I am pleased you are able to participate in our first international technology symposium. Our registrations have doubled since you confirmed your attendance, making me even more confident that this conference will be a success.
On the issue of our pending contract finalizations, I have instructed my Legal Ministry to expedite the technology sharing agreement we have negotiated. Your legal counsel should expect the paperwork within the week.
See you in a few days. As always, be well my friend.
T’Challa
June 21, 2009
To: king@wakanda.gov
From: iron_ceo@stark.net
Subject: Re: Leaping Forward
T’Challa,
Looking forward to the symposium. I have a few new ideas that should draw good media coverage for all involved. As for the agreements, I’ve instructed my legal eagles to make them their top priority. To that end, I have sent them to Wakanda to expedite the process.
See you tomorrow. Best to your mother.
Tony
|
#1
JUL 09 |
 |
“The Stark Protocols” Part One
International Airspace, high over the Atlantic Ocean, Monday, June 22, 2009
“Seriously, Pepper, I wouldn’t worry about it.”
Tony Stark smiled at the image of his executive assistant over the satellite link. Projected directly onto his retina, it was if he was standing next to her and not flying at twenty thousand feet in a high tech suit of armor.
“It’s my job to worry, Tony,” said Pepper. “The Government is indicating that you are responsible for their loss of significant hardware vital to national security last week.”*
(*See Solo Avengers #1 - Mike)
“That’s just General Markson making me out to be the bad guy since he’s getting heat from the Brass,” said Tony. “They’ll kick up a fuss, Bethany will calm them down and that will end it. The mystery of that armored man is something I’m working on, but for now it has to take a back seat to what I’m doing today. I’m going to ask T’Challa for some ideas on that while I’m in Wakanda.”
“All right, then,” said Pepper. “You’re the boss.”
“That I am,” said Tony, “but you’re my eyes and ears back home. I trust you to handle it. Get Janine on it if you have any issues.”
“Hm,” said Pepper. “Between you and me, I can’t believe you hired Justin Hammer’s niece. That just seems so...wrong.”
“The other candidate was Obadiah Stane’s mother’s brother’s former roommate.”
Pepper paused. “I know you’re kidding, but that wasn’t funny.”
“Trust me, Pepper,” said Tony, “she’ll do fine. I’ve done my homework. The Board is in agreement. All is well.”
“Fine,” said Pepper. “The only other thing is that Jim called. Said he’d catch you some other time. I told him you were heading to Wakanda, but he said it wasn’t that urgent.”
“I’ll give him a shout tonight,” said Tony. “I’m over Africa now, so I’d better pay attention to my airspace. I’ll be in touch.”
“Have fun, Tony.”
“Oh,” he said, “it’ll be a blast.”
Wakanda was a nation of extreme contrasts to its African neighbours. It was one of the most technologically advanced and richest nations in the world. Poverty was unknown in this land. Medical care was ranked with the world’s best, if not the best itself. Much of the advantage this nation enjoyed was a result of its large deposits of vibranium, a mineral that was extremely rare in the world. Unlike the vibranium found in the Savage Land, Wakandan Vibranium was much safer to use. Its unique properties lent itself to many scientific uses, many of which were advances Wakanda used for its own purposes and economy.
Wakanda was also a nation that had never been successfully invaded in its history, whether in older times with its neighbours or more recent times with other nations of the world such as Latveria or even the United States. It had always been led to victory by its traditional chieftain, the Black Panther. Today, that chieftain was King T’Challa.
Iron Man landed on a helipad located at the top of the Wakandan Royal Palace. No sooner had his bootjets whined down than King T’Challa greeted him personally. “It is good to see you, my friend,” said T’Challa. “Leave it to you to arrive in style.”
“The movie selection in the armor is better than my jet,” said Tony as he flipped his visor up. “I didn’t expect you to greet me in person, though. You must have a million things to do today.”
“A good leader delegates,” said T’Challa, “and I am a good leader as far as that goes.” He smiled. “I assume you do not want to wear your armor for the next several days...?”
