Capítulo 78: Rhodey
Europeans, especially those in high society, are particular about the purity of their bloodlines.
Justin Hammer knew that many of the old European aristocrats preferred to hide away in their ancient castles, adhering to the oldest of traditions. They looked down upon the new nobility with impure bloodlines, even going so far as to despise the Queen of England. Many modern works of literature and films about vampires are based on these relics of the past.
These were the very people who controlled a vast amount of Europe's resources. However, Justin Hammer didn't care about any of that—he was an American. Americans value practicality and reality. To hell with bloodlines. But Ivan Vanko, on the other hand, was someone Justin Hammer could not afford to lose.
The miniature arc reactor was his only chance to rise above Tony Stark.
Setting down his golf club, Justin Hammer gave a slight bow and, with perfect manners, greeted this relic from Europe.
"You know, our project has been going on for quite some time now. We have the best weapons, sensors, and systems in the world. The only thing missing is that little glowing light in Stark's chest."
Senator Stern tapped his finger on his own chest as he made a joke that only he seemed to find funny.
Then, pulling Justin Hammer aside, he continued, "Francis is very interested in the suits. Of course, he has no ambitions for the Department of Defense contracts—he just wants a few finished suits to arm his bodyguards. But there are plenty of opportunities for further collaboration, like renewable energy. If you're interested, you know these aristocrats don't like to stand in the spotlight. It's not very elegant."
Justin Hammer was, of course, interested. The potential applications of the miniature arc reactor were vast, and focusing solely on military applications would be a waste of such a groundbreaking invention.
So, with Senator Stern's mediation, the two men launched into a heated discussion.
Future collaborations would take place gradually, but for now, Francis's people would bring Ivan Vanko into Hammer Industries. Of course, the arc reactor technology wouldn't be shared. Francis's people would oversee the operation to ensure that Justin Hammer didn't try to steal the reactor technology from Vanko.
After this deal, Francis would invest in an American renewable energy company, with Justin Hammer as the face of the venture, creating the world's largest renewable energy company.
These were offers Hammer couldn't refuse. After their discussion, he hurried off to prepare for Ivan Vanko's arrival.
Watching Hammer rush off, Francis turned to Senator Stern and said, "You've found yourself a good pawn. Ambitious, but not too bright. Having him out in front is a smart move. I'll rely on you to take care of me here."
Stern laughed heartily. "Pierce is scouring the globe looking for you. If he knew you were hiding right under his nose, he'd probably jump out of his office window in rage!"
Francis laughed as well. "We can't afford for anything to happen to him now. We still need him to push forward Project Insight—putting a gun to the head of everyone on the planet. Dr. Zola really is a genius. A plan that allows us to control the lives of everyone on Earth should be in the hands of people like us, not someone as conservative as Pierce, don't you think?"
Francis's words made Stern grin widely. The temptation of controlling the entire world led him to eagerly collaborate with Francis and betray Alexander Pierce.
What Stern didn't notice was the look in Francis's eyes as he laughed behind him—a look that saw Stern as nothing more than a fool.
...
Meanwhile, Hydra had already sent Ivan Vanko to Justin Hammer's company.
Blake and Tony were still frantically searching around Monaco.
Ever since Ivan Vanko appeared—more accurately, since the second person capable of creating a miniature arc reactor showed up—the pressure on Tony from the U.S. government had been increasing.
Initially, Tony refused to hand over the technology, but he claimed that no one else could make an arc reactor for at least a few more years. This statement had somewhat eased the government and military's stance. After all, as long as the technology was in Tony Stark's hands, it was essentially in America's control. Although the government hadn't acquired it, at least Iron Man was an American, right?
But now, a second person had appeared. Worse, this person was rescued by unknown forces. The government wasn't as easy to placate anymore.
If this technology were to fall into Russian hands, it would mean that the U.S. would be under threat from the Russians for years to come.
(Note: This isn't meant to reflect any real political views—it's just that in the movie world, the Russians are often portrayed as the villains!)
Tony Stark was receiving several calls daily from Pepper Potts and Rhodey, passing on the mounting pressure from various sources.
"Tony, this can't keep going like this. What are you going to do?" Blake asked, slouched on the hotel sofa.
The past few days had been spent relentlessly searching for clues and tracking down Ivan Vanko. Blake had already sent Jane, Thor, and Darcy back home. Now, it was just him and Tony left in Monaco.
"I wasn't sure before, but now I have a new idea!" Tony said, just after hanging up with Rhodey.
"Rhodey, he's a military man, and I trust him. If I give him a suit of armor, it would ease the government's pressure on me for the time being and ensure the suit doesn't fall into the wrong hands. The key point is that the Illuminati needs new members. Just the two of us aren't enough. Right now, we even have to rely on S.H.I.E.L.D. for intel!"
"That's a good idea! Instead of us running around aimlessly here, we'd have more resources if we went back together!" Blake said, sitting up from the sofa.
"Exactly! That's what I was thinking too. Those people who took Ivan Vanko can't keep him hidden forever. Their real target is the suits. I've already instructed J.A.R.V.I.S. to monitor the market for all high-value metals, including those needed to make the arc reactor and armor."
"Unless those guys own their own metal mines and have fully developed extraction and smelting technology, the moment they start manufacturing the armor, I'll find them!" Tony said confidently.
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