social media sites going off about Carrie. And Nathan was sure to shut those posts down quickly as to not allow anyone to talk badly about his angel.
Stopping a couple times to shake a hand or two, even signing a couple of autographs for a few kids that ran up to them, the young couple managed to slip out of the main pavilion and toward where Nathan's Lamborghini Aventador LP700 was parked in the VIP section.
"Well, that was exhausting." the young Stark commented, "Sorry you had to go through the ocean of masses."
Carrie smiled as she squeezed her boyfriend's hand. "I knew what I was getting into when you and I became a couple...but, thank you for keeping me close."
Nathan smiled back at her, putting an arm around her shoulders and pressing her to his side. "It would take a lot to keep me away from your side, angel." he opened the passenger door of the car, helping her inside and closing it before getting in the driver's side. "So, anywhere particular you want to go tonight?"
"I'm kinda tired, actually. How about we head back to our hotel room, cuddle in bed and watch a movie?" offered the telekinetic.
"Now that sounds like a good plan, Ms. White." Nathan replied, the two of them sharing a quick kiss as he went to start the engine. Only to pause when his phone started ringing.
Seeing Pepper's image on the caller ID, he answered quickly. "Hey Pep, what's up?"
"..."
"What? What happened?" the heir said, now very serious. His grip tightening on the wheel.
"..."
Nathan rubbed his forehead and sighed in frustration, "Okay, okay. Carrie and I are heading back to the hotel now. I'll call you first thing in the morning." he hung up and leaned his head back against the seat.
"What's wrong?" asked Carrie, worried about what could have happened.
"Dad was just served with papers to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee. And I'd bet by whole trust fund that this has everything to do with the Iron Man armor units." replied the heir. Seeing the confusion on the telekinetic's face he continued, "Ever since my dad made himself known to the world as Iron Man, the government has been hot after his armor to be mass produced for the military. But he had stopped making weapons indefinitely, and refused to give them the schematics for them."
"At first they couldn't do anything, since Stark Industries is privately owned and they had no legal pull. But with all the hype the old man's been pulling in with what he does, and by extension what I do, they're pulling out all the stops to claim the armor in anyway they can."
Carrie blinked, surprised and shocked that the US government would go through so much to take something Nathan and his father had built. "Can they really do that?" she asked.
"Not sure. If they have enough evidence to prove whatever claims they may have they could give my dad trouble. But if I know the old man, he's got a few tricks up his sleeve." replied Nathan.
"What's the plan?" asked the telekinetic.
The heir turned on the car's engine, "Dad and Happy are already driving down to DC. We'll take the private jet with Pepper in the morning and meet them there." Nathan sent a sad smile her way, "Sorry about cutting our New York trip so short."
Carrie shook her head, "This is important, I understand."
Nathan smiled and kissed her again, "This is all for tomorrow, though. For now I believe we had a date involving cuddles and a movie." he drove the car out of the lot and headed in the direction of their hotel, intending on spending a nice quiet evening together before dealing with the political storm that was waiting on capital hill.
X
The following morning, a short flight from New York found the young couple in Washington DC. Sitting among the gathered spectators and reporters in one of the many hearing rooms used by the various senates for situations such as this.
The ones making up the board for the hearing were comprised of military officials and political heads from both parties with Senator Stern spear-heading everything.
Nathan, Carrie and Pepper sat behind Tony who was at what could have been considered the 'Defendant' table. The man not looking the least bit bothered by everything going on around them as he spoke with Pepper about how things had gone on the Expo's opening night.
Looking over his girlfriend's head, Nathan glared over at the 'Plaintiff' table where Justin Hammer, CEO of Hammer Industries, was seated with a smug look on his face.
The man was a slimeball of the highest caliber. He had hundreds of contracts with the US military and always had it out for his dad. When Stark Industries stopped making weapons, Hammer swooped in and picked up what was left behind, but the moment Tony built his armor and started helping the world the man became determined to either tarnish the Stark name or force him to hand over the armor with the senate backing him.
"Mr. Stark." Senator Stern said, hitting his gavel on the table before him, "Picking up where we left off. Mr. Stark, please!"
Tony turned around after speaking with Pepper, "Yes, dear?" he asked, getting a round of chuckles from the gathered officials.
"Can I have your attention?" asked the Senator.
"You do." the genius stated while adjusting his tie.
"Do you, or do you not, possess a specialized weapon?" Stern questioned.
"I do not." Tony answered.
"You do not?"
"I do not. Well, it depends on how you define 'weapon'."
"The 'Iron Man' weapon, Mr. Stark." said the Senator.
"My device does not fit that description."
"How would you describe it?"
"I would describe it, by defining it as what it is, Senator."
"As?"
"It's a high-tech prosthesis." another round of chuckles filled the room with the genius' answer. "That is actually the most apt description I can make."
Stern shook his head, "It's a weapon, Mr. Stark. It's a weapon."
"Please, Senator, if your priority was actually the preservation-"
"My priority," the man interrupted, "Is to get the Iron Man weapon turned over to the people of the United States of America."
"Well, you can forget it." Tony said with finality, to the surprise of all in attendance. "I am Iron Man, the suit and I are one, to turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself which is tantamount to servitude, or prostitution depending on the state you're in."
Nathan had to bite his lip to avoid laughing too loudly, Carrie was covering her mouth while Pepper rolled her eyes at Tony's antics.