“One second,” said Tony as he flipped his faceplate down. Seconds later the armor floated off his body and recombined into a tight sphere that floated off to the side. Tony now stood wearing slacks and a golf shirt, his hair as perfect as always. “Armor by Stark, unwrinkled clothes courtesy of Reed Richards and Unstable Molecules.” He looked down at his feet, which were shoeless. Beneath the floating sphere of armor sat a pair of comfortable loafers and a small briefcase. He slipped the shoes on and picked up the case. “Wait on standby,” said Tony to the floating armor. The armor shimmered into invisibility and disappeared.
“You continue to impress me, Tony,” said T’Challa. “I have a car waiting to take us to the hotel. Shall we?”
“Let’s,” said Tony with a smile.
T’Challa’s ‘car’ was a magnetic levitation vehicle that was driven by an artificial intelligence that operated the entire capital city transportation grid. The interior of the maglev car was as opulent as any limo that Tony had ever travelled in. There was no alcohol in the car cooler, but instead Perrier and a variety of fresh juices. T’Challa knew Tony would never expect anyone to coddle to his alcoholism, but he still made the unspoken gesture. Tony reached over and opened a pineapple juice.
“This city...this country...always amazes me,” said Tony. “When I think of how America should be in the future, what I believe I can do to make that future happen...I think of Wakanda, because you are already there.”
“We have our problems as well,” said T’Challa, “but I thank you for the compliment.”
Tony looked out the window as they wound their way through the streets of the city. The buildings were a perfect blend of African culture and 21st Century advancement. Nature thrived around the buildings, living in harmony with each other.
The car slowed as they approached the Wakanda Royal Hotel, the most opulent and well to do hotel in Africa. Fountains of multi-coloured water leaped in fanciful designs in the front plaza. African artwork adorned the exterior in massive murals. It more than lived up to its name.
The car stopped and Tony and T’Challa got out. Wakandan security forces were close by, some floating in the air on anti-gravity platforms, armed and ready. Tony noticed two women exiting the car behind them. He knew they were the Dora Milaje, ceremonial wives in training for T’Challa and his personal bodyguards. To have them in a separate car instead of with the two men in their transit must have taken some work on T’Challa’s part.
“The Hotel will see you to your suite,” said T’Challa. “I must head off to greet other guests. Reed is arriving shortly.”
“Of course, T’Challa,” said Tony. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Dinner tonight,” said T’Challa. “My people will inform you of the details.” He shook Tony’s hand and headed to the car the Dora Milaje had travelled in. Seconds later, they and the security detail were whisked away, back to the Royal Palace.
Tony turned to face the Hotel when he was met by one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. “Greetings, Mister Stark,” she said, “I am Mitanga. I am to see that your every need is taken care of during your stay. If you would follow me, I will escort you to your lodgings.”
Tony couldn’t help but smile. “Lead the way, my dear,” he said.
Jotender looked both ways down the hallway before entering the room with the scrambled keycard. By swiping the card, the surveillance systems of the hall were automatically rewound, deleted and restarted, erasing all knowledge of his presence here. This was one of the more modest rooms in the Hotel, but today was most deadly.
In the room, the Wakanda Chief of Security saw a dozen men and women arrayed about, checking weapons and other armaments. They were all of dark complexion and wearing native Wakandan dress. On the furniture were uniforms of another type, white and black military suits.
Jotender waved his hand and one of the women walked towards him. They walked off to the side to speak.
“Everything is ready,” said Jotender. He gave the women an envelope. “These are the security passes and keycards. They will work tomorrow at precisely the times indicated. Remember, there will be only one chance.”
“We are well aware of that,” said the woman. “Ultimatum will not fail. This time tomorrow, T’Challa and all of his allies will be as dead as their ideals.”
“Reed!”
