Chapter 9: C-09
The conference room was a frenzy of reporters, cameras, and whispers as I stood near Tony Stark and Obadiah Stane. Stark Industries had been in a state of disarray since Tony's sudden disappearance and miraculous return. Tony, though physically back, looked drained—both mentally and emotionally.
I noticed Pepper Potts and Agent Coulson talking in the back, I really didn't care wat they were talking about so I ignored them as Stane spoke leaning into the microphone. "Well, let's get this started, uh..."
"Hey, would it be all right if everyone sat down?" Tony spoke over the noise, his voice strained yet steady as he sat infront of the podium." Why don't you just sit down? That way you can see me, and I can be little less formal."
Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd, but eventually, the reporters and executives obeyed, settling onto the floor like kids awaiting storytime. I exchanged a glance with Tony, whose subtle smirk suggested he was savoring the control.
" I never got to say goodbye to Dad. I never got to say goodbye to my father. There's questions that I would have asked him. I would have asked him how he felt about what this company did. If he was conflicted, if he ever had doubts. Or maybe he was every inch the man we all remember from the newsreels. I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability." Tony spoke. "You may be asking, what happened over there? Well, I had my eyes opened."
He finally stands to move behind the podium as he continues his speech. "I came to realize that I have more to offer this world than just making things that blow up. And that is why, effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Stark International."
Obadiah Stane mutters as he also stands up. "I think we're gonna be selling a lot of newspapers. What we should take away from this is that Tony's back! And he's healthier than ever. We're going to have a little internal discussion and we'll get back to you with the follow-up."
Stane tries to move Tony away but Tony stays put. "My father once dreamed of a future where technology didn't just win battles—it saved lives, connected people, and redefined what humanity is capable of. He believed in innovation that makes the impossible, possible—like his idea for the flying car. I'm talking about groundbreaking energy solutions, clean technology that powers the world without destroying it. Medicine that heals faster, safer, and smarter. Transportation that shrinks continents. Artificial intelligence that serves humanity, not replaces it."
"This is about saving lives, not taking them. About building technology that doesn't just win wars—it ends them. It's about the future—a future my father dreamed of, and a future I will build."
"I'm not doing this alone. My dear friend, Bruce Wayne has extended his hand to join me in this endeavor—a man who, like me, has seen the cost of destruction. Together, Wayne Enterprises and Stark Industries will combine our resources, our technology, and our vision to redefine what's possible. Two of the greatest minds, companies, and innovations working together to better the world. No more weapons. No more destruction. From today forward, Stark Industries will focus on building a future we can all believe in."
I gave a nod as I moved up next to Tony. I could feel Stane glaring at me, but I could care less. In my opinion, I believe that Tony gave a way better speach than in the movie. Every single reporter was in an uproar throwing out questions and demanding answers. I didn't bother acknowledging the stunned faces or frantic scribbling of reporters. I turned to Tony, who met my gaze with an approving nod.
"We'll take no questions at the moment and will release more information later," I added before Stane could interrupt again. "This meeting is adjourned."
Tony grinned slightly as I placed a hand on his shoulder, steering him out of the room. I could hear Stane trying to salvage the moment, but his words were white noise to me. As we walked to his car, he finally broke the silence.
"You know," Tony started, adjusting his tie, "that… was a hell of a power play back there. Stane looked like he swallowed a lemon."
"He's sour enough without the visual," I replied with a smirk. "Besides, it's about time someone had your back in a room full of vultures."
Tony let out a dry chuckle. "Well, my back appreciates it." He stopped at his car door and looked at me more seriously. "Listen, there's something I want to show you. Come with me."
We headed back to Tony's manor and headed down to his lab as he entered the pin code and opened the glass door as we walked to one of the tables.
"Check this out," Tony said, swiping at a holo-screen. A digital schematic of a suit—sleeker, cleaner—appeared before us. The Mark II.
I leaned in, examining the design carefully. My eyes traced the joints, the armor plating, the propulsion systems. It was an improvement, no doubt, but…
"You've got flaws," I said bluntly.
Tony frowned. "Flaws?"
"Several," I replied, crossing my arms. "The suit lacks thermal insulation at high altitudes, which means it's going to freeze up during prolonged flights. The repulsor systems… they're efficient, but their energy draw leaves you vulnerable to power drain in combat. And don't get me started on the structural integrity at the knee joints. One hard hit and you'll be doing the splits. And think of the armor gaps, what if you have to deal with someone who can shrink as small as an ant or something and they rip the armor's wires apart."
Tony looked at me incredulously, waving a hand. "Hold on, are you just making this up, or are you some kind of armor prophet?"
I smiled faintly. "Let's just say I think ahead."
Before he could respond, I tapped my earpiece. "Alfred, call Ultron. Tell him to come to Tony's lab."
Alfred's crisp British accent echoed back. "Right away, sir."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Ultron? Who's that?"
"A friend," I replied simply.
Minutes later, Ultron arrived. His sleek, silver form glided into the lab, his blue optics glowing softly as he took in his surroundings.
"So this is Stark's lab, I'm disapointed." Ultron said, his tone playful yet unimpressed. His gaze flicked to the Mark II design, and he snorted. "Oh, this? I could build something better in my sleep."
Tony stiffened, affronted. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Ultron replied, already pulling up the schematics and typing faster than humanly possible. "This has more holes than Swiss cheese."
Tony turned to me, wide-eyed. "You bring this guy into my house, and he insults my work?"
"Play nice," I said with a chuckle, patting Tony on the back. "You'll learn more from Ultron in a day than you would working solo for a year. Trust me."
Tony grumbled, shooting Ultron a competitive glare. "Alright, fine. But if he's going to criticize, he better know how to back it up."
Ultron's head tilted as he worked. "Oh, I will. Watch and learn, Stark."
I smiled to myself as I turned to leave the lab. They'd keep each other busy for days, and in the process, Tony would grow into a far greater genius.
As I stepped outside and took to the skies, I couldn't help but feel the spark of inspiration. The sight of the Mark II, with all its flaws and potential, gave me ideas—ideas for something greater. My Unchained Armor. Something for the day when even I might need a failsafe.
"Alfred," I said into my earpiece as I soared above the coastline. "Pull up my designs for the Unchained Armor. I think it's time for some revisions."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone