Chapter: 84

"So, Tony has been showing symptoms of palladium poisoning for several months, and you kept everyone in the dark during this time!? You should have at least trusted me. Why did you have to fight this battle alone?" Rhodey felt a pang of pity for Tony's stubbornness. He wanted to single-handedly protect the world but forgot that once he took off that Iron Man suit, he was just a slightly smarter ordinary person.

But now, the suit not only protected his safety but also shielded his inner self, making him unwilling to show his vulnerability and pain to his friends.

"Uncle Rhodey, even though you were my dad's best friend, you are also a soldier. The more you know, the more torn you will be between friendship and loyalty. Just like during the last hearing, you wanted to help my dad, but as a soldier, you had to follow Senator Stern's orders. Dad didn't want you to be in a difficult position."

"I know, but I feel like I've been a lousy friend. What's the deal with that nutrient hibernation pod? Can it alleviate Tony's palladium poisoning symptoms?"

"No problem!" Mark reassured, patting his chest. "The nutrient hibernation pod is an auxiliary facility I created for long-term virtual reality immersion and time acceleration in the virtual world. The nutrient solution inside is an improved version of the super soldier serum that created Captain America. It can remove toxins and waste from the body, accelerate wound healing, and repair damaged cells and genes. Dad used to use the hibernation pod regularly for physical repairs, which kept him in good shape all along.

But this time, due to external psychological stress and his own lack of attention to chlorophyll supplementation, the permeation of palladium into his body accelerated, leading to this onset of symptoms."

After listening to Mark's explanation, Rhodey's worries eased, but he was also secretly shocked because this invention of Mark's was incredibly important for a soldier who risked their lives on the battlefield. Having it meant that even if one was severely injured on the battlefield, as long as they could make it back to the base, they could quickly recover and return to the fight.

Most importantly, the physical repairs from the nutrient hibernation pod not only had no side effects but also benefited the body greatly. Once this technology was widely implemented, it would not only provide greater protection for soldiers' lives but also prevent them from being forced to retire due to disabilities.

With these thoughts in mind, Rhodey was tempted to ask Mark to grant authorization for this technology to the Military Committee. However, Rhodey quickly regained his clarity and realized that the Military Committee was currently pressuring Tony and Mark to hand over their Iron Man suits and Transformers technology. If he brought up this request now, it would backfire and jeopardize the possibility of cooperation.

"It's an astonishing talent, Mark. Perhaps you will become an even more remarkable person than your grandfather Howard Stark and your father Tony. Since Tony will be okay now, tell me, what are your thoughts and how do you plan to deal with the relentless demands from the Military Committee?"

"Sigh!" Mark shook his head and let out a sigh. "I can only listen to my dad on this matter. I can't make the final decision. You know him; he doesn't respond well to force. If he's unhappy, he becomes even more resistant. The Military Committee's actions will eventually provoke his retaliation, let alone compromise.

And with the nature of those guys on the Military Committee, if they really get their hands on the suits and my Transformers, the Third World War won't be far behind."

Upon hearing Mark's response, Rhodey remained silent, but from his helpless gaze, it was evident that he somewhat agreed with this analysis. After all, he knew both the Military Committee and Tony very well.

"But..."

"But what?" Rhodey quickly asked, sensing from Mark's tone that he might have a solution.

"Well, compromise is actually possible. We just need to find a way that takes into account both the Military Committee's face and Tony's feelings.

So, if you, Uncle Rhodey, represent the military and have Tony authorize you to possess one suit of armor, it would make the Military Committee feel that Tony is giving in to them, while Tony would see it as a gift to a friend rather than bowing down to the military."

"Great idea!" Rhodey exclaimed with a joyful smile. It's true what they say about smart people having a different kind of brain! Mark's mind was truly brilliant, as he quickly solved the problem that had been giving him a headache for so long. If the plan was feasible, Rhodey would no longer have to be caught in the middle of the Military Committee and Tony, torn between them.

"Then let's discuss it thoroughly once Tony wakes up! But this only solves Tony's problem. Now those people have set their sights on you as well..." Rhodey reminded Mark. In fact, he had a little plan of his own. If Mark could act as a supplier and provide nutrient hibernation pods to the military, it would be a win-win situation for everyone.

"As for me..." Mark chuckled softly in response to Rhodey's reminder. "Hehehe, isn't it easy to outsmart those naive politicians? I have something up my sleeve that hasn't seen the light of day yet!"

Although Mark didn't mention the nutrient hibernation pods as a compromise, looking at his confident expression, Rhodey knew that it was undoubtedly an invention that could rival the Transformers.

If Mark knew what Rhodey was thinking, he would definitely exclaim, "Don't underestimate me! This invention, in terms of its power, surpasses even the Transformers. And when it comes to how much money it burns... Well, the Transformers can't catch up to it in this lifetime. And, why would I let the Military Committee have it at a cheap price? No matter who you are, in the end, you'll obediently bring your money to me!"

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