Tony walked up to the leader of the Fantastic Four and shook his hand. As colleagues, they had tremendous respect for each other. Truthfully, Tony and Reed weren’t as close of friends as he would have liked, but that would come in time. The banquet hall of the Hotel was a din of noise from all the scientists assembled discussing their craft.
“Tony,” said Reed. “Nice to see you.”
“How’s the new Baxter Building coming?” asked Tony. “The plans look pretty impressive.”
“Victor may have done us a favor in the end,” said Reed. “The Building will be, as my son says, ‘very cool’.”
“Gentlemen,” said Hank Pym, the Avenger called Yellowjacket, “I’m surprised this room is big enough for all the egghead egos in here.” He looked around the room. “Corbeau, Thornley, Stark, Richards, Bruss, Christopher, Reese, T’Challa, Pym, Ainsworth...the list goes on.”
“T’Challa has done well,” said Reed. “A symposium such as this is just what is needed. This many minds all together...only good can come from this.” He was smiling like a child in a candy store.
“I think it should be an annual thing,” said Pym. “These African cocktails are amazing, by the way.”
“Gentlemen,” said T’Challa as he approached them, “tonight is not for mingling amongst those you see all of the time. Tonight is for getting to know the scientific community we do not fight supervillains with. At the risk of being rude, go! We can reminisce about Dr. Doom and Kang the Conqueror later.” He waved his hands to the crowd.
“Yes, my King,” said Tony with a smile. T’Challa gave him a wink as the group dispersed.
Tony went to the bar and asked for a mineral water with a twist of lime. Sipping his drink, he scanned the room, looking at many faces that had, until now, been pictures in the margins of published research papers. His instincts were true to form, however, when his eyes locked on one symposium participant of interest.
She had flowing black hair that made her dark gown shimmer in the light. Her eyes were bright blue pools that sucked a man in. Her lips were ruby red. All of these details hit Tony like a freight train. T’Challa wanted him to mingle? Then mingle he shall.
He walked up to the woman, who was surrounded by several other symposium attendees. Tony’s sense of social signals told him she was being very polite but was also very bored. He aimed to change all that. He grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter.
He politely excused himself to the assembled men as he made his way towards the woman. “You look a little dry there,” he said as he offered the glass to her.
She looked up at Tony and immediately her demeanour changed. The boredom was gone. “Yes, thank you. Tony Stark, isn’t it?”
“That it is,” said Tony. “And you would be?”
“Lucia,” said the woman, “Lucia Von Bardas. Minister of Technology for Latveria.”
You sure know how to pick them, thought Tony to himself.
“Remember,” she said, “we will have to take out Richards, Pym and T’Challa first. The rest will follow, but the superhumans need to be taken out at the start. Then the rest of the plan will fall into place.”
“What about Stark?” asked one of the Ultimatum lieutenants. “He may not be a superhuman, but he might as well be.”
“Stark will be taken care of,” she said. “Permanently.”
“So is Victor Von Doom a nice guy or do we just have him misunderstood?”
Tony looked out over the Wakandan evening, Lucia Von Bardas at his side. They were the only ones on the Hotel patio, a quiet respite from the throng inside.
“I do not know the Monarch as well as you might think,” said Lucia. “As Minister of Technology, I report directly to the Prime Minister. I do not deal directly with the Monarch.”
“Hm,” said Tony, “I was about to give Victor a compliment regarding his taste for Human Resources.” He sipped his drink.
“Contrary to what you may be aware of, the Monarch is not a bad man. He has been a boon to the Latverian people.” Lucia faced Tony and looked him in the eye. “The way the West has experienced him in the past is not the way his people experience him now.”
“I think that is a point we will continue to disagree on,” said Tony, “But...I am willing to listen to your side of things. Never let it be said I am an immovable stone.”
Lucia laughed wryly. “I have heard of you, Tony Stark. You are a very intelligent man. You are also the Avenger known as Iron Man. You own one of the most powerful corporate entities on the planet. It might be an act of treason that I am having this drink with you right now...that is, if what you think of my Monarch and my country is as true as you say.”
