AN: This whole chapter will consist of news reports and snippets from people all over the world about how things develop betwen the proof of comercially feasible fusion and the events leading to the first Avengers move, covering for a time skip unit the mid 2012 in universe.
Disclaimer: I do not own any movies set up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Star Wars movies, cartoons, games, books, or comics. They belong to their respective copyright owners. This story is not created with a commercial aim. It is not for sale or rent.
Phase 9: Halcyon Days
=SI=
Part 1
=SI=
For nearly two years after the ignition of the Prometheus reactor, Earth enjoyed a tense period of rapid infrastructure development characterized by a rise in terrorism across the globe. Protests and counter-protests rocked countries all over the world. The primary issue that caused this ever-increasing tension was the imminent rapid spread of fusion technology pioneered by Stark Industries. Despite the efforts of coal and oil lobbies, including those from many OPEC member countries, an ever-increasing number of states accepted the future offered by Tony Stark.
Government promises, and actual heavy investments in fusion technology and infrastructure based on new materials developed by Stark Industries were set up to change the world in a few short years radically. This was ironically most impactful within the United States and many then second and third-world countries. For the former, it was the fact that the national infrastructure was slowly but surely crumbling after decades of neglect. At the same time, the latter often lacked developed transportation and power infrastructure.
Other changes during this period saw increasing investments and rapid development into the infrastructure needed for the widespread use of electric vehicles and said vehicles. For many Western countries, the aim was to offer many accessible recharge stations shortly after their first batch of fusion reactors and updated power grids came online. Projections that were often classified at the time pointed out that the price of electricity for the regular consumer and most existing industries would rapidly decline. The reason for this would become unknown to the average citizens of Earth until after the Chitauri Invasion.
The short answer was simple – considering the end goal of the uplift project, Earth would find itself with a surplus of fusion reactors, and most countries could offer their citizens practically free energy. The energy grid under construction was meant to power up advanced weapon systems aimed at striking targets in orbit and, eventually, theater and planetary shields. In contrast to that need, in peacetime, the expectation was to have a significant surplus of energy that would result in an immediate increase in the standard of living across the globe. Until then, the primary power hogs would be developing industries to create new materials needed for the next step of the uplift project. The concentration of industries and the expected years of development for advanced weapon systems useful against orbital targets meant that, in the meantime, most fusion reactors could provide clean and incredibly cheap, often free energy, replacing fossil fuels and most renewable sources energy. Sadly, that was something that few believed possible or feasible back then. The thought of practical, free energy for the regular citizens would fly in the face of the prevailing economic theories and order...
Essay on the Earth Uplift project, by Victoria Al'Fahir
The attack on the Prometheus facility in New York represents a radical paradigm shift. This, alongside the proliferation of advanced weapon systems among terrorist organizations, makes the threat of terrorism more acute than ever. This meeting aims to devise long-term strategies to combat and neutralize these new trends. This includes not only direct action response, which can be under the purview of the NATO military, but a broad political strategy to combat radicalism and cut off sources of funding and supply.From a speech by General Mycroft Barnes, Supreme Commander, NATOThe CEO of Von Doom Industries, Victor von Doom, finally appeared after going missing for weeks, alongside his girlfriend, Dr. Susan Storm. In a brief Press Release, a PR representative of the company cited that Dr. Doom and his girlfriend went on a quiet vacation, avoiding the public eye.
Dr. Doom announced he had been in talks with Tony Stark. Von Doom Industries are now negotiating joint research and development of practical space infrastructure with SI, including but not limited to R&D laboratories, habitats, orbital factories, and the technologies needed to build them at an affordable price. A merging of SI bleeding technologies and VDI's shipbuilding experience might make such a dream reality within our lifetimes!
Forbes Magazine
A rising controversy around Europe is how many NATO members pay for the infrastructure projects they've pledged to implement. Funding is being shared with existing military budgets, shifting money pledged for hardware upgrades or the development of new capabilities. The cited reason is simple – due to the rapid advance in technologies pioneered by corporations like Stark Industries, any significant investment into the military right now would buy obsolete or soon-to-be obsolete equipment. The official government stance across most of Europe right now is that building infrastructure and boosting the economy now means they will be able to afford relevant, state-of-the-art weapon systems later when they become available.EuronewsOver the past few weeks, we've seen vicious arguments within the Senate about the relevance of NATO when terrorism is on the rise. Yet, most of Europe technically cut down their military spending to redirect it into infrastructure. Due to the direct participation or licensing by Stark Industries, this directly or indirectly will benefit the US economy. At the same time, the US military is busy negotiating contracts with SI to develop future combat systems and upgrade existing vehicles with better armor and, eventually, fusion power plants and weapons. Because of these developments, the current stance of many NATO members makes sense. Yet, some prominent people on Capitol Hill and within the government disagree.