"Look, I'm no expert-"
"In prostitution? Of course not, you're a Senator. Come on!" Tony cut off the man.
Stern's face started to turn red at the circus the man before him was making this hearing. Adjusting his tie, he cleared his throat before speaking in a controlled voice. "I'm not an expert on weapons, thankfully we do have someone here today who is an expert. I would like to call forward Justin Hammer, our current primary weapons contractor."
Tony shook his head, "Let the records show that I have witnessed Justin Hammer enter the chamber and I am wondering when any actual expert will be in attendance."
Hammer chuckled as he took a drink of water, "Absolutely, I'm no expert. I'd refer to you, Anthony. You're the wonder-boy" he looked to the panel, "Senator, if I may?" he asked while standing. "I may not be an 'expert'. But you know who was the expert?" he pointed at Tony, "Your dad."
Tony gave Hammer a sharp look, Nathan tensed in his seat. It was no secret that there was a long standing animosity between his dad and grandpa even after Howard had long passed. Bringing the man up at all was a cheap shot.
"Howard Stark." Hammer continued, "Really a father to us all. And to the military industrial age. But let's just be clear, he was no flower-child. He was a lion. We all know why we're here; in the last six months Anthony Stark has created a sword with untold possibilities. And yet he insists that it is a shield. He asks us to trust him, as we cower behind it. I wish I were comforted, Anthony, I really do. Would love to leave my door unlocked when I leave the house. But this ain't Canada.
"We live in a world of grave threats. Threats that Mr. Stark may not be able to foresee. Thank you. God bless Iron Man and God bless America." with that Justin took a seat while the audience applauded.
"That is well said, Mr. Hammer." said Stern, looking as though the fight was already won. "This committee would now like to call forward Lieutenant Colonel James Rhoads to the chamber."
"Rhoady?" Tony said, looking back as the doors opened and his best friend entered wearing his formal military wear.
"The hell is Uncle Rhoady doing here?" Nathan muttered in equal shock. He watched his dad greet the man who was both his uncle and pseudo godfather before they took their seats.
What followed was the Senator forcing Rhoady to read only certain parts of the report he had compiled on the Iron Man armor. All of which was out of context and obviously used as a way to make his friend look irresponsible with his creation.
Even though Rhoady pushed about how he believed Tony was well within his right, he was talked over and shut down several times.
Nathan clenched his fists, the anger rolling off of him in waves until he felt a soft hand gently hold one of his. Offering him an anchor to keep his emotions in check.
Senator Stern then went on to show a series of images taken via drone or satellite of various bases in different countries who were supposedly making their own variants of the Iron Man armor.
Looking at the images curiously, especially after his Uncle had said that it was 'premature' to view such content, the Stark heir took out his phone and started typing. Hacking into the image files and using the SI mainframe and systems to enhance them.
When he saw what he needed, he stood up. Several people looked his way as he approached the front of the room.
"Uh, excuse me." Senator Stern called, "Son, you need to sit down, this is a private session-"
Nathan ignored him as he approached the screen and held up his phone, hacking into it.
"You should have listened to the Lieutenant Colonel, Senator." he said as he brought up the images and showed video footage from the ground at each base. North Korea, Iran, and several other places where they were indeed creating their own armored suits.
But each one ended in catastrophic failure.
"From the looks of things, none of these foreign agencies seem to be an immediate threat to us as you claim." the heir continued, bringing up one particular footage reel that had him smirking.
Tony smirked as well, "Is that Justin Hammer?" he asked. The man in question was on his feet desperately trying to stop the viewing as everyone in attendance watched Hammer field test his own suit.
The armor unit suddenly spinning 180 degrees and a bone chilling scream to emit from inside.
"I may not be a biology major, but I'm pretty sure the Human spine was not meant to twist like that." said Nathan, Rhoady wincing and nodding in agreement as Hammer finally managed to unplug the screen.
"Yeah, I'd say foreign countries, five, ten years away technologically. Hammer Industries, 20." said Tony.
"I think we're done here." Stern said standing, looking incredibly flustered, "There's no need to continue-"
"I think what you're looking for here is, thank you." said the elder Stark.
"For what?" asked the Senator.
"Because I'm your nuclear deterrent." Tony motioned between himself and his son, "Both me and my son are. It's working. We're safe, America is secure, you want our property? You. Can't. Have it! But we did you a big favor." he stood and addressed everyone with his arm around his son's shoulders, "We have successfully privatized world peace!"
The crowd stood applauding, cameras flashing as the two Starks each held up a peace-sign.
Pepper and Carrie clapped with everyone else, both women happy with how things ended in their favor. The young telekinetic's eyes catching Nathan's blue orbs, the young genius sending her a wink that had her smiling back at him.
In the farthest corner of the room, Justin Hammer made a hasty retreat to avoid the onslaught of reporters that would grill him after what they had all witnessed. His eyes hard behind his glasses, furious at being out-shined by the damn Starks once again.
They would pay. He would make sure of it.
That asshole and his little bastard couldn't keep those suits locked away forever.
X
A/N: I'm sticking pretty close to the Iron Man 2 script for moments like these, but rest assured I'm not ripping off the whole film in this since I intend on putting a good deal of my own ideas into it very soon.
Keep showing your love and I'll keep the updates rolling.