“Yet, you continue to drink with me,” said Tony.
“I like to think I am a woman than can make up her own mind about things,” said Lucia. “Your name is talked about in my Ministry. I have heard the Monarch speak well of you and what you have done...and also speak ill of what you have yet to do.” She came close to Tony. “He says you could make America overshadow Latveria and Wakanda if you so chose, yet you do not.”
“First off, there are vast differences between Latveria and Wakanda,” said Tony, “and vast differences between Von Doom and his people. I see someone I would like to get to know, Lucia. I know that painting everyone with the same brush is not what an intelligent person does...and in this place, we are all intelligent people, aren’t we?”
“And secondly?” asked Lucia.
“About America not being advanced like Latveria and Wakanda? Just wait,” said Tony. “Just wait.”
The next morning, the symposium began in earnest. Assembled in the Grand Hall of the Hotel, the assembled geniuses all took their seats. Tony Stark walked to take his seat in the front row beside other keynote presenters and speakers. He saw Lucia making her way to her own seat and he headed over to speak to her.
“Good morning,” he said to her. “Sleep well?”
“I did,” said Lucia. “And contrary to your wishes, very much alone.”
“Lucia,” said Tony, “I am first and foremost, a gentleman.”
“That you are, Tony,” said Lucia, “That you are.”
“If everyone could take their seats,” came a voice from the overhead speakers, “we will begin shortly.”
“Until later then,” said Tony.
“I look forward to more stimulating conversation,” said Lucia with a smile.
The assembled guests took their seats. Minutes later, a man dressed in Wakandan garb took the podium.
“Welcome all,” he said, “To ‘Leaping Forward’, the 1st Annual Technological and Research Symposium. I am N’Teru, the Wakandan Minister for Technology. On behalf of the Wakandan Government Technology Ministry, I welcome you to our wonderful country.” He paused as applause engulfed the room. “I now call upon our King T’Challa to bring greetings on behalf of the nation.”
T’Challa walked up to the podium, shaking hands with Minister N’Teru. “I welcome you all to this gathering of minds that will, I am sure, bring about much needed change to the world.” He paused as the crowd applauded. He motioned for silence, then continued. “The problems the world faces today are but opportunities that we must grasp while we can.” He raised his arms. “The world is counting on us to--”
Everything turned to chaos in an instant.
Energy pulses fired concurrently at T’Challa, the Dora Milaje, Reed Richards, Hank Pym and Vibraxas, superhuman cousin of T’Challa with vibratory powers. They all fell to the floor without uttering a word.
Tony stood up and looked around the room. He was about to mentally summon the Iron Man to him...when he jerked back slightly, like he had been shoved by an invisible force. The room seemed to stand still...he looked down at his chest....
...blood was spreading across it like a blossoming rose.
I’ve been shot, he thought distantly to himself before he collapsed to the floor.
Everything faded...white...then black.
Tony Stark’s heart stopped beating.
LINK ESTABLISHED TO STARKNET - IP 265.245.365
LIFESIGN SIGNAL FOR STARK-1 TERMINATED
INITIATE STARK PROTOCOL ALPHA
PROGRAM RUNNING.....
“We are Ultimatum,” yelled a woman dressed in white and black. She carried an automatic rifle that she fired upwards to gain everyone’s attention. “We are here to make a statement, one that the world cannot and not ignore. Cooperate and you will live. Resist and you will end up like Tony Stark: dead and helpless.”
She walked to another Ultimatum agent. “Any word on the Wakandan Military response?”
“Nothing yet,” said the operative. “We have managed to cloak our presence from their infonet.”
“Time to tell them we’re here,” she said. “Install the Port Keys and let’s go to Phase 2.”
“Yes, sir,” said the operative. He moved to fulfill his orders when the room shook like an earthquake had struck. The shaking pervaded until the ceiling caved in above the podium and a red and gold figure landed on the stage. He reached out and grabbed the Ultimatum leader by the throat.
“Tell your men to stand down,” said the new arrival.
