Iron Man: It's A Wonderful Life

by BrethlessM

Sequel to An Iron Man Christmas Carol. (Recommended reading, but not required.) Two years after his life-changing, ghostly encounter on Christmas Eve, Tony faces trials that threaten to defeat him. The hurt he causes those around him leaves a despairing Tony questioning his purpose, and once more, a spirit from his past comes to pick up the pieces. T/P

5. Chapter 5

Iron Man: It's A Wonderful Life

Chapter Five

December 16

"Senator Stern, have formal allegations been made against Tony Stark?"

"I think we need to examine Mr. Stark's behavior over the past three years. No one but him really knows what happened during the time he was in Afghanistan. We've been operating under the assumption that he was held hostage by the Ten Rings, based on his testimony. We've no reason to believe these stories are false, but, well, we've all seen that Homeland show. Questions have to be asked, the last thing we need is for one of the most powerful men in the world to turn out to be a double agent."

"Are you saying Tony Stark is a traitor to the country?"

"I think it's too early to jump to any conclusions, or make any of those kinds of accusations. Mr. Stark's history of intransigence when it comes to authority, especially the authority of this house, is disgraceful, but his unwillingness to support his country may simply be due to his boorish nature. Anything more sinister, if discovered, would, of course, be swiftly dealt with.

"Don't you think this may all just be an over-reaction to his refusal to comply with the terms of his defense contract in the manner the Army expected?"

"I think that if Mr. Stark has nothing to hide, he has nothing to fear. And if he has nothing to fear, I don't see why he wouldn't want to do his part to defend his country in our hour of need, as others are, and many more will be. Howard Stark was a patriot, did his duty during wartime, and his contributions helped end World War II.

"Stark can sit up there and hide behind his billions, or he can follow his daddy's example by putting his many assets to work in the only place anyone cares about, as a loyal citizen of the United States."