Tony had to make a decision.
The press all knew, the government knew, even the local church knew (they'd sent a hamper). So, knowing the danger, he stepped up to the podium, cleared his throat and sighed.
"Ladies, gentlemen, you all know the story. Tony Stark, billionaire, gets kidnapped in the desert, injured too. Well, that story is built on a foundation of lies. Allow me to explain; I escaped my captors myself using a really uncomfortable, not even flattering iron suit. You may have recognised another suit, another iron man in this city. Well, that isn't a coincidence. I am Iron Man. I am the man of the skies. And I'm here to protect you."
The crowd erupted in screams, all looking for answers to questions. He didn't need to answer any.
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"Listen, I've got custom, hack-proof software. Jarvis can activate it if any intruders try to get in. They'll be shot with a highly concentrated pound of awesome. So we're safe."
Tony swallowed his scotch, while Pepper still felt slightly anxious. Knowing Tony personally had now made her a target. A target for any lunatic in a suit or any terrorist to gain leverage or inflict pain on Tony.
"I'm...I'm fine."
The phone rang. Tony told Jarvis to put it on loud speaker.
"Tony, it's Peter."
"Pete, how's it going?"
"Ok, I guess. Listen, I've got this problem."
"Shoot."
"It's about this guy who works at my school. He's an assistant teacher."
"Go on."
"Anyway, I keep seeing him hanging around OsCorp. So in my cleverness, I dug some stuff up. His name's Blackie Drago. Get this: he's the nephew of Adrian Toomes."
Tony looked apprehensive.
"You think-"
"That Drago is looking for something that Toomes built? Yeah. What if Toomes built one of those jetpacks you told me about?"
"Toomes knew he was dying. He must have told Drago to pick up the finished product and to use it. I'll dig into this. Thanks kid."
"No problem. By the way, you hear about this crimson guy? They're calling him a reckless daredevil. Apparently he looks like the devil too?"
"I'm sure it's just an urban legend."
"Ok. See ya."
Peter hung up. Tony turned to Pepper.
"Guess I'm looking for the future past."
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Blackie Drago entered his uncle's office, a memento to dust by this point. He ripped apart the desk, finding nothing. Turning his attention to the odd cupboard, he also found nothing. But when he pounded his fist on it, a panel opened. He removed a small remote with one button, pushing down on the soft circle. The wall opened to reveal a jetpack with wings of metal feathers attached to it. Next to it was a green fibreglass armour, with a bird-like helmet that had space for a face.
"Uncle Ade, you sure knew how to treat a guy."