C-SPAN
The newest protest in New York is once again related to the Prometheus facility, just not like one might expect. While most protests and riots so far were aimed against the development of fusion technology, citing imaginary dangers, this one is different. Thousands gathered in front of the Mayor's Office, demanding the truth about the act of nuclear terrorism against the Prometheus facility and, by extension, New York.Nearly a month after what could have been the worst terrorist act in US history, there are precious little answers. There's no doubt where the material came from – presumably stolen or bought from a Russian Federation fission power plant. Who bought or stole it? Who did they sell it to if the same party wasn't the one behind the attack? How did the terrorists get it past all the detectors in New York? Who was behind the attack? There are no concrete answers. Persisting rumors point at domestic actors, a possibility backed by the security clearance of the few identified perpetrators.New York TimesAn investigation by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission confirms a few facts about the Prometheus reactor:
It is not a nuclear reactor in the traditional sense, once again affirming that the risks of nuclear contamination in case of failure are incredibly overblown.
The terrorists brought in the nuclear material on site. It is Russian in origin and has nothing to do with the operation of the Prometheus reactor.
The design of the reactor and the facility housing it more than meets any reasonable requirements about security.
The advanced materials used in the construction of the building as an exercise in their proper utilization give it structural integrity that far surpasses purpose build nuclear reactor domes, required to survive the impact of a crashing jetliner, for example…
USA Today
Critics question the rapid, perhaps even reckless, infrastructure spending by not only the US government but those of many other countries worldwide. The high price tag and the possibility of future materials making what is now available obsolete have often been cited as critical issues.
In a blistering response, Senator Carter from California roasted those opposing the ongoing. He pledged future infrastructure budgets funded by the US government.
"It is true all kinds of new materials are in development. However, even considering the expected economic boom, once the fusion infrastructure is in place and allows for nearly limitless cheap energy, their price tag is high, and availability will be limited. What we're looking at is going to be the golden standard as far as price and ease of mass production are concerned, combined with sheer durability that puts to shame everything else we have available. Any future advances in materials science would see limited use in critical projects which need them, now mass deployment at the scale of continent-wide infrastructure projects."
Washington Post
Labor Government finally passed an overhauled budget incorporating major infrastructure projects across the country, including anything from multiple fusion reactor complexes to bridge and road overhauls. The Prime Minister promises that this is just a first step due to ongoing negotiations with Stark Industries about building state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the North that would take advantage of the power produced by the fusion reactors. This means tens of thousands of new jobs at highly competitive wages.
Despite Tory objections and promises, Labor is projected to achieve a sweeping victory in the next local and government elections if they keep their new pledges.
BBC News
IS
Part 2
IS
A leaked video of the US military testing a man-portable energy weapon took the internet by storm, followed by traditional media. Confidential sources confirm this was one of a handful of hand-made prototypes supplied by Stark Industries and the reason for many of the new weapon R&D contracts going SI's way. When the technology matures and becomes practical for deployment in the field, it will be a game changer. The prototype offers a revolution in infantry firepower, offering the focused damage potential of a grenade launcher in a standard small arms package.
Another significant advantage of the technology is greatly simplified logistics when it becomes ready to be adopted at a scale that would see conventional firearms and other direct-fire weapons replaced.
US Army Magazine
Stark Industries just bought Star Wars! Due to a short but vicious bidding war with Disney, the price tag is astronomical 6,12 billion dollars. Lucas got about a tenth of the price in stocks. At the same time, SI and Mr. Stark cashed out literal billions in liquid assets for the acquisition. At any other time, while a sound investment, such a price tag would have been considered excessive and potentially ruinous. Yet, SI's stock prices keep rising, and the corporations continues to sign up massive government contracts from all over the world. That ensures a healthy liquidity and incredible future growth.
Forbes Magazine
Is there a new weapons race on the horizon? It has been a week since the viral energy weapon video has been making its rounds. More and more people have been jokingly calling it a blaster after Stark Industries officially concluded their deal with Lucas and bought the Star Wars franchise. Mr. Stark decided to run with it and officially filed a request to change the patent name for the weapon system to call it a blaster in homage to the original Star Wars trilogy. Such amusing news belittles the reality of the situation – countries worldwide are now entering a race to acquire and develop their practical energy weapons.
In that regard, we are broadly seeing three camps forming. First is the US and their allies – primarily NATO, Japan, South Korea, and Israel - which are all betting on Stark Industries and inquiring about joint R&D efforts and various contracts for future weapon systems.
Second, we have China, which currently has economic ties with SI. They've pledged to develop their indigenous energy weapons. However, experts claim that they are still broadly at least a decade technologically behind the West, making such an arms race to their disadvantage.
Finally, we've got the usual suspect, Russia. After its near collapse in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's dissolution, the Russian Federation is more of a confederation of highly autonomous regions with different standards of living and development across all metrics. A resurgent, if decentralized military-industrial complex supplies dozens of factions with advanced, reliable, and rugged equipment. While not on par with NATO standards, said equipment remains a competitive and cheaper alternative that sees constant high sales across the world. It is often used to good effect when utilized by competent military and paramilitary organizations. If anyone could get a credible alternative to Stark's blaster, it is likely the Russians.
BBC's On the Spot, with Jerry Trent
Justin Hammer declares Tony Stark's 'blaster' as an overly expensive and complicated boondoggle that would never make it in the field without decades of development.