“Im...impossible,” said the leader through the chokehold.
“I am Iron Man,” said the armored Avenger. “Tell your men to stand down. I won’t ask again.”
“I...killed you,” gurgled the leader.
“I’m a very hard man to kill,” said Iron Man.
On the floor in front of the podium, Tony Stark lay in a pool of blood.
To Be Continued...
Next: In Iron Man #2: If Tony Stark is dead, then who is Iron Man?
Previous Issue | Next Issue
“Seriously, Pepper, I wouldn’t worry about it.”
Tony Stark smiled at the image of his executive assistant over the satellite link. Projected directly onto his retina, it was if he was standing next to her and not flying at twenty thousand feet in a high tech suit of armor.
“It’s my job to worry, Tony,” said Pepper. “The Government is indicating that you are responsible for their loss of significant hardware vital to national security last week.”*
(*See Solo Avengers #1 - Mike)
“That’s just General Markson making me out to be the bad guy since he’s getting heat from the Brass,” said Tony. “They’ll kick up a fuss, Bethany will calm them down and that will end it. The mystery of that armored man is something I’m working on, but for now it has to take a back seat to what I’m doing today. I’m going to ask T’Challa for some ideas on that while I’m in Wakanda.”
“All right, then,” said Pepper. “You’re the boss.”
“That I am,” said Tony, “but you’re my eyes and ears back home. I trust you to handle it. Get Janine on it if you have any issues.”
“Hm,” said Pepper. “Between you and me, I can’t believe you hired Justin Hammer’s niece. That just seems so...wrong.”
“The other candidate was Obadiah Stane’s mother’s brother’s former roommate.”
Pepper paused. “I know you’re kidding, but that wasn’t funny.”
“Trust me, Pepper,” said Tony, “she’ll do fine. I’ve done my homework. The Board is in agreement. All is well.”
“Fine,” said Pepper. “The only other thing is that Jim called. Said he’d catch you some other time. I told him you were heading to Wakanda, but he said it wasn’t that urgent.”
“I’ll give him a shout tonight,” said Tony. “I’m over Africa now, so I’d better pay attention to my airspace. I’ll be in touch.”
“Have fun, Tony.”
“Oh,” he said, “it’ll be a blast.”
Wakanda was a nation of extreme contrasts to its African neighbours. It was one of the most technologically advanced and richest nations in the world. Poverty was unknown in this land. Medical care was ranked with the world’s best, if not the best itself. Much of the advantage this nation enjoyed was a result of its large deposits of vibranium, a mineral that was extremely rare in the world. Unlike the vibranium found in the Savage Land, Wakandan Vibranium was much safer to use. Its unique properties lent itself to many scientific uses, many of which were advances Wakanda used for its own purposes and economy.
Wakanda was also a nation that had never been successfully invaded in its history, whether in older times with its neighbours or more recent times with other nations of the world such as Latveria or even the United States. It had always been led to victory by its traditional chieftain, the Black Panther. Today, that chieftain was King T’Challa.
Iron Man landed on a helipad located at the top of the Wakandan Royal Palace. No sooner had his bootjets whined down than King T’Challa greeted him personally. “It is good to see you, my friend,” said T’Challa. “Leave it to you to arrive in style.”
“The movie selection in the armor is better than my jet,” said Tony as he flipped his visor up. “I didn’t expect you to greet me in person, though. You must have a million things to do today.”
“A good leader delegates,” said T’Challa, “and I am a good leader as far as that goes.” He smiled. “I assume you do not want to wear your armor for the next several days...?”
“One second,” said Tony as he flipped his faceplate down. Seconds later the armor floated off his body and recombined into a tight sphere that floated off to the side. Tony now stood wearing slacks and a golf shirt, his hair as perfect as always. “Armor by Stark, unwrinkled clothes courtesy of Reed Richards and Unstable Molecules.” He looked down at his feet, which were shoeless. Beneath the floating sphere of armor sat a pair of comfortable loafers and a small briefcase. He slipped the shoes on and picked up the case. “Wait on standby,” said Tony to the floating armor. The armor shimmered into invisibility and disappeared.
