Chapter 8: Conference and Announcement for Stark Industries
"We have arrived at the conference venue, Sir."
"Oh, already? Ah, didn't notice with how good your driving skills were I fell asleep, Happy," Tony chuckled.
"Thank you for the compliment, Sir." Happy gave a smile at that as he stepped down and opened the door for Tony to step out.
"Alright, this is gonna be interesting, don't you think so Happy?"
"I agree."
"On what?"
"Huh?"
"You agree on what?" Tony asked again.
"That you said it will be interesting?"
"Oh, yeah I heard you the first time. I was just messing with you. Jeez you need to buy a packet of one of my very own unique products."
"And what is that Sir, if I may ask?"
"My sense of humour, Happy," Tony replied as he got close to the entrance where Obadiah Stane was standing, waiting for him with probably a fake smile.
'Right?'
"Tony! Good to see you up and running," Stane smiled as he hugged Tony.
"Yeah, I'm sure you are. It's good to see you too," Tony smiled.
They separated as Stane led Tony into the hall as he briefed him on certain matters.
"...so the press and even the government have been waiting for your response for a long time now."
"I see," Tony replied offhandedly and asked "Where's Pepper?"
"Oh, she's over there," Stane pointed at another entrance in the hall.
Tony looked and saw that Virginia was talking to a man in suit.
'Agent Phil Coulson?' Tony was recognised the face as he looked like his MCU counterpart.
He knew what the man was here for but he was not ready to have a interactions with Shield at this point and hence he walked straight to the stage for his speech.
He was in a bit of a hurry today as just before leaving the house there was a very eye catching news report he saw.
To others, it wasn't very eye catching but to him who has knowledge of the Marvel Universe, it means a lot to him.
Hence he will be very brief.
As he walked fast while offhandedly responding to Stane's reports and questions, he quickly climbed up stage.
Immediately, he did several pictures of him were taking and he noticed that for every casual gesture he made, a picture would be taken.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, let's take it easy with the flash bangs. I am still recovering from the one I experienced in Afghanistan," he said calmly.
Some laughed at the reference to bombs and explosions that Tony experienced at his kidnapping.
Tony said a few things as he lightly joked about the circumstances about his kidnapping and his escape.
But after that he got a bit serious as he relayed the reason for the conference was not to tell tales about his survival.
But rather to announce the latest decision he had made concerning Stark Industries.
Tony had full monopoly over Stark Industries and as such he could do what he was about to.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time in the history of this company, Stark Industries will be deviating from its core business of weapons manufacturing."
Exclamations filled the hall immediately and Stane's face had a immediate change.
'What is he doing?!'
Stark continue his speech ignoring the rushed questions of the reporters.
"I know this news may come as a shock to some of you. It certainly did to me. However, after careful consideration and reflection on recent events, I've come to realize that the legacy of my father, Howard Stark, cannot be defined by the weapons he created."
"It's time for Stark Industries to shift its focus, to invest in technology that benefits humanity, not destroys it."
"Therefore, effective immediately, Stark Industries shall cease production of all weapons, including the Jericho missile. Instead, we will be redirecting our resources towards clean energy initiatives, medical research, and other projects that have the potential to make the world a better place. This decision is not just about business; it's about responsibility, accountability, and the future of our planet. Thank you."
'I meant that one about the future of our planet,' Stark thought as he ignored everyone else especially Obadiah Stane giving him the look.
Stane went up to say a few words before chasing after Stark.
A while later they arrive at one of Stark Industries facilities.
"What are you doing Tony. I thought we agreed to discuss this some more?" Stane asked at the first chance he got.
"I know that, but after seeing the destruction that weapons have caused, I had a change of heart. So there was nothing that could change my mind."
*Sigh*
Stane sighed and turned around before facing Tony again as they walked into a particular section of the facility where a large version of the Ark Reactor could be found as Stark inspected it mentally.
Stane tried to persuade him about the decision but Tony remained unmoved and merely brushed him off.
"But you do know how much this will affect the company. Our stocks and revenue. What would we be doing in the future then?"
"You don't have to worry about that anymore than I have to. I already have a plan. As regards to the questioning of the Investors and Board of Directors, just ignore them."
"If it is like this then many of them will leave."
"It's alright. Let them leave, they will come running back soon enough."
Stane went silent after that. At this point he understood that there was no way he could change Tony's mind.
But what intrigued him the more was the confidence in Tony's tone that he could turn the situation around.
'Has he really invented a new technology? The Hand said he was able to escape with an advanced tech suit that he built in the cave.'
'Hmm, I need to find a way to get a look at it. But Tony has been secretive about it the whole time.'
Stane's mind raced with what he should do and eventually decide to try a softer approach.
Doing so he indirectly asked about how Tony escaped but Tony simply said he was saved by a secret government organisation and said nothing more which mad Stane indignant but he didn't pry further and left to attend to the aftermath of Tony's latest decision.
'Finally. I can gather some information on this traitor,' Stark thought.
'Should I step down as C.E.O?'
'Nah, at least not yet.'
Stark stood for a while in silence and left with Happy to return home. He needs to quickly build a number of suits.
Make new inventions.
Gather classified and hidden information round the world.
Study the Super Soldier Serum.
Find Captain America in order to get his genetic sample to study or try getting it's analysis from SHIELD's database.
...and finally.
It was time to make his debut as a Superhero.
'What should be my hero name?' Tony wondered.
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A/N: If you can, support me on Pa-treon and get early access to chapters fo both my fanfics. Visit;
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