"It might be good in a laboratory or on the firing range. Good luck making it practical in the field," Mr. Hammer commented, not even trying to hide his disdain.
Hammer Industries pledged to continue supplying the US military and its allies with reliable, budget alternatives to Stark Industries' overly complicated and expensive weapons systems.
New York Times
Tony Stark wins the Monaco Grand Prix after replacing the Stark Industries-sponsored driver! His announcement earlier this week about his intention to compete was met with incredulity and universal condemnation, only for Mr. Stark to prove his detractors wrong.
"I needed some time out of the office, so to speak, to clear my head. Besides, Monaco is great this time of the year, and it was nice to get my daughter out and about to see the sights and enjoy herself," Mr. Stark said. "As far as the coming race is concerned, I'll let my actions speak for themselves."
And he certainly did! Displaying incredible skill behind the wheel, Mr. Stark won the race fair and square, proving his ability as a driver and the design of the SI-sponsored and developed racing car!
Euronews
"Stark, don't you have more important things to do instead of going to risk your life during a race of all things?!"
"Director Fury, what did I do to deserve you inflicting your presence upon me?"
"I'm calling you, not meeting you, damn it!"
"My point stands, Director. Is this a professional call? If not, don't you have anyone better to vent at?"
"The race, you infuriating bastard!"
"Do you talk that way to your own Oversight Council? If so, I'm unsure if I should be impressed with you or think you are drinking too much from certain types of cool-aid, Fury."
"Answer the damn question, Stark!"
"I've been getting restless, Fury. Thanks to my new memories, it's been a long time since I got to face any action. A race sounds like a great way to chill out. I preferred jumping into a small spacecraft and racing across the solar system; however, we're a long time from getting there. Besides, I don't have the time to cut through the red tape required to get a high-performance jet and fly around. Not to mention all the complications that would create…."
"I don't know if I should be impressed or despair!"
"Don't worry; I've had this effect on people in both lives I can remember!"
from a conversation between Director Nicholas Fury and SWORD Oversight Councilor Tony Stark, SHIELD Archives
"That fucker won fair and square! Now I owe people a hundred bucks, damn him!"
"I'll have my ten bucks now, if you will, boss."
Director Nicholas Fury and Senior Agent Phil Coulson, SHIELD
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense will face Congress tomorrow, explaining mounting losses in Afghanistan and across the Middle East. At the same time, they will be defending a proposition for a troop surge in both Afghanistan and Iraq to take place alongside an air campaign against known terrorist targets.
Washington Post
Taliban and Ten Rings terrorists wiped out another NATO FOB in Afghanistan! They deployed advanced anti-air missile systems, allegedly bought from the Russian black market, utilizing them to fend off air support on standby in case of yet another mass attack. It is still unclear how drone and satellite intelligence missed the terrorists' massing forces for this attack as well. Consequently, there are now persistent rumors that the United States and, by extension, NATO's early warning systems have been compromised.
Over thirty soldiers from five NATO countries are confirmed dead in the fighting. Heavy reinforcements dispatched after air support proved unable to intervene found the FOB a site of a pitched battle and utter destruction. They recovered the bodies of the dead NATO soldiers alongside those of no less than forty enemy combatants.
The occupation of Afghanistan continues to escalate into open warfare. This is a great contrast compared to the original invasion and fall of the country, which happened due to a combination of air strikes and US special forces supporting the Northern Coalition. Are the Taliban back and ready for open warfare against coalition forces?
Euronews
Earlier today, WikiLeaks released a large number of classified documents, many of them about the US government's investigation into Stark Industries. They tend to confirm many of the official beats that became public yet reveal that both government officials and SI representatives, including Mr. Stark, have severely understated the scope of the conspiracy and its impact.
The leaked data reveal this was a conspiracy that some now call a treasonous corporate version of the Iran-Contra. SI assets and employees working under a misplaced sense of patriotism and increased paychecks facilitated the shadow production and sale of enough weaponry on the black market to fight and win at least a few wars. This includes state-of-the-art Jericho missiles like the ones already used by terrorists against US bases in Afghanistan and a strike against Israel.
The core of the conspiracy was confirmed to be the belief that this shadow production was meant for US-aligned parties; the government couldn't be officially seen selling advanced weapons or, in some cases, supporting them.
BBC News
WikiLeaks' newest revelation seems to be very convenient for certain parties. It nicely spreads the blame over what is one of the greatest failures in US national security or places it squarely on the shoulders of a dead man. This is particularly relevant today! As you might know, dear viewers, mere hours ago, Somali pirates' launched an attack on a French frigate off the coast of Somalia on anti-piracy patrol. They used a Jericho missile which worked as intended. The weapon's multiple homing warheads were able to overwhelm the French ship's defenses and critically damage her. She has been drifting ever since while US and British vessels are racing for the rescue!
Who is to blame? That dead traitor Stane? Mr. Stark? Or everyone within our government who might have thought the whole scheme was a great idea and facilitated it? You'll note the leaked report says almost nothing about government participation in this fiasco! Then how were Stane and his cronies able to manufacture, move and sell what looks like whole arsenals worth of illegal weaponry?!
Kalligan Smith's Podcast