“You continue to impress me, Tony,” said T’Challa. “I have a car waiting to take us to the hotel. Shall we?”
“Let’s,” said Tony with a smile.
T’Challa’s ‘car’ was a magnetic levitation vehicle that was driven by an artificial intelligence that operated the entire capital city transportation grid. The interior of the maglev car was as opulent as any limo that Tony had ever travelled in. There was no alcohol in the car cooler, but instead Perrier and a variety of fresh juices. T’Challa knew Tony would never expect anyone to coddle to his alcoholism, but he still made the unspoken gesture. Tony reached over and opened a pineapple juice.
“This city...this country...always amazes me,” said Tony. “When I think of how America should be in the future, what I believe I can do to make that future happen...I think of Wakanda, because you are already there.”
“We have our problems as well,” said T’Challa, “but I thank you for the compliment.”
Tony looked out the window as they wound their way through the streets of the city. The buildings were a perfect blend of African culture and 21st Century advancement. Nature thrived around the buildings, living in harmony with each other.
The car slowed as they approached the Wakanda Royal Hotel, the most opulent and well to do hotel in Africa. Fountains of multi-coloured water leaped in fanciful designs in the front plaza. African artwork adorned the exterior in massive murals. It more than lived up to its name.
The car stopped and Tony and T’Challa got out. Wakandan security forces were close by, some floating in the air on anti-gravity platforms, armed and ready. Tony noticed two women exiting the car behind them. He knew they were the Dora Milaje, ceremonial wives in training for T’Challa and his personal bodyguards. To have them in a separate car instead of with the two men in their transit must have taken some work on T’Challa’s part.
“The Hotel will see you to your suite,” said T’Challa. “I must head off to greet other guests. Reed is arriving shortly.”
“Of course, T’Challa,” said Tony. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Dinner tonight,” said T’Challa. “My people will inform you of the details.” He shook Tony’s hand and headed to the car the Dora Milaje had travelled in. Seconds later, they and the security detail were whisked away, back to the Royal Palace.
Tony turned to face the Hotel when he was met by one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. “Greetings, Mister Stark,” she said, “I am Mitanga. I am to see that your every need is taken care of during your stay. If you would follow me, I will escort you to your lodgings.”
Tony couldn’t help but smile. “Lead the way, my dear,” he said.
Jotender looked both ways down the hallway before entering the room with the scrambled keycard. By swiping the card, the surveillance systems of the hall were automatically rewound, deleted and restarted, erasing all knowledge of his presence here. This was one of the more modest rooms in the Hotel, but today was most deadly.
In the room, the Wakanda Chief of Security saw a dozen men and women arrayed about, checking weapons and other armaments. They were all of dark complexion and wearing native Wakandan dress. On the furniture were uniforms of another type, white and black military suits.
Jotender waved his hand and one of the women walked towards him. They walked off to the side to speak.
“Everything is ready,” said Jotender. He gave the women an envelope. “These are the security passes and keycards. They will work tomorrow at precisely the times indicated. Remember, there will be only one chance.”
“We are well aware of that,” said the woman. “Ultimatum will not fail. This time tomorrow, T’Challa and all of his allies will be as dead as their ideals.”
“Reed!”
Tony walked up to the leader of the Fantastic Four and shook his hand. As colleagues, they had tremendous respect for each other. Truthfully, Tony and Reed weren’t as close of friends as he would have liked, but that would come in time. The banquet hall of the Hotel was a din of noise from all the scientists assembled discussing their craft.
“Tony,” said Reed. “Nice to see you.”
“How’s the new Baxter Building coming?” asked Tony. “The plans look pretty impressive.”
“Victor may have done us a favor in the end,” said Reed. “The Building will be, as my son says, ‘very cool’.”
