Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Exploring Stark Industries
[Third Person's PoV]
Tony stared out the window of the car and in the far distance, he saw the towering building of Stark Industries.
Tony was sitting next to his mother in the limo while his father sat in front of them. "So, tell me Tony, do you remember what Stark Industries does?"
Tony nodded his head. "It's a weapon manufacturer for heroes, but they don't only build weapons. They build costumes and other advanced gadgets for heroes. It's one of the leading manufacturers in the world, extending to multiple states, with the largest one, or in other words, the main headquarters, being here in the United States."
Howard smiled as he nodded. "Yes, our company helps heroes all around the world with its technology, keeping the peace and helping out those in need."
Howard then reached over and started to pat Tony's head. "And one of these days, you'll be the one to lead it. Who knows, you might even make it better."
Tony only nodded as he kept looking out towards the building as it kept getting closer.
They soon arrived, and as they did, Jarvis came and opened the door for them. "Thanks, Jarvis," Tony said as he looked around.
He saw people in costumes coming and going in and out of the main entrance. Some weren't even human—one had the body and head of a bull missing a horn, and another had the head of a Rubik's Cube.
A man and a woman wearing black then appeared behind them. They had the typical bodyguard outfits with glasses and earpieces, their faces remaining stoic. The woman had short blonde curly hair, while the man had the horns of a ram curling downwards.
"So, we have bodyguards... That is so sick," Tony said, looking at the two of them before winking at the female one, who looked at him weirdly.
"Yes, yes we do. Most heroes in the world depend on us to provide them with the equipment they need, so we come onto the radar of a lot of villains because of it."
Tony nodded, and thus started his tour of Stark Industries.
He saw many people in lab coats talking among themselves, showing tablets to one another as they discussed the information presented to them.
Howard showed Tony where people tested weapons on costumes, making some of them bulletproof and some even fireproof.
He then showed him where the weapons were made and tested. Tony saw them testing a laser that burned through layer after layer of metal.
They also constructed vehicles and other machines. By the end of it, Tony was tired of walking around so much.
When they were in the elevator, Howard smiled down at Tony. "And now for the thing you've been waiting for most."
Howard took out some keys and inserted them into the elevator panel, unlocking a brand-new floor.
As he did, they started going down past the lobby, further underground.
The elevator door then opened, revealing scientists working around a large machine in the middle of the room.
The machine was a wide cylinder shape with clear glass, providing a direct view of what was inside.
A blue blur was going in circles, building up energy that was feeding the entire building.
"So that's the Arc Reactor," Tony said in awe.
"It seems you are really fascinated by this, Tony," Howard said with a smile.
Tony nodded as they walked forward. "Why is it so large?"
Howard let out a sigh. "A good question, Tony, a very good question. I've tried to miniaturize the Arc Reactor before, but it has always ended in failure."
"I'm going to do it," Tony said, his hand unconsciously gripping his mother's hand.
Howard looked at Tony in surprise and amusement but then saw his serious expression and how his eyes never left the Arc Reactor.
Instead of being amused, Howard smiled, giving Tony a nod of approval. He ruffled his hair. "If I can't accomplish it, then it is your job to finish it. The Arc Reactor is and will be our greatest legacy."
"You are smart, Tony, smarter than I was at your age. For crying out loud, you're four years old, and instead of playing with toys, you spend your days studying. So if anyone can do it, it's you."
Howard then went on to explain how the Arc Reactor worked. "The Arc Reactor operates on the principle of clean and virtually limitless energy production. At its core, it's a fusion reactor, similar to the sun but on a much smaller scale. The blue blur you see is plasma, a state of matter where gases are superheated to the point where atoms split apart into ions and electrons."
"This plasma is contained within a magnetic field, spinning rapidly to generate enormous amounts of energy. The glass cylinder allows us to observe the plasma, ensuring everything functions correctly. The energy created is then harnessed through a series of electromagnetic coils, which convert the energy into electricity that powers the entire building. The blue glow is actually the light emitted by the plasma and the energy it releases."
The scientists and bodyguards looked at Howard oddly as they saw him explaining it to a four-year-old boy, who nodded along as if he understood.
Howard then started to introduce everyone to Tony, who was still looking at the Arc Reactor with a fiery intensity. He gave half-hearted hellos and greetings, not paying attention to their names.
After everything was set and done, they started to leave.
"So, honey, did you have fun?" Maria asked, holding his hand.
Tony nodded. "It was all so interesting. It's got me motivated to start inventing things on my own."
Maria giggled as she ruffled his hair. Tony then looked at his father. "So, old man, how long will it take for you to make me my lab?"
Howard pondered the question. "At most, a week."
Hearing this, Tony released a sigh. "An entire week? Do you even love me?" he exaggerated.
"It usually takes a month, you know. We can make it that long if you want to complain."
"You know what, a week sounds so reasonable. I know I'm your favorite, Dad, but you don't have to spoil me so," Tony said, whistling to the side.
Maria covered her mouth and let out a chuckle, while Howard shook his head in amusement.
Howard then turned to Maria. "You can take him home now. Now that I'm here, I'll take care of a few things before heading home."
Maria nodded as the two kissed before going their separate ways. They arrived back at the limo, and Maria instructed Jarvis to drive them home since her husband still had work to do.
As the drive went on, Tony started to get tired from all the walking and exploring he did, so he proceeded to fall asleep on his mother's lap.
"Jarvis, drive slowly. Tony just fell asleep. Let's let him rest for a while," Maria said, moving Tony's hair from his face.
The limo then slowed down as Tony went into a deep sleep.
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