Chapter 2 – Stark Global, 2003

"Once upon a time my dad told me that "One say son you shall provide the world with products to end wars forever." Little did I know just how literal that statement was." Tony said, facing out over the crowd at the Stark Expo, "Over the last year we've seen a lot of new and interesting things here, from Doctor Curt Conners work in limb regrowth, to Samsung's 'phone of tomorrow', but I know that what you're all here to see is something from us, right?"
There was a raucous cheering from the massive audience and Tony smiled.
"That's what you came to see! Something from Stark Global at the Stark Expo?" Tony said loudly, trying to get the crowd going, and sure enough, several chants started up.
Tony waved his hands.
"Please. My father once told me I'd hold the power to stop wars, now the United States of America has that power too, therefore…I very excitedly introduce, and to start the New Year off with a bang into 2004…." He paused and glanced around.
"COME ON TONY!" yelled a voice from the crowd, and Tony chuckled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Stark Global is pleased to present, the War Machine!" Tony yelled and the lights went out.

Silence fell, and there were some whirrs, then some lights appeared out of the floor, two for eyes, and one in the middle of a chest plate. The lights came back on and War Machine was shown to the world for the first time.
The metal looked dirty, but fitted together very well, and looked slightly bulky, but its pilot moved fairly well underneath as he looked around and waved.
"Piloted by Lieutenant James Rhodes, the War Machine Stark Armor is my gift to the US Army. Made form a mix of two rare metals, vibranium and adamantium, complete with an operating system that would put Steve Jobs to shame." Tony explained, "Lieutenant Rhodes?" Tony asked and there was a pause.
"Hello Tony," Rhodey's voice said.
"How's the suit?"
"A little stuffy," Rhodey replied, glancing at Tony before moving across the stage.
The crowd visibly moved back and Tony smirked a little.

After the show, Tony walked off the stage and unbuttoned the cuffs on his shirt. He sighed deeply and rubbed the plate on his chest as he picked up the bottle of scotch and walked into his 'dressing room', which was basically a huge apartment in the Expo grounds. He closed the door and leant against it as he listened to the silence crowding around him. He closed his eyes for a few moments, and didn't hear the voice coming to him; his wife, Virginia "Pepper" Stark.
"How was it, Tony," she asked him.
Tony opened his eyes and smiled, "Tiring," he said and slid his arm around her waist, kissing her.
"I wish you'd get rid of that beard," Pepper said with a smile.
Tony rolled his eyes, "You've been saying that for years," he pointed out and walked into the kitchen, to be met with the smell of slightly over-cooked pasta and something vaguely Italian and meaty. He grimaced slightly; Pepper's world-famous bad cooking. She always tried for a family meal, but never could work the timer on the stove.
"I'll call Maria down," Pepper said.
"I'll call Pizza Hut." Tony replied with a smirk. Pepper gave him a dirty look.

In her room, 13 year old Maria Stark was dancing around her bedroom to Dream Theater's Train of Thought. She couldn't hear her mother calling her for dinner, even though she could smell it and knew it was ready 10 minutes ago. She sighed as the song finished and looked up at the door when it opened. "Dad!" she said with a big smile and launched herself at Tony, who caught her and laughed.
"Hey, kid," Tony said, and hugged his daughter close. "Your mother's 'cooked' dinner," he said with a knowing smirk
"Did you ring Pizza Hut?" she asked as he released her from the hug.
"She wouldn't let me," Tony pouted.
Maria laughed, and walked towards the stairs. "How was the closing ceremon…cerey…"
"Ceremony?"
"Yeah," Maria blushed.

"It was good, I think some people are scared of the War Machine though…given a chance I think people will learn to trust it. Uncle Rhodey is a good man, he won't go wrong."