“Gentlemen,” said Hank Pym, the Avenger called Yellowjacket, “I’m surprised this room is big enough for all the egghead egos in here.” He looked around the room. “Corbeau, Thornley, Stark, Richards, Bruss, Christopher, Reese, T’Challa, Pym, Ainsworth...the list goes on.”
“T’Challa has done well,” said Reed. “A symposium such as this is just what is needed. This many minds all together...only good can come from this.” He was smiling like a child in a candy store.
“I think it should be an annual thing,” said Pym. “These African cocktails are amazing, by the way.”
“Gentlemen,” said T’Challa as he approached them, “tonight is not for mingling amongst those you see all of the time. Tonight is for getting to know the scientific community we do not fight supervillains with. At the risk of being rude, go! We can reminisce about Dr. Doom and Kang the Conqueror later.” He waved his hands to the crowd.
“Yes, my King,” said Tony with a smile. T’Challa gave him a wink as the group dispersed.
Tony went to the bar and asked for a mineral water with a twist of lime. Sipping his drink, he scanned the room, looking at many faces that had, until now, been pictures in the margins of published research papers. His instincts were true to form, however, when his eyes locked on one symposium participant of interest.
She had flowing black hair that made her dark gown shimmer in the light. Her eyes were bright blue pools that sucked a man in. Her lips were ruby red. All of these details hit Tony like a freight train. T’Challa wanted him to mingle? Then mingle he shall.
He walked up to the woman, who was surrounded by several other symposium attendees. Tony’s sense of social signals told him she was being very polite but was also very bored. He aimed to change all that. He grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter.
He politely excused himself to the assembled men as he made his way towards the woman. “You look a little dry there,” he said as he offered the glass to her.
She looked up at Tony and immediately her demeanour changed. The boredom was gone. “Yes, thank you. Tony Stark, isn’t it?”
“That it is,” said Tony. “And you would be?”
“Lucia,” said the woman, “Lucia Von Bardas. Minister of Technology for Latveria.”
You sure know how to pick them, thought Tony to himself.
“Remember,” she said, “we will have to take out Richards, Pym and T’Challa first. The rest will follow, but the superhumans need to be taken out at the start. Then the rest of the plan will fall into place.”
“What about Stark?” asked one of the Ultimatum lieutenants. “He may not be a superhuman, but he might as well be.”
“Stark will be taken care of,” she said. “Permanently.”
“So is Victor Von Doom a nice guy or do we just have him misunderstood?”
Tony looked out over the Wakandan evening, Lucia Von Bardas at his side. They were the only ones on the Hotel patio, a quiet respite from the throng inside.
“I do not know the Monarch as well as you might think,” said Lucia. “As Minister of Technology, I report directly to the Prime Minister. I do not deal directly with the Monarch.”
“Hm,” said Tony, “I was about to give Victor a compliment regarding his taste for Human Resources.” He sipped his drink.
“Contrary to what you may be aware of, the Monarch is not a bad man. He has been a boon to the Latverian people.” Lucia faced Tony and looked him in the eye. “The way the West has experienced him in the past is not the way his people experience him now.”
“I think that is a point we will continue to disagree on,” said Tony, “But...I am willing to listen to your side of things. Never let it be said I am an immovable stone.”
Lucia laughed wryly. “I have heard of you, Tony Stark. You are a very intelligent man. You are also the Avenger known as Iron Man. You own one of the most powerful corporate entities on the planet. It might be an act of treason that I am having this drink with you right now...that is, if what you think of my Monarch and my country is as true as you say.”
“Yet, you continue to drink with me,” said Tony.
“I like to think I am a woman than can make up her own mind about things,” said Lucia. “Your name is talked about in my Ministry. I have heard the Monarch speak well of you and what you have done...and also speak ill of what you have yet to do.” She came close to Tony. “He says you could make America overshadow Latveria and Wakanda if you so chose, yet you do not.”
“First off, there are vast differences between Latveria and Wakanda,” said Tony, “and vast differences between Von Doom and his people. I see someone I would like to get to know, Lucia. I know that painting everyone with the same brush is not what an intelligent person does...and in this place, we are all intelligent people, aren’t we?”
“And secondly?” asked Lucia.
“About America not being advanced like Latveria and Wakanda? Just wait,” said Tony. “Just wait.”
The next morning, the symposium began in earnest. Assembled in the Grand Hall of the Hotel, the assembled geniuses all took their seats. Tony Stark walked to take his seat in the front row beside other keynote presenters and speakers. He saw Lucia making her way to her own seat and he headed over to speak to her.
“Good morning,” he said to her. “Sleep well?”
“I did,” said Lucia. “And contrary to your wishes, very much alone.”
“Lucia,” said Tony, “I am first and foremost, a gentleman.”
“That you are, Tony,” said Lucia, “That you are.”
“If everyone could take their seats,” came a voice from the overhead speakers, “we will begin shortly.”
“Until later then,” said Tony.
“I look forward to more stimulating conversation,” said Lucia with a smile.
The assembled guests took their seats. Minutes later, a man dressed in Wakandan garb took the podium.
“Welcome all,” he said, “To ‘Leaping Forward’, the 1st Annual Technological and Research Symposium. I am N’Teru, the Wakandan Minister for Technology. On behalf of the Wakandan Government Technology Ministry, I welcome you to our wonderful country.” He paused as applause engulfed the room. “I now call upon our King T’Challa to bring greetings on behalf of the nation.”
T’Challa walked up to the podium, shaking hands with Minister N’Teru. “I welcome you all to this gathering of minds that will, I am sure, bring about much needed change to the world.” He paused as the crowd applauded. He motioned for silence, then continued. “The problems the world faces today are but opportunities that we must grasp while we can.” He raised his arms. “The world is counting on us to--”
Everything turned to chaos in an instant.
Energy pulses fired concurrently at T’Challa, the Dora Milaje, Reed Richards, Hank Pym and Vibraxas, superhuman cousin of T’Challa with vibratory powers. They all fell to the floor without uttering a word.
Tony stood up and looked around the room. He was about to mentally summon the Iron Man to him...when he jerked back slightly, like he had been shoved by an invisible force. The room seemed to stand still...he looked down at his chest....
...blood was spreading across it like a blossoming rose.
I’ve been shot, he thought distantly to himself before he collapsed to the floor.
Everything faded...white...then black.
Tony Stark’s heart stopped beating.
LINK ESTABLISHED TO STARKNET - IP 265.245.365
LIFESIGN SIGNAL FOR STARK-1 TERMINATED
INITIATE STARK PROTOCOL ALPHA
PROGRAM RUNNING.....
“We are Ultimatum,” yelled a woman dressed in white and black. She carried an automatic rifle that she fired upwards to gain everyone’s attention. “We are here to make a statement, one that the world cannot and not ignore. Cooperate and you will live. Resist and you will end up like Tony Stark: dead and helpless.”
She walked to another Ultimatum agent. “Any word on the Wakandan Military response?”
“Nothing yet,” said the operative. “We have managed to cloak our presence from their infonet.”
“Time to tell them we’re here,” she said. “Install the Port Keys and let’s go to Phase 2.”
“Yes, sir,” said the operative. He moved to fulfill his orders when the room shook like an earthquake had struck. The shaking pervaded until the ceiling caved in above the podium and a red and gold figure landed on the stage. He reached out and grabbed the Ultimatum leader by the throat.
“Tell your men to stand down,” said the new arrival.
“Im...impossible,” said the leader through the chokehold.
“I am Iron Man,” said the armored Avenger. “Tell your men to stand down. I won’t ask again.”
“I...killed you,” gurgled the leader.
“I’m a very hard man to kill,” said Iron Man.
On the floor in front of the podium, Tony Stark lay in a pool of blood.
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To Be Continued...
Next: In Iron Man #2: If Tony Stark is dead, then who is Iron Man?
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